Accumulation of polyethylene microplastics in river biofilms and effect on the uptake, biotransformation and toxicity of the antimicrobial triclosan.

The interaction of multiple stressors in freshwater ecosystems may lead to adverse effects on aquatic communities and their ecological functions. Microplastics (MPs) are a class of contaminants of emerging concern that can exert both direct and indirect ecotoxicological effects. A growing number of studies have investigated MPs-attached microbial communities, but the interaction between MPs and substrate-associated biofilm (i.e., on natural river substrates, such as stones and sediments) remains poorly studied. In this work, the combined effects of polyethylene MPs (PE-MPs) with a particle size of 10-45 µm (2 mg/L) and the antimicrobial triclosan (TCS) (20 µg/L) were investigated on river biofilms through a short-term exposure experiment (72 h). To the best of authors' knowledge, this is the first time that the combined effects of MPs and chemical contaminants in substrate-associated river biofilms were assessed. Different response parameters were evaluated, including (i) exposure assessment and ii) contaminants effects at different levels: bacterial community composition, antibiotic resistance, extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), photosynthetic efficiency (Yeff), and leucine aminopeptidase activity (LAPA). Triclosan was accumulated in river biofilms (1189-1513 ng/g dw) alongside its biotransformation product methyl-triclosan (20-29 ng/g dw). Also, PE-MPs were detected on biofilms (168-292 MP/cm2), but they had no significant influence on the bioaccumulation and biotransformation of TCS. A moderate shift in bacterial community composition was driven by TCS, regardless of PE-MPs co-exposure (e.g., increased relative abundance of Sphingomonadaceae family). Additionally, Yeff and EPS content were significantly disrupted in TCS-exposed biofilms. Therefore, the most remarkable effects on river biofilms were related to the antimicrobial TCS, whereas single PE-MPs exposure did not alter any of the evaluated parameters. These results demonstrate that biofilms might act as environmental sink of MPs. Although no interaction between PE-MPs and TCS was observed, the possible indirect impact of other MPs-adsorbed contaminants on biofilms should be further assessed.

First evidence of environmental bioaccumulation of pharmaceuticals on adult native anurans (Rhinella arenarum) from Argentina.

The presence of pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) in surface water is well known, whereas their natural occurrence in biota is much less explored. The aim of this work was to evaluate the bioaccumulation of PhACs in adult toads of the neotropical species Rhinella arenarum. Three sites were selected in Buenos Aires (Argentina): a reference site (Site 1), a site with direct discharge from a secondary wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) (Site 2) and a site 300 m downstream of the WWTP discharge (Site 3). Surface water samples, as well as muscle, liver and fat bodies of toads were collected, extracted and analyzed by LC-MS/MS. Highly significant differences in total PhACs concentration in surface water (p < 0.005) were detected between Site 2 and the other sites. These concentrations ranged from 0.37 to 52.46 ng/L at Site 1, 0.71-6950.37 ng/L at Site 2, and 0.12-75.45 ng/L at Site 3. In general, bioaccumulation of PhACs in toad tissues was similar between sites and tissues of each site. The highest concentrations were detected in the muscle of toads from Site 3 (1.06-87.24 ng/g dw), followed by liver (1.77-38.10 ng/g dw) and fat bodies (0.68-20.59 ng/g dw) from Site 1. Ibuprofen (6950 ng/L), acetaminophen (3277 ng/L) and valsartan (2504 ng/L) were the compounds with the highest concentrations in surface water from Site 2, whereas acetaminophen (87.2 ng/g dw, muscle from Site 3), desloratadine (38.1 ng/g dw, liver from Site 1), and phenazone (25.9 ng/g dw, liver from Site 1) were the ones that showed the highest concentrations in biota. This is the first time a field study has examined the environmental bioaccumulation of PhACs in anurans, demonstrating their potential for monitoring the status of natural ecosystems.

Combined exposure of the bivalve Mytilus galloprovincialis to polyethylene microplastics and two pharmaceuticals (citalopram and bezafibrate): Bioaccumulation and metabolomic studies.

