Are native microalgae consortia able to remove microplastics from wastewater effluents?

Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) are potential sources of microplastics (MPs) in the aquatic environment. This study aimed to investigate the potential of wastewater-native microalgae consortia to remove MPs from the effluent of two different types of WWTPs as a dual-purpose solution for MPs mitigation and biomass production. For that purpose, the occurrence of MPs from two types of WWTP effluents was analysed over one year. MPs were characterized in terms of morphology (microbead, foam, granule, irregular, filament and film), colour and size. The wastewater characterisation was followed by the removal of MP loads, using native microalgae consortia, pre-adapted to the wastewater effluent. Microalgae consortia evolved naturally through four mitigation assays, adapted to seasonal conditions, such as temperature, photoperiod, and wastewater composition. MPs were present in all the effluent samples, ranging from 52 to 233 MP L-1. The characterisation of MPs indicated a predominance of white and transparent particles, with irregular and filament shapes, mainly under 500 µm in size. The µFTIR analysis revealed that 43% of the selected particles were plastic, with a prevalence of polypropylene (PP) (34%) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) (30 %). In the mitigation experiments, substantial biomass production was achieved (maximum of 2.6 g L-1 (d.w.)), with successful removal of MPs, ranging from 31 ± 25% to 82 ± 13%. These results show that microalgae growth in wastewater effluents efficiently promotes the removal of MPs, reducing this source of contamination in the aquatic environment, while generating valuable biomass. Additionally, the strategy employed, requires minimal control of culture conditions, simplifying the integration of these systems in real-world WWTP facilities for improved wastewater management.

Entrepreneurship in the Favela: Negotiating Precarity and Mental Health During Covid-19.

This paper aims to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health and mental health of necessary entrepreneurs in Brasilian favelas, the social problems they experienced and implications for public health social work. The study used structured in-person interviews within selected Favela's, with a sample size of 721 entrepreneurs, aged between 16-70 years. All participants both worked and were resident in 15 out of the 27 Brasilian federal states. The bespoke questions explored socio-demographic questions, sought information on their entrepreneurship, health and administered the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale for Health. The results highlighted that many entrepreneurs have engaged in this form of enterprise due to economic necessity, with 64% of women and 43.6% of men identifying increased levels of anxiety through the pandemic, with the presence of children in the family being statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05 chi-square test) for anxiety. Of the 9.8% sample respondents have accessed the health care service and for women with children, the impact of the pandemic accentuated existing problems of childcare and patriarchy. We conclude by highlighting the importance of universal and accessible health and mental health support and care, their ongoing accessibility, along with the importance of social work during crisis.

Methylation of histone H3 lysine 36 is a barrier for therapeutic interventions of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Approximately 20% of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) exhibit reduced methylation on lysine 36 of histone H3 (H3K36me) due to mutations in histone methylase NSD1 or a lysine-to-methionine mutation in histone H3 (H3K36M). Whether such alterations of H3K36me can be exploited for therapeutic interventions is still unknown. Here, we show that HNSCC models expressing H3K36M can be divided into two groups: those that display aberrant accumulation of H3K27me3 and those that maintain steady levels of H3K27me3. The former group exhibits reduced proliferation, genome instability, and heightened sensitivity to genotoxic agents like PARP1/2 inhibitors. Conversely, H3K36M HNSCC models with constant H3K27me3 levels lack these characteristics unless H3K27me3 is elevated by DNA hypomethylating agents or inhibiting H3K27me3 demethylases KDM6A/B. Mechanistically, H3K36M reduces H3K36me by directly impeding the activities of the histone methyltransferase NSD3 and the histone demethylase LSD2. Notably, aberrant H3K27me3 levels induced by H3K36M expression are not a bona fide epigenetic mark because they require continuous expression of H3K36M to be inherited. Moreover, increased sensitivity to PARP1/2 inhibitors in H3K36M HNSCC models depends solely on elevated H3K27me3 levels and diminishing BRCA1- and FANCD2-dependent DNA repair. Finally, a PARP1/2 inhibitor alone reduces tumor burden in a H3K36M HNSCC xenograft model with elevated H3K27me3, whereas in a model with consistent H3K27me3, a combination of PARP1/2 inhibitors and agents that up-regulate H3K27me3 proves to be successful. These findings underscore the crucial balance between H3K36 and H3K27 methylation in maintaining genome instability, offering new therapeutic options for patients with H3K36me-deficient tumors.

