Assessment of Ammonia Emissions and Greenhouse Gases in Dairy Cattle Facilities: A Bibliometric Analysis.

A deeper understanding of gas emissions in milk production is crucial for promoting productive efficiency, sustainable resource use, and animal welfare. This paper aims to analyze ammonia and greenhouse gas emissions in dairy farming using bibliometric methods. A total of 187 English-language articles with experimental data from the Scopus and Web of Science databases (January 1987 to April 2024) were reviewed. Publications notably increased from 1997, with the highest number of papers published in 2022. Research mainly focuses on ammonia and methane emissions, including quantification, volatilization, and mitigation strategies. Other gases like carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and hydrogen sulfide were also studied. Key institutions include the University of California-Davis and Aarhus University. Bibliometric analysis revealed research evolution, identifying trends, gaps, and future research opportunities. This bibliometric analysis offers insights into emissions, air quality, sustainability, and animal welfare in dairy farming, highlighting areas for innovative mitigation strategies to enhance production sustainability. This research contributes to academia, enhancing agricultural practices, and informing environmental policies. It is possible to conclude that this research is a valuable tool for understanding the evolution of research on gas emissions in dairy cattle facilities, providing guidance for future studies and interventions to promote more sustainable production.

Digital and Precision Technologies in Dairy Cattle Farming: A Bibliometric Analysis.

The advancement of technology has significantly transformed the livestock landscape, particularly in the management of dairy cattle, through the incorporation of digital and precision approaches. This study presents a bibliometric analysis focused on these technologies involving dairy farming to explore and map the extent of research in the scientific literature. Through this review, it was possible to investigate academic production related to digital and precision livestock farming and identify emerging patterns, main research themes, and author collaborations. To carry out this investigation in the literature, the entire timeline was considered, finding works from 2008 to November 2023 in the scientific databases Scopus and Web of Science. Next, the Bibliometrix (version 4.1.3) package in R (version 4.3.1) and its Biblioshiny software extension (version 4.1.3) were used as a graphical interface, in addition to the VOSviewer (version 1.6.19) software, focusing on filtering and creating graphs and thematic maps to analyze the temporal evolution of 198 works identified and classified for this research. The results indicate that the main journals of interest for publications with identified affiliations are "Computers and Electronics in Agriculture" and "Journal of Dairy Science". It has been observed that the authors focus on emerging technologies such as machine learning, deep learning, and computer vision for behavioral monitoring, dairy cattle identification, and management of thermal stress in these animals. These technologies are crucial for making decisions that enhance health and efficiency in milk production, contributing to more sustainable practices. This work highlights the evolution of precision livestock farming and introduces the concept of digital livestock farming, demonstrating how the adoption of advanced digital tools can transform dairy herd management. Digital livestock farming not only boosts productivity but also redefines cattle management through technological innovations, emphasizing the significant impact of these trends on the sustainability and efficiency of dairy production.

Advances in surface design and biomedical applications of magnetic nanoparticles.

Despite significant efforts by scientists in the development of advanced nanotechnology materials for smart diagnosis devices and drug delivery systems, the success of clinical trials remains largely elusive. In order to address this biomedical challenge, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have gained attention as a promising candidate due to their theranostic properties, which allow the simultaneous treatment and diagnosis of a disease. Moreover, MNPs have advantageous characteristics such as a larger surface area, high surface-to-volume ratio, enhanced mobility, mass transference and, more notably, easy manipulation under external magnetic fields. Besides, certain magnetic particle types based on the magnetite (Fe3O4) phase have already been FDA-approved, demonstrating biocompatible and low toxicity. Typically, surface modification and/or functional group conjugation are required to prevent oxidation and particle aggregation. A wide range of inorganic and organic molecules have been utilized to coat the surface of MNPs, including surfactants, antibodies, synthetic and natural polymers, silica, metals, and various other substances. Furthermore, various strategies have been developed for the synthesis and surface functionalization of MNPs to enhance their colloidal stability, biocompatibility, good response to an external magnetic field, etc. Both uncoated MNPs and those coated with inorganic and organic compounds exhibit versatility, making them suitable for a range of applications such as drug delivery systems (DDS), magnetic hyperthermia, fluorescent biological labels, biodetection and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Thus, this review provides an update of recently published MNPs works, providing a current discussion regarding their strategies of synthesis and surface modifications, biomedical applications, and perspectives.

