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Objectives: To investigate the relationship between weight gain and body image perception in in middle-aged women. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 453 women. Body image was assessed using the Stunkard scale, in which women were classified as: satisfied or dissatisfied (general, thinness or obesity). The identification of possible factors associated with body image dissatisfaction was performed using binary logistic regression analysis. Results: The mean age was 55.7 (±9.6) years; 80.8% were classified as dissatisfied with body image. As for body composition, women satisfied with their body image had lower values of body fat and higher values of lean mass. In the logistic regression, for general dissatisfaction and obesity, the associated variables were BMI, education and physical activity. As for "dissatisfaction with thinness", only BMI was associated. Conclusion: Thus, the prevalence of body image dissatisfaction is high in women and part of associated factors are linked to lifestyle behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) is widely used for older adults since it has a high level of validity, reliability, and responsiveness in measuring function in this population. However, only a few studies of diagnostic accuracy have assessed SPPB capacity in detecting frailty and prefrailty by estimating more detailed measurement properties. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the SPPB's diagnostic accuracy in detecting frailty and prefrailty, in addition to identifying cut-off points for walking time and chair stand time. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study composed of 786 community-dwelling older adults 60 years or older, in which sociodemographic and anthropometric data, frailty phenotype, and total SPPB score, as well as walking time and chair stand time, were assessed. Analysis of a receiver operating characteristic curve was performed to identify the cut-off point, sensitivity, and specificity in the total SPPB score, as well as the walking time and chair stand time for frailty and prefrailty screening. Accuracy and positive and negative predictive values were subsequently calculated. Results and Discussion: The cut-off points identified for the total SPPB score, walking time, and chair stand time were 9 points or less (accuracy of 72.6%), 5 seconds or less, and 13 seconds or less, respectively, for frailty screening and 11 points or less (accuracy of 58.7%), 4 seconds or less, and 10 seconds or less, respectively, for prefrailty screening. The walking time showed greater frailty discriminatory capacity compared with the chair stand time (effect size = 1.24 vs 0.64; sensitivity = 69% vs 59%; and specificity = 84% vs 75%). Conclusions: The total SPPB score has good diagnostic accuracy to discriminate between nonfrail and frail older adults using a cut-off point of 9 or less, being better to identify the true negatives (older adults who are not frail). Although the SPPB's diagnostic accuracy measures for detecting prefrailty were low to moderate, this instrument can help in screening prefrail older adults from the cutoff point of 11 or less in the total SPPB score. Identification of prefrail older adults enables implementing early treatment in this target audience and can prevent their advance to frailty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leucocytes generate hypohalous acids (HOCl and HOBr) to defend the host against pathogens. In cells, hypohalous acids react with amine‐containing molecules, such as amino acids and polyamines, producing chloramines and bromamines, reservoirs of oxidizing power that can potentially damage host tissues at sites of inflammation. Hypohalous acids also react with H2O2 to produce stoichiometric amounts of singlet molecular oxygen (1O2), but its generation in leucocytes is still under debate. Additionally, it is unclear whether haloamines generate 1O2 following a reaction with H2O2. Herein, we provide evidence of the generation of 1O2 in the reactions between amino acid‐derived (taurine, N‐α‐acetyl‐Lysine and glycine) and polyamine‐derived (spermine and spermidine) haloamines and H2O2 in an aqueous solution. The unequivocal formation of 1O2 was detected by monitoring its characteristic monomol light emission at 1270 nm in the near‐infrared region. For amino acid‐derived haloamines, the presence of 1O2 was further confirmed by chemical trapping with anthracene‐9,10‐divinylsulfonate and HPLC‐MS/MS detection. Altogether, photoemission and chemical trapping studies demonstrated that chloramines were less effective at producing 1O2 than bromamines of amino acids and polyamines. Thus, 1O2 formation via bromamines and H2O2 may be a potential source of 1O2 in nonilluminated biological systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leucocytes generate hypohalous acids (HOCl and HOBr) to defend the host against pathogens. In cells, hypohalous acids react with amine‐containing molecules, such as amino acids and polyamines, producing chloramines and bromamines, reservoirs of oxidizing power that can potentially damage host tissues at sites of inflammation. Hypohalous acids also react with H2O2 to produce stoichiometric amounts of singlet molecular oxygen (1O2), but its generation in leucocytes is still under debate. Additionally, it is