Agreement and Associations between Countermovement Jump, 5-Time Sit-To-Stand, Lower-Limb Muscle Power Equations, and Physical Performance Tests in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

Objectives: The present study examined the agreement and associations of the 5-time sit-to-stand (5STS) test, the countermovement jump test, and lower-limb muscle power equations with a set of physical performance tests in older adults. Methods: Five hundred and thirty-four community-dwelling older adults were recruited for the study. Lower-limb muscle power measures included 5STS, the countermovement jump test, and muscle power equations. Isometric handgrip strength, timed "up-and-go!", the 6 min walking test, one-leg stand, and walking speed at usual and fast paces were used to assess physical performance. Pearson's correlations and Bland-Altman analyses were conducted to examine associations among muscle power measures. Linear and multiple regressions were run to explore associations of 5STS, the countermovement jump test, and muscle power equations with physical performance tests. Results: Weak correlations were observed among lower-limb muscle power measures. Bland-Altman results indicated important differences among the countermovement jump test, 5STS, and muscle power equations. Results of multiple linear regressions indicated that 5STS, the countermovement jump test, and muscle power equations were significantly associated with measures of muscle strength and mobility. However, only 5STS was significantly associated with balance. Conclusions: Our results indicate that the performance on the countermovement jump test and 5STS is weakly correlated with lower-limb muscle power equations. The only exception was the correlation found between the countermovement jump test and relative muscle power, highlighting the importance of accounting for body mass in muscle power evaluations. Muscle power measures were similarly associated with performance on handgrip strength, timed "up-and-go!", and the 6 min walking test. The exclusive association of 5STS with balance suggests that a reassessment of 5STS muscle power equations may be warranted.

IBPA a mutual prodrug of ibuprofen and acetaminophen alleviates inflammation, immune dysregulation and fibrosis in preclinical models of systemic sclerosis.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a devastating autoimmune illness with a wide range of clinical symptoms, including vascular abnormalities, inflammation, and persistent and progressive fibrosis. The disease's complicated pathophysiology makes it difficult to develop effective therapies, necessitating research into novel therapeutic options. Molecular hybridization is a strategy that can be used to develop new drugs that act on two or multiple targets and represents an interesting option to be explored for the treatment of complex diseases. We aimed to evaluate the effects of a hybrid mutual prodrug of ibuprofen and acetaminophen (IBPA) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) isolated from SSc patients, and in an in vivo model of SSc induced in BALB/c mice by intradermal injections of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) for 6 weeks. The mice were treated at the same time with daily intraperitoneal injections of IBPA (40 mg/kg). Pulmonary and skin fibrosis as well as immune responses were evaluated. IBPA significantly decreased the release of cytokines in PBMC culture supernatants from SSc patients after stimulation with phytohemagglutinin-M (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17A, TNF and IFN-γ).In HOCl-induced SSc, IBPA treatment prevented dermal and pulmonary fibrosis, in addition to reducing CD4 + T and B cells activation and reversing the M2 polarization of macrophages in spleen cells, and inhibiting IFN-γ secretion in splenocyte cultures. These results show the anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects of IBPA in SSc and highlight the therapeutic potential of this mutual prodrug, providing support for future studies.

Strategies of Hearing Preservation With Military Personnel: A Scoping Review.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to map the strategies used in hearing health education with military personnel during the Hearing Preservation Program (HPP). METHOD: This study is a scoping review, with electronic searches conducted in online databases and gray literature: Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences, PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, ASHAWire, Google Scholar, and ProQuest Dissertation & Theses. Only studies describing, analyzing, or evaluating the application of the HPP to active duty or training military personnel were included. RESULTS: A total of 3,478 references were retrieved, and 12 studies met the inclusion criteria. The strategies were classified into five categories: focus group aimed at exploring knowledge and perceptions regarding hearing health (five studies), training on the proper fitting of hearing protection devices (four studies), the utilization of audiovisual materials (seven studies), questionnaires administrated before and after educational intervention (five studies), and feedback survey concerning the implemented hearing health education (three studies). CONCLUSION: There are five strategies that aimed at assessing knowledge and attitudes, improving hearing health education, facilitating information access, and evaluating the applied actions. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL: https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.25219589.

PPARγ partial agonist LPSF/GQ-16 prevents dermal and pulmonary fibrosis in HOCl-induced systemic sclerosis (SSc) and modulates cytokine production in PBMC of SSc patients.

