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Abstract The finger tapping test (FTT) is a neuropsychological test that measures motor speed and coordination. It involves tapping a designated surface with a specific finger as quickly as possible for a certain duration. Touchscreen of smartphones has been used as interface to record the tap, what enables to extract information about the taps. The present study represents an initiative of construction for a national Database of Smartphone-Based FTT, which includes data from 176 healthy male and female adults ranging in age from 18 to 74 years. Participants were asked to perform the FTT using one or both hands, tapping on a central area of a smartphone as many times as possible within a 30-second interval. Data were extracted using an Android application, encompassing details such as touch timing, spatial coordinates, sex, smartphone model, hand used, and age. A Python-developed web visualization tool for individual and averaged analysis. This database serves as informative foundation for a healthy adult sample and supports further exploration and international comparative analyses of FTT performance.

Purpose The present study aimed to describe the main characteristics of Brazilian surfers and their injuries, and to analyze the probability of developing injuries according to skill level, experience in surfing, training volume, and age. Methods A total of 1829 Brazilian surfers answered an electronic survey about their characteristics and previous and current injuries. The association between participant characteristics and percentage of injuries was investigated using a chi-squared test. The statistical significance of the results was assumed at a p -value < 0.05. The prevalence ratio (PR) was also calculated to illustrate the probability of having injuries. Results Most surfers are men (84.2%), young adults (72.0%), with more than 2 years of experience in surfing (60.7%), with an intermediate level of skill (49.3%), recreational surfers (99.2%), and who practice surfing 1 to 2 days a week (79.7%) for 1 to 3 hours a day (65.9%). About 55.5% of the participants were already affected by an injury or had some surfing-related pain. In the last 12 months, 52.2% of surfers suffered injuries. For both, more than 50% of injuries occurred in the lower limbs. Brazilian surfers with higher skill levels, time of experience, hours per day of surf training, and age presented higher prevalence ratios of previous and current injuries. Conclusions In summary, Brazilian surfers are predominantly male, young adults, and non-competitive athletes. The most injured anatomical region in this group is the lower limbs. Contrary to expectation, higher experience and skill levels might not act as protective factors against injuries due to increased training volume.

Sexual dimorphism refers to biological differences between males and females in the same species, including morphological, physiological, and behavioral characteristics. Steroid hormones are associated with changes in several brain regions, as well as the pathophysiology of aging, obesity, and neuropsychiatric diseases. The hypothalamus controls several physiological processes, including metabolism, reproduction, circadian rhythm, and body homeostasis. Refined communication between neurons and glial cells, particularly astrocytes, coordinates physiological and behavioral hypothalamic functions. Therefore, from previously published studies, this review aims to highlight sex-related differences in rodent hypothalamic astrocytes, since we believe that this brain region is essential for the understanding of dimorphic patterns that are influenced by steroid sex hormones. Thus, we review concepts of sexual dimorphism, the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, the role of hormonal influence on hypothalamic astrocyte functions, neuroglial communication, as well as sexual dimorphism and neuropsychiatric disorders and glioprotective mechanisms associated with the hypothalamus.

Effective calcium (Ca) management is crucial for optimizing oil palm cultivation and enhancing crop yield. This study aimed to gain insights into the dynamics of Ca concentration, accumulation, exportation, immobilization, and recycling in various oil palm organs relative to plant age. The experiment was conducted at the Agropalma enterprise site in the northeastern region of Pará State, Brazil, evaluating seven plant age treatments: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 years old. Employing a completely randomized design with four replications. The results demonstrated an age-related increase in Ca concentration in petioles, rachis, arrows, male inflorescences, peduncles, and fruits. Furthermore, Ca accumulation exhibited an upward trend in all organs with progressing plant age. Notably, the study revealed an enhanced Ca use efficiency across all plant organs in correlation with the age of oil palm cultivation. These findings underscore the dynamic nutritional demands of oil palm, influencing Ca immobilization, cycling, and export throughout its developmental stages.