Spatiotemporal variability in human thermal comfort perception in open-air spaces: application to the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

The objective of this study was to propose bioclimatic zoning to classify human thermal comfort and discomfort in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil; both historical and future scenarios are considered. Thus, historical series (1961 to 2017) of the effective temperature index as a function of the wind (ETW) were obtained as a function of the monthly average values of the minimum, mean, and maximum dry-bulb air temperatures (tdb,min, tdb,mean, and tdb,max, respectively), in addition to the mean relative humidity ([Formula: see text], %) and mean wind speed ([Formula: see text], m s -1). The data were obtained from 34 weather stations and subjected to trend analysis by using the nonparametric Mann-Kendall test, thus enabling the simulation of future scenarios (for 2028 and 2038). Then, to define the thermal ranges of the bioclimatic zoning, maps of ETWmin, ETWmean, and ETWmax were created from geostatistical analysis. Overall, the results show warming trends for the upcoming years in Minas Gerais municipalities. All climatic seasons showed an increase in the frequency of new classifications in the upper adjacent classes, which indicates climate warming. Therefore, when considering future scenarios for the autumn and winter seasons, attention should be given to changes in predicted thermal sensation, especially in the Central Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte Metropolitan, South/Southwest Minas, Campo das Vertentes, and Zona da Mata.

Technology-enhanced community forest management in tropical regions: A state of the art.

Tropical forests provide ecosystem services to around 2.7 billion people. Yet they are reaching tipping points due to social, economic, and environmental pressures. Technology is increasingly being leveraged to expand Community Forest Management (CFM) monitoring capabilities and to potentially increase its effectiveness, but a systematic accounting of this is lacking in the scientific literature. This study employed a mixed-methods approach combining a systematic literature review (SLR) with semi-structured interviews of technology-enhanced CFM (tech-CFM) case studies in tropical forests. From the SLR, evaluation criteria were identified and applied to 23 case studies that employed one or more novel technologies, 8 on the African continent, 9 in the Asia Pacific region, 5 in Latin America, and 1 in multiple regions. The results include classifying 22 monitoring technologies, with satellite remote sensing technology being the most common (17 case studies), followed by mobile devices (10 case studies), which are often integrated with geographic information system (8 case studies) analysis and data platforms. These technologies tend to be deployed in packages that augment each technology's capabilities, beyond their individual uses. Nonetheless, they are limited by poor internet coverage in remote regions, impeding the ability to develop real-time integrated monitoring systems. Tech-CFM shows potential for complementing and integrating with national monitoring system when adequate data collection protocols are in place. Practical social-cultural, technical, and project design recommendations are made for the integration of technology into CFM. Finally, a multi-criteria decision-making framework is developed from the literature-based evaluation criteria to assist practitioners in selecting appropriate technology suites.

Evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and co-infections in stray cats in Brazil.

The zoonotic virus SARS-CoV-2, which causes severe acute respiratory syndrome in humans (COVID-19), has been identified in cats. Notably, most positive cases were in cats that had close contact with infected humans, suggesting a role for humans in animal transmission routes. Previous studies have suggested that animals with immune depletion are more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. To date, there is limited evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections in stray and free-range cats affected by other pathogens. In this study, we investigated infections caused by SARS-CoV-2, Leishmania spp., Toxoplasma gondii, Mycoplasma spp., Bartonella spp., Feline leukemia virus (FeLV), and Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) in stray cats from an urban park in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic. From February to September 2021, 78 mixed-breed cats were tested for SARS-CoV-2 and hemopathogens using molecular analysis at Américo Renné Giannetti Municipal Park, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect IgG in T. gondii. None of the animals in this study showed any clinical signs of infections. The SARS-CoV-2 virus RNA was detected in 7.7 % of cats, and a whole virus genome sequence analysis revealed the SARS-CoV-2 Delta lineage (B.1.617.2). Phylogenetic analysis showed that SARS-CoV-2 isolated from cats was grouped into the sublineage AY.99.2, which matches the epidemiological scenario of COVID-19 in the urban area of our study. Leishmania infantum was detected and sequenced in 9 % of cats. The seroprevalence of T. gondii was 23.1 %. Hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. was detected in 7.7 % of the cats, with Mycoplasma haemofelis and Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum being the most common. Bartonella henselae and Bartonella clarridgeiae were detected in 38.5 % of the cats, FeLV was detected in 17,9 %, and none of the cats studied tested positive for FIV. This study reports, for the first time, the SARS-CoV-2 infection with whole-genome sequencing in stray cats in southeastern Brazil and co-infection with other pathogens, including Bartonella spp. and Feline leukemia virus. Our study observed no correlation between SARS-CoV-2 and the other detected pathogens. Our results emphasize the importance of monitoring SARS-CoV-2 in stray cats to characterize their epidemiological role in SARS-CoV-2 infection and reinforce the importance of zoonotic disease surveillance.