Thiazolidinediones (TZD) are synthetic molecules that have a range of biological effects, including antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory, and they may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for systemic sclerosis (SSc). The aim of this study was to investigate the immunomodulatory and antifibrotic properties of LPSF/GQ-16, a TZD derivative, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from SSc patients and in a murine model of SSc HOCl-induced. The PBMC of 20 SSc patients were stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and treated with LPSF/GQ-16 for 48 h, later cytokines in the culture supernatants were quantified by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or cytometric bead array (CBA). Experimental SSc was induced by intradermal injections of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) for 6 weeks. HOCl-induced SSc mice received daily treatment with LPSF/GQ-16 (30 mg/kg) through intraperitoneal injections during the same period. Immunological parameters were evaluated by flow cytometry and ELISA, and dermal and pulmonary fibrosis were evaluated by RT-qPCR, hydroxyproline dosage and histopathological analysis. In PBMC cultures, it was possible to observe that LPSF/GQ-16 modulated the secretion of cytokines IL-2 (p < 0.001), IL-4 (p < 0.001), IL-6 (p < 0.001), IL-17A (p = 0.006), TNF (p < 0.001) and IFN-γ (p < 0.001). In addition, treatment with LPSF/GQ-16 in HOCl-induced SSc mice promoted a significant reduction in dermal thickening (p < 0.001), in the accumulation of collagen in the skin (p < 0.001), down-regulated the expression of fibrosis markers in the skin (Col1a1, α-Sma and Tgfß1, p < 0.001 for all) and lungs (Il4 and Il13, p < 0.001 for both), as well as reduced activation of CD4 + T cells (p < 0.001), B cells (p < 0.001) and M2 macrophages (p < 0.001). In conclusion, LPSF/GQ-16 showed immunomodulatory and antifibrotic properties, demonstrating the therapeutic potential of this molecule for SSc.

Muscle power-related parameters in middle-aged and older Brazilian women: a cross-sectional study.

The present study was conducted to provide normative values for lower-limb muscle power estimated through equations based on the 5 times sit-to-stand (5STS) test in Brazilian older women. In addition, we investigated the association between muscle power parameters and age. The study followed a cross-sectional design. Participants were community-dwelling women. Candidates were considered eligible if they were 18 years or older, lived independently, and possessed sufficient physical and cognitive abilities to perform all measurements required by the protocol. The 5STS test was performed as fast as possible using a standard protocol. Absolute, relative, and allometric muscle power measures were estimated using 5STS-based equations. Two thousand four-hundred seventy-one women participated in the present study. Results indicated that muscle power-related parameters decreased linearly with age. Women 60-69 years showed a marginal reduction in absolute (- 5.2%), relative (- 7.9%), and allometric (- 4.0%) muscle power. A larger reduction was observed in those 70-79 years and reached » of loss in participants ≥ 80, in comparison to middle-aged participants. Pearson's correlation and linear regression analyses indicated that power-related parameters were negatively associated with age. In conclusion, data of the present study provide normative values for lower-limb muscle power parameters according to 5STS-based equations. We observed that muscle power-related parameters declined with age, such that participants 60-69, 70-79, and ≥ 80 years displayed lower absolute and relative muscle power compared middle-aged women. A later decline was observed in allometric muscle power. Relative muscle power declined to a greater extent than other parameters, suggesting a possible window of opportunity for interventions.

Single and combined effects of Zn and Al on photosystem II of the green microalgae Raphidocelis subcapitata assessed by pulse-amplitude modulated (PAM) fluorometry.

Increasing metal concentrations in aquatic environments are mainly due to anthropogenic actions, which is a matter of concern for the biodiversity of aquatic biota. It is known that metals coexist in environments, however environmental risk assessments do not usually take into account the effects of these mixtures. We aimed to test Zn and Al mixtures on the photosynthetic apparatus of a green microalga, for the first time, using PAM fluorometry. After 72 h exposure, single concentrations from 0.08 to 0.46 µM Zn and 22.24 to 37.06 µM Al affected the photosynthetic parameters of Raphidocelis subcapitata. Metals affected the efficiency of the oxygen-evolving complex - OEC (F0/Fv), increasing it by 25% at 0.46 µM Zn and by 82% at 37.06 µM Al - concentrations where, 57% and 78% of growth inhibition occurred, respectively. We observed that the algal growth was more sensitive to infer Zn toxicity, while F0/Fv was more affected by Al. Regarding quenching, there was an increase in passive energy dissipation ((Y(NO)) at 0.46 µM Zn, and we observed an increase in both regulated ((NPQ and Y(NPQ)) and non-regulated energy dissipation ((qN and (Y(NO)) at 37.06 µM Al. Our results showed synergism and antagonism at different concentrations in mixtures, the antagonism prevailing at higher metal concentrations and, in some cases, synergism at lower concentrations of Zn and Al. Since we observe more than additive and less than additive effects, it is of the utmost importance to take mixture toxicity tests into account when performing risk assessments on green algae.

