Development, Measurement Properties and Reference Values of the Upper Extremity Motor Coordination Test: A New Motor Coordination Test of the Upper Limbs.

Background And Purpose: To develop a new test to assess the motor coordination of the upper limbs, and to investigate the test-retest and inter-rater reliability, construct validity, standard error of measurement (SEM), minimum detectable change (MDC), and the reference values.

Methods: The Upper Extremity Motor Coordination Test (UEMOCOT)was applied for 20 s, with the individual touching two targets (one right and one left) as quickly as possible, first with the hand (manual task) and then with the index finger (finger task). To test-retest reliability, the UEMOCOT was administered two times.

Human asthenozoospermia: Update on genetic causes, patient management, and clinical strategies.

Background: In mammals, sperm fertilization potential relies on efficient progression within the female genital tract to reach and fertilize the oocyte. This fundamental property is supported by the flagellum, an evolutionarily conserved organelle, which contains dynein motor proteins that provide the mechanical force for sperm propulsion and motility. Primary motility of the sperm cells is acquired during their transit through the epididymis and hyperactivated motility is acquired throughout the journey in the female genital tract by a process called capacitation.

Type 2 inflammation: a Portuguese consensus using Web-Delphi and decision conferencing (INFLAT2-PT).

Objectives: Atopic/allergic diseases impose a growing burden on public health, affecting millions of patients worldwide. The main objective of this study was to develop a national expert consensus on relevant clinical questions related to type 2 inflammation.

Methods: We conducted: a comprehensive literature review with a qualitative analysis to identify the most repeated themes on the overlap of conditions; a modified 3-round Web-Delphi (or e-Delphi); and a final online decision conference.

Free amino acids accelerate the time-dependent inactivation of rat liver nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase Enpp3 elicited by EDTA.

Nucleotide-pyrophosphatases/phosphodiesterases (NPP/PDE) are membrane or secreted Zn-metallohydrolases of nucleoside-5´-monophosphate derivatives. They hydrolyze, for instance, ATP and 4-nitrophenyl-dTMP, and belong to the ecto-nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase (ENPP) family that contains seven members (ENPP1-ENPP7). Earlier we had shown that an NPP/PDE activity solubilized and partially purified from rat liver membranes is inactivated by EDTA in a time-dependent fashion, an effect enhanced by glycine and blocked by the 4-nitrophenyl-dTMP.

Endothelium-derived 6-nitrodopamine is the major mechanism by which nitric oxide relaxes the rabbit isolated aorta.

6-Nitrodopamine (6-ND) is the predominant catecholamine released from isolated vascular tissues in both mammals and reptiles, with its release being significantly reduced by the NO synthesis inhibitor, N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). The vasorelaxation induced by 6-ND is unaffected by either L-NAME or the soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) inhibitor, ODQ, indicating an alternative mechanism of action. The vasorelaxant effect appears to be mediated through selective antagonism of dopamine D receptors rather than traditional nitric oxide (NO)-mediated pathways.

Planning and implementing ecological corridors in the southeast Atlantic Forest: Challenges and opportunities.

Designing ecological corridors studies are much more common than studies that evaluate the effectiveness and practicality of implementation. Thus, this study aimed to identify and discuss factors that can influence the implementation of ecological corridors designed from a multicriteria analysis. For this purpose, the ecological corridor implementation efforts of a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in an Atlantic Forest region were evaluated.

Recent Advances of PDMS In Vitro Biomodels for Flow Visualizations and Measurements: From Macro to Nanoscale Applications.

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) has become a popular material in microfluidic and macroscale in vitro models due to its elastomeric properties and versatility. PDMS-based biomodels are widely used in blood flow studies, offering a platform for improving flow models and validating numerical simulations. This review highlights recent advances in bioflow studies conducted using both PDMS microfluidic devices and macroscale biomodels, particularly in replicating physiological environments.

Original actions performed by a beginner attacker modify defensive dispersion in small-sided soccer games.

