The relationship between periodontal disease and cancer: Insights from a Systematic Literature Network Analysis.

This paper investigates the relationship between periodontal disease and various cancer types. It provides a comprehensive overview of the existing knowledge about the interaction between periodontal disease and carcinogenesis, explores the underlying biological mechanisms of this connection, and consider the impact of these findings on healthcare practices and future research directions. Utilizing Systematic Literature Network Analysis, which combines bibliometric analysis with Systematic Literature Review, this study analyzes 164 documents from 2000 to 2023. Focus is placed on the 38 most globally cited papers, enabling a targeted and comprehensive analysis of the predominant research within this scope. This review highlights that colorectal, oral, pancreatic, lung, and gastrointestinal cancers have consistent associations with periodontal disease. On the other hand, hematological, breast and prostate cancers show associations with periodontal disease, but these links are less pronounced and more variable, indicating the need for targeted research in these domains. These insights emphasize the necessity for a multidisciplinary healthcare approach, recognizing the systemic implications of periodontal disease.

Neurological manifestation of Brazilian spotted fever in childhood.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is a rickettsial disease caused by the bacteria Rickettsia rickettsii. In Brazil, the disease is known as Brazilian spotted fever (BSF), being the most significant tick-borne disease in the country. Among the affected patients, only 5% of cases occur in children aged one to nine years. Typical symptoms of the disease are fever, rash, headache and digestive symptoms. Neurological manifestations such as seizures, aphasia and hemiparesis have been described in few patients. This study aimed to describe the case of an infant diagnosed with BSF who presented severe signs of neurological manifestation.

Mobbing - assédio moral no trabalho como fator desencadeante de stress laboral em enfermeiros / Mobbing - bullying at work as a trigger for work-related stress in nurses

A experiência de Assédio Moral no Trabalho (AMT) em Enfermagem, apresenta consequências importantes, que acentuam a pertinência de pesquisa na área. Com os objetivos de caracterizar os estudos que aqui assumem o estatuto de elementos de amostra; identificar categorias que expressem os contornos do AMT; analisar a fundamentação da literatura para as categorias de AMT encontradas. Como metodologia, foi desenvolvida uma Revisão Sistemática da Literatura, a partir da amostra, selecionada em bases de dados Web of Science e PubMed, através do método PRISMA, e critérios PICO. A seleção emerge a partir da expressão de busca e termos MeSH, dos operadores booleanos (Moral harassment) OR (mobbing) OR (bullying) AND (nursing) AND (nursing professionals) AND (workplace) AND (stress). Resultam 116 estudos, e foram selecionados 11, por responderem à Questão de Investigação, emergentes de 4 países da Europa, 4 da Ásia, 1 da América do Sul e 1 da Austrália. Resultou na identificação de 18 categorias que expressam os contornos do AMT: as categorias fortes são "Burnout ­ exaustão emocional e despersonalização", fundamentada por 8 Componentes Discursivas (CD), de 6 estudos, seguida de "Insatisfação laboral, sentimentos de fracasso e frustração" por 5 CD de 5 estudos; e ainda "Stress Laboral, menor Capacidade de gestão de stress", "Relação entre exposição ao assédio moral vertical e satisfação no trabalho" por 4 CD de 4 estudos, respetivamente. Concluiu-se que as co-morbilidades consequentes ao AMT - burnout e sintomatologia psicossomática ­ são indicadores para maior investigação e formação de enfermeiros, assim como para a implementação de estratégias preventivas.

The experience of Moral Harassment at Work (AMT) in Nursing has important consequences, which accentuate the relevance of research in the area. In order to characterize the studies that here assume the status of sample elements; Identify categories that express the contours of the AMT; to analyze the rationale of the literature for the categories of AMT found. As a methodology, a Systematic Literature Review was developed, based on the sample, selected in Web of Science and PubMed databases, using the PRISMA method, and PICO criteria. The selection emerges from the search expression and terms MeSH, the Boolean operators (Moral harassment) OR (mobbing) OR (bullying) AND (nursing) AND (nursing professionals) AND (workplace) AND (stress). A total of 116 studies were conducted, and 11 were selected for answering the Research Question, emerging from 4 countries in Europe, 4 from Asia, 1 from South America and 1 from Australia. It was concluded that the comorbidities resulting from AMT - burnout and psychosomatic symptomatology - are indicators for further investigation and training of nurses, as well as for the implementation of preventive strategies.

