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Copyright of Biota Neotropica (Edicao em Iingles) is the property of Biota Neotropica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality associated with diabetes, which is characterized by chronic hyperglycemia. Low-carbohydrate diet has gained popularity as an intervention in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, acting to improve glycemic profile and serum lipids. In its turn, exercise in hypoxia induces specific adaptations, mostly modulated via hypoxia-induced transcription factor signaling cascade, which increases with exposure to altitude, and promotes angiogenesis, glycogen supply, glucose tolerance, and raises GLUT-4 expression. Aim: Given that hyperglycemia decreases HIF-1α and it is better controlled when following a low-carbohydrate diet, this study aims to examine the hypothesis that a combination of both low-carbohydrate diet and chronic exercise in hypoxia in type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with improved glycemic control and cardiovascular parameters, whose protocol is described. Methods: Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (n = 48) will be recruited and randomized into one of the three groups: (a) Control group: Control diet (low-fat and moderate-carbohydrate diet) + exercise in normoxia; (2) exercise in hypoxia group: Control diet + exercise in hypoxia; (3) intervention group: Low-carbohydrate diet (low-carbohydrate and high-fat diet) + exercise in hypoxia. Before and after 8 weeks of interventions, cardiopulmonary tests (Bruce protocol), body composition and blood pressure will be evaluated. Blood samples will be collected to measure hypoxia-induced transcription factor, C-reactive protein, glycemic and lipid profiles. Summary: This will be the first trial to examine the isolated and combined effect of chronic exercise in hypoxia and low-carbohydrate diet in type 2 diabetes mellitus. This trial will help to fill a significant research gap, guide future research and contribute to the combined nutrition and exercise approach to type 2 diabetes mellitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regular physical activity (PA) has numerous physical and mental health benefits, including reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and cancer. However, a significant portion of the global adult population does not meet the recommended guidelines for weekly PA. In Portugal, only a small percentage of youth, adults, and older adults meet these guidelines. Physical exercise, a subset of PA, has been shown to have profound health benefits for individuals with chronic diseases. Despite the evidence supporting the role of PA in preventing and managing chronic diseases, efforts to promote PA and integrate it into routine clinical care have been largely unsuccessful. It is important for healthcare providers and public health stakeholders to prioritize the integration of PA into treatment plans and to take action to promote PA for better health management. [Extracted from the article]

Sarcopenia is a risk factor for adverse outcomes in older adults, but this has yet to be confirmed in chronic kidney disease (CKD). We conducted a systematic review to investigate the association between sarcopenia and its traits with mortality, hospitalization, and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) progression in CKD patients. Five electronic databases were searched, including MEDLINE and Embase. Observational cohort studies with CKD patients were included. The sarcopenia traits assessed were low muscle strength, low muscle mass, and low physical performance, as well as diagnosed sarcopenia (combined low muscle mass and low strength/performance). Hazard ratios (HR), risk ratios (RR), odds ratios (OR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were pooled using random-effect meta-analyses. From a total of 4922 screened studies, 50 (72,347 patients) were included in the review and 38 (59,070 patients) in the meta-analyses. Most of the included studies were in dialysis patients (n = 36, 72%). Pooled analyses showed that low muscle strength (15 studies; HR:1.99; 95%CI:1.65 to 2.41; I2:45%), low muscle mass (20 studies; HR:1.51; 95%CI:1.36 to 1.68; I2:26%) and low physical performance (five studies; HR:2.09; 95%CI:1.68 to 2.59; I2:0%) were associated with increased mortality risk in CKD patients. Diagnosed sarcopenia was also associated with the mortality risk in dialysis patients (eight studies; HR:1.87; 95%CI:1.35 to 2.59; I2:40%). On the other hand, it was uncertain whether low muscle mass was associated with hospitalization (two studies in dialysis patients; RR:1.81; 95% CI:0.78 to 4.22; I2:59%). Further, limited ESKD progression measures prevented meta-analysis for this outcome. Low muscle strength, low muscle mass, and low physical performance were associated with higher mortality in CKD patients. In dialysis patients, diagnosed sarcopenia also represented higher mortality risk. Evidence to conclude associations with hospitalization and ESKD progression is currently lacking. CRD42020192198. