Musculoskeletal pain among nursing professionals in material and sterilization centers.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the presence of musculoskeletal pain during the working day among nursing professionals in material and sterilization centers. METHOD: A cross-sectional study with 36 nursing professionals who answered a questionnaire for personal characterization and diagnosis of musculoskeletal disorders and Corlett and Manenica's diagram of painful areas at the beginning and end of the working day. Frequency distribution analysis, Fisher's exact test and likelihood ratio were carried out. RESULTS: The presence of pain was reported by 80.6% (n = 29) of the participants at the start of the working day and 94.4% (n = 34) at the end, and the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was 66.6% (n = 24). There was a statistically significant difference in the number of segments with pain between professionals with and without a diagnosis of musculoskeletal disorders, in the initial and final assessments. The lumbar spine had a higher prevalence of pain in both assessments. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of pain increased towards the end of the working day and indicates that there may be a relationship between the work process and the development of pain. It is important to identify working conditions that may contribute to the onset of pain and to adopt preventive measures.

Escaping through virtual gaming-what is the association with emotional, social, and mental health? A systematic review.

Background: The realm of virtual games, video games, and e-sports has witnessed remarkable and substantial growth, captivating a diverse and global audience. However, some studies indicate that this surge is often linked to a desire to escape from real life, a phenomenon known as escapism. Much like substance abuse, escapism has been identified as a significant motivator, leading to adverse outcomes, including addiction. Therefore, it is crucial to comprehend the existing research on the connection between escapism and engagement in virtual gaming. This understanding can shed light on the reasons behind such practices and their potential impact on mental and public health. Purpose: The objective of this systematic review is investigate the findings pertaining to association between escapism and the practice of virtual games, such as video-games and e-sport. Methods: PUBMED and SCOPUS database were systematically searched. Six independent researchers screened articles for relevance. We extracted data regarding escapism-related measures, emotional/mental health-related measures and demographic information relevant to the review purpose. Results: The search yielded 357 articles, 36 were included. Results showed that: (i) Escapist motivation (EM) is one of the main motives for playing virtual games; (ii) EM is related to negative clinical traits; (iii) EM predicts negative psychological/emotional/mental health outcomes; (iv) EM is associated with impaired/negative perception of the real-world life; (v) EM predicts non-adaptive real social life; and (vi) EM is associated with dysfunctional gaming practices in some cases. However, EM can have beneficial effects, fostering confidence, determination, a sense of belonging in virtual communities, and representation through avatars. Furthermore, the reviewed findings suggest that EM was positively linked to mitigating loneliness in anxious individuals and promoting social activities that preserved mental health among typical individuals during the pandemic. Conclusion: Our review reinforces the evidence linking EM in the context of virtual games to poor mental health and non-adaptive social behavior. The ensuing discussion explores the intricate connection between escapism and mental health, alongside examining the broad implications of virtual gaming practices on underlying motivations for escapism in the realms of social cognition, health promotion, and public health.

Improvement project to reduce surgical site infections: a retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical site infections are one of the main problems related to health care. In Brazil, they are responsible for 14 to 16% of infections related to health care. This study sought to analyze the effect of implementing a package of measures to reduce surgical site infections (SSI) in heart surgeries, kidney transplants and herniorrhaphies and to evaluate adherence to the safe surgery checklist in a university hospital. METHODS: this is a retrospective cohort study with data collection in a time series for the period from 2018 to 2020. RESULTS: we analyzed 222 medical records referring to the surgeries under study performed in the year 2020, in which data were collected from the patients and the care package prevention measures. SSI data and adherence to the safe surgery checklist were analyzed in the years 2018, 2019 and 2020, totaling 268, 300 and 222 procedures analyzed, respectively. CONCLUSION: the study showed a significant reduction in the SSI rate with greater adherence to the protocol, which was not maintained and was influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, the sustainability of this action represents a challenge to be overcome, in order to establish a safer environment for the patient and a better quality of service.

Peripheral nervous system is injured by neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) elicited by nonstructural (NS) protein-1 from Zika virus.

The involvement of innate immune mediators to the Zika virus (ZIKV)-induced neuroinflammation is not yet well known. Here, we investigated whether neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which are scaffolds of DNA associated with proteins, have the potential to injure peripheral nervous. The tissue lesions were evaluated after adding NETs to dorsal root ganglia (DRG) explants and to DRG constituent cells or injecting them into mouse sciatic nerves. Identification of NET harmful components was achieved by pharmacological inhibition of NET constituents. We found that ZIKV inoculation into sciatic nerves recruited neutrophils and elicited the production of the cytokines CXCL1 and IL-1ß, classical NET inducers, but did not trigger NET formation. ZIKV blocked PMA- and CXCL8-induced NET release, but, in contrast, the ZIKV nonstructural protein (NS)-1 induced NET formation. NET-enriched supernatants were toxic to DRG explants, decreasing neurite area, length, and arborization. NETs were toxic to DRG constituent cells and affected myelinating cells. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) and histones were identified as the harmful component of NETs. NS1 injection into mouse sciatic nerves recruited neutrophils and triggered NET release and caspase-3 activation, events that were also elicited by the injection of purified MPO. In summary, we found that ZIKV NS1 protein induces NET formation, which causes nervous tissue damages. Our findings reveal new mechanisms leading to neuroinflammation by ZIKV.