Neurological manifestation of Brazilian spotted fever in childhood

ABSTRACT Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is a rickettsial disease caused by the bacteria Rickettsia rickettsii. In Brazil, the disease is known as Brazilian spotted fever (BSF), being the most significant tick-borne disease in the country. Among the affected patients, only 5% of cases occur in children aged one to nine years. Typical symptoms of the disease are fever, rash, headache and digestive symptoms. Neurological manifestations such as seizures, aphasia and hemiparesis have been described in few patients. This study aimed to describe the case of an infant diagnosed with BSF who presented severe signs of neurological manifestation.

Feed Efficiency and Physiological Parameters of Holstein and Crossbred Holstein × Simmental Cows.

This study aimed to compare the feed efficiency (FE) and physiological parameters of Holstein and crossbred Holstein × Simmental cows in a confinement system during winter and summer. The study was conducted in a dairy farm in southern Brazil by including a total of 48 multiparous cows. The cows were studied for 21 days in two periods, summer and winter, and their daily dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield (MY), rectal temperature (RT), respiratory rate (RR), body weight, and body condition score were recorded. An analysis of variance was conducted using the SAS statistical package. The results showed that crossbred Holstein × Simmental cows have a similar FE as Holstein cows in a high-production system (1.83 × 1.81 kg DMI/kg MY, respectively), and they can achieve the same production levels as purebred Holstein cows (43.8 vs. 44.5 milk/cow/day). Our findings indicated a difference for the period as both genetic groups achieved higher FE in winter than in summer (1.98 vs. 1.67 DMI/kg MY, respectively). In addition, we found evidence that crossbred cows are better at dissipating body heat during heat-stress situations, as they have higher RR in summer compared to purebred cows, while Holstein cows have higher RT in summer afternoons than crossbred cows. Therefore, using crossbred Holstein × Simmental cows is an alternative for high-production systems.

Association between adiposity and emergent depressive symptoms in a 10-years prospective cohort of older adults: The EpiFloripa Aging study.

BACKGROUND: The association between obesity and depressive symptoms has been described in the literature, but there is a scarcity of longitudinal data. This study aimed to verify the association between body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference and the incidence of depressive symptoms over a 10-year follow-up in a cohort of older adults. METHODS: Data from the first (2009-2010), second (2013-2014), and third (2017-2019) waves of the EpiFloripa Aging Cohort Study were used. Depressive symptoms were assessed by the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) and classified in significant depressive symptoms for those with ≥6 points. The Generalized Estimating Equations model was used to estimate the longitudinal association between BMI and waist circumference and depressive symptoms across a 10-year follow-up. RESULTS: The incidence of depressive symptoms (N = 580) was 9.9 %. The relationship between BMI and the incidence of depressive symptoms in older adults followed a U-shaped curve. Older adults with obesity had an incidence relative ratio of 76 % (IRR = 1.24, p = 0.035) for increasing the score of depressive symptoms after 10 years, compared to those with overweight. The higher category of waist circumference (Male: ≥102; Female: ≥88 cm) was associated with depressive symptoms (IRR = 1.09, p = 0.033), only in a non-adjusted analysis. LIMITATIONS: Relatively high follow-up dropout rate; Few individuals in the underweight BMI category; BMI must be considered with caution because it does not measure only fat mass. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity was associated with the incidence of depressive symptoms when compared with overweight in older adults.

