Big jaw, small genome: first description of the mitochondrial genome of Odontomachus (Formicidae, Ponerinae): evolutionary implications for Ponerinae ants.

Mitochondrial DNA is a valuable tool for population genetics and evolutionary studies in a wide range of organisms. With advancements in sequencing techniques, it's now possible to gain deeper insights into this molecule. By understanding how many genes there are, how they're organized within the molecule, identifying the presence of spacers, and analyzing the composition of the D-Loop, we can better grasp the rearrangements that play a crucial role in the evolutionary dynamics of mitochondrial DNA. Additionally, phylogenetic analyses benefit significantly from having access to a larger pool of mtDNA genes. This wealth of genetic information allows for the establishment of evolutionary relationships with greater accuracy than ever before, providing a more robust framework than analyses based on a limited number of genes. Studies on mitogenomes belonging to the family Formicidae have proven promising, enabling the identification of gene rearrangements and enhancing our understanding of the internal relationships within the group. Despite this, the number of mitogenomes available for the subfamily Ponerinae is still limited, and here we present for the first time the complete mitogenome of Odontomachus. Our data reveal a gene duplication event in Formicidae, the first involving trnV, and new gene arrangements involving the trnM-trnI-trnQ and trnW-trnC-trnY clusters, suggesting a possible synapomorphy for the genus. Our phylogenetic analysis using the PCGs available for Formicidae supports the monophyly of the subfamily Ponerinae and sheds light on the relationship between Odontomachus and Pachycondyla.

Actívatexto: Feasibility and Acceptability of a Mobile Intervention That Promotes Smoking Cessation and Physical Activity among Latinos.

The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a mobile intervention that promotes smoking cessation and physical activity among Latinos living in the United States. Twenty Latino adults who smoked and did not meet recommended levels of physical activity were recruited using community-based recruitment strategies. Participants received Actívatexto, a theory-based, culturally accommodated, 12-week text messaging intervention (available in English and Spanish) that promotes smoking cessation and physical activity. Actívatexto integrates four components: (i) a text messaging program, (ii) a wearable device, (iii) an online dashboard where the research team manages participants' incoming and outgoing data from both the text messaging program and wearable device, and (iv) nicotine replacement therapies (NRT). We assessed self-reported 7-day point prevalence smoking abstinence at month 3, weekly minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), pharmacotherapy adherence, and satisfaction. At baseline, participants' mean age was 47.3 years old (SD 16.0), 55% of participants were female, and 60% indicated that Spanish was their language of preference. Seventy-five percent of participants smoked 1-10 cigarettes daily and 35% smoked their first cigarette within 5 minutes after waking up. At month 3, 14 participants (70%) self-reported 7-day point prevalence smoking abstinence (90% follow-up rate). Fitbit-assessed mean minutes of MVPA per week increased from 113 (SD 127; range: 0-399) at week 1 to 177 (SD 163; range: 0-513) at month 3 (P = 0.15). Sixteen participants (88.9%, 16/18) reported NRT use in the past 90 days. Most participants reported being extremely satisfied or satisfied with the intervention (88.9%, 16/18). SIGNIFICANCE: Actívatexto resulted in a noteworthy cessation rate at month 3 (70%), increased mean weekly minutes of MVPA, produced high use of NRT, and was well received by participants. Additional testing in a randomized clinical trial is warranted to assess the efficacy of the intervention.

Five million years of Antarctic Circumpolar Current strength variability.

The Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) represents the world's largest ocean-current system and affects global ocean circulation, climate and Antarctic ice-sheet stability1-3. Today, ACC dynamics are controlled by atmospheric forcing, oceanic density gradients and eddy activity4. Whereas palaeoceanographic reconstructions exhibit regional heterogeneity in ACC position and strength over Pleistocene glacial-interglacial cycles5-8, the long-term evolution of the ACC is poorly known. Here we document changes in ACC strength from sediment cores in the Pacific Southern Ocean. We find no linear long-term trend in ACC flow since 5.3 million years ago (Ma), in contrast to global cooling9 and increasing global ice volume10. Instead, we observe a reversal on a million-year timescale, from increasing ACC strength during Pliocene global cooling to a subsequent decrease with further Early Pleistocene cooling. This shift in the ACC regime coincided with a Southern Ocean reconfiguration that altered the sensitivity of the ACC to atmospheric and oceanic forcings11-13. We find ACC strength changes to be closely linked to 400,000-year eccentricity cycles, probably originating from modulation of precessional changes in the South Pacific jet stream linked to tropical Pacific temperature variability14. A persistent link between weaker ACC flow, equatorward-shifted opal deposition and reduced atmospheric CO2 during glacial periods first emerged during the Mid-Pleistocene Transition (MPT). The strongest ACC flow occurred during warmer-than-present intervals of the Plio-Pleistocene, providing evidence of potentially increasing ACC flow with future climate warming.

Ethanol binge drinking exposure during adolescence displays long-lasting motor dysfunction related to cerebellar neurostructural damage even after long-term withdrawal in female Wistar rats.

Ethanol is one of the psychoactive substances most used by young individuals, usually in an intermittent and episodic manner, also called binge drinking. In the adolescent period, brain structures undergo neuromaturation, which increases the vulnerability to psychotropic substances. Our previous studies have revealed that ethanol binge drinking during adolescence elicits neurobehavioral alterations associated with brain damage. Thus, we explored the persistence of motor function impairment and cerebellum damage in the context of ethanol withdrawal periods (emerging adulthood and adult life) in adolescent female rats. Female Wistar rats (35 days old) received orally 4 cycles of ethanol (3.0 g/kg/day) or distilled water in 3 days on-4 days off paradigm (35th until 58th day of life). Motor behavioral tests (open field, grip strength, beam walking, and rotarod tests) and histological assays (Purkinje's cell density and NeuN-positive cells) were assessed on the 1-, 30-, and 60-days of binge alcohol exposure withdrawal. Our findings demonstrate that the adolescent binge drinking exposure paradigm induced cerebellar cell loss in all stages evaluated, measured through the reduction of Purkinje's cell density and granular layer neurons. The cerebellar tissue alterations were accompanied by behavioral impairments. In the early withdrawal, the reduction of spontaneous movement, incoordination, and unbalance was seen. However, the grip strength reduction was found at long-term withdrawal (60 days of abstinence). The cerebellum morphological changes and the motor alterations persisted until adulthood. These data suggest that binge drinking exposure during adolescence causes motor function impairment associated with cerebellum damage, even following a prolonged withdrawal, in adult life.

In silico approaches for predicting natural compounds with therapeutic potential and vaccine candidates against Streptococcus equi.

Equine strangles is a prevalent disease that affects the upper respiratory in horses and is caused by the Gram-positive bacterium Streptococcus equi. In addition to strangles, other clinical conditions are caused by the two S. equi subspecies, equi and zooepidemicus, which present relevant zoonotic potential. Treatment of infections caused by S. equi has become challenging due to the worldwide spreading of infected horses and the unavailability of effective therapeutics and vaccines. Penicillin treatment is often recommended, but multidrug resistance issues arised. We explored the whole genome sequence of 18 S. equi isolates to identify candidate proteins to be targeted by natural drug-like compounds or explored as immunogens. We considered only proteins shared among the sequenced strains of subspecies equi and zooepidemicus, absent in the equine host and predicted to be essential and involved in virulence. Of these, 4 proteins with cytoplasmic subcellular location were selected for molecular docking with a library of 5008 compounds, while 6 proteins were proposed as prominent immunogens against S. equi due to their probabilities of behaving as adhesins. The molecular docking analyses revealed the best ten ligands for each of the 4 drug target candidates, and they were ranked according to their binding affinities and the number of hydrogen bonds for complex stability. Finally, the natural 5-ring compound C25H20F3N5O3 excelled in molecular dynamics simulations for the increased stability in the interaction with UDP-N-acetylenolpyruvoylglucosamine reductase (MurB). This research paves the way to developing new therapeutics to minimize the impacts caused by S. equi infections.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Air pollution from forest burning as environmental risk for millions of inhabitants of the Brazilian Amazon: an exposure indicator for human health.

