Novel insights into the application of recombinant mutated phospholipases D as antigens for developing new strategies against Loxoscelism.

Loxoscelism is the pathological condition triggered by a brown spider bite. The venom of these spiders is rich in phospholipases D (PLDs), which can induce virtually all local and systemic manifestations. Recombinant mutated PLDs from clinically relevant Loxosceles species in South America have been investigated as potential antigens to develop novel therapeutic strategies for loxoscelism. However, certain gaps need to be addressed before a clinical approach can be implemented. In this study, we examined the potential of these recombinant mutated PLDs as antigens by testing some variations in the immunization scheme. Furthermore, we evaluated the efficacy of the produced antibodies in neutralizing the nephrotoxicity and sphingomyelinase activity of brown spider venoms. Our findings indicate that the number of immunizations has a greater impact on the effectiveness of neutralization compared to the amount of antigen. Specifically, two or three doses were equally effective in reducing dermonecrosis and edema. Additionally, three immunizations proved to be more effective in neutralizing mice lethality than one or two. Moreover, immunizations mitigated the signs of kidney injury, a crucial aspect given that acute renal failure is a serious systemic complication. In vitro inhibition of the sphingomyelinase activity of Loxosceles venoms, a key factor in vivo toxicity, was nearly complete after incubation with antibodies raised against these antigens. These findings underscore the importance of implementing an effective immunization scheme with multiple immunizations, without the need for high antigen doses, and enhances the spectrum of neutralization exhibited by antibodies generated with these antigens. In summary, these results highlight the strong potential of these antigens for the development of new therapeutic strategies against cutaneous and systemic manifestations of loxoscelism.

Is Having Urban Green Space in the Neighborhood Enough to Make a Difference? Insights for Healthier City Design.

Background: Prior research indicates that engagement with nature is associated with mental well-being; however, the impact of accessibility to urban green spaces (UGS) with suitable infrastructure for visitation and physical activities, like leisure or recreation, remains underexplored, particularly in developing countries. Purpose: This study delves into whether merely having green space in the neighborhood is sufficient to impact residents' mental health in Brazilian metropolitan regions. Method: Utilizing a cross-sectional survey, data were collected from 2136 participants. The analyzed variables included the intensity, duration, and frequency of nature engagement, suitability of UGS for visitation and physical activities, and mental well-being indicators measured by the DASS-21 scale. Multivariate statistical analyses and multiple regression models were employed to verify hypothetical relationships. Results and conclusions: Higher intensity, duration, and frequency of nature engagement in UGS were significantly associated with lower depression, anxiety, and stress scores. Notably, having urban UGS in the neighborhood alone was not enough to reduce mental health issues. Practical implications: The findings point out the need for urban planning policies that prioritize the development of high-quality, accessible green spaces to maximize mental well-being benefits. These insights could inform city designs that foster healthier urban environments. Future directions: Longitudinal studies are needed to establish causality between nature engagement and mental health improvements. Further research should incorporate objective measures of nature engagement and explore more aspects of green space quality, such as biodiversity and amenities.

Use of masks in the oral communication of hearing device users / Uso de máscara na comunicação oral para usuários de dispositivos auxiliares à audição

ABSTRACT Purpose: to assess the influence of wearing a mask on auditory-visual speech recognition, in a favorable listening situation, in hearing devices users. Methods: a cross-sectional observational study comprising 52 hearing aid users, whose speech recognition was assessed with six video-recorded lists of sentences with and without masks. The mean test results in the various situations were compared using the Friedman test with Bonferroni post hoc, the significance level being set at 5%. Results: speech recognition assessment results differed between the situations with and without masks and between mask types, with a small effect size. The post hoc, with p-values adjusted with the Bonferroni method, showed a difference between transparent masks and others. The transparent one had a higher mean (77.8%) of auditory-visual sentence recognition between the various situations. There were statistically significant differences, as the transparent mask provided a better performance than the others. Conclusion: the auditory-visual recognition of the hearing-impaired people was better with the transparent mask.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar a influência do uso de máscara no reconhecimento auditivo-visual de fala, em situação de escuta favorável, em usuários de dispositivos eletrônicos auxiliares à audição (DEAA). Métodos: estudo observacional transversal. Participaram 52 usuários de dispositivos auxiliares à audição que realizaram avaliação do reconhecimento de fala com seis listas de frases apresentadas em vídeo com e sem máscaras. Para comparar as médias dos resultados do teste nas diferentes situações, foi aplicado o Teste de Friedman, com pos-hoc de Bonferroni e nível de significância 5%. Resultados: houve diferença dos resultados da avaliação de reconhecimento de fala entre as diferentes situações, com e sem máscara, assim como entre os tipos de máscara, com tamanho de efeito de pequeno. O post-hoc, com valor de p ajustado pelo método de Bonferroni, mostrou diferença entre a máscara transparente e as demais. A máscara transparente apresentou maior média (77,8%) do reconhecimento auditivo-visual nas sentenças utilizadas entre as situações. Foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significantes com desempenho superior da máscara transparente em relação aos outros tipos de máscaras. Conclusão: conclui-se que o reconhecimento auditivo-visual para os deficientes auditivos foi melhor com a máscara transparente.

