Zostera noltei response to transplantation into historically Hg-contaminated sediments (A mesocosm experiment): Growth, bioaccumulation and photosynthetic performance.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of seagrass recolonization as a nature-based solution for the recovery of a coastal area historically contaminated by mercury (Laranjo Bay, Ria de Aveiro, Portugal). A mesocosm approach was employed to assess the resistance of Zostera noltei to transplantation into contaminated sediments collected in-situ (0.5-20 mg kg-1 Hg). At each sampling time (15, 30, 60, 120 and 210 days), the resistance of transplanted Z. noltei was evaluated through growth parameters (biomass and coverage area), photosynthetic performance and elemental composition. Although some significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) were observed between treatments, essentially associated with the elemental composition of plant tissues, the most relevant variations were associated with seasonality. Overall, plants were found to not be affected by sediment contamination, under the tested concentrations, suggesting that recolonization with Z. noltei can be an effective restoration strategy for historically contaminated coastal areas.

Environmental characteristics, nutritional and executive functions in children of 6 to 7 years / Características ambientais, funções nutricionais e executivas em crianças de 6 a 7 anos

This study aimed to analyze the socio-environmental characteristics, executive and nutritional functions in children aged 6 to 7 years, from public schools in Alagoas, Brazil. A quantitative, cross-sectional and descriptive study was performed involving 64 children of the mentioned age group, from public schools located in Alagoas: Maceió, on the coast; Major Isidoro, in the hinterland and Palmeira dos Índios, in the country. Such analyzes were made through the application of neuropsychological tests and anthropometric assessment with children and food and socio-environmental surveys with their parents. As for the type of housing, 100% were made of masonry, with a bathroom present in 98.4%. All children reported with the habit of bathing in the river / lagoon, presented some pathology. There was no significant difference between cities in terms of the sociodemographic characteristics evaluated, with the same result occurring with the factors associated with the occurrence of diseases in children. The subtests of WISC-IV, were below the average in all municipalities, and the TAC and SCC were classified within the average. However, even though the ranking were divided between below average and average, it is possible to identify from the subtests of WISC-IV, that the general IQ showed a cognitive level below the average. There was also no significant difference in the anthropometric assessment (weight, height, BMI and IMCI) between the evaluated students. The average weight was 23.3 kg to 25 kg, the height between 1.23 m to 1.24 m, the BMI between 16.4 to 17; the IMCI from 2.8 to 3.0. Children were classified within the average. Regarding micronutrients (Ca, Fe, K, Mg and Na, and vitamins A, C, D, B1, B9 and B12) and calories, there was also no significant difference between the cities evaluated. The same occurred with macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates and lipids). This study showed [...].

Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar as características socioambientais, funções executivas e nutricionais de crianças de 6 a 7 anos, de escolas públicas de Alagoas, Brasil. Foi realizado um estudo quantitativo, transversal e descritivo envolvendo 64 crianças, na referida faixa etária, de escolas públicas localizadas em Alagoas: Maceió, no litoral; Major Isidoro, no sertão e Palmeira dos Índios, no país. Tais análises foram feitas por meio da aplicação de testes neuropsicológicos e avaliação antropométrica com crianças e inquéritos alimentares e socioambientais com seus pais. Quanto ao tipo de habitação, 100% eram de alvenaria, com banheiro presente em 98,4%. Todas as crianças relataram o hábito de tomar banho no rio / lagoa, apresentavam alguma patologia. Não houve diferença significativa entre os municípios quanto às características sociodemográficas avaliadas, ocorrendo o mesmo resultado com os fatores associados à ocorrência de doenças em crianças. Os subtestes do WISC-IV, ficaram abaixo da média em todos os municípios, e o TAC e SCC foram classificados dentro da média. Porém, mesmo que a classificação tenha sido dividida entre abaixo da média e média, é possível identificar a partir dos subtestes do WISC-IV, que o QI geral apresentou um nível cognitivo abaixo da média. Também não houve diferença significativa na avaliação antropométrica (peso, altura, IMC e AIDPI) entre os alunos avaliados. O peso médio foi de 23,3 kg a 25 kg, a altura entre 1,23 ma 1,24 m, o IMC entre 16,4 a 17; A AIDPI de 2.8 a 3.0. As crianças foram classificadas dentro da média. Em relação aos micronutrientes (Ca, Fe, K, Mg e Na e vitaminas A, C, D, B1, B9 e B12) e calorias, também não houve diferença significativa entre os municípios avaliados. O mesmo ocorreu com os macronutrientes (proteínas, carboidratos e lipídios). Este estudo mostrou que de maneira geral não houve diferença entre os alunos [...].