In this study, we propose an indicator of air pollution exposure to identify potential hazardous areas for human health in the Amazon and Central-West Regions of Brazil from 2010 to 2019. This indicator aggregates both concentrations and time of exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), according to the current limit recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). We used daily PM2.5 averages obtained from the Brazilian Health Integrated Environmental Information System (SISAM) to calculate the percentages of days with PM2.5 concentrations exceeding the limit of 15µg/m³ per year and per month. From 2010 to 2019, the months from August to October presented the largest areas and the highest percentages of days with unacceptable pollution concentration values, harmful to human health. These areas were concentrated in the Arc of Deforestation. Therefore, 60% of the residents of the Amazon and Central-West regions were subjected to inadequate air quality for approximately six months per year. The proposed indicator is reproducible and appropriate to monitor areas of exposure and risk for human health.

Phylogeography and karyotypic evolution of some Deuterodon species from southeastern Brazil (Characiformes, Characidae, Stethaprioninae).

Deuterodon is a genus of the subfamily Stethaprioninae, a group of Neotropical fish known as tetras. Deuterodon hastatus represents a species complex, which is supported by cytogenetic and molecular data. In this study, we show the results of comparative evolutionary analyses of the ATP synthase subunit 6 gene in four Deuterodon species, in addition to ribosomal markers (18S rDNA and 5S rDNA), of a new population of the D. hastatus species complex from the Angra dos Reis/RJ region. The study population comprised a new cytotype, which we refer to as cytotype D, in D. hastatus, with 2n = 50 = 6M+8SM+8ST+28A. We obtained three different clades of D. hastatus in our phylogeny, one of them composed only by specimens of cytotype D. By using molecular clock dating, we observed that the radiation of Deuterodon from southeastern Brazil seemed to be associated with neotectonic events that occurred during the Miocene-Pliocene and Pliocene-Pleistocene transitions, marked by the capture of headwater streams and marine transgressions. The results obtained reinforce the idea that D. hastatus is a species complex, and at least three evolutionary significant units were identified in this group.

Cellulose Hydrogel with Hyaluronic Acid and Silver Nanoparticles: Sustained-Release Formulation with Antibacterial Properties against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Pathogenic bacteria resistant to conventional antibiotics represent a global challenge and justify the need for new antimicrobials capable of combating bacterial multidrug resistance. This study describes the development of a topical hydrogel in a formulation composed of cellulose, hyaluronic acid (HA), and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. AgNPs as an antimicrobial agent were synthesized by a new method based on green chemistry, using arginine as a reducing agent and potassium hydroxide as a carrier. Scanning electron microscopy showed the formation of a composite between cellulose and HA in a three-dimensional network of cellulose fibrils, with thickening of the fibrils and filling of spaces by HA with the presence of pores. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis) and particle size distribution for dynamic light scattering (DLS) confirmed the formation of AgNPs with peak absorption at ~430 nm and 57.88 nm. AgNPs dispersion showed a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1.5 µg/mL. The time-kill assay showed that after 3 h of exposure to the hydrogel containing AgNPs, there were no viable cells, corresponding to a bactericidal efficacy of 99.999% in the 95% confidence level. We obtained a hydrogel that is easy to apply, with sustained release and bactericidal properties against strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa at low concentrations of the agent.

Headache and systemic lupus erythematosus: A narrative review.

OBJECTIVE: To review the epidemiology, the differential diagnosis, and the clinical and laboratory factors associated with the care management of headaches in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). BACKGROUND: SLE is a chronic autoimmune disease and in 12%-95% of patients, the nervous system is involved. Headache is a frequently reported, although nonspecific, symptom that may potentially represent serious underlying diagnoses. Primary headaches may also occur in these patients, thereby causing a negative and significant impact on their quality of life. METHODS: This is a narrative review. A literature review was conducted on the PubMed platform using the following terms: (1) headache and (2) lupus. All articles considered relevant were included. No limitations were imposed for the publication date. RESULTS: Headache is a frequent symptom in patients with SLE. Although its prevalence is similar to the general population, headaches nonetheless tend to have a greater negative impact on these patients. Patients with SLE are more likely to experience headache due to vascular diseases such as cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, stroke, reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, and vasculitis. Aseptic meningitis, neuroinfections, intracranial neoplasms, and intracranial hypertension or hypotension may also be a cause of headache in these patients. Although used in disease activity scores, the concept of lupus headache is controversial. CONCLUSIONS: Headache is a frequent symptom in patients with SLE. An appropriate approach enables the potentially serious conditions, which are the causes of secondary headaches, to be recognized and treated, together with an appropriate diagnosis and treatment of primary headaches.