Pharmaceuticals and microplastics constitute potential hazards in aquatic systems, but their combined effects and underlying toxicity mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, a simultaneous characterization of bioaccumulation, associated metabolomic alterations and potential recovery mechanisms was performed. Specifically, a bioassay on Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) was carried out with polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPLs, 1 mg/L) and citalopram or bezafibrate (500 ng/L). Single and co-exposure scenarios lasted 21 days, followed by a 7-day depuration period to assess their potential recovery. PE-MPLs delayed the bioaccumulation of citalopram (lower mean at 10 d: 447 compared to 770 ng/g dw under single exposure), although reaching similar tissue concentrations after 21 d. A more limited accumulation of bezafibrate was observed overall, regardless of PE-MPLs co-exposure (

Bioaccumulation and fate of pharmaceuticals in a Mediterranean coastal lagoon: Temporal variation and impact of a flash flood event.

Coastal ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to terrestrial inputs from human-impacted areas. The prevalence of wastewater treatment plants, unable to remove contaminants such as pharmaceuticals (PhACs), leads to their continuous input into the marine environment. In this paper, the seasonal occurrence of PhACs in a semi-confined coastal lagoon (the Mar Menor, south-eastern Spain) was studied during 2018 and 2019 by evaluating their presence in seawater and sediments, and their bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms. Temporal variation in the contamination levels was evaluated by comparison to a previous study carried out between 2010 and 2011 before the cessation of permanent discharges of treated wastewater into the lagoon. The impact of a flash flood event (September 2019) on PhACs pollution was also assessed. A total of seven compounds (out of 69 PhACs analysed) were found in seawater during 2018-2019, with a limited detection frequency (<33%) and concentrations (up to 11 ng/L of clarithromycin). Only carbamazepine was found in sediments (ND-1.2 ng/g dw), suggesting an improved environmental quality in comparison to 2010-2011 (when 24 and 13 compounds were detected in seawater and sediments, respectively). However, the biomonitoring of fish and molluscs showed a still remarkable accumulation of analgesic/anti-inflammatory drugs, lipid regulators, psychiatric drugs and ß-blocking agents, albeit not higher than in 2010. The flash flood event from 2019 increased the prevalence of PhACs in the lagoon, compared to the 2018-2019 sampling campaigns, especially in the upper water layer. After the flash flood the antibiotics clarithromycin and sulfapyridine yielded the highest concentrations ever reported in the lagoon (297 and 145 ng/L, respectively), alongside azithromycin in 2011 (155 ng/L). Flash flood events associated with sewer overflows and soil mobilisation, which are expected to increase under climate change scenarios, should be considered when assessing the risks posed by pharmaceuticals to vulnerable aquatic ecosystems in the coastal areas.

A holistic assessment of the sources, prevalence, and distribution of bisphenol A and analogues in water, sediments, biota and plastic litter of the Ebro Delta (Spain).

Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the main ubiquitous compounds released from plastics in the environment. This compound, considered an endocrine disruptor, poses a risk to aquatic wildlife and human population, being included in multiple environmental monitoring programmes. Following the regulations restricting BPA use in the last years, BPA-like chemicals have been produced and used as BPA substitutes. However, they are not commonly included in monitoring programs yet and their presence is thus misrepresented, despite showing similar endocrine disrupting potential. In this work, an analytical method for analysing bisphenol A and five of its analogues (Bisphenol S, B, F, AF and Tetrabromobisphenol A) is described, validated for water (riverine, sea and wastewater), sediment, and biota (fish and biofilm) and applied to monitor their presence in the Ebro River Delta (NE Spain). In addition, plastic litter was also collected to evaluate their role as potential source of bisphenols. All compounds except BPF were detected in the analysed samples. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) were discarded as major sources of BPs into the natural aquatic environment, as no BPs were detected in treated effluents. Indeed, the high levels of BPs in the natural environment could be related with direct discharge of raw wastewater from small rural population nucleus. The analysis of riverine plastic leachates yielded 4 out of the 6 BPs analysed, strengthening the hypothesis that plastic debris are also a source of BPs in the natural environment. Whereas Bisphenol S and BPA were detected in water and, to a limited extent, in biota, less polar analogues (mainly BPAF and TBBPA) were not found in any of the water samples. Instead, these hydrophobic BPs were found in fish tissues and biofilm, pointing out plastics and microplastics as their possible vectors. Finally, biofilm demonstrated its potential as sentinel of chemical contamination in freshwater environment.