Methylation of histone H3 lysine 36 is a barrier for therapeutic interventions of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Approximately 20% of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) exhibit reduced methylation on lysine 36 of histone H3 (H3K36me) due to mutations in histone methylase NSD1 or a lysine-to-methionine mutation in histone H3 (H3K36M). Whether such alterations of H3K36me can be exploited for therapeutic interventions is still unknown. Here, we show that HNSCC models expressing H3K36M can be divided into two groups: those that display aberrant accumulation of H3K27me3 and those that maintain steady levels of H3K27me3. The first group shows decreased proliferation, genome instability, and increased sensitivity to genotoxic agents, such as PARP1/2 inhibitors. In contrast, the H3K36M HNSCC models with steady H3K27me3 levels do not exhibit these characteristics unless H3K27me3 levels are elevated, either by DNA hypomethylating agents or by inhibiting the H3K27me3 demethylases KDM6A/B. Mechanistically, we found that H3K36M reduces H3K36me by directly impeding the activities of the histone methyltransferase NSD3 and the histone demethylase LSD2. Notably, we found that aberrant H3K27me3 levels induced by H3K36M expression is not a bona fide epigenetic mark in HNSCC since it requires continuous expression of H3K36M to be inherited. Moreover, increased sensitivity of H3K36M HNSCC models to PARP1/2 inhibitors solely depends on the increased H3K27me3 levels. Indeed, aberrantly high H3K27me3 levels decrease BRCA1 and FANCD2-dependent DNA repair, resulting in higher sensitivity to DNA breaks and replication stress. Finally, in support of our in vitro findings, a PARP1/2 inhibitor alone reduce tumor burden in a H3K36M HNSCC xenograft model with elevated H3K27me3, whereas in a H3K36M HNSCC xenograft model with consistent H3K27me3 levels, a combination of PARP1/2 inhibitors and agents that upregulate H3K27me3 proves to be successful. In conclusion, our findings underscore a delicate balance between H3K36 and H3K27 methylation, essential for maintaining genome stability. This equilibrium presents promising therapeutic opportunities for patients with H3K36me-deficient tumors.

Evidence for Monocyte Reprogramming in a Long-Term Postsepsis Study.

This study sought to identify monocyte alterations from septic patients after hospital discharge by evaluating gene expression of inflammatory mediators and monocyte polarization markers. It was hypothesized that sepsis reprograms the inflammatory state of monocytes, causing effects that persist after hospital discharge and influencing patient outcomes. DESIGN: The gene expression patterns of inflammatory receptors, M1 and M2 macrophage polarization markers, NLRP3 inflammasome components, and pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in monocytes were assessed. PATIENTS: Thirty-four patients from the University of São Paulo Hospital, during the acute sepsis phase (phase A), immediately after ICU discharge (phase B), and 3 months (phase C), 6 months (phase D), 1 year (phase E), and 3 years (phase F) after discharge, were included. Patients that died during phases A and B were grouped separately, and the remaining patients were collectively termed the survivor group. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The gene expression of toll-like receptor (TLR)2 and TLR4 (inflammatory receptors), NLRP3, NFκB1, adaptor molecule apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD, caspase 1, caspase 11, and caspase 12 (NLRP3 inflammasome components), interleukin-1α, interleukin-1ß, interleukin-18, and high-mobility group box 1 protein (proinflammatory cytokines), interleukin-10 (anti-inflammatory cytokine), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 11, and interleukin-12p35 (M1 inflammatory polarization markers), and C-C motif chemokine ligand 14, C-C motif chemokine ligand 22, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß), SR-B1, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (M2 anti-inflammatory polarization and tissue repair markers) was upregulated in monocytes from phase A until phase E compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Sepsis reprograms the inflammatory state of monocytes, probably contributing to postsepsis syndrome development and mortality.