Rede Cegonha: maternal characteristics and perinatal outcomes related to prenatal consultations at intermediate risk.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the correlation between maternal characteristics and perinatal outcomes, with the number of prenatal consultations performed. METHOD: a cross-sectional study, carried out with 1,219 mothers and newborns stratified as intermediate risk according to the Programa Rede Mãe Paranaense, adaptation of the Rede Cegonha at the state level. Data were collected from the Birth Certificates. Spearman, Wilcoxon and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to analyze the correlation between the variables of interest. RESULTS: married women, with higher education, white and aged 30 years or older were the ones who most attended prenatal consultations. With regard to perinatal outcomes, children whose mothers had more frequent prenatal consultations had better Apgar and birth weight scores. High rates of cesarean delivery were identified before the onset of labor. CONCLUSION: maternal characteristics influence the process of adherence to prenatal care, impacting perinatal outcomes, indicating the relevance of these risk factors and the need to improve actions aimed at greater compliance with risk stratification and qualified and resolute care for pregnant women at intermediate risk.

Individual and Combined Effects of Manganese and Chromium on a Freshwater Chlorophyceae.

Manganese (Mn), an essential metal in trace amounts, and chromium (Cr), a nonessential metal to algae, are often found in effluent discharges and may co-occur in contaminated aquatic environments. Therefore, we investigated the effects of Mn and Cr, and their mixtures, on a freshwater Chlorophyceae, Raphidocelis subcapitata, using a multiple endpoint approach. Regarding the single exposure of metals, Mn was 4 times more toxic (median inhibitory concentration at 72 h [IC5072 h ] = 4.02 ± 0.45 µM Mn) than Cr (IC5072 h = 16.42 ± 4.94 µM Cr) for microalgae, considering the effects on the relative growth rate. Moreover, this species was the most sensitive to Mn, according to the species sensitivity distribution curve. Overall, the tested metals did not lead to significant changes in reactive oxygen species production, cellular complexity, and cell relative size but significantly decreased the algal growth and the mean cell chlorophyll a (Chl a) fluorescence at the highest concentrations (3.64-14.56 µM of Mn and 15.36-19.2 µM of Cr). The decreased mean cell Chl a fluorescence indicates an impact on pigment synthesis, which may be related to the observed growth inhibition. In the mixture tests, the reference models concentration addition and independent action were used to analyze the data, and the independent action model was the best fit to describe our results. Therefore, the Mn and Cr mixture was noninteractive, showing additive effects. This is the first study to address the combined toxicity of Mn and Cr regarding freshwater Chlorophyceae. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:1004-1015. © 2022 SETAC.

Realistic exposure to fipronil, 2,4-D, vinasse and their mixtures impair larval amphibian physiology.

Expansion of sugarcane crops may have contributed to the increased contamination of native habitats in Brazil. Several species of amphibians inhabit ponds formed in flooded farmlands, where pesticide concentrations are usually high. This study evaluated the ecotoxicological effects of the sugarcane pesticides fipronil and 2,4-D, as well as the fertilizer vinasse (isolated and mixed), on physiological responses of Leptodactylus fuscus and Lithobates catesbeianus tadpoles. In situ assays were conducted in mesocosms with concentrations based on the doses recommended by the manufacturer. Vinasse (1.3% dilution) caused 100% tadpoles' mortality immediately after its application. Fipronil and/or 2,4-D altered antioxidant and biotransformation responses, induced neurotoxicity and changed lipid contents in tadpoles. A multivariate approach indicated that the mixture of pesticides induced most of the sublethal effects in both tadpole species, in addition to the isolated fipronil in L. fuscus. Fipronil alone increased glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) activity, decreased acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and total lipid contents, and altered some individual lipid classes (e.g., free fatty acids and acetone-mobile polar lipids) in L. fuscus. The interaction between fipronil and 2,4-D in this species were more evident for lipid contents, although enzymatic alterations in G6PDH, AChE and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) were also observed. In L. catesbeianus, the mixture of pesticides reduced triglycerides and total lipids, as well as increased GST and decreased AChE activities. The detoxifying enzyme carboxylesterase was reduced by 2,4-D (alone or in mixture) in both species. Isolated pesticides also modulated specific lipid classes, suggesting their disruptive action on energy metabolism of tadpoles. Our study showed that fipronil, 2,4-D, and vinasse, individually or mixed, can be harmful to amphibians during their larval phase, causing mortality or impairing their functional responses.