By March 2020, the first COVID-19 cases were detected in Portugal. Anecdotal evidence showed that the National Health Service absenteeism rate rose. The present study aimed to quantify and characterize the absenteeism rate among these healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Portugal. This study used data from the Portuguese National Health Service Transparency Portal for the number of National Health Service workers and absence days (2015 - 2021). Absenteeism was compared, before and after the pandemic onset, in absolute terms, and as absenteeism rates. Additionally, we performed an interrupted time series analysis, by fitting a Poisson regression model with level change. We controlled for data seasonality using Fourier terms. The results showed that, between 2015 and March 2020, the average monthly absenteeism rate was of 12.2%, rising to 14.5% in the subsequent period. This represented an increase of 19% in the absenteeism rate. The interrupted time series analysis showed an increase of 10.8% in the National Health Service absenteeism rate after the pandemic onset [relative risk = 1.10; 95% CI 1.10 - 1.11; p < 0.01]. When accounting for seasonality in the data, the interrupted time series analysis showed an increase of 11.0% in the National Health Service absenteeism rate [relative risk = 1.11; 95% CI 1.00 - 1.23; p < 0.05]. These results suggest an increased number of days of absence rate among the National Health Service healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ABSTRACT Penetrating cranio-orbital injuries are uncommon events and represent a small percentage of cranioencephalic traumas. The clinical condition and surgical management were described by reviewing the patient's electronic medical records. This case reports on a 37-year-old male patient who suffered penetrating trauma to the skull from the brake lever of his bicycle as a result of an accidental fall while cycling. Brought in by the SAMU, the patient had a Glasgow score of 15, a preserved left orbit, while the right orbit showed no eye opening, amaurosis, a non-photo-reagent mydriatic pupil, both to the direct and indirect reflex. A computed tomography scan of the skull showed a metal brake handle lodged in the skull on the right, causing a fracture of the orbital face of the zygomatic and greater wing of the sphenoid, with the end in the orbit. In the operating room, the object was carefully extracted without complications. On the first postoperative day, a magnetic resonance imaging scan was requested, which revealed a hemorrhagic contusion of the temporal lobe on the right side, rupture of the lateral rectus muscle, hematic and gaseous contents inside the orbit, as well as a possible retinal detachment. On the sixth post-operative day, with amaurosis maintained on the right, the patient was discharged and referred for specialized ophthalmological follow-up. Penetrating cranio-orbital trauma has potentially fatal outcomes if not diagnosed and managed early and properly.

Na sequência de trabalhos de registo de arte rupestre do Vale do Côa, apresenta-se uma nova representação identificada na rocha 80 do núcleo do Vale de José Esteves (Vila Nova de Foz Côa). A cena é interpretada como uma representação do trabalho à guia, no contexto do desbaste de cavalos, e enquadrada nas “cenas de doma” da iconografia peninsular pré-romana. Associando todas estas representações, juntamente com outras presentes na arte do Vale do Côa, procura definir-se uma sequência do trabalho de desbaste do cavalo em tempos pré-romanos, relacionando-o com o contexto ideológico destas sociedades.

Accurate power prediction is crucial for the design, simulation, and performance assessment of Photovoltaic (PV) systems. Achieving this accuracy relies significantly on the precise plane-of-array (POA) irradiance data, which is seldom directly measured. To mitigate this limitation, transposition models have been developed to estimate POA irradiance. Numerous studies have evaluated the performance of these models using horizontal irradiances and POA measurements from specific locations. However, the absence of POA measurements poses a significant challenge to using the proposed methods in transposition model evaluation. Moreover, these studies have overlooked the critical role of POA data in predicting PV power.This study addresses these challenges by assessing the performance of thirty two transposition models within a detailed PV power forecasting framework. A comprehensive micro- and macro-level accuracy evaluation is conducted using predicted and ground-measured energy data from three distinct PV systems in different countries. The evaluation is carried out across hourly, daily, monthly, and annual time scales using four distinct statistical metrics under all-sky and the four sky-conditions.The simulation results validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach in assessing the transposition models in the absence of POA irradiance data. Consistent with previous studies, the findings reaffirm the dependence of transposition model performance on location, climate, time, and cloud cover. Furthermore, the statistical analyses identify the best-performing transposition models for each case study under all-sky and sky-conditions scenarios, providing practical guidelines for model selection.

