The comparison of postural balance in elderly active, sedentary and with vestibulopathy

Introduction: To be sedentary and have any disease with regard to vestibular pathology can compromise the performance of the postural control and increases the risk of falls. Objective: This study aimed to compare the postural control of elderly active, sedentary and vestibular pathology. Methods: The sample consisted of 45 elderly separated according to their current health condition: elderly active, sedentary and with vestibulopathy. The postural balance tests were performed in bipedal support, eyes open and the variables measured by the force platform were the center of pressure and average speeds of postural sway in the directions, anteroposterior (A/P) and medial-lateral (M/L). Results: Elderly with vestibulopathy presented significantly poorer postural balance (P 0.80. Conclusion: Elderly with vestibulopathy have poor postural balance that elderly active and sedentary. These findings have any implications for programs of rehabilitation for vestibular disorders. Introdução: Sedentarismo e/ou a presença de qualquer doença relacionada ao sistema vestibular pode comprometer o desempenho do controle postural e aumentar o risco de quedas. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar o controle postural em idosos ativos, sedentário e com vestibulopatia. Métodos: A amostra foi composta por 45 idosos separados de acordo com sua condição de saúde atual: idoso ativo, sedentário e vestibulopatia. Os testes de equilíbrio postural foram realizados em apoio bípede, com olhos abertos e as variáveis medidas pela plataforma de força foram o centro de pressão e velocidade média de oscilação postural nas direções, ântero-posterior (A/P) e médio-lateral (M/L). Resultados: Idosos com vestibulopatia apresentaram pior equilíbrio postural (P 0,80. Conclusão: Idosos com vestibulopatia têm pior equilíbrio postural que idosos ativos e sedentários. Estes achados têm implicações para o processo de reabilitação associado às desordens do sistema vestibular

Socioeconomic status moderates the association between perceived environment and active commuting to school

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the moderator effect of socioeconomic status in the association between the perceived environment and active commuting to school. METHODS: A total of 495 adolescents and their parents were interviewed. Perceived environment was operationalized in traffic and crime safety and assessed with the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale. Active commuting was self-reported by the adolescents, categorized in walking, bicycling or skating at least one time/week. Socioeconomic status was used as moderator effect, reported from adolescents’ parents or guardians using Brazilian standardized socioeconomic status classification. Analyses were performed with Poisson regression on Stata 12.0. RESULTS: Prevalence of active commuting was 63%. Adolescents with low socioeconomic status who reported “it is easy to observe pedestrians and cyclists” were more likely to actively commute to school (PR = 1.18, 95%CI 1.03–1.13). Adolescents with low socioeconomic status whose parents or legal guardians reported positively to “being safe crossing the streets” had increased probability of active commuting to school (PR = 1.10, 95%CI 1.01–1.20), as well as those with high socioeconomic status with “perception of crime” were positively associated to the outcome (PR = 1.33, 95%CI 1.03–1.72). CONCLUSIONS: Socioeconomic status showed moderating effects in the association between the perceived environment and active commuting to school

In vitro evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of five root canal sealers

