Changes of physical capabilities of muscular strength, power and flexibility in a karate competition

Karate is an ancient martial art practiced by around 100 million people worldwide. In Brazil, it is estimated that approximately 250,000 people practice this modality. However, limited data are available outlining the physical capabilities of these athletes. The purpose was to analyse changes in physical capabilities of muscular strength, power and flexibility in karate athletes during a state championship. Data were collected during a karate state championship. From a total of approximately 200 participating athletes, data were collected from male (n = 34, 19.0 ± 9.84 years, 67.6 ± 21.8 kg, 165 ± 11.2 cm, 24 .3 ± 5.99 kg/m²) and female athletes (n = 12, 16.0 ± 4.47 years, 59.1 ± 11.8 kg, 156 ± 6.35 cm, 24.1 ± 4.35 kg /m²). Measurements: body mass, height, flexibility, handgrip muscular strength and lower limb power were performed before and after competition fights by a team of trained evaluators. Data were analysed between sexes, pre and post-competition, as well as by age group and number of fights performed. After the fights, there was a significant increase in muscular strength (+5.2%, p = .004), with no difference between different age groups (p = .141), sexes (p = .196), and number of fights performed (p = .072). There were no significant changes in muscle power performance (p = .124) and flexibility (p = .241) across fights or between sexes. A karate tournament in which athletes are involved in one to three fights does not seem to impair their performance in terms of muscular strength, power and flexibility, regardless of age, sex and number of fights performed.This study was financed in part by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior – Brasil (CAPES) – Finance Code 001; by the Fundação de Apoio à UNESPAR; by Araucária Foundation; and by National Council of Technological and Scientific Development (CNPq/Brazil)

Aptidão cardiorrespiratória e comportamento da frequência cardíaca em situações semelhantes ao jogo em atletas profissionais de futsal

O futsal é uma modalidade intermitente de alta intensidade que requer treinamento por meio de atividades situacionais envolvendo os metabolismos aeróbio e anaeróbio. A frequência cardíaca (FC) pode ser considerada um grande indicador de fadiga pensando nas características do futsal e em sua relação com a aptidão cardiorrespiratória (ACR). O objetivo do presente estudo foi relacionar a ACR com o comportamento da FC em situações semelhantes às de jogo em atletas profissionais de futsal. Trata-se de um estudo transversal desenvolvido com 20 atletas (21,3 ± 5,8 anos) de uma equipe profissional de futsal (série ouro) do estado do Paraná.  Foram realizadas medidas antropométricas, teste de ACR, análise da FC em jogo simulado e análise dos dados por meio de estatística descritiva e correlação parcial de Pearson. A análise estatística não encontrou diferença significativa entre FC e consumo máximo de oxigênio (VO2 max) (r=0,15). Em relação ao comportamento da FC no jogo simulado, não foram encontradas diferenças estatísticas em nenhuma zona percentual da FC entre as diferentes posições de jogo. Situações expressas durante uma partida de futsal demonstraram que a FC não está associada à ACR, uma vez que os jogadores que apresentam melhor ACR nem sempre conseguem manter valores de FC inferiores em quadra, além disso, fixos, alas e pivôs não apresentaram diferenças estatísticas em relação ao comportamento da FC durante o jogo

Prevalence and characterization of maxillary sinus septa in a brazilian population

The aim of this study was to assess the anatomic aspects of the maxillary sinus septa, by means of computed tomography images, in a Brazilian population. The results might be of clinical significance in sinus lift surgery planning. In the study, 123 co

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation and Lung Transplantation: Initial Experience at a Single Brazilian Center

OBJECTIVE: To report initial experience from the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in patients who received lung transplantation. METHODS: Retrospective study of a single tertiary center in the Brazilian state of Sa˜o Paulo, a national reference in lung transplantation, based on the prospective collection of data from electronic medical records. The period analyzed extended from January 2009 (beginning of the program) until December 2018. RESULTS: A total of 75 lung transplants were performed, with ECMO used in 8 (10.7%) cases. Of the patients, 4 (50%) were female. The mean age was 46.4±14.3 years. The causes of the end-stage lung disease that led to transplantation were pulmonary arterial hypertension in 3 (37.5%) patients, bronchiectasis in 2 (25%) patients, pulmonary fibrosis in 2 (25%) patients, and pulmonary emphysema in 1 (12.5%) patient. In our series, 7 (87.5%) cases were sequential bilateral transplantations. Prioritization was necessary in 4 (50%) patients, and in 1 patient, ECMO was used as a bridge to transplantation. The ECMO route was central in 4 (50%), peripheral venovenous in 2 (25%) and peripheral venoarterial in 2 (25%) patients. The mean length of the intensive care unit (ICU) stay was 14±7.5 days and of the hospital stay was 34.1±34.2 days. The mean ECMO duration was 9.3±6.6 days with a 50% decannulation rate. Three patients were discharged (37.5%). CONCLUSION: Lung transplantation requires complex treatment, and ECMO has allowed extending the indications for transplantation and provided adjuvant support in the clinical management of these patients