Effects of cadmium and cobalt mixtures on growth and photosynthesis of Raphidocelis subcapitata (Chlorophyceae).

Metals occur simultaneously in the environment, and therefore it is important to know their toxicity and mechanism of action when associated with another metal. Furthermore, anthropogenic actions increase their concentrations in the environment where they can interact and undergo transformations that can even increase their toxicity. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of cadmium (Cd) and cobalt (Co), isolated and combined, on the microalgae Raphidocelis subcapitata. Regarding the toxicity of isolated metals, the IC5096 h was 0.08 mg L-1 of Cd and 0.16 mg L-1 of Co. Cell density decreased at all concentrations of the Cd tested. The parameters related to cell size, cell complexity and mean cell chlorophyll a (Chl a) fluorescence were significantly affected by both metals. According to species sensitivity curves (SSD), the microalgae R. subcapitata was the second most sensitive organism to Co exposure and the tenth concerning Cd. Metal mixture data were best fitted to the concentration addition (CA) model and dose-ratio dependence (DR) deviation, showing synergism at high concentrations of Co and low concentrations of Cd. Besides that, antagonism was observed at low concentrations of Co and high concentrations of Cd. Photosynthetic performance, assessed by maximum quantum yield (ΦM) and oxygen evolving complex (OEC), presented antagonism effects for both analyzed parameters. Thus, the mixture of Cd and Co showed synergistic and antagonistic interactions for the parameters analyzed in R. Subcapitata, indicating the importance of understanding the mechanisms of toxicity of metal mixtures in phytoplankton.

Toxicity of α-Ag2WO4 microcrystals to freshwater microalga Raphidocelis subcapitata at cellular and population levels.

Silver-based materials have microbicidal action, photocatalytic activity and electronic properties. The increase in manufacturing and consumption of these compounds, given their wide functionality and application, is a source of contamination to freshwater ecosystems and causes toxicity to aquatic biota. Therefore, for the first time, we evaluated the toxicity of the silver tungstate (α-Ag2WO4), in different morphologies (cube and rod), for the microalga Raphidocelis subcapitata. To investigate the toxicity, we evaluated the growth rate, cell complexity and size, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and chlorophyll a (Chl a) fluorescence. The α-Ag2WO4 - R (rod) was 1.7 times more toxic than α-Ag2WO4-C (cube), with IC10 and IC50 values of, respectively, 8.68 ± 0.91 µg L-1 and 13.72 ± 1.48 µg L-1 for α-Ag2WO4 - R and 18.60 ± 1.61 µg L-1 and 23.47 ± 1.16 µg L-1 for α-Ag2WO4-C. The release of silver ions was quantified and indicated that the silver ions dissolution from the α-Ag2WO4 - R ranged from 34 to 71%, while the Ag ions from the α-Ag2WO4-C varied from 35 to 97%. The α-Ag2WO4-C induced, after 24 h exposure, the increase of ROS at the lowest concentrations (8.81 and 19.32 µg L-1), whereas the α-Ag2WO4 - R significantly induced ROS production at 96 h at the highest concentration (31.76 µg L-1). Both microcrystal shapes significantly altered the cellular complexity and decreased the Chl a fluorescence at all tested concentrations. We conclude that the different morphologies of α-Ag2WO4 negatively affect the microalga and are important sources of silver ions leading to harmful consequences to the aquatic ecosystem.

Sofrimento mental puerperal: conhecimento da equipe de enfermagem / Mental distress during the puerperium: the nursing team's knowledge / Sufrimiento mental durante el puerperio: conocimiento del equipo de enfermería

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar o conhecimento da equipe de enfermagem do alojamento conjunto sobre sofrimento mental puerperal e oferecer subsídios para ações educativas. Método: estudo descritivo, quantitativo, realizado com 30 profissionais de enfermagem em hospital público de ensino, em São Paulo - BR. Os dados foram coletados entre dezembro de 2020 e janeiro de 2021 por meio de questionário estruturado e analisados de forma descritiva. Resultados: 73,3% das enfermeiras obstétricas, técnicas e auxiliares de enfermagem tinham idade ≥40 anos e 80% tinham tempo de atuação ≥cinco anos. Predominou o conhecimento sobre o papel da enfermagem e as práticas na assistência ao sofrimento mental puerperal (maioria de respostas esperadas em 80% das questões), em contraposição ao conhecimento sobre fisiopatologia, sintomas e causas de blues, depressão e psicose puerperal (maioria de respostas esperadas em 40% das questões). Conclusão: os resultados podem subsidiar a educação permanente, visando ampliar o conhecimento da equipe de enfermagem e fortalecer o processo de cuidar.