unclear whether haloamines generate 1O2 following a reaction with H2O2. Herein, we provide evidence of the generation of 1O2 in the reactions between amino acid‐derived (taurine, N‐α‐acetyl‐Lysine and glycine) and polyamine‐derived (spermine and spermidine) haloamines and H2O2 in an aqueous solution. The unequivocal formation of 1O2 was detected by monitoring its characteristic monomol light emission at 1270 nm in the near‐infrared region. For amino acid‐derived haloamines, the presence of 1O2 was further confirmed by chemical trapping with anthracene‐9,10‐divinylsulfonate and HPLC‐MS/MS detection. Altogether, photoemission and chemical trapping studies demonstrated that chloramines were less effective at producing 1O2 than bromamines of amino acids and polyamines. Thus, 1O2 formation via bromamines and H2O2 may be a potential source of 1O2 in nonilluminated biological systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Substation (SS) auxiliary systems (SAux) are facilities responsible for hosting the alternating (AC) and direct current (DC) busbar to serve the equipment and systems that perform the substation's protection, control, and supervision. External and internal power supplies typically ensure the continuity of such a facility. The electricity support will be restricted to diesel emergency generators (DG) if the external power supply is unavailable due to a contingency. The DG present a slower response time and are susceptible to starting failures. Microgrids with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) paired with photovoltaic systems (PV) are presented as an innovative and reliable solution for powering the SAux. In this article, tests were carried out on the microgrid of the Edson Mororó Moura Institute of Technology (ITEMM) in Brazil to support the use of microgrids BESS/PV in the SAux of a transmission SS of the São Francisco Hydroelectric Company (Chesf). Without an external power supply, BESS commands the action of islanded operation, maintaining both voltage and frequency requirements of the microgrid without load shedding. It was possible to observe all operations of the microgrid. The experimental results showed that the solution proposed in the paper implements a dependable self-dispatchable autonomous power supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reliability of energy supply is an important factor for end-users of electricity. Although many advances and efforts have been made by distribution companies to guarantee energy quality, weak feeders and grids are still usually found. As an alternative to minimize such problems, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESSs) can be used to supply energy to users in the case of power outages or major energy quality problems. This paper presents test results on a real application scenario in a microgrid with different load configurations in the moment of interruption. The tests were compared to each other to analyze the impact found in each scenario. In addition to those, real unpremeditated cases of power quality problems were also discussed, and the performance of the utilized BESS was evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With continuous technological advances, increasing competitiveness of renewable sources, and concerns about the environmental impacts of the energy matrix, the use of hybrid microgrids has been promoted. These generation microsystems, historically composed basically of fossil fuels as the main source, have experienced an energy revolution with the introduction of renewable and intermittent sources. However, with the introduction of these uncontrollable sources, the technical challenges to system stability, low diesel consumption, and security of supply increase. The main objective of this work is to develop an operation and control strategy for energy storage systems intended for application in hybrid microgrids with AC coupling. Throughout the work, a bibliographic review of the existing applications is carried out, as well as a proposal for modification and combination to create a new control strategy. This strategy, based on optimized indirect control of diesel generators, seeks to increase generation efficiency, reduce working time, and increase the introduction of renewable sources in the system. As a result, there is a significant reduction in diesel consumption, a decrease in the power output variance of the diesel generation system, and an increase in the average operating power, which ensures effective control of hybrid plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: High levels of homocysteine (Hct) have been associated with great risks of ischemic stroke. However, some controversy still exists. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the levels of Hct between patients with ischemic stroke and controls. Methods: We performed a systematic literature search for articles reporting Hct levels of patients with occurrence of ischemic stroke. We employed a random-effects inverse-variance weighted meta-analytical approach in order to pool standardized mean differences, with estimation of τ2 through the DerSimonian-Laird method. Results: The initial search yielded 1361 studies. After careful analysis of abstracts and full texts, the meta-analysis included data from 38 studies, which involved almost 16 000 stroke events. However, only 13 studies reported means and standard deviations for cases and controls, and therefore were used in the meta-analysis. Those studies presented data from 5002 patients with stroke and 4945 controls. Standardized mean difference was 1.67 (95% CI 1.00–2.25, P < 0.01), indicating that Hct levels were significantly larger in patients with ischemic stroke compared to controls. Between-study heterogeneity was very large (I2 = 99%), particularly because three studies showed significantly large mean differences. Conclusion: This meta-analysis shows that patients with ischemic stroke have higher levels of Hct compared to controls. Whether this is a modifiable risk factor remains to be assessed through larger prospective cohorts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methionine is one of the main targets for biological oxidants. Its reaction with the majority of oxidants generates only methionine sulfoxide. However, when N-terminal methionine reacts with hypohalous acids (HOCl and HOBr) or singlet molecular oxygen (1O 2), it can also generate a cyclic product called dehydromethionine (DHM). Previously, DHM was suggested as a biomarker of oxidative stress induced by hypohalous acids. However, DHM can also be generated by 1O 2 –oxidation of methionine, and the contribution of this pathway of DHM formation in a context of a site-specific redox imbalance in an organism is unknown. In this work, a through comparison of the reactions of hypohalous acids and 1O 2 with methionine, either free or inserted in peptides and proteins was undertaken. In addition, we performed methionine photooxidation in heavy water (H 2 18O) to determine the influence of the pH in the mechanism of DHM formation. We showed that for free methionine, or methionine-containing peptides, the yields of DHM formation in the reactions with 1O 2 were close to those achieved by HOBr oxidation, but much higher than the yields obtained with HOCl as the oxidant. This was true for all pH tested (5, 7.4, and 9). Interestingly, for the protein ubiquitin, DHM yields after reaction with 1O 2 were higher than those obtained with both hypohalous acids. Our results indicate that 1O 2 may also be an important source of DHM in biological systems. [Display omitted] • Dehydromethionine is generated by singlet oxygen oxidation in peptides and Proteins. • Singlet oxygen oxidation generated more dehydromethionine than hypohalous acids in ubiquitin. • The yields of dehydromethionine formation are pH-dependent. • Methionine oxidation by singlet oxygen can follow different pH-dependent mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Aquichan is the property of Universidad de la Sabana 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: This study analyzed the influence of anthropometric indices of adiposity on the physical performance of middle-aged and older women. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 368 women from 50 years to 80 years old. Anthropometric and biochemical characteristics were analyzed, and physical performance was evaluated. The statistical analysis used measures of central tendency and dispersion for descriptive data, Pearson correlations to demonstrate the initial associations between the variables, and canonical correlation (CC) to evaluate the relationship between the set of anthropometric adiposity indices and performance-related variables. RESULTS: The participants had a mean age of 58.57±8.21 years, a visceral adiposity index of 7.09±4.23, a body mass index of 29.20±4.94 kg/m2, and a conicity index of 1.33±0.07. The average handgrip strength was 25.06±4.89 kgf, gait speed was 1.07±0.23 m/s, and the mean Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score was 10.83±1.36. The first canonical function presented the highest shared variance, CC, and redundancy index (cumulative percentage of variance, 82.52; Wilks' lambda, 0.66; CC, 0.532; p<0.001). From the analysis of this canonical function, the conicity index (-0.59) displayed inverse correlations with handgrip strength (0.84) and the SPPB (0.68), as well as a direct correlation with gait speed (-0.43). CONCLUSIONS: In middle-aged and older women, there was an inverse relationship between the conicity index and muscle strength and power, while a direct relationship was found between the same index and gait speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung diseases have high mortality and morbidity, with an important impact on quality of life. Hypoxemic patients are advised to use oxygen therapy to prolong their survival, but high oxygen saturation (SpO2) levels can also have negative effects. Pulse oximeters are the most common way to assess oxygen levels and guide medical treatment. This study aims to assess whether wearable devices can provide precise SpO2 measurements when compared to commercial pulse oximeters. This is a cross-section study with 100 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and interstitial lung disease from an outpatient pneumology clinic. SpO2 and heart rate data were collected with an Apple Watch Series 6 (Apple) and compared to two commercial pulse oximeters. The Bland–Altman method and interclass correlation coefficient were used to compare their values. We observed strong positive correlations between the Apple Watch device and commercial oximeters when evaluating heart rate measurements (r = 0.995, p < 0.001) and