Stress during the covid-19 pandemic: unusual challenges for university professors / Estresse durante a pandemia de covid-19: desafios incomuns para professores universitários

Objective: Investigate the factors related to the stress levels triggered during the COVID-19 pandemic and the quality of life (QOL) of university professors. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with 318 professors from private and public higher education institutions in Maranhão, Brazil. Data collection included a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Brazilian versions of the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the Abbreviated World Health Organ-ization QOL Assessment Instrument (WHOQOL-bref). Statistical analyses were performed with Student's T-test and Analysis of Variance with Duncan's post-hoc. Results: according to the results of the professor score assessment, perceived stress levels were classified as normal (n = 166, 52.2%), moderate (n = 126, 39.6%), and high (n = 26, 8, 2%), with an average of 26.6 (± 10.5). QOL had an overall average of 56.4 (± 13.0). Among the QOL domains, the physical had the highest mean with 66.1 (± 17.7), while the lowest mean was in the social domain with 55.8 (± 14.8). Conclusion: The factors that influenced the stress levels were being female with age between 31 and 40 years old, those who had a child, and those who did not perform a frequent religious practice (AU).

Objetivo: Investigar os fatores relacionados aos níveis de estresse desencadeados durante a pandemia de COVID-19 e à qualidade de vida (QV) em professores universitários. Método: Trata-se de um estudo transversal com 318 docentes de instituições de ensino superior públicas e privadas do Maranhão, Brasil. A coleta de dados incluiu um questionário so-ciodemográfico, as versões brasileiras da Escala de Estresse Percebido (PSS) e o Instrumento Abreviado de Avaliação da QV da Organização Mundial da Saúde (WHOQOL-bref). As análises estatísticas foram realizadas com testes T de Student e Análise de Variância com post-hoc de Duncan. Resultados: de acordo com os resultados da avaliação da pontuação dos professores, os níveis de estresse percebido foram classificados como normal (n = 166, 52,2%), moderado (n = 126, 39,6%) e alto (n = 26, 8, 2%), com uma média de 26,6 (± 10,5). A QV teve uma média geral de 56,4 (± 13,0). Entre os domínios da QV, o físico apresentou a maior média com 66,1 (± 17,7), enquanto a menor média foi no domínio social com 55,8 (± 14,8). Conclusão: Os fatores que influenciaram os níveis de estresse no grupo participante foram o sexo feminino com idade entre 31 e 40 anos, ter filho e não exercer prática religiosa frequente (AU).

Classifiers based on artificial intelligence in the prediction of recently planted coffee cultivars using a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System.

The classification and prediction methods through artificial intelligence algorithms are applied in different sectors to assist and promote intelligent decision-making. In this sense, due to the great importance in the cultivation, consumption and export of coffee in Brazil and the technological application of the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) this study aimed to compare and select models based on different data classification techniques by different classification algorithms for the prediction of different coffee cultivars (Coffea arabica L.) recently planted. The attributes evaluated were height, crown diameter, total chlorophyll content, chlorophyll A and chlorophyll B, Foliar Area Index (LAI) and vegetation indexes NDVI, NDRE, MCARI1, GVI, and CI in six months. The data were prepared programming language Python using algorithms of Decision Trees, Random Forest, Support Vector Machine and Neural Networks. It was evaluated through cross-validation in all methods, the distribution by FreeViz, the hit rate, sensitivity, specificity, F1 score, and area under the ROC curve and percentage and predictive performance difference. All algorithms showed good hits and predictions for coffee cultivars (0.768% Decision Tree, 0.836% Random Forest, 0.886 Support Vector Machine and 0.899 Neural Networks) and the Neural Networks algorithm produced more accurate predictions than other tested algorithm models, with a higher percentage of hits for the classes considered.