ABSTRACT Objective: to assess the Rooming-In Nursing team's knowledge about mental distress during the puerperium and to offer subsidies for educational actions. Method: a descriptive and quantitative study carried out with 30 Nursing professionals from a public teaching hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. The data were collected between December 2020 and January 2021 using a structured questionnaire and analyzed descriptively. Results: 73.3% of the nurse-midwives, nurses, and nursing technicians and assistants were aged ≥40 years old, and 80% had more than five years of working time. There was a predominance of knowledge about the role of Nursing and its respective practices in the assistance provided in cases of mental distress during the puerperium (majority of expected answers in 80% of the questions), in contrast to the knowledge about pathophysiology, symptoms and causes of puerperal blues, depression and psychosis (majority of expected answers in 40% of the questions). Conclusion: the results can support permanent education, aiming to expand the Nursing team's knowledge and strengthen the care process.

RESUMEN Objetivo: evaluar el conocimiento del equipo de Enfermería del área de Alojamiento Conjunto con respecto al sufrimiento mental durante el puerperio y ofrecer elementos de apoyo para acciones educativas. Método: estudio descriptivo y cuantitativo realizado con 30 profesionales de Enfermería en un hospital público de enseñanza de San Pablo, Brasil. Los datos se recolectaron entre diciembre de 2020 y enero de 2021 por medio de un cuestionario estructurado y se los analizó en forma descriptiva. Resultados: el 73,3% de las enfermeras especializadas en Obstetricia, técnicas y auxiliares de Enfermería tenían al menos 40 años y el 80% estaba activa en la profesión hacía al menos cinco años. Predominó el conocimiento sobre el rol y las prácticas de Enfermería en la atención provista en casos de sufrimiento mental durante el puerperio (mayoría de respuestas esperadas en el 80% de las preguntas), en contraste con el conocimiento sobre la fisiopatología, los síntomas y las causas del blues, la depresión y la psicosis puerperal (mayoría de respuestas esperadas en el 40% de las preguntas). Conclusión: los resultados pueden sustentar la educación permanente, con vistas a ampliar el conocimiento del equipo de Enfermería y fortalecer el proceso de atención.

Rede Cegonha: maternal characteristics and perinatal outcomes related to prenatal consultations at intermediate risk / Rede Cegonha: características maternas y resultados perinatales relacionados con consultas prenatales en riesgo intermedio / Rede Cegonha: características maternas e desfechos perinatais relacionados às consultas pré-natais no risco intermediário

Abstract Objective: to analyze the correlation between maternal characteristics and perinatal outcomes, with the number of prenatal consultations performed. Method: a cross-sectional study, carried out with 1,219 mothers and newborns stratified as intermediate risk according to the Programa Rede Mãe Paranaense, adaptation of the Rede Cegonha at the state level. Data were collected from the Birth Certificates. Spearman, Wilcoxon and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to analyze the correlation between the variables of interest. Results: married women, with higher education, white and aged 30 years or older were the ones who most attended prenatal consultations. With regard to perinatal outcomes, children whose mothers had more frequent prenatal consultations had better Apgar and birth weight scores. High rates of cesarean delivery were identified before the onset of labor. Conclusion: maternal characteristics influence the process of adherence to prenatal care, impacting perinatal outcomes, indicating the relevance of these risk factors and the need to improve actions aimed at greater compliance with risk stratification and qualified and resolute care for pregnant women at intermediate risk.