Genotoxic and mutagenic effects of methyl ether dillapiole on the development of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae).

Dillapiole, extracted from Piper aduncum essential oil and its derivatives, has been shown to be a potential alternative to the control of Aedes aegypti, which has become resistant to synthetic insecticides. Methyl ether dillapiole (MED) and temephos (TM) were compared to complement the data on the genotoxicity and developmental changes of Ae. aegypti. Over four generations (G1 -G4 ), third stage larvae were treated with MED at 60, 80 and 100 µg/mL and TM at 0.002, 0.005 and 0.007 µg/mL for 4 h. Adult females were separated to estimate oviposition and hatching rates, and total egg length. Over the four generations, a significant reduction was recorded in oviposition and hatching rates, and in mean egg length (Tukey, P < 0.05), compared with the negative control (NC). Cytological slide preparations were done from adult oocytes and larval neuroblasts. The cumulative effects of genotoxic (bridges, budding and nuclear fragmentation) and mutagenic (micronucleus and chromosomal breakage) damage was observed in the neuroblasts and oocytes of exposed mosquitoes. Developmental changes and damage to the genome of MED-treated Ae. aegypti were greater than those caused by TM. Further studies should focus on understanding the effects of the MED molecule on Ae. aegypti.

Evaluation of Hypoglycemic Therapy Through Physical Exercise in n5STZ-Induced Diabetes Rats.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is a syndrome with multiple etiologies involving insulin, in which there is a lack of production and/or loss of sensitivity to this hormone resulting in insulin resistance. Treatment and control of this disease requires changes in diet, use of medication, and lifestyle, such as physical activity. These modifications may compromise quality-of-life if there is no proper guidance for the treatment or alert to possible complications caused by the disease. METHODS: This study aimed to evaluate biochemical and hematological parameters, and to assess brain derived neurotrophic factor levels in diabetic Wistar rats submitted to chronic physical exercise. RESULTS: The results demonstrated an increase in plasma concentration of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in association with hyperglycemia reduction in diabetic animals. DISCUSSION: The results obtained suggest that there is a regulation of glucose homeostasis between peripheral tissues and the central nervous system. Exercise-induced BDNF also improved levels of glycemia, body weight, and dyslipidemia. In hematological evaluation, BDNF increase was positively correlated with an improvement in leukocyte parameters. Electrophoresis analyses demonstrated a reduction in levels of pro-inflammatory proteins, lipoprotein fractions, and albumin preservation in diabetic animals trained with elevated concentration of plasma BDNF. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study demonstrated that chronic exercise was able to elevate BDNF levels in plasma, which resulted directly in positive hypoglycemic activity in diabetic animals and a reduction of the metabolic syndrome associated with diabetes mellitus.

Exposure to single and binary mixtures of fullerenes and triclosan: Reproductive and behavioral effects in the freshwater snail Radix balthica.