A molecular and morphological study of Ascaris suum in a human-pig contact scenario in northeastern Brazil.

The aim of the present study was to assess morphologic and genetic data on ascariasis in swine (Sus scrofa domesticus) and humans in low-resource rural and periurban communities in the state of Piauí, Brazil. Our cross-sectional survey included 100 fecal samples obtained from swine and 682 samples from humans. Fifteen pigs were necropsied. Human and porcine fecal samples were examined to identify Ascaris eggs. Parasites obtained in the swine necropsies were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the mitochondrial gene encoding the cytochrome oxidase 1 (cox1) enzyme was partially amplified and sequenced for molecular taxonomy and phylogenetic analyses. The overall prevalence of Ascaris eggs in the swine fecal samples was 16/100 (16%). No Ascaris eggs were identified in the human fecal samples. SEM of six worms recovered from pigs demonstrated morphological characteristics of A. suum. Cox1 sequences were compatible with A. suum reference sequences. Original and reference (GenBank) nucleotide sequences were organized into clusters that did not segregate the parasites by host species or and region. The largest haplogroups were dominated by haplotypes H01, H02 and H31. In the communities studied, there was no epidemiological evidence of the zoonotic transmission of ascariasis at the human-swine interface.

Molecular detection and characterization of SARS-CoV-2 in cats and dogs of positive owners during the first COVID-19 wave in Brazil.

Despite previous reports of SARS-CoV-2 infection in dogs and cats worldwide, the type of swab sample used for its detection through RT-qPCR needs to be better compared and described. Accordingly, as part of a multicenter study in Brazil, the aim of the present study was to assess which rectal or oropharyngeal swabs would be more appropriate for detecting SARS-CoV-2 in cats and dogs, through viral load comparison. Pets of owners diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last 7 days were eligible. A total of 148 animals from four of the five Brazilian geographical regions were analyzed, among which 10/48 cats (20.83%) and 11/100 dogs (11.00%) were positive. The results suggested that oropharyngeal swabs should be considered for SARS-CoV-2 detection, particularly in cats, due to the higher cDNA viral load. Also, the genomic results showed similarities between SARS-CoV-2 animal variants and human variants that were circulating at the time of sampling, thus corroborating the existence of zooanthroponotic transmission. In conclusion, the present study highlighted the importance of SARS-CoV-2 monitoring among cats and dogs, as virus modification may indicate the possibility of mutations in animals and spillover back to owners. Thus, positive individuals should always self-isolate from their pets during COVID-19, to prevent trans-species transmission and mutation.

Vacinas e desinformação: uma análise de conteúdo sobre fake newsapuradas por plataformas de debunkingem redes sociais / Vaccines and disinformation: a content analysis on fake news verified by debunking platforms on social networks / Vacunas y desinformación: un análisis de contenidos sobre fake news verificadas por las plataformas de debunking en las redes sociales

O impacto das fake news chegou à área da saúde e a desconfiança em relação às vacinas trouxe de volta doenças até então erradicadas. Mas como os discursos antivacinasão construídos nas redes sociais? Neste trabalho, 80fake news com foco nas vacinas foram coletadas de sites brasileiros que realizam debunking, uma estratégia de detecção e desmascaramento de desinformação e fake news. A partir da aplicação de um protocolo analítico, mapeamos as principais características presentes na elaboração dessas publicações. A análise de conteúdo revelou que o Facebook e o WhatsApp são as redes preferidas para esse tipo de compartilhamento. Cerca de 59% dos conteúdos são totalmente falsos e a maioria dos discursos destaca possíveis riscos das vacinas como estratégias de convencimento. As fontes mais referenciadas são supostamente médicos e cientistas, para criar confiabilidade. O levantamento aponta ainda que 60% das publicações apresentaram erros gramaticais e ortográficos na elaboração dos textos

