Assessment of reliability in isokinetic testing among adolescent basketball players

Background. The reproducibility of day-to-day testing of isokinetic concentric and eccentric muscular actions among adolescent basketball players aged 14 to 16 years and relationships of mean within-subject variation in two isokinetic testing sessions with chronological age, biological maturation (estimated age at peak height velocity), training experience, body size, lower-body morphology, and initial strength performance were evaluated. Material and Methods. The sample included 27 basketball players who completed replicate test sessions of 5 repetitions of reciprocal concentric and eccentric knee extensions and flexions at 60 degrees s(-1). A randomly selected subsample of 8 players completed a third testing session to confirm reliability estimates. Results. Coefficients of variation (CV) between sessions 1 and 2 ranged from 8.1% to 17.4%, and intraclass coefficients (ICCs) ranged from 0.72 to 0.89. For sessions 1 and 3, CVs ranged from 3.9% to 6.0%, and ICCs ranged from 0.95 to 0.99. The initial level of strength of eccentric knee flexion (r=-0.43) and eccentric knee extension (r=-0.42) were correlated (P<0.05) with eccentric knee extension within-variation between two sessions. Training experience (r=-0.37, P<0.05) and initial values of concentric knee flexion (r=-0.62, P<0.01) were correlated with concentric knee flexion within-subject differences. Within-subject variation of eccentric knee extension was correlated (P<0.05) with chronologic age (r=0.41), estimated age at peak height velocity (r=-0.38), body size (r=0.41 to 0.47), and leg volume (r=0.39). Conclusions. Familiarization sessions may improve the reliability of concentric and eccentric knee isokinetic strength testing at 60 s(-1) in adolescent basketball players. Age, maturity status, and training experience of young athletes should be considered when testing knee isokinetic strength at 60 degrees s(-1)

Age and menarcheal status do not influence metabolic response to aerobic training in overweight girls

BACKGROUND: Multidisciplinary intervention is an alternative for the treatment of children and adolescent obese. However, the influence of age and menarcheal status in the pattern of metabolic response of obese girls has not been investigated. The following study examined the effects of a 12-week multidisciplinary intervention on metabolic health in overweight girls and the contribution of age and menarcheal status on the resulting changes. METHODS: Eighty-eight overweight girls (10 - 16 years) were considered initially for this study and randomly assigned (intervention group: n = 58; control group: n = 30). Forty-six girls completed the intervention program and 16 girls completed the follow-up for the control group. The 12-week intervention included aerobic exercises (three times per week) and nutritional intervention. Anthropometrical measures (body mass, body mass index and waist circumference), menarcheal status and metabolic profiles including glucose, insulin, triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were assessed in the beginning and after of intervention. Additionally, were calculated homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI). RESULTS: After 12-week, girls decreased significantly the body mass (76.6 ± 14.7 to 75.7 ± 14.6 kg) body mass index (30.1 ± 4.0 to 29.4 ± 4.0 kg/m(2)) and waist circumference (98.9 ± 10.9 to 96.5 ± 11.4 cm). There were differences in HDL-C (43.1 ± 8.2 to 50.3 ± 9.4 mg/dl), TG (120.9 ± 64.3 to 93.3 ± 47.9 mg/dl) and insulin (16.9 ± 7.6 to 15.6 ± 9.8 mg/dl). Relative contribution of age was significant only for within-subject variability in waist circumference. CONCLUSIONS: The multidisciplinary based on aerobic training intervention used in this study produced substantial benefits on metabolic health indicators in overweight girls. The changes observed were not related to inter-individual variability in age and maturity status

Global overview on advances in structural health monitoring platforms

Advances in the development of sensors, data processing systems, and numerical models have motivated the implementation of structural health monitoring (SHM) specially focused on the assessment of structural safety. Thus, this work presents a literature review about SHM platforms, especially from 1993 to 2015. In this way, a short history review about the recent advances on SHM, mainly related with dynamic monitoring, was summarized, and a benchmark and the main guidelines related with SHM platforms were also included in this review. Some case studies are also described here. Special attention was given to SHM platforms, and a method for their classification (an extension of Rytter's method) is presented. In addition, experiences related with heritage constructions, specially focused on maintenance, were included in this work. In the final section, some observations are made about the new prospects for SHM. The recent advances on SHM platforms contributed to the development of adaptive systems and to the cost reduction of the monitoring systems implementation, allowing the increase of its application in real structures. However, the monitoring systems should be implemented, optimizing all the available sensing technologies

Resistência de genótipos de algodoeiro a Sclerotinia sclerotiorum pelos métodos straw test e imersão em ácido oxálico