RESUMEN Objetivo: analizar la correlación entre las características maternas y los resultados perinatales, con el número de consultas prenatales realizadas. Método: estudio transversal, realizado con 1.219 madres y recién nacidos estratificados como riesgo intermedio según el Programa Rede Mãe Paranaense, adaptado de la Rede Cegonha a nivel estatal. Los datos se obtuvieron de los certificados de nacimiento. Se utilizaron las pruebas de Spearman, Wilcoxon y Kruskal-Wallis para analizar la correlación entre las variables de interés. Resultados: las mujeres casadas, con estudios superiores, blancas y de 30 años o más fueron las que más acudieron a las consultas prenatales. En cuanto a los resultados perinatales, los niños cuyas madres tuvieron consultas prenatales más frecuentes tuvieron mejores puntajes de Apgar y peso al nacer. Se identificaron altas tasas de parto por cesárea antes del inicio del trabajo de parto. Conclusión: las características maternas influyen en el proceso de adherencia a la atención prenatal, impactando los resultados perinatales, indicando la relevancia de estos factores de riesgo y la necesidad de mejorar las acciones encaminadas a un mayor cumplimiento de la estratificación del riesgo y atención calificada y decidida a las gestantes en riesgo intermedio.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar a correlação entre as características maternas e os desfechos perinatais, com o número de consultas pré-natais realizadas. Método: estudo transversal, realizado com 1.219 mães e recém-nascidos estratificados como risco intermediário de acordo com o Programa Rede Mãe Paranaense, adaptação da Rede Cegonha no âmbito estadual. Os dados foram coletados das Declarações de Nascidos Vivos. Foram utilizados os testes de Spearman, Wilcoxon e Kruskal-Wallis, para analisar a correlação entre as variáveis de interesse. Resultados: mulheres casadas, com maior escolaridade, da cor branca e com 30 anos ou mais foram as que mais compareceram às consultas de pré-natal. No tocante aos desfechos perinatais, crianças cujas mães tiveram maior frequência nas consultas de pré-natal, apresentaram melhores índices de Apgar e de peso ao nascer. Identificaram-se elevadas taxas de cesariana antes do início do trabalho de parto ocorrer. Conclusão: características maternas influenciam no processo de adesão ao pré-natal, impactando nos desfechos perinatais, indicando a pertinência destes fatores de risco e a necessidade de aprimorar ações voltadas à maior observância da estratificação de risco e ao atendimento qualificado e resolutivo das gestantes pertencentes ao risco intermediário.

Toxicity and Risk Assessment of Zinc and Aluminum Mixtures to Ceriodaphnia silvestrii (Crustacea: Cladocera).

Despite the co-occurrence of metals in aquatic environments, their joint effects are generally not considered during risk assessments. Data on the combined effects of zinc (Zn) and aluminum (Al) on aquatic animals are extremely scarce in the literature, although these metals are commonly used in domestic and industrial activities. In the present study, we investigated the effects of mixtures of Zn and Al on the cladoceran Ceriodaphnia silvestrii. We evaluated immobility (at 48 h) and ingestion rates (at 24 h). We also performed chronic toxicity tests for single metals. The environmental risks of these substances for tropical freshwaters were estimated from the risk quotient (measured environmental concentration/predicted no-effect concentration). In immobility tests, our results showed a 48-h median effect concentration (EC50) of 0.22 mg Zn L-1 and 0.52 mg Al L-1 , and we observed synergistic effects of Zn and Al, following the independent action model. The ingestion rates of C. silvestrii were inhibited at 0.1, 0.4, and 0.5 mg Al L-1 , and they were increased at 0.08 mg Zn L-1 ; we observed antagonistic effects in all treatments combined with 0.5 mg Al L-1 . In terms of chronic toxicity, a 7-d EC50 occurred at 0.11 mg Zn L-1 and 0.37 mg Al L-1 . The risk assessment suggests a potential risk of these metals at environmentally relevant concentrations, especially when in a mixture. Therefore, we recommend mixture toxicity tests during risk assessments to ensure that zooplankton are protected. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:2912-2922. © 2021 SETAC.

Probiotic potential of Enterococcus hirae in goat milk and its survival in canine gastrointestinal conditions simulated in vitro.

In canine nutrition, the use of goat nutraceutical dairy products is an innovative proposal. Therefore, the objective of this study was to prepare fermented goat milk with probiotic potential in dogs in an in vitro model. A total of 40 lactic acid bacteria (LAB) species were grown, of which 30 were CAP isolates originally from goat milk and 10 were CAN isolates originally from fecal material of newborn dogs. The isolates were selected based on resistance to the simulated canine gastrointestinal condition and acidifying ability. After this preliminary screening, the analyses were performed regarding ß-galactosidase and exopolysaccharide formation, diacetyl production, adhesion proteins Mub and mapa, hydrophobicity, DPPH assay, virulence and antibiotic resistance. With these evaluations, four LAB isolates were identified using sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. These were identified as Enterococcus hirae and were used to produce fermented goat milk. For statistical analysis, the data were analyzed using the Scott-Knott test and also submitted to analysis of variance and the Tukey test (P < 0.05). In the evaluation of goat milk fermented with E. hirae and control, over the 36-day storage period there was a reduction in pH and an increase in acidity, and higher levels of LAB were observed in goat milk fermented with E. hirae. Therefore, both these E. hirae isolates and the fermented goat milk produced showed satisfactory results in vitro, demonstrating probiotic efficiency and food safety for dogs.

