Evidence syntheses to support decision-making related to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic generated a large volume of scientific productions with different quality levels. The speed with which knowledge was produced and shared worldwide imposed on health management the challenge of seeking ways to identify the best available evidence to support its decisions. In response to this challenge, the Department of Science and Technology of the Brazilian Ministry of Health started offering a service to produce and provide scientific knowledge addressing priority public health issues in the pandemic scenario. Drug treatments, non-pharmacological measures, testing, reinfection and immunological response, immunization, pathophysiology, post-COVID syndrome and adverse events are among the topics covered. In this article, we discuss the strengths and lessons learned, as well as the challenges and perspectives that present a real example of how to offer the best scientific evidence in a timely manner in order to assist the decision-making process during a public health emergency.

Effects of supplementation with different zinc-based products on the growth and health of Nile tilapia.

Zinc is one of the essential microelements for the metabolism of animals. Zinc nanoparticles may have higher bioavailability due to their low specific surface area, facilitating absorption by fish. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of supplementation with different zinc-based products on the growth and health of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus. Zinc, in different sizes (nanoparticles or bulk) and forms (inorganic or organic), were used as a supplement in the tilapia diet at a dose of 15 mg kg feed-1 for 60 days. At the end of the feeding trial, production performance, hemato-immunological parameters, activity of antioxidant system enzymes, exposure to Streptococcus agalactiae and zinc concentration in the muscle were examined. After the bacterial challenge, the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) significantly increased in the fish treated with organic zinc, inorganic nano zinc, and organic nano zinc, while in the control group (inorganic zinc), MCHC remained unchanged. Regarding defense cells, dietary inorganic nano zinc increased the number of basophils (1.50 ± 1.10) compared to organic zinc (0.80 ± 0.90). Lymphocyte count increased after the challenge only in the organic zinc treatments (bulk and nanoparticles). Neutrophils decreased in the control (inorganic zinc) (2.20 ± 1.70) and inorganic nano zinc (2.60 ± 2.70) treatments after the challenge. When compared before and after the bacterial challenge, the plasma antimicrobial titer significantly increased after the bacterial challenge in all treatments. No significant differences were observed for total proteins, enzymes (SOD and CAT), cumulative survival and zinc deposition on fillet. In conclusion, organic zinc in nanoparticles or bulk size increased Nile tilapia innate defense during bacterial infection. However, the other parameters evaluated were not affected by zinc particle size or form (organic or inorganic), indicating that further evaluations should be conducted with organic zinc in nanoparticles or bulk size in the tilapia diet.

Aerobic exercise on the treadmill combined with transcranial direct current stimulation on the gait of people with Parkinson's disease: A protocol for a randomized clinical trial.

Gait impairments negatively affect the quality of life of people with Parkinson's disease (PwPD). Aerobic exercise (AE) is an alternative to alleviate these impairments and its combination with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has demonstrated synergistic effects. However, the effect of multitarget tDCS application (i.e., motor, and prefrontal cortices simultaneously) combined with physical exercise on gait impairments is still little known. Thus, the proposed randomized clinical trial will verify the acute effects of AE combined with tDCS applied on motor and prefrontal cortices separately and simultaneously on gait (spatial-temporal and cortical activity parameters) in PwPD. Twenty-four PwPD in Hoehn & Yahr stages I-III will be recruited for this crossover study. PwPD will practice AE on treadmill simultaneously with the application of anodal tDCS during four intervention sessions on different days (∼ one week of interval). Active tDCS will be applied to the primary motor cortex, prefrontal cortex, and both areas simultaneously (multitarget), with an intensity of 2 mA for 20 min. For sham, the stimulation will remain at 2 mA for 10 s. The AE will last a total of 30 min, consisting of warm-up, main part (20 min with application of tDCS), and recovery. Exercise intensity will be controlled by heart rate. Spatial-temporal and cortical activity parameters will be acquired before and after each session during overground walking, walking with obstacle avoidance, and walking with a cognitive dual task at self-preferred velocity. An accelerometer will be positioned on the fifth lumbar vertebra to obtain the spatial-temporal parameters (i.e., step length, duration, velocity, and swing phase duration). Prefrontal cortex activity will be recorded from a portable functional near-infrared spectroscopy system and oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin concentrations will be analyzed. Two-way ANOVAs with repeated measures for stimulation and moment will be performed. The findings of the study may contribute to improving gait in PwPD. Trial registration: Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (RBR-738zkp7).

Neuropathology, Neuroimaging, and Fluid Biomarkers in Alzheimer's Disease.