The objective of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of the straw and oxalic acid tests to identify resistance levels of white and colored cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) genotypes to white mold (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum). Ten genotypes were evaluated: five with colored fiber, four with white fiber, and a white-fiber susceptible genotype. The genotypes MAB-1 with white fiber and MAC-2 with colored fiber were the most resistant to white mold, according to the immersion in oxalic acid and straw tests, respectively. These genotypes can be recommended as resistance sources for breeding programs. Both assessed tests are complementary to each other; however, the straw test is more efficient in evaluating the resistance of cotton genotypes to white mold.O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a eficácia dos métodos “straw test” e imersão em ácido oxálico na identificação dos níveis de resistência do algodoeiro (Gossypium hirsutum) branco e colorido ao mofo-branco (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum). Foram avaliados dez genótipos: cinco de fibra colorida, quatro de fibra branca e um genótipo suscetível de fibra branca. Os genótipos MAB-1 de fibra branca e MAC-2 de fibra colorida foram os mais resistentes ao mofo-branco de acordo com os métodos imersão em ácido oxálico e straw test, respectivamente. Esses genótipos podem ser indicados como fontes de resistência para programas de melhoramento. Ambos os métodos analisados são complementares entre si; no entanto, o straw test é mais eficiente na avaliação da resistência dos genótipos de algodão ao mofo-branco

Neutrophil Paralysis in Plasmodium vivax Malaria

Plasmodium vivax is responsible for approximately 60–80% of the malaria cases in the world, and contributes to significant social and economic instability in the developing countries of Latin America and Asia. The pathogenesis of P. vivax malaria is a consequence of host derived inflammatory mediators. Hence, a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in induction of systemic inflammation during P. vivax malaria is critical for the clinical management and prevention of severe disease. The innate immune receptors recognize Plasmodium sp. and initiate a broad spectrum of host defense mechanisms that mediate resistance to infection. However, the innate immune response is the classic “two-edged sword”, and clinical malaria is associated with high levels of circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines. Our findings show that both monocytes and neutrophils are highly activated during malaria. Monocytes produced high levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α during acute malaria. On the other hand, neutrophils were a poor source of cytokines, but displayed an enhanced phagocytic activity and superoxide production. Unexpectedly, we noticed an impaired chemotaxis of neutrophils towards an IL-8 (CXCL8) gradient. We proposed that neutrophil paralysis is in part responsible for the enhanced susceptibility to bacterial infection observed in malaria patients

DESAFIOS E AVANÇOS NO COMBATE AO PAPILOMAVÍRUS HUMANO: ESTRATÉGIAS DE PREVENÇÃO E TRATAMENTO

Introduction: The association between HPV and cervical cancer began in 1949 with the Pap smear. HPV is prevalent, causing precancerous lesions in the cervix. About 600 million people globally are infected, affecting 75-80% of women. Cervical cancer ranks third in Brazil, with 15.38 cases per 100,000 women in 2021, resulting in 4.51 deaths per 100,000 women, mainly between ages 25-64. Objectives: This study aims to elucidate prevention and treatment strategies for HPV-induced cervical carcinoma. Methodology: In this integrative literature review, studies were sought in PubMed and MedLine databases using the descriptors "Human papillomavirus" AND "Cervix Uteri" AND "Uterine Cervical Neoplasms," resulting in 1,584 articles published from 2010 to 2024. After analysis, 20 articles were selected. Results and Discussion: HPV infection can progress from low-grade to high-grade lesions and eventually to cervical cancer. Viral genotype, viral load, and host immunity influence its evolution, especially in HIV patients. Other risk factors include risky sexual behavior, smoking, and absence of cytological screening. Vaccination and condom use are essential preventive measures. Treatment aims to remove visible warts and precursor lesions, including cryotherapy, topical therapy, and surgery. Since 2014, SUS offers free treatment to reduce cervical cancer incidence and associated costs. Conclusion: HPV's complexity demands comprehensive approaches: vaccination, screening, treatment access, and education are crucial. Continuous research is essential to address emerging challenges and reduce its global health threat.Introdução: A associação entre HPV e câncer cervical começou em 1949, com o exame Papanicolau. O HPV é prevalente, causando lesões pré-malignas no colo uterino. Cerca de 600 milhões de pessoas estão infectadas globalmente, afetando 75-80% das mulheres. O câncer cervical é o terceiro mais comum no Brasil, com 15,38 casos por 100 mil mulheres em 2021, resultando em 4,51 óbitos por 100 mil mulheres, principalmente entre 25-64 anos. Objetivos: Este estudo tem como objetivo esclarecer estratégias de prevenção e tratamento do carcinoma de colo uterino causado pelo Papilomavírus humano. Metodologia: Nesta revisão integrativa de literatura buscou-se estudos nos bancos de dados PubMed e MedLine, utilizando os descritores “Human papillomavirus” AND AND “Cervix Uteri” AND “Uterine Cervical Neoplasms”, que resultou em 1.584 artigos publicados de 2010 a 2024. Após análise, foram selecionados 20 desses artigos. Resultados e Discussão: A infecção pelo HPV pode progredir de lesões de baixo grau para alto grau e, eventualmente, para câncer cervical. Fatores como genótipo viral, carga viral e imunidade do hospedeiro influenciam sua evolução, especialmente em pacientes com HIV. Outros fatores de risco incluem comportamento sexual de risco, tabagismo e ausência de rastreio citopatológico. A vacinação e o uso de preservativos são medidas preventivas essenciais. O tratamento visa remover verrugas visíveis e lesões precursoras, podendo incluir crioterapia, terapia tópica e cirúrgica. O SUS oferece tratamento gratuito desde 2014, visando reduzir a incidência e os custos associados ao câncer cervical. Conclusão: A complexidade do HPV exige abordagens amplas: vacinação, rastreamento, acesso a tratamentos e educação são cruciais. Pesquisa contínua é essencial para enfrentar desafios emergentes e reduzir sua ameaça à saúde global

