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OBJETIVO: Comparar as medidas de pressão arterial sistólica e diastólica obtidas por meio dos métodos auscultatório (esfigmomanômetro de mercúrio) e oscilométrico (aparelho digital Omron HEM-412C). MÉTODOS: Participaram do estudo 22 homens idosos (idade: 67,4 ± 4,8 anos; massa corporal: 79,4 ± 13,1 kg; estatura: 1,7 ± 0,8 m), integrantes de um programa regular de exercícios físicos. O aparelho digital Omron HEM-412C foi conectado em “Y” com o esfigmomanômetro de mercúrio. Três medidas de pressão arterial foram obtidas, com intervalos de dois minutos entre as aferições. Dois avaliadores “cegos” registraram os valores da pressão arterial sistólica e diastólica. RESULTADOS: As medidas de pressão arterial sistólica e diastólica obtidas pelos métodos auscultatório e oscilométrico não apresentaram diferenças significativas (p > 0,05). Correlações positivas e significativas entre os métodos foram observadas para a pressão arterial sistólica (r = 0,96; p < 0,05) e diastólica (r = 0,91; p < 0,05). A média das diferenças (± desvio padrão) da pressão arterial sistólica e diastólica entre ambos os métodos foram 1,5 ± 5,4 mmHg e -0,2 ± 4,5 mmHg, respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados do presente estudo indicam similaridade nos valores das medidas de pressão arterial sistólica e diastólica obtidas por meio do esfigmomanômetro de mercúrio e aparelho digital Omron HEM-412C.

Abstract A Right Ear Advantage (REA) is well-established in perceptual tasks but it has been found also during imagery. It is ascribed to the left temporoparietal activity for language, and it can be absent/reversed in some clinical conditions including auditory hallucinations. We applied 1-Hz repetitive TMS over TP3/TP4 (left/right language areas) identified through neuronavigation in 18 healthy participants, before administering a modified white noise (WN) speech illusion paradigm: a voice was presented at one ear, at the same or lower intensities with respect to binaural WN. In some trials the voice was not presented, but participants were anyway instructed to report in which ear they believed perceiving it in all trials. Results confirmed the REA both when the voice was present (perceptual REA) and when it was absent (imaginative REA). Interestingly, results suggested that the correct localization of the voice when the stimulus was ambiguous (presented at low intensity and “masked” by WN) was better when TMS was applied over the right/left hemisphere, in male participants with a low/high proneness to unusual experiences (e.g., auditory hallucinations), respectively. This interaction must be further explored to shed light on the relationship between hemispheric asymmetries and auditory hallucinations, in healthy and clinical samples.

We studied the application of CT texture analysis in adrenal incidentalomas with baseline characteristics of benignity that are highly suggestive of adenoma to find whether there is a correlation between the extracted features and clinical data. Patients with hormonal hypersecretion may require medical attention, even if it does not cause any symptoms. A total of 206 patients affected by adrenal incidentaloma were retrospectively enrolled and divided into non-functioning adrenal adenomas (NFAIs, n = 115) and mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS, n = 91). A total of 136 texture parameters were extracted in the unenhanced phase for each volume of interest (VOI). Random Forest was used in the training and validation cohorts to test the accuracy of CT textural features and cortisol-related comorbidities in identifying MACS patients. Twelve parameters were retained in the Random Forest radiomic model, and in the validation cohort, a high specificity (81%) and positive predictive value (74%) were achieved. Notably, if the clinical data were added to the model, the results did not differ. Radiomic analysis of adrenal incidentalomas, in unenhanced CT scans, could screen with a good specificity those patients who will need a further endocrinological evaluation for mild autonomous cortisol secretion, regardless of the clinical information about the cortisol-related comorbidities.

Performing stimulation experiments at approximately 1 km depth in the Bedretto Underground Laboratory for Geosciences and Geoenergies necessitates identifying and characterizing the target fault zone for on-fault monitoring of induced fault slip and seismicity, which presents a challenge when attempting to understand seismogenic processes. We discuss the multidisciplinary approach for selecting the target fault zone for experiments planned within the Fault Activation and Earthquake Ruptures (FEAR) project, for which the aim is to induce the fault slip and seismicity for an earthquake magnitude of up to 1.0 while enhancing the monitoring and control of fluid-injection experiments. Structural geological mapping, remote sensing, exploration drilling and borehole logging, ground-penetration radar, and laboratory investigations were employed to identify and characterize the target fault – a ductile–brittle shear zone several meters wide with an intensely fractured volume spanning over 100 m. Its orientation in the in situ stress field favors reactivation in normal to strike-slip regimes. Laboratory tests showed slight velocity strengthening of the fault gouge. The fault's architecture, typical for crystalline environments, poses challenges for fluid flow, necessitating detailed hydraulic and stress characterization before each of the FEAR experiments. This multidisciplinary approach was crucial for managing rock volume heterogeneity and understanding implications for the dense monitoring network. Successfully identifying the fault sets the stage for seismic activation experiments commencing in spring 2024.