An improved understanding of the pathobiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) should lead ultimately to an earlier and more accurate diagnosis of AD, providing the opportunity to intervene earlier in the disease process and to improve outcomes. The known hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease include amyloid-ß plaques and neurofibrillary tau tangles. It is now clear that an imbalance between production and clearance of the amyloid beta protein and related Aß peptides, especially Aß42, is a very early, initiating factor in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis, leading to aggregates of hyperphosphorylation and misfolded tau protein, inflammation, and neurodegeneration. In this article, we review how the AD diagnostic process has been transformed in recent decades by our ability to measure these various elements of the pathological cascade through the use of imaging and fluid biomarkers. The more recently developed plasma biomarkers, especially phosphorylated-tau217 (p-tau217), have utility for screening and diagnosis of the earliest stages of AD. These biomarkers can also be used to measure target engagement by disease-modifying therapies and the response to treatment.

Bacterial efflux pumps excrete SYTO™ dyes and lead to false-negative staining results.

Multidrug efflux pumps excrete a range of small molecules from bacterial cells. In this study, we show that bacterial efflux pumps have affinity for a range of SYTO™ dyes that are commonly used to label bacteria. Efflux pump activity will there lead to false negative results from bacterial staining and SYTO™ dyes should be used with caution on live samples.

Extracellular G-quadruplexes and Z-DNA protect biofilms from DNase I, and G-quadruplexes form a DNAzyme with peroxidase activity.

Many bacteria form biofilms to protect themselves from predators or stressful environmental conditions. In the biofilm, bacteria are embedded in a protective extracellular matrix composed of polysaccharides, proteins and extracellular DNA (eDNA). eDNA most often is released from lysed bacteria or host mammalian cells, and it is the only matrix component most biofilms appear to have in common. However, little is known about the form DNA takes in the extracellular space, and how different non-canonical DNA structures such as Z-DNA or G-quadruplexes might contribute to its function in the biofilm. The aim of this study was to determine if non-canonical DNA structures form in eDNA-rich staphylococcal biofilms, and if these structures protect the biofilm from degradation by nucleases. We grew Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms in laboratory media supplemented with hemin and NaCl to stabilize secondary DNA structures and visualized their location by immunolabelling and fluorescence microscopy. We furthermore visualized the macroscopic biofilm structure by optical coherence tomography. We developed assays to quantify degradation of Z-DNA and G-quadruplex DNA oligos by different nucleases, and subsequently investigated how these enzymes affected eDNA in the biofilms. Z-DNA and G-quadruplex DNA were abundant in the biofilm matrix, and were often present in a web-like structures. In vitro, the structures did not form in the absence of NaCl or mechanical shaking during biofilm growth, or in bacterial strains deficient in eDNA or exopolysaccharide production. We thus infer that eDNA and polysaccharides interact, leading to non-canonical DNA structures under mechanical stress when stabilized by salt. We also confirmed that G-quadruplex DNA and Z-DNA was present in biofilms from infected implants in a murine implant-associated osteomyelitis model. Mammalian DNase I lacked activity against Z-DNA and G-quadruplex DNA, while Micrococcal nuclease could degrade G-quadruplex DNA and S1 Aspergillus nuclease could degrade Z-DNA. Micrococcal nuclease, which originates from Staphylococcus aureus, may thus be key for dispersal of biofilm in staphylococci. In addition to its structural role, we show for the first time that the eDNA in biofilms forms a DNAzyme with peroxidase-like activity in the presence of hemin. While peroxidases are part of host defenses against pathogens, we now show that biofilms can possess intrinsic peroxidase activity in the extracellular matrix.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Women of Reproductive Age and Associated Risk Factors in Chiapas, Mexico.

Background: We analyzed the seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii infection in women of reproductive age in Chiapas, Mexico. Materials and Methods: One hundred seven women (mean age 25.3 years; range: 13-42 years) were enrolled in a public hospital. The presence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to T. gondii in serum samples of participants was determined by an enzyme immunoassay. Bivariate and logistic regression analyses were used to determine the association between characteristics of women and seropositivity to T. gondii. Results: Of the 107 women surveyed, 49 (45.8%) were positive for anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies. T. gondii infection was positively associated with cats at home (odds ratio [OR] = 3.85; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.21-12.20; p = 0.02), and negatively associated with eating out of home (OR = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.11-0.80; p = 0.01). Conclusions: This is the highest T. gondii exposure rate in women of reproductive age reported in Mexico.

