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The article explores the relevance of choosing the optimization algorithm to obtain accurate parameter estimates in photovoltaic (PV) systems, with the aim of improving the energy efficiency of solar energy. Advances in photovoltaic module analysis models have resulted in the development of global non-linear models (GNLM), which offer a more accurate representation of the I-V characteristics under various environmental conditions. Metaheuristic algorithms have stood out for their ability to handle the complexity of these nonlinear models. Therefore, the careful choice of the optimization algorithm is fundamental to guarantee consistent and reliable results in the estimation of the model parameters, contributing to maximizing energy efficiency. The study seeks to investigate whether different optimization tools can improve the accuracy and efficiency of parameter estimation, resulting in improved modeling and performance prediction of PV systems in different conditions.

There are a considerable number of patients who, after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL), suffer from relapses or reduced performance. Data collected from isokinetic dynamometry can provide useful information on the condition of the knee during rehabilitation. Seventy-one young sports patients with ACL reconstruction performed concentric (CON) isokinetic dynamometry (CON/CON 90°/s and CON/CON 240°/s) to assess the muscle strength of the quadriceps (Q) and hamstrings (H) in both knees at 6 months after ACL reconstruction. Limb symmetry index (LSI) and the H/Q ratio were calculated. Comparative statistical tests and multivariate regression were performed. At 90°/s, 57 patients (80.3%) had an LSI below 90% for quadriceps and 28 (60.6%) for hamstring. The number of imbalanced patients according to H/Q ratio was higher in the non-operated knee (n = 56, 78.9%) (p < 0.001). At 240°/s, 49 cases (69.1%) had LSI values above 90% for quadriceps and 37 (52.1%) for hamstrings. Regarding H/Q, imbalanced cases were higher in the non-operated limb (n = 60, 84.5%) (p < 0.001). Strength data at 6 months after ACL reconstruction and post-operative rehabilitation indicated greater unilateral (H/Q) muscle imbalance in the non-operated knee than in the operated knee. Most patients did not achieve the adequate LSI values.

Despite decades of literature on (de)hydration in healthy individuals, many unanswered questions remain. To outline research and policy priorities, it is fundamental to recognize the literature trends on (de)hydration and identify current research gaps, which herein we aimed to pinpoint. From a representative sample of 180 (de)hydration studies with 4350 individuals, we found that research is mainly limited to small-scale laboratory-based sample sizes, with high variability in demographics (sex, age, and level of competition); to non-ecological (highly simulated and controlled) conditions; and with a focus on recreationally active male adults (e.g., Tier 1, non-athletes). The laboratory-simulated environments are limiting factors underpinning the need to better translate scientific research into field studies. Although, consistently, dehydration is defined as the loss of 2% of body weight, the hydration status is estimated using a very heterogeneous range of parameters. Water is the most researched hydration fluid, followed by alcoholic beverages with added carbohydrates (CHO). The current research still overlooks beverages supplemented with proteins, amino acids (AA), and glycerol. Future research should invest more effort in “real-world” studies with larger and more heterogeneous cohorts, exploring the entire available spectrum of fluids while addressing hydration outcomes more harmoniously.

This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to explore the association between formal social participation and cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults using data from longitudinal studies. A comprehensive search was conducted in Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science for longitudinal studies that assessed the association between formal social participation and cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults published between January 2010 to 19 August 2022. Risk of bias was judged using the RoBANS tool. Meta-analysis using a random-effects model was computed with odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for cognitive decline probability. Sensitivity analyses were made to explore any changes to the pooled statistical heterogeneity and pooled effect size. Certainty of evidence was judged using the GRADE framework. We included 15 studies comprising 136,397 participants from 5 countries. Meta-analyses showed that formal social participation was associated with reduced cognitive decline (OR = 0.78, 95% CI 0.75–0.82, p < 0.001), with very low certainty of evidence. Formal social participation appears to enhance cognition in middle-aged and older adults, but further high-quality research is needed given the very low certainty of evidence.

