Enhancing public health in developing nations through smartphone-based motor assessment.

Several protocols for motor assessment have been validated for use on smartphones and could be employed by public healthcare systems to monitor motor functional losses in populations, particularly those with lower income levels. In addition to being cost-effective and widely distributed across populations of varying income levels, the use of smartphones in motor assessment offers a range of advantages that could be leveraged by governments, especially in developing and poorer countries. Some topics related to potential interventions should be considered by healthcare managers before initiating the implementation of such a digital intervention.

Autism in patients with eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), have been increasingly associated with eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGID). However, the relationship between these diseases remains unclear. We performed a systematic review with meta-analysis to address this issue. METHODS: The search was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines using descriptors for ASD and EGIDs from the MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo, LILACS, and Web of Science databases. Observational studies with the prevalence of ASD in any EGID were included. The study protocol was registered on the PROSPERO platform under the number CRD42023455177. RESULTS: The total dataset comprised 766,082 participants. The result of the single-arm meta-analysis showed an overall prevalence of ASD in the population with EGID of 21.59% (95% CI: 10.73-38.67). There was an association between EGID and ASD (OR: 3.44; 95% CI: 1.25-2.21), also significant when restricted only to EoE (OR: 3.70; 95% CI: 2.71-5.70). DISCUSSION: Recent studies have implicated the influence of an inadequate epithelial barrier integrity in the pathogenesis of several diseases. The role of this mechanism can be extended to situations beyond allergic reactions, including other conditions with underlying immunological mechanisms. Several diseases are potentially related to the systemic effect of bacterial translocation in tissues with defective epithelial barriers. CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis provides evidence that supports the consideration of EGID in patients with ASD and ASD in patients with EGID. Despite its limitations, the results should also be validated by future studies, preferably using multicenter prospective designs in populations with low referral bias.

Analysis of the experimental absorption spectrum of the rabbit lung and identification of its components.

The broadband absorption coefficient spectrum of the rabbit lung presents some particular characteristics that allow the identification of the chromophores in this tissue. By performing a weighted combination of the absorption spectra of water, hemoglobin, DNA, proteins and the pigments melanin and lipofuscin, it was possible to obtain a good match to the experimental absorption spectrum of the lung. Such reconstruction provided reasonable information about the contents of the tissue components in the lung tissue, and allowed to identify a similar accumulation of melanin and lipofuscin.

Predicting alcohol relapse post-detoxification: The role of cognitive impairments in alcohol use disorder patients.

BACKGROUND: Studies on early abstinence suggest that cognitive function is significantly reduced in the first year of abstinence, which raises the question of whether it is relevant to early relapse in patients with substance use disorders. This study investigates the extent to which impairments in executive function and memory predict alcohol relapse in patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Understanding these relationships is crucial for improving therapeutic approaches to prevent relapse in patients with AUD. METHODS: We selected 116 adult patients (79 male and 37 female) diagnosed with AUD based on DSM-5 criteria, all of whom were undergoing alcohol detoxification treatment. A comprehensive array of neuropsychological tests was administered to assess global cognition, memory, and executive functions. Patients' alcohol use was monitored monthly during a 6-month follow-up period. Logistic regression and Cox regression were used to explore the relationship between cognitive function and the likelihood of alcohol relapse. RESULTS: Impairments in global cognition, semantic and phonemic fluency, cognitive flexibility, and learning ability during detoxification were significant predictors of relapse in AUD patients, showing similar predictive values at both 3 and 6 months post-treatment. An abnormal Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score increased the risk of relapse by 123% (HR: 2.227), and impairments in both semantic and phonemic fluency each increased the risk by 142% (HR: 2.423). Additionally, abnormal performance on the MoCA, Trail Making Test Part B (TMT-B), and California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT) was associated with a higher number of drinking days at 3 months (IRR: 3.764; IRR: 2.237; IRR: 2.738, respectively) and abnormal MoCA and TMT-B scores at 6 months (IRR: 2.451; IRR: 1.859, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The MoCA test is a valuable tool for predicting relapse risk in AUD patients undergoing detoxification treatment, with similar predictive value for relapse at 3 or 6 months. Learning ability needs to be assessed and their impairments considered in the treatment of AUD patients. Future research should explore strategies for managing patients with impairments in memory and learning ability to enhance treatment effectiveness and prevent relapse.

Optimized reconstruction of the absorption spectra of kidney tissues from the spectra of tissue components using the least squares method.

With the objective of developing new methods to acquire diagnostic information, the reconstruction of the broadband absorption coefficient spectra (µa [λ]) of healthy and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma kidney tissues was performed. By performing a weighted sum of the absorption spectra of proteins, DNA, oxygenated, and deoxygenated hemoglobin, lipids, water, melanin, and lipofuscin, it was possible to obtain a good match of the experimental µa (λ) of both kidney conditions. The weights used in those reconstructions were estimated using the least squares method, and assuming a total water content of 77% in both kidney tissues, it was possible to calculate the concentrations of the other tissue components. It has been shown that with the development of cancer, the concentrations of proteins, DNA, oxygenated hemoglobin, lipids, and lipofuscin increase, and the concentration of melanin decreases. Future studies based on minimally invasive spectral measurements will allow cancer diagnosis using the proposed approach.

