Impact of Structural GLA Protein Changes on Peripheral GLA Activity and Substrate Accumulation in Fabry Disease Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by pathogenic variants in the GLA gene, leading to decreased/absent α-galactosidase activity. In clinical practice, enzyme activity and substrate/byproduct accumulation play a role in diagnosis and disease-monitoring biomarkers. However, interpreting biomarker levels is not straightforward and can change according to the underlying GLA protein abnormality. OBJECTIVE: Our goals were to understand how disrupting specific protein regions changes biomarker behaviour and to establish specific patterns for individual variants. METHODOLOGY: We analysed data from the Biochemical Genetics Laboratory regarding GLA variants, GLA enzyme activity (in dried blood spots, plasma or white blood cells), plasma LysoGb3 accumulation, and urinary Gb3 excretion. We assessed correlations, trends, and potential predictor models of biomarker behaviour. RESULTS: We assessed 169 hemizygous male and 255 heterozygous female patients. For both groups, substrate accumulation correlates inversely with GLA activity. Variants affecting residues buried within the protein core or the active site were associated with more severe biomarker changes, while those affecting residues that establish disulfide bonds or are glycosylated were similar to other variants. For each non-truncating variant, we also established specific profiles of biomarker behaviour. Finally, we also designed predictor models of biomarker behaviour based on structural variant information. This study provides the groundwork for the impact of GLA protein variation on GLA activity and substrate accumulation. CONCLUSION: This knowledge is of extreme relevance for diagnostic labs and clinicians, as some genetic variants are challenging to interpret regarding pathogenicity. Assessing whether biomarker changes are in the expected range for a specific variant may help diagnostic evaluation. This study also contributes to recognising non-disease-causing variants, considering their overall biochemical impact, and providing a comparative reference for biomarker discovery studies. In the future, the correlation of these findings with disease severity may be of great relevance for diagnosis and monitoring progression.

Stressful Events During Last Year, Violence and Anxiety and Depression: A Moderated Mediation Model by Sex.

The literature suggests that being subject to a stressful life and victimization may negatively affect mental health, and that women and men seem to differ in these variables. Nevertheless, neither the mediating role of victimization experiences in the relationship between stress and mental health, nor the moderated role of sex have been explored. A sample of 826 adults, aged from 18 to 77 years old, completed a set of self-reported questionnaires (69.4% women). Results revealed significant mediation effects of psychological violence on the relationship between stress, depression and anxiety. Participants who reported more stressful life events in the previous year, also reported higher psychological abuse, which in turn predicted higher depression and anxiety. Furthermore, the moderating effects of sex were found to be statistically significant. Results suggest that interventions should be tailored to individual needs in order to prevent secondary victimization derived from biased beliefs related to stress, violence and gender in professional practice.

Post break-up stalking: Police-officers' perceptions.

Stalking is characterized by persistent unwanted behaviors and can disrupt the lives of victims. Its prevalence has been increasing with time. Due to the recent criminalization of stalking in Portugal and its being an understudied phenomenon, the objective of this study is to assess the perceptions of police officers (n = 1212) about stalking post intimate relationship breakup. We developed an adaptation of the questionnaire "Reasonable Perceptions of Stalking", using vignettes that describe stalking scenarios with the manipulation of severity, and victim and perpetrator sex. The main effects of severity, as well as the victim and the perpetrator's sex, were significant intrasubject variables in the perceptions of stalking and its severity, criminality, victim alert, fear of violence, victim-blaming, and the need for intervention. Participants' sex, previous training, and personal and/or professional experience with stalking were also significant variables concerning participants' perceptions. Our findings show that gender stereotypes are still perpetuated and have important implications for police officer training and intervention.

Synbiotic modulates intestinal microbiota metabolic pathways and inhibits DMH-induced colon tumorigenesis through c-myc and PCNA suppression.