Acompanhamento terapêutico na atenção básica: Estratégia de cuidado para acumuladores compulsivos / Therapeutic monitoring in primary health care: Strategies for caring for hoarding disorders / Acompañamiento terapéutico en la atención básica: Estrategia de cuidado para acumuladores compulsivos

O projeto de extensão "Acompanhamento Terapêutico em Saúde Mental: suporte para inclusão e (re)construção do cotidiano", advindo da parceria entre a Diretoria de Saúde Mental de Curitiba e os Departamentos de Psicologia, Terapia Ocupacional e Enfermagem da Universidade Federal do Paraná, visou oferecer Acompanhamento Terapêutico (AT) a usuários dos serviços de saúde mental do município, com uma vertente específica de atuação junto a acumuladores compulsivos. Este trabalho se destina a relatar a experiência desse projeto, aprofundando a estratégia da utilização do AT num caso de acumulação compulsiva de animais. Para prover suporte à compilação e análise dos dados, utilizou-se como técnica de coleta de dados os diários de campo das acompanhantes terapêuticas envolvidas no caso. As anotações foram realizadas com base nas descrições objetivas das situações vivenciadas, reflexões e impressões pessoais e grupais dos profissionais que acompanhavam o caso. Após análise e categorização, conclui-se que a abordagem da pessoa com transtorno de acumulação tem especificidades que ressaltam a importância do cuidado e do trabalho em rede. Ademais, o AT se apresenta como um importante recurso no manejo de casos de acumuladores compulsivos e potencializador do trabalho em rede, por meio de ações singulares e estratégicas.

The extension project "Therapeutic Monitoring in Mental Health: support for inclusion and daily life (re)construction", resulting from a partnership between the Mental Health Directorship of Curitiba and the departments of Psychology, Occupational Therapy, and Nursing of the Federal University of Paraná, aimed to offer Therapeutic Monitoring to users of the mental health services of the city, with a specific application to compulsive hoarders. The present study aims to report on the experience of the therapeutic monitoring carried out in this project, in order to discuss the potential of this clinical device in the management of an animal hoarding case. For data collection, this study used field diaries kept by the therapeutic monitors involved in the case. The notes were taken as objective descriptions of the situations and personal and group reflections of the professionals that followed the case. After analyzing and categorizing the data, it was concluded that the approach of the person with hoarding disorder has distinct particularities that highlight the importance of care and networking. In addition, therapeutic monitoring may be an important resource in the management of hoarding cases and a catalyst for the networking, prompting singular and strategic actions.

El proyecto de extensión "Acompañamiento Terapéutico en Salud Mental: soporte para inclusión y (re)construcción de lo cotidiano", realizado por la asociación entre la Dirección de Salud Mental de Curitiba y los departamentos de Psicología, Terapia Ocupacional y Enfermería de la Universidad Federal de Paraná, tuvo como objetivo ofrecer Acompañamiento Terapéutico (AT) a usuarios de los servicios de salud mental del municipio, actuando junto a acumuladores compulsivos. El trabajo objetiva relatar la experiencia del proyecto, profundizando la estrategia de la utilización del AT junto a un caso de acumulación compulsiva de animales. Para la compilación de los datos, se utilizó los diarios de campo de las acompañantes terapéuticas involucradas en el caso. Las anotaciones se realizaron con base en las descripciones objetivas de las situaciones vividas, reflexiones e impresiones personales y grupales de los profesionales que acompañaban el caso. Después del análisis y categorización, se concluye que el abordaje de la persona con trastorno de acumulación posee especificidades que resaltan la importancia del cuidado y del trabajo en red. Además, el AT se presenta como un importante recurso en el manejo de casos de acumuladores compulsivos y potenciador del trabajo en red, por medio de acciones singulares y estratégicas.

Incidence of fracture of ProDesign Logic system instruments: A cross-sectional retrospective study.

The aim of the present study was to analyze the incidence of fracture of ProDesign Logic system instruments in endodontic treatments performed by a specialist, in addition to identifying the dental group, arch, and the root canal thirds in which the fractures occurred more frequently. Digital radiographs and medical records were initially analyzed and resulted in the selection of 561 teeth (1302 canals) treated between 2018 and 2020, using the ProDesign Logic system instruments. These data were reassessed to determine the occurrence of fractures and identify the dental group and root canal thirds in which they occurred. Then, the data were statistically analyzed using the Fisher's Exact Test (p < 0.05). The general fracture rates were 8.5 and 3.69%, considering the number of teeth and canals treated, respectively. Mandibular first molars were the teeth most associated with the occurrence of fractures (19.1%). When the arches were compared, there was no statistical difference regarding the number of fractures in the different root canal thirds (p = 0.307). However, they were more frequent in the apical third in both arches (p = 0.000). The incidence of fracture of ProDesign Logic system instruments was relatively high and occurred more frequently in the apical third of molars.