Objective: to map pelvic floor muscle training protocols available in the literature for the management of post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence. Method: this is a scoping review conducted in six databases. Information retrieval was performed using a specific instrument, including: title, authorship, year of publication, journal, objective, study design and description of the protocols’ content. Results: a total of 24 studies were included, which resulted in different protocols. The most frequent recommendations were the following: three sessions per day; with a frequency of six to 15 contractions per session; performing the exercises in the lying, sitting, and standing positions. The most cited guidelines in the protocols were anal sphincter and bulbocavernosus muscle contractions. All protocols followed the principle of regular pelvic floor muscle contraction, but there was no consensus regarding the start of the protocol, treatment duration, contraction/relaxation time, and intensity of the contraction force. Conclusion: different orientations were found in the pelvic floor muscle training protocols post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence, with emphasis on contraction time, relaxation time, number of contractions per session, training position, and protocol duration time. Different concepts were adopted to define urinary continence in the protocols. It is necessary to develop consensus guidelines that clearly define the parameters of training protocols.

Resumo Contexto A síndrome de congestão pélvica (SCP) é uma importante causa de dor pélvica em mulheres adultas, levando à redução da qualidade de vida, abstenção no trabalho, ansiedade, depressão e distúrbios sexuais. Objetivos Avaliar a resposta ao tratamento endovascular por escleroterapia com espuma para varizes pélvicas e traçar o perfil das pacientes com esse diagnóstico acompanhadas no Hospital das Clínicas Cassiano Antônio Moraes, da Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo. Métodos Com base na revisão de prontuários, este estudo descritivo retrospectivo analisa o perfil e a resposta das pacientes submetidas ao tratamento endovascular de varizes pélvicas por escleroterapia com espuma. As variáveis analisadas incluem idade, peso, altura, índice de massa corporal (IMC), paridade, queixa de dor pélvica e critérios ultrassonográficos, comparando o diâmetro dos vasos pélvicos pré e pós-procedimento, e a presença de refluxo venoso ao Doppler transvaginal. Resultados As pacientes analisadas tinham em média 43,3 anos, 2,95 gestações e IMC de 25,37kg/m2. A avaliação ultrassonográfica após intervenção indicou uma redução estatisticamente significativa (valor de p < 0,005) do calibre dos vasos parauterinos, com diâmetro médio de 6,34 mm à direita e 7,26 mm à esquerda antes do procedimento e, respectivamente, 4,37 mm e 4,56 mm após o procedimento. Conclusões A escleroterapia com espuma reduziu o calibre das varizes pélvicas na amostra estudada, com resultados semelhantes aos de outras modalidades de tratamento endovascular dessa comorbidade. A realização de mais estudos prospectivos para avaliação da resposta a essa intervenção se faz necessária para firmá-la como uma opção eficaz para o tratamento da SCP.

O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos do estresse oxidativo gerados pela deficiência hídrica e reidratação das espécies Oenocarpus bacaba Mart. e Oenocarpus mapora H. Karsten. Para isso, foram utilizadas mudas de seis meses de idade, provenientes do Banco de Germoplasma da Aimex transplantadas para vasos de 6,0 kg de substrato. Após isso, as plantas passaram por aclimatação durante 85 dias, iniciando-se o tratamento de estresse hídrico. As coletas para análise bioquímica foram realizadas com 0, 15, 30, e 35 dias. Foi utilizado delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado (DIC) em esquema fatorial 2 x 2 x 4, sendo duas culturas (Bacaba e Bacabi), dois tratamentos (estresse e controle), quatro tempos e cinco repetições. O estresse hídrico reduziu os níveis de CRA e carotenóides e aumentou os níveis de vazamento de eletrólitos. De modo geral, a atividade das enzimas dismutase do superóxido (SOD), peroxidase do ascorbato (APX) e catalase (CAT) aumentou nas plantas durante o estresse e diminuiu após os 5 dias de reidratação. A Oenocarpus mapora foi mais sensível ao estresse, por ser pouco domesticada, diferente da Oenocarpus bacaba que é mais cultivada. Ambas se recuperaram após o período de reidratação.