The aim of the present study was to analyze the antimicrobial properties of five endodontic sealers: Endo Fill, Endomethasone, Endomethasone N, Sealer 26 and AH-Plus, against the following microorganisms: Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus sanguis and Actinomyces naeslundii. The sealers were tested immediately, 24 h, 48 h and 7 days after manipulation.The direct contact method through the observation of the microbial growth in liquid medium and the agar diffusion test were used to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of the sealers. The results, in both methodologies used, showed that immediately after manipulation, Endo-Fill and Endomethasone demonstrated the highest antimicrobial activity, with no statistically significant difference between them. Sealer 26 demonstrated the lowest antimicrobial activity. At all other times after manipulation, there were no statistically significant differences among all the sealers tested. In conclusion, none of the sealers totally inhibited the growth of the microorganisms. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activity of each sealer decreased with time and was dependent upon the microbial susceptibility to them.O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar as propriedades antimicrobianas de cinco cimentos endodônticos: Endo Fill, Endomethasone, Endomethasone N, Sealer 26 e AH-Plus, em diferentes períodos pós-manipulação, i.e., imediatamente e após 24 horas, 48 horas e 7 dias, contra os seguintes microrganismos: Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus sanguis e Actinomyces naeslundii. Os métodos usados foram o contato direto através da observação do crescimento microbiano em meio líquido e o teste de difusão em agar. Os resultados, nas duas metodologias usadas, mostraram que: 1) imediatamente após a manipulação, Endo-Fill e Endomethasone apresentaram a maior atividade antimicrobiana, sem diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre eles. Sealer 26 teve a menor atividade antimicrobiana; 2) nos outros tempos pós-manipulação, não houveram diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre os cimentos testados. Foi concluído que nenhum dos cimentos inibiu completamente o crescimento dos microrganismos testados. A atividade antimicrobiana de cada cimento diminuiu com o tempo e dependeu da suscetibilidade microbiana a eles.3035Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES

Efeito do número de operações mecanizadas de nivelamento de solo sobre os componentes de rendimento e altura da lâmina de água na cultura do arroz irrigado

Este trabalho teve como objetivo analisar o efeito do número de operações mecanizadas de nivelamento da superfície do solo sobre os componentes de rendimento e altura da lâmina de água na cultura do arroz irrigado. O estudo foi realizado em uma área subdividida em dois talhões de 15 hectares, sendo conduzida sob sistema de cultivo mínimo. As variações no número de operações de nivelamento do solo, constituíram de uma e duas operações, utilizando um conjunto mecanizado composto de trator e plaina niveladora hidráulica. Foi utilizado um grid com intensidade amostral de um hectare, sendo analisados a altura média da lâmina de água e os seguintes componentes de rendimento: população de plantas, número de panículas, produtividade e grãos inteiros (rendimento de indústria). A produtividade de arroz e a altura média da lâmina de água não foram influenciadas pelo número de operações mecanizadas de nivelamento do solo. A maior correlação observada referente à produtividade foi o número de panículas por área, mas sem interferência significativa no rendimento final da cultura. Também, pode-se observar baixa correlação entre rendimento de indústria e produtividade, em ambos os tratamentos. Portanto, a realização de uma segunda operação de nivelamento do solo, nas condições em que o experimento foi realizado, não se justifica economicamente, pois o incremento de produção não cobre os custos da segunda operação

Representações sociais de universitários brasileiros sobre as influências na adesão ao isolamento-distanciamento social durante a pandemia de COVID-19

Objective: This study's objective was to know Brazilian university students' social representations regarding the influences on adherence to distancing-social isolation during the new coronavirus pandemic. Methods: The research design of this study was qualitative research, guided by the Theory of Social Representations. The students were selected by convenience by the “snowball” sampling method. The environment for access and invitation to participants consisted of groups on social media. Data were collected through an electronic questionnaire prepared by the authors using the Google Forms platform. For analysis, content analysis was used with the aid of the IraMuTeQ software. Results: Seven hundred and ninety-eight Brazilian university students participated, with a mean age of 23.59 years; 71.7% of respondents were female, 28.1% were male, and 0.3% were intersex. As a result, four classes were obtained, organized into two categories, entitled “Reproducing the voice of science: Scientific knowledge as a determinant of conduct” and “Life at home: Risk and fear in everyday life”. Conclusions: It appears that the participants structure their representations based on scientific recommendations and assume the position of reproducing the hegemonic discourse on distancing/social isolation; however, the symbolic elaboration process is marked by the fear of infecting close people and the desire to protect them.Objetivo: O estudo em causa teve como objetivo conhecer as representações sociais de universitários brasileiros sobre as influências na adesão ao distanciamento/isolamento social durante a pandemia pelo novo coronavírus. Métodos: Tratou-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, orientada pela Teoria das Representações Sociais. Os estudantes foram selecionados por conveniência pelo método de amostragem em “bola de neve” em grupos de redes sociais. Os dados foram recolhidos por meio de um questionário eletrônico, elaborado pelos autores, via formulário digital na plataforma Google Forms. Para análise, utilizou-se a análise de conteúdo com o auxílio do software IraMuTeQ. Resultados: Participaram 798 universitários brasileiros, com média de idade igual a 23,59 anos; 71,7% dos respondentes eram do sexo feminino, 28,1% do sexo masculino e 0,3% eram intersexo. Como resultado, obteve-se quatro classes, organizadas em duas categorias, intituladas “Reproduzir a voz da ciência: o conhecimento científico como determinante de condutas” e “A vida em casa: o risco e o medo no quotidiano”. Conclusões: Depreende-se que os participantes estruturam as suas representações a partir das recomendações científicas e assumem a posição de reprodutores do discurso hegemônico sobre o isolamento/distanciamento social. Contudo, o processo de elaboração simbólica é marcado pelo medo de infetar as pessoas próximas e o desejo de protegê-las