Gender differences in the perception of asthma respiratory symptoms in five Latin American countries.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the differences between sexes in perceptions of asthma symptoms, asthma control, daily activities, and symptom exacerbation in Latin American countries. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed using data from the Latin America Asthma Insight and Management (LA-AIM) study (n = 2167) carried out in Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela, and Puerto Rico. Face-to-face interviews were conducted, and patients orally completed a 53-question survey assessing five main domains of asthma: symptoms, impact on daily activities, disease control, exacerbation, and treatment/medication. RESULTS: Of the 2167 participants, 762 (35.2%) were males and 1405 (64.8%) were females. Male participants smoked more than females, but history of rhinitis and allergies was more common in females (p < 0.05). Women aged 18-40 years had a higher proportion of uncontrolled asthma compared to men of the same age (37.8% and 30.0%, respectively). A higher proportion of symptomatic females reported more frequent symptoms (daytime cough, shortness of breath, breathlessness/wheezing, sputum, tightness in the chest, etc.) than males (p < 0.05). Females also experienced more limitations in sports/recreational activities, normal physical exertion, social activities, sleep, and daily activities. Females consulted with health professionals more often than males (67.8% and 59.6%, respectively; p < 0.05). Asthma caused a feeling of lack of control over life in 42.6% of females and 31.4% of males. CONCLUSION: In Latin America, females report more asthma symptoms, poorer asthma control, more impact on their daily activities, and more visits with health professionals than males.

Mortalidad materna en Brasil y Cuba: estudio comparativo / Maternal mortality in Brazil and Cuba: comparative study

Introducción: La mortalidad materna constituye un problema de salud pública a nivel internacional. Su comportamiento es expresión del funcionamiento integral de los sistemas de salud, así como, del avance de los derechos sexuales y reproductivos de las mujeres. Objetivo: Comparar los indicadores de mortalidad materna de Brasil y Cuba en el periodo 2005-2017. Métodos: La metodología implementada responde a un análisis de tipo documental. Se utilizaron como fuentes de información las principales bases de datos del Departamento de Informática del Sistema Único de Salud de Brasil, y los anuarios estadísticos publicados por el Ministerio de Salud Pública de Cuba y la Oficina Nacional de Estadística e Información. Resultados: La meta sobre mortalidad materna dentro de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sustentable es un requisito actualmente cumplido por los dos países. En Cuba, las cifras de la Razón de Mortalidad Materna se mantienen con valores siempre inferiores a los del propio país en el año 2005; no obstante, a partir de 2013 muestran un comportamiento creciente. En Brasil, por su parte, son superiores a las de Cuba y nunca disminuyen en relación con el año 2005, y presentan una marcada tendencia creciente. Conclusiones: Los programas de salud materna analizados para Brasil y Cuba muestran avances y desafíos diferenciados. El comportamiento de los indicadores analizados reafirma la necesidad de intensificar las acciones para la reducción de los óbitos maternos en los dos países, con más urgencia para Brasil(AU)

Introduction: Maternal mortality is a public health problem at the international level. Its behavior is an expression of the comprehensive functioning of health systems, as well as the advancement of women's sexual and reproductive rights. Objective: Compare the maternal mortality indicators of Brazil and Cuba in the period 2005-2017. Methods: The implemented methodology responds to a documentary analysis. The main databases of the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System of Brazil, and the statistical yearbooks published by the Ministry of Public Health of Cuba and the National Office of Statistics and Information were used as sources of information. Results: The target on maternal mortality within the Sustainable Development Goals is a requirement currently met by both countries. In Cuba, the figures for the Maternal Mortality Ratio remain at values always lower than those of the country itself in 2005; however, as of 2013 they show an increasing behavior. In Brazil, on the other hand, they are higher than those of Cuba and never decrease in relation to 2005, and present a marked growing trend. Conclusions: The maternal health programs analyzed for Brazil and Cuba show differentiated progress and challenges. The behavior of the indicators analyzed reaffirms the need to intensify actions to reduce maternal deaths in both countries, with more urgency for Brazil(AU)

The COVID-19 pandemic, emergency aid and social work in Brazil.