Abstract In this article, we investigate situations involving firearm violence in Sweden. The spatiotemporal distribution of records is assessed in different contexts across the country and linked to land use, demographic, and socio-economic characteristics by area and by street segment. The findings emphasize the prevalence of evening shootings, particularly in economically disadvantaged areas where young people congregate in public places often in residential areas, in parks, in playgrounds, and in transit areas. Although two-thirds of shootings took place in larger urban municipalities, our study sheds light on the non-uniform distribution of gun violence along the rural–urban continuum. We conclude by offering suggestions for future research and practical interventions to address this pressing issue that negatively affects people and communities.

Abstract Severe acute respiratory infections, such as community-acquired pneumonia, hospital-acquired pneumonia, and ventilator-associated pneumonia, constitute frequent and lethal pulmonary infections in the intensive care unit (ICU). Despite optimal management with early appropriate empiric antimicrobial therapy and adequate supportive care, mortality remains high, in part attributable to the aging, growing number of comorbidities, and rising rates of multidrug resistance pathogens. Biomarkers have the potential to offer additional information that may further improve the management and outcome of pulmonary infections. Available pathogen-specific biomarkers, for example, Streptococcus pneumoniae urinary antigen test and galactomannan, can be helpful in the microbiologic diagnosis of pulmonary infection in ICU patients, improving the timing and appropriateness of empiric antimicrobial therapy since these tests have a short turnaround time in comparison to classic microbiology. On the other hand, host-response biomarkers, for example, C-reactive protein and procalcitonin, used in conjunction with the clinical data, may be useful in the diagnosis and prediction of pulmonary infections, monitoring the response to treatment, and guiding duration of antimicrobial therapy. The assessment of serial measurements overtime, kinetics of biomarkers, is more informative than a single value. The appropriate utilization of accurate pathogen-specific and host-response biomarkers may benefit clinical decision-making at the bedside and optimize antimicrobial stewardship.

Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar dissertações e teses sobre políticas públicas para o componente curricular de Educação Física no Novo Ensino Médio (NEM), utilizando a metodologia bibliográfica do Estado do Conhecimento (EC). A pesquisa foi realizada no primeiro semestre de 2024, com buscas no Catálogo de Teses e Dissertações (BTD) da Coordenaçãode Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES), utilizando os descritores: “Educação Física Escolar AND Novo Ensino Médio”, “Educação Física no Novo Ensino Médio AND Políticas Públicas” e “Educação Física Escolar AND Currículo para o Novo Ensino Médio”. Após a aplicação de critérios de inclusão, exclusão e filtros, foram selecionadas nove dissertações e uma tese defendidas no Brasil entre 2020 e 2023. Para análise, as produções foram organizadas em três categorias: “Políticas Públicas para Educação Física no NEM”, “Currículo para Educação Física no NEM” e “Práticas Pedagógicas Inovadoras em Educação Física no NEM”. Os resultados indicam que a reforma do EM, orientada por interesses privatistas, compromete o direito à educação básica, conformando os estudantes às demandas produtivas do capitalismo. Ressaltou-se a urgência de práticas pedagógicas emancipadoras na Educação Física. Quanto ao currículo para o NEM, evidenciou-se a necessidade da participação crítica dos professores de Educação Física. Embora os Itinerários Formativos tenham gerado dúvidas, destacou-se a conexão com as ciências sociais para práticas inovadoras. Contudo, materiais didáticos rígidos e infraestrutura precária limitaram avanços pedagógicos. A adoção de abordagens pedagógicas inovadoras nas aulas de Educação Física no EM mostrou-se eficaz ao motivar os estudantes a superarem desafios, adquirirem novos conhecimentos e promoverem hábitos saudáveis.

Tobacco addiction is the primary preventable factor contributing to global mortality, and nicotine is one of the substances with the greatest potential for addiction. With a strong affinity for the α4β2 subtype receptor, cytisine (CYT) functions as a partial agonist of the acetylcholine nicotinic cholinergic receptor. It counteracts the effects of nicotine without causing any withdrawal symptoms. These features, combined with its limited mild adverse effects and minimal drug–drug interactions, make cytisine a cost-effective treatment for smoking cessation. The current protocol describes a prospective observational study on the safety and efficacy of CYT administered to inpatient smokers of the Integrated University Hospital of Verona (IUHVR), Veneto (Italy). This is a monocentric, observational, and prospective study on both sex smokers over the age of 18 years admitted to the IUHVR who meet the criteria for recruitment and have given their consent. Eligible participants will be assigned to the CYT intervention based on the West dosing schedule and will be followed up for 12 months from treatment initiation. Evaluation of safety, efficacy, and compliance will be assessed at 7 and 25 days, with follow-up at 3, 6, and 12 months from the start of the treatment (quit day). During each visit, any adverse events or adverse reactions reported by patients following the intake of CYT will be evaluated. This study will contribute, for the first time, to the knowledge about the use of CYT for smoking cessation in a hospital setting.