Taekwondo athletes have better postural control than handball and american football athletes / Atletas de taekwondon têm melhor controle postural do que atletas de handebol e futebol americano

Introduction: Postural control is an important prerequisite for an athlete’s performance in sport. In addition, the postural control system contributes to injury prevention. Deficits in this system can lead to body instability and overload of musculoskeletal structures generating dysfunction and pain. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate postural control in three different sports modalities: taekwondo, handball, and American football. Methods: All athletes performed a one-legged stance/balance test on a force platform in the right and left lower limbs. Three tests of thirty seconds each were performed with eyes open. The mean of the three tests was used to measure the parameters of postural control, pressure center and velocity of anteroposterior and mediolateral displacements. Results: Significant differences were observed among the three groups in all analyzed parameters (P=<0.04). Post-hoc analysis revealed that taekwondo athletes had better postural control (P=<0.035) of lower limbs compared to the other two modalities. There were no significant differences between handball and American football. Conclusion: Taekwondo athletes have better postural control during the one-legged stance/balance test than handball and American football athletes. Introdução: O controle postural é um pré-requisito importante para o desempenho do atleta no esporte. Além disso, o sistema de controle postural contribui para a prevenção de lesões. Déficits nesse sistema podem levar a instabilidade corporal e sobrecarga das estruturas musculoesqueléticas, gerando disfunção e dor. Objetivos: A proposta deste estudo foi avaliar o controle postural em três diferentes modalidades esportivas: taekwondo, handebol e futebol americano. Métodos: Todos os atletas executaram o teste de equilíbrio unipodal sobre uma plataforma de força nos membros inferiores direito e esquerdo. Foram realizados três testes de trinta segundos cada, com os olhos abertos. A média dos três testes foi utilizada para mensurar os parâmetros de controle postural, centro de pressão e velocidade dos deslocamentos anteroposteriores e mediolaterais. Resultados: Diferenças significativas foram observadas entre os três grupos em todos os parâmetros analisados (P = <0,04). A análise post hoc revelou que os atletas de taekwondo tiveram melhor controle postural (P = < 0,035) dos membros inferiores em comparação com as outras duas modalidades. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre o handebol e o futebol americano. Conclusão: Os atletas do taekwondo têm melhor controle postural durante o teste de equilíbrio unipodal do que os atletas do handebol e do futebol americano

BRSMG Uai: common bean cultivar with carioca grain type and upright plant architecture

The common bean cultivar with carioca grain type, BRSMG Uai, is recommended for cultivation in Minas Gerais and stands out for its upright plant architecture, which facilitates cultivation and mechanical harvesting. This cultivar has high yield potential and is resistant to the major races of anthracnose that occur in region