This essay reflects on the implementation of federal government emergency aid in Brazil in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting elements from the work of Social Workers in the context of growing demand for the supply of material provisions. Economic and social conditions in Brazil have particularities that impact the operationalisation of this benefit, which is aimed at the poor, that add complexity and impose limits. When considering the structural limits set, this context imposes challenges on the work of Social Workers. The need to reconnect and enhance the struggle for social rights is emphasised through the different strategies of the working class.

Oral Dysbiosis in Severe Forms of Periodontitis Is Associated With Gut Dysbiosis and Correlated With Salivary Inflammatory Mediators: A Preliminary Study.

Inflammation is a driven force in modulating microbial communities, but little is known about the interplay between colonizing microorganisms and the immune response in periodontitis. Since local and systemic inflammation may play a whole role in disease, we aimed to evaluate the oral and fecal microbiome of patients with periodontitis and to correlate the oral microbiome data with levels of inflammatory mediator in saliva. Methods: Nine patients with periodontitis (P) in Stage 3/Grade B and nine age-matched non-affected controls (H) were evaluated. Microbial communities of oral biofilms (the supra and subgingival from affected and non-affected sites) and feces were determined by sequencing analysis of the 16SrRNA V3-V4 region. Salivary levels of 40 chemokines and cytokines were correlated with oral microbiome data. Results: Supragingival microbial communities of P differed from H (Pielou's evenness index, and Beta diversity, and weighted UniFrac), since relative abundance (RA) of Defluviitaleaceae, Desulfobulbaceae, Mycoplasmataceae, Peptostreococcales-Tissierellales, and Campylobacteraceae was higher in P, whereas Muribaculaceae and Streptococcaceae were more abundant in H. Subgingival non-affected sites of P did not differ from H, except for a lower abundance of Gemellaceae. The microbiome of affected periodontitis sites (PD ≥ 4 mm) clustered apart from the subgingival sites of H. Oral pathobionts was more abundant in sub and supragingival biofilms of P than H. Fecal samples of P were enriched with Acidaminococcus, Clostridium, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Megasphaera, and Romboutsia when compared to H. The salivary levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and inflammatory chemokines were positively correlated with the RA of several recognized and putative pathobionts, whereas the RA of beneficial species, such as Rothia aeria and Haemophilus parainfluenzae was negatively correlated with the levels of Chemokine C-C motif Ligand 2 (CCL2), which is considered protective. Dysbiosis in patients with periodontitis was not restricted to periodontal pockets but was also seen in the supragingival and subgingival non-affected sites and feces. Subgingival dysbiosis revealed microbial signatures characteristic of different immune profiles, suggesting a role for candidate pathogens and beneficial organisms in the inflammatory process of periodontitis.

Dendritic cells in COVID-19 immunopathogenesis: insights for a possible role in determining disease outcome.

SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent of the COVID-19 pandemic. This novel coronavirus emerged in China, quickly spreading to more than 200 countries worldwide. Although most patients are only mildly ill or even asymptomatic, some develop severe pneumonia and become critically ill. One of the biggest unanswered questions is why some develop severe disease, whilst others do not. Insight on the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and the immune system and the contribution of dysfunctional immune responses to disease progression will be instrumental to the understanding of COVID-19 pathogenesis, risk factors for worst outcome, and rational design of effective therapies and vaccines. In this review we have gathered the knowledge available thus far on the epidemiology of SARS-COV-2 infection, focusing on the susceptibility of older individuals, SARS-CoV-2-host cell interaction during infection and the immune response directed at SARS-CoV-2. Dendritic cells act as crucial messengers linking innate and adaptative immunity against viral infections. Thus, this review also brings a focused discussion on the role of dendritic cells and their immune functions during SARS-CoV-2 infection and how immune evasion strategies of SARS-CoV-2 and advancing age mediate dendritic cell dysfunctions that contribute to COVID-19 pathogenesis and increased susceptibility to worst outcomes. This review brings to light the hypothesis that concomitant occurrence of dendritic cell dysfunction/cytopathic effects induced by SARS-CoV-2 and/or aging may influence disease outcome in the elderly. Lastly, a detailed discussion on the effects and mechanisms of action of drugs currently being tested for COVID-19 on the function of dendritic cells is also provided.