COVID-19 and Preeclampsia: A Systematic Review of Pathophysiological Interactions.

OBJECTIVE: To review the literature and synthesize evidence on pathophysiological interactions attributed to the simultaneous occurrence of COVID-19 and preeclampsia. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted from November (2021) to January (2022) to retrieve observational studies published on the PubMed, LILACS, SciELO Brazil and Google Scholar databases. The search was based on the descriptors [(eclampsia OR preeclampsia) AND (COVID-19)]. Quantitative studies that pointed to pathophysiological interactions were included. Literature reviews, studies with HIV participants, or with clinical approach only were excluded. The selection of studies was standardized and the evaluation was performed by pairs of researchers. RESULTS: In this review, 155 publications were retrieved; 16 met the inclusion criteria. In summary, the physiological expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) receptors is physiologically increased in pregnant women, especially at the placental site. Studies suggest that the coronavirus binds to ACE-2 to enter the human cell, causing deregulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and in the ratio between angiotensin-II and angiotensin-1-7, inducing manifestations suggestive of preeclampsia. Furthermore, the cytokine storm leads to endothelial dysfunction, vasculopathy and thrombus formation, also present in preeclampsia. CONCLUSION: The studies retrieved in this review suggest that there is a possible overlap of pathophysiological interactions between COVID-19 and preeclampsia, which mainly involve ACE-2 and endothelial dysfunction. Given that preeclampsia courses with progressive clinical and laboratory alterations, a highly quality prenatal care may be able to detect specific clinical and laboratory parameters to differentiate a true preeclampsia superimposed by covid-19, as well as cases with hypertensive manifestations resulting from viral infection.

OBJETIVO: Revisar a literatura e sintetizar evidências sobre interações fisiopatológicas atribuídas à ocorrência simultânea de COVID-19 e pré-eclâmpsia. MéTODOS: : Uma revisão sistemática foi conduzida entre novembro (2021) a janeiro (2022) para recuperar estudos observacionais publicados no PubMed, LILACS, SciELO Brasil e Google scholar. A busca foi baseada nos descritores [(eclâmpsia OR pré-eclâmpsia) AND (COVID-19)]. Estudos quantitativos que apontaram interações fisiopatológicas foram incluídos. Estudos de revisão, com participante HIV e apenas com enfoque clínico foram excluídos. A seleção dos estudos foi padronizada com avaliação por duplas de pesquisadores. RESULTADOS: Nesta revisão, 155 publicações foram recuperadas; 16 preencheram os critérios de inclusão. Em síntese, a expressão fisiológica de receptores da enzima conversora da angiotensina-2 (ECA-2) é fisiologicamente potencializada em gestantes, especialmente no sítio placentário. Os estudos sugerem que o coronavírus se liga à ECA-2 para entrar na célula humana, ocasionando desregulação do sistema renina-angiotensina-aldosterona e da razão entre angiotensina-II e angiotensina-1-7, induzindo manifestações sugestivas de pré-eclâmpsia. Ademais, a tempestade de citocinas conduz à disfunção endotelial, vasculopatia e formação de trombos, também presentes na pré-eclâmpsia. CONCLUSãO:: Os estudos recuperados nesta revisão sugerem que a superposição de alterações fisiopatológicas entre a COVID-19 e a pré-eclâmpsia envolve, principalmente, a ECA-2 e disfunção endotelial. Tendo em vista que a pré-eclâmpsia cursa com alterações clínicas e laboratoriais progressivas, a atenção pré-natal de qualidade pode ser capaz de detectar parâmetros clínicos e laboratoriais importantes para diferenciar a pré-eclâmpsia verdadeira sobreposta por COVID-19, bem como os casos que mimetizam a doença hipertensiva consequente à infecção viral.

First monitoring of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins in freshwater from fish farms in Rondônia state, Brazil.