Abstract Western democracies’ voting practices have altered recently, most notably with candidates now taking center stage at the expense of the institutions. These events are the result of a phenomenon called the personalisation of politics. The present review aims to synthesize evidence regarding the impact of voters’ evaluation of candidates’ traits on political outcomes and the effects of voters’ traits on voting. Included studies were identified via electronic databases (up to July 2019). Reviewers extracted data respecting inclusion and exclusion criteria. Methodological quality was assessed independently by two reviewers. Data synthesis was executed through narrative processes. 288 studies were identified, 12 of which were selected for review. Four main outcomes were found: (i) Personality traits and voting behaviour; (ii) Implicit /explicit trait associations and political outcomes; (iii) Party identification and personality traits; and (iv) Ideology and personality traits. Data obtained suggests that political outcomes are heavily influenced by voters’ personality traits and how they perceive the personality traits of the candidates. This review advances the theory of personality trait matching and establishes a connection between traits and the personalization of politics.

There is no consensus on how to measure shoulder joint laxity and results reported in the literature are not well systematized for the available shoulder arthrometer devices. This systematic review aims to summarize the results of currently available shoulder arthrometers for measuring glenohumeral laxity in individuals with healthy or injured shoulders. Searches were conducted on the PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases to identify studies that measure glenohumeral laxity with arthrometer-assisted assessment. The mean and standard deviations of the laxity measurement from each study were compared based on the type of population and arthrometer used. Data were organized according to the testing characteristics. A total of 23 studies were included and comprised 1162 shoulders. Populations were divided into 401 healthy individuals, 278 athletes with asymptomatic shoulder, and 134 individuals with symptomatic shoulder. Sensors were the most used method for measuring glenohumeral laxity and stiffness. Most arthrometers applied an external force to the humeral head or superior humerus by a manual-assisted mechanism. Glenohumeral laxity and stiffness were mostly assessed in the sagittal plane. There is substantial heterogeneity in glenohumeral laxity values that is mostly related to the arthrometer used and the testing conditions. This variability can lead to inconsistent results and influence the diagnosis and treatment decision-making.

An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is a severe sports injury that often occurs in young athletes. Besides the strong cumulative evidence on noncontact ACL tears, the injury mechanism (especially the contribution of external rotation) is still not well understood. The present work aims to evaluate which knee kinetics result in higher ACL stress and strain. A finite element model of the ACL was developed with a detailed geometry; the two distinct bundles (anteromedial and posterolateral) and the surrounding connective tissue were modelled based on medical anatomic measures and images. The model was validated using computational and cadaveric external data. Sixteen simulations were performed using different combinations of moments and axial loads applied to the knee model as boundary conditions. The results demonstrated that the peak stress (11.00 MPa) and strain (0.048) occurred at the midportion of the anteromedial bundle with the higher values being obtained under a combined knee valgus, flexion, tibial external rotation and high axial load. Anterior load showed low sensitivity in ACL stress and strain peaks. The tibial external rotation showed a higher contribution to the peak ACL stress and strain as compared to internal rotation. These results reinforce the role of axial load and highlight the importance of external rotation on ACL stress and strain, which may be suggestive of the ACL tear mechanism. The role of external rotation is often neglected and should be further explored in future cadaveric and experimental studies. The findings of this study provide data-driven insights to optimize the indications for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of ACL injuries in clinical practice and contribute to raising awareness of the injury mechanism among all relevant stakeholders.

Case-based learning (CBL) is a teaching method centered on active student learning that can overcome the limitations of traditional teaching methods used in undergraduate medical education. The aim of this systematic review was to compare the effectiveness of CBL against other teaching methodologies in terms of academic performance and perceptions (intra-individual, interpeer and student–faculty) of undergraduate medical students. Literature searches were performed using PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases up to 28 April 2021. We included studies that quantitatively compared the academic performance and perception outcomes of CBL against other teaching methodologies in undergraduate medical students. The risk of bias was judged using the RoBANS tool and certainty of evidence using the GRADE framework. Meta-analyses were conducted using a random-effects model and reported as standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Of a total of 4470 records, 41 studies comprising 7667 undergraduate medical students fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were included in our systematic review. The CBL group was superior to the other teaching method groups in terms of academic performance measured by exam scores (SMD = 2.37, 95% CI 1.25–3.49, large effect, very low certainty) and interest and motivation (SMD = 0.79, 95% CI 0.13–1.44, moderate effect, very low certainty). Other academic performance or perception outcomes were not statistically different between CBL and other teaching methods when considering the pooled effect. Still, they were often superior in the CBL group for specific subgroups. CBL showed superior academic performance (especially compared to didactic lectures and tutorial-based teaching) and interest and motivation compared to other teaching methods used with undergraduate medical students. However, the certainty of evidence was very low and further studies are warranted before a stronger and more definitive conclusion can be drawn.

