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Time in which children is engaged in screen time such as TV viewing is a serious health problem and might reduce the use of the time for other potential activities such as play outside or being engaged in physical activity. In addition, it was suggested that children's screen time increases with age and patterns begin in preschool years. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to explore the association between obesity status and weight-related room environment (TV at room) and play outside in preschool girls. This study included 120 preschool girls (4–6 years old). Data were collected through parents' questionnaire about (yes/no) children have TV in bedroom and the perception of playing outside. Multivariate regression was used to determine the association between BMI and play outside with TV in the bedroom. Girls either classified as overweight (OR: 2.6; CI: 1.1–6.0; P ≤ 0.034) or obese (OR: 4.0; CI: 1.2–13.2; P ≤ 0.02) were more likely to have TV in room compared to their lean peers. Girls whose parents reported less outdoor play (

• Acoustic assessment and optimisation of a novel Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). • PPE uses an air curtain and a visor as infection control barriers. • Noise levels were reduced by 20 to 30 dBA for flow rates of 15 to 30 l/min. • Speech Intelligibility Index improved from 0.25 to approximately 1.0. • PPE had slightly higher speech attenuation than surgical mask and FFP2 respirator. This paper presents the experimental acoustic assessment and optimization of a novel solid visor with aerodynamic sealing for medical care. This Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) ensures an effective aerodynamic sealing of the breathing zone thus reducing the risk of inhaling droplets and aerosols carrying a potential infectious agent. The PPE relies on an air curtain system that may generate considerable noise unsuitable for prolonged usage, so it is essential to investigate solutions to reduce the noise level. The main investigated sound descriptors were the A-weighted Noise Equivalent Level, the Third-Octave Frequency Distribution, and the Speech Intelligibility Index (SII), considering different solutions for air flow rate, tube diameter, thickness and insulation, configurations of the tube splitter and plenum, and the incorporation of physical barriers and a sound muffler. Through several optimizations, noise equivalent levels were reduced by 20 to 30 dBA for air flow rates of 15 to 30 l/min. The final prototype generates a maximum noise level of 45.2 dBA. The SII was improved from poor to excellent, with values close to 1 for all air flow rates considered. The impact on the speech was investigated and the results were also compared to those obtained with a surgical mask and a FFP2 respirator. This study shows the potential of employing different strategies to enhance the acoustic performance of personalized air-curtain protective devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Current commercial thin film photovoltaic technologies rely on the use of scarce and/or toxic elements, motivating the necessity to explore new technologies free of critical raw materials. In this work we report the first Cu 3 BiS 3 based solar cells with proved photovoltaic activity using standard substrate configuration. The absorbers were synthesized using a sequential process based on metallic stacks evaporation followed by a reactive annealing under S atmosphere. With the optimization of composition (Cu/3: Bi ratio), metallic stack order, annealing parameters and Na doping, we achieve a record conversion efficiency of 0.11%. Combining several characterizations techniques, we show that at this stage of the technology development, issues like composition, secondary phases and morphology cannot explain the low efficiencies obtained with this material. Through a deeper characterization of the devices, we found that most probably, this is related to either, a high doping of the absorber, and/or poor transport charge properties. Understanding and solving these issues, can further help to improve the efficiency of Cu 3 BiS 3 based devices towards more competitive conversion efficiencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MMP-9 activity is strongly related to cancer growth and metastization. This study aimed at assessing the inhibitory potential of the major seed protein fractions from eight selected legume species towards MMP-9 activity in colon carcinoma cells. Albumin and globulin fractions were screened for MMP-9 inhibitors, using a fluorometric assay and gelatin zymography. Their effect on HT29 cell proliferation and cell migration was tested, as well as on the corresponding intrinsic cellular MMP-9 activities. Seed proteins include potent inhibitors of MMP-9, particularly low molecular mass proteins. Their effectiveness differs greatly among species, with a positive correlation detected between their inhibitory activity and the reduction in cell migration. Lupin seeds contain the most efficient MMP-9 inhibitors of all legume seeds analyzed, inhibiting both gelatinases and HT29 migration and growth, while pea seeds showed no effect. Results reveal legume protein MMPIs as novel metalloproteinase inhibitors with possible pharmacological interest. This may be important for selecting leguminous species with potential use in anti-cancer diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is increasing evidence that cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is an important health marker already in youth. This study aimed to determine the ability of five VO(2max) equations to discriminate between low/high Metabolic Risk in 450 Portuguese adolescents aged 10-18. We measured waist and hip circumferences, fasting glucose, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure. For each of these variables, a Z-score was computed. The HDL-cholesterol was multiplied by -1. A metabolic risk score was constructed by summing the Z scores of all individual risk factors. High risk was considered when the individual had ≥1 SD of this score. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) was measured with the 20-m shuttle run test. We estimated VO(2max) from the CRF tests using five equations. ROC analyses showed a significant discriminatory accuracy for the Matsuzaka and Barnett(a) equations in identifying the low/high metabolic risk in both genders (Matsuzaka girls: AUC=0.654, 95%CI: 0.591-0.713, p<0.001, VO(2max)=39.5 mL kg⁻¹min⁻¹; boys: AUC=0.648, 95%CI: 0.576-0.716, p<0.001, VO(2max)=41.8 mL kg⁻¹min⁻¹; Barnett(a) girls: AUC=0.620, 95%CI: 0.557-0.681, p<0.001, VO(2max)=46.4 mL kg⁻¹min⁻¹; boys: AUC=0.628, 95%CI: 0.555-0.697, p=0.04, VO(2max)=42.6 mL kg⁻¹min⁻¹), and the Ruiz equation in boys (AUC=0.638, 95%CI: 0.565-0.706, p<0.001, VO(2max)=47.1 mL kg⁻¹min⁻¹). The VO(2max) values found require further testing in other populations as well as in longitudinal studies; the identification of adolescents who have low CRF levels can help detect youth with an increased risk of metabolic disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The chronic and immediate post-exercise responses in the hemostatic and fibrinolytic systems have been shown to be variable and reflect differing adaptations with ageing and responses to exercise protocols. This study investigated the effects of acute and exhaustive exercise on the amplitude and duration of hemostatic and fibrinolytic responses in young adolescent males. The sample comprised 10 sedentary boys (13.2±0.5 years, 55.8±11.3kg, 165.7±7.4cm), who had not exercised or received any medication for at least 2 weeks before the experiments. The subjects performed exhaustive stepping exercise, consisting of 1s up and down cycles to fatigue. When the subjects were unable to maintain the required stepping rhythm, they were given a 30s recovery period. Following each 30s recovery participants recommenced the stepping cadence until fatigue prevented them continuing. Venous blood samples were drawn before and immediately, 1 and 24h after exercise to assess the following coagulation and fibrinolytic parameters: Platelet counts, activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), prothrombin time (PT), coagulation factor VIII (FVIII:C), von Willebrand factor (vWF), fibrinogen concentration, thrombin–antithrombin complex (TAT), D-dimer, plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1), and tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA). Immediately following exercise, platelet counts, aPTT, FVIII, vWF and t-PA were significantly elevated in contrast to PAI-1, which decreased significantly until 1h after exercise. FVIII and platelet counts were elevated at 1 and 24h after exercise, respectively. Only the parameters FVIII and PAI-1 did not return to baseline values during the first hour after physical exercise. When compared to adults the results revealed different rates and ranges of coagulation and fibrinolysis parameters being activated by exhaustive exercise in this group of adolescents. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Semi quantitative MRI is a very useful procedure for evaluating the bone marrow burden (BMB) in Gaucher disease (GD). Score systems have been applied to obtain a parameter for evaluating the severity of bone disease. Our purpose was to test a simple, reproducible and accurate score to evaluate bone marrow involvement in GD patients. MRI was performed in spine, pelvis and femora at diagnosis in 54 adult GD1 patients, 61.1% of whom were female. Three MRI patterns and punctuation in each location were defined: normal, 0; non-homogeneous infiltration subtypes reticular, 1; mottled, 2; diffuse, 3; and homogeneous infiltration, 4. This score was called Spanish-MRI (S-MRI). Two independent observers applied the S-MRI and bone marrow burden score and compared the differences using the non-parametric Mann–Whitney test. Correlation rank test was calculated. In 46 patients (85.2%), bone involvement was observed. Thirty-nine (72.3%) had their spine affected, 35 (64.8%) pelvis and 33 (61.2%) femora. Fourteen patients had bone infarcts, 14 avascular necrosis, 2 vertebral fractures and 2 bone crises. Correlation analysis between S-MRI and BMB was (r 2 =.675; p =.0001). No evidence of correlation was observed between CT activity and S-MRI nor between CT activity and BMB. We have found a relationship between genotype and bone infiltration according to S-MRI site and complications. S-MRI is a simple method that provides useful information to evaluate bone infiltration and detect silent complications. Our results correlated with the BMB score but offer higher sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for classifying the extent of bone disease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Electron cryomicroscopy (cryoEM) is essential for the study and functional understanding of non-crystalline macromolecules such as proteins. These molecules cannot be imaged using X-ray crystallography or other popular methods. CryoEM has been successfully used to visualize macromolecular complexes such as ribosomes, viruses, and ion channels. Determination of structural models of these at various conformational states leads to insight on how these