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Epidemiological description of paediatric patients admitted in the resuscitation room, identify the main pathologies that lead to admittance, and analyse risk factors for intensive care admittance. Design: A retrospective study was conducted between January 2014 and December 2017. Data regarding epidemiology, provenance, means of transport, triage evaluation, clinical status, and attitudes employed before admission and in the resuscitation room, destination, and prognosis were collected. Collected data was then compared between admitted and non-admitted patients in any intensive care unit. Setting: Resuscitation Room of the Paediatric Emergency Department in a tertiary hospital in the north of Portugal. Patients: All paediatric patients (newborn to 17 years and 364 days of age). Three hundred and sixty-three patients were admitted. Measurements and results: Main causes for admission were active seizures (35%) and severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI) (18.8%). Fortyfour point one percent were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Multivariate analysis through binary logistic regression determined that admittance with a spinal board (p=0.012) and ventilatory support requirement (p=0.001) were independent positive risk factors for ICU admission, while being a frequent user of emergency services (p=0.016) and admission for active seizure (p=0.007) were negative risk factors. Trauma patients were the ones most likely to be admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) (p<0.001). Among these, TBI was the most frequent cause for admission (p<0.031). Conclusions: Active seizure and trauma are the two situations most frequently addressed, the latter with the worst prognosis. It is paramount to hold frequent training and simulation sessions for health professionals to prepare the approach to these pathologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Alcance is the property of Universidade do Vale do Itajai and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Alcance is the property of Revista Alcance and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Polis (07176554) is the property of Polis - Revista Academica Universidad Bolivariana and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

• We examined the impact of a multicomponent 32-week exercise program on cognitive functions in participants with type 2 diabetes. • The exercise program did not improve the cognitive function of the participants. • Future studies should examine the effectiveness of incorporating dual-task activities (merging physical and cognitive stimulation) in the exercise program. This study evaluated the impact of a multicomponent exercise program on cognitive functions in participants with Type 2 Diabetes. Participants (n = 70, 65.6 ± 5.9 years) engaged in the program (75 min per session; 3 x week) for 32 weeks. A battery of cognitive tests was performed at baseline and study completion. Two groups were formed according to their attendance rate (low and high attendance), and statistical comparisons were computed on their changes in cognitive performance. Such changes were also associated with the attendance rate for all participants. Results showed no significant differences between groups in their change scores, although there were some within-group differences in both groups. Correlation analysis showed that the attendance rate was not associated with cognitive performance changes, except for one variable. As the exercise program did not improve cognitive function, we discuss the potential of future interventions to incorporate dual-task activities merging physical and cognitive stimulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To analyse nutrition-related knowledge and its determinants in middle-aged and older patients with T2D.Methods: In a cross sectional study, a total of 116 participants with T2D, aged 50-80 years, were recruited in primary health care. Data was collected by a self-reported questionnaire - the modified version of General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire (0-56 points). Sociodemographic data was also collected: gender, age, personal monthly income, living situation, education level, and marital status. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to assess differences in nutrition-related knowledge score among the different levels of sociodemographic characteristics.Results: Questions on general dietary recommendations, dietary behaviors to reduce cardiovascular disease and cancer are the items with higher proportion of correct answers. On the other hand, health problems related with lower intake of fruit, vegetables and fiber and knowledge about antioxidants vitamins presented the lower proportion of correct answers. Higher scores were found among those with lower age, higher personal monthly income, and higher education.Conclusions: Middle-aged and older patients with T2D showed alarming deficits on nutrition-related knowledge. Age, personal monthly income, and education level were observed as major determinants of nutrition-related knowledge.Trial Registration: NCT02631902. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exercise training appears to have modest or inconsistent benefits in hemodialysis patients. This may be due to the low volume and intensity of exercise often prescribed. To address this, research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of individualized exercise prescriptions as a component of a comprehensive lifestyle intervention strategy that gives patients more autonomy to choose preferred types of physical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the unusual behavior of the bananacquit bird in Brazil, which has been observed consuming nectar from immature non-native Ixora flowers. This behavior is considered nectar thieving, as the bird benefits at the expense of the plant. The article raises questions about the impact of this behavior on the flower's development and the plant's reproductive success, as well as how this behavior emerged and spread among the local population of bananacquits. Further investigations are needed to understand the gains and losses associated with this type of animal-plant interaction. [Extracted from the article]

Copyright of Boletim de Geografia is the property of Universidade Estadual de Maringa and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The purpose of this study was to verify possible associations between relative handgrip strength (HGS) and clinical variables in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). A total of 39 patients with CKD from a private clinic in the city of Brasília participated in this study. The subjects' HGS was measured by a dynamometer. Body composition was estimated by bioimpedance. The biochemical analyses were performed by the private clinic. The sample was stratified into tertiles according to the relative HGS, forming two groups: G1 - lower and medium tertiles (n = 26) and G2 - superior tertile (n = 13). Pearson correlation test was used and, for the comparative analysis between groups, the Student's t-test for independent samples (P<0.05). The G2 group presented better results in the variables body mass index, fat mass, body fat, C-reactive protein (CRP), and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) compared to the G1 group. Relative HGS was associated with CRP, CPK, lean body mass, and body fat. Higher values of relative HGS presented better results for the variables that predict cardiovascular diseases and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Boletim de Geografia is the property of Universidade Estadual de Maringa and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Caderno Brasileiro de Ensino de Física is the property of Caderno Brasileiro de Ensino de Fisica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of 10min vs. 20min passive rest post warm-up on performance in a 100m freestyle time-trial.Design: Randomized crossover.Methods: Eleven competitive male swimmers performed two experimental trials on different days, consisting of 100m freestyle time-trials following 10min or 20min passive rest after a standard 1200m warm-up. Performance (time-trial), biomechanical (stroke length, stroke frequency, stroke index, propelling efficiency), physiological (blood lactate concentrations, heart rate, core and tympanic temperature), and psychophysiological (perceived effort) variables were assessed during both trials.Results: Time-trial performance was faster after 10min as opposed to 20min passive rest (58.41±1.99s vs. 59.06±1.86, p<0.01). This was supported by strong effect sizes (d=0.99) and the qualitative indication of "likely" positive effects. Heart rate before the time-trial was also higher after 10min passive rest (89±12bpm vs. 82±13bpm; p<0.01). Furthermore, net core temperature and oxygen uptake values before the time-trial were substantially lower after 20min passive rest.Conclusions: These data suggest that the 10min post warm-up passive rest enhances 100m freestyle performance when compared to a 20min period. An improvement that appears to be mediated by the combined effects of a shorter post warm-up period on core temperature, heart rate and oxygen uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Unexpected variability across healthcare datasets may indicate data quality issues and thereby affect the credibility of these data for reutilization. No gold-standard reference dataset or methods for variability assessment are usually available for these datasets. In this study, we aim to describe the process of discovering data quality implications by applying a set of methods for assessing variability between sources and over time in a large hospital database.Methods: We described and applied a set of multisource and temporal variability assessment methods in a large Portuguese hospitalization database, in which variation in condition-specific hospitalization ratios derived from clinically coded data were assessed between hospitals (sources) and over time. We identified condition-specific admissions using the Clinical Classification Software (CCS), developed by the Agency of Health Care Research and Quality. A Statistical Process Control (SPC) approach based on funnel plots of condition-specific standardized hospitalization ratios (SHR) was used to assess multisource variability, whereas temporal