Globally, better health care access and social conditions ensured a significant increase in the life expectancy of the population. There is, however, a clear increase in the incidence of age-related diseases which, besides affecting the social and economic sustainability of countries and regions around the globe, leads to a decrease in the individual’s quality of life. There is an urgent need for interventions that can reverse, or at least prevent and delay, the age-associated pathological deterioration. Within this line, this narrative review aims to assess updated evidence that explores the potential therapeutic targets that can mimic or complement the recognized anti-aging effects of physical exercise. We considered pertinent to review the anti-aging effects of the following drugs and supplements: Rapamycin and Rapamycin analogues (Rapalogs); Metformin; 2-deoxy-D-glucose; Somatostatin analogues; Pegvisomant; Trametinib; Spermidine; Fisetin; Quercetin; Navitoclax; TA-65; Resveratrol; Melatonin; Curcumin; Rhodiola rosea and Caffeine. The current scientific evidence on the anti-aging effect of these drugs and supplements is still scarce and no recommendation of their generalized use can be made at this stage. Further studies are warranted to determine which therapies display a geroprotective effect and are capable of emulating the benefits of physical exercise.

Background: Falls are the leading causes of (non)fatal injuries in older adults. Recent research has developed interventions that aim to improve balance in older adults using virtual reality (VR).Purpose: We aimed to investigate the validity, reliability, safety, feasibility, and efficacy of head mounted display (HMD) systems for assessing and training balance in older adults.Methods: We searched EBSCOhost, Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed databases until 1 September 2020 to find studies that used HMD systems for assessing or training balance. The methodological quality was assessed using a modified version of Downs and Black. We also appraised the risk of bias using Risk of Bias Assessment tool for Non-randomized Studies (RoBANS).Results: A total of 19 articles (637 participants) were included for review. Despite heterogenous age ranges and clinical conditions across studies, VR HMD systems were valid to assess balance and could be useful for fall prevention and for improving postural control and gait patterns. These systems also have the capacity to differentiate healthy and balance-impaired individuals. During VR versions of traditional balance tests, older adults generally acquire a cautious behavior and take more time to complete the tasks.Conclusion: VR HMD systems can offer ecologically valid scenarios to assess and train functional balance and can be used alone or in addition to other interventions. New norms and protocols should be defined according to participants' age, health status, and severity of their illness when using VR HMD systems for balance assessment and training. For safe and feasible training, attention must be given to display type, VR elements and scenarios, duration of exposure, and system usability. Due to high risk of bias and overall poor quality of the studies, further research is needed on the effectiveness of HMD VR training in older adults.

Conduziu-se experimento em casa de vegetação para avaliar a eficiência de duas técnicas de coloração de raízes de soja cultivar Emgopa 313, infectadas pelos três principais fitonematóides que afetam a cultura: Heterodera glycines, Meloidogyne incognita e Pratylenchus brachyurus. Foram realizadas três avaliações aos 10, 17 e 25 dias após o plantio da soja em solo naturalmente infestado, com os nematóides avaliados. A técnica empregando clareamento com NaOCl e fucsina ácida e a técnica que emprega lacto-glicerol e fucsina ácida foram eficientes na coloração dos nematóides, permitindo a sua visualização no interior do tecido radicular. Em função da duração do ciclo de vida do P. brachyurus não foi possível a visualização desses nematóides nos tecidos radiculares na primeira avaliação empregando a técnica do clareamento e coloração com fucsina ácida, e na segunda avaliação, em ambas as técnicas testadas. Para tecidos mais tenros a técnica que emprega o clareamento seria a mais indicada por facilitar a visualização dos nematóides, já que os tecidos sofrem certa descoloração, e por utilizar uma menor quantidade de corante, o que auxilia no processo de descoloração.