molecules function. Recent advances in imaging technology have given cryoEM a scientific rebirth. As a result of these technological advances image processing and analysis have yielded molecular structures at atomic resolution. Nevertheless there continue to be challenges in image processing, and in this article we will touch on the most essential in order to derive an accurate three-dimensional model from noisy projection images. Traditional approaches, such as k-means clustering for class averaging, will be provided as background. We will then highlight new approaches for each image processing subproblem, including a 3D reconstruction method for asymmetric molecules using just two projection images and deep learning algorithms for automated particle picking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzed the scientific publications about Physical Activity (PA) interventions and cognition in children and adolescents between 2009 and 2019, indexed in the Web of Science database, by conducting a bibliometric analysis. The co-occurrence analysis between journals, authors, countries, institutes, co-cited references, and keywords was considered. One hundred seventy-two studies, published in 90 journals, were identified. Active collaborations between high-income countries were observed, mainly U.S researchers, which also have the largest international network. "Physical Activity," "Exercise", "Cognition," "Executive Function," "Academic Performance,"Aerobic Fitness" "Children" and "Adolescents" were the most common keywords seen in the studies. Most of the publications target school children and preadolescents, followed by adolescents. This bibliometric analysis allows a broader understanding of the current state of the art on the relationship between PA intervention and cognition in children and adolescents, and can support future researches, which should cover gaps as collaboration between low-middle income countries, and further evidence in early childhood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objective The objective of the study is to examine whether adolescents' road safety perception (RSP) acts as a mediator on the association between the distance from home to the nearest park and the use of the parks for physical activity (PA). Study design This is a cross-sectional study. Methods The evaluation was through a random sample of 1130 adolescents (534 male), corresponding to 47.3%, 14–20 years old, from Porto Alegre, Brazil. RSP was assessed through some questions of the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale for Youth. Park use, socioeconomic status, age, and sex were measured using a questionnaire. Distance from home to the nearest park was evaluated through geographic information system. Data analysis was performed using Pearson correlation, and linear regression models were fitted as per the Baron and Kenny procedures for mediation analyses. All analyses were adjusted for sex and socioeconomic status. Results Road safety perception is independently associated with less distance from home to the nearest park (P = 0.04) and use of the parks for PA (P = 0.02). Road safety perception is a mediator and explains 16% of the association between park use and distance from home to the park (indirect Effect = −40.9966; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 119.3733–2.2455). Conclusion Our findings indicated that RSP is a mediator on the association between the distance from home to the nearest park and the use of the parks for PA. Future studies should take this into consideration frequency and intensity of PA and other environmental characteristics, such as crime, aesthetics, and neighborhood facilities. Highlights • Road safety perception (RSP) is an important factor for park use for physical activity. • RSP is associated with less distance from home to the park. • RSP is a mediator and explains 16% of the association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Introduction We investigated the associations between total and different domains of physical activity and resting heart rate in adolescents. Summary of facts and results The sample was composed of 716 girls and 515 boys aged between 14 to 17 (15.55 ± 1.07) years. Resting heart rate was evaluated using an oscillometric device. Physical activity was assessed using a questionnaire, taking into consideration the different domains (leisure and sports practice). The relationship between resting heart rate and the different physical activity domains was analyzed by means of Linear Regression. After adjustment for body mass index, total physical activity (β = −0.54) and sports practice (β = −0.62) were inversely associated with high resting heart rate. Conclusion Results indicate that practice of sports constitutes an important tool against high resting heart rate values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To identify the clustering of physical inactivity in leisure, work, commuting and household contexts, and the sociodemographic factors associated with the clustering of inactive behaviour in different domains among Brazilian adults. Study design: Cross-sectional population-based study. Methods: The study was performed in Florianopolis, capital of Santa Catarina, one of the southern states of Brazil, from September 2009 to January 2010. Adults aged 20-59 years were interviewed. Physical inactivity in each domain was defined as non-participation in specific physical activities, using a validated Brazilian questionnaire. Clustering of physical inactivity was identified by the ratio between observed prevalence and expected prevalence of 16 different