Abstract Antibiotic resistance is a paramount global health issue, with numerous bacterial strains continually fortifying their resistance against diverse antibiotics. This surge in resistance levels primarily stems from the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in human, animal, and environmental contexts. In this study, we advocate for exploring alternative molecules exhibiting antibacterial properties to counteract the escalating antibiotic resistance. We identified a synthetic antimicrobial peptide (AMP) by using computational search in AMP public databases and further engineering through molecular docking and dynamics. Microbiological evaluation, cytotoxicity, genotoycity, and hemolysis experiments were then performed. The designed AMP underwent rigorous testing for antibacterial and antibiofilm activities against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Escherichia coli (E. coli), representing gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, respectively. Subsequently, the safety profile of the AMP was assessed in vitro using human fibroblast cells and a human blood sample. The selected AMP demonstrated robust antibacterial and antibiofilm efficacy against MRSA and E. coli, with an added assurance of non-cytotoxicity and non-genotoxicity towards human fibroblasts. Also, the AMP did not demonstrate any hemolytic activity. Our findings emphasize the considerable promise of the AMP as a viable alternative antibacterial agent, showcasing its potential to combat antibiotic resistance effectively.

Na literatura portuguesa, as revisitações da Antiguidade Clássica, em particular das doutrinas filosóficas gregas do estoicismo e do epicurismo e os géneros cultivados na literatura latina de Horácio, projetam-se, no período da Renascença, em Sá de Miranda e, na vanguarda modernista, no heterônimo pessoano Ricardo Reis. Os temas do carpe diem, exegi monumentum e non usitata, ao estilo horaciano, reatualizam-se nas obras dos poetas portugueses. A aurea mediocritas, a consciência da passagem inexorável do tempo e a conceção do utile et dulce são constantes temáticas e teóricas que se repercutem em Sá de Miranda e Ricardo Reis, embora modificadas pelas razões do tempo. Aplicam-se, para levar a cabo este estudo, os métodos hermenêutico e comparativo de análise às obras mirandina e pessoana, por forma a perscrutar as aproximações e diferenças dos autores com Horácio.

Even though ammonia is a natural component of aquatic environments, elevated concentrations indicate pollution and environmental degradation. Consequently, efficient analytical methods for monitoring ammonia levels are crucial for preserving water quality. Voltammetry offers a sustainable approach for NH3 quantification, combining good analytical performance with low sample and reagent consumption, minimizing waste generation. However, despite these advantages, the voltammetric determination of ammonia remains relatively unexplored. Therefore, this study investigated the electrochemical behavior of NH3 in alkaline solutions using a non-modified Pt electrode and evaluated the performance of differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and square wave voltammetry (SWV) for NH3 determination. DPV provided superior performance, with limits of detection and quantification of 0.79 µmol L-1 (0.011 ppmN) and 2.6 µmol L-1 (0.036 ppmN), respectively, which comply with the maximum allowable ammonia concentration in natural waters according to Brazilian and European regulations. The voltammetric method successfully quantified ammonia in tap and river water samples, providing results concordant with the established Berthelot spectrophotometric method, at a 95% confidence level. Additionally, it is simple and fully accessible to non-electrochemist since no sophisticated procedures for electrode modification are needed. Finally, the high analytical performance of the proposed method makes it valuable for pollution monitoring in aquatic environments.