Emerging pollutants occur in complex mixtures in rivers and have the potential to interact with freshwater organisms. The chronic effects of nominal exposure to 3 µg/L of fullerenes (C60) and 1 µg/L of triclosan (TCS) alone and in a binary mixture, were evaluated using the freshwater snail Radix balthica. Pollutants accumulation, reproductive output and feeding behavior were selected as sublethal endpoints. After 21 days of exposure, we did not observe interactive effects between TCS and C60 on the studied endpoints, except for the accumulation of C60 in R. balthica in TCS + C60 treatment, which was lower than when the fullerenes were alone. Neither TCS nor C60 caused significant effects on reproduction, expressed as number of eggs per individual, but an increase in the clutch size was observed in treatments with TCS at the third week of exposure, independently of the presence of C60 (16.15 ± 1.67 and 18.9 ± 4.01 eggs/egg mass in TCS and TCS + C60 treatments, respectively, vs. 13.17 ±â€¯4.01 in control). The presence of C60 significantly enhanced the grazing activity of R. balthica during the first seven days (4.95 ±â€¯1.35 and 3.91 ±â€¯0.59% of the area grazed per individual in C60 and TCS + C60 treatments, respectively, vs 2.6 ±â€¯0.39% in control). The accumulation of TCS was quite similar in treatments where this pollutant was present (BAF ≈ 1007 L/kg d.w.); however, the accumulation of C60 was higher when the nanoparticles were alone (BAF = 254.88 L/kg d.w.) than when it was in the binary mixture (BAF = 7.79 L/kg d.w). Overall, although TCS has been listed as an endocrine disrupter compound, no significant effects on reproduction were observed in the assayed conditions. Regarding C60, the limited effects on feeding activity and the low BAF obtained in this experiment indicate that fullerenes do not have ecological consequences of relevance at the studied environmental concentrations in freshwater snails.

Contrasting the Surface Phonon Dispersion of Pb_{0.7}Sn_{0.3}Se in Its Topologically Trivial and Nontrivial Phases.

We report inelastic He atom scattering measurements of the (001) surface phonon dispersion of the topological crystalline insulator Pb_{0.7}Sn_{0.3}Se. This material exhibits a temperature-dependent topological transition, so we measure the surface dispersion curves in both the trivial and nontrivial phases. We identify that, peculiarly, most surface modes are resonances, rather than pure surface states. We find that a shear vertical surface resonance branch around 9.0 meV dramatically changes on going from the trivial to the topological phase. We associate this remarkable change with the emergence of surface Dirac fermions. We use the measured dispersion of this resonance branch to determine the corresponding mode-dependent electron-phonon coupling λ_{ν}(q).

Effects and bioaccumulation of gold nanoparticles in the gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) - Single and combined exposures with gemfibrozil.

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are found in a wide range of applications and therefore expected to present increasing levels in the environment. There is however limited knowledge concerning the potential toxicity of AuNPs as well as their combined effects with other pollutants. Hence, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of AuNPs alone and combined with the pharmaceutical gemfibrozil (GEM) on different biological responses (behaviour, neurotransmission, biotransformation and oxidative stress) in one of the most consumed fish in southern Europe, the seabream Sparus aurata. Fish were exposed for 96 h to waterborne 40 nm AuNPs with two coatings - citrate and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), alone or combined with GEM. Antioxidant defences were induced in liver and gills upon both AuNPs exposure. Decreased swimming performance (1600 µg.L-1) and oxidative damage in gills (4 and 80 µg.L-1) were observed following exposure to polyvinylpyrrolidone coated gold nanoparticles (PVP-AuNPs). Generally, accumulation of gold in fish tissues and deleterious effects in S. aurata were higher for PVP-AuNPs than for cAuNPs exposures. Although AuNPs and GEM combined effects in gills were generally low, in liver, they were higher than the predicted. The accumulation and effects of AuNPs showed to be dependent on the size, coating, surface charge and aggregation/agglomeration state of nanoparticles. Additionally, it was tissue' specific and dependent on the presence of other contaminants. Although, gold intake by humans is expected to not exceed the estimated tolerable daily intake, it is highly recommended to keep it on track due to the increasing use of AuNPs.

Genotoxicity of gold nanoparticles in the gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) after single exposure and combined with the pharmaceutical gemfibrozil.