Application of nanoparticles entrapped orange essential oil to inhibit the incidence of phytopathogenic fungi during storage of agroecological maize seeds.

The demand for sustainable, healthy, and pesticide-free food has grown in recent years. Agroecological seeds cannot receive chemical treatment, as pesticides present toxicological and environmental risks, requiring the development of alternative methods for disease control, such as the use of essential oils. In this study, orange essential oil was extracted and encapsulated in zein nanoparticles by the nanoprecipitation method. The nanoparticles were tested for the antifungal activity on agroecological maize seeds and for the mycelial sensitivity of Stenocarpella macrospora. The synthesized nanoparticles presented good encapsulation efficiency (99 %) of orange essential oil rich in D-limonene, conferring high antioxidant activity to the loaded nanoparticles. The release profile indicated a pseudo-Fickian mechanism governed by diffusion, explained according to the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. The dynamic light scattering, and transmission electron microscopy showed spherical nanoparticles with particle size lower than 200 nm. The nanoparticles containing orange essential oil inhibited the incidence of Fusarium during the storage of agroecological maize seeds. The mycelial sensitivity against Stenocarpella macrospora showed that the encapsulated essential oil was more effective in inhibiting the fungus when compared to the non-encapsulated oil. Therefore, the nanoparticles containing encapsulated orange essential oil can be effectively applied as an antifungal material for the conservation of agroecological maize seeds, contributing to the development of sustainable agricultural biotechnology with pesticide-free products.

Sínteses de evidências para apoio à tomada de decisões relacionadas à pandemia de covid-19 / Evidence syntheses to support decision-making related to the Covid-19 pandemic

A pandemia de covid-19 gerou um numeroso volume de produções científicas com diferentes níveis de qualidade. A velocidade com que o conhecimento era produzido e compartilhado a nível mundial impôs à gestão em saúde o desafio de buscar meios de identificar as melhores evidências disponíveis para subsidiar suas decisões. Em resposta a este desafio, o Departamento de Ciência e Tecnologia do Ministério da Saúde do Brasil estabeleceu um serviço para elaborar e disponibilizar conhecimento científico abordando questões prioritárias de saúde pública no cenário da pandemia. Entre os temas abordados estão tratamentos medicamentosos, medidas não farmacológicas, testagem, reinfecção e resposta imunológica, imunização, fisiopatologia, síndrome pós-covid e eventos adversos. Neste artigo, discute-se os pontos fortes e lições aprendidas, bem como os desafios e perspectivas que fornecem um exemplo real sobre como disponibilizar as melhores evidências científicas, em tempo hábil e de forma oportuna, para auxiliar o processo decisório durante uma emergência em saúde pública.

A rua como local de trabalho: o caso de entregadores via aplicativos / The street as a workplace: the situation of delivery drivers via apps / La rue comme lieu de travail: la situation des livreurs par l'entremise d'applications

O estudo apresentado neste artigo investigou o contexto em que se dá o trabalho de entregadores via aplicativos, levando em consideração problemas agravados pela pandemia de covid-19, tais como: o fato de ser realizado na rua, o sucateamento de direitos trabalhistas e sua precarização com o fenômeno de uberização. Os resultados apontam impactos negativos na saúde biopsicossocial desses entregadores, evidenciando uma queda da remuneração e uma maior exposição ao vírus. Dentre os impactos, destacam-se o aumento de processos psicopatológicos, além do medo em relação à iminente possibilidade de contrair o coronavírus e contaminar sua rede de apoio social. Desta maneira, conclui-se que a pandemia de covid-19, aliada a políticas de sucateamento dos direitos trabalhistas influenciam diretamente a saúde biopsicossocial desses trabalhadores, empurrando-os para a margem do trabalho formal e potencializando o processo de uberização relacionado a esse modelo de trabalho informal

The study presented in this article examined the work context of delivery drivers via apps, taking into account the problems aggravated by the covid-19 pandemic such as: the fact that the work is carried out on the street, the scrapping of labour rights and the precariousness of their work, due to the phenomenon of uberization. The results reveal negative impacts on the biopsychosocial health of these delivery drivers, highlighting a drop in remuneration and a greater exposure to the virus. Among these impacts, the increase in psychopathological processes as well as the fear of the imminent possibility of contracting the corona-virus and contaminating their social support network are the most visible. In this way, it is concluded that the covid-19 pandemic combined with policies to scrap labour rights have influence on the biopsychosocial health of these workers, pushing them to the margins of formal employement and intensifying the uberiza-tion process related to this informal work model