Rumination time, activity index, and productive performance of Holstein and crossbred Holstein × jersey cows exposed to different temperature-humidity indexes.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the rumination time, activity index, milk yield (MY), physicochemical milk characteristics, and physiological indicators of pure Holstein (H) and first (F1- ½ Holstein × Jersey) and second-generation (R1- ¾ Holstein × » Jersey) of crossbred cows in a pasture-based system under the influence of different temperature-humidity indexes (THI). Twenty-two multiparous cows (H = 7, F1 = 5, and R1 = 10) were evaluated throughout 1-year period. Daily information on rumination time and activity index was obtained using the software HealthyCow24® and the daily THI was determined from data logger information. Weekly, MY, physicochemical milk characteristics, body weight, body condition score, and physiological indicators were evaluated. THI were grouped into six classes from safe (< 68) to emergency (≥ 84). Variance analyses were performed. There was no interaction between the genetic group and THI classes for any trait. The rumination time was longer for crossbred R1 and F1 cows than for Holstein cows. The activity index increased, and rumination time decreased as the THI classes increased. There was no difference in MY between the genetic groups, but crossbred cows showed higher milk fat and protein content. Our study indicated that the high THI increases the activity index and decreases the rumination time, MY, and the physicochemical quality of milk, BW, BCS, RF, and RT of the three genetic groups (H, F1, and R1).

Effects of Euterpe edulis Martius on inflammatory responses to high-intensity intermittent exercise: Crossover randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: High-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIE) may enhance the antiinflammatory status. The juçara fruit juice (JFJ) has well-established antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. This study investigated the effect of JFJ consumption on the inflammatory response to HIIE in physically active subjects. METHODS: In a randomized crossover design, 15 men were assigned to drink 250 mL of either JFJ or water (control) 1 h before a cycling HIIE session (seven sets of 60 s at 100% peak power output; 75 s recovery between sets). Blood samples were obtained before and at 0, 30, and 60 min post-HIIE, and the serum was analyzed for interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1ß, IL-8, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α, and cortisol. RESULTS: After HIIE, the IL-6 levels were higher than baseline (percent change) at 30 min (P = 0.041) and 60 min (P = 0.038) for the control, but were unaffected by JFJ. IL-10 was higher in the JFJ group than in the control at 30 min (d = â€’0.63). Tumor necrosis factor-α was lower than baseline at 30 min for the control (d = â€’0.71) and at 60 min for the JFJ group (d = â€’0.60). For control, cortisol increased to higher than the baseline at 30 and 60 min (d = 0.54 and d = 0.76, respectively). For the JFJ group, the cortisol levels were significantly higher than the baseline at 30 min (P = 0.022). Performance during sprints was higher in the JFJ group than in the control (P = 0.002). In the control group, performance was with both IL-6 (semipartial correlation; sr = -0.59, large effect size) and cortisol at 0 h (sr = -0.52, large effect size). CONCLUSIONS: JFJ intake attenuated the antiinflammatory response to HIIE, possibly resulting from a lower degree of muscle stress.

Impacto da introdução da angioembolização para o tratamento não operatório do trauma esplênico contuso grau III e IV no Hospital João XXIII, Belo Horizonte / Brasil / Impact of the introduction of angioembolization on nonoperative management of blunt splenic trauma grades III and IV at Hospital João XXIII - Belo Horizonte/Brazil

