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Copyright of Colloquium Agrariae is the property of Asociacao Prudentina de Educacao e Cultura (APEC) 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.)

Cordia trichotoma (Vell.) Arrab. ex Steud. is a forest species native to Brazil, naturally propagated by seeds, whose quality assessment may be underestimated by the use of inappropriate methods for conducting the germination test. Given the potential use of this plant and the importance of conserving native species, the present work aimed to study parameters for conducting the germination test in louro-pardo seeds, during three consecutive years of evaluations. For this purpose, temperatures (20, 25 and 30 °C) and substrates (blotter paper, filter paper, sand and vermiculite) were tested in seeds collected in different crop seasons. The tests were carried out under a completely randomized experimental design, with four replications, in a factorial scheme for the germination test (temperatures x substrates), with the data obtained being subjected to analysis of variance and means compared by Tukey's test (p = 0.05). Germination percentage and speed index were determined, and seed health analysis was performed. It is concluded that the germination test for louro-pardo seeds should be carried out between vermiculite, at 30 °C, without light supply, with the first count carried out at 26 days and the last count at 48 days after setting up the test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A systematic review of the literature was performed in July 2011. Original papers based on longitudinal studies measuring spine, femoral neck, or total body bone mass by DXA were included ( n = 17). Birth weight was positively associated with bone mass among children. The association was unclear among adolescents and weak among adults. This study aims to evaluate the association between birth weight and bone mass in future ages through a systematic review of literature and meta-analysis. A systematic review of the literature was performed in July 2011 in Medline, Web of Science and LILACS bases using key terms: ( 'birth size' OR 'birth weight' OR birthweight OR prematurity OR premature OR 'gestational age') AND (osteoporosis OR 'bone mass' OR 'bone density' OR 'bone mineral density' OR 'bone mineral content' OR 'bone area') AND (longitudinal OR cohort). Original papers based on longitudinal studies measuring lumbar spine, femoral neck or total body bone mass by dual-emission X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) were included. A meta-analysis was performed using birth weight and bone mass density and/or content as continuous variables and adjusted for current height and/or weight. A total of 218 articles were retrieved from which 17 were selected and grouped into three categories according to age: studies with children; with adolescents and young adults, and studies with adults (older than 25). Five papers were included in the meta-analysis. Positive association between birth weight and bone mass was clear among children, unclear among adolescents, and weak among adults. The effect on bone mass content was stronger than those on body mass density regardless of age. Birth weight influences positively bone health in later life. Preventive health policies dealing with early-life modifiable risk factors, as birth weight, should be encouraged to attain an optimal peak bone mass as an strategy to decrease osteoporosis in the elderly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Er:YAG and Nd:YAG lasers on the shear bond strength of composite resin to dentin. The coronal portion of 56 human molars was divided into three parts, and the dentin thickness was standardized at 2 mm. A 3-mm hole was marked in the center of each tooth with sealing tape paper. The specimens (n = 14) were then divided into four groups: (1) acid etching + Single Bond (SB) (control), (2) acid etching + SB + Nd:YAG laser irradiation (before adhesive curing), (3) thermal etching with the Er:YAG laser + SB, and (4) thermal etching with the Er:YAG laser + SB + Nd:YAG laser irradiation (before adhesive curing). A composite resin cylinder was built into the delimited area for conducting the shear bond strength test on the universal testing machine. The means ± standard deviations were: group 1, 17.05 ± 4.15 MPa; group 2, 16.90 ± 3.36 MPa; group 3, 12.12 ± 3.85 MPa; and group 4, 12.92 ± 2.73 MPa. Groups 1 and 2 presented significantly higher values than groups 3 and 4. It was concluded that conventional etching with 37% phosphoric acid yielded significantly higher bond strength values compared to thermal etching with the Er:YAG laser. The Nd:YAG laser did not significantly influence the bond strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Agro@mbiente On-line is the property of Revista Agro@mbiente On-line 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.)

Brazil is a vast country and there are several scientific studies reporting sustainable behavior in its different regions. Since methodologies used in these studies differ from one another, it is hard to compare them. This paper aims to identify whether differences in sustainable behavior occur in different Brazilian regions and what differences can be identified. Through a web survey, we analyzed data from 1,489 participants, from four different regions. We identified two factors (behavior and search for information), and analyzed the differences through multivariate analysis of variance. The Northeast region had a higher score for "search for information", while Southern regions performed better on "behavior." The Midwest region had the worst performance for both factors. The reasons for such differences may be greatly influenced by the social/cultural context of each region. The results also show that consumers still do not use their power of choice to pressure companies to become more sustainable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between the subgingival colonization by Candida albicans and other yeasts with the severity of chronic periodontitis ( CP). Material and Methods After sample size calculation, 40 patients with CP and 20 healthy subjects ( HS) were included in the study. Cases of slight-moderate ( MCP, n = 23) and severe CP ( SCP, n = 17) were defined according to the Centers for Disease Control/American Association of Periodontology classification. Subgingival samples were acquired using sterile paper-points from the sulcus or the deepest periodontal pocket of each healthy and subject with CP, respectively, and were cultured aerobically on three selective media. Yeast colonies that grew on the surface of plates were later identified by biochemical reactions. Statistical tests were used to analyze the association between subgingival yeast colonization (number of yeast-positive individuals and colony forming units ( CFU) per subject) and periodontal disease status, considering statistical significance when P < 0.05. Results Although several yeast species were found ( C. parapisilosis, Rhodotorula sp., C. dubliniensis and C. tropicalis), only C. albicans was present in all the patients with yeast-positive CP. Twelve patients (30%) with CP presented yeasts in the subgingival biofilm while only three patients (15%) in the HS group were positive for these microorganisms. No statistical difference was found between the CP and HS groups ( P = 0.084). However, when the CP group was divided on the basis of severity, statistical differences were observed between the SCP and MCP groups (47% vs. 17%, P = 0.043), and between the SCP and HS groups (47% vs. 15%, P = 0.033). No statistical difference was observed between the MCP and HS groups (17% vs. 15%, P = 0.832). High densities of yeasts were found only in patients with MCP and SCP (mean and range 61.25 (0-100) CFU/plate and mean and range 51 (0-101) CFU/plate, respectively). Conclusion In this group of patients, subgingival colonization of some yeasts, especially C. albicans, was