Abstract Objective Population-level monitoring of body composition requires accurate, biologically-relevant, yet feasible methods for estimating percent body fat (%BF). The aim of this study was to develop and cross-validate an equation for %BF from Body Mass Index (BMI), age, and sex among children with intellectual disability (ID). This study further aimed to examine the performance of an existing BMI-based equation (Deurenberg equation) for %BF in children with ID. Method Participants were 107 children (63 boys; aged 6-15 years) with ID randomly allocated to development (n= 81) and cross-validation (n= 26) samples. Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry provided the criterion %BF. Results The model including BMI, age, and sex (0 = male; 1 = female) had a significant goodness-of-fit in determining %BF (p< 0.001; R2= 0.69; SEE =5.68%). The equation was: %BF = - 15.416 + (1.394 × BMI) + (4.538 × age) - (0.262 × age2) + (5.489 × sex). The equation was cross-validated in the separate sample based on (i) strong correlation (r = 0.82; p< 0.001) and non-significant differences between actual and predicted %BF (28.6 ± 9.6% and 30.1 ± 7.1%, respectively); (ii) mean absolute error (MAE) = 4.4%; and (iii) reasonable %BF estimations in Bland-Altman plot (mean: 1.48%; 95% CI: 12.5, -9.6). The Deurenberg equation had a large %BF underestimation (mean: -7.1%; 95% CI: 5.3, -19.5), significant difference between actual and estimated %BF (28.6 ± 9.7% and 21.5 ± 7.0%, respectively; p< 0.001), and MAE = 8.1%. Conclusions The developed equation with BMI, sex, and age provides valid %BF estimates for facilitating population-level body fat screening among children with ID.

Abstract Aim: This review aimed to provide evidence and highlight the importance of including physical activity (PA) and/or exercise training (ET) as part of the comprehensive multiple sclerosis (MS) care. Methods: Using the current literature on the subject, we provide a brief overview of MS incorporating its definition, common symptoms, prevalence, and potential disease consequences. We further succinctly describe MS as the first line of treatment, as well as the role of PA and ET in the disease. We end the commentary highlighting important recommendations from an international initiative to improve MS-related physical activity research that we believe will help not only improve the area of study but also best practices within this population. Results: There is compelling evidence for the beneficial effects of PA and/or ET on MS-related symptoms and consequently health and quality of life. There is preliminary evidence suggesting the potential for a disease-modifying effect. Conclusion: Fomenting this discussion is timely due to the increased prevalence of MS in different regions of the globe, and people with MS report low levels of PA participation and high amounts of sedentary time. The consequences of inactivity in this population can be drastic. The current body of evidence supports the notion that PA and ET are safe health behaviors that should be adopted as an adjuvant treatment option within the comprehensive and complex MS care due to its benefits on a variety of disease-related symptoms and its potential for improving health and quality of life in this population.

The use of chitosan biofilm in biomedical fields has a vast therapeutic potential due to useful properties such as biodegradability and antimicrobial activity, however, to achieve successful application some physicochemical properties need to be improved. In this context, the addition of glycerol to this biofilm is an alternative to improve its wettability and flexibility. Thus, low and high concentrations of plasticizer were added to this biomaterial for later characterization regarding its wettability, microstructure, mechanical and chemical properties. Glycerol addition to chitosan resulted in biofilms with more homogeneous surfaces, increased wettability, and increased flexibility, without significant changes in its chemical structure.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Snuff consumption affects the entire population, particularly young students, who are exposed to group pressures and other factors that favor its inception. Sex plays an important role, which is why it is necessary to know the characteristics of consumption by gender in order to design prevention campaigns in line with the requirements of each population group. Objective: To characterize the consumption of snuff in college students by sex. Methods: A cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of 323 students programs Business Administration, Commerce, Accounting, Nursing, Law and Psychology, a private University of Santa Marta; the information was collected through the questionnaire Prevalence of snuff in college students. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 23 and statistical tests Odds Ratio and Chi square of fit were applied. Results: The prevalence of Snuff was higher in men than in women and risk of smoking in men was 3.49 times higher than among women. Conclusions: There is a relationship between consumption of snuff and sex, so consumption characteristics differ in men and women; this relevant to the design of prevention programs snuff consumption.