The use of probiotic and synbiotic is a promising strategy to modulate the intestinal microbiota, and thereby modify the risk of diseases. In this study, the effect of probiotic VSL#3, isolated or associated with a yacon-based product (PBY), on the functional metabolic pathways of the microbiota, in a colorectal carcinogenesis model, was evaluated. For this, mice induced to carcinogenesis were fed with standard diet AIN-93 M (CON), diet AIN-93 M and VSL#3 (PRO) or diet AIN-93 M with yacon and VSL#3 (SYN). The SYN group showed a highly differentiated intestinal community based on the MetaCyc pathways. Of the 351 predicted functional pathways, 222 differed between groups. Most of them were enriched in the SYN group, namely: amino acid biosynthesis pathways, small molecule biosynthesis pathways (cofactors, prosthetic groups, electron carriers and vitamins) carbohydrate degradation pathways and fermentation pathways. In addition, the synbiotic was able to stimulate the anti-inflammatory immune response and reduce the gene expression of PCNA and c-myc. Thus, we conclude that the synbiotic impacted more significantly the metabolic functions of the microbiota compared to the isolated use of probiotic. We believe that the enrichment of these pathways can exert antiproliferative action, reducing colorectal carcinogenesis. The prediction of the functional activity of the microbiota is a promising tool for understanding the influence of the microbiome on tumor development.

Seasonal variation in the Canastra cheese mycobiota.

Canastra cheese is the most well-known artisanal cheese produced in Brazil. Although its production includes a step to remove fungi from the cheese surface, in recent years some cheesemakers have preserved the autochthonous fungi grown during ripening due to an interest in the sensory characteristics attributed to these microorganisms. In this work, the mycobiota of artisanal cheeses produced in the Canastra region was characterized based on ITS marker gene analysis. A total of 96 artisanal cheeses from 16 different farms across 9 cities were collected during two different periods (dry and wet seasons). The Canastra cheese mycobiota was significantly impacted by the season, the city of production and the farm but altitude did not affect the fungal community of the cheeses analyzed. Debaryomyces prosopidis was most abundant in the majority of samples across both seasons. During the wet season, Trichosporon asahii, Kluyveromyces lactis and Fusarium solani were the next most abundant species, followed by Torulaspora delbrueckii and Acremonium citrinum. These results highlight the importance of manufacturing practices and seasonality on the fungal composition of Canastra cheeses. These insights are particularly important in light of recent new regulation in Brazil, removing previous obstacles for surface fungi to persist on cheese. These new regulations will allow new approaches to cheese production, and ultimately, novel products.

Why Are Men More Likely to Endorse Myths About Child Sexual Abuse Than Women? Evidence From Disposition and Situation-Based Approaches.

Research on attitudes toward Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) consistently shows that men are more likely to endorse myths about CSA events, victims and perpetrators, compared to women. Here we present two studies that examine why these gender differences occur. Study one (N = 439) followed a dispositional approach to test the mediating role of empathy, social dominance orientation (SDO) and propensity for moral disengagement in the association between gender and the endorsement of CSA myths. Male participants showed higher levels of SDO and propensity for moral disengagement, and lower empathy, which in turn were associated with greater CSA myths acceptance. Study two (N = 360) followed a situational approach to test these processes using a specific case of CSA. Male participants showed higher levels of SDO and lower empathy, which in turn were associated with lower scores of perceived assault seriousness, victim credibility, perpetrator culpability, and greater victim culpability. Overall, the results suggest that men and women may appraise CSA differently, which can be partly explained by differences in SDO, propensity to morally disengage, and empathy. Furthermore, different cognitive mechanisms may be activated with regard to general appraisals of CSA compared to specific cases of CSA.

Yacon-based product improves intestinal hypertrophy and modulates the production of glucagon-like peptide-1 in postmenopausal experimental model.