Effects of adjuvant-induced arthritis on the ventral prostate of rats treated with angiotensin AT1 receptor blocker.

AIMS: To analyze the prostatic compartments, extracellular matrix, microvascularization, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß) and angiotensin II receptors type 1 (AT1) levels, and histopathology of the ventral prostate in a rat model for rheumatoid arthritis, and to evaluate the effect of angiotensin II AT1 receptor blocker (ARB) in the disease. MAIN METHODS: Fifteen male rats (90 days old) were divided into three groups (n = 5/group): control, adjuvant-induced arthritis without (AIA) or with AT1 receptor blocker (AIA + ARB). Animals were euthanized 60 days after immunization. The ventral prostate was collected, weighed, and processed for histological and immunohistochemical analysis. KEY FINDINGS: Our results show that AIA increases production of the prostatic epithelium and extracellular matrix, accompanied by a reduction in the number of tissue capillaries. ARB treatment promotes decreased production of extracellular matrix and increased TGF-ß and AT1 receptor immunostaining. SIGNIFICANCE: AIA may activate specific mechanisms that modify the prostatic environment; the use of ARB attenuates some altered prostate parameters in a rat model for arthritis.

Muscle degradation, vitamin D and systemic inflammation in hospitalized septic patients.

PURPOSE: To date, the relationship between systemic inflammation and muscle changes observed by ultrasonography in septic patients in clinical studies is not known. Furthermore, the role of vitamin D on muscle changes in these patients needs to be investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five patients admitted to the ICU due to severe sepsis or septic shock. Blood samples were collected to evaluate systemic inflammation (interleukin (IL)-10, IL-1ß, IL-1α, IL-6, IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)) and vitamin D. Muscle mass was evaluated by ultrasound during hospitalization. Clinical tests of muscle strength (Medical Research Council (MRC) scale and handgrip) were performed after the awakening of patients. RESULTS: There was a reduction in day 2 values to hospital discharge on TNF-alpha, IL-8, IL-6 and IL-10 (p < .05). The muscle mass showed a significant decline from day 6 of the ICU. After awakening, the patients had a significant increase in muscle strength (p < .05). There was a positive association between muscle mass variation (day 2 - ICU) with absolute values of IL-8 (r = 0.38 p = .05). For muscle strength, there was a negative association between handgrip strength with IL-8 (r = -0.36 p < .05) on ICU discharge. The vitamin D showed a positive association with the handgrip strength of the day 1 of the awakening (r = 0.51 p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: In septic patients, there is an association between inflammation and changes in muscle mass and strength during ICU stay, which is similar to those observed in experimental studies. In addition, there was an association of vitamin D with recovery of muscle strength during hospitalization.

Association Between Muscle Wasting and Muscle Strength in Patients Who Developed Severe Sepsis And Septic Shock.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the association between the rectus femoris cross-sectional area (RFCSA) and the muscular strength obtained at the bedside in patients forwarded to the intensive care unit (ICU) for severe sepsis and septic shock. METHODS: An observational study of prospective cohort. RFCSA was assessed by ultrasound on the following day of the ICU admission and monitored during hospitalization. The patients performed clinical tests of muscle strength (Medical Research Council (MRC) scale and handgrip dynamometry), when they could understand the verbal commands of the examiners. RESULTS: In 37 patients hospitalized for sepsis there was a significant decline in RFCSA of 5.18 (4.49-5.96) cm on the 2nd day of ICU for 4.37 (3.71-5.02) cm at hospital discharge. Differently, the handgrip strength showed an increase from the awakening of 12.00 (7.00-20.00) Kgf to 19.00 (14.00-26.00) Kgf until hospital discharge. Patients in mechanical ventilation had a greater tendency to decline in the RFCSA compared with patients who did not receive mechanical ventilation, however without being significant (P = 0.08). There was a negative association between RFCSA delta (2nd day of ICU-ICU discharge) and handgrip strength (r = 0.51, P < 0.05), and a male and Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment score positive association with the RFCSA delta. CONCLUSION: There was an association of RFCSA with clinical muscle strength tests. In addition, it has been shown that sepsis can lead to short-term muscle degradation, regardless of whether they are submitted to mechanical ventilation or not.