RESUMEN Introducción: El consumo de tabaco afecta a toda la población, particularmente a los jóvenes universitarios, quienes están expuestos a presiones de grupo y otros factores que favorecen su inicio. El sexo juega un papel importante, es por ello que se hace necesario conocer las características del consumo según el sexo para poder diseñar campañas de prevención acordes con los requerimientos de cada grupo poblacional. Objetivo: Caracterizar el consumo de tabaco en estudiantes universitarios según el sexo. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo trasversal. La muestra correspondió a 323 estudiantes de los programas de Administración de empresas, Comercio, Contaduría, Enfermería, Derecho y Psicología, de una Universidad privada de Santa Marta; la información se recolectó mediante el cuestionario Prevalencia de consumo de tabaco en estudiantes universitarios. El análisis de datos se realizó mediante el paquete estadístico SPSS versión 23 y se aplicaron las pruebas estadísticas Odds Ratio y Chi cuadrado bondad de ajuste. Resultados: La prevalencia de consumo de tabaco fue mayor en hombres que en mujeres y el riesgo de tabaquismo en los hombres fue 3,49 veces mayor que entre las mujeres. Conclusiones: Existe relación entre el consumo de tabaco y el sexo, por lo cual las características de consumo difieren en hombres y mujeres; esto relevante para el diseño de programas de prevención del consumo de tabaco.

ABSTRACT In the search for new anti-schistosomal agents, a series of fifteen ortho-nitrobenzyl derivatives was assayed in vitro against both the schistosomulum (somule) and adult forms of Schistosoma mansoni. Compounds 8 and 12 showed significant activity against somules at low micromolar concentrations, but none was active against adults. The SAR demonstrated that the compounds most active against the parasite were mutagenic to the human cell line RKO-AS45-1 only at concentrations 10- to 40-fold higher than the worm-killing dose. Given their electrophilicity, compounds were also screened as inhibitors of the S. mansoni cysteine protease (cathepsin B1) in vitro. Amides 5 and 15 exhibited a modest inhibition activity with values of 55.7 and 50.6 % at 100 µM, respectively. The nitrobenzyl compounds evaluated in this work can be regarded as hits in the search for more active and safe anti-schistosomal agents.

CC398 is a livestock-associated Staphylococcus aureus. However, it has also been isolated from humans with no previous contact with livestock. A surveillance of methicillin-resistant S. aureus colonisation among children attending public day care centres and hospitals in Niterói and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, between 2011 and 2013, resulted in the isolation of six cases of CC398 from individuals with no previous exposure to livestock. These isolates showed a high frequency of the erm(C) gene (4/6, 66.7%) with induced resistance to clindamycin, and a relatively high frequency of SEs and lukS/lukF genes. These results suggest the emergence of a non-LA-CC398 in Brazil.

Resumo Este artigo analisa o desenvolvimento de uma pesquisa no campo da Epidemiologia, na interface com a psicologia histórico- cultural, que teve como cenário uma comunidade urbana. A pesquisa pretendia comparar a carga das doenças relacionadas ao diabetes mellitus, a fim de, posteriormente, promover uma prática em saúde, o que significa uma divisão entre diagnóstico e intervenção. Entretanto, durante o processo, uma pesquisa, alternativa a este modelo diagnóstico, foi sendo produzida no processo dialógico entre os envolvidos. Esta prática - nomeada de pesquisa-intervenção - trouxe à cena o caráter construtivo do conhecimento e produziu “zonas de sentido”, que engendraram formas novas para a pesquisa e para a prática em saúde. Estas transformações exigiram também novos percursos epistemológicos, o que nos aproximou da psicologia histórico-cultural de Vigotski, da pedagogia de Freire e da filosofia da linguagem de Bakhtin