Environmental characteristics, nutritional and executive functions in children of 6 to 7 years

Abstract This study aimed to analyze the socio-environmental characteristics, executive and nutritional functions in children aged 6 to 7 years, from public schools in Alagoas, Brazil. A quantitative, cross-sectional and descriptive study was performed involving 64 children of the mentioned age group, from public schools located in Alagoas: Maceió, on the coast; Major Isidoro, in the hinterland and Palmeira dos Índios, in the country. Such analyzes were made through the application of neuropsychological tests and anthropometric assessment with children and food and socio-environmental surveys with their parents. As for the type of housing, 100% were made of masonry, with a bathroom present in 98.4%. All children reported with the habit of bathing in the river / lagoon, presented some pathology. There was no significant difference between cities in terms of the sociodemographic characteristics evaluated, with the same result occurring with the factors associated with the occurrence of diseases in children. The subtests of WISC-IV, were below the average in all municipalities, and the TAC and SCC were classified within the average. However, even though the ranking were divided between below average and average, it is possible to identify from the subtests of WISC-IV, that the general IQ showed a cognitive level below the average. There was also no significant difference in the anthropometric assessment (weight, height, BMI and IMCI) between the evaluated students. The average weight was 23.3 kg to 25 kg, the height between 1.23 m to 1.24 m, the BMI between 16.4 to 17; the IMCI from 2.8 to 3.0. Children were classified within the average. Regarding micronutrients (Ca, Fe, K, Mg and Na, and vitamins A, C, D, B1, B9 and B12) and calories, there was also no significant difference between the cities evaluated. The same occurred with macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates and lipids). This study showed that in general there was no difference between the students of the three municipalities. Probably, even though they are all public schools and from different cities, children have similar social conditions.

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar as características socioambientais, funções executivas e nutricionais de crianças de 6 a 7 anos, de escolas públicas de Alagoas, Brasil. Foi realizado um estudo quantitativo, transversal e descritivo envolvendo 64 crianças, na referida faixa etária, de escolas públicas localizadas em Alagoas: Maceió, no litoral; Major Isidoro, no sertão e Palmeira dos Índios, no país. Tais análises foram feitas por meio da aplicação de testes neuropsicológicos e avaliação antropométrica com crianças e inquéritos alimentares e socioambientais com seus pais. Quanto ao tipo de habitação, 100% eram de alvenaria, com banheiro presente em 98,4%. Todas as crianças relataram o hábito de tomar banho no rio / lagoa, apresentavam alguma patologia. Não houve diferença significativa entre os municípios quanto às características sociodemográficas avaliadas, ocorrendo o mesmo resultado com os fatores associados à ocorrência de doenças em crianças. Os subtestes do WISC-IV, ficaram abaixo da média em todos os municípios, e o TAC e SCC foram classificados dentro da média. Porém, mesmo que a classificação tenha sido dividida entre abaixo da média e média, é possível identificar a partir dos subtestes do WISC-IV, que o QI geral apresentou um nível cognitivo abaixo da média. Também não houve diferença significativa na avaliação antropométrica (peso, altura, IMC e AIDPI) entre os alunos avaliados. O peso médio foi de 23,3 kg a 25 kg, a altura entre 1,23 ma 1,24 m, o IMC entre 16,4 a 17; A AIDPI de 2.8 a 3.0. As crianças foram classificadas dentro da média. Em relação aos micronutrientes (Ca, Fe, K, Mg e Na e vitaminas A, C, D, B1, B9 e B12) e calorias, também não houve diferença significativa entre os municípios avaliados. O mesmo ocorreu com os macronutrientes (proteínas, carboidratos e lipídios). Este estudo mostrou que de maneira geral não houve diferença entre os alunos dos três municípios. Provavelmente, mesmo sendo todas escolas públicas e de diferentes cidades, as crianças têm condições sociais semelhantes.