Genomics and epidemiology for gastric adenocarcinomas (GE4GAC): a Brazilian initiative to study gastric cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most common type of cancer worldwide with high incidences in Asia, Central, and South American countries. This patchy distribution means that GC studies are neglected by large research centers from developed countries. The need for further understanding of this complex disease, including the local importance of epidemiological factors and the rich ancestral admixture found in Brazil, stimulated the implementation of the GE4GAC project. GE4GAC aims to embrace epidemiological, clinical, molecular and microbiological data from Brazilian controls and patients with malignant and pre-malignant gastric disease. In this letter, we summarize the main goals of the project, including subject and sample accrual and current findings

Anti-theft device staining on banknotes detected by mass spectrometry imaging.

We describe the identification and limits of detection of ink staining by mass spectrometry imaging (MSI), as used in anti-theft devices (ATDs). Such ink staining is applied to banknotes during automated teller machine (ATM) explosions. Desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) coupled with high-resolution and high-accuracy orbitrap mass spectrometry (MS) and a moving stage device were applied to obtain 2D molecular images of the major dyes used for staining, that is, 1-methylaminoanthraquinone (MAAQ), rhodamine B (RB) and rhodamine 6G (R6G). MAAQ could not be detected because of its inefficient desorption by DESI from the banknote cellulose surface. By contrast, ATD staining on banknotes is perceptible by the human naked eye only at concentrations higher than 0.2 µg cm(-2), whereas both RB and R6G at concentrations 200 times lower (as low as 0.001 µg cm(-2)) could be easily detected and imaged by DESI-MSI, with selective and specific identification of each analyte and their spatial distribution on samples from suspects. This technique is non-destructive, and no sample preparation is required, which ensures sample preservation for further forensic investigations.

Two 6-minute Walk Tests Are Required During Hospitalisation for Acute Exacerbation of COPD.

The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) is recommended to be performed twice to accurately assess exercise performance in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to the presence of a learning effect. It is unknown whether a learning effect exists when the 6MWT is performed during hospitalisation for acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD). This study investigated whether repeat 6MWTs are necessary when conducted in inpatients with AECOPD. Pooled analysis was undertaken of data from two studies (Australia and Brazil) involving 46 participants (25 males, mean age 67.2 years, FEV1 43% predicted) admitted with AECOPD. Two 6MWTs, separated by ≥20 minutes, were performed on the day of discharge. Six-minute walk distance (6MWD; primary outcome), perceived dyspnoea (Borg scale), heart rate and oxyhaemoglobin saturation were recorded. 6MWD data from tests one (T1) and two (T2) were analysed via visual inspection of Bland-Altman plots. Factors associated with test improvement or decline were explored. Mean 6MWD difference between T1 and T2 was 6.2 m, however limits of agreement were wide (-92.2 m to 104.5 m). 32 (70%) participants improved (by any distance) from T1 to T2 by a mean (± standard deviation) of 32 m ± 28 m. Of these, 14 (30%) improved by a distance > 30 m. Fourteen (30%) participants recorded poorer 6MWD at T2 by a mean of 52 m ± 36 m. No factors were able to identify participants who improved or declined upon repeat testing. When performed in patients admitted to hospital with AECOPD, the 6MWT needs to be conducted twice in order to better estimate 6MWD.

Characterization of anti-theft devices directly from the surface of banknotes via easy ambient sonic spray ionization mass spectrometry.

Using Brazilian banknotes as a test case, forensic examination and identification of Rhodamine B dye anti-theft device (ATD) staining on banknotes were performed. Easy ambient sonic spray ionization mass spectrometry (EASI-MS) was used since it allows fast and simple analysis with no sample preparation providing molecular screening of the surface with direct desorption and ionization of the security dye. For a more accurate molecular characterization of the ATD dye, Q Exactive Orbitrap™ Fourier transform (tandem) mass spectrometry using eletrospray ionization (ESI-HRMS/MS) was also applied.