L'étude presentée dans cet article a examiné le contexte dans lequel des livreurs par l'entremise d'appli-cations travaillent, en tenant compte des problèmes aggravés par la pandémie de covid-19, tels que: le fait que le travail soit effectué dans la rue, la supression des droits du travail et sa précarisation causé par le phénomène d'ubérisation. Les résultats indiquent des impacts négatifs sur la santé biopsychosociale de ces livreurs, montrant une baisse des rémunérations et une plus grande exposition au virus. Parmi ces impacts, attirent l'attention l'augmentation des processus psychopathologiques, de la même manière que la crainte de la possibilité imminente de contracter le coronavirus et de contaminer leur réseau de soutien social. Il est conclu que la pandémie de covid-19 combinée aux politiques de suppression des droits du travail influent directement sur la santé biopsychosociale de ces travailleurs, en les poussant en marge du travail formel et en renforçant le processus d'ubérisation lié à ce modèle de travail informel

Development and characterization of a temozolomide-loaded nanoemulsion and the effect of ferrocene pre and co-treatments in glioblastoma cell models.

BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma is a severe brain tumor that requires aggressive treatment involving surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, offering a survival rate of only 15 months. Fortunately, recent nanotechnology progress has enabled novel approaches and, alongside ferrocenes' unique properties of cytotoxicity, sensitization, and interaction with reactive oxygen species, have brought new possibilities to complement chemotherapy in nanocarrier systems, enhancing treatment results. METHODS: In this work, we developed and characterized a temozolomide-loaded nanoemulsion and evaluated its cytotoxic potential in combination with ferrocene in the temozolomide-resistant T98G and temozolomide-sensitive U87 cell lines. The effects of the treatments were assessed through acute assays of cell viability, cell death, mitochondrial alterations, and a treatment protocol simulation based on different two-cycle regimens. RESULTS: Temozolomide nanoemulsion showed a z-average diameter of 173.37 ± 0.86 nm and a zeta potential of - 6.53 ± 1.13 mV. Physicochemical characterization revealed that temozolomide is probably associated with nanoemulsion droplets instead of being entrapped within the nanostructure, allowing a rapid drug release. In combination with ferrocene, temozolomide nanoemulsion reduced glioblastoma cell viability in both acute and two-cycle regimen assays. The combined treatment approach also reversed T98G's temozolomide-resistant profile by altering the mitochondrial membrane potential of the cells, thus increasing reactive oxygen species generation, and ultimately inducing cell death. CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, our results indicate that using nanoemulsion containing temozolomide in combination with ferrocene is an effective approach to improve glioblastoma therapy outcomes.

Cistitis eosinofílica en mujer con enfermedad renal crónica

Se presenta caso de una mujer de 70 años, con antecedentes de enfermedad renal crónica sin requerimiento dialítico que ingresa con descompensación aguda y que mejora con sesiones de hemodiálisis. Al examen físico llama la atención hematuria franca por lo que se solicita ecografía de pelvis donde aprecia vejiga distendida con coágulo en su interior de 7,2 cm. La tomografía muestra aparente tumor de pared de vejiga. La uretrocistografía confirma una cistitis crónica eosinofílica. Es manejada con hidroxicina teniendo respuesta favorable cediendo episodios de hematuria. La cistitis eosinofílica es una condición médica rara que se presenta con síntomas urinarios tales como disuria y hematuria. Es más común en niños que en adultos. El método diagnóstico es a través de una biopsia de pared vesical por cistoscopía. El manejo está dirigido a aliviar los síntomas. El interés por el caso se debe a la rareza de esta patología.

We present the case of a 70-year-old woman with a history of chronic kidney disease without dialysis who was admitted with acute decompensation and improved with hemodialysis sessions. On physical examination, frank hematuria was noticeable, therefore a pelvic ultrasound was requested, where a distended bladder with a 7.2 cm clot inside was observed. The tomography showed an apparent bladder wall tumor. Cyst urethrography confirmed chronic eosinophilic cystitis. It was managed with hydroxyzine, having a favorable response, reducing episodes of hematuria. Eosinophilic cystitis is a rare medical condition that presents with urinary symptoms such as dysuria and hematuria. It is more common in children than in adults. The diagnostic method is through a bladder wall biopsy by cystoscopy. Management is aimed at relieving symptoms. The interest in the case is due to the rarity of this pathology.