Environmental characteristics, nutritional and executive functions in children of 6 to 7 years / Características ambientais, funções nutricionais e executivas em crianças de 6 a 7 anos

Abstract This study aimed to analyze the socio-environmental characteristics, executive and nutritional functions in children aged 6 to 7 years, from public schools in Alagoas, Brazil. A quantitative, cross-sectional and descriptive study was performed involving 64 children of the mentioned age group, from public schools located in Alagoas: Maceió, on the coast; Major Isidoro, in the hinterland and Palmeira dos Índios, in the country. Such analyzes were made through the application of neuropsychological tests and anthropometric assessment with children and food and socio-environmental surveys with their parents. As for the type of housing, 100% were made of masonry, with a bathroom present in 98.4%. All children reported with the habit of bathing in the river / lagoon, presented some pathology. There was no significant difference between cities in terms of the sociodemographic characteristics evaluated, with the same result occurring with the factors associated with the occurrence of diseases in children. The subtests of WISC-IV, were below the average in all municipalities, and the TAC and SCC were classified within the average. However, even though the ranking were divided between below average and average, it is possible to identify from the subtests of WISC-IV, that the general IQ showed a cognitive level below the average. There was also no significant difference in the anthropometric assessment (weight, height, BMI and IMCI) between the evaluated students. The average weight was 23.3 kg to 25 kg, the height between 1.23 m to 1.24 m, the BMI between 16.4 to 17; the IMCI from 2.8 to 3.0. Children were classified within the average. Regarding micronutrients (Ca, Fe, K, Mg and Na, and vitamins A, C, D, B1, B9 and B12) and calories, there was also no significant difference between the cities evaluated. The same occurred with macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates and lipids). This study showed that in general there was no difference between the students of the three municipalities. Probably, even though they are all public schools and from different cities, children have similar social conditions.

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar as características socioambientais, funções executivas e nutricionais de crianças de 6 a 7 anos, de escolas públicas de Alagoas, Brasil. Foi realizado um estudo quantitativo, transversal e descritivo envolvendo 64 crianças, na referida faixa etária, de escolas públicas localizadas em Alagoas: Maceió, no litoral; Major Isidoro, no sertão e Palmeira dos Índios, no país. Tais análises foram feitas por meio da aplicação de testes neuropsicológicos e avaliação antropométrica com crianças e inquéritos alimentares e socioambientais com seus pais. Quanto ao tipo de habitação, 100% eram de alvenaria, com banheiro presente em 98,4%. Todas as crianças relataram o hábito de tomar banho no rio / lagoa, apresentavam alguma patologia. Não houve diferença significativa entre os municípios quanto às características sociodemográficas avaliadas, ocorrendo o mesmo resultado com os fatores associados à ocorrência de doenças em crianças. Os subtestes do WISC-IV, ficaram abaixo da média em todos os municípios, e o TAC e SCC foram classificados dentro da média. Porém, mesmo que a classificação tenha sido dividida entre abaixo da média e média, é possível identificar a partir dos subtestes do WISC-IV, que o QI geral apresentou um nível cognitivo abaixo da média. Também não houve diferença significativa na avaliação antropométrica (peso, altura, IMC e AIDPI) entre os alunos avaliados. O peso médio foi de 23,3 kg a 25 kg, a altura entre 1,23 ma 1,24 m, o IMC entre 16,4 a 17; A AIDPI de 2.8 a 3.0. As crianças foram classificadas dentro da média. Em relação aos micronutrientes (Ca, Fe, K, Mg e Na e vitaminas A, C, D, B1, B9 e B12) e calorias, também não houve diferença significativa entre os municípios avaliados. O mesmo ocorreu com os macronutrientes (proteínas, carboidratos e lipídios). Este estudo mostrou que de maneira geral não houve diferença entre os alunos dos três municípios. Provavelmente, mesmo sendo todas escolas públicas e de diferentes cidades, as crianças têm condições sociais semelhantes.