The impact of fake news reached the health area and distrust in relation to vaccines brought back diseases that had been eradicated. But how are these anti-vaccine discourses constructed in social medias? In this paper, 80 fake news stories focusing on vaccines were collected through Brazilian websites that perform debunking, a strategy for detecting and unmasking misinformation and fake news. From the application of an analytical protocol, the main characteristics present in the elaboration of these publications were mapped. Content analysis revealed that Facebook and WhatsApp are the preferred medias for this type of sharing. About 59% of the contents are totally false and most of the speeches highlight the risks of vaccines as a convincing strategy. The most referenced sources are supposedly doctors and scientists to create re-liability. The survey also points out that 60% of publications have grammatical and spelling errors in the preparation of texts

El impacto de las fake news llegó al área de la salud y la desconfianza en las vacunas trajo de vuelta enfermedades erradicadas. Pero, ¿cómo se construyen los discursos antivacunas en las redes sociales? En este trabajo, se recopilaron 80 noticias falsas centradas en vacunas a través de sitios web brasileños que realizan debunking, una estrategia para detectar y desenmascarar información errónea y noticias falsas. A partir de la aplicación de un protocolo analítico, mapeamos las principales características presentes en la elaboración de estas publicaciones. El análisis de contenido reveló que Facebook y WhatsApp son las redes preferidas para este tipo de intercambio. Alrededor del 59% del contenido es completamente falso y la mayoría destaca los posibles riesgos de las vacunas como estrategias convincentes. Las fuentes más referenciadas son supuestamente médicos y científicos para crear confiabilidad. La encuesta señala que el 60% de las publicaciones tenían errores gramaticales y ortográficos

Individual, socioeconomic and healthcare access factors influencing the delays in leprosy presentation, diagnosis and treatment: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the factors influencing the presentation, diagnosis and treatment of leprosy in primary healthcare. METHODS: Qualitative research was conducted on patients undergoing treatment in a priority hyperendemic region for leprosy control in northeastern Brazil. Interviews were conducted between September and December 2020 at primary healthcare centers. Data were analysed based on the basic interpretive qualitative structure according to Andersen and Newman's model of healthcare utilisation. RESULTS: Knowledge of leprosy symptoms influenced patients' search for a diagnosis. Unfavorable socioeconomic conditions experienced by patients made diagnosis and treatment difficult. Incorrect evaluations by health professionals caused difficulties and delays in obtaining a diagnosis of leprosy. Perceptions about the disease, such as non-acceptance of the disease and the adverse effects of the medications, affected treatment seeking and treatment continuity. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with leprosy faced delays and healthcare access barriers related to knowledge of the disease, socioeconomic conditions and the structure of healthcare services, which must be considered when creating care plans, surveillance and control actions against leprosy. Appropriate interventions are necessary to reduce delays and better control the disease.

Long-term and low dose oral malathion exposure causes morphophysiological changes in the colon of rats.

BACKGROUND: Malathion (MAL) is an organophosphate insecticide that inhibits cholinesterases, used to control pests in agriculture and to combat mosquitoes that transmit various arboviruses. As acetylcholine is one of the major neurotransmitters of the enteric nervous system (ENS), humans exposed to MAL by ingestion of contaminated food and water can develop symptoms due disfunction of the gastrointestinal tract. Although the deleterious effects after exposure to high doses are recognized, little is known about the long-term and low-dose effects of this pesticide on the structure and motility of the colon. AIMS: to evaluate the effects of prolonged oral exposure to low levels of MAL on the wall structure and colonic motility parameters of young rats. MAIN METHODS: The animals were divided into three groups: control, and groups that received 10 or 50 mg/kg of MAL via gavage for 40 days. The colon was collected for histological analysis and analysis of the ENS through the evaluation of total neurons and subpopulations of the myenteric and submucosal plexuses. Cholinesterase activity and functional analyzes of the colon were evaluated. KEY FINDINGS: MAL treatments (10 and 50 mg/Kg) reduced the butyrylcholinesterase activity, and caused enlargement of faecal pellets, atrophy of muscle layers and several changes in neurons of both myenteric and submucosal plexi. Considering colonic contraction, MAL (50 mg/Kg) increased the number of retrograde colonic migratory motor complexes. SIGNIFICANCE: The long-term exposure to low doses of MAL affects colonic morphophysiology, which highlights the need to intensify control and care in the use of this pesticide.