Transcranial direct current stimulation suggests not improving postural control during adapted tandem position in people with Parkinson's disease: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Balance impairments in people with Parkinson's disease (PD) demonstrated mainly in challenging postural tasks, such as increased body oscillation may be attributed to the deficits in the brain structures functionality involved in postural control (e.g., motor cortex, midbrain, and brainstem). Although promising results, the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on postural control in people with PD is unclear, especially in objective measures such as the center of pressure (CoP) parameters. Thus, we analyzed the effects of a single session of tDCS on the CoP parameters during the adapted tandem position in people with PD. METHODS: Nineteen people with PD participated in this crossover, randomized, and double-blind study. Anodal tDCS was applied over the primary motor cortex in two conditions of stimulation (2 mA/active and sham) on two different days for 20 min immediately before the postural control evaluation. Participants remained standing in an adapted tandem position for the postural control assessment for 30 s (three trials). CoP parameters were acquired by a force plate. RESULTS: No significant differences were demonstrated between stimulation conditions (p-value range = 0.15-0.89). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested that a single session of tDCS with 2 mA does not improve the postural control of people with PD during adapted tandem.

Fibrinolytic and antibiotic treatment of prosthetic vascular graft infections in a novel rat model.

OBJECTIVES: We developed a rat model of prosthetic vascular graft infection to assess, whether the fibrinolytic tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) could increase the efficacy of antibiotic therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were implanted a polyethylene graft in the common carotid artery, pre-inoculated with approx. 6 log10 colony forming units (CFU) of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Ten days after surgery, rats were randomized to either: 0.9% NaCl (n = 8), vancomycin (n = 8), vancomycin + tPA (n = 8), vancomycin + rifampicin (n = 18) or vancomycin + rifampicin + tPA (n = 18). Treatment duration was seven days. Approximately 36 hours after the end of treatment, the rats were euthanized, and grafts and organs were harvested for CFU enumeration. RESULTS: All animals in the control group had significantly higher CFU at the time of euthanization compared to bacterial load found on the grafts prior to inoculation (6.45 vs. 4.36 mean log10 CFU/mL, p = 0.0011), and both the procedure and infection were well tolerated. Vancomycin and rifampicin treatment were superior to monotherapy with vancomycin, as it lead to a marked decrease in median bacterial load on the grafts (3.50 vs. 6.56 log10 CFU/mL, p = 0.0016). The addition of tPA to vancomycin and rifampicin combination treatment did not show a further decrease in bacterial load (4.078 vs. 3.50 log10 CFU/mL, p = 0.26). The cure rate was 16% in the vancomycin + rifampicin group vs. 37.5% cure rate in the vancomycin + rifampicin + tPA group. Whilst interesting, this trend was not significant at our sample size (p = 0.24). CONCLUSION: We developed the first functional model of an arterial prosthetic vascular graft infection in rats. Antibiotic combination therapy with vancomycin and rifampicin was superior to vancomycin monotherapy, and the addition of tPA did not significantly reduce bacterial load, nor significantly increase cure rate.

Enabling circular economy by N-recovery: Electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate with cobalt hydroxide nanocomposites on copper foam treating low conductivity groundwater effluents.

Fertilizers play a vital role in the food-energy-water nexus. The traditional method of artificial nitrogen fixation to produce ammonia is a high-energy intensive centralized process that has caused an imbalance of the N-cycle due to the release of N-species to water. Electrocatalytic nitrate reduction (ENR) to ammonia is a promising N-resource recovery alternative that can enable the circular reuse of ammonia in decentralized settings. However, the primary challenge is identifying selective and affordable electrocatalysts. Identifying electrodes that rely on something other than platinum-group metals is required to surpass barriers associated with using expensive and endangered elements. In this study, an earth-abundant bimetallic catalyst, Cu/Co(OH)x, prepared and optimized by electrodeposition, demonstrates superior ammonia production. Under environmentally relevant conditions of 30 mg NO3--N L-1, Cu/Co(OH)x showed higher ammonia production than pristine Cu foam with 0.7 and 0.3 mmol NH3 gcat-1 h-1, respectively. The experimental evaluation demonstrated direct reduction and catalytic hydrogenation mechanisms in Cu/Co(OH)x sites. Leaching analyses suggest that Cu/Co(OH)x has outstanding stability with negligible metal concentration below the maximum contaminant level for both Cu and Co. These results provide a framework for using earth-abundant materials in ENR with comparable efficiency and energy consumption to platinum-group materials.

Polymeric nanoparticles containing babassu oil: A proposed drug delivery system for controlled release of hydrophilic compounds.