Metal(oid)s accumulation (Hg and As) and their biochemical effects in Halimione portulacoides (Ria de Aveiro, Portugal).

For decades, mercury (Hg) and arsenic (As) were discharged into the Aveiro Lagoon. This study was designed to assess the natural attenuation process evolution by: (1) evaluating Hg and As concentration in sediments and in Halimione portulacoides, and assess the long-term evolution of a historically contaminated salt-marsh system; (2) evaluating the stress levels imposed by Hg and As, and the mechanisms triggered to squash oxidative damage. Concentrations of Hg and As in sediments varied considerably between sampling locations. H. portulacoides did not bioconcentrate Hg and As, restricted translocation to aerial biomass and immobilized contaminants in cell walls. The ions that reached the cytosol induced oxidative stress, restrained by antioxidant mechanisms, especially SOD and CAT activity. Results show that after 25 years of natural attenuation, contamination decreased in the sediment, but remains above non-contaminated systems and continues to induce toxicity in the saltmarsh halophyte community, evidencing the persistent effect of Hg and As contamination.

Neuropsychological manifestations of long COVID in hospitalized and non-hospitalized Brazilian Patients.

BACKGROUND: There has been a significant increase in number of patients seeking neuropsychological rehabilitation months after the acute phase of COVID-19 infection. OBJECTIVE: Identify the cognitive and psychiatric disorders in patients with long COVID or Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID (PASC) and explore the association between disease severity during the acute phase and persistent neuropsychological manifestations. METHODS: 614 adults were assessed an average of eight months post-infection. Participants were, on average, 47.6 y.o., who sought rehabilitation for neuropsychological problems. Patients were evaluated using the Barrow Neurological Institute Screen for Higher Cerebral Functions (BNIS), Phonemic Verbal Fluency and Clock Drawing tests (NEUPSILIN) for executive functions, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). RESULTS: The BNIS score was significantly below reference values in all subscales, especially affect and memory. Verbal Fluency and Clock Drawing subtest results were also lower. Patients with PASC tested high for anxiety/depression, but there was no statistically significant relationship between HADS and BNIS scores. Neuropsychological evaluations showed no differences in cognitive or psychiatric profiles between hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients. CONCLUSIONS: Neuropsychological results suggest executive function problems and high incidence of anxiety/depression, irrespective of acute-phase severity, underscoring a need for neurorehabilitation programs while providing data for public policy initiatives.

Mercury bioaccessibility in fish and seafood: Effect of method, cooking and trophic level on consumption risk assessment.

The bioaccessible Hg fraction in fish and seafood commonly present in the Mediterranean diet was assessed through three distinct in vitro extraction schemes. Each extraction method provided different results, highlighting the lack of a universal methodology to estimate mercury (Hg) bioaccessibility in those matrices. Bioaccessible Hg fractions ranged from 10 to nearly 90% of total mercury (T-Hg) and increased in predator species (Swordfish - Xiphias gladius, Blue Shark - Prionace glauca and Tuna - Thunnus sp.). Among the three extractions tested, the Unified Bioaccessibility Method (UBM) provided the highest estimation of Hg bioaccessibility for consumers. The tested cooking procedures (frying, grilling and steaming) considerably reduced the bioaccessible fraction. Results indicate that bioaccessible Hg found in ingested fish and seafood is far below the levels set by the current safety risk assessment legislation. These findings highlight the importance of integrating bioaccessibility measurements in food safety legislation.

Environmental characteristics, nutritional and executive functions in children of 6 to 7 years.

