Comprehensive statistical analysis reveals significant benefits of COVID-19 vaccination in hospitalized patients: propensity score, covariate adjustment, and feature importance by permutation.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 vaccines effectively prevent infection and hospitalization. However, few population-based studies have compared the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 using advanced statistical methods. Our objective is to address this evidence gap by comparing vaccinated and unvaccinated patients hospitalized for COVID-19. METHODS: This retrospective cohort included adult COVID-19 patients admitted from March 2021 to August 2022 from 27 hospitals. Clinical characteristics, vaccination status, and outcomes were extracted from medical records. Vaccinated and unvaccinated patients were compared using propensity score analyses, calculated based on variables associated with vaccination status and/or outcomes, including waves. The vaccination effect was also assessed by covariate adjustment and feature importance by permutation. RESULTS: From the 3,188 patients, 1,963 (61.6%) were unvaccinated and 1,225 (38.4%) were fully vaccinated. Among these, 558 vaccinated individuals were matched with 558 unvaccinated ones. Vaccinated patients had lower rates of mortality (19.4% vs. 33.3%), invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV-18.3% vs. 34.6%), noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV-10.6% vs. 22.0%), intensive care unit admission (ICU-32.0% vs. 44.1%) vasoactive drug use (21.1% vs. 32.6%), dialysis (8.2% vs. 14.7%) hospital length of stay (7.0 vs. 9.0 days), and thromboembolic events (3.9% vs.7.7%), p < 0.05 for all. Risk-adjusted multivariate analysis demonstrated a significant inverse association between vaccination and in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.42, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.31-0.56; p < 0.001) as well as IMV (aOR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.30-0.53; p < 0.001). These results were consistent in all analyses, including feature importance by permutation. CONCLUSION: Vaccinated patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 had significantly lower mortality and other severe outcomes than unvaccinated ones during the Delta and Omicron waves. These findings have important implications for public health strategies and support the critical importance of vaccination efforts, particularly in low-income countries, where vaccination coverage remains suboptimal.

What lies underneath: Comparison among beach litter in the underwater bathing area and exposed beach.

The standard techniques for monitoring beach litter focus on the litter that is accumulated on beaches. Therefore, the underwater bathing area is usually overlooked. Our study aims to start the discussion about the litter in the bathing area, an important connection between the exposed beach and the ocean. We aimed to compare sampling methodologies between the underwater bathing area and the exposed beach. We highlighted litter's similarities and differences regarding the amount, material, possible sources, and interaction with the biota. We also performed a brand audit on the underwater bathing area litter. In the underwater region, 106 items were collected while 1706 items were collected from the exposed beach region. Plastic was the dominant type of material in both sites, exposed beach (89.92 %) and bathing area (83.96 %). The litter's possible source was different. In the underwater bathing area was more related to food packages (couscous, rice). On the other hand, litter on the exposed beach was associated with beach use (single-use plastic such as plastic cups). The brand audit identified 21 companies, whereby most brands were Brazilian and food-related. Regarding interactions with the biota, the litter in the bathing area had more bio-fouling (87.73 %) than the litter collected on the exposed beach (10.00 %). Information about bathing area litter can be useful to draw different management strategies. Due to the differences in litter types and behavior between the two sites, the same mitigation strategies might not be equally efficient.

Impact of Production Systems on the Levels of Vitamin E, ß-Carotene, and Cholesterol in the Liver of Cattle Raised in the Eastern Amazon.