Biomaterials have long been explored in regenerative medicine strategies for the repair or replacement of damaged organs and tissues, due to their biocompatibility, versatile physicochemical properties and tuneable mechanical cues capable of matching those of native tissues. However, poor adhesion under wet conditions (such as those found in tissues) has thus far limited their wider application. Indeed, despite its favourable physicochemical properties, facile gelation and biocompatibility, gellan gum (GG)-based hydrogels lack the tissue adhesiveness required for effective clinical use. Aiming at assessing whether substitution of GG by dopamine (DA) could be a suitable approach to overcome this problem, database searches were conducted on PubMed® and Embase® up to 2 March 2021, for studies using biomaterials covalently modified with a catechol-containing substituent conferring improved adhesion properties. In this regard, a total of 47 reports (out of 700 manuscripts, ~6.7%) were found to comply with the search/selection criteria, the majority of which (34/47, ~72%) were describing the modification of natural polymers, such as chitosan (11/47, ~23%) and hyaluronic acid (6/47, ~13%); conjugation of dopamine (as catechol “donor”) via carbodiimide coupling chemistry was also predominant. Importantly, modification with DA did not impact the biocompatibility and mechanical properties of the biomaterials and resulting hydrogels. Overall, there is ample evidence in the literature that the bioinspired substitution of polymers of natural and synthetic origin by DA or other catechol moieties greatly improves adhesion to biological tissues (and other inorganic surfaces).

Patellar dislocation is a major orthopaedic concern in pediatric and adult populations, with both conservative and surgical options available. Several surgical techniques of the combined or isolated reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament are described in the literature using different grafts, locations, and types of fixations, providing different advantages and disadvantages. New recent developments in cadaveric dissection studies have unveiled the importance of structures that were neglected until recently, such as the medial quadriceps tendon–femoral ligament, which provides a connection between the medial femur and the quadriceps tendon component of the knee extensor mechanism. Hence, we present a surgical technique with combined reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament and medial quadriceps tendon–femoral ligament without the use of hardware and with no need for patellar or femoral drilling (no physis compromise or risk of patellar fracture), which can be used concomitantly with other bony procedures.

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition in the older population and is characterized by several articular dysfunctions with consequent anatomic abnormalities including osteochondral degenerative changes and meniscal extrusion. Meniscal damage with extrusion is one of the strongest identified risk factors for the development and progression of knee OA and represents an important factor in the long-term health of the joint. Meniscal extrusion can alter normal knee biomechanics and dramatically inhibit meniscal function. We present a surgical technique for the treatment of early knee OA in association with an extruded meniscus to restore the meniscal anatomic position and preserve its native physiological function related to cartilage preservation. Meniscal retensioning, or a “meniscal autotransplant,” can increase meniscal coverage in the compromised compartment, prevent cartilage degeneration, decrease subchondral bone exposure, and restore the compartmental space and, consequently, can relieve patients' symptoms related to early OA.

ABSTRACT: Among the nematode management strategies, genetic resistance is one of the most appropriate and desirable. However, resistant soybean and corn genotypes resistant to Pratylenchus brachyurus are not available up to the moment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the host suitability of 50 soybean and 38 corn genotypes to P. brachyurus under natural infestation. Soybean genotypes BRSGO Chapadões, BRSGO Paraíso, M-Soy 7211 RR, M-Soy 8008 RR, Emgopa 313 RR, M-Soy 8411, BRSGO Juliana RR, Emgopa 316 RR, BRSGO Luziânia RR and TMG 103 RR, and corn genotype Agromem 30A06 reduced the nematode population during the evaluation period.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do caldo de cana desidratado (CCD) no desempenho, na qualidade de carcaça e no índice econômico de codornas ( Coturnix coturnix) europeias, no período de 22 a 42 dias de idade. Foram utilizadas 192 codornas de corte com 22 dias de idade, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tratamentos e seis repetições de oito aves. Foram adicionados 0, 1,5, 3,0 e 4,5% de CCD na ração. Avaliou-se a viabilidade econômica da inclusão dos níveis de CCD nas rações por meio da margem bruta relativa das dietas. No período de 29 a 35 dias de idade, houve efeito linear crescente para o consumo de ração com o aumento de CCD na ração. No entanto, houve efeito quadrático dos níveis de CCD sobre o peso da carcaça, da coxa+sobrecoxa e da gordura abdominal, e os níveis ótimos estimados foram de 1,69, 2,50 e 2,34%, respectivamente. Houve efeito linear decrescente dos níveis de CCD sobre o peso de peito com e sem pele. A análise econômica indicou maior lucro ao produtor com uso da ração convencional. Entretanto, entre os níveis de inclusão de CCD, o de 1,5% apresentou os melhores resultados, com uma diferença de 0,47% na margem de lucro em relação à ração convencional. A adição de 1,69 e 2,50% de caldo de cana desidratado na ração é recomendada para atingir maior peso de carcaça e coxa+sobrecoxa em codornas de corte, respectivamente.