Summary: Matrix stiffening by lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2)-mediated collagen cross-linking is proposed as a core feedforward mechanism that promotes fibrogenesis. Failure in clinical trials of simtuzumab (the humanized version of AB0023, a monoclonal antibody against human LOXL2) suggested that targeting LOXL2 may not have disease relevance; however, target engagement was not directly evaluated. We compare the spatial transcriptome of active human lung fibrogenesis sites with different human cell culture models to identify a disease-relevant model. Within the selected model, we then evaluate AB0023, identifying that it does not inhibit collagen cross-linking or reduce tissue stiffness, nor does it inhibit LOXL2 catalytic activity. In contrast, it does potently inhibit angiogenesis consistent with an alternative, non-enzymatic mechanism of action. Thus, AB0023 is anti-angiogenic but does not inhibit LOXL2 catalytic activity, collagen cross-linking, or tissue stiffening. These findings have implications for the interpretation of the lack of efficacy of simtuzumab in clinical trials of fibrotic diseases.

This study aims to examine whether the COVID-19 pandemic affected the adherence to conservative AIS treatment. Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is characterized by a lateral curvature of the spine of at least 10 degrees. Compliance rates in conservative treatments are influenced by various factors. From a database of AIS patients, we selected 30 AIS patients who were assessed before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Data regarding Cobb’s angle, brace prescription, prescribed brace wear time, brace wear compliance, and time dedicated to sports activities were collected over a six-year period from January 2018 to December 2023, divided into three 2-year time periods (before, during, and after COVID-19). There was an increased percentage of AIS patients prescribed with a brace during the pandemic. However, no significant differences in Cobb’s angle were observed. Additionally, the prescribed wear time showed a significant decrease from the pre-COVID period to the post-COVID period (p-value = 0.03). Wear compliance exhibited a decreasing trend from pre- to during- and post-COVID-19 periods without reaching statistically significant differences, and the time dedicated to sports statistically significantly decreased. These differences were statistically significant when comparing the pre- vs. post- and pre- vs. during-COVID-19 periods (p-values 0.01, 0.04, respectively). Our study highlights changes in AIS conservative treatment during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The increase in the number of patients prescribed with a brace during the pandemic, although not supported by an increase in Cobb’s angle, may be attributed to the concerns about regular monitoring during the reduction of rehabilitation services. The observed decreases in brace compliance and involvement in sport activities, which persisted even in the post-pandemic period, emphasizes the lasting impact of the pandemic on AIS management, necessitating innovative approaches to address these ongoing concerns.

OBJECTIVES:. Anemia has been associated with an increased risk of both cardiac arrest and stroke, frequent complications of COVID-19. The effect of hemoglobin level at ICU admission on a composite outcome of cardiac arrest or stroke in an international cohort of COVID-19 patients was investigated. DESIGN:. Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected database. SETTING:. A registry of COVID-19 patients admitted to ICUs at over 370 international sites was reviewed for patients diagnosed with cardiac arrest or stroke up to 30 days after ICU admission. Anemia was defined as: normal (hemoglobin ≥ 12.0 g/dL for women, ≥ 13.5 g/dL for men), mild (hemoglobin 10.0–11.9 g/dL for women, 10.0–13.4 g/dL for men), moderate (hemoglobin ≥ 8.0 and < 10.0 g/dL for women and men), and severe (hemoglobin < 8.0 g/dL for women and men). PATIENTS:. Patients older than 18 years with acute COVID-19 infection in the ICU. INTERVENTIONS:. None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:. Of 6926 patients (median age = 59 yr, male = 65%), 760 patients (11.0%) experienced stroke (2.0%) and/or cardiac arrest (9.4%). Cardiac arrest or stroke was more common in patients with low hemoglobin, occurring in 12.8% of patients with normal hemoglobin, 13.3% of patients with mild anemia, and 16.7% of patients with moderate/severe anemia. Time to stroke or cardiac arrest by anemia status was analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression with death as a competing risk. Covariates selected through clinical knowledge were age, sex, comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and cardiac or neurologic conditions), pandemic era, country income, mechanical ventilation, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Moderate/severe anemia was associated with a higher risk of cardiac arrest or stroke (hazard ratio, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.05–1.67). CONCLUSIONS:. In an international registry of ICU patients with COVID-19, moderate/severe anemia was associated with increased hazard of cardiac arrest or stroke.