AT-RvD1 Modulates CCL-2 and CXCL-8 Production and NF-κB, STAT-6, SOCS1, and SOCS3 Expression on Bronchial Epithelial Cells Stimulated with IL-4

Bronchial epithelial cells represent the first line of defense against microorganisms and allergens in the airways and play an important role in chronic inflammatory processes such as asthma. In an experimental model, both RvD1 and AT-RvD1, lipid mediators of inflammation resolution, ameliorated some of the most important phenotypes of experimental asthma. Here, we extend these results and demonstrate the effect of AT-RvD1 on bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) stimulated with IL-4. AT-RvD1 (100 nM) decreased both CCL2 and CXCL-8 production, in part by decreasing STAT6 and NF-κB pathways. Furthermore, the effects of AT-RvD1 were ALX/FRP2 receptor dependent, as the antagonist of this receptor (BOC1) reversed the inhibition of these chemokines by AT-RvD1. In addition, AT-RvD1 decreased SOCS1 and increased SOCS3 expression, which play important roles in Th1 and Th17 modulation, respectively. In conclusion, AT-RvD1 demonstrated significant effects on the IL-4-induced activation of bronchial epithelial cells and consequently the potential to modulate neutrophilic and eosinophilic airway inflammation in asthma. Taken together, these findings identify AT-RvD1 as a potential proresolving therapeutic agent for allergic responses in the airways

AT-RvD1 Modulates CCL-2 and CXCL-8 Production and NF-κB, STAT-6, SOCS1, and SOCS3 Expression on Bronchial Epithelial Cells Stimulated with IL-4

Bronchial epithelial cells represent the first line of defense against microorganisms and allergens in the airways and play an important role in chronic inflammatory processes such as asthma. In an experimental model, both RvD1 and AT-RvD1, lipid mediators of inflammation resolution, ameliorated some of the most important phenotypes of experimental asthma. Here, we extend these results and demonstrate the effect of AT-RvD1 on bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) stimulated with IL-4. AT-RvD1 (100 nM) decreased both CCL2 and CXCL-8 production, in part by decreasing STAT6 and NF-κB pathways. Furthermore, the effects of AT-RvD1 were ALX/FRP2 receptor dependent, as the antagonist of this receptor (BOC1) reversed the inhibition of these chemokines by AT-RvD1. In addition, AT-RvD1 decreased SOCS1 and increased SOCS3 expression, which play important roles in Th1 and Th17 modulation, respectively. In conclusion, AT-RvD1 demonstrated significant effects on the IL-4-induced activation of bronchial epithelial cells and consequently the potential to modulate neutrophilic and eosinophilic airway inflammation in asthma. Taken together, these findings identify AT-RvD1 as a potential proresolving therapeutic agent for allergic responses in the airways

The Genome of Anopheles darlingi, the main neotropical Malaria vector

Anopheles darlingi is the principal neotropical malaria vector, responsible for more than a million cases of malaria per year on the American continent. Anopheles darlingi diverged from the African and Asian malaria vectors ∼100 million years ago (mya) and successfully adapted to the New World environment. Here we present an annotated reference A. darlingi genome, sequenced from a wild population of males and females collected in the Brazilian Amazon. A total of 10 481 predicted protein-coding genes were annotated, 72% of which have their closest counterpart in Anopheles gambiae and 21% have highest similarity with other mosquito species. In spite of a long period of divergent evolution, conserved gene synteny was observed between A. darlingi and A. gambiae. More than 10 million single nucleotide polymorphisms and short indels with potential use as genetic markers were identified. Transposable elements correspond to 2.3% of the A. darlingi genome. Genes associated with hematophagy, immunity and insecticide resistance, directly involved in vector–human and vector–parasite interactions, were identified and discussed. This study represents the first effort to sequence the genome of a neotropical malaria vector, and opens a new window through which we can contemplate the evolutionary history of anopheline mosquitoes. It also provides valuable information that may lead to novel strategies to reduce malaria transmission on the South American continent. The A. darlingi genome is accessible a