The nutritional composition of bovine liver, particularly in terms of vitamins E, ß-carotene, and cholesterol concentration, is significantly influenced by the cattle-rearing system and diet. This study aimed to elucidate the impact of four predominant cattle-rearing systems in the Eastern Amazon region on the vitamin E, ß-carotene content, and cholesterol levels in bovine liver during the rainy season. Liver-tissue samples were collected from 48 cattle, with twelve specimens representing each rearing system. The systems encompassed two native pastures located in flood-prone areas, cultivated pastures on upland terrain and a confinement-rearing system. Our findings indicate that, when considering all rearing systems collectively, there were no significant differences in the levels of vitamins and cholesterol in the liver tissues (p > 0.05). However, a marked disparity in cholesterol levels emerged when comparing intensive rearing systems to extensive ones, with the former demonstrating notably higher concentrations (p = 0.01). Additionally, the intensive rearing system was associated with elevated levels of ß-carotene (p < 0.01), α-tocopherol (p = 0.01), and ß-tocopherol (p = 0.01) relative to the extensive systems. No significant variations were observed amongst the different extensive systems (p > 0.05). These results suggest that, while all rearing systems yielded liver tissues with typical concentrations of vitamins and cholesterol, the intensive rearing system led to a higher accumulation of certain vitamin compounds. This study highlights the substantial nutritional implications of different cattle-rearing systems in the Eastern Amazon and provides valuable insights for developing dietary strategies to optimize the nutritional quality of bovine liver. Therefore, the generated results are groundbreaking in the Eastern Amazon, Brazil, and inspire the development of new research projects to address other demands in this field and achieve additional outcomes.

Impact of rearing systems in the Eastern Amazon on cholesterol, ß-carotene and vitamin E homologues in steer.

Introduction: The quality of meat, with a focus on compounds important for human health, is directly related to the rearing systems in which the animals are produced. The search for a balanced diet, with an emphasis on low cholesterol and adequate levels of vitamins, aligns with society's emphasis on healthy eating, directly correlated with the importance of the offer made by producers for the cattle's diet. Objective and methodology: The objective was to verify the impact of different rearing systems, in the Eastern Amazon, during the rainy season, on the concentrations of vitamins (A, E) and cholesterol in the muscle (Longissimus lumborum) of crossbred Nelore cattle, castrated, aged between 24 and 36 months, and weighing between 410 and 628 kg. Twelve animals, from each of the three pasture rearing systems: native pasture in flooded areas of Monte Alegre; native pasture in a flooded area of Santa Cruz do Arari; and pasture cultivated on dry land in São Miguel do Guamá, all located in Pará, Brazil-were sampled in commercial slaughterhouses. Results: A notable influence was observed in the concentrations of ß-carotene (p < 0.01), α-Tocopherol (p = 0.02), ß-Tocopherol (p < 0.01) and the combined sum of ß-Tocotrienol and γ-Tocopherol (p < 0.01), as well as δ-Tocopherol (p < 0.01) when contrasting extensive with intensive systems (confinement). However, there was a difference in the content of vitamins and cholesterol between the isolated extensive systems, or between the four rearing systems (p > 0.05). Extensive systems, mainly in Monte Alegre, demonstrated greater amounts of α-Tocopherol and δ-Tocopherol. Conclusion: On the other hand, the intensive system exhibited higher levels of other investigated compounds, clarifying the nutritional variations generated by different livestock rearing practices in the region. Therefore, the results obtained are innovative in the Eastern Amazon, Brazil, in addition to inspiring the development of new research to meet other demands in this field, and achieve additional results, such as determining which meat, coming from cattle in production systems in the country, presents the better compositional quality of vitamins and lipids.

Case Study: Rosai-Dorfman Disease and Its Multifaceted Aspects.

Rosai-Dorfman Disease (RDD) is a rare non-Langerhans histiocytosis, usually self-limited and presenting with massive, painless, bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy, with or without constitutional symptoms. Extranodal disease is frequently present, and may happen in the absence of lymph node involvement, symptomatology and differential diagnosis will depend on the site affected and fatal cases may occur. The authors present two cases of Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD), diagnosed through immunohistochemistry, with different progressions, one with complete remission and one culminating in death, highlighting the variety of presentations and the diagnostic difficulty. RDD is a rare condition with clinical presentations similar to several diseases, and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of lymphadenopathy with extranodal lesions.

Purification, biochemical characterization, and biotechnological applications of a multifunctional enzyme from the Thermoascus aurantiacus PI3S3 strain.

