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BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic may be having many psychological impacts on people, at both an individual and a community level. OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the relationship between the weekly frequency of physical activity and levels of stress among Brazilian adults during social distancing due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), and the interaction of sex in this association. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study with a descriptive approach conducted at a public university in Curitiba (PR), Brazil. METHODS: 2,000 Brazilian adults (average age 36.4 years; 59.6% women) were recruited according to convenience through digital media. They filled out a questionnaire in electronic format that asked for sociodemographic information, health data, food consumption data, weekly frequency of physical activity and stress levels on the 10-item Kessler psychological distress scale. Descriptive statistics and regression analyses were used to evaluate the data. RESULTS: Associations were observed for the following correlations: male sex * no physical activity (odds ratio (OR): 4.35; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.14-16.67); female sex * physical activity 4 or 5 times a week (OR: 7.86; 95% CI: 2.28-27.05); female sex * physical activity 3 times a week (OR: 7.32; 95% CI: 2.09-25.58); female sex * physical activity 1 or 2 times a week (OR: 14.57; 95% CI: 4.28-49.57); and female sex * no physical activity (OR: 24.17; 95% CI: 7.21-80.97). CONCLUSION: The lower the weekly frequency of physical activity during the period of social distancing was, the greater the chances of having stress levels were, especially for women.

The Triplaris gardneriana Wedd. seeds extract has great therapeutic potential due to numerous biological activities such as antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, which are associated wi...

Resumo Introdução O esporte pode contribuir com a percepção de qualidade de vida dos adolescentes nessa fase de desenvolvimento. Objetivo Comparar os domínios da percepção de qualidade de vida de adolescentes, dos sexos masculino e feminino, praticantes de esporte no contraturno escolar (PE), praticantes de outra modalidade de exercício físico (PMEF) e não praticantes de exercício físico (NPEF). Método O estudo é transversal com delineamento ex post facto, com a população composta por adolescentes e com uma amostra de 374 sujeitos, dividida em três grupos. Para avaliar a percepção de qualidade de vida dos adolescentes, foi utilizado o questionário KIDSCREEN-52, e para a análise comparativa, o teste da Análise de variância (ANOVA) de um fator com post hoc de Scheffe. Resultados As comparações das dimensões de qualidade de vida (QV) mostraram que a prática esportiva é um importante fator para melhores percepções de QV e, consequentemente, uma melhor percepção de bem-estar, isto principalmente para o sexo masculino (F=5,38; 3,86; 4,79; 6,22; 7,93, para sentimentos; estado emocional; autopercepção; amigos; apoio social, respectivamente, p

Objective: Considering the limited number of studies that analyze the behavior of plant preparations in human body, this study aimed to characterize the phenolic compounds from Triplaris gardnerian...

Traditionally, fuzzy neural networks have parametric clustering methods based on equally spaced membership functions to fuzzify inputs of the model. In this sense, it produces an excessive number calculations for the parameters’ definition of the network architecture, which may be a problem especially for real-time large-scale tasks. Therefore, this paper proposes a new model that uses a non-parametric technique for the fuzzification process. The proposed model uses an autonomous data density approach in a pruned fuzzy neural network, wich favours the compactness of the model. The performance of the proposed approach is evaluated through the usage of databases related to the Optical Interconnection Network. Finally, binary patterns classification tests for the identification of temporal distribution (asynchronous or client–server) were performed and compared with state-of-the-art fuzzy neural-based and traditional machine learning approaches. Results demonstrated that the proposed model is an efficient tool for these challenging classification tasks.

The search for new, powerful antimicrobials is essential to respond to the current worldwide spread of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Sponge-associated bacteria have great potential for production of antimicrobials against resistant and multidrug resistant (MDR) pathogenic bacteria, but only few species of the Class Homoscleromorpha have been screened for these activities so far. The aim of this study was to isolate and identify sponge-associated bacteria active against antibiotic-resistant pathogens from sponges of classes Homoscleromorpha and Demospongiae. By employing five different growth conditions, a total of 239 colony-forming units were isolated and remained viable. Among these, 17 (7.1%) isolates presented antimicrobial activity against pathogenic and (multi)drug resistant bacteria including vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Citrobacter freundii, Klebsiella penumoniae, Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. Bioactive bacteria belonging to genera Bacillus and Vibrio were identified at species level and the DNA fingerprint patterns showed that strains of the same genus were not clonally related. The most active strains belong to genus Bacillus and were isolated from Oscarella sp., Plakina cyanorosea and Chondrilla caribensis. Our results show for the first time that sponge-associated strains of Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus muralis have high anti-MDR activity, and that the Homoscleromorpha may be a better source of such anti-MDR active bacteria than the Demospongiae. These results suggest that marine bacteria associated to homoscleromorph sponges may be an interesting source of new antimicrobial substances with biotechnological potential to treat infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

The fuzzy neural networks are efficient hybrid structures to perform tasks of regression, patterns classification and time series prediction. To define its architecture, some models use techniques that fuzzification of data that can divide the sample space in grid format through membership functions. The models that use such techniques achieve results with a high degree of accuracy in their activities, but their structures can vary greatly when the number of features of the problem is high, making of fuzzy neurons an exponential relationship between the number of inputs and the membership functions numbers used in the model of the input space. A multi-neuron structure can make the training and update of parameters damaging to the model’s computational performance, making it impossible to work with problems of high dimensions or even with a high number of samples. To solve the problem of the creation of structures of hybrid models based on neural networks and fuzzy systems this paper proposes the use of a novel fully data-driven algorithm. This algorithm uses an extra cosine similarity-based directional component to work together with a traditional distance metric and nonparametric Empirical Data Analytics to data partitioning and forming data clouds in the first layer of the model. Another problem that exists in fuzzy neural network models is that some of their parameters are defined at random, so they challenging to interpret and can introduce casual situations that may impair model responses. In this paper we also propose the definition of bias and weights of the neurons of the first layer using the concepts of the wavelet transform, allowing the parameters of the neurons also to be directly related to the input data submitted to the model. In the second layer, the unineurons aggregate the neurons generated in the first layer and a regularization function is activated to determine the most significant unineurons. The weights used in the third layer, represented by an artificial neural network with an activation function of type ReLU, are generated using the concepts of the extreme learning machine. To verify the new training approach for fuzzy neural networks, tests with real and synthetic databases were performed for pattern classification, which led to the conclusion that the cloud-based approach and neuron weights generation based on the data frequency of training proves that the accuracy of the model is adequate to perform binary classification problems.