combinations. Multinomial logistic regression was used in the analysis of sociodemographic factors associated with clustering of physical inactivity. Results: Of the 1720 interviewees, the greatest differences between the observed and expected proportions were observed in simultaneous physical inactivity in the leisure and household domains for men, and physical inactivity in the leisure domain alone for women (59% and 88%, respectively); these differences were higher than expected if the behaviours were independent. Physical inactivity in two or more domains was observed more frequently in men and in individuals with a higher per-capita family income. Ageing was associated with physical inactivity in three or four domains. Conclusions: Physical inactivity was observed in different domains according to gender. Men and older individuals with a higher per-capita family income were more likely to exhibit physical inactivity when all domains were considered together. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies have identified associations between walking levels and socio-demographic and environmental variables. The aim of the present study was to describe walking patterns and examine associations between socio-demographic characteristics and perceived environmental attributes with walking among adults living in the Azorean Archipelago (Portugal). In all, 7330 adult participants (4104 women), aged 38.1+/-9.3 years, of the 2004 Azorean Physical Activity and Health Study answered the Environmental Module and the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Among the Azoreans, the environmental dimension 'infrastructures, access to destinations, social environment and aesthetics' and moderate to vigorous physical activity were positively associated with walking levels; and smoking, sitting time and being married were negatively related, regardless of gender, age or education level. Through the cross-sectional nature of this study, our results suggest that targeted programs for Azoreans aimed to increase walking levels should consider that infrastructures, access to destinations, social environment and aesthetics seem to act synergistically and associate positively with walking behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of two exercise programs of 8 months duration on lipid profiles in older women. Methods: In 2006, 77 women from Porto, Portugal, aged 60–79 years were randomly assigned into a multicomponent exercise (ME) program or resistance exercise (RE) program. Before- and after-training, body composition, daily physical activity (DPA), aerobic endurance, plasma concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides (TG) were assessed. Training was performed twice weekly. The protocol for the ME included aerobic exercise, muscular endurance exercises and activities targeted to improve balance and flexibility. The RE protocol included leg press, leg extensions and curls, double chest raises, lateral raises, overhead press and abdominal exercises. Results: Significant decreases in TG (−5.1%, p =0.006), and significant increases in HDL-C (9.3%, p <0.001) were observed in the ME group. Following 8 months no significant changes were observed on lipid profile in RE group, although lipid- and lipoprotein-related variables tended to alter favorably. Both regimens resulted in significant improvements on 6-min walk test (6.4%, p =0.001 for ME; and 6.0%, p =0.044 for RE). No significant changes were observed in total DPA and body fat in either group after exercise interventions. No significant correlations were found between body composition, physical activity, aerobic endurance, and lipid profile. Conclusions: The data suggested that 8 months of ME may be more effective than RE for inducing favorable changes in plasma lipoprotein and lipid profiles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Regular physical activity and/or sports practice play an important role in peak bone mass. However, the role of different physical-sportive approaches on bone health is not fully understood, especially in low-income children. The aim of this study was to analyze the changes in bone markers (bone mineral density–BMD and bone metabolism) promoted by two different exercise programs (osteogenic sport and Physical Education–PE) in low-income children. An 8-month intervention program in children (8.07 ± 1.38 years at baseline) was conducted in two groups, Martial Arts (G1, n = 14) and PE (G2, n = 12). BMD was obtained by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. To determine bone metabolism, serum osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were collected as indicators of bone formation. General Linear Model (GLM) - ANOVA was used to analyze longitudinal effects in repeated measures with adjustments for maturational stages, calcium consumption and serum vitamin D. The within the groups analysis highlighted significant differences for BMD at the arms and spine, and for serum ALP for both groups. After the interventions, G1 presented significant changes in BMD of the total body, femoral neck, proximal total femur and spine (P ≤ 0.05), while G2 presented statistically significant changes in serum ALP levels. The group × time analysis showed significant differences in BMD at the arms (Δ% G1 = 8.1 vs. Δ% G2 = 3.7), and at the spine (Δ% G1 = 5.7 vs. Δ% G2 = 5.0). and in serum ALP (Δ% G1 = 61.1 vs. Δ% G2 = 171.0). Both exercise programs increased BMD in the arms and the spine and increased serum alkaline phosphatase levels of low-income children, even after adjustments for potential confounders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]