The filamentous Thermoascus aurantiacus fungus characterized by its thermophilic nature, is recognized as an exceptional producer of various enzymes with biotechnological applications. This study aimed to explore biotechnological applications using polygalacturonase (PG) derived from the Thermoascus aurantiacus PI3S3 strain. PG production was achieved through submerged fermentation and subsequent purification via ion-exchange chromatography and gel filtration methods. The crude extract exhibited a diverse spectrum of enzymatic activities including amylase, cellulase, invertase, pectinase, and xylanase. Notably, it demonstrated the ability to hydrolyze sugarcane bagasse biomass, corn residue, and animal feed. The purified PG had a molecular mass of 36 kDa, with optimal activity observed at pH 4.5 and 70 °C. The activation energy (Ea) was calculated as 0.513 kJ mol-1, highlighting activation in the presence of Ca2+. Additionally, it displayed apparent Km, Vmax, and Kcat values of at 0.19 mg mL-1, 273.10 U mL-1, and 168.52 s-1, respectively, for hydrolyzing polygalacturonic acid. This multifunctional PG exhibited activities such as denim biopolishing, apple juice clarification, and demonstrated both endo- and exo-polygalacturonase activities. Furthermore, it displayed versatility by hydrolyzing polygalacturonic acid, carboxymethylcellulose, and xylan. The T. aurantiacus PI3S3 multifunctional polygalacturonase showed heightened activity under acidic pH, elevated temperatures, and in the presence of calcium. Its multifunctional nature distinguished it from other PGs, significantly expanding its potential for diverse biotechnological applications.

Síndrome de leiomiomatose cutânea e uterina múltipla: relato de três casos clínicos / Multiple cutaneous and uterine leiomyomatosis syndrome: report of three clinical cases

A síndrome de Reed ocorre em mulheres com múltiplos leiomiomas cutâneos e leiomiomatose uterina. Relatam-se três casos de pacientes do sexo feminino, acompanhadas em hospital universitário, com pápulas e nódulos eritêmato-acas- tanhados dolorosos em membros superiores e tórax, agravados por frio, pressão e estresse, e associados a miomatose uterina. Foram realizados diversos tratamentos prévios, sem sucesso, tais como: aplicação de corticoterapia e toxina botulínica intralesional, bloqueadores de canais de cálcio, neuromoduladores e analgésicos orais. Foi, então, realizado tratamento cirúrgico, com melhora dos sintomas. O co- nhecimento e o esclarecimento dessa síndrome é fundamental para estabelecer a relação com miomatose uterina e câncer de células renais, para que, então, a partir da lesão de pele, se faça o rastreio das demais neoplasias, diagnóstico precoce e a educação em saúde.

Reed syndrome occurs in women with multiple cutaneous leiomyomas and uterine leiomyomatosis. We report the case of three female patients followed at a university hospital with painful erythematous-brown papules and nodules on the upper limbs and chest, aggravated by cold, pressure, stress, and associated with uterine myoma- tosis. Several previous unsuccessful treatments were performed, such as the applica- tion of corticotherapy and intralesional botulinum toxin, calcium channel blockers, neuromodulators, and analgesics. Surgical treatment was performed with the im- provement of symptoms. Knowledge and clarification of this syndrome are essential to establish a relationship between uterine myomatosis and renal cell neoplasm, so that, after the skin lesion, screening for other neoplasms, early diagnosis, and health education can be carried out.

The amphibian's spleen as a source of biomarkers for ecotoxicity assessment: Historical review and trends.

Amphibians are very sensitive to many environmental changes, so these animals are considered good bioindicator models for ecotoxicology. Given the importance of the amphibian spleen for hematopoietic and immune responses, this can be a key organ for the evaluation of biomarkers to monitor the health of individuals in nature or in captivity. In this systematic review, we searched databases and summarized the main findings concerning the amphibian spleen as a source of possible biomarkers applied in different scientific fields. The searches resulted in 83 articles published from 1923 to 2022, which applied the use of splenic samples to evaluate the effects of distinct stressors on amphibians. Articles were distributed in more than twenty countries, with USA, Europe, and Brazil, standing out among them. Publications focused mainly on anatomical and histomorphological characterization of the spleen, its physiology, and development. Recently, the use of splenic biomarkers in pathology and ecotoxicology began to grow but many gaps still need to be addressed in herpetological research. About 85 % of the splenic biomarkers showed responses to various stressors, which indicates that the spleen can provide numerous biomarkers to be used in many study fields. The limited amount of information on morphological description and splenic anatomy in amphibians may be a contributing factor to the underestimated use of splenic biomarkers in herpetological research around the world. We hope that this unprecedented review can instigate researchers to refine herpetological experimentation, using the spleen as a versatile and alternative source for biomarkers in ecotoxicology.