AIMS: The progressive decline in estrogen level puts postmenopausal women at a higher risk of developing cardiometabolic diseases. Thus, we evaluated the potential beneficial effects of yacon-based product (YBP) on glycemic profile and intestinal health of postmenopausal rats. METHODS: Eighty Wistar rats were randomized into 4 ovariectomized (OVX) groups or 4 celiotomized groups treated with a standard diet (SD) or diet supplemented with YBP at 6% of fructooligosaccharide (FOS)/inulin. KEY FINDINGS: The continued consumption of YBP at 6% of FOS/inulin did not generate liver damage and gastrointestinal disorders. Rats fed with YBP displayed higher food consumption, but this did not increase the body weight gain, abdominal circumference and body fat percentual of OVX rats. Furthermore, we also found that the FOS/inulin fermentation present in the YBP resulted in cecum, ileum and colon crypts hypertrophy and increased the lactic acid levels in the cecal content. We observed an increase of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) immunoreactive cells and there was no change in the glucose and insulin plasma levels of YBP-fed OVX rats. SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings indicated that YBP when consumed previously and after the menopausal period has important effects on the morphology and function of intestinal mucous of rats and has potential to modulate indirectly the glycemic and insulinemic profiles, weight gain and body fat percentual in the hypoestrogenic period through metabolites produced in the fermentation process.

The COVID-19 pandemic and single-use plastic waste in households: A preliminary study.

The Coronavirus pandemic promoted an unprecedented change in consumption habits, especially as lockdowns contributed to the increase in online shopping and in delivery services. One of the consequences is the substantial amounts of plastic waste produced, which can undermine the efforts to reduce plastic pollution. In this context, this commentary explores, as a preliminary study, the impacts of the Coronavirus pandemic in relation to single-use plastic waste in households by means of an international survey with 202 participants distributed over 41 countries worldwide.

Is level of anxiety associated with overweight and obesity risk in university students? The NUTSAU Study / ¿El nivel de ansiedad está asociado al riesgo de sobrepeso y obesidad en los estudiantes universitarios? El estudio NUTSAU

Introduction: effective ways of overcoming overweight may depend, in part, on the ability to identify mood disorders (anxiety is most prevalent) and their association with overeating and weight gain. The use of anthropometric indicators for such purposes can inform individual strategies for intervention before obesity sets in. Objective: to verify the association between anxiety and anthropometric indicators in university students. Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted in 147 undergraduates across all programmes taught by the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) at Macaé. A self-assessment questionnaire was administered in order to gather socioeconomic, lifestyle, and anxiety data. Anxiety status was estimated based on the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and interpreted based on the median of scores (p ≥ 50). An anthropometric assessment was conducted to measure the subjects' body mass, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC). Body fat percentage (%BF) data were obtained using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). The data were then analyzed using the chi-square and logistic regression tests, with a 0.05 significance level. For analysis purposes, anxiety was defined as the exposure variable in the present study, and anthropometric indicators as the outcomes. Results: the students with an anxiety state p ≥ 50 presented an odds ratio (OR) of 2.69 for being overweight (p = 0.02), as well as an OR of 2.77 for having high BF (p = 0.02) in the adjusted models. Conclusion: a higher level of anxiety is associated with anthropometric indicators among university students, specifically for overweight or obesity and high BF percentages. (AU)

Introducción: determinar formas efectivas de combatir el sobrepeso puede depender parcialmente de identificar las alteraciones del estado de ánimo, entre las cuales prevalece la ansiedad, y asociarlas al consumo excesivo de alimentos. Puede ser útil utilizar identificaciones antropométricas en tal investigación para definir estrategias personalizadas antes de que aparezca la obesidad. Objetivo: verificar la asociación entre síntomas de ansiedad e indicadores antropométricos en estudiantes universitarios. Metodología: este trabajo es un estudio transversal con 147 estudiantes de graduación de la Universidad Federal de Río de Janeiro en Macaé. Se recopilaron los datos con un cuestionario autocompletado sobre rasgos socioeconómicos, estilo de vida y síntomas de ansiedad. Se estimó el estado de ansiedad considerando el Inventario del Estado de Ansiedad (STAI, por sus siglas en inglés) por encima de la mediana (p > 50). La evaluación antropométrica consistió en medir la masa corporal, el índice de masa corporal (IMC), la circunferencia de la cintura (CC) y el porcentaje de grasa corporal (GC), obtenidos por bioimpedancia eléctrica bipolar. El análisis de datos se realizó mediante pruebas de regresión logística y del chi cuadrado, con el nivel de significancia establecido en 0,05. A efectos del análisis, se definieron como exposición el estado de ansiedad y como resultados los indicadores antropométricos. Resultados: los estudiantes con STAI de p > 50 presentaron una razón de momios (RM) de 2,69 para el sobrepeso (p = 0,02) y de 2,77 para un nivel alto de GC (p = 0,02) en los modelos ajustados. Conclusión: entre los estudiantes universitarios, un nivel de ansiedad más alto se asocia a los indicadores antropométricos de sobrepeso u obesidad y de nivel alto de GC. (AU)