Adolescence is conducive to implementing interventions that encourage healthy lifestyles, especially when there is involvement with sports. The aim of this study was to compare physical activity, physical fitness and quality of life perception of adolescents who practice and do not practice after-school sports. The sample consisted of 374 adolescents, 198 boys and 176 girls, with mean age of 16.35 ± 0.65 and 16.19 ± 0.67 years. The QAFA questionnaire was used to evaluate the level of physical activity and the Fitnessgram was used to evaluate physical fitness. The KIDSCREEN-52 was used to evaluate quality of life perception. One-way ANOVA was conducted for comparisons (p>0.05). Boys and girls who did not practice sports presented lower levels of physical activity and physical fitness compared to those engaged in after-school sports and other type of regular physical exercise (p

RESUMO Objetivo Propor um protocolo de investigação do equilíbrio corporal e determinar valores de referência para diferentes faixas etárias e gênero aplicando a metodologia da posturografia estática com provas dinâmicas em novo equipamento brasileiro de baixo custo para diagnóstico do equilíbrio. Método 297 voluntários hígidos, adultos, idosos e sem queixas vestibulares foram divididos em seis grupos, segundo faixa etária e gênero. Foram avaliados os limites de estabilidade e sete condições sensoriais (C1: olhos abertos, superfície estável; C2: olhos fechados, superfície estável; C3: olhos abertos, superfície instável; C4: olhos fechados, superfície instável; C5: estimulação optocinética para a direita, superfície instável; C6: estimulação optocinética para a esquerda, superfície instável; C7: estimulação túnel, superfície instável). O trabalho foi realizado com o equipamento Horus, fabricado pela empresa brasileira Contronic Sistemas Automáticos. Resultados Os valores de referência do limite de estabilidade foram obtidos para os gêneros feminino e masculino respectivamente, nas faixas de 20 a 59 anos (≥ 12.594 mm2 e ≥ 19.221 mm2), de 60 a 69 anos (≥ 7.031 mm2 e ≥ 12.161 mm2) e de 70 a 89 anos (≥ 6.340 mm2 e ≥ 8.794 mm2). Nos testes de integração sensorial nas condições C1 a C7, conforme aumentou a idade, aumentaram também os valores da área de elipse de confiança. Foram estabelecidos valores percentis de referência para equilíbrio funcional residual e análise sensorial. Conclusão Foi possível estabelecer um protocolo para investigar o equilíbrio corporal com valores de referência em função de diversas faixas etárias e gêneros. ABSTRACT Purpose To propose a protocol for investigating the body balance and determining reference values in different age groups and gender, using the methodology of static posturography with dynamic tests, in low-cost Brazilian equipment for diagnosing balance. Methods The objectives of this study aimed to propose a protocol for investigating the body balance and determining reference values in different age groups and gender, using the methodology of static posturography with dynamic tests, in new low-cost Brazilian equipment for diagnosing balance. Method: 297 healthy volunteers, between 20 and 89 years old, without vestibular complaints, were divided into six groups according to age group and gender. Stability limits and seven sensory conditions named from C1 to C7 were evaluated. The work was carried out using Horus equipment, manufactured in Brazil. Results The reference values of the stability limit for females and males were obtained according to the ages: from 20 to 59 (≥ 12,594 mm2 and ≥ 19,221 mm2); from 60 to 69 (≥ 7,031 mm2 and ≥ 12,161 mm2); from 70 to 89 (≥ 6,340 mm2 and ≥ 8,794 mm2). For sensory integration tests under conditions C1 to C7, as age increased, the values of the Confidence Ellipse (CE) area also increased. Reference percentile values were established for Residual Functional Balance (RFB) and Sensory Analysis (SA). Conclusion A protocol was established to investigate body balance via static posturography as well as reference values for normal individuals were determined, according to the different gender and age groups.

Resumo A presente investigação objetivou verificar modificações no consumo de cigarro e álcool em uma amostra de adolescentes do sistema estadual de ensino da cidade de Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil entre 2015 e 2017. Estudo longitudinal de coorte prospectivo realizado com 799 adolescentes, entre 11 e 15 anos. O consumo leve e excessivo de álcool e de cigarro foram avaliados através do questionário Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). Modificações do consumo de álcool e cigarro foram avaliadas através de modelos de Equação de Estimação Generalizável com distribuição de Poisson para obtenção de razões de taxas de incidência (RTI) com intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC95%). A variável “tempo” foi tratada como variável independente, juntamente com demais possíveis preditores (sexo, faixa etária, estado nutricional, nível socioeconômico, escolaridade do chefe da família, atividade física e tempo em tela). O consumo de cigarros (RTI= 1,32, IC95%= 1,02; 1,71), consumo leve (RTI= 1,32, IC95%= 1,13; 1,53) e excessivo de álcool (RTI= 1,21, IC95%= 1,04; 1,40) cresceram significativamente entre 2015 e 2017. O presente estudo denota que os adolescentes participantes desta investigação estão modificando seus comportamentos em direção a um estilo de vida menos saudável. Abstract The scope of this study was to verify alterations in cigarette and alcohol consumption in a sample of adolescents from the state education system of the city of Curitiba in the State of Paraná between 2015 and 2017. It involved a longitudinal prospective cohort study conducted with 799 adolescents (11 to 15 years of age) between 2015 and 2017. The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBS) questionnaire evaluated mild and excessive alcohol and tobacco consumption. Modifications of alcohol and tobacco consumption were evaluated through Generalizable Estimating Equation (GEE) models with Poisson distribution to obtain Incidence Risk Ratios (IRR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). The “time” variable was treated as an independent variable along with other possible predictors (gender, age bracket, nutritional status, socioeconomic level, head of household education, physical activity and screen time). Tobacco consumption (IRR= 1,32, 95%CI = 1,02; 1,71), mild (IRR= 1,32, 95%CI = 1,13; 1,53) and excessive (IRR= 1,21, 95%CI = 1,04; 1,40) alcohol consumption increased between 2015 and 2017. This study indicates that adolescents participating in this research are modifying their behaviors towards a less healthy lifestyle.

Almost simultaneously, several studies reported the emergence of novel SARS-CoV-2 lineages characterized by their phylogenetic and genetic distinction (1), (2), (3), (4).….

Objective This longitudinal study aimed to verify possible changes in the time spent in sedentary activities occurring as screen-time, educational, cultural, social, and transportation domains in a sample of Brazilian adolescents between 2015 and 2017. Methods It is a longitudinal prospective study with 586 adolescents from 12 to 15 years old at the Baseline (2015) enrolled in 14 public schools from Curitiba, Brazil. The Adolescent Sedentary Activity Questionnaire assessed the time spent in sedentary activities in five domains (recreational screen-time, educational, cultural, social, and transportation). A series of linear random effects regressions analyzed changes in the sedentary time between 2015 and 2017, with p Results Overall, 323 adolescents dropped out of the study resulting in a retention rate of 44.9%. The overall sedentary time remained stable from 2015 to 2017 (-3.98 min/day, 95%CI: -15.39; 7.42). The screen-time decreased (-22.22 min/day, 95%CI: -30.30; -14.15), and educational (8.29 min/day, 95% CI: 3.52; 13.06), cultural (3.41 min/day, 95% CI: 0.66; 6.15) and social sedentary activities (8.20 min/day, 95% CI: 2.06; 14.34) increased from 2015 to 2017. Conclusion Significant reductions in screen-time were evidenced along with increases in time spent on other sedentary activities of educational, cultural, and social nature. KeywordsSedentary behavior, Adolescent health, Longitudinal studies

The rays of the order Myliobatiformes present several diagnostic characters, the most striking one being the presence of a serrated sting on the dorsal region of the tail. Although several morphological hypotheses have been proposed supporting the monophyly and interrelationships of its members, few characters of the appendicular skeleton were employed. In the present study, we analyzed comparatively the pelvic girdle morphology across all the groups of rays to investigate the distribution of the ischial process. To understand its significance, we tested this character of the pelvic girdle as a potential synapomorphy for the Myliobatiformes plus Zanobatus. Accordingly, the phylogenetic position of Zanobatus as a sister taxon to Myliobatiformes is reinforced and its pelvic girdle morphology reinterpreted in relation to previous morphological studies.