Objetivo: Comparar o sucesso do tratamento não operatório da lesão esplênica contusa graus III e IV, antes e após a introdução da angioembolização como método adjuvante. Métodos: Os dados foram coletados do prontuário eletrônico de pacientes com lesões esplênicas contusas graus III e IV (exceto hematoma subcapsular), segundo classificação da AAST (American Association for Surgery of Trauma), submetidos ao tratamento não operatório no Hospital João XXIII no período de janeiro/2014 a julho/2017. Os dados foram comparados a uma série de casos dessas mesmas lesões entre novembro/2004 e dezembro/2013 na mesma instituição, quando a angioembolização não era utilizada. O nível de significância do estudo foi 5% e seu desfecho foi a falha do tratamento não operatório. As análises foram feitas nos software R3.6.3 e MINITAB versão 14. Resultados: Entre novembro/2004 e dezembro/2013, foram estudados 389 pacientes em tratamento conservador, sendo 332 (82,8%) com lesão esplênica contusa grau III e 67 (17,2%) grau IV, havendo falha no tratamento (necessidade de esplenectomia) em 36 (11%) com lesão grau III e 22 (33%) com lesão grau IV. No período de janeiro/2014 a julho/2017, quando da disponibilidade da angioembolização, 195 pacientes foram submetidos a tratamento conservador, sendo 110 (56,4%) com lesão esplênica contusa grau III e 85 (43,6%) grau IV. Desses, houve falha no tratamento em 4 (3,6%) com lesão grau III e 6 (7%) com lesão grau IV. Conclusão: O tratamento não operatório do trauma esplênico contuso associado à angioembolização apresentou redução, com significância estatística, da necessidade de esplenectomia nas lesões esplênicas graus III e IV.

Objective: Compare the success of non-operative treatment of blunt splenic injury grades III and IV, before and after the introduction of angioembolization. Methods: Data collected from electronic medical reports of patients presenting blunt splenic injury (BSI) grades III and IV (subcapsular hematoma was not included), according to AAST (American Association for Surgery of Trauma) classification and undergoing nonoperative management at Hospital João XXII from January 2014 to July 2017. Data was compared to a case series of these nonoperative injuries from November 2004 to December 2013 at the same institution, when angioembolization was not used. The study level of significance was 5% and outcome was failure of non-operative treatment. Analyses were made using the software R3.6.3 and MINITAB version 14. Results: From November/2004 to December/2013, 389 patients undergoing conservative treatment were studied, 332 (82,8%) of which presented with blunt splenic injury grade III and 67 (17,2%) had lesions grade IV, treatment failure (need for splenectomy) occurred in 36 (11%) patients with injury grade III and 22 (33%) with grade IV. From January/2014 to July/2017, when angioembolization was available, 195 patients underwent conservative treatment, 110 (56,4%) with blunt splenic injury grade III and 85 (43,6%) with grade IV. In this group, treatment failed in 4 (3,6%) with injury grade III and 6 (7%) grade IV. Conclusion: Nonoperative management of blunt splenic trauma associated with angioembolization is associated with a reduction in splenectomy in splenic injuries grades III and IV.

Polyphenol-enriched extract of Arrabidaea chica used as a dentin pretreatment or incorporated into a total-etching adhesive system: Effects on bonding stability and physical characterization.

The aim of this paper was to evaluate the physical properties and the long-term bond strength of a 2.5% polyphenol-enriched extract of Arrabidaea chica (AC) incorporated into both the phosphoric acid and the primer of a three-step total-etch adhesive, or into an aqueous solution as a dentin pretreatment. Fifty dentin surfaces received the treatments (n = 10): CON (control) - application of the three-step adhesive system (Adper Scotchbond Multipurpose, 3M ESPE); WAT - distilled water used as a pretreatment after dentin etching and before application of the adhesive system; ACPA - AC incorporated into the phosphoric acid; ACW - dentin pre-treatment with AC incorporated into an aqueous solution after etching; ACP - AC incorporated into the primer. Microtensile bond strength tests were performed after 24 h, 6 and 12 months of storage. Slices from the resin-dentin interface were obtained for scanning electron microscopy analysis of the hybrid layer. Degree of conversion of AC incorporated into the primer was evaluated. The particle size, polydispersity index and zeta potential of all the solutions prepared by incorporating AC (phosphoric acid, primer and distilled water) were measured by dynamic light scattering, which brought about changes after incorporation. Degree of conversion of the primer was not affected after incorporating AC. ACP showed lower microtensile bond strength values than the other groups. Bond strength decreased after 6 months of storage, stabilizing at the 12-month evaluation. Therefore, use of AC incorporated into the primer led to lower bond strength values, since AC modified the physical properties (particle size, polydispersity index and zeta potential) of the primer, but did not change the degree of conversion. Application of AC as a dentin pretreatment did not affect bond strength or the micromorphological characteristics of the hybrid layer.