Is level of anxiety associated with overweight and obesity risk in university students? The NUTSAU Study.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: effective ways of overcoming overweight may depend, in part, on the ability to identify mood disorders (anxiety is most prevalent) and their association with overeating and weight gain. The use of anthropometric indicators for such purposes can inform individual strategies for intervention before obesity sets in. Objective: to verify the association between anxiety and anthropometric indicators in university students. Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted in 147 undergraduates across all programmes taught by the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) at Macaé. A self-assessment questionnaire was administered in order to gather socioeconomic, lifestyle, and anxiety data. Anxiety status was estimated based on the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and interpreted based on the median of scores (p ≥ 50). An anthropometric assessment was conducted to measure the subjects' body mass, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC). Body fat percentage (%BF) data were obtained using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). The data were then analyzed using the chi-square and logistic regression tests, with a 0.05 significance level. For analysis purposes, anxiety was defined as the exposure variable in the present study, and anthropometric indicators as the outcomes. Results: the students with an anxiety state p ≥ 50 presented an odds ratio (OR) of 2.69 for being overweight (p = 0.02), as well as an OR of 2.77 for having high BF (p = 0.02) in the adjusted models. Conclusion: a higher level of anxiety is associated with anthropometric indicators among university students, specifically for overweight or obesity and high BF percentages.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: determinar formas efectivas de combatir el sobrepeso puede depender parcialmente de identificar las alteraciones del estado de ánimo, entre las cuales prevalece la ansiedad, y asociarlas al consumo excesivo de alimentos. Puede ser útil utilizar identificaciones antropométricas en tal investigación para definir estrategias personalizadas antes de que aparezca la obesidad. Objetivo: verificar la asociación entre síntomas de ansiedad e indicadores antropométricos en estudiantes universitarios. Metodología: este trabajo es un estudio transversal con 147 estudiantes de graduación de la Universidad Federal de Río de Janeiro en Macaé. Se recopilaron los datos con un cuestionario autocompletado sobre rasgos socioeconómicos, estilo de vida y síntomas de ansiedad. Se estimó el estado de ansiedad considerando el Inventario del Estado de Ansiedad (STAI, por sus siglas en inglés) por encima de la mediana (p > 50). La evaluación antropométrica consistió en medir la masa corporal, el índice de masa corporal (IMC), la circunferencia de la cintura (CC) y el porcentaje de grasa corporal (GC), obtenidos por bioimpedancia eléctrica bipolar. El análisis de datos se realizó mediante pruebas de regresión logística y del chi cuadrado, con el nivel de significancia establecido en 0,05. A efectos del análisis, se definieron como exposición el estado de ansiedad y como resultados los indicadores antropométricos. Resultados: los estudiantes con STAI de p > 50 presentaron una razón de momios (RM) de 2,69 para el sobrepeso (p = 0,02) y de 2,77 para un nivel alto de GC (p = 0,02) en los modelos ajustados. Conclusión: entre los estudiantes universitarios, un nivel de ansiedad más alto se asocia a los indicadores antropométricos de sobrepeso u obesidad y de nivel alto de GC.