Background The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of alcohol and tobacco experimentation by adolescents and to verify the association between cell phone use with alcohol and tobacco consumption in adolescents with different physical activity levels. Methods This work is a cross-sectional study with a representative sample of 772 adolescents (52.6% girls; age: 16.63±0.70 years old). Self-reported questionnaires were assessed to verify the cell phone use, physical activity level, alcohol and tobacco consumption. Logistic regressions tested the associations obtaining odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Results Alcohol and tobacco consumption prevalence reached 43.4% and 7.8% of adolescents, respectively. Insufficiently active adolescents who reported using cell phones more than and 2 hours a day were more likely to use alcohol (OR: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.14 - 2.19) and tobacco (OR: 2.46; 95% CI: 1.23 - 4.96). Conclusions We found a high prevalence of cell phone use and a worrying prevalence of alcohol and tobacco consumption by adolescents. The use of the cell phone for more than two hours a day seemed to be a risk factor for alcohol and tobacco consumption in insufficiently active adolescents.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of two metaphylactic strategies using tildipirosin for the control of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in dairy calves transported to a heifer raising facility within their first week of life. A total of 2,100 calves were enrolled in the study. Animals were transported for ~1,715 km, from dairies located in Minnesota to a calf raising facility located in New Mexico, where they were housed in individual hutches until weaning. Three days after arrival, calves were randomly allocated into three groups: (1) META1: single subcutaneous (SQ) injection of tildipirosin (Zuprevo™, Merck Animal Health) at enrollment at 4 mg/kg; (2) META2: SQ injection of tildipirosin at enrollment and 17 days later; (3) CON: untreated controls. The BRD incidence was 11.4, 10.8, and 9.4% for calves enrolled in the CON, META1, and META2, respectively (P = 0.44). Lung lesions diagnosed through ultrasonography was found in 21.0, 21.0, and 21.8% of calves enrolled in CON, META1, and META2, respectively (P = 0.99). Mortality tended to be greater for CON calves in comparison to META2 calves (1.5 vs. 0.6%, P = 0.06), but did not differ between calves enrolled in CON and META1 groups (1.5 vs. 1.2%, P = 0.55). Growth was not affected by metaphylaxis. The average daily gain for calves enrolled in CON, META1, and META2 was 517, 518 and 525 g, respectively (P = 0.25). Blood analysis revealed that some of the markers of inflammation assessed were influenced by metaphylaxis. At 27 days after enrollment, META2 calves had decreased concentrations of haptoglobin, serum amyloid A, and aspartate aminotransferase, compared to CON calves (P < 0.05). Additionally, CON calves had increased concentrations of globulins and lower albumin to globulin ratio than META2 calves at the end of the weaning period (P < 0.05). In conclusion, tildipirosin metaphylaxis did not decrease the incidence of BRD nor did it have an impact on weight gain. However, metaphylaxis with two injections of tildipirosin at enrollment and 17 days later tended to reduce mortality and improved the systemic inflammatory status of calves during the preweaning period.

Introduction Participation in structured sports activities is essential for the health of adolescents, since adolescence is a period in which several physical, psychological, cognitive and social changes occur, where the sense of autonomy in decision-making may prompt them to adhere to certain health risk behaviors. Objective To verify the association of sports participation with health risk behaviors in adolescent athletes. Methods A cross-sectional study with 367 athletes (15.68 ± 0.78 years) from Curitiba/PR (state of Paraná). Associated factors and health risk behaviors (HRB) were assessed using questionnaires. Poisson regression with robust variance was used to analyze factors associated with HRB, adopting p

Triplaris gardneriana Wedd. is a tree used in folk medicine to treat venereal diseases and inflammation as well as a source of biological compounds with antioxidant capacity. In order to assess the safety of these bioactive compounds, the present study aimed to determine the toxicity of an ethanolic extract of T. gardneriana, (EETg). Toxicological tests included hemolytic activity, toxicity toward the brine shrimp Artemia, cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells (MCF7) and acute oral toxicity in rodents. In addition, toxicogenomics techniques were used to determine genome expression in MCF7 cells exposed to EETg. The results showed that the extract exhibits approximately 60% of hemolytic activity at the highest tested concentration (64 mu g/ml) and toxicity against nauplii of Artemia sp. (LC50 of 67.85 mu g/ml). Further, EETg appears to be cytotoxic to MCF7 (cell viability reduced to 40% at 250 mu g/ml after 24 hr). Genomic data demonstrated differential expression of 14 genes. Data analysis indicated possible altered pathways (e.g., xenobiotic metabolism), possible adverse health risks (e.g., hepatotoxicity), and drugs with similar gene expression profile (e.g., antimicrobials). The investigation provides important information on potentially adverse aspects of EETg, which need to be considered prior to the therapeutic utilization of this plant.

Two experiments were conducted to assess the nutritional value and potential use of mesquite bean (Prosopis juliflora) meal (MBM) to substitute corn in extruded diets for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Digestible energy and the content of protein, soluble carbohydrates and amino acids were measured for 160 Nile tilapia juveniles (average weight 25.58 ± 5.52 g), allocated to eight treatment groups (four fed the experimental diet, and four fed a reference diet). To determine the inclusion potential of MBM, 384 fish (average weight 21.85 ± 1.01 g) were used and allocated to 24 tanks (1,000 L capacity). The experimental design was completely randomized with six levels of substitution (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100%), and four repetitions. After the feeding experiment, tissue samples (blood, liver, muscle and intestine) were used to analyse metabolic and haematological variables. MBM produced apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) similar to those of traditional diet ingredients: 81.85% dry matter (DM), 83.02% crude energy, 88.57% crude protein, 82.88% lysine and 82.57% methionine. Differences were observed in the digestibility of soluble carbohydrates (p