Different drug delivery systems are prepared on the nanoscale to improve performance in drug formulations, such as nanoparticles or nanoemulsions. Polymeric nanoparticles have been used to encapsulate drugs for several applications because of some characteristics of these carriers to control drug delivery, transport molecules to a specific tissue, protect the drugs, and increase drug bioavailability. When using nanocapsules, an essential parameter for encapsulating different hydrophilic or lipophilic molecules is the characteristics of the core. Babassu oil (BBS) is a natural product from Brazil, composed majoritary of short-chain saturated fatty acids. BBS has an elevated hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB), which may promote interaction of the oil with hydrophilic drugs. In this study, we developed and characterized particles containing babassu oil, solely or combined with sorbitan monostearate (Span® 60) or medium chain triglycerides (MCT) in the core to test different HLB and evaluated the encapsulation of a model hydrophilic molecule. Different techniques were used to characterize all formulations in terms of size and distribution, and in vitro drug release by dialysis technique was performed. The BBS was also characterized and presented 46,05 ± 1,11% and 15,38 ± 0,06% of lauric and myristic acid, respectively; saponification index of 248.87 ± 0.64 mg of KOH per gram of BBS, and no oxidation of the oil was indicated by means of peroxide index. Evaporation of solvent carried in the room or reduced pressure influenced the particles' size; nevertheless, all had a z-average smaller than 220 nm. Nanoparticles with a ratio among aqueous phase and organic phase of 2.8 were considered adequate to encapsulate diclofenac sodium. The particles size/zeta potential were 189.83 ± 7.86 nm / - 10.39 ± 2.52 mV, 156.80 ± 4.77 nm / - 9.27 ± 4.61 mV, and 168.87 ± 5.22 nm / - 12.98 ± 4.66 mV to nanoparticles prepared with BBS + MCT, BBS, and BBS + Span® 60, respectively. All formulations exhibited an amount of drug content close to the theoretical amount (1.0 mg mL-1), and no difference was observed in the release profile among the three nanoparticles. Formulation containing only babassu oil in the core displayed 66.78 ± 15.62% of encapsulation efficiency to diclofenac sodium, the highest value among all formulations tested. Results demonstrate that the innovative nanoparticles containing BBS promote the encapsulation of a model hydrophilic molecule, and other components can be evaluated to change the core's hydrophilicity and encapsulation of molecules.

Release of leachable products from resinous compounds in the saliva of children with anterior open bite treated with spur.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the release of bisphenol-A glycidyl methacrylate (BisGMA), triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), bisphenol A (BPA), and phthalates of the composite resin used in the bonding of spurs applied in the treatment of children with anterior open bite and its effects on human keratinocytes. METHODOLOGY: Saliva samples of 22 children were collected before spur attachment (baseline) and 30 minutes (min) and 24 hours (h) after spur bonding. Analysis was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Standardized resin increments were added to three different dilutions of the cell culture medium. Keratinocytes (HaCaT) were cultivated in the conditioned media and evaluated for cell viability (MTT) and cell scratch assay. RESULTS: The levels of BisGMA (1.74±0.27 µg/mL), TEGDMA (2.29±0.36 µg/mL), and BPA (3.264±0.88 µg/L) in the saliva after 30 min, in comparison to baseline (0±0 µg/mL, 0±0 µg/mL, and 1.15±0.21 µg/L, respectively), presented higher numbers. After 24 h, the levels of the monomers were similar to the baseline. Phthalates showed no significant difference among groups. HaCat cells showed increased viability and reduced cell migration over time after exposure to methacrylate-based resin composites. CONCLUSION: Resin composites, used to attach spurs in children with anterior open bite during orthodontic treatment, release monomers after polymerization and can influence the behavior of human keratinocytes, even at very low concentrations. Orthodontists should be aware of the risks of the resinous compounds release and preventive procedures should be held to reduce patient exposure.

Opportunities for in situ electro-regeneration of organic contaminant-laden carbonaceous adsorbents.

Adsorptive separation technologies have proven to be effective on organic contaminant removal in aqueous water. However, the breakthrough of contaminants is inevitable and can be at relatively low bed volumes, which makes the regeneration of spent adsorbents an urgent need. Electrochemically induced regeneration processes are given special attention and may provide ease of operation through in situ regeneration avoiding (i) removal and transport adsorbents, and (ii) avoiding use of hazardous chemicals (i.e., organic solvents, acids, or bases). Therefore, this review article critically evaluates the fundamental aspects of in situ electro-regeneration for spent carbons, and later discusses specific examples related to the treatment of emerging contaminants (such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS). The fundamental concepts of electrochemically driven processes are comprehensively defined and addressed in terms of (i) adsorbent characteristics, (ii) contaminant properties, (iii) adsorption/regeneration driving operational parameters and conditions, and (iv) the competitive effects of water matrices. Additionally, future research needs and challenges to enhance understanding of in situ electro-regeneration applications for organic contaminants (specifically PFAS)-laden adsorbents are identified and outlined as a future key perspective.