The Omicron Lineages BA.1 and BA.2 (Betacoronavirus SARS-CoV-2) Have Repeatedly Entered Brazil through a Single Dispersal Hub.

Brazil currently ranks second in absolute deaths by COVID-19, even though most of its population has completed the vaccination protocol. With the introduction of Omicron in late 2021, the number of COVID-19 cases soared once again in the country. We investigated in this work how lineages BA.1 and BA.2 entered and spread in the country by sequencing 2173 new SARS-CoV-2 genomes collected between October 2021 and April 2022 and analyzing them in addition to more than 18,000 publicly available sequences with phylodynamic methods. We registered that Omicron was present in Brazil as early as 16 November 2021 and by January 2022 was already more than 99% of samples. More importantly, we detected that Omicron has been mostly imported through the state of São Paulo, which in turn dispersed the lineages to other states and regions of Brazil. This knowledge can be used to implement more efficient non-pharmaceutical interventions against the introduction of new SARS-CoV variants focused on surveillance of airports and ground transportation.

Epidemiological Surveillance Reveals the Rise and Establishment of the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 Variant in Brazil.

The introduction of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) in Brazil has been associated with major impacts on the epidemiological and public health scenario. In this study, 291,571 samples were investigated for SARS-CoV-2 variants from August 2021 to March 2022 (the highest peak of positive cases) in four geographical regions of Brazil. To identify the frequency, introduction, and dispersion of SARS-CoV-2 variants in 12 Brazilian capitals, VOCs defining spike mutations were identified in 35,735 samples through genotyping and viral genome sequencing. Omicron VOC was detected in late November 2021 and replaced the Delta VOC in approximately 3.5 weeks. We estimated viral load differences between SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron through the evaluation of the RT-qPCR cycle threshold (Ct) score in 77,262 samples. The analysis demonstrated that the Omicron VOC has a lower viral load in infected patients than the Delta VOC. Analyses of clinical outcomes in 17,586 patients across the country indicated that individuals infected with Omicron were less likely to need ventilatory support. The results of our study reinforce the importance of surveillance programs at the national level and showed the introduction and faster dispersion of Omicron over Delta VOC in Brazil without increasing the numbers of severe cases of COVID-19.

Superabsorbent bacterial cellulose film produced from industrial residue of cashew apple juice processing.

The industrial residue of cashew apple juice processing (MRC) was evaluated as an alternative medium for bacterial cellulose (BC) production by Komagataeibacter xylinus ATCC 53582 and Komagataeibacter xylinus ARS B42. The synthetic Hestrin-Schramm medium (MHS) was used as a control for growing and BC production. First, BC production was assessed after 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 days under static culture. After 12 days of cultivation, K. xylinus ATCC 53582 produced the highest BC titer in MHS (3.1 g·L-1) and MRC (3 g·L-1), while significant productivity was attained at 6 days of fermentation. To understand the effect of culture medium and fermentation time on the properties of the obtained films, BC produced at 4, 6, or 8 days were submitted to infrared spectroscopy with Fourier transform, thermogravimetry, mechanical tests, water absorption capacity, scanning electron microscopy, degree of polymerization and X-ray diffraction. The properties of BC synthesized in MRC were identical to those of BC from MHS, according to structural, physical, and thermal studies. MRC, on the other hand, allows the production of BC with a high water absorption capacity when compared to MHS. Despite the lower titer (0.88 g·L-1) achieved in MRC, the BC from K. xylinus ARS B42 presented a high thermal resistance and a remarkable absorption capacity (14664 %), suggesting that it might be used as a superabsorbent biomaterial.

Molecular and morphological alterations in uninjured skin of streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.