Introdução: a doença de Ménière (DM) é uma doença da orelha interna caracterizada por vertigem episódica, zumbido, plenitude aural e audição flutuante. Seu diagnóstico pode ser especialmente difícil nos casos em que os sintomas vestibulares estão presentes isoladamente (DM vestibular). O diagnóstico de certeza é histológico e somente pode ser feito no post mortem, após análise do osso temporal. A hidropisia endolinfática é um achado histopatológico da doença e ocorre mais frequentemente na cóclea e sáculo, seguidos pelo utrículo e canais semicirculares. Os potenciais evocados miogênicos vestibulares (VEMP) surgiram como método de avaliação da função vestibular em 1994. Até então não havia uma maneira exclusiva de avaliação da função sacular e do nervo vestibular inferior e como o sáculo era responsável por grande parte dos casos de hidropisia severa, o VEMP apareceu como uma nova ferramenta para auxiliar no diagnóstico da DM. Objetivo: avaliar a sensibilidade e especificidade do VEMP e da eletrococleografia (ECochG) no diagnóstico da DM em comparação com o diagnóstico clínico. Método: foram selecionados 12 pacientes (24 orelhas) com diagnóstico de DM definida de acordo com os critérios clínicos propostos pela American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 1995 (AAO-HNS) e 12 voluntários saudáveis alocados no grupo controle (24 orelhas). Considerou-se o diagnóstico clínico pela AAO-HNS como padrão ouro. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a exame otoneurológico, incluindo audiometria tonal e vocal, VEMP e eletrococleografia extratimpânica. A sensibilidade e especificidade para detectar a presença ou ausência de doença foram calculadas e os respectivos intervalos de confiança de 95% obtidos. A confiabilidade dos testes de diagnóstico VEMP e eletrococleografia em ambas as orelhas foi avaliada pelo índice kappa. Resultados: em ambos os testes e em ambas as orelhas, a capacidade para diagnosticar os casos saudáveis é alta, a especificidade varia de 84,6%-100%. Além disso, a capacidade dos testes para o diagnóstico da doença varia de baixa a moderada sensibilidade, com valores de 37,5%-63,6%. A concordância dos dois testes na orelha direita, medida pelo coeficiente de kappa, foi igual a 0,54; 95% IC (0,20-0,89) indicaram uma concordância moderada. Para a orelha esquerda essa concordância foi igual a 0,07 com 95% IC (-0,33-0,46), o que indicou uma concordância fraca entre os testes. A sensibilidade do VEMP para a orelha direita foi de 63,6% e para a orelha esquerda, de 62,5%. A sensibilidade da ECochG para a orelha direita foi de 63,6% e 37,5% para a orelha esquerda. Conclusão: a especificidade de ambos os testes foi alta e a sensibilidade do VEMP foi maior do que a da eletrococleografia. Introduction: Ménière's disease (MD) is an inner ear disorder characterized by episodic vertigo, tinnitus, ear fullness, and fluctuating hearing. Its diagnosis can be especially difficult in cases where vestibular symptoms are present in isolation (vestibular MD). The definitive diagnosis is made histologically and can only be performed post-mortem, after analysis of the temporal bone. Endolymphatic hydrops is a histopathological finding of the disease and occurs more often in the cochlea and saccule, followed by the utricle and semicircular canals. Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP) emerged as the method of assessment of vestibular function in 1994. Until then, there was no unique way of assessing saccular function and the inferior vestibular nerve. Given that the saccule is responsible for most cases of severe hydrops, VEMP appears as a new tool to assist in the diagnosis of MD. Objective: to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of VEMP and electrocochleography (EcochG) in the diagnosis of definite MD compared with clinical diagnosis. Methods: the study includes 12 patients (24 ears) diagnosed with definite MD defined according to the clinical criteria proposed by the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) in 1995, as well as 12 healthy volunteers allocated to the control group (24 ears). A clinical diagnosis by the AAO-HNS criteria was considered as the gold standard. All patients underwent an otoneurological examination, including pure tone and speech audiometry, VEMP, and extratympanic EcochG. The sensitivity and specificity to detect the presence or absence of disease were calculated, as well as their 95% confidence intervals. The reliability of VEMP and EcochG in both ears was assessed using the kappa index. Results: in both tests and in both ears, the ability to diagnose healthy cases was high, with specificity ranging from 84.6% to 100%. Moreover, the ability of the tests to diagnose the disease varied from low to moderate sensitivity, with values ranging from 37.5% to 63.6%. The agreement of both tests in the right ear, measured by the kappa coefficient, was equal to 0.54 (95% CI: 0.20-0.89), indicating a moderate agreement. In the left ear, that agreement was equal to 0.07 (95% CI: −0.33 to 0.46), indicating a weak correlation between the tests. The sensitivity of the VEMP for the right ear was 63.6% and for the left ear, 62.5%. The sensitivity of EcochG for the right ear was 63.6% and 37.5% for the left ear. Conclusion: the specificity of both tests was high, and the sensitivity of VEMP was higher than that of EcochG.

Soybean toxin (SBTX) is a protein isolated from soybean seeds and composed of two polypeptide subunits (17 and 27 kDa). SBTX has in vitro activity against phytopathogenic fungi such as Cercospora sojina, Aspergillus niger, and Penicillium herguei, and yeasts like Candida albicans, C. parapsilosis, Kluyveromyces marxiannus, and Pichia membranifaciens. The present study aimed to analyze in vitro whether SBTX causes any side effects on non-target bacterial and mammalian cells that could impede its potential use as a novel antifungal agent. SBTX at 100 mu g/mL and 200 mu g/mL did not hinder the growth of the bacteria Salmonella enterica (subspecies enterica serovar choleraesuis), Bacillus subtilis (subspecies spizizenii) and Staphylococcus aureus. Moreover, SBTX at concentrations up to 500 mu g/mL did not significantly affect the viability of erythrocytes, neutrophils, and human intestinal Caco-2 cells. To study whether SBTX could induce relevant alterations in gene expression, in vitro DNA microarray experiments were conducted in which differentiated Caco-2 cells were exposed for 24 h to 100 mu g/mL or 200 mu g/mL SBTX. SBTX up-regulated genes involved in cell cycle and immune response pathways, but downregulated genes that play a role in cholesterol biosynthesis and platelet degranulation pathways. Thus, although SBTX did not affect bacteria, nor induced cytotoxity in mammalian cells, it affected some biological pathways in the human Caco-2 cell line that warrants further investigation.

Objective: To identify the impact of physical activity correlates with the isolated and combined presence of insufficient physical activity and high screen time among adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional representative study was carried out with a sample of 786 adolescents (16.0±1.0 years; 53.9% girls) randomly selected in the schools of São José dos Pinhais, Paraná, Southern Brazil. The physical activity correlates analyzed were sex, nutritional status, economic class and sexual maturation. Physical activity level and screen time were measured and classified according to reference criteria. The associations were tested with Poisson regression and the population attributable fraction (PAF) verified the impact of correlates on the combined presence of insufficient level of physical activity and high screen time by the prevalence ratio (PR). Results: Among the studied adolescents, 84.7% (n=666) were considered insufficiently active, 96.4% (n=758) reported high screen time and 82.1% (n=645) presented the combined presence of these behaviors. The female sex and the high economic status were positively associated with the insufficient level of physical activity (PR=1.19; 95% confidence interval - 95%CI 1.12-1.27; PAF=15.97 - female/adjusted; PR=1,1; 95%CI 1,01-1,19; PAF=9,09 - high/adjusted class). The female sex also was positively associated to high screen time after adjustments (PR=1.18; 95%CI 1.10-1.27; PAF=15.25). The female sex was positively associated with the combined presence of these behaviors (PR=1.18; 95%CI 1.10-1.27) with a 15.25% impact on these behaviors. Conclusions: Physical activity correlates can have an impact on the insufficient level of physical activity and high screen time, especially among girls. RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar o impacto dos correlatos da atividade física (AF) com a presença isolada e a combinada da prática insuficiente de AFs e do elevado tempo de tela em adolescentes. Métodos: Estudo transversal, representativo, com amostra de 786 adolescentes (16,2±1,1 anos; 53,9% de meninas) selecionados aleatoriamente nas escolas de São José dos Pinhais, PR. Foram analisados: sexo, estado nutricional, classe econômica e maturação sexual. Foram mensurados o nível de AF e o tempo de tela. As associações foram testadas com a regressão de Poisson e a fração atribuível populacional (FAP) verificou o impacto dos correlatos na presença combinada do nível insuficiente de AF e do elevado tempo de tela pela razão de prevalência (RP). Resultados: Foram considerados insuficientemente ativos 84,7% (n=666), com elevado tempo de tela, 96,4% (n=758), e 82,1% (n=645) dos adolescentes apresentaram a presença combinada desses comportamentos. O sexo feminino e a classificação econômica elevada estiveram positivamente associados aos níveis insuficientes de AF (RP=1,19; intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC95%] 1,12-1,27; FAP=15,97 - feminino/ajustado; RP=1,1; IC95% 1,01-1,19; FAP=9,09 - classe elevada/ajustado). O primeiro também se apresentou positivamente associado ao elevado tempo de tela após os ajustes (RP=1,18; IC95% 1,10-1,27; FAP=15,25) e mostrou-se associado positivamente à presença combinada desses comportamentos (RP=1,18; IC95% 1,10-1,27), com um impacto de 15,25% sobre essas condutas. Conclusões: Correlatos da AF podem ter impacto sobre o nível insuficiente de AFs e elevado tempo de tela, quando investigados de formas isolada e combinada, principalmente em relação às meninas.