Evaluation of the efficacy of probiotic VSL#3 and synbiotic VSL#3 and yacon-based product in reducing oxidative stress and intestinal permeability in mice induced to colorectal carcinogenesis.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of probiotic VSL#3 isolated or associated with a yacon-based product (synbiotic) on oxidative stress modulation and intestinal permeability in an experimental model of colorectal carcinogenesis. Forty-five C57BL/6J mice were divided into three groups: control (standard diet AIN-93 M); probiotic (standard diet AIN-93 M and multispecies probiotic VSL#3, 2.25 × 109 CFU), and synbiotic (standard diet AIN-93 M with yacon-based product, 6% fructooligosaccharides and inulin, and probiotic VSL#3, 2.25 × 109 CFU). The experimental diets were provided for 13 weeks. The probiotic and the yacon-based product showed antioxidant activity, with the percentage of DPPH radical scavenging equal to 69.7 ± 0.4% and 74.3 ± 0.1%, respectively. These findings contributed to reduce hepatic oxidative stress: the control group showed higher concentration of malondialdehyde (1.8-fold, p = 0.007 and 1.5-fold, p = 0.035) and carbonylated protein (2-fold, p = 0.008 and 5.6-fold, p = 0.000) compared to the probiotic and synbiotic groups, respectively. Catalase enzyme activity increased 1.43-fold (p = 0.014) in synbiotic group. The crypt depth increased 1.2-fold and 1.4-fold with the use of probiotic and synbiotic, respectively, compared to the control diet (p = 0.000). These findings corroborate the reduction in intestinal permeability in the probiotic and synbiotic groups, as measured by the percentage of urinary lactulose excretion (CON: 0.93 ± 0.62% × PRO: 0.44 ± 0.05%, p = 0.048; and CON: 0.93 ± 0.62% × SYN: 0.41 ± 0.12%, p = 0.043). In conclusion, the probiotic and synbiotic showed antioxidant activity, which contributed to the reduction of oxidative stress markers. In addition, they protected the mucosa from damage caused by chemical carcinogen and reduced intestinal permeability. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The relationship between intestinal health and the occurrence of various organic disorders has been demonstrated in many studies. The use of probiotics and prebiotics is currently one of the main targets for modulation of intestinal health. We demonstrated that the use of a commercial mix of probiotic bacteria (VSL#3) isolated or associated with a yacon-based prebiotic, rich in fructooligosaccharides and inulin, is able to reduce the oxidative stress and intestinal permeability in a colorectal carcinogenesis model. These compounds have great potential to be used as a food supplement, or as ingredients in the development of food products.

A novel approach for nutrients recovery from municipal waste as biofertilizers by combining electrodialytic and gas permeable membrane technologies.

The recovery of valuable materials from waste fits the principle of circular economy and sustainable use of resources, but contaminants in the waste are still a major obstacle. This works proposes a novel approach to recover high-purity phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) from digestate of municipal solid waste based on the combination of two independent membrane processes: electrodialytic (ED) process to extract P, and gas permeable membranes (GPM) for N extraction. A laboratory ED cell was adapted to accommodate a GPM. The length of waste compartment (10 cm; 15 cm), current intensity (50 mA; 75 mA) and operation time (9 days; 12 days) were the variables tested. 81% of P in the waste was successfully extracted to the anolyte when an electric current of 75 mA was applied for 9 days, and 74% of NH4+ was extracted into an acid-trapping solution. The two purified nutrient solutions were subsequently used in the synthesis of a biofertilizer (secondary struvite) through precipitation, achieving an efficiency of 99.5%. The properties of the secondary struvite synthesized using N and P recovered from the waste were similar to secondary struvite formed using synthetic chemicals but the costs were higher due to the need to neutralize the acid-trapping solution, highlighting the need to further tune the process and make it economically more competitive. The high recycling rates of P and N achieved are encouraging and widen the possibility of replacing synthetic fertilizers, manufactured from finite sources, by secondary biofertilizers produced using nutrients extracted from wastes.