The modern planning and management of urban spaces is an essential topic for smart cities and depends on up-to-date and reliable information on land use and the functional roles of the places that integrate urban areas. In the last few years, driven by the increased availability of geo-referenced data from social media, embedded sensors, and remote sensing images, various techniques have become popular for land use analysis. In this paper, we first highlight and discuss the different data types and methods usually adopted in this context, as well as their purposes. Then, based on a systematic state-of-the-art study, we focused on exploring the potential of points of interest (POIs) for land use classification, as one of the most common categories of crowdsourced data. We developed an application to automatically collect POIs for the study area, creating a dataset that was used to generate a large number of features. We used a ranking technique to select, among them, the most suitable features for classifying land use. As ground truth data, we used CORINE Land Cover (CLC), which is a solid and reliable dataset available for the whole European territory. It was used an artificial neural network (ANN) in different scenarios and our results reveal values of more than 90% for the accuracy and F-score in one experiment performed. Our analysis suggests that POI data have promising potential to characterize geographic spaces. The work described here aims to provide an alternative to the current methodologies for land use and land cover (LULC) classification, which are usually time-consuming and depend on expensive data types.

World population has been continuously increasing and progressively aging. Aging is characterized by a complex and intraindividual process associated with nine major cellular and molecular hallmarks, namely, genomic instability, telomere attrition, epigenetic alterations, a loss of proteostasis, deregulated nutrient sensing, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, stem cell exhaustion, and altered intercellular communication. This review exposes the positive antiaging impact of physical exercise at the cellular level, highlighting its specific role in attenuating the aging effects of each hallmark. Exercise should be seen as a polypill, which improves the health-related quality of life and functional capabilities while mitigating physiological changes and comorbidities associated with aging. To achieve a framework of effective physical exercise interventions on aging, further research on its benefits and the most effective strategies is encouraged.

Patellar tendon ruptures can lead to significant functional deficiency of the extensor mechanism of the knee. These injuries, because of their inherent nature and associated complications, may require a complex treatment and remains a challenge for orthopaedic surgeons. Current surgical techniques present significant complications, including patellar fracture, damage to patellar articular cartilage, and abnormal patella height. This note describes a surgical technique to provide an additional reinforcement to the patellar tendon repair with a semitendinous autograft, without the necessity to perform any transosseous tunnels at the patella bone. First, the patellar tendon is repaired with an end-to-end technique and the semitendinous tendon is harvested. A transosseous tunnel at the tibial tubercle is drilled and 2 rents are made, both medial and lateral to the retinaculum at the level of the intermedial segment of the patella close to the patellar margin. The graft is passed through the tunnel and rents in a U-shaped form. The graft is sutured along the length of the patellar tendon on both margins in tension at 30° of knee flexion. Fluoroscopy imaging is performed to assess the patella height. This technique provides a significant augmentation of patellar tendon, avoiding the potential patella bone tunnel complications.

Patellofemoral dysfunction, due to either a patellofemoral malalignment or patellar instability, is a complex and debilitating condition that significantly decreases the knee function. Conservative management may yield significant clinical outcomes; however, when morphologic anomalies are identified, the surgical approach should be employed. Hence, several surgical procedures have been described in the scientific literature aiming the correction of underlying extensor mechanism malalignments. Still, the rate of complications is higher than desirable. The described technique is based on the principles of transferring the tibial tubercle medially as described in the Elmslie-Trillat technique. However, a curvilinear horizontal cut is made prior to the vertical cut, which raises a thick osseous fragment and allows the formation of a gutter when the osseous fragment is moved medially. Whereas the horizontal gutter provides stability to the bone fragment, the thicker dimension of the osseous fragment and retention of the distal attachment significantly enhances the osteotomy union. Hence, adequate pain relief and stability with very low postoperative morbidity could be achieved. The purpose of this surgical note is to describe a modification to the Elmslie-Trillat technique to treat patellofemoral dysfunctions, achieving a higher osseous stability and decreased postoperative morbidity.