The main aimed of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical parameters, abundance and density of cyanobacteria, determine their blooms and the ecotoxicological risk of their cyanotoxins in fish ponds water. This study was conducted out in 20 fish farms in Rondônia state (Brazilian Amazon), samplings were carried out in the rainy and dry seasons. The experiment was developed in a completely randomized factorial design 20 × 3 x 3 (20 fish farms, 3 ponds and 3 replications). Regarding the composition of qualitative samples, horizontal and vertical hauls were carried out on the water surface, quantitative samples was obtained using a plankton net (50 µm mesh opening). Meanwhile, with the use of a multiparametric probe, physicochemical analyzes in fish ponds water were carried out. Furthermore, the cyanobacteria found were classified taxonomically and its blooms were recorded. Finally, blood was collected from 60 Colossoma macropomum. Concerning the higher averages in the rainy season 6.13 mg L⁻1 of dissolved oxygen, 40.02 cm of transparency, 0.35 NO31⁻ of nitrate, 0.15 NO21⁻ of nitrite, 44.55 mg L⁻1 CaCO3 of alkalinity and 50.10 mg L⁻1 CaCO3 of hardness, while higher averages of pH, phosphate and phosphorus were found in the dry season. A total of 15 families and 29 species of cyanobacteria were identified in the different seasons. The families that showed the highest densities (rainy and dry seasons) were Microcystaceae (356 and 760 cells mL⁻1), Leptolyngbyaceae (126 and 287 cells mL⁻1) and Microcoleaceae (111 and 405 cells mL⁻1). The species that showed the highest densities were Microcystis aeruginosa (356 and 697 cells mL⁻1), Planktolyngbya limnetica (98 and 257 cells mL⁻1) and Planktothrix sp. (111 and 239 cells mL⁻1). There were significant Pearson's correlations (r > 0.85; p < 0.05) between family abundances and cyanotoxin volume between physicochemical water variables and seasonality. A total of 20 cyanobacteria blooms were recorded, all of which in the dry season showed an ecotoxicological risk. Concerning the assessment mutagenicity in fish blood cells, a total of 78 abnormalities per slide were observed. In the dry season, the expected volume of cyanotoxins in the ponds from fish farms F1 and F4 were above the quantification limit (>QL). Abundance and density of cyanobacteria and their blooms and cyanotoxins can be used as bioindicators of eutrophication and/or water quality and ecotoxicological risk in fish ponds.

COVID-19 and Preeclampsia: A Systematic Review of Pathophysiological Interactions / COVID-19 e pré-eclâmpsia: uma revisão sistemática de interações fisiopatológicas

Abstract Objective: To review the literature and synthesize evidence on pathophysiological interactions attributed to the simultaneous occurrence of COVID-19 and preeclampsia. Methods: A systematic review was conducted from November (2021) to January (2022) to retrieve observational studies published on the PubMed, LILACS, SciELO Brazil and Google Scholar databases. The search was based on the descriptors [(eclampsia OR preeclampsia) AND (COVID-19)]. Quantitative studies that pointed to pathophysiological interactions were included. Literature reviews, studies with HIV participants, or with clinical approach only were excluded. The selection of studies was standardized and the evaluation was performed by pairs of researchers. Results: In this review, 155 publications were retrieved; 16 met the inclusion criteria. In summary, the physiological expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) receptors is physiologically increased in pregnant women, especially at the placental site. Studies suggest that the coronavirus binds to ACE-2 to enter the human cell, causing deregulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and in the ratio between angiotensin-II and angiotensin-1-7, inducing manifestations suggestive of preeclampsia. Furthermore, the cytokine storm leads to endothelial dysfunction, vasculopathy and thrombus formation, also present in preeclampsia. Conclusion: The studies retrieved in this review suggest that there is a possible overlap of pathophysiological interactions between COVID-19 and preeclampsia, which mainly involve ACE-2 and endothelial dysfunction. Given that preeclampsia courses with progressive clinical and laboratory alterations, a highly quality prenatal care may be able to detect specific clinical and laboratory parameters to differentiate a true preeclampsia superimposed by covid-19, as well as cases with hypertensive manifestations resulting from viral infection.

Resumo Objetivo: Revisar a literatura e sintetizar evidências sobre interações fisiopatológicas atribuídas à ocorrência simultânea de COVID-19 e pré-eclâmpsia. Métodos: Uma revisão sistemática foi conduzida entre novembro (2021) a janeiro (2022) para recuperar estudos observacionais publicados no PubMed, LILACS, SciELO Brasil e Google scholar. A busca foi baseada nos descritores [(eclâmpsia OR pré-eclâmpsia) AND (COVID-19)]. Estudos quantitativos que apontaram interações fisiopatológicas foram incluídos. Estudos de revisão, com participante HIV e apenas com enfoque clínico foram excluídos. A seleção dos estudos foi padronizada com avaliação por duplas de pesquisadores. Resultados: Nesta revisão, 155 publicações foram recuperadas; 16 preencheram os critérios de inclusão. Em síntese, a expressão fisiológica de receptores da enzima conversora da angiotensina-2 (ECA-2) é fisiologicamente potencializada em gestantes, especialmente no sítio placentário. Os estudos sugerem que o coronavírus se liga à ECA-2 para entrar na célula humana, ocasionando desregulação do sistema renina-angiotensina-aldosterona e da razão entre angiotensina-II e angiotensina-1-7, induzindo manifestações sugestivas de pré-eclâmpsia. Ademais, a tempestade de citocinas conduz à disfunção endotelial, vasculopatia e formação de trombos, também presentes na pré-eclâmpsia. Conclusão: Os estudos recuperados nesta revisão sugerem que a superposição de alterações fisiopatológicas entre a COVID-19 e a pré-eclâmpsia envolve, principalmente, a ECA-2 e disfunção endotelial. Tendo em vista que a pré-eclâmpsia cursa com alterações clínicas e laboratoriais progressivas, a atenção pré-natal de qualidade pode ser capaz de detectar parâmetros clínicos e laboratoriais importantes para diferenciar a pré-eclâmpsia verdadeira sobreposta por COVID-19, bem como os casos que mimetizam a doença hipertensiva consequente à infecção viral.