Diabetes affects every tissue in the body, including the skin. The main skin problem is the increased risk of infections, which can lead to foot ulcers. Most studies evaluating the effects of diabetes on the skin are carried out in wound healing areas. There are fewer studies on uninjured skin, and some particularities of this tissue are yet to be elucidated. In general, cellular and molecular outcomes of diabetes are increased oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. For our study, we used C57BL/6 mice that were divided into diabetic and non-diabetic groups. The diabetic group received low doses of streptozotocin on 5 consecutive days. To evaluate the effects of hyperglycemia on uninjured skin, we performed morphological analysis using hematoxylin/eosin staining, cellular analysis using Picrosirius red and Nissl staining, and immunostaining, and evaluated protein expression by polymerase chain reaction. We confirmed that mice were hyperglycemic, presenting all features related to this metabolic condition. Hyperglycemia caused a decrease in interleukin 6 (Il-6) and an increase in tumor necrosis factor alpha (Tnf-α), Il-10, F4/80, tumor growth factor beta (Tgf-ß), and insulin-like growth factor 1 (Igf-1). In addition, hyperglycemia led to a lower cellular density in the epidermis and dermis, a delay in the maturation of collagen fibers, and a decrease in the number of neurons. Furthermore, we showed a decrease in Bdnf expression and no changes in Ntrk2 expression in the skin of diabetic animals. In conclusion, chronic hyperglycemia in mice induced by streptozotocin caused disruption of homeostasis even before loss of skin continuity.

A molecular and morphological study of Ascaris suum in a human-pig contact scenario in northeastern Brazil / Estudo molecular e morfológico de Ascaris suum em um cenário de contato entre suínos e humanos no nordeste brasileiro

The aim of the present study was to assess morphologic and genetic data on ascariasis in swine (Sus scrofa domesticus) and humans in low-resource rural and periurban communities in the state of Piauí, Brazil. Our cross-sectional survey included 100 fecal samples obtained from swine and 682 samples from humans. Fifteen pigs were necropsied. Human and porcine fecal samples were examined to identify Ascaris eggs. Parasites obtained in the swine necropsies were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the mitochondrial gene encoding the cytochrome oxidase 1 (cox1) enzyme was partially amplified and sequenced for molecular taxonomy and phylogenetic analyses. The overall prevalence of Ascaris eggs in the swine fecal samples was 16/100 (16%). No Ascaris eggs were identified in the human fecal samples. SEM of six worms recovered from pigs demonstrated morphological characteristics of A. suum. Cox1 sequences were compatible with A. suum reference sequences. Original and reference (GenBank) nucleotide sequences were organized into clusters that did not segregate the parasites by host species or and region. The largest haplogroups were dominated by haplotypes H01, H02 and H31. In the communities studied, there was no epidemiological evidence of the zoonotic transmission of ascariasis at the human-swine interface.(AU)

O presente estudo teve como objetivo acessar dados morfológicos e genéticos sobre a ascaridíase em suínos (Sus scrofa domesticus) e humanos, em comunidades rurais e periurbanas no estado do Piauí. O estudo transversal incluiu 100 amostras fecais de suínos e 682 amostras obtidas de humanos. Quinze suínos foram necropsiados. Amostras fecais suínas e humanas foram examinadas para detecção de ovos de Ascaris. Os parasitas adultos, obtidos nas necropsias, foram estudados através de microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV), e o gene mitocondrial codificante da enzima citocromo oxidase 1 (cox1) foi parcialmente amplificado e sequenciado para análises filogenéticas e de taxonomia molecular. A prevalência de Ascaris em amostras fecais de suínos foi 16/100 (16%), não sendo identificado nenhum caso de infecção por este parasita em humanos. A análise por MEV de parasitas recuperados de suínos demonstrou características morfológicas de Ascaris suum. As sequências nucleotídicas de cox1 foram compatíveis com A. suum. As sequências originais e de referência (obtidas no GeneBank) foram organizadas em clusters que não segregaram os parasitas por hospedeiro ou região geográfica. Os maiores haplogrupos foram dominados pelos haplótipos H01, H02 e H31. Nas comunidades estudadas, não foi evidenciada transmissão zoonótica de A. suum na interface suíno-humana.(AU)

Realidade epidemiológica da morbimortalidade hospitalar por acidente vascular cerebral no nordeste brasileiro, de 2015 a 2019 / Epidemiological reality of hospital morbimortality due to cerebral vascular accident in northeast brazil, from 2015 to 2019 / Realidad epidemiológica de la morbimortalidad hospitalaria por accidente vascular cerebral en el noreste de brasil, de 2015 a 2019