New ruthenium(II) complexes with cyclic thio- and semicarbazone: evaluation of cytotoxicity and effects on cell migration and apoptosis of lung cancer cells.

We describe the synthesis, physicochemical characterization, and in vitro antitumor assays of four novel analogous ruthenium(II) complexes with general formula cis-[RuII(N-L)(P-P)2]PF6, where P-P = bis(diphenylphosphine)methane (dppm, in complexes 1 and 2) or bis(diphenylphosphine)ethane (dppe, in complexes 3 and 4) and N-L = 5,6-diphenyl-4,5-dihydro-2H-[1,2,4]triazine-3-thione (Btsc, in complexes 1 and 3) or 5,6-diphenyltriazine-3-one (Bsc, in complexes 2 and 4). The data were consistent with cis arrangement of the biphosphine ligands. For the Btsc and Bsc ligands, the data pointed to monoanionic bidentate coordination to ruthenium(II) through N,S and N,O, respectively. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction showed that complex 1 crystallized in the monoclinic system, space group P21/c. Determination of the cytotoxicity profiles of complexes 1-4 gave SI values ranging from 1.19 to 3.50 against the human lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549 and the non-tumor lung cell line MRC-5. Although the molecular docking studies suggested that the interaction between DNA and complex 4 was energetically favorable, the experimental results showed that they interacted weakly. Overall, our results demonstrated that these novel ruthenium(II) complexes have interesting in vitro antitumor potential and this study may contribute to further studies in medicinal inorganic chemistry.

BeachLog: A multiple uses and interactive beach picture.

There are some tools in place that classifies and/or rank beaches according to a series of parameters. It is possible to identify a gap in the development of tools that map and describe beaches without putting the results into a classification status of good or bad. Since beaches are important from different points of views such as ecology, tourism, economy, pollution or invasive species studies and management, fisheries, estate development, protected areas, among others it is relevant to describe and understand parameters in detail. This work offers a multi-purpose and interactive beach descriptor called BeachLog. It can be used by beachgoers to keep their own records in the same way a diver uses a Diver's LogBook, managers can use the tool to support coastal management projects, long-term monitoring, and beach description baseline. Also, BeachLog can be a didactic tool to aiming to bring environmental sciences closer to technology through the use of spreadsheets and dashboards. BeachLog is based on the more frequent parameters in the literature, selected, organized, accounted for, and altered/added according to expert opinion. We created a list of 28 parameters, all of which were described in details of what is expected to be observed by the user. They were divided into 5 groups (Environmental characteristics, Services & Infrastructure, Information & Security, Planning & Management, and Descriptive). Here, we describe 14 Brazilian beaches using the BeachLog by inputting the results as parameters presence or absence (0/1) and descriptives in a table that can be transformed into an interactive dashboard for better/easier visualization. Planning & Management was absent on all 14 beaches studied, pointing out the relevance and gaps in this group. In the other groups it was possible to observe variation in the parameter occurrence, indicating that each beach is different and it is important to observe parameters individually. Beach Litter and Invasive Species parameters from the Environmental characteristics group were present in all beaches. BeachLog showed as an easy way to describe a beach and can be a tool to support diagnosis and understanding of the beach's status.

Building an antimicrobial stewardship program: A narrative of six years under the Donabedian perspective.