Characterization of six new complete mitochondrial genomes of Chiasmodontidae (Scombriformes, Percomorpha) and considerations about the phylogenetic relationships of the family.

The fishes of the Chiasmodontidae family, known as swallower fishes, are species adapted to live in deep seas. Several studies have shown the proximity of this family to Tetragonuridae and Amarsipidae. However, the phylogenetic position of this clade related to other Pelagiaria groups remains uncertain even when phylogenomic studies are employed. Since the low number of published mitogenomes, our study aimed to assemble six new mitochondrial genomes of Chiasmodontidae from database libraries to expand the discussion regarding the phylogeny of this group within Scombriformes. As expected, the composition and organization of mitogenomes were stable among the analyzed species, although we detected repetitive sequences in the D-loop of species of the genus Kali not seen in Chiasmodon, Dysalotus, and Pseudoscopelus. Our phylogeny incorporating 51 mitogenomes from several families of Scombriformes, including nine chiasmodontids, recovered interfamilial relationships well established in previous studies, including a clade containing Chiasmodontidae, Amarsipidae, and Tetragonuridae. However, phylogenetic relationships between larger clades remain unclear, with disagreements between different phylogenomic studies. We argue that such inconsistencies are not only due to biases and limitations in the data but mainly to complex biological events in the adaptive irradiation of Scombriformes after the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event.

Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy as a Screening Tool for Osteosarcopenia in Community-Dwelling Older Women.

Osteosarcopenia is a complex geriatric syndrome characterized by the presence of both sarcopenia and osteopenia/osteoporosis. This condition increases rates of disability, falls, fractures, mortality, and mobility impairments in older adults. The purpose of this study was to analyze the Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy diagnostic power for osteosarcopenia in community-dwelling older women (n = 64; 32 osteosarcopenic and 32 non-osteosarcopenia). FTIR is a fast and reproducible technique highly sensitive to biological tissues, and a mathematical model was created using multivariate classification techniques that denoted the graphic spectra of the molecular groups. Genetic algorithm and support vector machine regression (GA-SVM) was the most feasible model, achieving 80.0% of accuracy. GA-SVM identified 15 wave numbers responsible for class differentiation, in which several amino acids (responsible for the proper activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin) and hydroxyapatite (an inorganic bone component) were observed. Imaging tests and low availability of instruments that allow the observation of osteosarcopenia involve high health costs for patients and restrictive indications. Therefore, FTIR can be used to diagnose osteosarcopenia due to its efficiency and low cost and to enable early detection in geriatric services, contributing to advances in science and technology that are potential "conventional" methods in the future.

Neuroregeneration and immune response after neurorrhaphy are improved with the use of heterologous fibrin biopolymer in addition to suture repair alone.

INTRODUCTION/AIMS: Peripheral nerve injuries result in impaired neuromuscular interactions, leading to morphological and functional alterations. Adjuvant suture repair methods have been used to improve nerve regeneration and modulate the immune response. Heterologous fibrin biopolymer (HFB), a scaffold with adhesive properties, plays a critical role in tissue repair. The aim of this study is to evaluate neuroregeneration and immune response focusing on neuromuscular recovery, using suture-associated HFB for sciatic nerve repair. METHODS: Forty adult male Wistar rats were distributed into four groups (n = 10): C (control), only sciatic nerve location; D (denervated), neurotmesis and 6-mm gap removal and fixation stumps in subcutaneous tissue; S (suture), neurotmesis followed by suture; and SB (suture + HFB), neurotmesis followed by suture and HFB. Analysis of M2 macrophages (CD206+ ), as well as the morphology and morphometry of nerves, soleus muscle, and neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), were performed at 7 and 30 days after surgery. RESULTS: The SB group had the highest M2 macrophage area in both periods. After 7 days, SB was the only group similar to the C group regarding the number of axons; furthermore, after 30 days, the SB group was closer to the C group concerning blood vessel and central myonuclear numbers, NMJ angle, and connective tissue volume. After 7 days, increases in nerve area, as well as the number and area of blood vessels, were also observed in SB. DISCUSSION: HFB potentiates the immune response, increases axonal regeneration, induces angiogenesis, prevents severe muscle degeneration, and assists in NMJ recovery. In conclusion, suture-associated HFB has major implications for improved peripheral nerve repair.