Due to their diverse applications, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are expected to increase of in the environment, although few studies are available on their mode of action in aquatic organisms. The genotoxicity of AuNPs, alone or combined with the human pharmaceutical gemfibrozil (GEM), an environmental contaminant frequently detected in aquatic systems, including in marine ecosystems, was examined using gilthead seabream erythrocytes as a model system. Fish were exposed for 96 h to 4, 80 and 1600 µg L-1 of 40 nm AuNPs with two coatings - citrate or polyvinylpyrrolidone; GEM (150 µg L-1); and a combination of AuNPs and GEM (80 µg L-1 AuNPs + 150 µg L-1 GEM). AuNPs induced DNA damage and increased nuclear abnormalities levels, with coating showing an important role in the toxicity of AuNPs to fish. The combined exposures of AuNPs and GEM produced an antagonistic response, with observed toxic effects in the mixtures being lower than the predicted. The results raise concern about the safety of AuNPs and demonstrate interactions between them and other contaminants.

A multibiomarker approach highlights effects induced by the human pharmaceutical gemfibrozil to gilthead seabream Sparus aurata.

Lipid regulators are among the most prescribed human pharmaceuticals worldwide. Gemfibrozil, which belongs to this class of pharmaceuticals, is one of the most frequently encountered in the aquatic environment. However, there is limited information concerning the mechanisms involved in gemfibrozil effects to aquatic organisms, particularly to marine organisms. Based on this knowledge gap, the current study aimed to assess biochemical and behavioral effects following a sublethal exposure to gemfibrozil (1.5, 15, 150, 1500 and 15,000 µg L-1) in the estuarine/marine fish Sparus aurata. After the exposure to 1.5 µg L-1 of gemfibrozil, fish had reduced ability to swim against a water flow and increased lipid peroxidation in the liver. At concentrations between 15-15,000 µg L-1, the activities of some enzymes involved in antioxidant defense were induced, appearing to be sufficient to prevent oxidative damage. Depending on the organ, different responses to gemfibrozil were displayed, with enzymes like catalase being more stimulated in gills, whereas glutathione peroxidase was more activated in liver. Although there were no obvious concentration-response relationships, the integrated biomarker response version 2 (IBRv2) analysis revealed that the highest concentrations of gemfibrozil (between 150-15,000 µg L-1) caused more alterations. All the tested concentrations of gemfibrozil induced effects in S. aurata, in terms of behavior and/or oxidative stress responses. Oxidative damage was found at a concentration that is considered environmentally relevant, suggesting a potential of this pharmaceutical to impact fish populations.

Viabilidade econômica de vacas leiteiras F1 Holandês x Zebu com diferentes bases maternas e ordens de parto / Economic viability F1 Holstein x Zebu cows of dairy from different maternal bases and birth orders

Objetivou-se avaliar a viabilidade econômica de vacas F1 de Holandês x Zebu de diferentes bases maternas e ordens de parto. Foram utilizados dados do Campo Experimental da Epamig (Felixlândia-MG). Analisaram-se 406 lactações de vacas F1 H x Z de diferentes bases maternas. Estimaram-se a receita e os custos operacional efetivo, operacional total e custo total. As F1 Holandês x Gir tiveram médias de custos maiores (R$ 3582,30), seguidas pelas F1 Holandês x Nelogir (R$ 3448,06), e o menor foi das F1 Holandês x Nelore (R$ 3145,07). A receita total foi maior para as vacas F1 Holandês x Gir e F1 Holandês x Nelogir, com valores de R$ 4394,96 e R$ 4245,61, respectivamente, e a menor receita foi para F1 Holandês x Nelore, com valor de R$ 3976,12. O lucro foi de R$ 812, 65; R$ 797,54 e R$ 831,04 para as F1 filhas de base materna Gir, Nelogir e Nelore, respectivamente. Todas as bases maternas são viáveis economicamente e podem ser utilizadas no sistema de produção de leite e bezerros para venda. Todas as ordens de parto de Holandês x Zebu estudadas são viáveis economicamente.(AU)