oximetry measurements (r = 0.81, p < 0.001). There was no statistical difference in the evaluation of skin color, wrist circumference, presence of wrist hair, and enamel nail for SpO2 and heart rate measurements in Apple Watch or commercial oximeter devices (p > 0.05). Apple Watch 6 is a reliable way to obtain heart rate and SpO2 in patients with lung diseases in a controlled environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sarcopenia is defined as the loss of muscle mass combined with loss of muscle strength, with or without loss of muscle performance. The use of this parameter as a risk factor for complications after surgery is not currently used. This meta-analysis aims to assess the impact of sarcopenia defined by radiologically and clinically criteria and its relationship with complications after gastrointestinal surgeries. Materials and methods: A review of the literature was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019132221). Articles were selected from the PUBMED and EMBASE databases that adequately assessed sarcopenia and its impact on postoperative complications in gastrointestinal surgery patients. Pooled estimates of pre-operative outcome data were calculated using the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Subgroup analysis were performed to assess each type of surgery. Results: The search strategy returned 1323, with 11 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. A total of 4265 patients were analysed. The prevalence of sarcopenia between studies ranged from 6.8% to 35.9%. The meta-analysis showed an OR for complications after surgery of 3.01 (95% CI 2.55–3.55) and an OR of 2.2 (95% CI 1.44–3.36) for hospital readmission (30 days). Conclusion: Sarcopenia, when properly diagnosed, is associated with an increase in late postoperative complications, as well as an increase in the number of postoperative hospital readmissions for various types of gastrointestinal surgery. We believe that any preoperative evaluation should include, in a patient at risk, tests for the diagnosis of sarcopenia and appropriate procedures to reduce its impact on the patient's health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We determined the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and associated factors in 419 women (aged 40 to 65 years) in Northeast Brazil in a cross-sectional study conducted from April to November 2013. We defined MetS using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III) criteria. Socio-demographic variables, reproductive factors, lifestyle factors, anthropometrics, body composition, quality of life, and physical performance were assessed for their associations. We constructed multivariate Poisson regression models to estimate prevalence rate ratios (PRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). We identified 275 (65.6%) cases of MetS. The three most prevalent indicators were obesity (73.5%), reduced high-density lipoprotein level (63.0%), and elevated blood pressure (60.9%). In the final adjusted model, black race (PR 1.30, 95% CI: 1.07–1.57), lower grip strength/body mass index (PR 1.31, 95% CI: 1.15–1.50), and low estradiol levels (PR 1.17, 95% CI: 1.00–1.35) were associated with MetS. MetS is a long-term threat to the health of middle-aged women and a potential public health burden. These results may help in developing health promotion strategies to prevent morbidity and mortality associated with MetS in this vulnerable population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Ciência & Saúde Coletiva is the property of Associacao Brasileira de Pos-Graduacao em Saude Coletiva 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.)

Objective: In Brazil, information about the influence of body image on the various life domains of women in menopausal transition is scarce. Thus, the objective of the study was to analyze the relationship between body image and quality of life in middle-aged Brazilian women. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 250 women between 40 and 65 years old, living in Parnamirim/RN, Brazil, who were evaluated in relation to body image and quality of life. For body image, women were classified as: dissatisfied due to low weight, satisfied (with their body weight) and dissatisfied due to being overweight. Quality of life was assessed through a questionnaire in which higher values indicate higher quality of life. Multiple linear regression was performed to analyze the relationship between body image and quality of life, adjusted for covariates that presented p<0.20 in the bivariate analysis. Results: The average age was 52.1 (± 5.6) years, 82% of the women reported being dissatisfied due to being overweight, and 4.4% were dissatisfied due to having low weight. After multiple linear regression analyzes, body image remained associated with health (p<0.001), emotional (p = 0.016), and sexual (p = 0.048) domains of quality of life, as well as total score of the questionnaire (p<0.001). Conclusion: Women who reported being dissatisfied with their body image due to having low weight or overweight had worse quality of life in comparison to those who were satisfied (with their body weight). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Neotropical Biology & Conservation is the property of Pensoft Publishers 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.)