Are the athletes' perceptions of the coach's autonomy support, age and practice time associated with the development of life skills among young athletes? / ¿Las percepciones de los atletas sobre el apoyo a la autonomía del entrenador, la edad y el tiempo de práctica están asociadas con el desarrollo de habilidades para la vida entre los atletas jóvenes? / A percepção sobre o suporte à autonomia do treinador,a idade e o tempo de prática estão associadas ao desenvolvimento de habilidades para a vida emjovens atletas?

This cross-sectional study investigated if the coach's autonomy support, age and time of practice are associated with the development of life skills among 461 young Brazilians athletes (325 boys and 136 girls) aged between 10–17 years (Mage=15.12, SD=1.44). Data collection was conducted via the Life Skills Scale for Sport (P-LSSS) and Perceived Autonomy Support: Exercise Climate Questionnaire (PASECQ). Data analysis was conducted through independent t test,Pearson’s correlation,and Multiple Regression (p<.05). Main results showed that coach ́s autonomy support made the largest positive contribution to all eight dimensions (βrange=.07-.19, p<.05) and total life skill (β=.18; p<.001). Age made the largest positive contribution to the dimensions of teamwork, goal setting, leadership and communication (βrange=.11-.19, p<.05) and total life skills (β=.13; p<.01). However, practice time showed no contribution to life skills. This study revealed that coach ́s autonomy support and age are associated positively with life skills development among youth athletes. (AU)

Este estudio transversal investigó el association del apoyo a la autonomía del entrenador, la edad y el tiempo de práctica en el desarrollo de habilidades para la vida entre 461 jóvenes atletas brasileños (325 niños y 136 niñas) de entre 10 y 17 años (Mage= 15,12, SD = 1,44). La recopilación de datos se realizó mediante la Escala de habilidades para la vida para el deporte (P-LSSS) y el Apoyo a la autonomía percibida: Cuestionario de clima de ejercicio (PASECQ). El análisis de los datos se realizó medianteprueba t independiente, correlación de Pearson y regresión múltiple (p <.05). Los resultados principales mostraron que el apoyo a la autonomía del entrenador hizo la mayor contribución positiva a las ocho dimensiones (β rango = .07-.19, p <.05) y la habilidad para la vida total (β = .18; p <.001). La edad hizo la mayor contribución positiva a las dimensiones de trabajo en equipo, establecimiento de metas, liderazgo y comunicación (βrange = .11-.19, p <.05) y habilidades para la vida total (β = .13; p <.01). Sin embargo, el tiempo de práctica no mostró ninguna contribución a las habilidades para la vida. Este estudio reveló que el apoyo a la autonomía del entrenador y la edad son associados positivos del desarrollo de habilidades para la vida entre los atletas jóvenes. (AU)

Este estudo transversal investigou se o suporte de autonomia do treinador, idade e tempo de prática estão associados ao desenvolvimento de habilidades de vida entre 461 jovens atletas brasileiros (325 meninos e 136 meninas) com idade entre 10-17 anos (M = 15,12, DP = 1,44). A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio da Escala de Habilidades de Vida para o Esporte (P-LSSS) e Suporte à Autonomia Percebida: Questionário de Clima de Exercício (PASECQ). A análise dos dados foi realizada por meio de teste t independente, correlação de Pearson e regressão múltipla (p <0,05). Os principais resultados mostraram que o suporte à autonomia do treinador deu a maior contribuição positiva para todas as oito dimensões (faixa β = .07-.19, p <.05) e habilidade de vida total (β = .18; p <.001). A idade deu a maior contribuição positiva para as dimensões de trabalho em equipe, estabelecimento de metas, liderança e comunicação (βrange = .11-.19, p <.05) e habilidades de vida totais (β = .13; p <.01). No entanto, o tempo de prática não mostrou nenhuma contribuição para as habilidades de vida. Este estudo revelou que o suporte à autonomia do treinador ea idade estão associados positivamente ao desenvolvimento de habilidades para a vida entre jovens atletas. (AU)