The aim of this study was to verify the relationship, the population attributable fraction (PAF) and the relative risk reduction (RRR) of social support and self-efficacy with level of physical activity in students. Probabilistic cross-sectional study with 1,472 students aged 13-15 years. Gender, age, social support from parents and friends, self-efficacy and levels of physical activity were evaluated through questionnaires. Data analysis was performed using Poisson regression with robust variance, PAF and RRR, adopting p≤0.05. A total of 56.1% (n = 826) of students were considered active, boys (68.7%) presenting the largest proportion. Social support from parents was positively associated with physical activity in boys (PR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.12-1.48, PAF = 21.88) and girls (PR: 2.00; 95%CI: 1.59-2.51, PAF = 50.00). Social support from friends was positively associated with physical activity in boys (PR: 1.34, 95%CI: 1.16-1.54, PAF = 25.37) and girls (PR: 1.32, 95%CI: 1.06-1.64, PAF = 24.24). Self-efficacy was not associated with physical activity. Social support was associated with levels of physical activity, and PAF indicated that the absence of high social support from parents and friends might reduce the level of physical activity in adolescents. Resumo Objetivou-se verificar a relação, a fração atribuível populacional (FAP) e a redução relativa do risco (RRR) do apoio social e autoeficácia com o nível de atividade física em escolares. Estudo transversal probabilístico com 1472 escolares de 13 a 15 anos. Foram avaliados sexo, idade, apoio social dos pais e dos amigos, autoeficácia e nível de atividade física através de questionários. Para análise dos dados utilizou-se regressão de Poisson com variância robusta, FAP e RRR, adotando p≤0,05. Foram considerados ativos 56,1% (n=826) dos escolares, sendo os meninos (68,7%) em maior proporção. O apoio social dos pais foi positivamente associado à prática de atividades física dos meninos (RP: 1,28;IC95%: 1,12-1,48; FAP=21,88) e das meninas (RP: 2,00; IC95%: 1,59-2,51; FAP=50,00). O apoio social dos amigos foi positivamente associado à prática de atividades físicas dos meninos (RP: 1,34; IC95% 1,16-1,54; FAP=25,37) e das meninas (RP: 1,32; IC95%: 1,06-1,64; FAP=24,24). A autoeficácia não se associou com atividade física. O apoio social apresentou-se associado com o nível de atividade física, e as análises da FAP indicaram que sem o elevado apoio social dos pais e amigos pode haver uma redução do nível de atividade física em adolecentes.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar o perfil de segurança e os resultados estéticos do 2-octilcianoacrilato versus sutura intradérmica com fio de nylon em cirurgias mamárias. Métodos: ensaio clínico randomizado, aberto, que avaliou a ocorrência de complicações, como deiscência, hematoma, infecção e reações alérgicas após o uso do 2-octilcianoacrilato ou do fio de nylon. Também foi analisado o tamanho das incisões, o tempo de fechamento da pele e o tempo cirúrgico total. O resultado estético foi avaliado após 40 e 180 dias da cirurgia, por meio da largura média da ferida operatória e por avaliação subjetiva conceitual (ótimo, bom, razoável ou ruim). Resultados: foram incluídas 79 pacientes, sendo 37 no grupo 2-octilcianoacrilato e 42 no grupo de sutura com fio de nylon. O estudo foi interrompido antes do término do recrutamento dos pacientes pela ocorrência de maior número de deiscências no grupo do adesivo (OR: 11,42; IC95%: 1,36-96,02; p=0,007). Em relação às demais complicações analisadas, ao tempo cirúrgico e ao resultado estético no pós-operatório, não se observaram diferenças significativas entre os grupos. A média do tamanho da ferida operatória foi maior no grupo do adesivo em relação ao grupo da sutura, mas não houve correlação entre o tamanho da ferida e o maior número de deiscências. Conclusão: o 2-octilcianoacrilato apresentou maior risco de deiscência em relação à sutura intradérmica, com resultados estéticos equivalentes.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Triplaris gardneriana Wedd. (Polygonaceae family) is a plant species from Brazilian semiarid region which is used in local traditional medicine for the treatment of inflammatory conditions such as hemorrhoids. Aim of the study In this study, the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of different concentrations of ethanolic extract from T. gardneriana seeds (EETg) was performed in order to contribute to the knowledge about etnomedicinal use of this plant species. Materials and methods The anti-inflammatory properties were evaluated through different approaches, such as in vitro protein anti-denaturation test, scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) inhibition in human neutrophils activated by phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA). Besides that, molecular docking was performed to provide new insights about the interaction between the major phenolic components in the plant extract and MPO. Results EETg was characterized showing a total phenol content of 153.5 ± 6.3 μg gallic acid equivalent/mg extract, ability to remove hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in a concentration-dependent manner and had a spectroscopic profile which suggests the presence of hydroxyl groups. EETg was able to prevent protein denaturation ranging from 40.17 to 75.09%. The extract, at 10 and 20 μg/mL, was able to modulate neutrophils pro-inflammatory functions, such as degranulation and burst respiratory. In both assays, the EETg had anti-inflammatory effect comparable to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Among the main phenolic compounds of EETg, quercitrin, quercetin and catechin showed the highest binding affinity in silico to MPO. Conclusion This study demonstrated, for the first time, that the anti-inflammatory effect of T. gardneriana seeds occurs due to its modulatory effect on human neutrophil degranulation and free-radical scavenging activity.