Abstract This article analyzes the interface between epidemiology and historical-cultural psychology as it presented itself in a research project in an urban slum. From the outset, the study sought to assess the clinical burden of disease due to diabetes mellitus, iteratively integrating findings into clinical practice, a formal separation between diagnosis and intervention. However, over the course of the study, the project shifted away from this traditional medical model as all stakeholders became engaged in the dialogic process. This process - known as research-intervention - brought to light the constructive nature of knowledge, and produced “zones of senses”. These senses, and the lessons learned during their analysis, engender the development of new model for research and medical practice. In the process of these analyses we highlight several intersecting epistemological paths as we explore the historical-cultural psychology of Vygotsky, the pedagogy of Freire, and the philosophy of the language of Bakhtin.

We herein described the preparation of a novel series of limonin derivatives (modification in A-ring), which was synthesized efficiently using methodology in solution as well as in heterogeneous medium (K-10). In addition, we obtained derivatives by inserting the 1,2,3-triazole nucleus via click reaction and also prepared derivatives from reactions with limonin-7-oxime. All compounds were submitted to investigation of the antimicrobial activity against a collection of microorganisms. The results of the antimicrobial activity, in general, demonstrated that a relevant number of synthetic derivatives presented higher activity than the natural product.

Within the framework of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA), the purpose of this study was to produce a classification of the woody vegetation of the Gonarezhou National Park, Zimbabwe, and a map of its potential distribution. Cover-abundance data of woody species were collected in 330 georeferenced relevés across the Park. These data were used to produce two matrices: the first one using the cover-abundance values as collected in five height layers and the second one based on merging the layers into a single cover value for each species. Automatic classifications were produced for both matrices to determine the optimal number of vegetation types. The two classification approaches both produced 14 types belonging to three macro-groups: mopane, miombo and alluvial woodlands. The results of the two classifications were compared looking at the constant, dominant and diagnostic species of each type. The classification based on separate layers was considered more effective and retained. A high-resolution map of the potential distribution of vegetation types for the whole study area was produced using Random Forest. In the model, the relationship between bioclimatic and topographic variables, known to be correlated to vegetation types, and the classified relevés was used. Identified vegetation types were compared with those of other national parks within the GLTFCA, and an evaluation of the main threats and pressures was conducted. CONSERVATION IMPLICATIONS: Vegetation classification and mapping are useful tools for multiple purposes including: surveying and monitoring plant and animal populations, communities and their habitats, and development of management and conservation strategies. Filling the knowledge gap for the Gonarezhou National Park provides a basis for standardised and homogeneous vegetation classification and mapping for the entire Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area.

The present work was carried out at the Agricultural Cooperative Jesús Menéndez in the municipality of Encrucijada, Villa Clara, Cuba, and at the Entomophagous and Entomopathogen Reproductive Center of the sugar cane company «Abel Santamaria», of the same municipality; from November 2012 to February 2013. The aim was to determine the ethology of Diabrotica balteata (Leconte) and Cerotoma ruficornis (Oliver) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) on the black, red, and white-seeded cultivars of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Cubacueto 25-9 sown in an intermediate cropping period. A random plot design with four replicas was used in both the field and laboratory experiments. The fluctuation of the leaf beetle population density was determined taking into account the crop growth stages, the maximum and minimum temperatures and the precipitations. The pest infestation intensity was evaluated by the number and size of the perforations present in 288 trifoliate leaves of 48 plants taken during the experiment. Adults were first seen during the growth stage of cotyledon joint (Vc), while the higher population levels of these leaf beetles were recorded in the growth stage V1 (first trifoliate leaf). Then, a certain stability of the leaf beetle incidence of in the crop was evidenced throughout the vegetative stages. The most affected cultivars were the white and red-seeded cultivars with over 10% of infestation, while the cultivar with black seed coat was the most tolerant to the attack of these insect pests.