Objective: To compare the values obtained from the evaluation of maximal inspiratory pressure and maximal expiratory pressure in a sample of Brazilian children with reference values for maximal respiratory pressures proposed by Szeinberg et al., Domènech-Clar et al., and with the predicted equations proposed by Wilson et al. Methods: Observational, cross-sectional study. We assessed 40 female and male children from public schools, aged 7 to 10 years. Personal and anthropometric data were collected in addition to the measurement of maximal respiratory pressures by an MV150 analog manometer (Wika®). Results: Mean maximal inspiratory pressure was -61,50 ± 18,14 cmH2O and -70,55 ± 17,94 cmH2O for girls and boys, respectively. Mean maximal expiratory pressure was 77,40 ± 19,00 cmH2O and 77,40 ± 19,04 cmH2O for girls and boys, respectively. Conclusion: The values of maximal respiratory pressures obtained by this study in a sample of Brazilian children aged 7 to 10 years did not differ from those proposed by Domènech-Clar et al. However the reference values provided by Szeinberg et al. overestimated the values of maximal respiratory pressures of the children evaluated. The equations proposed by Wilson et al. were successful in predicting the values of maximal respiratory pressures in the population studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of a residue from wine industry was investigated as a corrosion inhibitor for API P110 steel in hydrochloric acid. The extract was characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and chromatography. The influence of temperature (303–333 K) and grape peel extract concentration were studied using gravimetric and electrochemical experiments. The coupon surfaces were evaluated using microscopy techniques, FTIR-ATR and the contact angle. The by-product exhibited high weight loss efficiencies at 303 K with 4.0 g/L of the extract (83.81%) even after storage. The inhibition increased with the addition of an inorganic enhancer, indicating a synergistic effect between the active compounds and maximum efficiency of 94.48%. Polarization tests indicated that the inhibitor adsorbs on anodic and cathodic regions. The surface characterization techniques confirmed the formation of an organic film and a less attacked surface was observed for the inhibited system. Image 1 • A residue from wine industry was evaluated as a corrosion inhibitor. • The microencapsulated inhibitor showed weight loss efficiency up to 83.81%. • The mechanism was both physical adsorption and electrostatic interactions. • The synergism of blends was verified by weight loss and electrochemical tests. • Contact angle analysis indicated that the inhibitory film was hydrophobic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Competing Interests: The authors had regular visits and event funding from Biogen, Merck, Novartis, Roche, EMS, Alexion, and Horizon.

Leucocytes generate hypohalous acids (HOCl and HOBr) to defend the host against pathogens. In cells, hypohalous acids react with amine-containing molecules, such as amino acids and polyamines, producing chloramines and bromamines, reservoirs of oxidizing power that can potentially damage host tissues at sites of inflammation. Hypohalous acids also react with H 2 O 2 to produce stoichiometric amounts of singlet molecular oxygen ( 1 O 2 ), but its generation in leucocytes is still under debate. Additionally, it is unclear whether haloamines generate 1 O 2 following a reaction with H 2 O 2 . Herein, we provide evidence of the generation of 1 O 2 in the reactions between amino acid-derived (taurine, N-α-acetyl-Lysine and glycine) and polyamine-derived (spermine and spermidine) haloamines and H 2 O 2 in an aqueous solution. The unequivocal formation of 1 O 2 was detected by monitoring its characteristic monomol light emission at 1270 nm in the near-infrared region. For amino acid-derived haloamines, the presence of 1 O 2 was further confirmed by chemical trapping with anthracene-9,10-divinylsulfonate and HPLC-MS/MS detection. Altogether, photoemission and chemical trapping studies demonstrated that chloramines were less effective at producing 1 O 2 than bromamines of amino acids and polyamines. Thus, 1 O 2 formation via bromamines and H 2 O 2 may be a potential source of 1 O 2 in nonilluminated biological systems., (© 2022 American Society for Photobiology.)