Activation of cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1) modulates oligodendroglial process branching complexity in rat hippocampal cultures stimulated by olfactory ensheathing glia-conditioned medium.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) refers to a complex cell-signaling system highly conserved among species formed by numerous receptors, lipid mediators (endocannabinoids) and synthetic and degradative enzymes. It is widely distributed throughout the body including the CNS, where it participates in synaptic signaling, plasticity and neurodevelopment. Besides, the olfactory ensheathing glia (OEG) present in the olfactory system is also known to play an important role in the promotion of axonal growth and/or myelination. Therefore, both OEG and the ECS promote neurogenesis and oligodendrogenesis in the CNS. Here, we investigated if the ECS is expressed in cultured OEG, by assessing the main markers of the ECS through immunofluorescence, western blotting and qRT-PCR and quantifying the content of endocannabinoids in the conditioned medium of these cells. After that, we investigated whether the production and release of endocannabinoids regulate the differentiation of oligodendrocytes co-cultured with hippocampal neurons, through Sholl analysis in oligodendrocytes expressing O4 and MBP markers. Additionally, we evaluated through western blotting the modulation of downstream pathways such as PI3K/Akt/mTOR and ERK/MAPK, being known to be involved in the proliferation and differentiation of oligodendrocytes and activated by CB1, which is the major endocannabinoid responsive receptor in the brain. Our data show that OEG expresses key genes of the ECS, including the CB1 receptor, FAAH and MAGL. Besides, we were able to identify AEA, 2-AG and AEA related mediators palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) and oleoylethanolamide (OEA), in the conditioned medium of OEG cultures. These cultures were also treated with URB597 10-9 M, a FAAH selective inhibitor, or JZL184 10-9 M, a MAGL selective inhibitor, which led to the increase in the concentrations of OEA and 2-AG in the conditioned medium. Moreover, we found that the addition of OEG conditioned medium (OEGCM) enhanced the complexity of oligodendrocyte process branching in hippocampal mixed cell cultures and that this effect was inhibited by AM251 10-6 M, a CB1 receptor antagonist. However, treatment with the conditioned medium enriched with OEA or 2-AG did not alter the process branching complexity of premyelinating oligodendrocytes, while decreased the branching complexity in mature oligodendrocytes. We also observed no change in the phosphorylation of Akt and ERK 44/42 in any of the conditions used. In conclusion, our data show that the ECS modulates the number and maturation of oligodendrocytes in hippocampal mixed cell cultures.

Improvement project to reduce surgical site infections: a retrospective cohort study / Projeto de melhoria para redução de infecções de sítio cirúrgico: um estudo de coorte retrospectivo

ABSTRACT Introduction: Surgical site infections are one of the main problems related to health care. In Brazil, they are responsible for 14 to 16% of infections related to health care. This study sought to analyze the effect of implementing a package of measures to reduce surgical site infections (SSI) in heart surgeries, kidney transplants and herniorrhaphies and to evaluate adherence to the safe surgery checklist in a university hospital. Methods: this is a retrospective cohort study with data collection in a time series for the period from 2018 to 2020. Results: we analyzed 222 medical records referring to the surgeries under study performed in the year 2020, in which data were collected from the patients and the care package prevention measures. SSI data and adherence to the safe surgery checklist were analyzed in the years 2018, 2019 and 2020, totaling 268, 300 and 222 procedures analyzed, respectively. Conclusion: the study showed a significant reduction in the SSI rate with greater adherence to the protocol, which was not maintained and was influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, the sustainability of this action represents a challenge to be overcome, in order to establish a safer environment for the patient and a better quality of service.

