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Background: Arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) is a relevant measurement for individualized prescription of exercise with blood flow restriction (BFRE). Therefore, it is important to consider factors that may influence this measure.Purpose: This study aimed to compare lower limb AOP (LL-AOP) measured with 11 cm (medium) and 18 cm (large) cuffs, in different body positions, and explore the predictors for each of the LL-AOP measurements performed. This information may be useful for future studies that seek to develop approaches to improve the standardization of pressure adopted in BFRE, including proposals for equations to estimate LL-AOP.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. Fifty-one healthy volunteers (males, n = 25, females, n = 26; Age: 18–40 years old) underwent measurement of thigh circumference (TC), brachial blood pressure, followed by assessments of LL-AOP with medium and large cuffs in positions supine, sitting and standing positions.Results: The large cuff required less external pressure (mmHg) to elicit arterial occlusion in all three-body positions when compared to the medium cuff (p < 0.001). The LL-AOP was significantly lower in the supine position, regardless of the cuff used (p < 0.001). Systolic blood pressure was the main predictor of LL-AOP in the large cuff, while TC was the main predictor of LL-AOP with the medium cuff. Body position influenced strength of the LL-AOP predictors.Conclusion: Our results indicate that LL-AOP and its predictors are substantially influenced by body position and cuff width. Therefore, these variables should be considered when standardizing the pressure prescribed in BFRE.

Background: The extent to which exercise training with blood flow restriction (BFR) improves functional performance (FP) in people with sarcopenia remains unclear. We performed a comprehensive search of BFR training in subjects with sarcopenia or susceptible to sarcopenia hoping to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effects of BFR on FP in older adults without medical disorders, but with or susceptible to sarcopenia.Methods: PubMed and the Cochrane library were searched through February 2022. Inclusion criteria were: 1) the study examined older adults (>55 years of age) with or susceptible to sarcopenia and free of overt acute or chronic diseases, 2) there was a random allocation of participants to BFR and active control groups, 3) BFR was the sole intervention difference between the groups, and 4) the study provided post-intervention measures of skeletal muscle and physical function which were either the same or comparable to those included in the revised European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) diagnostic algorithm.Results: No studies of BFR training in individuals with sarcopenia were found and no study included individuals with FP values below the EWGSOP criteria. However, four studies of BFR training in older adults in which FP was examined were found. BFR training significantly improved the timed up and go (MD = −0.46, z = 2.43, p = 0.02), 30-s chair stand (MD = 2.78, z = 3.72, p < 0.001), and knee extension strength (standardized MD = 0.5, z = 2.3, p = 0.02) in older adults.Conclusion: No studies of BFR exercise appear to have been performed in patients with or suspected sarcopenia based on latest diagnostic criteria. Despite the absence of such studies, BFR training was found to significantly improve the TUG, 30-s chair stand, and knee extension strength in older adults. Studies examining the effects of BFR in subjects below EWGSOP cut-off points are needed.

Background: Blood flow restriction exercise (BFRE) has become a common method to increase skeletal muscle strength and hypertrophy for individuals with a variety of conditions. A substantial literature of BFRE in older adults exists in which significant gains in strength and functional performance have been observed without report of adverse events. Research examining the effects of BFRE in heart disease (HD) and heart failure (HF) appears to be increasing for which reason the Muscle Hypothesis of Chronic Heart Failure (MHCHF) will be used to fully elucidate the effects BFRE may have in patients with HD and HF highlighted in the MHCHF.Methods: A comprehensive literature review was performed in PubMed and the Cochrane library through February 2022. Inclusion criteria were: 1) the study was original research conducted in human subjects older than 18 years of age and diagnosed with either HD or HF, 2) study participants performed BFRE, and 3) post-intervention outcome measures of cardiovascular function, physical performance, skeletal muscle function and structure, and/or systemic biomarkers were provided. Exclusion criteria included review articles and articles on viewpoints and opinions of BFRE, book chapters, theses, dissertations, and case study articles.Results: Seven BFRE studies in HD and two BFRE studies in HF were found of which four of the HD and the two HF studies examined a variety of measures reflected within the MHCHF over a period of 8–24 weeks. No adverse events were reported in any of the studies and significant improvements in skeletal muscle strength, endurance, and work as well as cardiorespiratory performance, mitochondrial function, exercise tolerance, functional performance, immune humoral function, and possibly cardiac performance were observed in one or more of the reviewed studies.Conclusion: In view of the above systematic review, BFRE has been performed safely with no report of adverse event in patients with a variety of different types of HD and in patients with HF. The components of the MHCHF that can be potentially improved with BFRE include left ventricular dysfunction, inflammatory markers, inactivity, a catabolic state, skeletal and possibly respiratory muscle myopathy, dyspnea and fatigue, ANS activity, and peripheral blood flow. Furthermore, investigation of feasibility, acceptability, adherence, adverse effects, and symptoms during and after BFRE is needed since very few studies have examined these important issues comprehensively in patients with HD and HF.