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is increasing and represents one of the world's major challenges. AMR increase morbimortality, length of hospital stay and costs. Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASP) are one of the key strategies to promote the rational use of antimicrobials since AMR is mostly driven by antimicrobial consumption. Objective: To describe the ASP implementation in a teaching hospital from the perspective of Donabedian quality assessment and the Brazilian regulatory requirements. Method: This was a descriptive study with secondary data collection, including document review of the ASP. The study setting was a general public 392-bed hospital. The ASP activities were performed by the hospital infection control committee (HICC), hospital pharmacy (HP) and diagnostic support laboratory (DSL). The description of the three services mainly involved in the ASP was based on a quality assessment model involving the dimensions of "structure", "process" and "result" proposed by Donabedian. The distribution among dimensions was guided by the checklist of essential elements of the ASP that compose the Brazilian regulatory requirements. The checklist was applied in July, 2022, and the ASP results described from 2016 to 2021. Results: ASP actions have been gradually implemented since 2008 with the implementation of HICC and improved over the years. Regarding structure, the investments in technology were mapped, quantifying 26 computers and three software programs employed to computerize the ASP processes performed in specific physical areas by HICC, HP and DSL. Institutional guidelines used by HICC, HP and DSL guided clinical practices to operationalize ASP. The evaluation metrics improved for 10 indicators and worsened for four indicators. From the 60 items composing the checklist, the hospital met the requirements in 73.3% of the items (n = 44). Conclusion: This study described the implementation of ASP in a teaching hospital, applying the Donabedian perspective. Although the hospital still does not have a classic ASP model, there were investments to improve structure, processes and results, aiming to comply with international guidelines. A high proportion of key elements of ASP in the hospital were followed according to the Brazilian regulatory requirements. Aspects related to antimicrobial consumption and the emergence of microbial resistance deserve further investigations.

Microplastic pollution in sediments of tropical shallow lakes.

Forty-eight tropical shallow lakes (depth ≤ 4 m) across a climatic gradient were assessed for microplastic (MPs; <5 mm) pollution based on MPs concentrations in archive samples from lake shore sediments. The MPs were classified by type (fragments or fibres), colour (yellow, black, red, green, blue, white, and transparent), size (0.55 to 4.93 mm), and polymer (polyester, polyethylene, chlorinated polyethylene, and polyamide). Sediments were predominantly medium sand, and all samples (144) contained MPs, consisting of 24 % fragments (6.3 ± 11.3 MPs·300 g-1) and 76 % fibres (21.25 ± 12.7 MPs·300 g-1). The lake climate (humid, transitional, or semi-arid), type of surrounding land use (urban, semi-arid, or rural), and distance from the shoreline (0, 5 or 10 m) did not explain the differences in MPs concentrations, partially refuting the initial hypothesis. The only significant difference was between the sample medians for the number of fragments based on the region (H = 7.586; p = 0.0481). The number of fragments in the lakes in the humid region was greater than that in the semi-arid region (p < 0.05). Poor sanitation, sewage effluents, and solid wastes reaching and accumulating in the lakes may be the primary and transversal conditioning factors for this small difference among diverse environments. Freshwater lakes are investigated in all continents, and the present study contributes to the first record of MPs in shallow lake sediments in eastern South America. The 48 shallow lakes assessed showed a relatively low concentration of MPs compared to other lake contaminants reported in the international literature. This information coincides with public policies issued, regarding the control and reduction of plastics and MPs in Brazil, and the study region.

Hiperpigmentação Mucocutânea Associada à Terapia de Hidroxiureia em Paciente com Trombocitemia Essencial: Relato de Caso / Mucocutaneous Hyperpigmentation Associated with Hydroxyurea Therapy in a Patient with Essential Thrombocythemia: Case Report

Introdução: A hiperpigmentação mucocutânea é uma condição dermatológica que pode estar relacionada a tratamentos quimioterápicos, a exemplo das terapias com uso de hidroxiureia (HU). A HU é um fármaco citostático de amplo uso nas doenças mieloproliferativas e compõe a principal linha de tratamento da trombocitemia essencial (TE). O presente estudo tem por objetivo relatar um caso raro de hiperpigmentação mucocutânea em um paciente com TE. Relato do caso: Paciente do sexo masculino, 68 anos de idade, 89 kg, com diagnóstico de TE, em uso de HU 2 g/dia. Com três meses de terapia, apresentou lesões hiperpigmentadas de coloração acastanhadas em pele das mãos e mucosa oral (língua). Em decisão partilhada com o médico-assistente, o paciente optou pela continuação do uso do medicamento. Após seis anos de acompanhamento, as lesões mantêm-se estáveis. Conclusão: A hiperpigmentação mucocutânea associada à terapia com HU é um evento benigno secundário ao uso do fármaco e não exige a interrupção de uso, porém, sua retirada, ou redução das doses, geralmente leva à diminuição ou ao desaparecimento das lesões.