In complex systems, the system's self-regulation processes can transition between states of equilibrium and disequilibrium, leading to changes in the distribution of players within the playing space. Actions that are surprising, rare, or out of the ordinary tend to be valued for their potential to destabilize the opposing defensive structure, altering player dispersion, and creating fragile spaces for the attack. With advancements in understanding the influence of the environment on players' affordances, the tactical consequences from individuals' solutions to various scenarios and their impact on the game context becomes a rich area for investigation.

Dysphagia Lusoria: A Rare Case of Dysphagia.

Dysphagia is a condition whose prevalence increases with age and can have multiple causes. The differential diagnosis of dysphagia is crucial for its management and therapeutic guidance. The existence of an aberrant right subclavian artery can be a cause of dysphagia in adults.

Recovery patterns of low-frequency fatigue in elite youth soccer players after official match.

This study aimed to analyze the associations between recovery of low-frequency fatigue, jump height and perceptual responses following official soccer matches. Forty-two male youth elite soccer players (age: 17.13±0.

Alternative Splicing of the Last Intron Yields Transcripts Differentially Expressed in Human Tissues That Code In Vitro for a Protein Devoid of Triokinase and FMN Cyclase Activity.

The 18-exon human gene codes for dual-activity triokinase and FMN cyclase (TKFC) in an ORF, spanning from exon 2 to exon 18. In addition to TKFC-coding transcripts (classified as type by their intron-17 splice), databases contain evidence for alternative transcripts, but none of them has been expressed, studied, and reported in the literature. A novel full-ORF transcript was cloned from brain cDNA and sequenced (accession no.

Effects of lower-limb intermittent pneumatic compression on sports recovery: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) applied to lower limbs is becoming a popular postexercise recovery technique; however, it still lacks strong scientific support. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyse the effects of lower-limb IPC on sports recovery, as well as to identify the most used protocols to optimize it. A systematic search was conducted across athletic and healthy populations, following the PRISMA guidelines, covering the databases: PubMed, Web of Science, SportDiscus, Academic Search Complete, and Science Direct; using the search terms: ("Pneumatic compression" OR "Intermittent pneumatic compression" OR "Recov* boot*") AND (Recover*).

The interactome of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator and its role in male fertility: A critical review.

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is a cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-regulated chloride and bicarbonate ion channel found in many human cells. Its unique biochemical characteristics and role as a member of the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-binding cassette transporters superfamily are pivotal for the transport of several substrates across cellular membranes. CFTR is known to interact, physically and functionally, with several other cellular proteins.

Time of Application of Desiccant Herbicides Affects Photosynthetic Pigments, Physiological Indicators, and the Quality of Cowpea Seeds.

Chemical desiccation is widely used in agriculture to anticipate harvest and mitigate the effects of adverse environmental conditions. It is applied to both grains and seeds. Although this practice is widely used, there are still significant gaps in understanding the effects of different herbicide application times on seed quality and plant physiological responses.

Mechanical and optical properties assessment of an innovative PDMS/beeswax composite for a wide range of applications.

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is an elastomer that has received primary attention from researchers due to its excellent physical, chemical, and thermal properties, together with biocompatibility and high flexibility properties. Another material that has been receiving attention is beeswax because it is a natural raw material, extremely ductile, and biodegradable, with peculiar hydrophobic properties. These materials are applied in hydrophobic coatings, clear films for foods, and films with controllable transparency.

Adapting the percentage intensity method to assess accelerations and decelerations in football: moving beyond absolute and arbitrary thresholds.

 We adapted the percentage intensity approach to monitor accelerations and decelerations allowing players' individualisation. Forty-two players were monitored during four microcycles via global navigation satellite system devices. Raw velocity and time data were collected to calculate acceleration and deceleration magnitudes according to specific starting speed intervals, and the efforts intensities were established as very low (<25% of the maximal effort), low (25-50%), moderate (50-75%) and high (>75%).

Bridging the Gap Between Training and Competition in Elite Rink Hockey: A Pilot Study.

Background: Monitoring training load and competition load is crucial for evaluating and improving athlete performance. This study proposes an applied approach to characterize and classify the training task specificity in relation to competition in a top-level rink hockey team, considering external and internal load from training tasks and competition.