Background: Arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) is a relevant measurement for individualized prescription of exercise with blood flow restriction (BFRE). Therefore, it is important to consider factors that may influence this measure. Purpose: This study aimed to compare lower limb AOP (LL-AOP) measured with 11 cm (medium) and 18 cm (large) cuffs, in different body positions, and explore the predictors for each of the LL-AOP measurements performed. This information may be useful for future studies that seek to develop approaches to improve the standardization of pressure adopted in BFRE, including proposals for equations to estimate LL-AOP. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. Fifty-one healthy volunteers (males, n = 25, females, n = 26; Age: 18-40 years old) underwent measurement of thigh circumference (TC), brachial blood pressure, followed by assessments of LL-AOP with medium and large cuffs in positions supine, sitting and standing positions. Results: The large cuff required less external pressure (mmHg) to elicit arterial occlusion in all three-body positions when compared to the medium cuff (p < 0.001). The LL-AOP was significantly lower in the supine position, regardless of the cuff used (p < 0.001). Systolic blood pressure was the main predictor of LL-AOP in the large cuff, while TC was the main predictor of LL-AOP with the medium cuff. Body position influenced strength of the LL-AOP predictors. Conclusion: Our results indicate that LL-AOP and its predictors are substantially influenced by body position and cuff width. Therefore, these variables should be considered when standardizing the pressure prescribed in BFRE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundKnowledge about the epidemiology and risk factors surrounding COVID-19 contributes to developing better health strategies to combat the disease.ObjectiveThis study aimed to establish a survival analysis and identify the risk factors for patients with COVID-19 in an upper middle-income city in Brazil.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted with 280 hospitalized patients with COVID-19. The eCOVID platform provided data to monitor COVID-19 cases and help the communication between professionals.ResultsAge ≥ 65 years was associated with decreased survival (54.8%), and females had a lower survival rate than males (p = 0.01). Regarding risk factors, urea concentration (pConclusionAge, hospital length of stay, high blood urea concentration, and low oxygen concentration were associated with death by COVID-19 in the studied population. These findings corroborate with studies conducted in research centers worldwide.