The success of the fertilization and early larval development of the tropical sea urchin Echinometra lucunter (Echinodermata: Echinoidea) is affected by the pH decrease and temperature increase.

The decrease in the pH of oceans and the increase in their temperature are the two main problems observed in the marine ecosystems due to the increasing emission of CO2 in the atmosphere. Both conditions can affect the ecological processes of reproduction, recruitment and survival of the marine biota. Thus, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of pH decrease and temperature increase of seawater on the fertilization success and embryo-larval development of a species of tropical sea urchin. For this purpose, fertilization success (gametes) and embryo-larval development rate were determined by exposing gametes and embryos to decreasing pH values (8.0 (control), 7.7, and 7.4) and increasing temperatures (26 (control), 28, 30, 34, and 38 °C). These conditions were tested associated with each other (in synergy). The gamete test was sensitive to all investigated scenarios, the fertilization success was significantly reduced in the conditions of increased temperature (28, 30, 34, and 38 °C) associated with the ideal pH (pH 8.0) and the conditions of reduced pH (pH 7.7, and 7.4), remaining unchanged only in the ideal condition (pH 8.0 + 26 °C). However, the embryo test displayed enhanced sensitivity in the scenarios of temperature increase (28, 30, 34, and 38 °C) associated with pH decrease conditions. A significantly reduction of 29%, 23% and 10% was observed in all tested pH values at 38 °C, when compared to the control group (80%, 79.5% and 63%, respectively). Therefore, the present study suggests that the occurrence of both scenarios may have a significant impact, in the coming years, on the population of Echinometra lucunter.

A Tailspike with Exopolysaccharide Depolymerase Activity from a New Providencia stuartii Phage Makes Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria Susceptible to Serum-Mediated Killing.

Providencia stuartii is emerging as a significant drug-resistant nosocomial pathogen, which encourages the search for alternative therapies. Here, we have isolated Providencia stuartii phage Stuart, a novel podovirus infecting multidrug-resistant hospital isolates of this bacterium. Phage Stuart is a proposed member of a new Autographivirinae subfamily genus, with a 41,218-bp genome, direct 345-bp repeats at virion DNA ends, and limited sequence similarity of proteins to proteins in databases. Twelve out of the 52 predicted Stuart proteins are virion components. We found one to be a tailspike with depolymerase activity. The tailspike could form a highly thermostable oligomeric ß-structure migrating close to the expected trimer in a nondenaturing gel. It appeared to be essential for the infection of three out of four P. stuartii hosts infected by phage Stuart. Moreover, it degraded the exopolysaccharide of relevant phage Stuart hosts, making the bacteria susceptible to serum killing. Prolonged exposure of a sensitive host to the tailspike did not cause the emergence of bacteria resistant to the phage or to serum killing, opposite to the prolonged exposure to the phage. This indicates that phage tail-associated depolymerases are attractive antivirulence agents that could complement the immune system in the fight with P. stuartiiIMPORTANCE The pace at which multidrug-resistant strains emerge has been alarming. P. stuartii is an infrequent but relevant drug-resistant nosocomial pathogen causing local to systemic life-threatening infections. We propose an alternative approach to fight this bacterium based on the properties of phage tailspikes with depolymerase activity that degrade the surface bacterial polymers, making the bacteria susceptible to the immune system. Unlike antibiotics, phage tailspikes have narrow and specific substrate spectra, and by acting as antivirulent but not bactericidal agents they do not cause the selection of resistant bacteria.

Reproductive and productive performance, udder health, and conformation traits of purebred Holstein, F1, and R1 crossbred Holstein × Simmental cows.