Efecto de la dibucaína sobre la SERCA del músculo pterigoideo interno / Drug action of dibucaine on the SERCA from medial pterygoid muscle

Objetivo: Determinar el efecto del anestésico local di-bucaína sobre las principales isoformas de la SERCA (calcio ATPasa de retículo sarco-endoplásmico) pre-sentes en músculo pterigoideo interno. Métodos: Se aislaron por centrifugación diferencial membranas de retículo sarcoplásmico de pterigoideo interno de conejo neozelandés macho (n=5). Se separaron las isoformas SERCA1a, 2a y 2b por cromatografía de afinidad. Se determinó in vitro la actividad enzimá-tica en presencia de diferentes concentraciones de dibucaína (0-90 mM) por el método de Fiske y Subba-row, realizando 5 experimentos por duplicado y en paralelo para cada isoforma. Se calculó la media y ES de la CI50 (mM) del anestésico para cada isofor-ma y éstas se compararon por ANOVA de una vía (p<0,05), y prueba Student-Newman-Keuls de com-paraciones múltiples. Resultados: Dibucaína inhibió la actividad enzimática en función de su concentra-ción en las tres isoformas en estudio. Las CI50 fueron: SERCA1a 20,02 ± 0,64 mM, SERCA2a 15,03 ± 0,52 mM y SERCA2b 16,00 ± 0,51 mM y resultaron signi-ficativamente diferentes (F2,27 = 11,08, p<0,001). La prueba post hoc identificó diferencias significativas entre SERCA1a y 2a, 1a y 2b. El efecto inhibitorio re-sultó significativamente mayor sobre las isoformas 2a y 2b, cuya presencia es sustancialmente mayor en músculos masticadores. Conclusión: La dibucaína inhibe a la SERCA de pterigoideo interno a concen-traciones menores que las usadas en clínica médica (29 mM). Es un anestésico local con potencial efecto miotóxico derivado de la inhibición de la SERCA (AU)

Aim: To test the effect of the local anesthetic dibu-caine on the main isoforms of the SERCA (sarco-endosplasmic reticulum calcium-ATPase) in medial pterygoid muscle. Methods: Sarcoplasmic reticulum membranes from male New Zealand rabbits (n=5) were isolated from medial pterygoid muscle by ul-tracentrifugation. The isoforms SERCA1a, 2a and 2b were separated using high affinity chromatography. In vitro enzymatic activity determinations were per-formed in the presence of different dibucaine con-centrations (0-90 mM) using the colorimetric method described by Fiske & Subbarow. Five assays in dupli-cate and run in parallel were performed for each of the isoforms. Mean and SEM of the IC50 (mM) for the effect of the anesthetic on each isoform were calcu-lated and compared by one-way ANOVA (p<0.05), and Student-Newman-Keuls multiple comparisons test. Results: Dibucaine inhibited the enzymatic activity in a concentration-dependent manner for the three studied isoforms. The IC50 values were: SERCA1a 20.02 ± 0.64 mM, SERCA2a 15.03 ± 0.52 mM and SER-CA2b 16.00 ± 0.51 mM. The values were significantly different (F2.27 = 11.08, p<0.001). The post hoc test revealed significant differences between SERCA1a and 2a, 1a and 2b. The inhibitory effect was signifi-cantly higher on 2a and 2b isoforms, whose presence is substantially higher in masticatory muscles. Con-clusion: Dibucaine inhibits SERCA in medial pterygoid muscle at concentrations lower than those used in clinical medicine (29 mM). It is a potentially myotoxic local anesthetic whose toxic effect may derive from SERCA inhibition (AU)

Mamoplastia redutora: da técnica ao impacto social / Reduction mammoplasty: from technique to social impact / Mamoplastia de reducción: de la técnica al impacto social