RESUMO Introdução: as infecções do sítio cirúrgico são um dos principais agravos relacionados à assistência à saúde. No Brasil, são responsáveis por 14 a 16% das infecções relacionadas à assistência à saúde. Esse estudo buscou analisar o efeito da implementação de um pacote de medidas para redução de infecções de sítio cirúrgico (ISC) em cirurgias cardíacas, transplantes renais e herniorrafias e avaliar adesão ao checklist de cirurgia segura em um hospital universitário. Métodos: trata-se de um estudo de coorte retrospectivo com coleta de dados em série temporal relativo ao período de 2018 a 2020. Resultados: foram analisados 222 prontuários referentes às cirurgias em estudo realizadas no ano de 2020, nos quais foram coletados dados dos pacientes e do pacote de medidas de prevenção. Dados de ISC e adesão ao checklist de cirurgia segura foram analisados nos anos de 2018, 2019 e 2020, totalizando 268, 300 e 222 procedimentos analisados, respectivamente. Conclusão: o estudo evidenciou uma redução significativa da taxa de ISC com a maior adesão ao protocolo, a qual não foi mantida e sofreu influência da pandemia de COVID-19. Assim, a sustentabilidade dessa ação representa um desafio a ser contornado, a fim de estabelecer um ambiente mais seguro para o paciente e uma melhor qualidade do serviço.

Musculoskeletal pain among nursing professionals in material and sterilization centers / Dolor musculoesquelético entre los profesionales de enfermería de los centros de material y esterilización / Dor osteomuscular entre profissionais de enfermagem de centros de material e esterilização

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the presence of musculoskeletal pain during the working day among nursing professionals in material and sterilization centers. Method: A cross-sectional study with 36 nursing professionals who answered a questionnaire for personal characterization and diagnosis of musculoskeletal disorders and Corlett and Manenica's diagram of painful areas at the beginning and end of the working day. Frequency distribution analysis, Fisher's exact test and likelihood ratio were carried out. Results: The presence of pain was reported by 80.6% (n = 29) of the participants at the start of the working day and 94.4% (n = 34) at the end, and the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was 66.6% (n = 24). There was a statistically significant difference in the number of segments with pain between professionals with and without a diagnosis of musculoskeletal disorders, in the initial and final assessments. The lumbar spine had a higher prevalence of pain in both assessments. Conclusion: The prevalence of pain increased towards the end of the working day and indicates that there may be a relationship between the work process and the development of pain. It is important to identify working conditions that may contribute to the onset of pain and to adopt preventive measures.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Identificar la presencia de dolor musculoesquelético durante la jornada laboral entre los profesionales de enfermería de los centros de material y esterilización. Método: Estudio transversal con 36 profesionales de enfermería que respondieron a un cuestionario de caracterización personal y diagnóstico de trastornos musculoesqueléticos y al diagrama de Corlett y Manenica de zonas dolorosas al inicio y al final de la jornada laboral. Se analizaron la distribución de frecuencias, la prueba exacta de Fisher y los cocientes de probabilidad. Resultados: El 80,6% (n = 29) de los participantes declararon la presencia de dolor al inicio de la jornada laboral y el 94,4% (n = 34) al final, y la prevalencia de trastornos musculoesqueléticos fue del 66,6% (n = 24). Hubo una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en el número de segmentos con dolor entre los profesionales con y sin diagnóstico de trastornos musculoesqueléticos, en las evaluaciones inicial y final. La columna lumbar presentó una mayor prevalencia de dolor en ambas evaluaciones. Conclusión: La prevalencia de dolor aumentó hacia el final de la jornada laboral e indica que puede existir una relación entre el proceso de trabajo y el desarrollo de dolor. Es importante identificar las condiciones de trabajo que pueden contribuir a la aparición del dolor y adoptar medidas preventivas.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar a presença de dor osteomuscular durante a jornada de trabalho, em profissionais de enfermagem de centros de material e esterilização. Método: Estudo transversal, com 36 profissionais de enfermagem, que responderam ao questionário para caracterização pessoal e de diagnóstico de distúrbios osteomusculares e ao diagrama de áreas dolorosas de Corlett e Manenica, no início e fim da jornada de trabalho. Realizou-se análise de distribuição de frequências, teste exato de Fisher e razão de verossimilhança. Resultados: A presença de dor foi referida por 80,6% (n = 29) dos participantes no início da jornada de trabalho e por 94,4% (n = 34) ao final, e a prevalência de distúrbios osteomusculares foi de 66,6% (n = 24). Houve diferença estatisticamente significativa na quantidade de segmentos com dor entre profissionais com e sem diagnóstico de distúrbios osteomusculares, na avaliação inicial e final. A coluna lombar, em ambas as avaliações, apresentou maior prevalência de dor. Conclusão: A prevalência de dor aumentou ao final da jornada de trabalho e indica que pode haver relação entre o processo de trabalho e o desenvolvimento de dor. É importante identificar condições de trabalho que podem contribuir para o surgimento da dor e adotar medidas de prevenção.

