Fully-automated segmentation of muscle and inter-/intra-muscular fat from magnetic resonance images of calves and thighs: an open-source workflow in Python.

Background: INTER- and INTRAmuscular fat (IMF) is elevated in high metabolic states and can promote inflammation. While magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) excels in depicting IMF, the lack of reproducible tools prevents the ability to measure change and track intervention success.

Methods: We detail an open-source fully-automated iterative threshold-seeking algorithm (ITSA) for segmenting IMF from T1-weighted MRI of the calf and thigh within three cohorts (CaMos Hamilton (N = 54), AMBERS (N = 280), OAI (N = 105)) selecting adults 45-85 years of age.

The Role of Frailty and Myosteatosis in Predicting All-Cause Mortality in Older Adults with Cancer.

Frailty and myosteatosis are each prognostic of all-cause mortality (ACM) in patients with cancer. However, it is unclear whether myosteatosis adds value to frailty for predicting ACM. We assessed whether myosteatosis improves the predictive ability of frailty for ACM in older adults undergoing chemotherapy.

Spatial distribution of atmospheric pollutants and fire outbreaks in the Pantanal biome from 2016 to 2021.

Pantanal fires have a significant impact on the environment. Anthropogenic emissions of residual gases have changed the tropospheric composition in this region due to burning. This study aims to analyze the spatial patterns of atmospheric pollutants (including carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), black carbon (BC), organic carbon (OC) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) and aerosol optical depth, along with fire outbreaks across the Pantanal biome from 2016 to 2021.

Mothers balancing work and family: the associations with emotional well-being, sleep-wake problems and the role of basic needs.

Background: The transition to motherhood involves significant changes, extending from pregnancy to the early years of a child's life. This period, characterized by multiple stressors and adjustments, can profoundly impact maternal well-being. For this reason, the aim of this study was to investigate the associations between work-family balance, need satisfaction, depression, anger, vitality and sleep-wake problems, using Self-determination Theory (SDT) as a theoretical framework.

Planning Matters: A Document Analysis of 24 Portuguese Health Programmes.

Background: Health planning is essential for effective public health interventions and optimal resource utilisation. The Portuguese Directorate-General of Health has a long history of developing health plans and programmes, for communicable and noncommunicable diseases, and their determinants. This study aimed to review the current 24 programmes and assess the adequacy of their structure and content.