Familial hypercholesterolaemia in children and adolescents from 48 countries: a cross-sectional study

Background: Approximately 450 000 children are born with familial hypercholesterolaemia worldwide every year, yet only 2·1% of adults with familial hypercholesterolaemia were diagnosed before age 18 years via current diagnostic approaches, which are derived from observations in adults. We aimed to characterise children and adolescents with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (HeFH) and understand current approaches to the identification and management of familial hypercholesterolaemia to inform future public health strategies. Methods: For this cross-sectional study, we assessed children and adolescents younger than 18 years with a clinical or genetic diagnosis of HeFH at the time of entry into the Familial Hypercholesterolaemia Studies Collaboration (FHSC) registry between Oct 1, 2015, and Jan 31, 2021. Data in the registry were collected from 55 regional or national registries in 48 countries. Diagnoses relying on self-reported history of familial hypercholesterolaemia and suspected secondary hypercholesterolaemia were excluded from the registry; people with untreated LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) of at least 13·0 mmol/L were excluded from this study. Data were assessed overall and by WHO region, World Bank country income status, age, diagnostic criteria, and index-case status. The main outcome of this study was to assess current identification and management of children and adolescents with familial hypercholesterolaemia. Findings: Of 63 093 individuals in the FHSC registry, 11 848 (18·8%) were children or adolescents younger than 18 years with HeFH and were included in this study; 5756 (50·2%) of 11 476 included individuals were female and 5720 (49·8%) were male. Sex data were missing for 372 (3·1%) of 11 848 individuals. Median age at registry entry was 9·6 years (IQR 5·8-13·2). 10 099 (89·9%) of 11 235 included individuals had a final genetically confirmed diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolaemia and 1136 (10·1%) had a clinical diagnosis. Genetically confirmed diagnosis data or clinical diagnosis data were missing for 613 (5·2%) of 11 848 individuals. Genetic diagnosis was more common in children and adolescents from high-income countries (9427 [92·4%] of 10 202) than in children and adolescents from non-high-income countries (199 [48·0%] of 415). 3414 (31·6%) of 10 804 children or adolescents were index cases. Familial-hypercholesterolaemia-related physical signs, cardiovascular risk factors, and cardiovascular disease were uncommon, but were more common in non-high-income countries. 7557 (72·4%) of 10 428 included children or adolescents were not taking lipid-lowering medication (LLM) and had a median LDL-C of 5·00 mmol/L (IQR 4·05-6·08). Compared with genetic diagnosis, the use of unadapted clinical criteria intended for use in adults and reliant on more extreme phenotypes could result in 50-75% of children and adolescents with familial hypercholesterolaemia not being identified. Interpretation: Clinical characteristics observed in adults with familial hypercholesterolaemia are uncommon in children and adolescents with familial hypercholesterolaemia, hence detection in this age group relies on measurement of LDL-C and genetic confirmation. Where genetic testing is unavailable, increased availability and use of LDL-C measurements in the first few years of life could help reduce the current gap between prevalence and detection, enabling increased use of combination LLM to reach recommended LDL-C targets early in life