External quality assessment of entomological identification of triatomines carried out in the Pernambuco Public Health Laboratory network, Brazil, 2017. / Avaliação externa da qualidade da identificação entomológica de triatomíneos realizada na Rede de Laboratórios Públicos em Pernambuco, 2017.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the quality of triatomine identification in the laboratory network of the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. METHODS: The participating laboratories received support material with dichotomous keys and a panel made up of seven triatomine insects known in the Pernambuco, in order to identify specimen status on receipt (intact or damaged structure), as well as species and sex. RESULTS: Nine out of 12 laboratories took part of the study. The proportion of correct answers was 56/63 for sex identification, and 45/63, for species. The answers did not present a direct relationship with occurrence of damage to morphological structures during insect transportation. Panstrongylus megistus identification was correct for all specimens (9/9 laboratories), while correct identification of species of the Rhodnius genus was the lowest (3/9 laboratories). CONCLUSION: Despite the good performance in entomological identification, the weaknesses observed may guide improvements in the laboratory network and will be essential for Chagas disease vector control programs.

Study of the interactions of gold nanoparticles functionalized with aminolevulinic acid in membrane models.

Gold nanoparticles have been intensively studied in cancer therapy to improve drug release, increasing therapeutic action and reducing adverse effects. The interaction between gold nanoparticles and cell membranes can give information about the cell internalization. In this study, gold nanoparticles with aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) were synthesized using the photoreduction method (5-ALA: AuNPs). The prodrug 5-ALA is responsible for protoporphyrin IX synthesis inside the cell and allows the use of therapies as photodynamic and sonodynamic therapies. The cytotoxicity test was performed on a breast cancer tumor line (MCF-7), and high Content Screening assay was applied to evaluate the entry of nanoparticles into cells. DPPS Langmuir monolayers were assembled at the air/water interface and employed as a simplified membrane model for half of a tumorigenic cell membrane. We assessed the molecular interactions between 5-ALA: AuNPs and phospholipids using tensiometry (π-A isotherms) and vibrational spectroscopy (PM-IRRAS) experiments. We found that the functionalized gold nanoparticles strongly interact with DPPS polar head groups (especially phosphate and carbonyl), changing the phospholipid hydration and leading to a general decrease in the monolayer conformational order. This work then probes that specific interaction between 5-ALA: AuNPs and the negatively charged phospholipid can be assessed using Langmuir monolayers as simplified biomembrane models.

Frailty is not associated with hypertension, blood pressure or antihypertensive medication in community-dwelling older adults: A cross-sectional comparison across 3 frailty instruments.

AIM: The present study investigated whether hypertension, blood pressure, and antihypertensive therapy were associated with frailty status in community-dwelling older adults. In addition, we tested whether such associations were consistent across different frailty instruments. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two-hundred older adults were enrolled in the study. Participant frailty status was determined according to a modified physical frailty phenotype (mFP), the FRAIL scale, and the Study of Osteoporotic Fracture (SOF) index. Blood pressure was assessed three times, in three different days, and mean values were used in the final analysis. Information pertaining to disease conditions and antihypertensive therapy were collected by two researchers through self-report and careful review of medical charts. RESULTS: No significant differences in hemodynamic parameters, hypertension diagnosis, and antihypertensive therapy were observed across frailty statuses, regardless of the frailty assessment tool used. CONCLUSION: Findings of the present study indicate that hypertension, blood pressure levels and antihypertensive medication were not cross-sectionally associated with frailty status in cognitively preserved community-dwelling older adults with low prevalence of comorbidities, regardless of the tool used for frailty identification.

Using multiple endpoints to assess the toxicity of cadmium and cobalt for chlorophycean Raphidocelis subcapitata.