Introduction: Propofol and midazolam are the main options for moderate sedation in clinical practice. In addition, these drugs are used to reduce intracranial pressure in cases of intracranial hypertension, and their use in these situations is guided by limited evidence. Objective: To compare the effects of propofol and midazolam on intracranial pressure wave morphology in moderate sedation in patients undergoing upper digestive endoscopy. Methods: Sixty patients were included in this study, being divided into two groups, propofol and midazolam group. Intracranial pressure was monitored during and after upper digestive endoscopy, using non-invasive monitoring equipment developed by the company Brain4care. Arterial pressure was measured before and after the exam. Results: The propofol group had lower intracranial pressure (p=0.037) during moderate sedation compared to intracranial pressure after endoscopy and a significant decrease in systolic (p=0.0001) and diastolic pressure (p=0.001) after sedation. Midazolam, on the other hand, reduced systolic pressure (p=0.001), but didn’t change the other parameters after the procedure. There wasn’t a significant difference between the propofol and midazolam groups. Conclusion: There was no significant difference between the groups studied, however, analyses within the propofol and midazolam groups indicate that propofol, but not midazolam, causes changes in intracranial pressure in moderate sedation.

Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) is a rare metabolic disorder caused by mutations in the CYP27A1 gene, leading to cholestanol accumulation in various tissues, including peripheral nerves. Polyneuropathy is an underrecognized feature with considerable variability in clinical presentation and neurophysiological findings in CTX. This review assesses the prevalence, clinical manifestations, and diagnostic methodologies of polyneuropathy in CTX, exploring its underlying mechanisms and potential treatment outcomes. A literature review was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and the Virtual Health Library databases with search terms related to CTX and polyneuropathy. A total of 892 articles were initially identified, with 59 selected for in-depth analysis. The review focused on studies examining peripheral nerve involvement in CTX, including nerve conduction studies, electromyography, and nerve ultrasound. Polyneuropathy in CTX was observed in 50% to 77.7% of patients across multiple case series. Neurophysiological findings varied, with reports of axonal, demyelinating, and mixed polyneuropathies. Clinical presentation included lower limb atrophy, pes cavus, and distal weakness, with sensory symptoms less frequently reported. Treatment with chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) showed potential in improving nerve conduction parameters, although the response was variable and dependent on the timing of intervention. Polyneuropathy in CTX presents significant diagnostic challenges due to its heterogeneous presentation and varying neurophysiological findings. Early recognition and intervention are crucial for improving patient outcomes. Peripheral nerve ultrasound is a promising diagnostic tool, complementing traditional neurophysiological assessments. Further research is needed to standardize protocols and explore the full therapeutic potential of CDCA in managing CTX-related polyneuropathy.

Objective To compare the effects of strength training with load progression after 4 weeks on sleep parameters and mental health in college students.

Este estudo objetivou contribuir para o conhecimento taxonômico de Sloanea (Elaeocarpaceae) na Região Metropolitana de Belém, no estado do Pará, Amazônia Brasileira. Foram registradas oito espécies de Sloanea: S. floribunda, S. grandiflora, S. granulosa, S. guianensis, S. nitida, S. porphyrocarpa, S. sinemariensis e S. terniflora. São fornecidas chave de identificação, descrições morfológicas, informações sobre distribuição geográfica e comentários taxonômicos das espécies tratadas.

Abstract During a taxonomic investigation of the names classified under Scleria subgenus Scleria section Hymenolytrum, it was necessary to replace the lectotype of S. macrogyne, as the specimen does not agree with the original description. In addition, we propose S. ramosa as a new synonym of S. macrogyne and discuss the reestablishment of S. cyperinoides as an accepted name.

Smoking has been recognized as a significant risk factor for COVID-19 and mortality. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended smoking cessation to reduce the impact of COVID-19. This study aimed to evaluate the smoking cessation rate of patients starting tuberculosis (TB) treatment at six months using motivational interviewing based on the WHO "five steps to quit" model. In addition, we assessed the knowledge about smoking and the barriers to smoking cessation. We conducted a retrospective cohort study. Outpatients aged >18 years, smokers, and those who are starting TB treatment in two outpatient TB clinics were invited to participate. Patients received information about the importance of smoking cessation, especially in TB patients, and standardized advice based on guidelines. This information was repeated during phone calls during the second and fourth months of treatment. During the study period, 111 patients were included. The primary outcome was the smoking cessation rate at the end of the sixth month of treatment, which was 26.8% (19/71). The barriers to smoking cessation described by the patients were anxiety/depression (47.4%), seeing someone smoking (38.5%), drug use (19.2%), and alcohol abuse (2.6%). The assessment of knowledge about smoking showed that patients had some information gaps. In conclusion, TB smokers who tried to quit smoking during the COVID-19 pandemic faced many challenges. Despite this, we demonstrated a reasonable smoking cessation rate with a nurse-conducted motivational interview.