This study aimed to analyze the socio-environmental characteristics, executive and nutritional functions in children aged 6 to 7 years, from public schools in Alagoas, Brazil. A quantitative, cross-sectional and descriptive study was performed involving 64 children of the mentioned age group, from public schools located in Alagoas: Maceió, on the coast; Major Isidoro, in the hinterland and Palmeira dos Índios, in the country. Such analyzes were made through the application of neuropsychological tests and anthropometric assessment with children and food and socio-environmental surveys with their parents. As for the type of housing, 100% were made of masonry, with a bathroom present in 98.4%. All children reported with the habit of bathing in the river / lagoon, presented some pathology. There was no significant difference between cities in terms of the sociodemographic characteristics evaluated, with the same result occurring with the factors associated with the occurrence of diseases in children. The subtests of WISC-IV, were below the average in all municipalities, and the TAC and SCC were classified within the average. However, even though the ranking were divided between below average and average, it is possible to identify from the subtests of WISC-IV, that the general IQ showed a cognitive level below the average. There was also no significant difference in the anthropometric assessment (weight, height, BMI and IMCI) between the evaluated students. The average weight was 23.3 kg to 25 kg, the height between 1.23 m to 1.24 m, the BMI between 16.4 to 17; the IMCI from 2.8 to 3.0. Children were classified within the average. Regarding micronutrients (Ca, Fe, K, Mg and Na, and vitamins A, C, D, B1, B9 and B12) and calories, there was also no significant difference between the cities evaluated. The same occurred with macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates and lipids). This study showed that in general there was no difference between the students of the three municipalities. Probably, even though they are all public schools and from different cities, children have similar social conditions.

Antibiotic prophylaxis in orthognathic surgery: an overview of systematic reviews.

The purpose of this overview was to assess different antibiotic regimens used in orthognathic surgery and to establish an evidence-based protocol so that beneficial and adverse effects can be determined. A comprehensive literature search for systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses was conducted in MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library until March 2020. Grey literature was investigated in Google Scholar, and a manual search was done of references lists. Two meta-analyses and four systematic reviews met the inclusion criteria. The AMSTAR-2-tool was used to ascertain the potential risk of bias in the included studies, which presented moderate to high methodological quality. Lower infection rates were associated with long-term therapies of penicillin, cefazolin-cephalexin, and amoxicillin-clavulanic-acid, with rates varying from 0% - 3.13%. Higher rates were reported in placebo groups (52.6%) and short-term penicillin therapy (60%). Side effects were reported with cefazolin, clindamycin, and penicillin therapies, including nausea, pain, swelling, headache, vomiting, and skin rash. Evidence suggests that long-term antibiotics can reduce the risk of a surgical site infection (SSI) in orthognathic surgery, but there is uncertainty regarding the effects of one dose of antibiotics preoperatively versus short-term antibiotics. In the same way, intravenous penicillin, cefazolin, clindamycin, and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid kept the infection rates associated with bimaxillary procedures under 3.5%.

Dark Energy Survey Year 1 Results: Cosmological Constraints from Cluster Abundances, Weak Lensing, and Galaxy Correlations.

We present the first joint analysis of cluster abundances and auto or cross-correlations of three cosmic tracer fields: galaxy density, weak gravitational lensing shear, and cluster density split by optical richness. From a joint analysis (4×2pt+N) of cluster abundances, three cluster cross-correlations, and the auto correlations of the galaxy density measured from the first year data of the Dark Energy Survey, we obtain Ω_{m}=0.305_{-0.038}^{+0.055} and σ_{8}=0.783_{-0.054}^{+0.064}. This result is consistent with constraints from the DES-Y1 galaxy clustering and weak lensing two-point correlation functions for the flat νΛCDM model. Consequently, we combine cluster abundances and all two-point correlations from across all three cosmic tracer fields (6×2pt+N) and find improved constraints on cosmological parameters as well as on the cluster observable-mass scaling relation. This analysis is an important advance in both optical cluster cosmology and multiprobe analyses of upcoming wide imaging surveys.