Resumo: Com ênfase no desenvolvimento das capacidades de linguagem requeridas no momento de produção de um texto, o presente artigo pretende analisar, quantitativa e qualitativamente, os avanços nas produções textuais no gênero história em quadrinhos (HQs), de doze alunos da 8ª série, turma vespertina, de uma escola municipal de Barra do Corda – MA, as quais foram produzidas pelos referidos discentes durante a pesquisa realizada, entre agosto e dezembro de 2016, no âmbito do Programa de Mestrado Profissional em Letras (PROFLETRAS), ofertado pela Universidade Federal do Sul e Sudeste do Pará (UNIFESSPA). Tal pesquisa, embasada nos estudos teóricos de Bakhtin (2011), Gonçalves (2010), Mendonça (2010), Dolz, Noverraz e Schneuwly (2004), entre outros, aplicou uma Sequência Didática (SD) elaborada a partir das dificuldades dos alunos partícipes da pesquisa identificadas na produção inicial (T1), onde ao longo da SD, foram propostas, após a execução dos módulos que a compunham, mais duas reescritas da T1. As análises aqui presentes indicam que, após as intervenções, houve avanço substancial na produção textual dos alunos pesquisados no tocante às capacidades de ação, discursivas e linguístico-discursivas.Palavras-chave: Capacidades de linguagem. História em quadrinhos. Produção textual. Abstract: With the emphasis on the development of the language abilities required at the time of producing a text, this article intends to analyze, quantitatively and qualitatively, the advances in the production of texts in the genre comics (HQs), of twelve students of the 8th grade, which were produced by the mentioned students during the survey conducted between August and December 2016, within the scope of the professional master 's program in Literature (PROFLETRAS), offered by Federal University of Southern and Southeastern Pará (UNIFESSPA). This research, which was based on the theoretical studies of Bakhtin (2011), Gonçalves (2010), Mendonça (2010), Dolz, Noverraz and Schneuwly (2004), among others, applied a Didactic Sequence students who participated in the research identified in the initial production (T1), where they were proposed, after the execution of the modules that composed it, two more rescripts of T1. The present analyzes indicate that, after the interventions, there was a substantial advance in the textual production of the students researched in terms of the capacities of action, discursive and linguistic-discursive.Keywords: Language skills. Comic books. Text production.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a reprodutibilidade “teste-reteste” de um questionário de Atividade Física em 1.189 escolares, de ambos os sexos, de 9 a 15 anos da rede pública de ensino de Curitiba/PR. A reprodutibilidade do questionário foi determinada pelo procedimento de medidas repetidas “teste-reteste” com uma semana de intervalo entre as aplicações. Para a análise dos dados utilizou-se o Coeficiente de Correlação Intraclasse (CCI), o percentual de concordância, o índice Kappa, o Kappa ajustado (Kappa PABAK) e o diagrama de dispersão de Bland-Altman. As análises estatísticas foram efetuadas no SPSS 21.0 adotando-se um nível de significância de 5%. Todos os CCI foram superiores a 0,80. A concordância entre as réplicas de aplicação do questionário foi moderada, Kappa variando de 0,51 a 0,61. Verificou-se concordância entre as réplicas de aplicação do questionário, sendo a diferença média entre a primeira e a segunda igual a 106,49 min/semana (IC95%: 79,05-133,92) com limites de concordância variando de 1.070,97 (+2DP) a -857,99 (-2DP) min/semana. Conclui-se que o questionário analisado neste estudo apresentou níveis satisfatórios de reprodutibilidade podendo ser utilizado para mensurar a atividade física tanto em crianças quanto em adolescentes. Abstract The objective of this study was to analyze the “test-retest” reproducibility of a questionnaire on physical activity among 1189 school students of both genders, from 9 to 15 years age in public schools in Curitiba/PR. The reproducibility of the questionnaire was determined by the repeated measures procedure called “test-retest”, with an interval of one week between applications. For data analysis the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), the percentage of correlation, the Kappa index, adjusted Kappa (Kappa PABAK) and Bland-Altman scatter diagram were used. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 21.0 adopting a 5% significance level. All ICC were higher than 0.80. The correlation between the application replicas of the questionnaire was moderate, Kappa ranging from 0.51 to 0.61. There was a correlation between the questionnaire applications, the average difference between the first and second being equal to 106.49 min/wk (IC95%: 79.05-133.92) with limits of correlation ranging from 1070.97 (+2SD) to -857.99 (-2SD) min/week. In conclusion, the survey analyzed in this study showed satisfactory levels of reproducibility, having the possibility of being used to measure physical activity in both children and adolescents.

Background: This study investigated the association of Robin Sequence with ABO and RhD blood group phenotypes. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed of a cohort of Robin Sequence patients of the Hospital de Reabilitação de Anomalias Craniofaciais – Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Brazil. The study group was composed of 339 individuals of both genders with Robin Sequence referred for specific treatment. A control group was composed of 1780 individuals without syndromes. The groups were compared using the Pearson’ chi-square test (χ2) with statistical significance being defined for an alpha error of 5% (p-value

Objective: To verify the association between participation in physical activity (PA) and the clustering of health risk behaviors (HRB) in adolescents of both genders. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 862 adolescents (11 to 17 years old) enrolled in 14 randomly selected public schools from Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. Participation in PA, screen time, consumption of fruit, vegetables, cigarettes and alcoholic beverages were the criteria evaluated. Multinomial logistic regression tested the association between participation in PA and clustering of HRB, and results are expressed Odds Ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Results: Adolescents with high participation in PA had lower odds of clustering 2-3 HRB (OR 0.38, 95%CI 0.21-0.68; p

The original description of Ischnocnema lactea (Miranda-Ribeiro, 1923) was based on two specimens and an inaccurate type locality. These circumstances have obscured the identity of this name. Moreover, the I. lactea species has had a complex taxonomic history and, in general, specimens of species in this group are poorly represented in amphibian collections. The diagnosis of the series is confusing, with many non-exclusive and variable characters barely useful. An accurate diagnosis for the series requires a precise characterization of I. lactea, its type species. Recently discovered populations, museum data, and new information on the collector of the type specimen allowed the elucidation of important issues related to this species. Here we provide the redescription of Ischnocnema lactea based on the lectotype, and intraspecific variation based on newly collected specimens. Ischnocnema lactea is characterized by its large body size (adult 19.6–26.7 mm SVL; females 27.6–34.3 mm SVL); dorsum and flanks rugose, venter granular; vocal sac single and subgular, externally expanded; finger disks expanded, T-shaped, indented and truncate in fingers II–IV; toes relative length I

Warts and condylomas are benign skin proliferation caused by HPV (human papillomavirus), which can appear anywhere in the body, including the genital regions. One of the treatments used to combat this type of tumor is immunotherapy, a technique that advances the stimulation of the immune system through the use of substances that modify the biological response in human beings. Immunological reactions may be the result of the antigen-antibody interaction or the mechanisms involved in cell-mediated immunity. Health professionals working with these techniques can use specialist systems to assist in the diagnosis of treatment effectiveness in patients. A system based on fuzzy logic was developed with data from medical research. This system can predict the adaptability of a patient to the treatment with 83.33% accuracy. This article proposes the use of a hybrid model of artificial intelligence and fuzzy logic to improve the predictive results of the expert system through the creation of fuzzy rules to construct a more interpretative expert system. Based on the tests performed, we can infer that the proposed model kept the results statistically equal in the prediction of efficiency in the immunotherapeutic treatment, besides making possible the creation of fuzzy rules based on the data of the research on the medication.