associated with the severity of CP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper measures the influence of climate normals (average long-term surface wetness and temperature) and interannual climate variance on farms in the United States and Brazil using satellite data. The paper finds that just climate normals or just climate variance variables can explain both net revenues and how much land is used for cropland. However, because they are correlated with each other, it is important to include both normals and variance in the same statistical model to get accurate measures of their individual contribution to farm outcomes. In general, higher climate variance increases the probability that land is used for cropland in both countries and higher temperatures reduce both cropland and land values. Other annual effects were not consistent across the two countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes the Illinois State Variety Test results for total and extractable starch content in 708 samples of 401 commercial varieties of corn. It is shown that the normally distributed extractable starch content has the mean of 66.2% and the standard deviation of 1.13%. The corresponding maximum theoretical yield of ethanol is 0.364 kg EtOH/kg dry corn, and the standard deviation is 0.007. In the ethanol industry units, this yield translates to 2.64 gal EtOH/nominal wet bushel, and the standard deviation is 0.05 gal/bu. The U.S. ethanol industry consistently has inflated its ethanol yields by counting 5 volume percent of # 14 gasoline denaturant (8% of energy content) as ethanol. Also, imports from Brazil and higher alcohols seem to have been counted as U.S. ethanol. The usually accepted USDA estimate of mean ethanol yield in the U.S., 2.682 gal EtOH/bu, is one standard deviation above the rigorous statistical estimate in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Menstrual migraine is a highly prevalent disorder among adult women, resulting in disability and loss of quality of life. Some studies have reported menstrual cycle synchrony among women living together. No study has reported whether there may also be a higher prevalence of menstrual migraine among these women. Thus, they reported here the prevalence of menstrual migraine in a group of women living together compared with a control group of women living alone, and discussed the possible factors involved. Methods The study was conducted on female university students aged 18-30 years with a diagnosis of migraine according to the criteria of the International Classification of Headache Disorders III, beta appendix criteria. The subjects were divided into a group of women who lived together with two or more other students and a control group of age-matched students who lived alone, interviewed with a specific questionnaire and assessed for 3 months by means of a paper pain diary. The data evaluated included frequency of headache, presence of menstrual migraine, intensity of headache, medications used including contraceptives, and triggering factors such as diet, sleep deprivation, and stress. The menstrual data and data related to migraine were also investigated in the roommates. Results A higher occurrence of menstrual migraine among women living together (9, 50%) compared with women living alone (3, 16.7%) ( P = .03) was detected. After binary logistic regression analysis, this finding was not related to the main influencing factors detected, that is, use of a contraceptive, test stress, or sleep deprivation ( P = .03, adjusted odds ratio: 7.87; 1.23-50.36). These women also showed menstrual cycle synchrony with their roommates (8, 44.4%) and the presence of headache crises during the menstruation of their colleagues (11, 61.1%). Conclusion The present study detected a higher occurrence of menstrual migraine among women who lived together. Since there was no previous description of this topic in the literature, it was believed that the present study could represent a step toward more elaborate investigations of this complex topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This paper discusses the results of ethno-ornithological research conducted on the local ecological knowledge (LEK) of artisanal fishers in northeast Brazil between August 2013 and October 2014. Methods: The present study analyzed the LEK of 240 artisanal fishermen in relation to Nearctic shorebirds and the factors that may be affecting their populations. We examined whether differences occurred according to the gender and age of the local population. The research instruments included semi-structured and check-list interviews. Results: We found that greater knowledge of migratory birds and the areas where they occur was retained by the local men compared with the local women. Half of the male respondents stated that the birds are always in the same locations, and most of the respondents believed that changes in certain populations were caused by factors related to habitat disturbance, particularly to increases in housing construction and visitors to the island. The main practices affecting the presence of migratory birds mentioned by the locals were boat traffic and noise from bars and vessels. According to the artisanal fishermen, the population of migratory birds that use the area for foraging and resting has been reduced over time. Conclusions: Changes in the local landscape related to urbanization and tourism are most likely the primary causes underlying the reduced migratory shorebird populations as reported by local inhabitants. Thus, managing and monitoring urbanization and tourism are fundamental to increasing the success of the migration process and improving the conservation of migratory shorebird species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the level of microstrain that is exerted during polymerization of acrylic resins used for splinting during implant impressions. Material and Methods: Two acrylic resins (GC Pattern Resin, Duralay II) and square transfer coping splinting methods were evaluated by means of strain gauge analysis. Two implants were embedded in a polyurethane block, and the abutments were positioned. Sixty specimens were prepared using two square transfer copings that were rigidly connected to each other using the acrylic resins. The specimens were randomly divided into three groups of 20 each for the splinting methods: Method 1 was a one-piece method; in method 2, the splint was separated and reconnected after 17 minutes; and in method 3, the splint was separated and reconnected after 24 hours. In each group, half the specimens were splinted with GC Pattern Resin and the other half were splinted with Duralay II. Three microstrain measurements were performed by four strain gauges placed on the upper surface of the polyurethane blocks at 5 hours after resin polymerization for all groups. The data were analyzed statistically. Results: Both resin type and splinting method significantly affected microstrain. Interaction terms were also significant. Method 1 in combination with Duralay II produced significantly higher microstrain (1,962.1 µε) than the other methods with this material (method 2: 241.1 µε; method 3: 181.5 µε). No significant difference was found between splinting methods in combination with GC Pattern Resin (method 1: 173.8 µε; method 2:112.6 µε; method 3: 105.4 µε). Conclusions: Because of the high microstrain generated, Duralay II should not be used for one-piece acrylic resin splinting, and separation and reconnection are suggested. For GC Pattern Resin, variations in splinting methods did not significantly affect the microstrain created. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Saúde Coletiva is the property of MPM Comunicacao 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 JBES: Brazilian Journal of Health Economics / Jornal Brasileiro de Economia da Saúde is the property of JBES: Brazilian Journal of Health Economics 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.)