The effectiveness of phototherapy for surface decontamination against SARS-Cov-2. A systematic review.

COVID-19 appeared in December 2019, needing efforts of science. Besides, a range of light therapies (photodynamic therapy, ultraviolet [UV], laser) has shown scientific alternatives to conventional decontamination therapies. Investigating the efficacy of light-based therapies for environment decontamination against SARS-CoV2, a PRISMA systematic review of Phototherapies against SARS-CoV or MERS-CoV species discussing changes in viral RT-PCR was done. After searching MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, and Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde we have found studies about cell cultures irradiation (18), blood components irradiation (10), N95 masks decontamination (03), inanimate surface decontamination (03), aerosols decontamination (03), hospital rooms irradiation (01) with PDT, LED, and UV therapy. The best quality results showed an effective low time and dose UV irradiation for environments and inanimate surfaces without human persons as long as the devices have safety elements dependent on the surfaces, viral charge, humidity, radiant exposure. To interpersonal contamination in humans, PDT or LED therapy seems very promising and are encouraged.

Description of eight new mitochondrial genomes for the genus Neoarius and phylogenetic considerations for the family Ariidae (Siluriformes).

The genus Neoarius, known as marine catfish, is a group of the family Ariidae, composed of 10 species found in Oceania. None of the species in this genus have their mitochondrial genome described, which is highly valuable in phylogenetic and molecular evolution studies. For the present work, eight species from the Neoarius genus were selected: Neoarius utarus, Neoarius midgleyi, Neoarius graeffei, Neoarius leptaspis, Neoarius berenyi, Neoarius paucus, Neoarius pectoralis, and Neoarius aff. graeffei. DNA sequences of the eight species were obtained through the NCBI Sequence Read Archive (SRA) database, and the mitochondrial genomes were assembled using the NOVOplasty tool on the Galaxy platform, subsequently annotated with the MitoAnnotator tool. We then utilized the protein-coding genes from the mitogenomes to estimate the phylogenetic relationships within the group, including seven additional mitogenomes available in the NCBI. In all species, the mitochondrial genomes presented 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, and 1 D-loop.

Evaluation of the effects of SPONDIAS MOMBIN extract as an alternative antimicrobial drug

The extract of Spondias mombin has constituents which may improve psychiatric disorders, in addition to having antiviral, antifungal, and antimicrobial activity. But despite having several benefits, it is necessary to assess whether the extract may interfere with cell metabolism so furthermore its microbicide potential can be explored. Fifteen Wistar rats were used, divided into four groups (control group; control with extract; hyperlipidemic diet; hyperlipidemic diet and extract). For 12 weeks, the animals were weighed and their blood glucose was assessed. Afterwards, they were euthanized, and the biological material was collected. The evaluation confirmed the efficacy of the extract of S. mombin against cell metabolism of rats, without negatively altering cell viability; the group of rats with an hyperlipidemic diet showed an increase in body weight; however, in the individual assessment of the organs, there were no significant changes. The glycemic index, liver parameters, lipids, and mineral ions did not show changes. Furthermore, the antimicrobial potential of S. mombin extract was observed against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 and Staphylococcus aureus BLACC. The results suggest that S. mombin extract did not interfere with cell viability, did not show cytotoxicity to cells that were exposed to it, nor did it interfere with the metabolism, organs, and biochemical indices of rats with a standard or hyperlipidemic diet. Considering such characteristics and the potential activities observed in this present study, additional evaluation should be conducted to further assess the role of S. mombin extract as a source of new alternative antimicrobial drug as well as its possible beneficial activity to the cardiovascular system.