The integuments of ten treefrog species of two genera from Scinaxnae – O. angrensis (Lutz, 1973), O. flavoguttata (Lutz & Lutz, 1939), O. humilis (Lutz & Lutz, 1954), O. perpusilla (Lutz & Lutz, 1939), O. v-signata (Lutz, 1968), Scinax hayii (Barbour, 1909), S. similis (Cochran, 1952), O. trapicheroi (Lutz & Lutz, 1954) and S. x-signatus (Spix, 1824) – were investigated using conventional and histochemical techniques of light microscopy, and polarized light microscopy. All integuments showed the basic structure of the anuran integument. Moreover, the secretory portions of exocrine glands, such as serous merocrine and apocrine glands, were found to be restricted to the spongious dermis. Lipid content occurred together with the heterogeneous secretory material of the glands with an apocrine secretion mechanism. In addition, clusters of these apocrine glands were present in the ventrolateral integument of some species. Melanophores were also visualized in all examined hylids. However, the occurrence of iridophores, detected through polarized light microscopy, varied according to the species. The Eberth-Katschenko layer occurred in the dorsal integument from both genera, but it was only present in the ventral integument of O. albicans, O. angrensis, O. flavoguttata, O. perpusilla and O. v-signata. Although the integument of all treefrogs showed the same basic structure, some characteristics were genus-specific; however, these features alone may not be used to distinguish both genera.

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic utility of the p16ink4a protein expression as a marker for adenocarcinoma of the cervix. Methods In a cross-sectional study, p16ink4a expression was evaluated in 30 cervical biopsies from patients diagnosed with invasive adenocarcinoma from 2 reference clinics in Brazil, and compared with 18 biopsies of endocervical polyps (control cases). The performance of the tests for p16ink4a was evaluated using a conventional contingency table, and the Kappa (κ) index was used to evaluate the agreement of the marker with the tissue diagnosis. Results In total, 66% of the invasive adenocarcinoma cases were positive for p16ink4a. All of the adenomatous polyps cases used as negative controls were shown to be negative for p16ink4a. The marker showed a high sensitivity and a high negative predictive value. The Kappa index was good for p16ink4a (κ = 0.6). Conclusion Considering the strong association between the p16ink4a marker and the cervical adenocarcinoma, its use represents an important tool for reducing incorrect diagnoses of adenocarcinoma and thereby avoiding overtreatment. Objetivo Avaliar a utilidade diagnóstica da expressão da proteína p16ink4a como marcador de adenocarcinoma do colo. Métodos Em estudo transversal, a expressão de p16ink4a foi avaliada em 30 biópsias cervicais de pacientes diagnosticadas com adenocarcinoma invasivo de colo uterino provenientes de dois serviços de referência no Brasil, comparando com achados em 18 biópsias de pólipos endocervicais (grupo de controle). Para avaliar a performance do teste, foi utilizada tabela de contingência convencional, e para avaliar a concordância com o diagnóstico, foi aplicado o índice de Kappa (κ). Resultados No total, 66% dos casos de adenocarcinoma invasivo foram positivos para p16ink4a. Todos os pólipos adenomatosos foram negativos para p16ink4a. O marcador mostrou uma alta sensibilidade e alto valor preditivo negativo. O índice de Kappa foi bom para p16ink4a (κ = 0.6). Conclusion Considerando a forte associação entre o marcador p16ink4a e o adenocarcinoma cervical, seu uso representa uma ferramenta importante para reduzir o risco de diagnóstico incorreto de adenocarcinoma e, por conseguinte, evitar o excesso de tratamentos.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is related to frequent cases of cervical cancer and genital condyloma in humans. Up to now, numerous methods have come into existence for the prevention and treatment of this disease. In this context, this paper aims to help predict the susceptibility of the patient to forms treatment using both cryotherapy and immunotherapy. These studies facilitate the choice of medications, which can be painful and embarrassing for patients who have warts on intimate parts. However, the use of intelligent models generates efficient results but does not allow a better interpretation of the results. To solve the problem, we present the method of a fuzzy neural network (FNN). A hybrid model capable of solving complex problems and extracting knowledge from the database will pruned through F-score techniques to perform pattern classification in the treatment of warts, and to produce a specialist system based on if/then rules, according to the experience obtained from the database collected through medical research. Finally, binary pattern-classification tests realized in the FNN and compared with other models commonly used for classification tasks capture results of greater accuracy than the current state of the art for this type of problem (84.32% for immunotherapy, and 88.64% for cryotherapy), and extract fuzzy rules from the problem database. It was found that the hybrid approach based on neural networks and fuzzy systems can be an excellent tool to aid the prediction of cryotherapy and immunotherapy treatments.

This work aimed to add value to an underexploited plant species from Brazil, Triplaris gardneriana. To that, the phenolic compounds profile of its seed ethanolic extract and fractions was examined by HPLC and the antioxidant capacity assessed using chemical assays as well as in vitro cell imaging. Twelve compounds were quantified and classified as either phenolic acids or flavonoids. The fractionation process did not generate fractions with different compositions except for chloroformic fraction, which showed only 6 out of 12 standard compounds used. DPPH assay revealed samples with a concentration-dependent radical scavenging activity, being methanolic fraction the one with the largest activity (SC50 11.45 ± 0.02 μg/mL). Lipid peroxidation assessment, in the presence and absence of stress inducer, showed that particularly the ethanol extract (IC50 26.75 ± 0.08 μg/mL) and the ethyl acetate fraction (IC50 6.14 ± 0.03 μg/mL) could inhibit lipid peroxidation. The ethyl acetate fraction performed best in chelating iron (48% complexation at 1000 μg/mL). Cell imaging experiments showed that the ethanolic extract could protect cells against oxidative stress as well as restore the oxidative balance upon stress induction. In conclusion, T. gardneriana seeds showed a promising phenolic compounds profile and antioxidant activity that may be further exploited.

The most studied bioactive potential of phenolic compounds corresponds to antioxidant activity, which in turn, is associated with a reduction in the incidence of various human diseases. However, the total quantity of these bioactive substances in foods and medicinal preparations does not reflect the amount absorbed and metabolized by the body. The present study aimed to investigate the bioaccessibility of Triplaris gardneriana seeds ethanolic extract (EETg) by determination of phenolic composition and antioxidant activities before and after in vitro digestion as well as to estimate its bioavailability by chemical analysis of plasma and urine in animal models after oral administration. The bioaccessibility indexes of phenolic compounds in EETg were 48.65 and 69.28% in the presence and absence of enzymes, respectively. Among the identified phenolics classes, flavonoids, represented by galloylated procyanidins type B, proved to be more bioaccessible, 81.48 and 96.29% in the post-intestinal phase with and without enzymes, respectively. The oral administration in Wistar rats resulted in a significant decrease in plasma of the total antioxidant capacity, TAC, by FRAP assay 4h after beginning the experiment. For urine samples, an increase in TAC by DPPH and FRAP was observed from 1 and 4h after administration, respectively. UPLC-QTOF analysis of urine detected 2 metabolites originated from the degradation of phenolic compounds, i.e. hippuric acid and phenylacetil glycine. These results suggest that phenolic compounds in T. gardneriana are unstable under gastrointestinal conditions, being flavonoids the components with higher bioaccessibility; besides that, they showed limited bioavailability due to their rapid biotransformation and urinary elimination.