The objective of this study was to compare the reproductive performance, milk yield and composition, and udder health and conformation traits of Holstein (Ho), F1, and R1 crossbred Ho × Simmental (Sim) cows. Three commercial dairy farms in south Brazil were used as the research units. All farms held Ho, F1, and R1 crossbred Ho × Sim (¾ Ho × » Sim and ¾ Sim × » Ho) cows. The collection of milk samples and evaluation of udder conformation traits occurred during four visits to each farm. In addition to the actively collected data, retrospective reproduction records of the farms served as the basis for the statistical analysis using analysis of variance models using SAS. The F1 crossbred Ho × Sim cows and ¾ Sim (first rotational crossbreeding generation = R1 using Sim semen) cows had a shorter calving interval and calving to first service interval compared to the Ho cows (P < 0.0001). Milk yield did not differ among the genetic groups except for R1 (¾ Sim) that produced approximately 10% less milk than the other groups (P = 0.0245). Fat plus protein yield and somatic cell score did not differ among the genetic groups. Ho cows had shallower udders (P < 0.0001) and a higher udder clearance (P < 0.0001) than the other groups. F1 and R1 crossbred Ho × Sim cows had shorter reproduction intervals than purebred Ho cows. Although udder conformation traits lacked high-quality scores in crossbred cows, somatic cell scores reached the same level as in purebred Ho cows.

Nutritional challenges in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic / Desafios nutricionais na saúde de idosos em tempos de pandemia da COVID-19

ABSTRACT It has been documented that the older adults of the population are at the greatest risk of mortality due to the coronavirus disease; consequently, they could be the population most affected by the measures of social isolation and reduction of virus contagion implemented worldwide. Social isolation can expose older adults to an increased nutritional risk due to factors such as socioeconomic insecurity, which could affect food acquisition and the need for support in daily tasks and meals. The institutionalized older adults often depend on food donations, which may have reduced due the economic crisis caused by the pandemic, and the aging process itself causes changes in nutritional necessitie and eating habits. In the coronavirus pandemic, nutritionists and dietitians can offer remote nutritional follow-up. Moreover, the government actions, such as the implementation of educational and social service programs, should be applied to support healthy aging and minimize exposure to nutritional risks and coronavirus disease.

RESUMO Tem sido documentado que os idosos são a população de maior risco para mortalidade por COVID-19. Consequentemente, pode ser a mais afetada pelas medidas de isolamento social e de redução de contágio pelo vírus implementadas em todo o mundo. O isolamento social pode expor os idosos ao risco nutricional aumentado devido a alguns fatores, como: a insegurança socioeconômica, a qual pode afetar a aquisição de alimentos; a necessidade de apoio nas tarefas e nas refeições diárias; a possível redução de doações de alimentos para idosos institucionalizados, em virtude da crise econômica ocasionada pela pandemia; e o próprio processo do envelhecimento, que causa alterações das necessidades nutricionais e do hábito de se alimentar. Contudo, no contexto da pandemia do novo coronavírus, nutricionistas podem oferecer acompanhamento nutricional remoto. Além disso, ações governamentais, como a implementação de programas educacionais e de serviço social, devem ser aplicadas para o envelhecimento saudável e para a minimização da exposição ao risco nutricional e à COVID-19.

Ingestion of tannery effluent as a risk factor to the health of birds: A toxicological study using Coturnix coturnix japonica as a model system.

Tannery industries generate large amounts of tannery effluents (TE), which have been considered highly toxic to various groups of animals. However, the identification and characterization of the impact of this mix of pollutants on birds is still highly incipient. So, our goal was to evaluate the possible biological changes of Coturnix coturnix japonica, exposed for 45 days, to different dilutions of TE (1.4%, 3.1% and 6.5%), using behavioural biomarkers, mutagenics and egg production. When submitted to the behavioural tests, quails that ingested TE presented behaviour compatible with an anxiolytic effect in the open field test; absence of emotional reactivity in the object recognition test; reduced rates of predation of Tenebrio molitor larvae (potential prey); as well as an anti-predatory defensive response deficit when confronted, especially with Felis catus males (potential predator). In addition, we observed increased biomass of the liver, increased feed conversion index and lower feed efficiency index; mutagenic effect of TE (inferred by the increase of nuclear erythrocyte abnormalities); reduced productive performance and egg quality, in addition to different staining patterns of the eggs produced by quails from the control group. Therefore, our study confirms the toxicity of TE in C. coturnix japonica, even in small dilutions. While behavioural changes demonstrate the neurotoxic potential of the pollutant, the other alterations suggest that the mechanisms of action of its chemical constituents are not selective, that is, they act systemically, acting synergistic, antagonistic or additively, causing harmful effects in animals.

Do Amazon turtles exposed to environmental concentrations of the antineoplastic drug cyclophosphamide present mutagenic damages? If so, would such damages be reversible?