Purpose: To analyze the role of serum creatinine levels as a biomarker of intracranial aneurysm outcomes., Methods: This is a prospective analysis of outcomes of patients with intracranial aneurysm. One hundred forty-seven patients with serum creatinine at admission and 6 months follow up were included. Linear and logistic regressions were used to analyze the data. Modified Rankin scale (mRS) was used to assess outcome., Results: Creatinine level was not directly related to aneurysm outcome nor aneurysm rupture (p > 0.05). However, patients with a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) lower than 72.50 mL·min-1 had an odds ratio (OR) of 3.049 (p = 0.006) for worse outcome. Similarly, aneurysm rupture had an OR of 2.957 (p = 0.014) for worse outcomes. Stepwise selection model selected 4 variables for outcomes prediction: serum creatinine, sex, hypertension and treatment. Hypertensive patients had, on average, an increase in 0.588 in mRS (p = 0.022), while treatment with microsurgery had a decrease in 0.555 (p = 0.038)., Conclusions: Patients with higher GFR had better outcomes after 6 months. Patients with higher GFR had better outcomes after 6 months. Creatinine presented an indirect role in GFR values and should be included in models for outcome prediction.

The hormonal changes in climacteric women may affect the vestibular system; however, it is not clear in the literature whether the presence of vestibular dysfunction associated with climacteric is related to poorer quality of life. The study sample was composed of 374 women (40-65 years). Socioeconomic and demographic data, menopausal status, practice of physical exercises, presence or absence of vestibular dysfunction, hypertension and diabetes, anthropometric measurements and quality of life (using the Utian Quality of Life Scale - UQoL) were collected. Statistical analyses were performed using the Pearson test, Anova, T-test, and multiple regression considering a significance level of 5%. A significant relationship was found between vestibular dysfunction and health (p = 0.02) and emotional (p = 0.01) domains of the UQoL. In addition, physical activity, menopausal status, body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), household income and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) mean also remained significantly related to quality of life. A relationship between vestibular dysfunction and quality of life for health and emotional domains in climacteric women was observed.

The antibacterial activity of plant extracts of the Lamiaceae family was evaluated against clinical isolates of multi-resistant Gram-negative bacteria by broth microdilution technique. Promising results were obtained considering that all extracts were active for at least two bacterial species with MIC ranging from 0.5 to 2.0 mg/mL.

Introduction Some studies have investigated the influence of hormonal deficits and menopausal status in muscle disorders of women. However, it has not been investigated the relationship of both climacteric symptoms and the perception of quality of life with physical performance. Objective To evaluate the correlation of menopausal symptoms and quality of life with physical performance in middle-aged women. Methods This cross-sectional study was performed from April to November 2013 in the municipality of Parnamirim, in the Brazilian state, Rio Grande do Norte. The sample was composed of 497 women aged 40-65 years. The Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) and the Utian Quality of Life (UQOL) questionnaire were used to evaluate menopausal symptoms and quality of life respectively. Measures of physical performance included handgrip strength, knee extensor and flexor strengths (using an isometric dynamometer), gait speed, and chair stand test. The correlation between menopausal symptoms and quality of life with physical performance was assessed by Pearson's correlation coefficient with significance set at p < 0.05 and a confidence interval of 95%. Results There was a significant negative correlation between handgrip strength and somatic MRS score (p = 0.002) and total MRS score (p = 0.03). There was a significant correlation between knee flexor strength and sit-to-stand time and all menopausal symptom areas (p < 0.05), except psychological symptoms. There was a positive correlation between physical performance of the knee flexors and quality of life items including occupational (p = 0.001), emotional (p = 0.005), and total UQOL (p = 0.01), but a negative correlation with sit-to-stand time and all quality of life domains (p < 0.05). Conclusion A greater intensity of menopausal symptoms and worse quality of life were related with worse physical performance. Thus, preventive measures should be implemented to avoid adverse effects on physical performance at more advanced ages., (Thieme Publicações Ltda Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.)