Studies have shown the benefit of antioxidants in the prevention or treatment of human diseases and promoted a growing interest in new sources of plant antioxidants for pharmacological use. This study aimed to add value to two underexploited wild plant species (Licania rigida) and L. tomentosa) from Brazilian flora. Thus, the phenolic compounds profile of their seed ethanol extract and derived fractions were elucidated by HPLC, the antioxidant capacity was assessed by in vitro chemical tests and the cytotoxicity determined using the human carcinoma cell lines MCF-7 and Caco-2. Eleven phenolic compounds were identified in the extracts of each species. The extracts and fractions showed excellent antioxidant activity in the DPPH assay (SC50, ranging from 9.15 to 248.8 μg/mL). The aqueous fraction of L. rigida seeds was most effective in preventing lipid peroxidation under basal conditions (IC50 60.80 μg/mL) whereas, in the presence of stress inducer, the methanolic fraction of L. tomentosa performed best (IC50 8.55 μg/mL). None of the samples showed iron chelating capacity. Ethanolic seed extracts of both species did not reveal any cytotoxicity against MCF-7 and Caco-2 cells. Both plant species showed a promising phenolic profile with potent antioxidant capacity and deserve attention to be sustainably explored.

ResumoObjetivoAnalisar a validade e a fidedignidade (reprodutibilidade e consistência interna) das escalas de apoio social e autoeficácia para atividade física em escolares de 9‐15 anos.MétodoParticiparam do estudo 1678 escolares para a etapa de validade e consistência interna e 1393 para reprodutibilidade, de ambos os sexos, de Curitiba, Brasil. A validade foi verificada pela análise fatorial exploratória, a reprodutibilidade pelo coeficiente de correlação intraclasse e a consistência interna pelo alpha de Cronbach.ResultadosAs escalas de apoio social e autoeficácia para atividade física apresentaram dois fatores com cargas fatoriais iguais ou superiores a 0.40 para todos os itens em todas as idades. Os escores de reprodutibilidade foram adequados em todas as faixas etárias analisadas para as medidas de apoio social para atividade física (≥0.81) e autoeficácia para atividade física (≥0.72). A consistência interna para a escala de apoio social variou entre 0.87‐0.90 e para a escala de autoeficácia para atividade física de 0.77‐0.82.ConclusõesAs escalas demonstraram validade fatorial satisfatória e reprodutibilidade e consistência interna adequadas, sendo recomendadas a sua utilização em estudos com escolares entre 9‐15 anos de idade.AbstractObjectiveTo examine the validity and reliability (reproducibility and internal consistency) of scales of social support and self‐efficacy for physical activity in nine to fifteen‐year‐old students.MethodsThe study included 1.678 students in the validity and internal consistency phase and 1.393 students during the reproducibility. Students of both sexes aged nine to fifteen years, from the city of Curitiba, Brazil, participated in the study. The validity was verified by the exploratory factor analysis, the reproducibility by the intraclass correlation coefficient and the internal consistency by the Cronbach's alpha.ResultsThe scales of social support and self‐efficacy for physical activity showed two factors with factor loadings equal to or greater than 0.40 for all ages. The reproducibility scores were adequate in all age groups for the social support measures for physical activity (≥0.81) and self‐efficacy measures for physical activity (≥0.72). The internal consistency for the social support scale ranged from 0.87 to 0.90 and from 0.77 to 0.82 for the self‐efficacy scale.ConclusionsThe scales showed satisfactory factorial validity and adequate reproducibility and internal consistency being, suitable for students aged nine to fifteen.

A new subfamily (Styracurinae, subfam. nov.) and genus ( Styracura , gen. nov.) are erected for Trygon schmardae Werner, 1904 (type species) and Dasyatis pacificus Beebe & Tee-Van, 1941, species placed in Himantura Muller & Henle, 1837 since 1953 but which differ significantly from it and all dasyatid genera in many morphological features. Recent molecular phylogenetic hypotheses based on the entire protein-coding mitochondrial genome have recovered Styracura as the sister group of the Neotropical freshwater stingrays (Potamotrygonidae), agreeing with previous morphological and molecular phylogenies. The Styracurinae, subfam. nov., is therefore placed in the Potamotrygonidae to reflect the current phylogenetic view. Morphological characters of phylogenetic relevance of the dermal denticles, ventral lateral-line canals, hyoid arch, cranial musculature, and pectoral and pelvic girdles are discussed and compared to other stingrays, in particular to dasyatids and potamotrygonins (now ranked as a subfamily). Inferred derived characters of Styracura and potamotrygonins require homoplasy (they are absent from Paratrygon and Heliotrygon ), and ventral lateral-line canal patterns and morphology of the scapular process and pelvic girdle generally reveal an affinity to different dasyatid genera, but one most likely based on plesiomorphies or independent evolution; Styracura is considered more closely related to potamotrygonins.

For the structural fire design of steel frames, the Eurocode 3 Part 1-2 states that, using simple calculation methods, a global analysis of the frame should be done as for normal temperature and the buckling length of a column for the fire design should generally be calculated as for normal temperature design. However, in the case of a braced frame in which each storey comprises a separate fire compartment with sufficient fire resistance, the buckling length of a continuous column may be taken as 0.5L in an intermediate storey and 0.7L in the top storey, where L is the system length in the relevant storey. However under the same circumstances but for unbraced frames no guidance is given in the Eurocode. In reference (Couto C. et. al, 2013) it is suggested 1.0L as the buckling length of all the columns except those belonging to the first storey of a pinned framed where 2.0L should be taken instead. According to the Eurocodes, it is possible for structural engineers to consider physical based thermal actions and to do performance based design instead of using prescriptive rules based on nominal fire curves. However, it is unclear if the consideration of such values for the buckling lengths is adequate for using with performance based designs. This study contributes for clarifying this question, by analysing the evolution of the critical load, thus the buckling lengths, for the steel frames exposed to natural fire scenarios. Finally, a comparison is made between simple and advanced calculation models and it is demonstrated that the suggested buckling lengths are adequate for structural fire design with performance based design methods.

Este estudo tem como objetivo analisar a associação entre maturação biológica e comportamento sedentário em crianças e adolescentes. Realizou-se uma revisão sistemática em maio de 2015 nos bancos de periódicos eletrônicos da PubMed/MEDLINE, SportDiscus, Web of Science e LILACS, sem restrição de período de tempo. Foram identificados 294 artigos potencialmente relevantes e sete preencheram os critérios de inclusão. Foi possível identificar uma associação direta entre comportamento sedentário e tempo da maturação biológica. O comportamento sedentário parece aumentar com o avançar da idade cronológica e biológica em ambos os sexos. No que se refere a relação entre comportamento sedentário e timing da maturação biológica, os escolares de ambos os sexos maturados precocemente apresentaram maior comportamento sedentário. No entanto, em alguns estudos esta relação varia entre os sexos. A maturação biológica parece contribuir para o aumento do comportamento sedentário em crianças e adolescentes.Palavras-chave: Puberdade. Estilo de vida sedentário. Estudantes.