Given that mental symptoms might interfere with the quality of life (QOL) of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHAs), the goal of this paper was to examine the correlation between depression, anxiety, and QOL in a sample of HIV-positive Brazilians. A cross-sectional study was designed to analyze the correlations between the presence of mental symptoms and the QOL scores of PLHAs. Depression and anxiety symptoms were measured using the Beck Depression Inventory and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, respectively. The QOL was assessed using theWorld Health Organization Quality of Life instrument – HIV module. A convenience sample of 308 men and women living with HIV (131 asymptomatic, 91 symptomatic, and 86 with AIDS) in Porto Alegre/RS-Brazil was selected. The depression scores were higher in patients with AIDS compared with asymptomatic and symptomatic patients, yet there were no differences in the anxiety scores between the stages of infection. Better QOL scores were observed in the earlier stages of infection (asymptomatic and symptomatic groups). In the correlation between mental symptoms and QOL scores, the Pearson’s coefficient values were of a moderate (r = .47) to a large (r = .65) magnitude for depressive symptoms, and the scores for the anxiety symptoms were small to moderate (r ⩽ .35). After adjusting for the disease stage and clinical and sociodemographic variables in a multiple regression model (using QOL as the dependent variable), the depressive symptoms showed significantly higher beta-coefficient values compared with the remaining variables. The data obtained from this study indicate that the QOL of PLHAs is primarily affected by depression. Thus, it has been strongly recommended that treatment programs dedicated to PLHAs assess depressive symptoms, providing subsequent referrals and treatments. Treating depression might be effective for PLHAs and might potentially improve both the overall QOL and the health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Aims This paper assessed the reliability and construct validity of the new version of a patient classification instrument. Background In the development of patient classification instruments, monitoring validity and reliability is essential to assure that patient care requirements and nursing staff workload are appropriately measured. Design method The sample included 194 patients (construct validity test) and 60 patients (inter-rater reliability test) at medical, surgical, and specialized wards of a teaching hospital in the south east of Brazil. The study was conducted in 2009-2010. For analysis purposes, Spearman's correlation and Cronbach's alpha (internal consistency) were used, and weighted kappa (inter-rater reliability), factor analysis with principal axis factoring extraction method (construct validity) and ordinal regression (instrument's predictive ability). Results A high level of inter-rater agreement was found. The importance of all care areas and their contribution to distinguish patient care needs and category in the new instrument were demonstrated. Results also showed the instrument's high predictive ability (99·6%). Conclusion The findings give the evidence that the new scale is a reliable and valid tool to assess patient care needs and care category and that it can be used to guide nursing management practice in determining the nursing staff workload. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Applied Economics / Economía Aplicada is the property of FEA-RP, Universidade de Sao Paulo 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: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex autoimmune disease mediated by an immune response to central nervous system antigens. Modern immunomodulatory therapies, however, do not ameliorate many of the symptoms, such as pain and depression. Patients thus seek alternative treatments, such as acupuncture, although the benefits of such treatments have not been objectively evaluated. The present study was thus designed to evaluate the effect of the use of acupuncture in the alleviation of the symptoms of patients with MS. Methods: Thirty-one patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis undergoing treatment with immunomodulators were randomly distributed into sex-stratified experimental and placebo groups in a patient-and evaluator-blind design; they received either true or sham electroacupuncture during regular visits to the doctor in the university hospital outpatient clinic. Standardized questionnaires were used to evaluate the effect of electroacupuncture on the quality of life of these patients. Initial and follow-up assessment included the evaluation of clinical status (Expanded Disability Status Scale), pain (Visual Analogue Scale) and quality of life (Functional Assessment of multiple Sclerosis) to ascertain the impact of electroacupuncture on the quality of life of these patients. Results: Electroacupuncture improved various aspects of quality of life, including a reduction in pain and depression. The self-report scales were more sensitive to improvement than was the more objective clinical measure. Conclusion: This paper provides evidence that electroacupuncture can significantly improve the quality of life of such patients. The results suggest that the routine use of a self-report scale evaluating quality of life should be included in regular clinical evaluations in order to detect changes more rapidly. Trial Registration: RBR-58yq52 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In old age, social groups can be a crucial component for health and well-being. In 2009-2010, a follow-up survey was carried out in Florianópolis, Brazil to understand the impact of a variety of programs established since 2002 that were designed to enhance social activities among the older adult population. This study employed two surveys within the population of older adults in Florianópolis. The first survey interviewed a total of 875 older adults in 2002, and the second survey involved 1,705 older adults between 2009 and 2010. By 2010, many new programs were offered in the community and the enrollment of older adults in social programs followed similar trends. "Conviv&#00EA;ncia" groups stood out as extremely popular social groups among this population. This paper discusses some of the potential outcomes associated with participation in "conviv&#00EA;ncia" groups [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objective. The goal of this paper was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Nursing Work Index-Revised - Brazilian version (B-NWI-R). Background. Some instruments evaluate the presence of certain characteristics in the professional practice environment of nurses. Among them, the B-NWI-R, often cited in the literature and which is examined in the present study. This instrument is composed of 57 items and four subscales: autonomy, control over the work environment, nurse-physician relationships and organisational support. Design. A cross-sectional research design was carried out in three public university hospitals in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. Methods. The sample was composed of 278 nurses. The reliability of the instrument was evaluated through its homogeneity, using the Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The validity of the subscales of the B-NWI-R was evaluated through divergent construct validity and criterion-related validity. For the divergent construct validity, the Brazilian version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) was employed, while for the criterion-related validity, variables such as 'satisfaction at work', 'perception of quality of care' and 'nurses' intention to leave work in the following year' were considered. Results. The