The objective was to evaluate the economic viability of a milk production system of F1 Holstein x Zebu cows of different maternal bases and calving order. Lactations data of F1 Holtein x Zebu cows (n=406) of different maternal bases, from the experimental field of the EPAMIG at Felixlândia county (MG state, Brasil) were analyzed. Revenue, cost/effect of operation, total operating, and total cost have been estimated. F1 cows Holstein x Gir had averages of higher costs R$ 3582.30, followed by F1 cows Holstein x Nelogir R$ 3448.06; and the lowest was from cows F1 Holstein x Nellore with R$ 3145.07. The total revenue was higher for Holstein x Gir and Holstein x Nelogir with recipe values of R$ 4394.96 and R$ 4245.61 respectively, and the lowest value of R$ 3976.12 for Holstein x Nellore. The profits were R$812.65; R$ 797.54 and R$ 831.04 for animals of groups Holstein x Gir, Holstein x Nelogir and Holstein x Nellore respectively. All genetic groups are economically viable and can be used in the production of milk and calves for sale. All calving order of Holstein x Zebu studied are viable economically.(AU)

Genotoxicity of gemfibrozil in the gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata).

Widespread use of pharmaceuticals and suboptimal wastewater treatment have led to increased levels of these substances in aquatic ecosystems. Lipid-lowering drugs such as gemfibrozil, which are among the most abundant human pharmaceuticals in the environment, may have deleterious effects on aquatic organisms. We examined the genotoxicity of gemfibrozil in a fish species, the gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), which is commercially important in southern Europe. Following 96-h waterborne exposure, molecular (erythrocyte DNA strand breaks) and cytogenetic (micronuclei and other nuclear abnormalities in cells) endpoints were measured. Gemfibrozil was positive in both endpoints, at environmentally relevant concentrations, a result that raises concerns about the potential genotoxic effects of the drug in recipient waters.

Development of a multi-residue method for the determination of human and veterinary pharmaceuticals and some of their metabolites in aqueous environmental matrices by SPE-UHPLC-MS/MS.

The aim of the present work was to develop and validate a multi-residue method for the analysis of 33 human and veterinary pharmaceuticals (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)/analgesics, antibiotics and psychiatric drugs), including some of their metabolites, in several aqueous environmental matrices: drinking water, surface water and wastewaters. The method is based on solid phase extraction (SPE) followed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) and it was validated for different aqueous matrices, namely bottled water, tap water, seawater, river water and wastewaters, showing recoveries between 50% and 112% for the majority of the target analytes. The developed analytical methodology allowed method detection limits in the low nanograms per liter level. Method intra- and inter-day precision was under 8% and 11%, respectively, expressed as relative standard deviation. The developed method was applied to the analysis of drinking water (bottled and tap water), surface waters (seawater and river water) and wastewaters (wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) influent and effluent). Due to the selectivity and sensitivity of the optimized method, it was possible to detect pharmaceuticals in all the aqueous environmental matrices considered, including in bottled water at concentrations up to 31ngL-1 (salicylic acid). In general, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs/analgesics was the therapeutic group most frequently detected, with the highest concentrations found in wastewaters (acetaminophen and the metabolite carboxyibuprofen at levels up to 615 and 120µgL-1, respectively).

Efeitos de uma intervenção analítico-comportamental com casal de namorados / Effects of a behavior analytic intervention with lovers

Estudar o relacionamento conjugal e a avaliação da efetividade de intervenções com casais pode promover as habilidades de comunicação, afeto e resolução de problemas. Pesquisas com casais de namorados na literatura são incipientes e acredita-se que ampliar tais comportamentos pode ajudar esses casais. O presente estudo de caso avalia uma intervenção (quatro sessões de avaliação e dez sessões de grupo) com um casal de namorados num delineamento de sujeito único, considerando medidas de linha de base, pré-teste, pós-teste e seguimento, combinado com medidas processuais de expectativa e satisfação com o procedimento conduzido. Os resultados demonstram satisfação com o tratamento, generalização para outros relacionamentos e melhoria do relacionamento em comunicação, afeto e resolução de problemas. Discute-se implicações para a prevenção e futuras pesquisas (AU)