COVID-19 and waste production in households: A trend analysis.

Apart from the health aspects and the high death toll, the COVID-19 pandemic has, since its official recognition in March 2020 caused may social and economic problems. It has also led to many environmental ones. For instance, the lockdowns have led to higher levels of consumption of packaged products, and of take-away food. This paper reports on an international study on the increased consumption and subsequent changes in the amounts of waste produced since the COVID-19 pandemic. The results show that 45-48% of the respondents observed an increased consumption of packed food, fresh food, and food delivery. One of the main reasons for the increased waste generation during the lockdown was the fact that people have spent more time at home. In addition, increases of 43% and 53% in food waste and plastic packaging. Drawing from comparisons on the amount of domestic waste produced before and during the pandemic, the findings suggest that some specific types of municipal waste have visibly increased, putting additional pressure on waste management systems. This characterises one of non-intended effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results from this study provide useful insights to city administrations and municipal utilities on consumption patterns during emergency situations. This, in turn, may support more systemic and strategic measures to be taken, so as to curtail the increase of household waste during pandemic situations.

O consumo de produto à base de yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) aumenta glucagon-like peptide-1 e diminui o peso corporal de ratas Wistar ovariectomizadas / Yacon-based product consumption (Smallanthus sonchifolius) increases glucagon-like peptide-1 and reduces the body weight of ovariectomized Wistar rats

A raiz do yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius), em função da rica concentração de fruto-oligossacarídeos, é classificada como prebiótico e tornou-se promissora da obesidade pelo aumento da saciedade. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a inclusão de um produto à base de yacon (PBY) em ratas ovariectomizadas (OVX) no consumo alimentar, na modulação de medidas antropométricas e do imunomarcador da saciedade glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) em ratas Wistar ovariectomizadas (OVX). Analisou-se o consumo alimentar pela pesagem diária de sobra de dieta, a porcentagem de gordura corporal foi determinada pelo índice de Lee e também foram avaliados o peso, o índice de massa corporal (IMC) e circunferência abdominal. Fragmentos do ceco foram utilizados para imunomarcação de GLP-1, de ratas OVX, após serem alimentadas por 24 semanas com dieta padrão adicionadas ou não de 6% de FOS/inulina/PBY. Observou-se diminuição da circunferência abdominal (p=0,2173) em 3,5%, também houve decréscimo de IMC (p=0,3822) em 6,25% e de percentual de gordura corporal (p=0,3528) em 2,14% em animais que receberam PBY durante 24 semanas (G4) comparado aos animais do grupo controle. No grupo G4 o GLP-1 aumentou (p<.0001), os animais aumentaram o consumo (p=0,0064) e, paradoxalmente, tiveram menor ganho de peso (p<.0001), o que pode estar associado ao fato de que as fibras diminuem a eficiência de absorção de lipídeos ao longo do intestino delgado, o que pode diminuir a assimilação calórica de nutrientes. Esse fenômeno demonstra que o PBY possui potencial na modulação da obesidade, portanto, melhoria da qualidade de vida de mulheres na menopausa.(AU)

The yacon root (Smallanthus sonchifolius), due to the rich concentration of fructo-oligosaccharides, is classified as prebiotic and has become promising for obesity due to increased satiety. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inclusion of a yacon-based product (PBY) in ovariectomized rats (OVX) in food consumption, in the modulation of anthropometric measurements and in the satiety immunosorbent glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in rats Wistar ovariectomized (OVX). Food consumption was analyzed by daily weighing of leftover diet, the percentage of body fat was determined by the Lee index, and weight, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were also evaluated. Cecum fragments were used for immunostaining GLP-1, from OVX rats, after being fed for 24 weeks with a standard diet with or without 6% FOS / inulin / PBY. There was a decrease in abdominal circumference (p = 0.2173) in 3.5%, there was also a decrease in BMI (p = 0.3822) in 6.25% and a percentage of body fat (p = 0.3528) 2.14% in animals that received PBY for 24 weeks (G4) compared to animals in the control group. In the G4 group GLP-1 increased (p <.0001), the animals increased their consumption (p = 0.0064) and paradoxically, they gained less weight gain (p <.0001), which may be associated with the fact that fibers decrease the efficiency of absorption of lipids along the small intestine, which can decrease the caloric assimilation of nutrients. This phenomenon demonstrates that PBY has the potential to modulate obesity, thus improving the quality of life of women in menopause. (AU)