El presente trabajo se realizó en la Cooperativa de Producción Agropecuaria «Jesús Menéndez» del Municipio Encrucijada, Villa Clara, Cuba y en el Centro de Reproducción de Entomófagos y Entomopatógenos de la Empresa Azucarera «Abel Santamaría» del mismo municipio, entre los meses de noviembre de 2012 a febrero de 2013. Su propósito fue determinar la etología de Diabrotica balteata (Leconte) y Cerotoma ruficornis (Oliver) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) sobre los cultivares de frijol común (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Cubacueto 25-9 negra, Cubacueto 25-9 roja y Cubacueto 25-9 blanca, durante la época de siembra intermedia. En los experimentos de campo se utilizó un diseño de bloques al azar con 4 réplicas, al igual que en el de laboratorio. Para la realización de estos estudios se describió la fluctuación poblacional de los crisomélidos en la que se tuvo en cuenta la fenología del cultivo, las temperaturas máxima y mínima, así como las precipitaciones. Se evaluó, además, la intensidad de ataque de las plagas; para ello se tuvieron en cuenta el número y las dimensiones de las perforaciones presentes en 288 hojas trifoliadas que se midieron en 48 plantas durante el periodo de duración del experimento. La entrada de los primeros adultos ocurrió durante la fase fenológica de nudo cotiledonal (Vc), mientras que los mayores niveles poblacionales de estos coleópteros se registraron en la fenofase V1 (primer trifolio). A partir de este momento se evidenció una cierta estabilidad de la incidencia de los crisomélidos en el cultivo durante toda la fase vegetativa. La cultivares más afectados resultaron ser Cubacueto 25-9 (testa blanca y roja) con más del 10% de infestación, mientras que el cultivar de testa negra fue el más tolerante al ataque de estos insectos plagas.

Ninhos epígeos são frequentemente observados em áreas de pastagem; no entanto, os processos que regulam as suas dinâmicas populacionais são pouco conhecidos. Este estudo avaliou a distribuição espacial por meio da geoestatística e a vitalidade dos ninhos epígeos de térmitas em áreas de pastagens introduzidas. Esta pesquisa foi conduzida no bioma Cerrado no município de Rio Brilhante, no Estado do Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil. Em duas áreas de pastagem (Pasto 1 e Pastagem 2), ninhos epígeos foram georreferenciados; analisaram-se altura, circunferência e vitalidade (habitado ou não). A área ocupada pelos ninhos foi calculada, e as amostras de térmitas foram coletadas para identificação taxonômica. O padrão de distribuição espacial dos ninhos foi analisado com procedimentos geoestatísticos. Em ambas as áreas de pastagem, todos os ninhos epígeos foram construídos por uma mesma espécie, Cornitermes cumulans. O número médio de ninhos ha-1 foi de 68 no pasto 1 e 127 no pasto 2, o que representa 0,4 e 1 % de toda a área, respectivamente. A grande maioria dos ninhos estava ativa, 91 % no pasto 1 e 84 % no pasto 2. Os semivariogramas de altura e circunferência dos ninhos em ambas as pastagens apresentou um “efeito pepita puro”, refletindo distribuição espacial aleatória e confirmando que a distribuição dos ninhos epígeos de térmitas em pastagens não segue uma distribuição-padrão.

Epigeous termite mounds are frequently observed in pasture areas, but the processes regulating their population dynamics are poorly known. This study evaluated epigeous termite mounds in cultivated grasslands used as pastures, assessing their spatial distribution by means of geostatistics and evaluating their vitality. The study was conducted in the Cerrado biome in the municipality of Rio Brilhante, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. In two pasture areas (Pasture 1 and Pasture 2), epigeous mounds (nests) were georeferenced and analyzed for height, circumference and vitality (inhabited or not). The area occupied by the mounds was calculated and termite specimens were collected for taxonomic identification. The spatial distribution pattern of the mounds was analyzed with geostatistical procedures. In both pasture areas, all epigeous mounds were built by the same species, Cornitermes cumulans. The mean number of mounds per hectare was 68 in Pasture 1 and 127 in Pasture 2, representing 0.4 and 1 % of the entire area, respectively. A large majority of the mounds were active (vitality), 91 % in Pasture 1 and 84 % in Pasture 2. A “pure nugget effect” was observed in the semivariograms of height and nest circumference in both pastures reflecting randomized spatial distribution and confirming that the distribution of termite mounds in pastures had a non-standard distribution.