Efeitos de uma intervenção analítico-comportamental com casal de namorados / Effects of a behavior analytic intervention with lovers

Estudar o relacionamento conjugal e a avaliação da efetividade de intervenções com casais pode promover as habilidades de comunicação, afeto e resolução de problemas. Pesquisas com casais de namorados na literatura são incipientes e acredita-se que ampliar tais comportamentos pode ajudar esses casais. O presente estudo de caso avalia uma intervenção (quatro sessões de avaliação e dez sessões de grupo) com um casal de namorados num delineamento de sujeito único, considerando medidas de linha de base, pré-teste, pós-teste e seguimento, combinado com medidas processuais de expectativa e satisfação com o procedimento conduzido. Os resultados demonstram satisfação com o tratamento, generalização para outros relacionamentos e melhoria do relacionamento em comunicação, afeto e resolução de problemas. Discute-se implicações para a prevenção e futuras pesquisas

The study of the marital relationship and of the evaluation of the effectiveness of interventions with couples can promote communication skills, affection and problem solving. Researches with dating couples are incipient on the literature, and it is believed that extending such behaviors can help those couples. The present case study evaluates an intervention (four evaluation sessions and ten sessions of group) with dating couples, in the design of a single subject, considering measures baseline, pretest, posttest and follow-up, combined with procedural measures of expectation and satisfaction with the procedure conducted. The results show satisfaction with treatment, generalization to other relationships and improvement of the relationship as communication, affection and problem solving. Implications are discussed for future prevention and researches

Characterization of glucose-tolerant ß-glucosidases used in biofuel production under the bioinformatics perspective: a systematic review.

ß-glucosidases are enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of oligosaccharides and disaccharides, such as cellobiose. These enzymes play a key role in cellulose degrading, such as alleviating product inhibition of cellulases. Consequently, they have been considered essential for the biofuel industry. However, the majority of the characterized ß-glucosidases is inhibited by glucose. Hence, glucose-tolerant ß-glucosidases have been targeted to improve the production of second-generation biofuels. In this paper, we proceeded a systematic literature review (SLR), collected protein structures and constructed a database of glucose-tolerant ß-glucosidases, called betagdb. SLR was performed at PubMed, ScienceDirect and Scopus Library databases and conducted according to PRISMA framework. It was conducted in five steps: i) analysis of duplications, ii) title reading, iii) abstract reading, iv) diagonal reading, and v) full-text reading. The second, third, fourth, and fifth steps were performed independently by two researchers. Besides, we performed bioinformatics analysis on the collected data, such as structural and multiple alignments to detect the most conserved residues in the catalytic pocket, and molecular docking to characterize essential residues for substrate recognizing, glucose tolerance, and the ß-glucosidase activity. We selected 27 papers, 23 sequences, and 5 PDB files of glucose-tolerant ß-glucosidases. We characterized 11 highly conserved residues: H121, W122, N166, E167, N297, Y299, E355, W402, E409, W410, and F418. The presence of these residues may be essential for ß-glucosidases. We also discussed the importance of residues W169, C170, L174, H181, and T226. Furthermore, we proposed that the number of contacts for each residue in the catalytic pocket might be a metric that could be used to suggest mutations. We believe that the herein propositions, together with the sequence and structural data collection, might be helpful for effective engineering of ß-glucosidases for biofuel production and may help to shed some light on the degradation of cellulosic biomass.

[Neurocysticercosis in children: clinical study and follow-up of 112 patients]. / Neurocisticercosis en la infancia: estudio clínico y seguimiento de 112 casos.