Air pollution from forest burning as environmental risk for millions of inhabitants of the Brazilian Amazon: an exposure indicator for human health / Poluição do ar por queimadas florestais como risco ambiental para milhões de habitantes da Amazônia brasileira: um indicador de exposição para a saúde humana / Contaminación del aire por incendios forestales como riesgo ambiental para millones de habitantes de la Amazonía brasileña: un indicador de exposición para la salud humana

Abstract: In this study, we propose an indicator of air pollution exposure to identify potential hazardous areas for human health in the Amazon and Central-West Regions of Brazil from 2010 to 2019. This indicator aggregates both concentrations and time of exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), according to the current limit recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). We used daily PM2.5 averages obtained from the Brazilian Health Integrated Environmental Information System (SISAM) to calculate the percentages of days with PM2.5 concentrations exceeding the limit of 15µg/m³ per year and per month. From 2010 to 2019, the months from August to October presented the largest areas and the highest percentages of days with unacceptable pollution concentration values, harmful to human health. These areas were concentrated in the Arc of Deforestation. Therefore, 60% of the residents of the Amazon and Central-West regions were subjected to inadequate air quality for approximately six months per year. The proposed indicator is reproducible and appropriate to monitor areas of exposure and risk for human health.

Resumo: Este estudo propõe um indicador de exposição à poluição do ar para identificar potenciais áreas de risco para a saúde humana na região amazônica e no Centro-oeste do Brasil de 2010 a 2019. Esse indicador agrega as concentrações e o tempo de exposição à partículas finas de poluição (PM2.5), de acordo com o limite atual recomendado pela Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS). Foram utilizadas médias diárias de PM2.5 obtidas do Sistema de Informações Ambientais Integrado a Saúde (SISAM) para o cálculo dos percentuais de dias cujas concentrações ultrapassaram o limite de 15μg/m³ por ano e por mês. De 2010 a 2019, os meses de agosto a outubro apresentaram as maiores áreas e os maiores percentuais de dias com valores de concentração inaceitáveis para a saúde humana. Tais áreas estavam concentradas na região do arco do desmatamento. Além disso, 60% dos moradores da região amazônica e do Centro-oeste eram expostos a uma qualidade inadequada do ar por aproximadamente seis meses por ano. O indicador proposto é reprodutível e adequado para monitorizar as áreas de exposição e de risco para a saúde humana.

Resumen: Este estudio propone un indicador de exposición a la contaminación del aire para identificar posibles áreas de riesgo para la salud humana en la región amazónica y el Medio Oeste de Brasil de 2010 a 2019. Este indicador agrega las concentraciones y el tiempo de exposición a partículas finas de contaminación (PM2.5), de acuerdo con el límite actual recomendado por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS). Se utilizaron los promedios diarios de PM2.5 obtenidos del Sistema Integrado de Información Ambiental en Salud (SISAM) para calcular el porcentaje de días cuyas concentraciones superaron el límite de 15μg/m³ por año y por mes. En la década de 2010 a 2019, los meses de agosto a octubre tuvieron las áreas más grandes y los porcentajes más altos de días con valores de concentración inaceptables para la salud humana. Tales áreas se concentraron en la región del arco de la deforestación. Además, el 60% de los residentes de la región amazónica y el Medio Oeste estuvieron sujetos a una calidad del aire inadecuada durante aproximadamente seis meses al año. El indicador propuesto es reproducible y adecuado para monitorizar las áreas de exposición y de riesgo para la salud humana.

Repeated Cycles of Binge-Like Ethanol Exposure Induces Neurobehavioral Changes During Short- and Long-Term Withdrawal in Adolescent Female Rats.