Metals may cause damage to the biota of contaminated environments. Moreover, using multiple endpoints in ecotoxicological studies is useful to better elucidate the mechanisms of toxicity of these compounds. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of cadmium (Cd) and cobalt (Co) on growth, biochemical and photosynthetic parameters of the microalgae Raphidocelis subcapitata, through quantification of lipid classes composition, chlorophyll a (Chl a) content, maximum (ΦM) and effective (Φ'M) quantum yields and efficiency of the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC). Both metals affected the algal population growth, with an IC50-96h of 0.67 and 1.53 µM of Cd and Co, respectively. Moreover, the metals led to an increase in the total lipid content and reduced efficiency of OEC and ΦM. Cell density was the most sensitive endpoint to detect Cd toxicity after 96 h of treatment. Regarding Co, the photosynthetic parameters were the most affected and the total lipid content was the most sensitive endpoint as it was altered by the exposure to this metal in all concentrations. Cd led to increased contents of the lipid class wax esters (0.89 µM) and phospholipids (PL - at 0.89 and 1.11 µM) and decreased values of triglycerides (at 0.22 µM) and acetone-mobile polar lipids (AMPL - at 0.44 and 1.11 µM). The percentage of free fatty acids (FFA) and PL of microalgae exposed to Co increased, whereas AMPL decreased in all concentrations tested. We were able to detect differences between the toxicity mechanisms of each metal, especially how Co interferes in the microalgae at a biochemical level. Furthermore, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first study reporting Co effects in lipid classes of a freshwater Chlorophyceae. The damage caused by Cd and Co may reach higher trophic levels, causing potential damage to the aquatic communities as microalgae are primary producers and the base of the food chain.

Avaliação externa da qualidade da identificação entomológica de triatomíneos realizada na Rede de Laboratórios Públicos em Pernambuco, 2017 / Evaluación externa de la calidad en la identificación entomológica de triatominos realizada en la red de laboratorios públicos en Pernambuco, Brasil, 2017 / External quality assessment of entomological identification of triatomines carried out in the Pernambuco Public Health Laboratory network, Brazil, 2017

Objetivo: Avaliar a qualidade da identificação de triatomíneos na rede de laboratórios do estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. Métodos: Os nove laboratórios participantes receberam material de apoio com as chaves dicotômicas e um painel composto por sete insetos triatomíneos conhecidos no estado, para identificação da situação do espécime no recebimento (estrutura completa ou danificada), espécie e sexo. Resultados: Nove laboratórios de 12 aderiram ao estudo. A proporção de acerto para identificação do sexo foi de 56/63, e para espécie, 45/63, não apresentando relação direta com a ocorrência de danos nas estruturas morfológicas durante o transporte dos insetos. Para Panstrongylus megistus, houve acerto em todos os espécimes (9/9), enquanto para espécies do gênero Rhodnius a proporção foi menor (3/9). Conclusão: Apesar do bom desempenho na identificação entomológica, as fragilidades observadas poderão orientar ações para melhoria na rede de laboratórios e serão essenciais para os programas de controle vetorial da doença de Chagas.

Objetivo: Evaluar la calidad de la identificación de triatominos en la red de laboratorios del estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. Métodos: Los nueve laboratorios participantes recibieron material de apoyo con claves dicotómicas y un panel conformado por siete insectos triatominos conocidas en el estado, para identificar la situación del espécimen al recibirlo (estructura completa o dañada), especie y sexo. Resultados: La adherencia al laboratorio fue del 9/12. La proporción de aciertos para la identificación del sexo fue del 56/63, y para las especies 45/63, no mostraron relación directa con la ocurrencia de daños en las estructuras morfológicas durante el transporte de insectos. Solo Panstrongylus megistus logró el 9/9 de precisión, mientras que para las especies del género Rhodnius fue el más pequeño (3/9). Conclusión: A pesar del buen desempeño en identificación entomológica, la evaluación indicó debilidades que permitirán implementar acciones correctivas para mejorar la red de laboratorios, esenciales para los programas de control vectorial de la enfermedad de Chagas.

Objective: To assess the quality of triatomine identification in the laboratory network of the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Methods: The participating laboratories received support material with dichotomous keys and a panel made up of seven triatomine insects known in the Pernambuco, in order to identify specimen status on receipt (intact or damaged structure), as well as species and sex. Results: Nine out of 12 laboratories took part of the study. The proportion of correct answers was 56/63 for sex identification, and 45/63, for species. The answers did not present a direct relationship with occurrence of damage to morphological structures during insect transportation. Panstrongylus megistus identification was correct for all specimens (9/9 laboratories), while correct identification of species of the Rhodnius genus was the lowest (3/9 laboratories). Conclusion: Despite the good performance in entomological identification, the weaknesses observed may guide improvements in the laboratory network and will be essential for Chagas disease vector control programs.