ABSTRACT A new species of Rhynchospora (Cyperaceae) only known from the Parecis plateau, on the southwestern edge of the Brazilian Amazon, is described here. Rhynchospora parecisensis was found growing only in open environments of deciduous seasonal forest and savanna enclaves in the midst of seasonal evergreen forest, in the state of Mato Grosso, western Brazil. Rhynchospora parecisensis differs from the other species of Rhynchospora sect. Pluriflorae subsect. Subebracteatae by the distally puberulent to pubescent glumes. The new species resembles Rhynchospora acanthoma, but differs from it by the subtriangular to quadrangular scapes in cross-section and the distally puberulent to pubescent glumes, with ciliate to ciliolate margins. Taxonomic comments, illustrations and a distribution map are also provided.

Elucidation of pathways regulating parasite cell death is believed to contribute to identification of novel therapeutic targets for protozoan diseases, and in this context, apoptosis-like cell death has been reported in different groups of protozoa, in which metacaspases seem to play a role. In the genus Plasmodium, apoptotic markers have been detected in P. falciparum and P. berghei, and no study focusing on P. vivax cell death has been reported so far. In the present study, we investigated the susceptibility of P. vivax to undergo apoptotic cell death after incubating mature trophozoites with the classical apoptosis inducer staurosporine. As assessed by flow cytometry assays, staurosporine inhibited parasite intraerythrocytic development, which was accompanied by a decrease in cell viability, evidenced by reduced plasmodial mitochondrial activity. However, typical signs of apoptosis, such as DNA fragmentation, chromatin condensation, and nuclear segregation, were not detected in the parasites induced to cell death, and no significant alteration in metacaspase gene expression (PvMCA1) was observed under cell death stimulus. Interestingly, dying parasites positively modulated cell death (eryptosis) of host erythrocytes, which was marked by externalization of phosphatidylserine and cell shrinkage. Our study shows for the time that P. vivax blood stages may not be susceptible to apoptosis-like processes, while they could trigger eryptosis of parasitized cells by undergoing cell death. Further studies are required to elucidate the cellular machinery involved in cell death of P. vivax parasites as well as in the modulation of host cell death.

3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaric acidemia (HMGA) is a neurometabolic inherited disorder characterized by the predominant accumulation of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaric acid (HMG) in the brain and biological fluids of patients. Symptoms often appear in the first year of life and include mainly neurological manifestations. The neuropathophysiology is not fully elucidated, so we investigated the effects of intracerebroventricular administration of HMG on redox and bioenergetic homeostasis in the cerebral cortex and striatum of neonatal rats. Neurodevelopment parameters were also evaluated. HMG decreased the activity of glutathione reductase (GR) and increased catalase (CAT) in the cerebral cortex. In the striatum, HMG reduced the activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, CAT, GR, glutathione S-transferase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. Regarding bioenergetics, HMG decreased the activities of succinate dehydrogenase and respiratory chain complexes II–III and IV in the cortex. HMG also decreased the activities of citrate synthase and succinate dehydrogenase, as well as complex IV in the striatum. HMG further increased DRP1 levels in the cortex, indicating mitochondrial fission. Finally, we found that the HMG-injected animals showed impaired performance in all sensorimotor tests examined. Our findings provide evidence that HMG causes oxidative stress, bioenergetic dysfunction, and neurodevelopmental changes in neonatal rats, which may explain the neuropathophysiology of HMGA.