results showed satisfactory consistency for the total of the items ( α = 0·95) and for the subscales of the B-NWI-R: 'control over practice settings' ( α = 0·75); 'nurse-physician relationships' ( α = 0·75); 'organisational support' ( α = 0·75) and 'autonomy' ( α = 0·63). The divergent validity resulted in significant correlation between the adapted instrument subscales and those of the MBI. In addition, a significant correlation was obtained between the subscales of the B-NWI-R and the variables 'perception of quality of care', 'satisfaction at work' and 'intention to leave work in the following year'. Conclusion. The reliability and validity of the B-NWI-R have been established. Relevance to clinical practice. The B-NWI-R subscales can be used to assess the nurses' perceptions of the work environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical Education 2011:: 748-755 Research activity is not a mandatory component of medical education in many developing countries, including Brazil, although such experiences can have a positive impact on the quality of medical education. The interest and involvement of medical students in research and the barriers they face in accessing research training in developing countries have not been adequately addressed. We sought to assess the availability of scientific training programmes in Brazilian medical schools, the degree of involvement of medical students in these programmes, the main barriers to student involvement in research and possible reasons for the lack of scientific training programmes. This study examined 13 medical programmes conducted in six Brazilian states. A total of 1004 medical students were interviewed. We evaluated the availability of scientific training in the institutions attended by these students, the participation of the students in such activities and students' reasons for not joining such programmes based on student answers to our questionnaire. Although only 7% of the medical students expressed no interest in research, only 60% of them were involved in research training. Students regarded a lack of institutional incentive as the most significant barrier to their participation in research activities. Other significant barriers included defective infrastructure and insufficient time available for professors to mentor undergraduate students. According to the feedback from the students, eight of the 13 schools investigated featured structured programmes for scientific training. However, a mean of only 47% of students participated in scientific training programmes on their campuses and 13% of students were compelled to pursue such activities off-campus. Although scientific training during medical education in Brazil is still less frequent than expected, most of the students were interested in research activities. The barriers to undergraduate scientific training described in this paper may help the Brazilian government improve research training in medical schools. These issues might also be explored in other developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high incidence of waterborne diseases is observed worldwide and in order to address contamination problems prior to an outbreak, quantitative microbial risk assessment is a useful tool for estimating the risk of infection. The objective of this paper was to assess the probability of Giardia infection from consuming water from shallow wells in a peri-urban area. Giardia has been described as an important waterborne pathogen and reported in several water sources, including ground waters. Sixteen water samples were collected and examined according to the US EPA (1623, 2005). A Monte Carlo method was used to address the potential risk as described by the exponential dose response model. Giardia cysts occurred in 62.5% of the samples (<0.1-36.1 cysts/l). A median risk of 10-1 for the population was estimated and the adult ingestion was the highest risk driver. This study illustrates the vulnerability of shallow well water supply systems in peri-urban areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de Contabilidade e Organizações is the property of Revista de Contabilidade e Organizacoes 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.)

Aim. This paper is a report of a study on the association between sleep patterns during work nights and recovery from work among nursing workers, considering domestic work hours. Background. Several hospitals allow nursing workers to sleep during the night shift, but this is rarely evaluated from the workers' health perspective. The need for recovery from work concept can be useful for testing the impact of night work on sleep. Recovery is not a problem if workers have enough time to recover between periods of work. Therefore, domestic work would be likely to interfere in the recovery process. Methods. This cross-sectional study was carried out at three hospitals in 2005-2006, through a comprehensive questionnaire. All nursing teams engaged in assistance to patients were invited to participate. Analyses included female night workers with no incidence of insomnia. Participants (n = 396) were classified into those who did not sleep during night shifts, those who slept for up to 2 hours and those who slept for 2-3 hours. Results. Binomial logistic regression analysis showed that sleeping on the job for 2-3 hours during night shifts is related to a better recovery from work provided the workers do not undergo long domestic work hours. Conclusions. Being allowed to sleep at work during night shifts seemed to contribute to, but was not enough to guarantee, a good recovery from work in the studied population. Recommendations to deal with sleep-deprivation among night workers should consider the complexity of gender roles on the recovery process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper assesses the effects of non-aqueous fluids (NAF)-associated drill cuttings discharge on shelf break macrobenthic communities in the Campos Basin, off the southeast Brazilian coast, Rio de Janeiro State. Samples were taken with a 0.25-m2 box corer from surrounding two oil and gas wells on three monitoring cruises: before drilling, three months after drilling, and 22 months after drilling. Statistical methodologies used Bayesian geostatistical and analysis of variance models to evaluate the effects of the NAF-associated drill cuttings discharge and to define the impact area. The results indicated that marked variations were not observed in the number of families between cruises, though there were changes in the fauna composition. The changes seen in biological descriptors in both control and background situation areas were not considered significant, showing a temporal homogeneity in means. The impact area presented changes in biological descriptors of communities and trophic structure during the three cruises and such changes were correlated to chemical and physical variables related to the drilling activities, as a result of the mix of drill cuttings and sediment and the anoxic conditions established in the substrate. In that area, three months after drilling, a decrease in diversity and an increase in density, motile deposit-feeders and Pol/Crp ratio, and dominance of opportunistic organisms, such as the capitellid Capitella sp., were observed and, 22 months after drilling, an increase of diversity, reduction of dominance of capitellid polychaete, changes in the fauna composition, and a dominance of opportunistic burrowing and tube-building organisms were observed, indicating an ecological succession process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper has an objective to present and to test a modification in the traditional Fama and French Multifactor Model (1996), from the necessities of adaptation for the Brazilian case. This