Spatially structured freshwater fish population dynamics at the River Basin District scale: Implication for environmental management and fish conservation.

European Union environmental policy has created a unique regulatory framework to favour aquatic ecosystem management and biodiversity conservation across European countries. Identifying the spatial structure of freshwater fish population dynamics is crucial to define region-specific management and conservation planning. To implement evidence-driven management and conservation decisions at a regional scale we assessed spatial heterogeneity in common freshwater fish population dynamics in France with a focus on trends in River Basin Districts (RBDs). The abundance and biomass growth rates of 18 common European freshwater fish species were estimated with state-space models on 546 sites distributed across the 5 main RBDs sampled in France between 1990 and 2011. Anguilla anguilla, Rutilus rutilus, Salmo trutta fario and Esox spp. exhibited large scale decline in abundance and/or biomass in several RBDs. The other species showed spatial heterogeneity in population growth rates. The main declines were observed in the Adour-Garonne and Loire-Bretagne RBDs, where management and conservation measures are urgently needed to halt the erosion of freshwater fish populations. In each of the 5 investigated RBDs, our results highlight areas where most of the common species we studied exhibited negative population growth rates. Freshwater fish surveys provide the fundamental information necessary to inform the European environmental policies and local environmental management needed to restore freshwater biodiversity. The next steps are to identify the main drivers of freshwater biodiversity erosion in the areas where we demonstrated major declines and to define the most cost-effective restoration measures.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta-PPARδ agonist (L-165041) enhances bovine embryo survival and post vitrification viability.

The effect of L-165041 (PPARδ-agonist) on decreasing apoptosis and intracellular lipid content was assessed in fresh and vitrified-warmed in vitro -produced bovine embryos. It was hypothesised that the addition of L-165041 to the culture medium enhances development and cryopreservation. Oocytes were allocated to one of two treatments: control-standard culture medium, or L-165041 added to the medium on day1 with no media change. Ultrastructure, cleavage, and blastocyst rates were evaluated in fresh, and in post-vitrification cultured embryos by optical and electronic microscopy. A subset of fresh embryos were fixed for TUNEL assay and for Sudan-Black-B histochemical staining. Vitrified-warmed embryos were assessed using MALDI-MS technique. Cleavage and blastocyst rates (control 49.4±5.2, L-165041 51.8±4.3) were not influenced by L-165041. The proportion of inner cell mass cells (ICM) was higher in fresh embryos, and the rate of total and ICM apoptosis was lower in L-165041. In warmed-embryos, total and ICM apoptosis was lower in L-165041. The overall hatching rate was higher in L-165041 (66.62±2.83% vs 53.19±2.90%). There was less lipid accumulation in fresh L-165041-embryos. In conclusion, the use of L-165041 is recommended to improve the viability of in vitro -derived bovine embryos.

Influence of radiotherapy room shielding on ambient dose equivalent due to photons H*(10)p and neutrons H*(10)n in the patient's plane.

This study discusses a computer simulation for the equivalent ambient dose due to photons, H*(10)p, and neutrons, H*(10)n, in the patient's plane undergoing radiation therapy. A standard radiotherapy room with an additional shielding made by one lead or steel tenth-value layer was considered. A Varian 2100/2300 C/D linear accelerator head operating at 18 MV was modeled. Jaw openings of 5 cm × 5 cm, 10 cm × 10 cm, 20 cm × 20 cm, and 30 cm × 30 cm, as well as the multileaf collimator under eight different angles of gantry inclination, were also modeled. The use of steel in the shield generates a slightly raised average value of H*(10)p (0.527%) compared to when using lead. This finding can be interpreted as that the use of lead or steel coating makes no difference to the additional shield calculations when only photons are considered. When considering the contribution to H*(10)n, there is a significant difference (11.7% increase) for using lead compared to steel shielding.

Mindfulness-based program to support lifestyle modification and weight loss in infertile women: randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the short-term effects of a mindfulness-based program (MBP) on weight loss through lifestyle modification in infertile women who were overweight or obese. METHODS: The participants were randomly assigned to 8 consecutive weekly sessions of MBP plus diet or diet alone. Both groups received a customized dietary plan. Body measures were taken and a questionnaire was applied to evaluate dietary habits at baseline and three months later. RESULTS: The study was completed by 28 women in the MBP group and 24 in the control group. Body weight decreased 1.8 kg (2.1%) in the MBP group (p = 0.001, follow-up vs. baseline) and 1.7 kg (1.9%) in the control group (p = 0.035). There was an average reduction of 2.9 cm of waist circumference in the MBP group (p = 0.008) and 0.3 cm in the control group (p = 0.633). There was a significant reduction in the daily energy intake of the women attending the MBP (mean difference -430 Kcal/day, p=0.010) whereas no significant change was observed in the control group. CONCLUSION: In the short term, this MBP did not affect weight loss in infertile women, but the MBP intervention contributed to reduce waist circumference, possibly due to a significant decrease in food energy intake. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: RBR-7by76r.