Stability and surgical complications of tooth-borne and bone-borne appliances in surgical assisted rapid maxillary expansion: a systematic review.

The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the stability and complications of tooth-borne (TB), bone-borne (BB) and hybrid (TB-BB) appliances in surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME). Database searches were conducted (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and SciELO), as well as a grey literature search (Google Scholar) and hand searches of reference lists. Forty-six articles were included after study selection (κ=0.854). After eligibility assessment, 16 articles and one article from the grey literature were processed (κ=0.866) and six articles were selected by hand searching, for a total of 23 articles included. Regarding stability, TB appliances showed width relapse rates ranging from 4 to 35% in canines, from 1 to 37% in premolars and from 0.2 to 49.5% in molars. In BB appliances, width relapse rates were 1.7-21% in canines, 1.5% in premolars and 4.6-11.5% in molars. In hybrid appliances, the width relapse rate was 14% in premolars, with a 1.8% overexpansion reported in the molar region. In TB and BB appliances, skeletal relapse rates were similar on the nasal floor (11-53% and 41.6%, respectively) and at the level of the maxilla (18% and 16%, respectively). The most common complications were bone resorption in TB appliances (18.14%) and appliance-related complications in BB appliances (17.9%). The risk of bias was high in 19 studies, medium in three studies and low in one study. The TB and BB appliances used in SARME were considered to have a high long-term stability. BB appliances appeared to have fewer relapses than TB appliances due to a more parallel distribution of forces exerted. However, relapse appears to be highly influenced by postorthodontic treatments, where arch-form coordination is achieved in the consolidation period with the purpose of overexpansion correction, alignment and final vertical adjustments. Further randomised controlled trials with long-term data and large sample sizes are needed to support evidence-based clinical decision-making and to allow meta-analytic studies of stability outcomes regarding the type of anchorage in SARME.

Hierarchy of surgical stability in orthognathic surgery: overview of systematic reviews.

The purpose was to perform an overview of systematic reviews in order to create a hierarchical scale of stability in orthognathic surgery with the aid of the highest level of scientific evidence. The systematic search was conducted in the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. The grey literature was investigated in Google Scholar and a manual search was done of the references lists of included studies. Fifteen studies were included in the final sample, of which eight were systematic reviews and seven were meta-analyses. These were assessed for methodological quality using the AMSTAR 2 tool and all were considered to be of medium to high methodological quality. The clinical studies included in the 15 reviews and meta-analyses were classified by the review authors as having a moderate to high potential for risk of bias. The hierarchical pyramid of stability in orthognathic surgery was established, with two surgical procedures considered highly unstable: (1) maxillary expansion with semi-rigid internal fixation evaluated at the dental level in the posterior region, and (2) clockwise rotation of the mandible with rigid internal fixation of bicortical screws in the sagittal direction.

Multiple regression analysis to assess the spatial distribution and speciation of mercury in surface sediments of a contaminated lagoon.

The concentrations of inorganic mercury (IHg) and methylmercury (MeHg) in surface sediments from the contaminated Aveiro Lagoon (Portugal) were determined by species-specific isotope dilution analysis. Different behaviour of IHg and MeHg was observed based upon multiple regression analysis, including geochemical characteristics of the surface sediments (fine fraction, concentrations of organic matter and metals) and non-Euclidean distances between sampling points. This data treatment method was valid over the entire concentration range of IHg and MeHg, allowing robust quantitative evaluation with respect to extrapolation. For IHg, there was statistical separation of the dispersion away from the contamination source and of Al concentration in the sediments. The MeHg concentrations followed those of IHg at high concentrations. The geochemical variables, such as concentrations of Ca (marine influence proxy), Mn and organic matter, were necessary to describe the behaviour of MeHg across the whole concentration range. The models for MeHg demonstrated that, close to the mouth of the lagoon, net production of MeHg was higher. In future, multiple regression analysis could be applied to separate and to evaluate quantitatively the effects of geochemistry and dispersion away from the contamination source in sediments contaminated with other substances.