model takes in consideration two anomalies, which has to be added to the CAPM Model: size and book-to-market. We made here an application with the results presented for the 205 stocks negotiated at BOVESPA, and we also made a modification on the original model from the verification of the problems with the assumptions that need some corrections. Then, we incorporated some parameters of the ARCH and GARCH Models. The results demonstrate that the heteroscedasticity autoregressive models can be used to improve the original Fama and French Model, when applied to the Brazilian market. The conclusion of the paper also indicated that the modifications of the model present statistically significant results, in the majority of cases, corroborating what was suggested by the tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents results of turbulence measurements made in the south of Brazil in the Pampa region. Data collected at 1Hz are used to calculate standard deviations of temperature and velocities. On the other hand data collected at 10Hz are used to study the behaviour of spectra and cospectra of turbulence in the surface layer. Dimensionless dissipation rates of turbulent kinetic energy and temperature variance are also presented. The framework of Monin–Obukhov Similarity theory is used and all results are compared with other experimental studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the glycaemic response after ingestion of two specialised oral and enteral nutrition formulas for glycaemic control. The participants were sixteen healthy volunteers, aged 21–49 years, with normal glucose tolerance. The volunteers attended the tests fasting for 10 h, for 5 weeks, and consumed the reference food – glucose solution – for 3 weeks, and the two formulas DiamaxO and DiamaxIG in the following weeks, in amounts equivalent to 25 g of available carbohydrates. During the period of 120 min, seven blood samples were taken through capillary blood sampling to determine the glycaemic response. The glycaemic index (GI) was calculated according to the trapezoidal rule, ignoring areas below the fasting line. The glycaemic load (GL) was determined by the formula GL = ((GI(glucose = reference) × 'g' of available carbohydrate per serving]/100. The formulas showed low GI and GL. GI = 37·8 and GL = 6·6 for DiamaxO and GI = 21·5 and GL = 3·5 for DiamaxIG. The peak of the glycaemic response occurred 30 min after ingestion, with a marked difference in blood glucose between the Diamax products in relation to glucose. Differences were also significant at times 15, 45, 60 and 90 min in relation to glucose (ANOVA with post hoc Bonferroni, P < 0·005), but not between the two products. However, the AUC and the GI of DiamaxIG are significantly smaller than that of the DiamaxO second t test (P = 0·0059). The glycaemic response to the products is quite reduced, presenting a curve with a little accentuated shape, without high peak, especially in the modified product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about the mental health status of Brazilians living in the U.S. We assessed the prevalence and correlates of depression to guide the development of culturally relevant community-based mental health interventions. An online survey was conducted between July and August 2020 among a sample of Brazilian women living in the U.S. (age 18 and over, born in Brazil, English or Portuguese speaking) recruited through Brazilian social media pages and community organizations. The survey assessed depression using the Center for Epidemiological Study Depression Scale (CES-D-10), the Everyday Discrimination Scale (EDS), the Oslo Social Support Scale (OSSS), and community strengths (CS). We first assessed the correlation between CES-D-10 scores and EDS, OSSS, and CS. We found that half of the participants (52.2%) had CES-D-10 scores of 10 or greater, indicating the presence of depressive symptomatology. In a multivariable model controlling for significant covariates (age, time lived in U.S.), EDS was positively associated with CES-D-10 scores (β = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.45, 0.83), while OSSS was negatively associated with CES-D-10 scores (β = -0.53, 95% C I= -0.80, -0.27). No statistically significant relationship was observed between CES-D-10 and CS scores. In this sample of Brazilian immigrant women, depressive symptomatology was highly prevalent, and experiences of discrimination were associated with increased symptoms of depression. There is a need to understand and address mental health in Brazilian immigrant women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An individual's dietary pattern contributes in different ways to the prevention and control of recurrent cardiovascular events. However, the quality of the diet is influenced by several factors. The present study aimed to evaluate the quality of the diet of individuals with cardiovascular diseases and determine whether there is an association between sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. Methods: This is a cross‐sectional study carried out with individuals with atherosclerosis (coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease or peripheral arterial disease) recruited from 35 reference centres for the treatment of cardiovascular disease in Brazil. Diet quality was assessed according to the Modified Alternative Healthy Eating Index (mAHEI) and stratified into tertiles. For comparing two groups, the Mann–Whitney or Pearson's chi‐squared tests were used. However, for comparing three or more groups, analysis of variance or Kruskal–Wallis was used. For the confounding analysis, a multinomial regression model was used. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In total, 2360 individuals were evaluated: 58.5% male and 64.2% elderly. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) of the mAHEI was 24.0 (20.0–30.0), ranging from 0.4 to 56.0 points. When comparing the odds ratios (ORs) for the low (first tertile) and medium (second tertile) diet quality groups with the high‐quality group (third tertile), it was observed that there was an association between diet quality with a family income of 1.885 (95% confidence intervals [CI] = 1.302–2.729) and 1.566 (95% CI = 1.097–2.235), as well as physical activity of 1.391 (95% CI = 1.107–1.749) and 1.346 (95% CI = 1.086–1.667), respectively. In addition, associations were observed between diet quality and region of residence. Conclusions: A low‐quality diet was associated with family income, sedentarism and geographical area. These data are extremely relevant to assist in coping with cardiovascular disease because they enable an assessment of the distribution of these factors in different regions of the country. Key points: A better diet quality was observed for individuals who practiced physical activity, with a medium or high family income, as well as for individuals residing in the Northeast region of Brazil. By contrast, poor diet quality was observed in individuals residing in the South Region. When analysing the level of education, the increase in the consumption of vegetables, whole grains and fruits was associated with education, being higher for those with 13 years or more of study (p = 0.047; p = 0.012) and 9–12 years of study (p = 0.008), respectively, compared to those who studied up to 8 years. These findings are relevant to understanding the factors that may be associated with diet quality in different regions of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Agricultural Science & Technology (1008-0864) is the property of Journal of Agricultural Science & Technology 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: Hunting is a vital means of obtaining animal in various human populations. Hunters rely on their knowledge of species ecology and