With the objective of evaluating the effect of reducing crude protein (CP) and L-glutamic acid supplementation, Dekalb Brown laying hens with 34 weeks of age. The birds were distributed in six treatments in a completely randomized design, eight replications of eight birds. The control diet contained 17% CP. The second and third treatments had CP reduced by 1.5 and 3.0 percentage points (pp) of CP in relation to the control diet, respectively. In the fourth treatment, was added the same amount of glutamate of the control diet (2.982%), and the last two treatments was added 1 and 2 pp of glutamate in relation to control diet (3.982 and 4.98%), respectively. The treatment with 15.17% CP + 0.341% L-glutamic acid (T4) promoted higher egg production, and the control diet showed greater egg weight than others treatments. There was no significant effect on the variables on quality of eggs. The T4 presented values of excreted nitrogen similar to the others treatments, with lower concentration of uric acid than the control diet and lower cost in the production. In conclusion, it is recommended the treatment with 15.17% CP + 0.341% L-glutamic acid for Brown laying hens with 34 weeks of age.

Autologous mosaicplasty has been widely used for the treatment of focal, full-thickness, articular cartilage lesions of the knee and ankle joints. Commonly, the autografts are harvested from non–weight-bearing areas of the knee joint, leading to associated donor-site morbidity and representing a considerable disadvantage. This Technical Note presents a mosaicplasty procedure for harvesting autologous osteochondral plugs from the upper tibiofibular joint to repair articular cartilage defects. With this technique, it is possible to achieve low or no risk of donor-site morbidity, being therefore a safe and favorable option to treat large cartilage defects. Because of its minimal size-related restrictions, it enables harvesting larger plugs (filling an area up to 5 cm2) without any additional iatrogenic complications. Hence, mosaicplasty using the upper tibiofibular joint autografts can overcome many of the reported complications associated with osteochondral autograft harvesting. Thus, the upper tibiofibular joint articular surface should be considered as a safe and reliable autograft source for harvesting osteochondral plugs.

Anatomical positioning of the graft in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is important to restore normal knee kinematics and prevent early joint degeneration. Inadequate position of a first attempt to place the guide pin within the center of the tibial footprint may occur. Therefore, its adjustment is important to achieve the anatomical positioning of the graft within the tibial footprint. When the guide pin exits eccentrically in an inadequate position, it is possible to correct it to the center of the footprint. A small tunnel with a 4.5-mm reamer is made and the guide pin is shifted to the center of the footprint. The center of the tunnel can be corrected until 50% and in all direction in relation to the initial drilled tunnel, without additional associated morbidity. Once the correct position of the center is achieved, the guide pin is fixed in the femoral notch roof to guarantee the accurate correction of the axis, without toggling of the guide pin inside the tunnel and metal dusting. The final tunnel is then drilled with the same size of the graft. With this technique it is possible to adjust an eccentrically misplaced guide pin to the center of the footprint without additional morbidity.

Abstract Background Mosaicplasty has been associated with good short‐ to long‐term results. Nevertheless, the osteochondral harvesting is restricted to the donor‐site area available and it may lead to significant donor‐site morbidity. Purpose Provide an overview of donor‐site morbidity associated with harvesting of osteochondral plugs from the knee joint in mosaicplasty procedure. Methods Comprehensive search using Pubmed, Cochrane Library, SPORTDiscus and CINAHL databases was carried out through 10th October of 2016. As inclusion criteria, all English‐language studies that assessed the knee donor‐site morbidity after mosaicplasty were accepted. The outcomes were the description and rate of knee donor‐site morbidity, sample’s and cartilage defect’s characterization and mosaicplasty‐related features. Correlation between mosaicplasty features and rate of morbidity was performed. The methodological and reporting quality were assessed according to Coleman’s methodology score. Results Twenty‐one studies were included, comprising a total of 1726 patients, with 1473 and 268 knee and ankle cartilage defects were included. The defect size ranged from 0.85 cm2 to 4.9 cm2 and most commonly 3 or less plugs (averaging 2.9 to 9.4 mm) were used. Donor‐site for osteochondral harvesting included margins of the femoral trochlea (condyles), intercondylar notch, patellofemoral joint and upper tibio‐fibular joint. Mean donor‐site morbidity was 5.9 % and 19.6 % for knee and ankle mosaicplasty procedures, respectively. Concerning knee‐to‐knee mosaicplasty procedures, the most common donor‐site morbidity complaints were patellofemoral disturbances (22 %) and crepitation (31 %), and in knee‐to‐ankle procedures there was a clear tendency for pain or instability during daily living or sports activities (44 %), followed by patellofemoral disturbances, knee stiffness and persistent pain (13 % each). There was no significant correlation between rate of donor‐site morbidity and size of the defect, number and size of the plugs (p > 0.05). Conclusions Osteochondral harvesting in mosaicplasty often results in considerable donor‐site morbidity. The donor‐site morbidity for knee‐to‐ankle (16.9 %) was greater than knee‐to‐knee (5.9 %) mosaicplasty procedures, without any significant correlation between rate of donor‐site morbidity and size of the defect, number and size of the plugs. Lack or imcomplete of donor‐site morbidity reporting within the mosaicplasty studies is a concern that should be addressed in future studies. Level of evidence Level IV, systematic review of Level I‐IV studies.