A structured methodology to understand municipal waste generation at local level with minimized effort: development and case study.

Understanding municipal solid waste (MSW) generation is a key requirement for designing and optimizing MSW collection services. The present contribution proposes a statistical methodology to identify MSW generation patterns from MSW collection records. The methodology aims at finding statistically distinct household waste generation patterns within the days of the week and within months (seasonal variation). It is based on standard statistical methods (ANOVA complemented by non-parametric tests and cluster analysis). The methodology was applied to a Portuguese neighbourhood to assist in the definition of a waste sampling campaign to support the implementation of a pilot PAYT. The results showed the existence of groups with statistically distinct MSW generation patterns both at the weekly and monthly time scales. Three clusters of days of the week, with high, medium and low generation, and two clusters of months, with high and low generation, were identified. These results allowed to design and implement a customized field waste sampling campaign to estimate the MSW generated at the study site with minimal field work. Instead of implementing a homogeneous sampling campaign (equal number of samples for every day of the week and for every month), the samples were collected from the days and months that showed statistically distinct MSW generation pattern. The systematic procedure can be easily adapted to any given location, thus being a useful tool that combines statistical analysis with field collected data.

Victimization Experiences and Well-Being in Adulthood: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Scientific research has explored the impact of violence during adulthood on psychopathology. Fewer efforts have been made from a positive theoretical framework, and no systematic evidence has been provided. This manuscript describes a literature review and meta-analysis on the relationship between victimization experiences and well-being in adulthood. A literature review was performed, and 27 studies met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review 16 for the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis yielded a medium and significant overall effect size (r = -0.309, p < .001), which indicated that greater victimization experiences partly explain lower well-being outcomes. A set of theoretical and methodological issues are discussed, specifically considering the conceptualization of victimization and well-being as well as the studies design, sample characteristics, measures, and data analysis. Derived from this integrative discussion, some recommendations are also provided for future research.

Use of the synbiotic VSL#3 and yacon-based concentrate attenuates intestinal damage and reduces the abundance of Candidatus Saccharimonas in a colitis-associated carcinogenesis model.

Individuals with inflammatory bowel disease are at high risk of developing colitis-associated cancer; thus, strategies to inhibit disease progression should be investigated. The study aimed to explore the role of the synbiotic (probiotic VSL#3® and yacon-based concentrate) in a colitis-associated carcinogenesis model. IL-10-/- mice were induced to carcinogenesis with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine and divided into two experimental groups: control and synbiotic. Manifestations of colitis, colon histology, expression of antioxidant enzymes, production of organic acids and intestinal microbiota were evaluated. The use of the synbiotic showed benefits, such as the preservation of intestinal architecture, increased expression of antioxidant enzymes and the concentration of organic acids, especially butyrate. It was also observed different microbial community profiles between the groups during the study. Together, these factors contributed to mitigate the manifestations of colitis and improve intestinal integrity, suggesting the potential benefit of the synbiotic in intestinal diseases.

Synbiotic VSL#3 and yacon-based product modulate the intestinal microbiota and prevent the development of pre-neoplastic lesions in a colorectal carcinogenesis model.