heat maps and Information-Geometric Temporal (IGT) plots were used to assess temporal variability by displaying temporal abrupt changes in data distributions. Results were presented for the 15 most common inpatient conditions (CCS) in Portugal.Main Findings: Funnel plot assessment allowed the detection of several outlying hospitals whose SHRs were much lower or higher than expected. Adjusting SHR for hospital characteristics, beyond age and sex, considerably affected the degree of multisource variability for most diseases. Overall, probability distributions changed over time for most diseases, although heterogeneously. Abrupt temporal changes in data distributions for acute myocardial infarction and congestive heart failure coincided with the periods comprising the transition to the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, Clinical Modification, whereas changes in the Diagnosis-Related Groups software seem to have driven changes in data distributions for both acute myocardial infarction and liveborn admissions. The analysis of heat maps also allowed the detection of several discontinuities at hospital level over time, in some cases also coinciding with the aforementioned factors.Conclusions: This paper described the successful application of a set of reproducible, generalizable and systematic methods for variability assessment, including visualization tools that can be useful for detecting abnormal patterns in healthcare data, also addressing some limitations of common approaches. The presented method for multisource variability assessment is based on SPC, which is an advantage considering the lack of gold standard for such process. Properly controlling for hospital characteristics and differences in case-mix for estimating SHR is critical for isolating data quality-related variability among data sources. The use of IGT plots provides an advantage over common methods for temporal variability assessment due its suitability for multitype and multimodal data, which are common characteristics of healthcare data. The novelty of this work is the use of a set of methods to discover new data quality insights in healthcare data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Close-up and macro photography can reveal the natural history of small organisms in fine detail. Although potentially a nutritious delicacy for the spider, the larvae remained motionless, immersed within the jelly mass and undetected by the spider as it walked across the leaf. [Extracted from the article]

Although known to prey on vertebrates, spiders in the Theraphosidae family can also be easy prey for vertebrate predators. With its distinctive beak and large body size, this toco toucan ( I Ramphastos toco i ) - shown here in the Caiman Ecological Refuge, within the Brazilian portion of the Pantanal - does not seem to mind the chelicera (mouthparts) of the tarantula it captured, in what is, perhaps, the first record of this species interaction. For several long and harrowing minutes, the toucan manipulated the spider with its beak, and finally threw it against the tree's trunk before consuming it. [Extracted from the article]

Copyright of Revista de Economia e Sociologia Rural is the property of Sociedade Brasileira de Economia e Sociologia Rural and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Resistant Hypertension (RH) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events and poor prognosis. Exercise training studies in RH patients have shown promising outcomes, nonetheless, none determine the impact of exercise on endothelial damage and repair. Circulating endothelial cells (CECs) are a reliable indicator of vascular damage and dysfunction. Recent studies in hypertension suggest that increased levels of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), a marker of endothelial repair, are related to increased CECs in order to compensate endothelial damage. Purpose: This study aimed to determine the effect of 12-week aerobic exercise program on the percentage of EPCs and CECs in RH patients. Methods: Patients with RH were randomized to a 12-week aerobic exercise program (3 xs/week) (n = 13) and a usual care control group (n = 8). Outcome measures included clinical data, ambulatory blood pressure data and circulating levels of EPCs, hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) and CECs, quantified by flow cytometry. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03090529). Results: Baseline characteristics were similar between groups, including the number of antihypertensive drugs (5.0 ± 0.9 vs. 4.8 ± 0.7, p = 0.517). After 12 weeks, no significant changes were found in the levels of HSCs in both groups. The levels of CECs decreased in the exercise group [0.0073 (0.0016)% to 0.0058 (0.0029), p = 0.019]; no changes were observed in the control group. EPC’s decreased only in the exercise group [0.0071 (0.0027)% to 0.0052 (0.0037)%, p = 0.046]. Conclusions: Exercise training reduces endothelial injury/damage (reduced CECs levels) in RH patients, a specific group who is a challenge for clinicians as the available treatment options have reduced success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]