A crescente fragmentação das paisagens tem contribuído para a perda da diversidade biológica nas diversas regiões brasileiras. Isso se deve, na grande maioria dos casos, à maneira desordenada com que o homem vem usando e ocupando as terras. A criação de áreas protegidas ou unidades de conservação (UC) tem sido um dos principais mecanismos utilizados para a proteção da biodiversidade (in situ), além de assumir objetivos mais amplos como a proteção dos recursos hídricos, de espécies ameaçadas, dos recursos genéticos, do grau de endemismo, dos habitats, entre outros. Contudo, é preciso que haja instrumentos de avaliação periódica do seu estado de conservação, visando fornecer subsídios aos planos de manejo através da identificação das potenciais ameaças à funcionalidade ecológica dessas áreas protegidas. Com base em mapas temáticos de classificação da cobertura do solo, elaborados para os anos de 1989 e 2008, no intuito de analisar as alterações ocorridas na área de estudo neste mesmo período, este trabalho quantificou a dinâmica da flora nativa no interior e entorno da Área de Proteção Ambiental Estadual Cachoeira das Andorinhas e da Floresta Estadual do Uaimii, localizadas no Município de Ouro Preto (MG). Os resultados mostram que, ao longo dos 19 anos de comparação, a área ocupada pela flora nativa manteve-se praticamente a mesma, com índices de 82 a 83% no interior das UCs e 74% no seu entorno. Com os resultados da fragmentação, torna-se possível identificar as áreas mais críticas ou sujeitas a maior pressão antrópica e direcionar programas específicos, no âmbito gerencial, para minimizá-los.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar retrospectivamente os resultados de uma série de pacientes submetidos à corpectomia torácica e/ou lombar por via exclusivamente posterior associado à colocação de cage e à artrodese instrumentada segmentar e descrever a técnica cirúrgica. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados retrospectivamente seis pacientes portadores de colapso vertebral, instabilidade biomecânica ou lesão neurológica por diferentes etiologias. Estes pacientes apresentavam indicação de descompressão neural e receberam indicação para a realização de corpectomia e reconstrução circunferencial com cage sendo realizado por via exclusivamente posterior. RESULTADOS: Quatro pacientes eram do sexo masculino e dois do sexo feminino. A idade média foi de 58 anos (22 a 82 anos) com tempo médio de acompanhamento de 10,5 meses (2 a 24 meses). Em três casos a ressecção foi de um corpo vertebral e em três casos de dois corpos vertebrais. Todos os pacientes apresentaram melhora do seu estado neurológico e melhora da dor lombar ou radicular. As indicações ao procedimento foram três casos por espondilodiscite, um por fratura osteoporótica, um tumor metastático e um tumor primário. Três pacientes apresentaram complicações necessitando de revisão cirúrgica evoluindo com melhora dos sintomas. As complicações foram fístula liquórica, radiculopatia lombar, infecção de ferida operatória, meningite e falha da instrumentação. CONCLUSÃO: Os pacientes submetidos à corpectomia por via exclusivamente posterior apresentaram resultados favoráveis com melhora do déficit neurológico ou dor em todos os casos. Esta técnica mostrou-se eficiente na reconstrução circunferencial da coluna evitando as complicações da abordagem tradicional por dupla via.OBJETIVO: Evaluar retrospectivamente los resultados de una serie de pacientes sometidos a corpectomía vertebral por una vía exclusivamente posterior con la colocación de cage y artrodesis instrumentada segmentaria y describir la técnica quirúrgica. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo evaluó seis pacientes con colapso vertebral, inestabilidad biomecánica y daños neurológicos causados por diferentes etiologías. Estos pacientes son candidatos para la descompresión neural y recibieron la indicación para la corpectomía y reconstrucción circunferencial con cage por una vía exclusivamente posterior. Resultados: Cuatro pacientes fueron hombres y dos mujeres. La edad promedio fue 58 años (22-82) y el seguimiento medio fue de 10,5 meses (2-24). En tres casos la resección fue un cuerpo vertebral y en tres casos dos vértebras fueron sometidas a resección. Todos los pacientes mejoraron en el estado neurológico, el dolor lumbar o el dolor radicular. Las indicaciones de cirugía fueron tres casos de espondilodiscitis, uno de fractura osteoporótica, un caso de tumor metastásico y un caso de tumor primario. Tres pacientes tuvieron complicaciones que requieren una revisión quirúrgica desarrollada con una mejoría de los síntomas. Las complicaciones fueron pérdida de líquido cefalorraquídeo, la radiculopatía lumbar, infección de la herida, la meningitis y el fracaso de la instrumentación. Conclusión: Los pacientes que se sometieron a corpectomía por una vía exclusivamente posterior mostraron resultados favorables con mejoría del déficit neurológico o dolor en todos los casos. Esta técnica fue eficiente en la reconstrucción de la columna y evitar las complicaciones del doble abordaje.OBJECTIVE: To evaluate retrospectively the results of a series of patients undergone thoracic or lumbar corpectomy via single posterior approach with placement of cage and segmental instrumented arthrodesis. The surgical technique performed was described. METHODS: The retrospective study evaluated six patients with vertebral collapse, biomechanical instability or neurological damage caused by different etiologies. These patients showed neural decompression and received indication to perform corpectomy and circumferential reconstruction with cage being conducted exclusively by posterior approach. RESULTS: Four patients were male and 2 female. The average age was 58 years (22-82 years) and mean follow up was 10.5 months (2-24 months). In three cases the resection was only one vertebral body and in three cases two vertebral bodies. All patients improved in neurological status and low back pain or radicular pain. The indications for surgery were three cases of spondylodiscitis, one of osteoporotic fracture, one case of metastatic tumor and one case of primary tumor. Three patients had complications requiring surgical revision; which resulted in improvement of symptoms. The complications that occurred were cerebrospinal fluid leakage, lumbar radiculopathy, wound infection, meningitis and failure of instrumentation. CONCLUSION: Patients submitted to corpectomy via single posterior approach showed favorable outcomes with improvement of neurological deficit or pain in all cases. This technique was efficient in the reconstruction of circumferential column avoiding the complications of the traditional anterior-posterior approach.