Addressing industrial carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions is imperative due to its contribution to global warming. Transitioning toward more sustainable processes, CO2 conversion technologies hold promise in generating high-value chemicals. Notably, ionic liquids (ILs) have been reported to significantly boost CO2 conversion to CO and facilitate the production of C2+ hydrocarbons within a single reactor. This study delves into the recent advancements in employing ILs for converting CO2 into CO or into C2+ hydrocarbons. Performance metrics of various catalysts, both with and without ILs, involved in the reverse water–gas shift (RWGS) reaction, are presented. Detailed insights into the underlying reaction mechanisms and thermodynamics are shared. Further, the study elaborates on the experimental procedures adopted for synthesizing IL + metal catalysts, optimally suitable for producing CO or C2+ hydrocarbons. Additionally, we report the latest accomplishments in IL-based electrochemical CO2 reduction to CO. Despite the limited availability of studies, the use of IL + metal catalysts for CO2 reduction to CO or C2+ has shown considerable promise. These advancements predominantly involve lowering the operational temperature of the reactor and enabling the production of C2+ hydrocarbons in a single unit. However, this technology is still incipient. There are crucial areas that demand further exploration, such as understanding system kinetics, thermodynamics, and enhancing process modeling and simulation. As such, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the potential and challenges of IL-enhanced CO2 conversion, propelling future research in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The Test of Incremental Respiratory Endurance is a novel testing method that provides a unique examination of one’s inspiratory muscle strength, work and endurance. Little is known about the relationship between inspiratory muscle performance and mortality risk in obstructive lung disease. We examined the relationship between the Test of Incremental Respiratory Endurance measures and the Body-mass index, airflow Obstruction, Dyspnea and Exercise index in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Methods: In all, 70 males with mild-to-very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (mean ± standard deviation of 70.2 ± 5.9 years) underwent measurements of body-mass index, spirometry, dyspnea and a 6-min walk test from which the Body-mass index, airflow Obstruction, Dyspnea and Exercise score was calculated. The Test of Incremental Respiratory Endurance provided measures of maximal inspiratory pressure, sustained maximal inspiratory pressure and inspiratory duration. Results: All Test of Incremental Respiratory Endurance parameters inversely correlated with the Body-mass index, airflow Obstruction, Dyspnea and Exercise score: maximal inspiratory pressure (r = −0.355, p = 0.00), sustained maximal inspiratory pressure (r = −0.426, p = 0.00) and ID (r = −0.278, p = 0.02), with sustained maximal inspiratory pressure displaying the highest correlation. Independent significant correlations were also observed between the sustained maximal inspiratory pressure and all Body-mass index, airflow Obstruction, Dyspnea and Exercise score components, except for body-mass index. Finally, sustained maximal inspiratory pressure was significantly different among the Body-mass index, airflow Obstruction, Dyspnea and Exercise index quartiles. Discussion: The significant association between the Body-mass index, airflow Obstruction, Dyspnea and Exercise score and inspiratory muscle performance, in particular sustained maximal inspiratory pressure, suggests that these measures may have a potential prognostic value in the evaluation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The surgical treatment of the lesions located in the central lobe is a very difficult task for the neurosurgeon. The overall aim of this study is to verify the correlation of the coronal suture and the structures of the central lobe in 32 cadaver hemisphere brains and the importance of this information in surgical planning. The measurement of the nasion to the coronal suture ranged from 11.5 to 13.5 cm. The distance between the coronal suture in the midline to the central, precentral and paracentral sulcus ranged from 5.0 to 6.6, 2.5 to 4.5 and 1.3 to 4.0 cm respectively. Particularly in the normal cortex these measurements can be used to guide the surgical access. However, the identification of the central sulcus is not easy when the anatomical pattern is distorted or displaced by a lesion or edema. In cases such as these the use of other tools becomes crucial for good surgical planning and cortical mapping or awake craniotomy for a safer resection of the lesion as well.O tratamento cirúrgico de lesões localizadas no lobo central é difícil para o neurocirurgião. O objetivo deste estudo é verificar a relação da sutura coronária com as estruturas do lobo central utilizando-se de dissecção realizada em 32 hemisférios cerebrais de 16 cadáveres, assim como, a importância desta informação no planejamento cirúrgico. A medida da distância entre o nasion e a sutura coronária variou entre 11,5 e 13,5 cm. A distância da sutura coronária na linha média para os sulcos central, pré-central e paracentral variou de 5,0 a 6,6 cm, 2,5 a 4,5 cm e 1,3 a 4,0 cm respectivamente. O conhecimento destas medidas pode ser usado no planejamento cirúrgico principalmente num córtex normal. Porém, a identificação do sulco central é difícil quando as estruturas anatômicas estão deslocadas pela lesão ou quando há edema. Nestes casos a utilização de outros meios diagnósticos para o planejamento cirúrgico torna-se necessária, como também a estimulação cortical ou a craniotomia com o paciente acordado pode proporcionar uma ressecção mais segura da lesão.

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In recent years considerable technological advances have been made with the purpose of improving the surgical results in the treatment of eloquent lesions. The overall aim of this study is to evaluate the postoperative surgical outcome in 42 patients who underwent surgery to remove lesions around the motor cortex, in which preoperative planning by using neuroimaging exams, anatomical study, appropriate microsurgery technique and auxiliary methods such as cortical stimulation were performed. Twenty-two patients (52.3%) presented a normal motor function in the preoperative period. Of these, six developed transitory deficit. Twenty patients (47.6%) had a motor deficit preoperatively, nevertheless 90% of these improved postoperatively. Surgery in the motor area becomes safer and more effective with preoperative localization exams, anatomical knowledge and appropriate microsurgery technique. Cortical stimulation is important because it made possible to maximize the resection reducing the risk of a motor deficit. Stereotaxy method was useful in the location of subcortical lesions.Nos últimos anos, consideráveis avanços tecnológicos, principalmente métodos de localização funcional do córtex cerebral, têm surgido no sentido de melhorar os resultados cirúrgicos no tratamento de lesões em áreas eloqüentes. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar os resultados pós-operatórios em 42 pacientes submetidos à ressecção de lesões em área motora, utilizando-se de planejamento com exames de neuroimagem, conhecimento anatômico, técnica microcirúrgica adequada e métodos auxiliares a exemplo do estimulador cortical. Vinte e dois pacientes (52,3%) apresentavam força muscular normal no pré-operatório. Destes, seis apresentaram déficit motor transitório. Vinte pacientes (47,6%) tinham déficit motor no pré-operatório, mas 90% destes apresentaram melhora no pós-operatório. A cirurgia em área motora se torna mais segura e eficaz com a utilização de planejamento pré-operatório baseado nos exames de imagem, conhecimento anatômico e técnica microcirúrgica adequada. A utilização de estimulador cortical é importante para maximizar a ressecção minimizando o risco de déficit motor. A estereotaxia foi útil na localização de lesões subcorticais.