Mobility versus retention of mercury in bare and salt marsh sediments of a recovering coastal lagoon (Ria de Aveiro, Portugal).

During decades, mercury (Hg) was discharged into the Aveiro Lagoon. Twenty-five years after the cessation of discharges, sediment cores were collected at two areas to assess the evolution of the mercury contamination status. Vertical Hg profiles differed considerably between bare and vegetated sediments. Bare sediments contained significantly less Hg (<8 mg kg-1) than historical data of 1995 (up to 40 mg kg-1), probably resulting from erosion. Salt marsh sediments were marked by a Hg sub-surface enrichment, reaching 44 mg kg-1 in the site closer to the industrial discharge point. High Hg concentrations in 2007, 2011 and 2016 were found at similar sediment layers. These results emphasise the role of halophyte plants in the cycling and retention of Hg in sediments. The persistency of high Hg in the upper marsh layers highlights the complexity in the recovery of historically contaminated marshes and the vulnerability to modifications in hydrology associated with climate changes.

Biodegradation of polyethylene microplastics by the marine fungus Zalerion maritimum.

Plastic yearly production has surpassed the 300milliontons mark and recycling has all but failed in constituting a viable solution for the disposal of plastic waste. As these materials continue to accumulate in the environment, namely, in rivers and oceans, in the form of macro-, meso-, micro- and nanoplastics, it becomes of the utmost urgency to find new ways to curtail this environmental threat. Multiple efforts have been made to identify and isolate microorganisms capable of utilizing synthetic polymers and recent results point towards the viability of a solution for this problem based on the biodegradation of plastics resorting to selected microbial strains. Herein, the response of the fungus Zalerion maritimum to different times of exposition to polyethylene (PE) pellets, in a minimum growth medium, was evaluated, based on the quantified mass differences in both the fungus and the microplastic pellets used. Additionally, molecular changes were assessed through attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). Results showed that, under the tested conditions, Z. maritimum is capable of utilizing PE, resulting in the decrease, in both mass and size, of the pellets. These results indicate that this naturally occurring fungus may actively contribute to the biodegradation of microplastics, requiring minimum nutrients.

Ibuprofen intake increases exercise time to exhaustion: A possible role for preventing exercise-induced fatigue.

Although the intake of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) intake by athletes prevents soreness, little is known concerning their role in exercise performance. This study assessed the effects of ibuprofen intake on an exhaustive protocol test after 6 weeks of swimming training in rats. Animals were divided into sedentary and training groups. After training, animals were subdivided into two subsets: saline or ibuprofen. Afterwards, three repeated swimming bouts were performed by the groups. Ibuprofen (15 mg/kg) was administered once a day. Pain measurements were performed and inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters were assayed in cerebral cortex and gastrocnemius muscle. Training, ibuprofen administration, or both combined (P < 0.05; 211 ± 18s, 200 ± 31s, and 279 ± 23s) increased exercise time to exhaustion. Training decreased the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity (P < 0.05; 149 ± 11) in cerebral cortex. Ibuprofen intake decreased the AChE activity after exhaustive protocol test in trained and sedentary rats (P < 0.05; 270 ± 60; 171 ± 38; and 273 ± 29). It also prevented neuronal tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL 1ß) increase. Fatigue elicited by this exhaustive protocol may involve disturbances of the central nervous system. Additive anti-inflammatory effects of exercise and ibuprofen intake support the hypothesis that this combination may constitute a more effective approach. In addition, ergogenic aids may be a useful means to prevent exercise-induced fatigue.

Mercury accumulation and tissue-specific antioxidant efficiency in the wild European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) with emphasis on seasonality.