A interação entre Hb B2, Hb S e beta talassemia: um relato de caso familiar

As hemoglobinopatias são doenças hereditárias que incluem talassemia e doença falciforme. O objetivo do presente estudo foi destacar a interação entre a variante Hb S, formas talassêmicas (beta talassemia por IVS1-6) e a variante Hb B2. Os exames realizados foram hemograma completo, eletroforese de hemoglobina em pH ácido e alcalino, dosagem de hemoglobina A2, Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Performance e investigação molecular. Esse relato evidencia a interação entre os polimorfismos de hemoglobina na população brasileira e a necessidade de adequada interpretação dos resultados de testes clássicos para a melhor compreensão dos casos.

Hemoglobinopathies are a hereditary disease that includes thalassemia and sickle cell disease. The present study aimed to show the interaction between the Hb S variant, thalassemia forms (Beta-thalassemia by IVS1-6), and the Hb B2 variant. The tests performed were complete blood count, hemoglobin electrophoresis at acid and alkaline pH, hemoglobin A2 dosage, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography, and molecular investigation. This report highlights the interaction between hemoglobin polymorphisms in the Brazilian population and the need for an adequate interpretation of the results of classical tests for a better understanding of the cases.

Uptake, tissue distribution and toxicological effects of environmental microplastics in early juvenile fish Dicentrarchus labrax.

As the smallest environmental microplastics (EMPs), even at nanoscale, are increasingly present in the environment, their availability and physical and chemical effects on marine organisms are poorly documented. In the present study, we primarily investigated the uptake and accumulation of a mixture of environmental microplastics (EMPs) obtained during an artificial degradation process in early-juvenile sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax). Moreover, we evaluated their hazardous effects using biochemical markers of cytotoxicity. Polymer distribution and composition in gill, gut, and liver were analyzed using polarized light microscopy (PLM) and Raman microspectroscopy (RMS). Our findings revealed the size-dependent ingestion and accumulation of smaller MPs (0.45-3 µm) in fish tissues even after a short-term exposure (3 and 5 days). In addition to MPs, our results showed the presence of plastic additives including plasticizers, flame retardants, curing agents, heat stabilizers, and fiber-reinforced plastic materials in fish tissues, which contributed mostly to the larger-sized range (≥ 1.2 µm). Our data showed that significant oxidative alterations were highly correlated with MPs size range. Our results emphasized that the toxicity of smaller EMPs (≤ 3 µm) was closely related to different factors, including the target tissue, exposure duration, size range of MPs, and their chemical properties.

Human mesenchymal stromal/stem cells recruit resident pericytes and induce blood vessels maturation to repair experimental spinal cord injury in rats.

Angiogenesis is considered to mediate the beneficial effects of mesenchymal cell therapy in spinal cord injury. After a moderate balloon-compression injury in rats, injections of either human adipose tissue-derived stromal/stem cells (hADSCs) or their conditioned culture media (CM-hADSC) elicited angiogenesis around the lesion site. Both therapies increased vascular density, but the presence of hADSCs in the tissue was required for the full maturation of new blood vessels. Only animals that received hADSC significantly improved their open field locomotion, assessed by the BBB score. Animals that received CM-hADSC only, presented haemorrhagic areas and lack pericytes. Proteomic analyses of human angiogenesis-related factors produced by hADSCs showed that both pro- and anti-angiogenic factors were produced by hADSCs in vitro, but only those related to vessel maturation were detectable in vivo. hADSCs produced PDGF-AA only after insertion into the injured spinal cord. hADSCs attracted resident pericytes expressing NG2, α-SMA, PDGF-Rß and nestin to the lesion, potentially contributing to blood vessel maturation. We conclude that the presence of hADSCs in the injured spinal cord is essential for tissue repair.

Effects of breeder age on embryonic development, hatching results, chick quality, and growing performance of the slow-growing genotype.

The present study aimed to ascertain the effects of slow-growing breeder age on embryo development, incubation results, and chick quality and of the interaction between breeder age and hatching time on initial performance. A total of 630 hatching eggs obtained from a commercial flock of slow-growing broiler breeders (Isa Label Naked Neck) were evaluated in 2 experiments. The first experiment evaluated embryo development and hatching results for broiler breeder age treatments of 38 and 51 wk, whereas the second experiment evaluated broiler chick performance. For the second experiment, chicks were distributed in a 2 x 2 factorial randomized block (sex) experimental design consisting of 2 breeder ages (31 or 58 wk) and 2 hatching times (479-485 and 491-497 h). At 18 d of embryonic development, embryos of 51-wk-old breeders were larger than those of 38-wk-old breeders (P < 0.05), whereas yolk-free chick weight was similar (P > 0.05). Embryo organ weight was similar for the 2 breeder ages (P > 0.05); however, there was greater development of intestinal villi for embryos of the 51-wk-old breeders. There were no differences between breeder ages in hatchability and chick quality score (P > 0.05). Yolk-free chick weight at pulling was greater (P < 0.05) for chicks from 51-wk-old breeders. Hatching time did not affect performance from 1 to 7 d (P > 0.05); however, chicks hatching at 491-497 h had better performance from 1 to 28 d than did chicks hatching at 479-485 h (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the age of slow-growing breeders affects embryo villi development and chick weight but does not improve incubation results or chick quality. Chicks hatching later (491-497 h) had better performance results than chicks hatching earlier (479-485 h).