Antineoplastic drugs (AD) have been increasingly used, but the disposal of their wastes in the environment via hospital effluent and domestic sewage has emerged as an environmental issue. The current risks posed to these animals and effects of pollutants on the reptiles' population level remain unknown due to lack of studies on the topic. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the mutagenicity of neonate Podocnemis expansa exposed to environmental concentrations (EC) of cyclophosphamide (Cyc). The adopted doses were EC-I 0.2 µg/L and EC-II 0.5 µg/L Cyc. These doses correspond to 1/10 and » of concentrations previously identified in hospital effluents. Turtles exposed to the CyC recorded larger total number of erythrocyte nuclear abnormalities than the ones in the control group after 48-h exposure. The total number of abnormalities for both groups (EC-I and EC-II) 96 h after the experiment had started was statistically similar to that of animals exposed to high Cyc concentration (positive control 5 × 104 µg/L). This outcome confirms the mutagenic potential of Cyc, even at low concentrations. On the other hand, when the animals were taken to a pollutant-free environment, their mutagenic damages disappeared after 240 h. After such period, their total of abnormalities matched the basal levels recorded for the control group. Therefore, our study is the first evidence of AD mutagenicity in reptiles, even at EC and short-term exposure, as well as of turtles' recovery capability after the exposure to Cyc.

Sub-lethal effects induced by a mixture of different pharmaceutical drugs in predicted environmentally relevant concentrations on Lithobates catesbeianus (Shaw, 1802) (Anura, ranidae) tadpoles.

The increasing consumption of medications by humans has negative effects such as the increased disposal of these compounds in the environment. Little is known about how the disposal of a "drug mix" (DM) in aquatic ecosystems can affect their biota. Thus, we evaluated whether the exposure of Lithobates casteibeianus tadpoles to a DM composed of different medication classes (antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, anxiolytic, analgesic, and antacid drugs)-at environmentally relevant concentrations-may change their oral morphology, trigger behavioral disorders, and have mutagenic effects on erythrocyte cells. Based on our data, animals exposed to the DM showed changes in mandibular sheath pigmentation, dentition, and swimming activity, as well as atypical behavior in the social aggregation test [with co-specific and interspecific (Physalaemus cuvieri) individuals] and antipredatory defensive response deficit (chemical stimulus from Odonata larvae), after 15 exposure days. The mutagenic analysis revealed higher frequency of nuclear abnormalities in the erythrocytes of tadpoles exposed to the DM (e.g., multilobulated, blebbed, kidney-shaped, notched nucleus, binuclear, and micronucleated erythrocytes). Given the chemical complexity of the DM, we assumed that several organic functions may have been affected, either by the isolated, synergistic, antagonistic, or additive action of DM compounds. Finally, our study confirms the toxicological potential of DM in L. catesbeianus tadpoles, with emphasis to impacts that can affect the fitness of individuals and their natural populations. Thus, we suggest that more attention should be given to the disposal of medications in the environment and reinforce the need of improving water and sewage treatment systems.

The potential reproductive toxicity of tannery effluent to the estrous cycle and ovarian follicular dynamics of female Swiss mice.

Although the toxic effects of tannery effluent (TE) on tanning-industry workers have been reported in many studies, its effects on females' reproductive system are unknown. We aimed at evaluating the effects of direct contact with TE on the "emotional" status, estrous cycle (during 15 consecutive exposure days), and ovarian follicular dynamics of female Swiss mice at the end of the experiment to broaden the knowledge about the toxicity of this pollutant. The herein adopted exposure protocol simulated tanning-industry workers' exposure to TE. The test animals were subjected to 45 exposure days, for 1 h a day, 5 days a week (from Monday to Friday). Based on the collected data, female mice exposed to TE recorded high anxiety index in the elevated plus maze test, although we did not observe changes in their estrous cycle. The smaller total and specific number of ovarian follicles (types 1 to 6) and the higher frequency of degenerating follicles (atresic) in female mice exposed to TE marked the folliculogenesis reduction in them. Therefore, our study was the first to provide evidences that the exposure to TE can cause reproduction issues in female mice, as well as the first experimental insight about the impact of unhealthy work activities in tanning industries on women's reproductive system.