Ferramentas para a caracterização de painéis fotovoltaicos

Neste trabajo apresentamos procedimientos y herramientas para la caracterización completa de paneles fotovoltaicos. Como punto de partida, fueron obtenidas las curvas caracteristicas provenidas por el fabricante. En un segundo momento fueron hechas coletas manuales de dados para la confección de las curvas caracteristicas. A partir de las propriedades fisicas de semiconductores el modelamento del panel fue establecido. El procedimiento establecido és muy fatigoso y reiterativo, podendo llevar a imprecisiones. Para la automatización deste procedimiento, lo siguiente sistema fue proyectado y montado: un conversor dc/dc permite realizar el control electronico de carga resistiva; un computadora realiza el control cíclico de la variación de carga del panel. Un sistema de aquisición de dados permite la obtención de los parámetros en el panel. A partir desta coleta de dados automatizada un software constroe las curvas caracteristicas.Asociación Argentina de Energías Renovables y Medio Ambiente (ASADES

Análise ambiental de um fragmento florestal urbano, no município de Alvorada, Rio Grande do Sul

This study was developed in a forest fragment named “Cinturão Verde”, in an urban area of Alvorada municipality, Rio Grande do Sul State. It is an area with irregular topography and illegal habitations, with consequent problems related to garbage deposition, sewerage and deforestation. The objective of this study was to characterize social and environmentally the local human population and to identify the influence of urbanization over this time. From the prodution of land use images, five sample stations were demarcated along Nunes creek. Water quality characterization of the creek, floristic and phytophysionomy composition and richness and abundance of birds and arthropods were sampled during October and November 2003, with a characterization of local human population concerning its sociocultural and environmental perception about the forest fragment. Regarding chemical and biological water analysis, results indicated high eutrophization degree due, probably, to lack of basic sanitation. Despite the impacts, the forest fragment still presents some biotical integrity, reflected by the representativity of the considered groups. It was verified, for example, that 14.8% of bird species contribute to seed dispersion of 67% of tree species. However, we evidenced loss of forested area due to urbanization. Trails and garbage deposition in the forest decrease undestory area, restricting its natural regeneration. Results obtained from the environmental perception analysis indicated lack of integration of the local human population with the forest fragment. The increase of local insecurity was the main negative aspect pointed, but inhabitants wished a suitable recreation area. The long term sustainability of this forest fragment will occur through a conection with other near forested areas. Also, it is important for conservation area to stimulate environment educational programs to sensitize the people about the value of the local environment.Este estudo foi desenvolvido em um fragmento florestal denominado “Cinturão Verde”, em uma área urbana no município de Alvorada, no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. É uma área que apresenta topografia acidentada e ocupações irregulares, com conseqüentes problemas relacionados à deposição de lixo, esgoto e desmatamento. O objetivo do estudo foi caracterizar sócio-ambientalmente e identificar a influência da urbanização sobre este fragmento. A partir da produção de imagens de uso do solo, foram definidos cinco pontos ao longo do Arroio Nunes, nos quais amostrou-se, durante o período de outubro e novembro de 2003, a qualidade da água do arroio, as composições florística e fitofisionômica e a riqueza e abundância de artrópodos e aves. Além disso, buscou-se caracterizar a comunidade de moradores do entorno do fragmento acerca de suas condições sócio-culturais e de sua percepção em relação ao fragmento. Em relação às análises químicas e biológicas da água, os resultados obtidos indicaram alto grau de eutrofização devido, provavelmente, à falta de saneamento básico. Apesar do impacto antrópico, o fragmento apresenta ainda uma certa integridade biótica refletida pela representatividade dos grupos avaliados. Verificou-se, por exemplo, que 14,8% da avifauna contribui para a dispersão de cerca de 67% das espécies de árvores. No entanto, constatou-se perda de área florestada devido à urbanização. Trilhas e deposição de lixo no interior da floresta diminuem a área de sub-bosque, restringindo sua regeneração natural. Os resultados obtidos nas análises de percepção ambiental indicaram a falta de integração da população do entorno em relação ao fragmento. O aumento da insegurança local foi o principal aspecto negativo, porém os moradores do entorno mostraramse desejosos de poder contar com uma área adequada de lazer. Provavelmente, só será possível a sustentabilidade a longo prazo do fragmento florestal através da conexão com outras áreas florestadas próximas. Além disso, é importante para a conservação da área, incentivo à programas de educação ambiental que sensibilizem a comunidade em relação à valorização do meio ambiente local

Prevention of hypertension in patients with pre-hypertension: protocol for the PREVER-prevention trial