INTRODUCTION: Neurocysticercosis (NC) is the infection of the central nervous system caused by the Taenia solium larva. It is related to a wide variety of clinical symptoms and pathological findings. AIM: Clinical study, diagnosis, treatment and evolution of 112 patients with NC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 112 patients with NC, between 1 and 14 years of age, were evaluated and followed from 18 months up to 13 years. RESULTS: The most common clinical symptoms were epileptic seizures and signs of intracranial hypertension. The disease progressed as follows: active forms were seen in around 39% of the cases (viable cysts in 3% and transitional/granulomatous form in 36%), encephalitic form in 22% and inactive form (calcifications) in 39%. In the great majority of the cases, a treatment with anti-helmitic was not used. The control of the crises was positive in 86% of the cases -94% in the transitional forms, 93% in the inactive forms and 68% in the encephalitic form-. Recurrence of crises happened after suspension of the medication in 12,5% of the granulomatous form and in 11,2% of the inactive form. Neurological sequelae occurred only in the encephalitic form (12/25 patients). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical findings and clinical evolution of neurocysticercosis in children is related to the evolutive form of the disease. The clinical evolution, including control of the crises and radiological control, is benign in the inactive and active forms, except in the encephalitic forms. The extraparenquimatous form is quite rare in the pediatric group.

Neurocisticercosis en la infancia: estudio clínico y seguimiento de 112 casos / Neurocysticercosis in children: clinical study and follow-up of 112 patients

Introducción. La neurocisticercosis (NC) es la infeccióndel sistema nervioso central causada por larva de la Taenia solium.Está relacionada con una amplia variedad de manifestaciones clínicasy hallazgos patológicos. Objetivo. Estudio clínico, diagnóstico,tratamiento y evolución de 112 pacientes con NC. Pacientes y métodos.112 pacientes con NC de 1 a 14 años de edad, seguidos entre 18meses y 13 años. Resultados. los síntomas clínicos más comunes fueroncrisis epilépticas y signos de hipertensión endocraneal. Conrelación a la evolución de la enfermedad se encontraron formas activasen el 39% de los casos (quiste viable en el 3% y forma de transición/granular en el 36%), forma encefalítica en el 22% e inactiva(calcificaciones) en el 39%. En la gran mayoría de los pacientes nose realizó tratamiento con antihelmínticos. El control de las crisis selogró en el 86% de los casos –94% en las formas de transición, 93%en las formas inactivas y 68% en la forma encefalítica–. La recidivade las crisis después de la suspensión de la medicación ocurrió en12,5% en la forma granular y 11,2% en la forma inactiva. Sólo en laforma encefalítica se vieron secuelas neurológicas (12/25 pacientes).Conclusiones. Los hallazgos y la evolución clínica de la neurocisticercosisen la infancia están asociados con la forma evolutiva de laenfermedad. La evolución clínica, incluido el control de las crisis eimágenes, es benigna en las formas inactivas y activas, excepto enlas formas encefalíticas. La forma extraparenquimatosa es rara enla edad pediátrica

Introduction. Neurocysticercosis (NC) is the infection of the central nervous system caused by the Taenia soliumlarva. It is related to a wide variety of clinical symptoms and pathological findings. Aim. Clinical study, diagnosis, treatmentand evolution of 112 patients with NC. Patients and methods. 112 patients with NC, between 1 and 14 years of age, wereevaluated and followed from 18 months up to 13 years. Results. The most common clinical symptoms were epileptic seizuresand signs of intracranial hypertension. The disease progressed as follows: active forms were seen in around 39% of the cases(viable cysts in 3% and transitional/granulomatous form in 36%), encephalitic form in 22% and inactive form (calcifications)in 39%. In the great majority of the cases, a treatment with anti-helmitic was not used. The control of the crises was positivein 86% of the cases –94% in the transitional forms, 93% in the inactive forms and 68% in the encephalitic form–. Recurrenceof crises happened after suspension of the medication in 12,5% of the granulomatous form and in 11,2% of the inactive form.Neurological sequelae occurred only in the encephalitic form (12/25 patients). Conclusions. Clinical findings and clinicalevolution of neurocysticercosis in children is related to the evolutive form of the disease. The clinical evolution, includingcontrol of the crises and radiological control, is benign in the inactive and active forms, except in the encephalitic forms. Theextraparenquimatous form is quite rare in the pediatric group