Awe: Efeitos Cognitivos, Emocionais e Motivacionais do Deslumbramento num Contexto Experimental / Awe: Cognitive, Emotional and Motivational Effects of Dazzle in an Experimental Context

Resumo A relativamente inexplorada emoção de awe, que pode ser descrita em português como a sensação de deslumbramento e transcendência perante a percepção subjetiva de grandiosidade, vem sendo experimentalmente associada a efeitos positivos de natureza diversa. Nos artigos encontrados para inclusão nesta revisão bibliográfica, foram relatados um aumento da pró-socialidade e de sentimentos afiliativos, melhoras no humor e na satisfação pessoal, e modificações na concepção dos participantes acerca do tempo, levando a uma redução da impaciência e incentivando a busca de experiências de crescimento pessoal em lugar de recompensas imediatas. Esse sentimento também pareceu encorajar o senso crítico com relação a tentativas de convencimento, além de promover a espiritualidade e a identificação de propósito na realidade.

Abstract The relatively uninvestigated emotion of awe has been experimentally associated with a wide range of positive effects. The articles retrieved for inclusion in this literature review reported an increase in prosociality and group affiliation, improvements in mood and personal satisfaction, and alterations in subjects' conception of time which reduced feelings of impatience and enhanced their disposition to seek personal growth experiences over immediate rewards. This emotion also seemed to encourage critical thinking with regard to persuasion attempts, and to promote spirituality as well as the identification of purpose in reality.

Há lugar para o uso de probióticos na saúde bucal? / Is there a place for probiotics in oral health? Systematic review

Objetivo: revisar os efeitos dos probióticos na profilaxia e tratamento de doenças da cavidade oral. Material e métodos: buscou-se artigos no Medline, Lilacs e SciELO com as estratégias de busca: treatment and "oral health" and probiotics; probiotics and "oral health"; probiotics and "oral cavity"; prevention and "oral health" and probiotics; probiotics and "mouth diseases". Critérios de inclusão: pesquisas em humanos, em inglês, português e espanhol, e foco nos efeitos dos probióticos na saúde bucal. Critérios de exclusão: estudos em animais, ou publicados em outros idiomas, e não relacionados ao benefício dos probióticos na cavidade oral. Resultados: foram incluídos 14 artigos (revisão, ensaio clínico e caso-controle), publicados na Alemanha, Brasil, Cuba, Dinamarca, Índia, Inglaterra e Peru, todos de alta qualidade metodológica. O uso de probióticos parece favorecer o equilíbrio da microflora bucal e reduzir a incidência de cáries, gengivites, halitoses, candidíase oral e periodontites. Apenas dois artigos declararam conflito de interesse, riscos e danos do uso de probióticos. Conclusão: dada a importância dos probióticos e seu potencial promissor, mais estudos isentos de interesses comerciais são necessários para avaliar o custo/efetividade e segurança dos probióticos na profilaxia, e tratamento de doenças bucais antes que profissionais da saúde e governos possam recomendá-los.

Objective: review the effects of probiotics in the prevention and treatment of oral cavity diseases. Materials and methods: the Medline, Lilacs, and SciELO databases were screened using the following strategies: treatment and "oral health" and probiotics; probiotics and "oral health"; probiotics and "oral cavity"; prevention and "oral health" and probiotics; probiotics and "mouth diseases". Inclusion criteria: studies performed in humans in English, Portuguese and Spanish, with focus on probiotics' effects on oral health. Exclusion criteria: studies performed in animals, published in different languages, and without direct relationship with the benefi ts of using probiotics for oral health. Results: 14 articles were included (review, clinical trial and case control), published between 2008 and 2013 in Germany, Brazil, Cuba, Denmark, India, England and Peru. Articles included reached high methodological quality. It seems that the use of probiotics enhance balance of the oral microflora, which reduces the incidence of caries, gingivitis, halitosis, periodontitis, and oral candidiasis. Only two articles superficially reported conflict of interests, risks, and damages from probiotics usage. Conclusion: given the importance and potential of probiotics, further studies free of commercial interests are needed to evaluate their cost-effectiveness and safety in the prevention and treatment of oral diseases, before professionals and government programs may recommend their usage.