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Blood pressure (BP) within pre-hypertensive levels confers higher cardiovascular risk and is an intermediate stage for full hypertension, which develops in an annual rate of 7 out of 100 individuals with 40 to 50 years of age. Non-drug interventions to prevent hypertension have had low effectiveness. In individuals with previous cardiovascular disease or diabetes, the use of BP-lowering agents reduces the incidence of major cardiovascular events. In the absence of higher baseline risk, the use of BP agents reduces the incidence of hypertension. The PREVER-prevention trial aims to investigate the efficacy, safety and feasibility of a population-based intervention to prevent the incidence of hypertension and the development of target-organ damage.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, with participants aged 30 to 70 years, with pre-hypertension. The trial arms will be chlorthalidone 12.5 mg plus amiloride 2.5 mg or identical placebo. The primary outcomes will be the incidence of hypertension, adverse events and development or worsening of microalbuminuria and of left ventricular hypertrophy in the EKG. The secondary outcomes will be fatal or non-fatal cardiovascular events: myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, evidence of new sub-clinical atherosclerosis, and sudden death. The study will last 18 months. The sample size was calculated on the basis of an incidence of hypertension of 14% in the control group, a size effect of 40%, power of 85% and P alpha of 5%, resulting in 625 participants per group. The project was approved by the Ethics committee of each participating institution.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>The early use of blood pressure-lowering drugs, particularly diuretics, which act on the main mechanism of blood pressure rising with age, may prevent cardiovascular events and the incidence of hypertension in individuals with hypertension. If this intervention shows to be effective and safe in a population-based perspective, it could be the basis for an innovative public health program to prevent hypertension in Brazil.</p> <p>Trial Registration</p> <p>Clinical Trials <a href="http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00970931">NCT00970931</a>.</p

MAMMALS IN PORTUGAL : A data set of terrestrial, volant, and marine mammal occurrences in P ortugal

Mammals are threatened worldwide, with 26% of all species being includedin the IUCN threatened categories. This overall pattern is primarily associatedwith habitat loss or degradation, and human persecution for terrestrial mam-mals, and pollution, open net fishing, climate change, and prey depletion formarine mammals. Mammals play a key role in maintaining ecosystems func-tionality and resilience, and therefore information on their distribution is cru-cial to delineate and support conservation actions. MAMMALS INPORTUGAL is a publicly available data set compiling unpublishedgeoreferenced occurrence records of 92 terrestrial, volant, and marine mam-mals in mainland Portugal and archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira thatincludes 105,026 data entries between 1873 and 2021 (72% of the data occur-ring in 2000 and 2021). The methods used to collect the data were: live obser-vations/captures (43%), sign surveys (35%), camera trapping (16%),bioacoustics surveys (4%) and radiotracking, and inquiries that represent lessthan 1% of the records. The data set includes 13 types of records: (1) burrowsjsoil moundsjtunnel, (2) capture, (3) colony, (4) dead animaljhairjskullsjjaws, (5) genetic confirmation, (6) inquiries, (7) observation of live animal (8),observation in shelters, (9) photo trappingjvideo, (10) predators dietjpelletsjpine cones/nuts, (11) scatjtrackjditch, (12) telemetry and (13) vocalizationjecholocation. The spatial uncertainty of most records ranges between 0 and100 m (76%). Rodentia (n=31,573) has the highest number of records followedby Chiroptera (n=18,857), Carnivora (n=18,594), Lagomorpha (n=17,496),Cetartiodactyla (n=11,568) and Eulipotyphla (n=7008). The data setincludes records of species classified by the IUCN as threatened(e.g.,Oryctolagus cuniculus[n=12,159],Monachus monachus[n=1,512],andLynx pardinus[n=197]). We believe that this data set may stimulate thepublication of other European countries data sets that would certainly contrib-ute to ecology and conservation-related research, and therefore assisting onthe development of more accurate and tailored conservation managementstrategies for each species. There are no copyright restrictions; please cite thisdata paper when the data are used in publications.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Caracterização dos carcinomas mamários de fenótipo triplo negativo em um laboratório privado da cidade de Goiânia, Goiás

A neoplasia de mama é o tipo de câncer mais frequente entre as mulheres, com uma estimativa de cerca de 66 mil novos casos para cada ano entre 2020-2022. A incidência deste carcinoma, por si só, justifica a necessidade de estudos aprofundados acerca desta temática. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo transversal, que é um estudo utilizado para traçar perfil epidemiológico da doença em questão, podendo-se levantar dados em um ponto no tempo pré-definido. Foram avaliados 6.379 casos de carcinoma mamário invasor, dos quais 817 foram classificados com fenótipo triplo negativo (TN). O ano de 2020 apresentou o maior número de casos TN. A idade das pacientes variou de 23 a 95 anos, com uma média de 51,8 anos. Nesta pesquisa, apenas 12,8% dos casos de carcinoma mamário invasor foram classificados como Triplo-negativo. Este padrão se repete em estudos internacionais, confirmando que este subtipo é ligeiramente mais raro do que os outros. Pesquisas apontaram que apenas 16% das mulheres que tiveram diagnóstico de neoplasia mamária dentre os anos de 2006-2011 no país receberam a classificação Triplo-negativa. Entre os anos de 2015 e 2021, observamos um aumento de cerca de 73% de diagnósticos de carcinoma triplo negativos no laboratório INGOH. Os casos de câncer de mama são caracterizados pelo tipo Ductal não especial, com predomínio do grau 3, mais prevalentes na mama esquerda e provenientes de Core Biopsy e de pacientes com idade acima de 50 anos