Physical activity, muscle strength, and exercise capacity 3 months after severe sepsis and septic shock.

PURPOSE: To quantify the physical activity in daily life (PADL), muscle strength, and exercise capacity in the short and medium term in survivors of severe sepsis and septic shock. METHODS: Prospective cohort study with a follow-up from hospital admission to 3 months after hospital discharge. Seventy-two patients admitted to the ICU for severe sepsis or septic shock and a control group of healthy sedentary subjects (n = 50) were enrolled. All patients had their PADL quantified by an accelerometer during their hospital stay and 3 months after. Exercise capacity and handgrip and quadriceps muscle strength were also evaluated. RESULTS: During hospitalization, patients spent the majority of their time inactive in a lying or sitting position (90 ± 34% of daily time). Physical inactivity was partially reduced 3 months after (58 ± 20% of daily time). However, the time patients spent walking was only 63% of the time reported for healthy subjects. Patients also showed lower movement intensity when compared with controls (2.1 ± 0.3 vs 2.5 ± 0.4 m/s(2)). At hospital discharge, muscle strength and exercise capacity were approximately 54% of the predicted value, and these parameters showed significant increase in patients 3 months after (70% of predicted value). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that the use of systemic corticosteroids and hospitalization time negatively influenced quadriceps strength and exercise capacity at the time of hospital discharge. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that survivors of sepsis admitted to the ICU have a substantial reduction in physical activity, exercise capacity, and muscle strength compared to healthy subjects that persist even 3 months after hospital discharge.

Characterization of ANFO explosive by high accuracy ESI(±)-FTMS with forensic identification on real samples by EASI(-)-MS.

Ammonium nitrate fuel oil (ANFO) is an explosive used in many civil applications. In Brazil, ANFO has unfortunately also been used in criminal attacks, mainly in automated teller machine (ATM) explosions. In this paper, we describe a detailed characterization of the ANFO composition and its two main constituents (diesel and a nitrate explosive) using high resolution and accuracy mass spectrometry performed on an FT-ICR-mass spectrometer with electrospray ionization (ESI(±)-FTMS) in both the positive and negative ion modes. Via ESI(-)-MS, an ion marker for ANFO was characterized. Using a direct and simple ambient desorption/ionization technique, i.e., easy ambient sonic-spray ionization mass spectrometry (EASI-MS), in a simpler, lower accuracy but robust single quadrupole mass spectrometer, the ANFO ion marker was directly detected from the surface of banknotes collected from ATM explosion theft.

Direct and non-destructive proof of authenticity for the 2nd generation of Brazilian real banknotes via easy ambient sonic spray ionization mass spectrometry.

Using a desorption/ionization technique, easy ambient sonic-spray ionization coupled to mass spectrometry (EASI-MS), documents related to the 2nd generation of Brazilian Real currency (R$) were screened in the positive ion mode for authenticity based on chemical profiles obtained directly from the banknote surface. Characteristic profiles were observed for authentic, seized suspect counterfeit and counterfeited homemade banknotes from inkjet and laserjet printers. The chemicals in the authentic banknotes' surface were detected via a few minor sets of ions, namely from the plasticizers bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP), most likely related to the official offset printing process, and other common quaternary ammonium cations, presenting a similar chemical profile to 1st-generation R$. The seized suspect counterfeit banknotes, however, displayed abundant diagnostic ions in the m/z 400-800 range due to the presence of oligomers. High-accuracy FT-ICR MS analysis enabled molecular formula assignment for each ion. The ions were separated by 44 m/z, which enabled their characterization as Surfynol® 4XX (S4XX, XX=40, 65, and 85), wherein increasing XX values indicate increasing amounts of ethoxylation on a backbone of 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol (Surfynol® 104). Sodiated triethylene glycol monobutyl ether (TBG) of m/z 229 (C10H22O4Na) was also identified in the seized counterfeit banknotes via EASI(+) FT-ICR MS. Surfynol® and TBG are constituents of inks used for inkjet printing.