Introduction: Mucocutaneous hyperpigmentation is a dermatological condition that may be related to chemotherapy treatments, such as therapies using hydroxyurea (HU). HU is a cytostatic drug widely used in myeloproliferative diseases and is the main line of treatment for essential thrombocythemia (ET). The present study aims to report a rare case of mucocutaneous hyperpigmentation in a patient with ET. Case report: Male patient, 68 years old, 89 kg, diagnosed with ET using HU 2 g/day. After three months of therapy, he presented hyperpigmented brownish-colored lesions on the hands and oral cavity (tongue). In a decision shared with the assistant physician, the patient chose to continue using the drug. After six years of follow-up, the lesions remain stable. Conclusion: Mucocutaneous hyperpigmentation associated with HU therapy is a benign event secondary to the use of the drug and does not require discontinuation of use, however, its withdrawal or dose reduction usually leads to the reduction or disappearance of the lesions

Introducción: La hiperpigmentación mucocutánea es una condición dermatológica que puede estar relacionada con tratamientos de quimioterapia, como las terapias con hidroxiurea (HU). La HU es un fármaco citostático ampliamente utilizado en enfermedades mieloproliferativas y es la principal línea de tratamiento de la trombocitemia esencial (TE). El presente estudio tiene como objetivo reportar un caso raro de hiperpigmentación mucocutánea en un paciente con TE. Informe del caso: Paciente masculino de 68 años, 89 kg, diagnosticado de TE mediante HU 2 g/día. A los tres meses de tratamiento presenta lesiones hiperpigmentadas de color pardusco en manos y cavidad oral (lengua). En una decisión compartida con el médico asistente, el paciente optó por continuar usando el medicamento. Tras seis años de seguimiento, las lesiones se mantienen estables. Conclusión: La hiperpigmentación mucocutánea asociada a la terapia con HU es un evento benigno secundario al uso del fármaco y no requiere la suspensión de su uso, sin embargo, su retirada o reducción de dosis suele conducir a la reducción o desaparición de las lesiones.

Pharmacokinetics of chloroquine in patients with malaria by P. vivax from the Western Brazilian Amazon basin.

The western Amazon basin is an important endemic area for malaria by P. vivax. In recent years, several reports showed the treatment failure with chloroquine, which can be related to resistance. The assessment of chloroquine resistance requires the evaluation of drug exposure, and when possible, the estimation of the pharmacokinetic parameters. However, there is no data on the pharmacokinetics of chloroquine in this endemic area. Moreover, the influence of the early reappearance of parasites in blood on the exposure to the drug was low exploited in the literature. The present study described the pharmacokinetic parameters of chloroquine in whole blood of adult patients with P. vivax malaria from the western Brazilian Amazon basin and compared the area under the curve (AUC) with the parasitological outcome at day 28. A total of 19 patients with parasite recurrence within 28 days and 20 patients with no recurrence were included in the study. Chloroquine was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated by non-compartmental modeling. The maximum concentration ranged from 1285 to 2030 ng/mL. The terminal half-life varied from 5.3 to 12.8 days. The volume of distribution from 1090 to 2340 L/kg, and the area under the curve to the last measurable concentration from 247 to 432 ng/mL.h. The pharmacokinetic parameters were similar in both groups, which suggests the lack of influence of early reappearance of parasites on chloroquine pharmacokinetics.

Screening of febrile patients with suspected malaria from the Brazilian Amazon for virus infection.

Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) are a significant public health threat, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. More than 150 arboviruses can cause febrile illness following infection in humans. The Brazilian Amazon region has the highest number of arboviruses detected worldwide. In addition to arboviruses, malaria, caused by Plasmodium vivax, is endemic in the Amazon. Patients with malaria and arboviral disease frequently show similar clinical presentation and laboratory findings, making the diagnosis of the cause of the infection challenging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential for viral infections in patients with suspected malaria but without Plasmodium infection in the Brazilian Amazon. We recruited 200 subjects with suspected malaria in Manaus, Brazil. First, we tested for arboviruses in serum samples from 124 of the 200 participants using an arbovirus DNA microarray platform, which did not detect any virus. Then, we mixed the serum samples of the other 76 participants in 10 pools and subjected them to next-generation sequencing. Analysis of the sequencing data revealed the presence of only one arbovirus (Zika virus) in one sample pool. This analysis also detected the presence of primate erythroparvovirus 1 and pegivirus C. These results suggest that arboviruses are not the most frequent viral infections in patients with suspected malaria but without Plasmodium infection in the metropolitan region of Manaus. Implementation of specific viral surveillance tests will help in the early detection of viruses with epidemic potential.

Mitochondrial dysfunction on Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis induced by ketoconazole: insights into drug mode of action.

BACKGROUND: Leishmania parasites cause leishmaniasis that range from self-limiting cutaneous lesions to more serious forms of the disease. The search for potential drug targets focusing on biochemical and metabolic pathways revealed the sterol biosynthesis inhibitors (SBIs) as a promising approach. In this class of inhibitors is found ketoconazole, a classical inhibitor of 14α-methysterol 14-demethylase. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to better understand the biological response of Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis promastigotes at the cellular level after ketoconazole treatment. METHODS: Herein, techniques, such as fluorimetry, flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, electron and scanning microscopy were used to investigate the cellular structures and to identify organelles affected by ketoconazole treatment. FINDINGS: The study demonstrated, for the first time, the effect of ketoconazole on mitochondrion functioning and its probable relationship to cell cycle and death on L. (L.) amazonensis promastigotes (IFLA/BR/67/PH8 strain). MAIN CONCLUSIONS: Ketoconazole-induced mitochondrial damages led to hyperpolarisation of this single organelle and autophagic vacuoles formation, as a parasite survival strategy. These damages did not reflect directly on the parasite cell cycle, but drove the parasites to death, making them susceptible to ketoconazole treatment in in vitro models.

Total Lipids, Fatty Acid Composition, Total Cholesterol and Lipid-Soluble Antioxidant Vitamins in the longissimus lumborum Muscle of Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) from Different Production Systems of the Brazilian Eastern Amazon.

The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of distinct production systems and seasonal variation in the Brazilian Eastern Amazon on the meat lipid composition of water buffaloes. Water buffaloes were reared in commercial farms in the Eastern Amazon either in extensive systems (Marajó Island, Nova Timboteua and Santarém locations), during rainy or dry seasons, or intensive (feedlot) systems. Animals reared in extensive systems were fed natural pastures, and those reared in feedlots were fed sorghum silage and commercial pellets. Buffaloes were slaughtered and ribeye muscle (longissimus lumborum) samples collected. Lipid-soluble antioxidant vitamins and fatty acids were analyzed. The nutritional value of meat from buffaloes reared in Marajó Island extensive system during the rainy season was higher than that of other systems, as it had lower levels of cholesterol and higher amounts of α-tocopherol associated with higher hypocholesterolaemic/hypercholesterolaemic ratio and lower index of atherogenic. Also, this meat had lower percentages of saturated fatty acids and higher proportions of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), particularly n-3 PUFA, with increased PUFA/saturated fatty acids ratio and decreased n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio. However, all extensive systems produced meat with a relatively low index of thrombogenicity values, which is advantageous for human health.

Different faces of cigarette butts, the most abundant beach litter worldwide.

Cigarette butts (CBs) are non-biodegradable residues of synthetic origin, prevalent on beaches all over the world. The study evaluates discarded CBs on an intensely used urban beach, determining variations in physical and chemical characteristics. CBs collected were observed, classified, and visually separated according to a proposed scale of four levels of degradation to test the potential match between physical and chemical decay. CBs (un-smoked, smoked, and discarded) were used to determine the average length (cm) and mass (g) in order to observe changes in these parameters among the levels. Cigarette butts experience consecutive mass loss during environmental exposure. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images were obtained to assess physical changes in fibers due to smoking. FTIR-ATR was used to assess CBs new (un-smoked), smoked, and discarded samples in relation to cellulose acetate decay. The FTIR-ATR spectroscopy of the most visually degraded cigarette butts indicated modifications in the spectra when compared to un-smoked cigarettes.