[Nuances between Safer Access and armed conflict in the context of primary healthcare in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil]. / Nuances entre o Acesso Mais Seguro e o conflito armado no contexto da atenção básica.

Armed violence is a contemporary phenomenon that has impacted the field of health as an obstacle to some services. With the expansion of Family Health Strategy units in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, family health teams are present in territories with frequent armed conflicts, thus exposing health workers to danger. In order to identify and prevent the risks for family health teams, a strategy called Safer Access was implemented. This study aimed to analyze the effects of the Safer Access strategy on the work process of health professionals in violent territories. An intervention study was conducted with 13 health workers in a family health unit in the west zone of Rio de Janeiro, a territory with great social vulnerability, marked by intense violence. The underlying theoretical and methodological frame of reference was institutional analysis. The methodology drew on institutional social/clinical encounters to provide reflections on the Safer Access strategy, which proved powerful for dealing with armed violence, helping Family Health teams to organize their work processes in order to prevent incidents and improve access to health for the community.

A violência armada é um fenômeno contemporâneo que vem se destacando na área da saúde como obstaculizadora de alguns serviços. A ampliação das unidades de Estratégia Saúde da Família no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, fez com que equipes estivessem presentes em territórios onde os conflitos armados são constantes, expondo os trabalhadores. A fim de identificar e prevenir os riscos a que as equipes de saúde da família estão expostas, foi implementada a estratégia chamada Acesso Mais Seguro. O objetivo deste estudo foi o de analisar os efeitos da estratégia Acesso Mais Seguro no processo de trabalho de profissionais que atuam em territórios violentos. Realizou-se uma pesquisa intervenção com treze profissionais de saúde em uma unidade de saúde da família, localizada na zona oeste do Rio de Janeiro, território de grande vulnerabilidade social, marcado por intensa violência. O referencial teórico metodológico apoiador foi a análise institucional. A metodologia propiciou, por meio de encontros socioclínicos institucionais, reflexões acerca da estratégia Acesso Mais Seguro, que se mostrou potente no enfrentamento da violência armada, favorecendo que as equipes de saúde da família organizassem seus processos de trabalho, prevenindo incidentes e melhorando o acesso à saúde pelos usuários.

La violencia armada es un fenómeno contemporáneo que se está destacando en el área de la salud como obstaculizadora de algunos servicios. La ampliación de las unidades de Estrategia Salud de la Familia en Río de Janeiro, Brasil, consiguió que equipos estuvieran presentes en territorios donde los conflictos armados son constantes, exponiendo a los trabajadores. Con el fin de identificar y prevenir los riesgos, a los que los equipos de salud de la familia están expuestos, se implementó la estrategia denominada Acceso Más Seguro. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar los efectos de la estrategia Acceso Más Seguro en el proceso de trabajo de profesionales que actúan en territorios violentos. Se realizó una investigación-intervención con trece profesionales de salud en una unidad de salud de la familia, localizada en la zona oeste de Río de Janeiro, territorio de gran vulnerabilidad social, marcado por una intensa violencia. El marco referencial teórico-metodológico sobre el que nos apoyamos fue el análisis institucional. La metodología propició, a través de los encuentros socioclínicos institucionales, reflexiones acerca de la estrategia Acceso Más Seguro, que se mostró potente en el combate a la violencia armada, favoreciendo que los equipos de salud de la familia organizaran sus procesos de trabajo, previniendo incidentes y mejorando el acceso a la salud por parte de los usuarios.

Modeling of a neutron irradiator using Monte Carlo.

The Nuclear Engineering Department of the Military Institute of Engineering (SE/7-IME) is designing and simulation a neutron irradiator with 1 Ci of 241Am-9Be source. The objective of this irradiator is to generate a flux of neutrons to be used in research and teaching maintaining, for purposes of radiological protection, the rate of ambient dose equivalent, H*(10), below 10 µSv/h at 30 cm from the surface. This paper presents the proposed irradiator, values of H*(10) at different distances from the irradiator and the neutron flux in different points of the beam irradiation, all calculated using the MCNPX code.