Com grande impacto social por alta mortalidade e morbidade no Brasil e no Mundo, o AVC continua em destaque dentre as Doenças Crônicas Não transmissíveis. Visando oferecer subsídios técnico-científicos sobre o perfil epidemiológico desta patologia no Nordeste, este artigo consiste em um estudo de corte transversal, quantitativo, epidemiológico, de série temporal, entre os anos de 2015 a 2019, tendo por base os dados disponibilizados na plataforma DATASUS. Evidenciou-se que o ano de 2019 foi o ano com maior número de internações por esta patologia, predominando em homens. No entanto, as mulheres tiveram mais óbitos. A raça mais acometida foi a parda, com mais de 82% das internações e mais de 83% dos óbitos. Os óbitos ocorreram em todas as faixas etárias, predominando nos mais idosos. O Estado com maior quantitativo de óbitos foi a Bahia, também o mais populoso do estudo. O perfil epidemiológico geral, do paciente acometido por AVC na região Nordeste do Brasil no período avaliado, foi, homem, com idade mais avançada (a partir de 60 anos), pardo, permanecendo cerca de 7,8 dias internados. O custo total desse período, com internações por AVC, foi de R$278.874.426.3, certamente, um custo bastante oneroso ao nosso sistema de saúde. As unidades federativas com maior acometimento são também as mais populosas. Percebendo-se que, por se tratar de uma doença prevenível, com graves sequelas e que causam grandes prejuízos pessoais, sociais e econômicos, torna-se relevante que o sistema público de saúde adote rigorosas medidas para sua prevenção.

With a great social impact due to high mortality and morbidity in Brazil and the world, stroke continues to be highlighted among Chronic Non-communicable Diseases. Aiming to offer technical-scientific support on the epidemiological profile of this pathology in the Northeast, this article consists of a cross-sectional, quantitative, epidemiological, time series study, between the years 2015 and 2019, based on data available on the DATASUS platform . It was evident that 2019 was the year with the highest number of hospitalizations for this pathology, predominantly in men. However, women had more deaths. The most affected race was the mixed race, with more than 82% of hospitalizations and more than 83% of deaths. Deaths occurred in all age groups, predominantly among the elderly. The State with the highest number of deaths was Bahia, also the most populous in the study. The general epidemiological profile of the patient affected by stroke in the Northeast region of Brazil during the period evaluated was male, older (60 years and older), mixed race, and remained hospitalized for approximately 7.8 days. The total cost of this period, with hospitalizations for stroke, was R$278,874,426.3, certainly a very costly cost to our health system. The federative units most affected are also the most populous. Realizing that, as it is a preventable disease, with serious consequences and causing great personal, social and economic losses, it is important that the public health system adopts strict measures for its prevention.

Con gran impacto social debido a la alta mortalidad y morbilidad en Brasil y el mundo, el accidente cerebrovascular sigue destacándose entre las Enfermedades Crónicas No Transmisibles. Con el objetivo de ofrecer soporte técnico-científico sobre el perfil epidemiológico de esta patología en el Nordeste, este artículo consiste en un estudio transversal, cuantitativo, epidemiológico, de series temporales, entre los años 2015 y 2019, con base en datos disponibles en la plataforma DATASUS. . Se evidenció que 2019 fue el año con mayor número de hospitalizaciones por esta patología, predominantemente en hombres. Sin embargo, las mujeres tuvieron más muertes. La raza más afectada fue la mestiza, con más del 82% de las hospitalizaciones y más del 83% de las muertes. Las muertes se produjeron en todos los grupos de edad, predominantemente entre los ancianos. El estado con mayor número de muertes fue Bahía, también el más poblado del estudio. El perfil epidemiológico general del paciente afectado por accidente cerebrovascular en la región Nordeste de Brasil durante el período evaluado fue masculino, mayor (60 años y más), mestizo y permaneció hospitalizado durante aproximadamente 7,8 días. El costo total de este período, con las hospitalizaciones por accidente cerebrovascular, fue de R$ 278.874.426,3, ciertamente un costo muy costoso para nuestro sistema de salud. Las unidades federativas más afectadas son también las más pobladas. Al ser conscientes de que, al tratarse de una enfermedad prevenible, de graves consecuencias y que provoca grandes pérdidas personales, sociales y económicas, es importante que el sistema público de salud adopte medidas estrictas para su prevención. PALABRAS CLAVE: Accidente Cerebrovascular; Epidemiología; Salud Pública.