Hypothesis: Training tasks and game demands have significant dose-response differences, and exercises can be classified successfully based on their physiological and biomechanical demands.

Implantation of asymmetrical corneal intrastromal rings: A case series.

This case series reports eight eyes with keratoconus treated with laser implantation of one or two segments of progressive thickness corneal intrastromal ring (PT-ICRS). In this case series, it was evident that the insertion of PT-ICRS induces more pronounced corneal flattening at the thickest point, causing a reduction in distortion (coma) and lower astigmatism, resulting in a remarkable improvement in vision. Compared to the implementation of traditional intrastromal rings, the PT-ICRS variant showed superior results despite the small sample size.

Multi-shank 1024 channels active SiNAPS probe for large multi-regional topographical electrophysiological mapping of neural dynamics.

Implantable active dense CMOS neural probes unlock the possibility of spatiotemporally resolving the activity of hundreds of single neurons in multiple brain circuits to investigate brain dynamics. Mapping neural dynamics in brain circuits with anatomical structures spanning several millimeters, however, remains challenging. Here, we demonstrate the first CMOS neural probe for mapping intracortical neural dynamics (both LFPs and spikes) in awake, behaving mice from an area >4 mm.

Efficacy of preoperative and postoperative medications in reducing pain after non-surgical root canal treatment: an umbrella review.

Objective: This study analyzed, using an umbrella review, existing systematic reviews on medications to prevent and control postoperative endodontic pain to guide professionals in choosing the most effective drug.

Materials And Methods: An electronic search in the PubMed (MEDLINE), LILACS, SciELO, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Reviews, and Data Archiving and Networked Services (DANS) databases retrieved 17 systematic reviews. The study included only systematic reviews of clinical trials with or without meta-analyses evaluating effectiveness of medications in reducing pain after non-surgical endodontic treatment.

Intraocular pressure modulation with thermal stimuli.

Purpose: This study aimed to determine whether early-stage intraocular pressure can be modulated using a thermal face mask.

Methods: In this prospective clinical study, healthy participants were randomized on a 1:1:1 allocation ratio to three mask groups: hypothermic (G1), normothermic (G2), and hyperthermic (G3). After randomization, 108 eyes from 108 participants were submitted to clinical evaluations, including measurement of initial intraocular pressure (T1).

3-Tetrazolyl-β-carboline derivatives as potential neuroprotective agents.

3-Tetrazolyl-β-carbolines were prepared by the Pictet-Spengler approach using a tryptophan analogue as building block, in which the carboxylic acid was replaced by the bioisosteric tetrazole group. Knowing that β-carbolines are often associated with psychopharmacological effects, the study of the 3-tetrazolyl-β-carbolines as potential neuroprotective agents against Parkinson's disease was investigated. The evaluation of neuroprotective effects against 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridin-1-ium (MPP)-induced cytotoxicity allowed to identify compounds with relevant neuroprotective activity.

Advances in Microfluidic Systems and Numerical Modeling in Biomedical Applications: A Review.

The evolution in the biomedical engineering field boosts innovative technologies, with microfluidic systems standing out as transformative tools in disease diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. Numerical simulation has emerged as a tool of increasing importance for better understanding and predicting fluid-flow behavior in microscale devices. This review explores fabrication techniques and common materials of microfluidic devices, focusing on soft lithography and additive manufacturing.

Balance Control Impairments in Usher Syndrome.

Objectives: To explore postural disability in Usher Syndrome (USH) patients using temporal posturographic analysis to better elucidate sensory compensation strategies of deafblind patients for posture control and correlate the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale with posturographic variables.

Design: Thirty-four genetically confirmed USH patients (11 USH1, 21 USH2, 2 USH 4) from the Otolaryngology Outpatient Clinic and 35 controls were prospectively studied using both classical and wavelet temporal analysis of center of pressure (CoP) under different visual conditions on static and dynamic platforms. The functional impact of balance was assessed with the ABC scale.