behavior to develop and employ hunting techniques and increase their chances of success. The comparison of the hunting practices of different human societies can shed light on the sustainability of hunting and the impact it has on species' populations. In this study, we examine and compare the techniques, modalities, and baits used by urban and rural hunters in Rondônia, a state in southwestern Amazonia, Brazil. We expected that rural hunters would use these elements and have greater knowledge when compared to urban hunters. We also expect that the use of specific hunting techniques and modalities will have greater selectivity and specificity of capture for rural hunters and that this knowledge will differ between groups. Methods: We conducted 106 semi-structured interviews with rural and urban hunters from October 2018 to February 2020. We analyzed the data using PERMANOVA and Network analyses to compare and contrast the hunting practices of each group. Results: We recorded four main hunting techniques divided into ten modalities with three techniques and seven modalities being the preferred choices among hunters. Waiting for at a Fruit Tree was cited as the primary technique employed by hunters living in urban and rural areas indicated. While the techniques and modalities were similar among hunters, the composition of species targeted and baits used differed between groups. Our network approach showed that modularity in urban areas was numerically lower than in rural areas. All species had one to more techniques associated with their capture. Conclusions: Hunters living in urban and rural environments showed high similarity in their practices, probably due to sharing similar environments to hunt containing similar species, as well as targeting preferably the same species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Since sex-specific accumulated oxygen deficit (AOD) during high-intensity swimming remains unstudied, this study aimed to assess AOD during 50, 100, and 200 m front-crawl performances to compare the responses between sexes and analyse the effect of lean body mass (LBM). Methods: Twenty swimmers (16.2 ± 2.8 years, 61.6 ± 7.8 kg, and 48.8 ± 11.2 kg LBM—50% males) performed 50, 100, and 200 m to determine accumulated oxygen uptake (V̇O2Ac). The swimmers also performed an incremental test from which five submaximal steps were selected to estimate the oxygen demand (V̇O2demand) from the V̇O2 versus velocity adjustment. V̇O2 was sampled using a gas analyser coupled with a respiratory snorkel. AOD was the difference between V̇O2demand and V̇O2Ac, and LBM (i.e. lean mass not including bone mineral content) was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Results: A two-way ANOVA evidenced an AOD increase with distance for both sexes: 19.7 ± 2.5 versus 24.9 ± 5.5, 29.8 ± 8.0 versus 36.5 ± 5.8, and 41.5 ± 9.4 versus 5.2 ± 11.9 ml × kg−1, respectively, for 50, 100, and 200 m (with highest values for females, P < 0.01). Inverse correlations were observed between LBM and AOD for 50, 100, and 200 m (r = − 0.60, − 0.38 and − 0.49, P < 0.05). AOD values at 10 and 30 s elapsed times in each trial decreased with distance for both sexes, with values differing when female swimmers were compared to males in the 200 m trial (at 10 s: 2.6 ± 0.6 vs. 3.4 ± 0.6; and at 30 s: 7.9 ± 1.7 vs. 10.0 ± 1.8 ml × kg−1, P < 0.05). Conclusion: LBM differences between sexes influenced AOD values during each trial, suggesting that reduced muscle mass in female swimmers plays a role on the higher AOD (i.e. anaerobic energy) demand than males while performing supramaximal trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to analyze the effects of exergaming and resistance training on reaction time in older adults and to investigate intraindividual variability in reaction time. Thirty-six participants (62.1 ± 7.1 years), randomly assigned to exergaming (n = 17) or resistance training (n = 19) groups, underwent two protocols of physical training carried out three times a week for 13 weeks. The exergaming program was based on games from Kinect Sports and Kinect Adventures collections using a console Xbox 360 Kinect. In the resistance-training program, each session consisted of ten full-body exercises using free weights and weight machines. Outcomes were reaction time in simple (finger-press test) and complex (Stroop test) tasks and intraindividual variability. A mixed model analysis of variance was conducted, and effects sizes were calculated. Interactions effects revealed no significant differences between groups before and after 13 weeks of training. Regarding the main effects, only the exergaming group showed a significant (p = 0.041) and relevant decrease in reaction time in a complex task (neutral test) when compared to the pre- (1854 ± 732 ms) and post-tests (1530 ± 521 ms). The resistance-training group showed a trend (relevant effect size) of improvement in intraindividual variability in reaction time. These results suggest that both interventions could benefit the cognitive function of older adults. Exergaming improves the reaction time in a complex task, and resistance training improves the intraindividual variability. However, exergaming was not superior to resistance training in any of the outcomes. Trial Registration: Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (RBR-7fh22d/) on 06/07/2019, retrospectively registered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: To adapt, validate and assess the psychometric properties of the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS-19 items), Interdisciplinary Education Perception Scale (IEPS-18 items) and Team Skills Scale (TSS-17 items) in 484 undergraduate students. Methods: Transcultural adaptation of the scales was performed. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, factor analysis, and convergent and discriminant validity were determined. Results: The instruments showed good internal consistency and test-retest reliability for total score. However, factor analyses revealed differences in the subscales compared to the original validations. The RIPLS detected more differences, discriminating gender, race, course semester and course enrolled. The TSS and IEPS detected differences in age and course enrolled. Conclusions: These scales appear to have satisfactory psychometric properties and could be used in both research and education. The subscales, however, should be interpreted with caution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic forced governments to implement measures that disrupted the daily routines of many families worldwide. We studied how the COVID-19 lockdown affected children's routines in Portugal (PT), Brazil (BR), and Italy (IT) to determine if children's age and country impacted their physical activity (PA) and sedentary time. We launched an anonymous online survey to assess how 3–12 years old children adjusted their daily routines to this situation. Parents reported the times each child was engaged in different activities throughout the day, and we used these data to calculate separately overall sedentary and physical activity time. We conducted separate analyses of variance for age and country on the percentage of time spent in the different activities. Results, based on the data from 3045 children in these three countries (PT n = 2044; BR n = 836; IT n = 165), showed that, during lockdown, most children spent most of their awake daily hours in sedentary activities. There was a clear age effect on the way their routines were organized. Percentages of time spent in intellectual activity, playful screen activity, and overall sedentary time were greater in the older age groups, whereas percentages of time spent in play (with and without PA) and in overall PA were greater in the younger groups. We found