Colorectal cancer is a public health problem, with dysbiosis being one of the risk factors due to its role in intestinal inflammation. Probiotics and synbiotics have been used in order to restore the microbiota balance and to prevent colorectal carcinogenesis. We aimed to investigate the effects of the probiotic VSL#3® alone or in combination with a yacon-based prebiotic concentrate on the microbiota modulation and its influence on colorectal carcinogenesis in an animal model. C57BL/6J mice were divided into three groups: control (control diet), probiotic (control diet + VSL#3®), and synbiotic (yacon diet + VSL#3®). The diets were provided for 13 weeks and, from the third one, all animals were subjected to induction of colorectal cancer precursor lesions. Stool samples were collected to evaluate organic acids, feces pH, ß-glucuronidase activity, and microbiota composition. The colon was used to count pre-neoplastic lesions and to determine the cytokines. The microbiota composition was influenced by the use of probiotic and synbiotic. Modifications were also observed in the abundance of bacterial genera with respect to the control group, which confirms the interference of carcinogenesis in the microbiota. Pre-neoplastic lesions were reduced by the use of the synbiotic, but not with the probiotic. The protection provided by the synbiotic can be attributed to the modulation of the intestinal inflammatory response, to the inhibition of a pro-carcinogenic enzyme, and to the production of organic acids. The modulation of the composition and activity of the microbiota contributed to beneficial changes in the intestinal microenvironment, which led to a reduction in carcinogenesis. KEY POINTS: • Synbiotic reduces the incidence of colorectal cancer precursor lesions. • Synbiotic modulates the composition and activity of intestinal microbiota. • Synbiotic increases the abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria.

Child Sexual Abuse Myth Scale: Validity and Reliability Evidence in the Portuguese Context.

Child sexual abuse myths legitimize abusive behaviors, involving high levels of victim blame and low levels of offender liability. The present study aims to: (i) adapt a measure of endorsement of child sexual abuse myths to the Portuguese context (i.e., Child Sexual Abuse Myth Scale - CSAMS); and (ii) provide validity and reliability evidence for this measure. A total of 423 adults (66.2% female) filled out a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory, and the CSAMS. The CSAMS validity and reliability results supported the original structure, which comprises three dimensions: Blame Diffusion (e.g., 'Adolescent girls who wear very revealing clothing are asking to be sexually abused'), Restrictive Stereotypes (e.g., 'Most children are sexually abused by strangers or by men who are not well known to the child'), and Denial of Abusiveness (e.g., 'Older children, who have a better understanding of sexual matters, have a responsibility to actively resist sexual advances by adults'). Configural and metric invariance by sex were held, and criterion validity was observed through significant associations between myths, sexism and sex. This study provided evidence in support of the validity and reliability of the Portuguese version of the Child Sexual Abuse Myth Scale.

Preclinical and clinical relevance of probiotics and synbiotics in colorectal carcinogenesis: a systematic review.

CONTEXT: Recent evidence suggests that modulation of the gut microbiota may help prevent colorectal cancer. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the role of probiotics and synbiotics in the prevention of colorectal cancer and to clarify potential mechanisms involved. DATA SOURCES: The PubMed, ScienceDirect, and LILACS databases were searched for studies conducted in humans or animal models and published up to August 15, 2018. STUDY SELECTION: Clinical trials and placebo-controlled experimental studies that evaluated the effects of probiotics and synbiotics in colorectal cancer and cancer associated with inflammatory bowel disease were included. Of 247 articles identified, 31 remained after exclusion criteria were applied. A search of reference lists identified 5 additional studies, for a total of 36 included studies. DATA EXTRACTION: Two authors independently assessed risk of bias of included studies and extracted data. Data were pooled by type of study, ie, preclinical or clinical. RESULTS: The results showed positive effects of probiotics and synbiotics in preventing colorectal cancer. The main mechanisms identified were alterations in the composition and metabolic activity of the intestinal microbiota; reduction of inflammation; induction of apoptosis and inhibition of tumor growth; modulation of immune responses and cell proliferation; enhanced function of the intestinal barrier; production of compounds with anticarcinogenic activity; and modulation of oxidative stress. CONCLUSIONS: Probiotics or synbiotics may help prevent colorectal cancer, but additional studies in humans are required to better inform clinical practice.