O nematóide de cisto, Heterodera glycines, encontra-se disseminado por todas as regiões brasileiras produtoras de soja. Embora medidas para reduzir a população desse parasito sejam bem conhecidas pouco se sabe sobre o efeito de herbicidas e sua interação com cultivares suscetíveis e resistentes, ou mesmo transgênicas, sobre o nematóide. Com este objetivo foram conduzidos dois experimentos na safra 2006/2007, em áreas naturalmente infestadas, nos municípios de Campo Alegre de Goiás e Gameleira de Goiás, onde predominam, respectivamente, as raças 14 e 3 (Tipos 1,3-- e 0--) de H. glycines. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial 4x4+1, com três repetições. Os tratamentos foram constituídos pela interação entre quatro cultivares de soja (BRSGO Ipameri, BRSGO Luziânia, BRSGO Jataí, BRS Silvânia RR) e quatro formas de controle de plantas daninhas (arranquio manual, chlorimuron-etil+lactofen, chlorimuron-etil e haloxyfop-metil), além do tratamento adicional representado pela combinação da cultivar transgênica BRS Silvânia RR e o herbicida glifosato. O uso de glifosato em cultivar transgênica não influenciou a população de H. glycines. Em Campo Alegre de Goias o uso de clorimuron + lactofen reduziu a população de H. glycines na cultivar BRSGO Silvânia RR aos 80 DAS e na cultivar BRSGO Jataí na avaliação final. A cultivar resistente BRSGO Ipameri não proporcionou redução na população do nematóide, mas apresentou maior desenvolvimento vegetativo, indicado por maior matéria seca, biomassa e índice de área foliar (IAF).

O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar a hospedabilidade de plantas de amarílis ao nematóide Heterodera glycines.