Alcohol consumption is spread worldwide and can lead to an abuse profile associated with severe health problems. Adolescents are more susceptible to addiction and usually consume ethanol in a binge drinking pattern. This form of consumption can lead to cognitive and emotional disorders, however scarce studies have focused on long-term hazardous effects following withdrawal periods after binge drinking in adolescents. Thus, the present study aims at investigating whether behavioral and cognitive changes persist until mid and late adulthood. Female Wistar rats (9-10 animals/group) received intragastric administration of four cycles of ethanol binge-like pattern (3.0 g/kg/day, 20% w/v; 3 days-on/4 days-off) from 35th to 58th days old, followed withdrawal checkpoints 1 day, 30 days, and 60 days. At each checkpoint period, behavioral tests of open field, object recognition test, elevated plus maze, and forced swimming test were performed, and blood and hippocampus were collected for oxidative biochemistry and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels analysis, respectively. The results demonstrated that adolescent rats exposed to binge drinking displayed anxiogenic- and depressive-like phenotype in early and midadulthood, however, anxiety-like profile persisted until late adulthood. Similarly, short-term memory was impaired in all withdrawal periods analysed, including late adult life. These behavioral data were associated with oxidative damage in midadulthood but not BDNF alterations. Taken together, the present work highlights the long-lasting emotional and cognitive alterations induced by ethanol binge drinking during adolescence, even after a long period of abstinence, which might impact adult life.

The Role of Phosphate Fertilization on Physiological Responses of the Young Bertholletia excelsa Plants Grown in a P-Deficient Amazon Ferralsol.

Phosphorus (P) reacts with soil minerals, which makes it less available to plants. Considering that Amazonian soils have a low pH and nutrient availability, both of these properties contribute to an increase in P limitation. Here, we investigate how the addition of P to the substrate affects morpho-physiological traits of Brazil nut trees (Bertholletia excelsa Bonpl.). The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse with 24-month-old saplings, and the P treatments consisted of a control (Ferrasol without P addition) and 100, 200, 400, and 500 mg P kg-1 of added to the soil. When B. excelsa saplings were fertilized with phosphate, the N:P leaf ratio reduced from 50 to 26. Addition of P favored the photochemical efficiency of PSII (FV/FM), and the application of 200 mg kg-1 increased photosynthesis (PN) by 50%. Furthermore, phosphorus enhanced light and nutrient use efficiency. An increase in B. excelsa dry biomass was observed when 200 mg P kg-1 was added, with maximum yield occurring at 306.2 mg P kg-1. Physiological parameters suggest robust responses by B. excelsa to P fertilization. In addition, our findings reveal the critical role of P on B. excelsa growth in Ferralsol, as well as the potential of P fertilization to improve functional traits of this important Amazonian tree.

Habilidades para vida e as necessidades psicológicas básicas de atletas universitários / Life skills and basic psychological needs of university athletes

O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar as necessidades psicológicas básicas (NPB) e a percepção de desenvolvimento de habilidades para vida (HV) em atletas universitários. Participaram 136 atletas universitários (21,78±3,37 anos) participantes dos Jogos Universitários Brasileiros 2019. Os instrumentos utilizados foram a Escala de HV para o Esporte e a Escala de Satisfação das BPN para o Esporte. Para a análise dos dados utilizou-se os testes de Kolmogorov-Smirnorv e o t independente (p<0,05). Os atletas universitários demonstraram satisfação com suas BPN e alta percepção de desenvolvimento de HV. Atletas universitários do sexo masculino e que recebem algum tipo de incentivo financeiro demonstraram se perceber mais autônomos. Já os mais velhos, de instituição privada, que recebem incentivo financeiro indicam maior desenvolvimento de HV no esporte. É fundamental que profissionais envolvidos no contexto universitário proporcionem experiências esportivas positivas, visando fomentar a satisfação das BPN e no desenvolvimento das HV.

The aim of this study was to compare the basic psychological needs (BPN) and the perception of life skills (LS) in university athletes. Participants (n=136) were 21.78±3.37 years and participated in the 2019 Brazilian University Games. The instruments used were the LS Scale for Sport and the BPN Satisfaction Scale for Sport. For data analysis, the Kolmogorov-Smirnorv test and the independent t-test (p<0.05) were used. University athletes demonstrated satisfaction with their BPN and high perception of LS development. Male university athletes receiving some type of financial incentive demonstrated they perceive themselves to be more autonomous. Older athletes from a private institution, who receive financial incentives indicate greater development of LS in sport. University professionals should provide positive sports experiences, aiming to promote BPN satisfaction and the development of LS.