Shedding Lights on Crude Venom from Solitary Foraging Predatory Ant Ectatomma opaciventre: Initial Toxinological Investigation.

Some species of primitive predatory ants, despite living in a colony, exercise their hunting collection strategy individually; their venom is painful, paralyzing, digestive, and lethal for their prey, yet the toxins responsible for these effects are poorly known. Ectatomma opaciventre is a previously unrecorded solitary hunting ant from the Brazilian Cerrado. To overcome this hindrance, the present study performed the in vitro enzymatic, biochemical, and biological activities of E. opaciventre to better understand the properties of this venom. Its venom showed several proteins with masses ranging from 1-116 kDa, highlighting the complexity of this venom. Compounds with high enzymatic activity were described, elucidating different enzyme classes present in the venom, with the presence of the first L-amino acid oxidase in Hymenoptera venoms being reported. Its crude venom contributes to a state of blood incoagulability, acting on primary hemostasis, inhibiting collagen-induced platelet aggregation, and operating on the fibrinolysis of loose red clots. Furthermore, the E. opaciventre venom preferentially induced cytotoxic effects on lung cancer cell lines and three different species of Leishmania. These data shed a comprehensive portrait of enzymatic components, biochemical and biological effects in vitro, opening perspectives for bio-pharmacological application of E. opaciventre venom molecules.

Microagulhamento e fator de crescimento epidérmico (EGF) como estratégias para o tratamento de cicatrizes de acne / Microneedling and epidermal growth factor (EGF) as strategies for the acne scars

Introdução: a técnica de microagulhamento e aplicação de drug delivery transdérmico é indicada para o tratamento das cicatrizes de acne. Objetivos: avaliar a técnica de microagulhamento associada à aplicação de fator de crescimento epidérmico (EGF) em drug delivery. Métodos: ensaio clínico duplo-cego randomizado, com seleção de 30 pacientes, divididos em dois grupos: (1) duas sessões de microagulhamento com intervalo de 30 dias e (2) duas sessões de microagulhamento com mesmo intervalo e associação de drug delivery de EGF. Os pacientes foram submetidos à avaliação clínica (escala global de cicatriz de acne - Goodman e Baron, 2006), a avaliação por imagem multiespectral e por questionários de autopercepção. A avaliação estatística (Teste T Student, Teste SNK, análise de variância) foi realizada com o software estatístico SisVar (UFLA, 1996). Resultados: os grupos foram homogêneos quanto à idade, sexo e fototipo. Na avaliação clínica, houve redução dos escores de gravidade para ambos os grupos. A análise multiespectral revelou redução das porfirinas (p=0,0296) e melhora da textura da pele, ambas para o grupo 2. Conclusão: a terapia com microagulhamento foi eficaz e segura para o tratamento de cicatrizes de acne, e o EGF demonstrou ser um ativo promissor.

Background: The microneedling technique and the transdermal drug delivery are indicated to treat acne scars. Objective: Evaluation of the microneedling technique associated with the drug delivery of the epidermal growth factor (EGF). Methods: Randomized double-blind clinical trial of 30 patients divided into two groups: (1) - two microneedling sessions with a 30-day interval, (2) - two microneedling sessions with the same interval but associated with EGF drug delivery. The patients were evaluated clinically (global acne scarring grading system - Goodman and Baron) global acne scarring grading system via multispectral image and through self-perception questionnaires. The statistical analysis (Student T-test, SNK test, analysis of variance) was performed with the SisVar software (UFLA, 1996). Results: The groups were homogeneous regarding age, gender, and phototype. Clinical assessments showed a reduction in severity scores for both groups. The multispectral analysis revealed a decrease in porphyrins (p = 0.0296) and an improvement in skin texture in group 2 subjects. Conclusion: Microneedling therapy was effective and safe for the acne scars treatment, and EGF demonstrated to be a promising strategy as well.