The main goal of this study was to assess both mercury (Hg) accumulation and organs' specific oxidative stress responses of gills, liver and kidney of Dicentrarchus labrax with emphasis on seasonality. Fish were collected in cold and warm periods in three stations: reference, moderated and highly contaminated sites. Our results showed that seasonal factors slightly influenced Hg accumulation between year periods (cold and warm) and strongly affected organs' response basal levels. In contrast, seasonality seemed not to influence oxidative stress responses, since similar response patterns were obtained for both year periods, and moderate degree of antioxidant responses was obtained. Moreover, the oxidative stress profile may be attributed to Hg contamination degree, which showed organ-specific response and accumulation patterns. Hence, gills showed to be able to adapt to Hg contamination, and in opposition, kidney and liver demonstrated some vulnerability to Hg toxicity. The critical Hg concentrations indicated specific threshold limits for each organ. Overall, seasonality should be taken into account in monitoring programmes, helping to characterize the individuals' reference values of response and thus to discriminate between the effects induced by natural causes or by contamination.

Preventive effect of CuCl2 on behavioral alterations and mercury accumulation in central nervous system induced by HgCl2 in newborn rats.

This study investigated the benefits of Cu preexposition on Hg effects on behavioral tests, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and Hg, and essential metal contents in the cerebrum and cerebellum of neonate rats. Wistar rats received (subcutaneous) saline or CuCl2 ·2H2O (6.9 mg/kg/day) when they were 3 to 7 days old and saline or HgCl2 (5.0 mg/kg/day) when they were 8 to 12 days old. Mercury exposure reduced the performance of rats in the negative geotaxis (3-13 days) and beaker test (17-20 days), inhibited cerebellum AChE activity (13 days), increased cerebrum and cerebellum Hg (13 days), cerebrum Cu (13 days), and cerebrum and cerebellum Zn levels (33 days). The performance of rats in the tail immersion and rotarod tests as well as Fe and Mg levels were not altered by treatments. Copper prevented all alterations induced by mercury. These results are important to open a new perspective of prevention and/or therapy for mercury exposure.

Influence of age, sex and breeding status on mercury accumulation patterns in the wandering albatross Diomedea exulans.

Although mercury bio-amplifies through the food chain and accumulates in top predators, mercury concentrations in tissues of the wandering albatross are greater than in any other vertebrate, including closely related species. In order to explore the alternative explanations for this pattern, we measured total mercury concentrations in feathers, plasma and blood cells of wandering albatrosses of known age, sex and breeding status sampled at South Georgia. Mercury concentrations were low in feathers and blood components of chicks, and higher in the feathers of young pre-breeders than in feathers or blood of older pre-breeders and breeding adults. There was no effect of sex on mercury concentrations in the feathers of pre-breeders or breeding adults, whereas levels were significantly higher in blood cells of breeding females than males. The high feather mercury concentrations of young pre-breeders compared with older birds suggest an increase in moult frequency as birds approach maturity.

Major inputs and mobility of potentially toxic elements contamination in urban areas.

Soil quality in urban areas is affected by anthropogenic activities, posing a risk to human health and ecosystems. Since the pseudo-total concentrations of potentially toxic elements may not reflect their potential risks, the study of element mobility is very important on a risk assessment basis. This study aims at characterising the distribution and major sources of 34 elements in two Portuguese urban areas (Lisbon and Viseu), with different geological characteristics, industrial and urban development processes. Furthermore, the potential availability of As, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn was assessed, by measuring the fraction easily mobilised. Lisbon is enriched in elements of geogenic and anthropogenic origin, whereas in the smaller city, the high levels observed are mainly related to a geogenic origin. Background values can be more relevant than the dimension of the city, even when anthropogenic components may be present, and this parameter should be considered when comparing results from different cities. Regarding the potential available fraction, a high variability of results was observed for elements and for sampling sites with an influence of the soil's general characteristics. Elements showing very high concentrations due to geological reasons presented, in general, a low mobility and it was not dependent on the degree of contamination. For elements with major anthropogenic origin, only Zn was dependent on the pseudo-total content. Yet, the highest available fractions of some elements, both with major geogenic and anthropogenic origin, were observed in specific contaminated samples. Therefore, a site-specific evaluation in urban soils is important due to the high spatial variability and heterogeneity.