As mulheres com tamanhos excessivos das mamas sofrem de patologias definidas como gigantomastia, macromastia ou hipertrofia mamária, isso indica um processo em que os seios são patologicamente aumentados o que gera condições insalubres. Seu tamanho afeta diretamente sua saúde com danos psicológicos e na qualidade de vida. O tratamento inclui a retirada cirúrgica do tecido excedente no processo de melhora da qualidade de vida, visando reduzir os sintomas, melhorar a funcionalidade, o estado psicológico, além um melhoramento estético. Dessa forma, o presente estudo tem como objetivo realizar uma análise desde a técnica da mamoplastia redutora quanto aos seus impactos sociais. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa como foco a construção teórica e a discussão de questões atuais sobre o tema com base nas evidências das literaturas dos últimos cinco anos. As mulheres com gigantomastia experimentam melhorias na forma e funcionalidade da mama após a mamoplastia redutora. Há evidências substanciais de que esta cirurgia melhora significativamente a qualidade de vida do paciente, visto que há a redução do volume mamário que consequentemente melhora das dores lombares, as mamas ficam esteticamente mais adequadas para uso de roupas íntimas, além de cessar irritações cutâneas e infecções nas áreas das dobras. Muitas pacientes se beneficiam de uma melhor qualidade de vida ao não apresentarem mais esses sintomas listados. Realizar este procedimento tem sido considerado satisfatório pela maioria das pessoas, e com base na análise realizada, a maioria das pacientes priorizam os efeitos estéticos e funcional, além de reduzir o impacto em outras doenças mesmo essa patologia não sendo amplamente disponibilizada pelo SUS. De tal forma, essa direção de pesquisa busca contribuir para o desenvolvimento de pesquisas futuras e em andamento relacionadas a esse tema.

Women with excessive breast sizes suffer from pathologies defined as gigantomastia, macromastia, or breast hypertrophy, this indicates a process in which the breasts are pathologically enlarged which generates unhealthy conditions. Their size directly affects your health with psychological damage and quality of life. The treatment includes the surgical removal of the excess tissue in the process of improving quality of life, aiming to reduce symptoms, improve functionality, psychological state, and an aesthetic improvement. Thus, the present study aims to carry out an analysis from the technique of reduction mammoplasty as to its social impacts. This is a qualitative research focusing on theoretical construction and discussion of current issues on the subject based on evidence from the literatures of the last five years. Women with gigantomastia experience improvements in breast shape and functionality after reduction mammaplasty. There is substantial evidence that this surgery significantly improves the patient's quality of life, as there is a reduction in breast volume which consequently improves lower back pain, the breasts become more aesthetically pleasing for underwear, and skin irritation and infections in the fold areas cease. Many patients benefit from a better quality of life by no longer experiencing these listed symptoms. Performing this procedure has been considered satisfactory by most people, and based on the analysis performed, most patients prioritize the aesthetic and functional effects, besides reducing the impact on other diseases even though this pathology is not widely available by SUS. In such a way, this research direction seeks to contribute to the development of future and ongoing research related to this theme.

Las mujeres con excesivo tamaño mamario sufren patologías definidas como gigantomastia, macromastia o hipertrofia mamaria, esto indica un proceso en el que las mamas se agrandan patológicamente lo que genera condiciones insalubres. Su tamaño afecta directamente a la salud con daños psicológicos y a la calidad de vida. El tratamiento incluye la extirpación quirúrgica del exceso de tejido en el proceso de mejora de la calidad de vida, con el objetivo de reducir los síntomas, mejorar la funcionalidad, el estado psicológico, y una mejora estética. Así, el presente estudio pretende realizar un análisis a partir de la técnica de mamoplastia de reducción en cuanto a sus impactos sociales. Se trata de una investigación cualitativa centrada en la construcción teórica y la discusión de cuestiones actuales sobre el tema a partir de la evidencia de las literaturas de los últimos cinco años. Las mujeres con gigantomastia experimentan mejoras en la forma y funcionalidad de las mamas después de la mamoplastia de reducción. Existen pruebas sustanciales de que esta cirugía mejora significativamente la calidad de vida de la paciente, ya que se produce una reducción del volumen mamario que, en consecuencia, mejora el dolor lumbar, las mamas resultan más estéticas para la ropa interior y cesan la irritación de la piel y las infecciones en las zonas de los pliegues. Muchas pacientes se benefician de una mejor calidad de vida al dejar de experimentar estos síntomas enumerados. La realización de este procedimiento ha sido considerada satisfactoria por la mayoría de las personas, y con base en el análisis realizado, la mayoría de los pacientes priorizan los efectos estéticos y funcionales, además de reducir el impacto sobre otras enfermedades, aunque esta patología no esté ampliamente disponible por el SUS. De tal forma, esta dirección de investigación busca contribuir para el desarrollo de futuras y actuales investigaciones relacionadas a este tema.