Objetivos: Analisar radiograficamente a cifose no pós-operatório dos pacientes submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico da EIA com parafusos pediculares em todas as vértebras envolvidas na artrodese. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo. Foram avaliadas as seguintes medidas: ângulo de Cobb na radiografia em incidência anteroposterior das três curvas (torácica proximal, torácica principal e lombar), ângulo de Cobb na radiografia em perfil das duas curvas: cifose torácica (T5-T12) e da lordose lombar (T12-S1). Resultados: Do total dos 25 pacientes avaliados no pré-operatório, quatro (16%) eram hipocifóticos, 20 pacientes (80%) eram normocifóticos e apenas um (4%) era hipercifótico. No caso dos pacientes hipocifóticos e hipercifóticos, obtivemos correção satisfatória da cifose torácica em 100% dos casos, os quais se apresentaram normocifóticos no resultado final. Os pacientes normocifóticos permaneceram com esse mesmo padrão de cifose torácica em sua totalidade durante o seguimento. Conclusão: A avaliação radiográfica da cifose torácica em portadores de escoliose idiopática do adolescente tratada cirurgicamente com parafusos pediculares em todas as vértebras envolvidas na artrodese demonstrou resultados satisfatórios com relação à correção da cifose torácica.

Objectives: To analyze radiographically the postoperative kyphosis from patients undergoing surgical treatment for AIS with pedicle screws in all vertebrae included in the arthrodesis. Methods: Retrospective study. The following measurements were evaluated: Cobb angle in anteroposterior radiograph of the three curves (proximal thoracic, main thoracic, and lumbar), Cobb angle in the lateral view of the two curves: thoracic kyphosis (T5-T12) and lumbar lordosis (T12-S1). Results: Of the 25 patients evaluated preoperatively, four (16%) were hypokyphotic, 20 patients (80%) were normokyphotic and only one (4%) was hyperkyphotic. For hypokyphotic and hiperkyphotic patients a satisfactory correction of thoracic kyphosis was obtained in 100% of cases, which was preserved in the final result. The same pattern of thoracic kyphosis was observed for all normokyphotic patients throughout the follow-up. Conclusion: Radiographic evaluation of thoracic kyphosis in patients with AIS treated surgically with pedicle screws in all vertebrae showed satisfactory results with respect to the correction of thoracic kyphosis.

Objetivos: Analizar radiográficamente la cifosis postoperatoria de pacientes sometidos a tratamiento quirúrgico por EIA con tornillos pediculares en todas las vértebras incluidas en la artrodesis. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo. Se evaluaron las siguientes medidas: ángulo de Cobb en el plano antero-posterior de las tres curvas (torácica proximal, torácica principal y lumbar), ángulo de Cobb en el plano lateral de las dos curvas: cifosis torácica (T5-T12) y lordosis lumbar (T12-S1). Resultados: De los 25 pacientes evaluados en el preoperatorio, cuatro (16%) eran hipocifóticos, 20 (80%) eran normocifóticos y sólo uno (4%) era hipercifótico. Para los pacientes hipocifóticos y hiperkyphotic fue obtenida corrección satisfactoria de la cifosis torácica en el 100% de los casos, los cuales se presentaron normocifóticos en el resultado final. Se observó el mismo patrón de cifosis torácica para todos los pacientes normocifóticos durante todo el seguimiento. Conclusión: La evaluación radiográfica de la cifosis torácica en los pacientes con escoliosis idiopática del adolescente tratados quirúrgicamente con tornillos pediculares en todas las vértebras mostró resultados satisfactorios con respecto a la corrección de la cifosis torácica.