a main effect of country for all variables except play without PA. The country effect was mainly due to the difference between the routines in BR when compared to PT and IT. Values of playful screen time and overall sedentary activity were higher in BR than in the two European countries. Conversely, values for play with PA, PA, and overall PA (except in the older group) were lower in BR. Patterns of time spent in these activities were similar in IT and PT, but PA and overall PA times were higher in the two younger age groups in IT. In summary, percentage of PA time of confined children was low and decreased with age across all three countries and was particularly low for children in BR relative to those in PT and IT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultra-processed foods (UPF) have been associated with cardiometabolic outcomes, but the literature has still not reported their association with the incidence of dyslipidaemias, one of the most important risk factors for the occurrence of CVD. The objective of this study was to verify the association between consumption of UPF and incidence of dyslipidaemia in Brazilian civil servants at a 4-year follow-up. The study used data from 5275 participants at baseline and on the first follow-up visit in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). We applied a FFQ at baseline and identified UPF from NOVA classification of foods as to the extent and purpose of processing. The proportion (weight) of UPF in the total diet was calculated for each participant and categorised in tertiles, corresponding to low (first tertile), medium (second tertile) and high (third tertile) consumption. A mixed-effects logistic model was used to obtain the incidence of dyslipidaemia associated with the consumption of UPF. Individuals with medium and high consumption of UPF showed increases in the risks of development of isolated hypercholesterolaemia by 12 % (OR = 1·12, CI 1·00, 1·27) and 28 % (OR = 1·28, CI 1·12, 1·47), of isolated hypertriacylglycerolaemia by 14 % (OR = 1·14, CI 1·03, 1·26) and 30 % (OR = 1·30, CI 1·17–1·45), of mixed hyperlipidaemia by 21 % (OR = 1·21, CI 1·05, 1·39) and 38 % (OR = 1·38, CI 1·18, 1·62), and of low-HDL by 12 % (OR = 1·12, CI 1·00–1·24) and 18 % (OR = 1·18, CI 1·05, 1·32), respectively, compared with participants who consumed less UPF. Our findings showed important cardiovascular risk associated with the consumption of UPF and a gradient in the consumption's effect, so these products should be discouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies have linked parental discipline with children's emotional experiences, and not much data explore children's emotional attributions to discipline linked to externalizing behaviour. With a sample from Brazil, this study examines which emotions children most aptly attribute to a protagonist facing spanking, time‐out or inductive discipline for norm violations. We hypothesized that anger, sadness, and fear would have higher attribution rates at spanking or time‐out, relative to inductive discipline and that happiness would have higher attribution rates at induction relative to the other discipline modalities. We expected these findings to be more pronounced in older children. Based on emotional functions, we also tested the role of neutrality and happiness attributions to discipline in children's externalizing behaviour. A two‐way MANOVA, with discipline and child age as explanatory variables, showed that children attributed more anger at time‐out or spanking than at induction, and more happiness and neutrality at induction than at either time‐out or spanking. Older children attributed significantly more sadness and less fear or neutrality. Hierarchical regressions showed that child externalizing behaviour was negatively related to happy attributions in discipline independently of child emotion situation knowledge or demographics. The results are interpreted in light of a functional view of emotions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Kineanthropometry & Human Performance is the property of Brazilian Journal of Kineanthropometry & Human Performance 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 Brazilian Journal of Kineanthropometry & Human Performance is the property of Brazilian Journal of Kineanthropometry & Human Performance 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 Gaucha de Enfermagem is the property of Revista Gaucha de Enfermagem 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.)

to verify the effects of aerobic exercise training in circulating BDNF, VEGF165 and IGF-1 plasma levels and cognitive function in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) patients. 34 AD patients participated in the study, divided in two groups: Control Group (CG; n = 16) and Training Group (TG; n = 18 – Moderate aerobic training on the treadmill, three times a week, for 12 weeks). BDNF, VEGF165, and IGF-1 plasma levels were considered as a primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included cognitive functions and aerobic fitness. After 12 weeks, maintenance of executive functioning in the TG was found, yet no significant changes on circulating neurotrophins levels were identified. For aerobic fitness, there was an increment in TG group. Twelve weeks of aerobic training were neither effective in improving cognitive functioning significantly, nor influential on circulating neurotrophins levels in AD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Texto & Contexto Enfermagem is the property of Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Programa de Pos-Graduacao de Enfermagem 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 Fisioterapia e Pesquisa is the property of Universidade de Sao Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina 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: The elimination of pathogenic microorganisms from the root canal system is one of the major steps required for successful endodontic treatment. The aim of the proposed study is to conduct a randomized, controlled, clinical trial for the clinical and radiographic evaluation of the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy during the endodontic treatment of primary teeth.Methods: Thirty primary anterior teeth in children aged 3 to 6 years old will be randomly divided into 2 groups: a control group, which will receive conventional treatment, and an experimental group, which will be subjected to photodynamic therapy. Microbiological evaluations will be performed before and after endodontic treatment. Moreover, clinical and radiographic evaluations will be performed on the day of treatment as well as 1, 3 and 6 months after treatment. Comparisons will be made of the two study groups. The data will be tabulated and presented in a descriptive, analytical fashion. Depending on the distribution (normal or non-normal), either the t test, ANOVA or the Mann-Whitney test will be used for analysis of the variables. The Wilcoxon test will be used for comparisons before and after treatment. P values<0.05 (95% significance level) will be considered indicative of statistically significant differences.Discussion: As successful endodontic treatment is directly related to intra-canal bacterial disinfection and considering the difficult task of endodontic treatment in primary teeth, often due to difficulties in controlling young children, the internal anatomy of root canals and root resorption, the alternative of using PDT is a painless,easy-to-administer method that does not lead to microbial resistance and can assist in the achievement of successful endodontic treatment in primary teeth by eliminating the pain children can experience due to retreatment as well as premature tooth loss.Trial Registration: The protocol for this study was registered with Clinical Trials number NCT02485210 on 30 july 2015. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying nematode damage in large soybean areas is not always achievable in a practical way. Multispectral reflectance sensors have not been thoroughly evaluated to detect nematode damage in soybeans (Glycine max L.). The main research aims of this study were to: (i) determine the bivariate relationship between individual spectral bands and vegetation indices (VIs) relative to soybean conditions (symptomatic versus asymptomatic), and (ii) to select the best model for identifying plant conditions using three algorithms (logistic regression—LR, random forest—RF, conditional inference tree—CIT) and three options for data input using bands, vegetation indices (VIs), and bands plus VIs. The trial was conducted in Brazil on three on-farm soybean fields presenting different species of nematode infestation. Multispectral imagery was obtained using a drone-mounted MicaSense RedEdge® sensor. At each sampling, georeferenced point nematode infestation and spectral measurements of soybean plants were retrieved for the classification of symptomatic and asymptomatic areas, according to the threshold level adopted. Bivariate analysis of variance (ANOVA), LR, RF, and CIT were used to select the multispectral bands/VIs that discriminated among symptomatic and asymptomatic plants, assessing the best model via their respective parameters for accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. The greatest classification accuracy (>0.70) was achieved when using the CIT algorithm with the spectral bands only, with green (560 ± 20 nm) and near-infrared (840 ± 40 nm) included as the main spectral input variables in the model. These results demonstrate the potential of combining remotely sensed data and machine learning to distinguish nematode-symptomatic and asymptomatic soybean plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Brazil, the passion fruit woodiness disease is caused by the cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus (CABMV). It is considered one of the most economically important diseases in the passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims). This study aims to implement the recurrent selection to develop passion fruit cultivars resistant to CABMV and with good agronomic performance. The experiment was led in Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro–Brazil, in a randomized block design with 90 full-sib families, three replications, and three plants per plot. The area below the mean disease progress curve (AUDPCM) was estimated, and the total production per plant (TPP) was evaluated. The estimate analysis of variance components and prediction of genetic gains were performed using the REML/BLUP procedure (Restricted Maximum Likelihood/Best Linear Unbiased Prediction). At the end of the evaluations, all plants presented symptoms of the disease, with different levels of severity. For families RS32 and RS33, the largest number of individuals selected for TPP was obtained. A AUDPCM values ranged from 468.75 to 1717.50 for individuals 438 and 604, respectively. In the selection for AUDPCM, families RS91 and RS84 stood out, with the highest number of resistant individuals selected. Genotypes 497, 582, 438, 495, 581, 92, 791, 506, 552, 183, 443, 669, 219, 724, 189, 378, 477, 244, 239, 126, and 174, are promising and can be used as parents to obtain progenies, to compose the next cycle of recurrent selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates Brazilians medical students' Quality of Life and verified associated factors, according to graduation medical cycles: basic (two first years), theoretical-practical (third and fourth years) and clinical (fifth and sixth years). Data were obtained from QualiMed study, conducted at Medical School of Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil, using WHOQOL-Bref. Analyses were performed using ANOVA and multiple logistic regressions. A total of 1470 medical students participated and were more satisfied than dissatisfied with their quality of life. Psychological Domain obtained the worst assessment (60.64) and Environment Domain the best one (68.14). The perception of quality of life improved over the course, being worse in the basic cycle and better in the clinical cycle, statistically different for all domains (p-value<0.05). Most variables were negatively associated with quality of life, indicating that their absence reduces the chances of a better perception. Absence of regular physical activity and having depression symptoms were negatively associated with all WHOQOL-Bref Domains. Individual, behavioral and psychological aspects negatively impact the quality of life of evaluated students. Psychological support strategies, encouraging resilience and carrying out physical activities are recommended to improve quality of life, mainly in first years of medical school. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) are an attractive cell source for therapeutic applicability in diverse fields for the repair and regeneration of damaged or malfunctioning tissues and organs. There is a growing number of cell therapies using stem cells due to their characteristics of modulation of immune system and reduction of acute rejection. So a challenge in stem cells therapy is the delivery of cells to the organ of interest, a specific site. The aim of this paper was to investigate the effects of a supramolecular assembly composed of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT), molecular magnets (lawsone-Co-phenanthroline), and a synthetic peptide (FWYANHYWFHNAFWYANHYWFHNA) in the hASCs cultures. The hASCs were isolated, characterized, expanded, and cultured with the SWCNT supramolecular assembly (SWCNT-MA). The assembly developed did not impair the cell characteristics, viability, or proliferation. During growth, the cells were strongly attached to the assembly and they could be dragged by an applied magnetic field of less than 0.3 T. These assemblies were narrower than their related allotropic forms, that is, multiwalled carbon nanotubes, and they could therefore be used to guide cells through thin blood capillaries within the human body. This strategy seems to be useful as noninvasive and nontoxic stem cells delivery/guidance and tracking during cell therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this case–control study was to assess the quality of life (QoL) in children with visual impairment from an urban area in Brazil. Participants included children with binocular and monocular visual impairment and normal controls aged between 4 and 15 years. All subjects underwent a basic ophthalmic exam and answered the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ (PedsQL). The score results were compared among the groups with analysis of variance (ANOVA). The sample included 45 children with visual disability (24 binocular and 21 monocular) and 30 age-matched controls. The groups did not differ in age and gender distribution. The child self-report score for the binocular visual impairment group was lower when compared to controls in all four core scales; as compared to monocular children, the binocular group scored lower in physical health and social functioning. The total score of binocular children (67.9 ± 25.2) was lower than that for monocular children (83.0 ± 13.3, p =.01) and controls (84.2 ± 13.6, p <.001). Children with monocular visual disability presented very similar scores to controls in both self-reported and parent proxy inventory (81.6 ± 15.2, p =.97 and 81.9 ± 15.3, p =.99, respectively). These data should help governments develop public health interventions and rehabilitation strategies for visually disabled children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]