Assessment of accuracy and reproducibility of cephalometric identification performed by 2 artificial intelligence-driven tracing applications and human examiners.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the accuracy and reproducibility of cephalometric landmark identification performed by 2 artificial intelligence (AI)-driven applications (CefBot and WebCeph) and human examiners. STUDY DESIGN: Lateral cephalometric radiographs of 10 skulls containing 0.5 mm lead spheres directly placed at 10 cephalometric landmarks were obtained as the reference standard. Ten radiographs without spheres were obtained from the same skulls for identification of cephalometric points performed by the AI applications and 10 examiners. The x- and y-coordinate values of the cephalometric points identified by the AI applications and examiners were compared with those from the reference standard images using one-way analysis of variance and the Dunnet post-hoc test. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to evaluate reproducibility. Mean radial error (MRE) in identification was calculated with respect to the reference standard. Statistical significance was established at P < .05. RESULTS: Landmark identification by CefBot and the examiners did not exhibit significant differences from the reference standard on either axis (P > .05). WebCeph produced a significant difference (P < .05) in 4 and 6 points on the x- and y-axes, respectively. Reproducibility was excellent for CefBot and the examiners (ICC ≥ 0.9943) and good for WebCeph (ICC ≥ 0.7868). MREs of CefBot and the examiners were similar. CONCLUSION: With results similar to those of human examiners, CefBot demonstrated excellent reliability and can aid in cephalometric applications. WebCeph produced significant errors.

Mercury exposure in riverine populations of Terra do Meio Extractive Reserves in the Xingu basin, Amazon, Brazil.

Amazon is a hotspot for mercury (Hg) contamination and Terra do Meio region, despite its protected status for sustainable use, has never been monitored for this element. Looking to address this gap, this study aimed to quantify capillary Hg concentration in riverine populations of Terra do Meio (Xingu Basin, Central Amazon, Brazil) and associated factors with high Hg levels (90 percentile). Hair samples from 182 individuals from Iriri, Riozinho do Anfrísio and Xingu Extractive Reserves (RESEX), aged between 18 and 70 years old, were collected to measure total mercury levels (HgT), and socioeconomic, demographic, and clinical-epidemiological data were annotated. Overall, high levels of Hg were observed (mean 4.985 µg/g, median 3.531 µg/g) with significant differences between localities. Among the factors related to high capillary Hg levels, male gender, smoking habit, work in agriculture, livestock or extractivism, and residence in Iriri and Riozinho do Anfrísio RESEX were highlighted. A high prevalence of symptoms related to Hg intoxication, including anxiety, memory deficit, and lower limb problems, was observed. Overall, the results reveal that communities in these RESEXs are exposed to Hg and appear to be suffering from chronic health effects. Considering the increased anthropogenic alterations observed recently in the Amazon region and the subsequent amplified environmental bioavailability of Hg, further studies and mitigating actions are critical. This includes better surveillance of illegal anthropic activities and provision of ongoing education on this matter and incentives for dietary adaptations.

On the potential role of naturally occurring carboxylic organic acids as anti-infective agents: opportunities and challenges.

Carboxylic organic acids are intermediates of central carbon metabolic pathways (e.g. acetic, propionic, citric, and lactic acid) long known to have potent antimicrobial potential, mainly at acidic pHs. The food industry has been leveraging those properties for years, using many of these acids as preservatives to inhibit the growth of pathogenic and/or spoilage fungal and bacterial species. A few of these molecules (the most prominent being acetic acid) have been used as antiseptics since Hippocratic medicine, mainly to treat infected wounds in patients with burns. With the growth of antibiotic therapy, the use of carboxylic acids (and other chemical antiseptics) in clinical settings lost relevance; however, with the continuous emergence of multi-antibiotic/antifungal resistant strains, the search for alternatives has intensified. This prospective article raises awareness of the potential of carboxylic acids to control infections in clinical settings, considering not only their previous exploitation in this context (which we overview) but also the positive experience of their safe use in food preservation. At a time of great concern with antimicrobial resistance and the slow arrival of new antimicrobial therapeutics to the market, further exploration of organic acids as anti-infective molecules may pave the way to more sustainable prophylactic and therapeutic approaches.

In silico and in vitro assays suggests Congo red dye degradation by a Lentinus sp. laccase enzyme.

Laccase is a superfamily of ligninolytic enzymes known to degrade a wide variety of xenobiotics, including synthetic dyes. Congo Red (CR) has a diazo dye function, carcinogenic and mutagenic potential, and is currently applied in clinical analysis. The objective of this work was to produce and characterize the crude extract of Lentinus sp. in semi-solid fermentation (FSS) and perform in vitro and in silico studies to assess the potential of the crude extract to discolor the CR dye. Laccase activity was determined using ABTS as substrate and characterized. The in vitro discoloration was carried out using experimental design 22 at room temperature and monitored at 340 nm for 24h. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were performed between laccase and CR. The maximum laccase activity production was 29.63 U L-1 with six days of FSS. The optimal temperature and pH were 50 °C and 3.0, respectively. Discoloration of the CR dye was obtained only in tests containing CuSO4. Laccase formed stable complexes with the dye, presenting negative binding energy values ranging from -70.94 to -63.16 kcal mol-1 and the occurrence of seven hydrogen bonds. Molecular dynamics results showed the stability of the system (RMSD ranging from 1.0 to 2.5 Ä) and protein-ligand interaction along simulation. RMSF values pointed residues at the end of chains A (residues 300 to 305, 480 to 500) and B (residues 650 to 655 and 950 to 1000) as the most flexible regions of the laccase. This study highlighted the enzymatic action in the bioremediation of CR in vitro in agreement with the in silico simulations that demonstrate the enzyme potential.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Acceptability of a hypothetical dengue vaccine and the potential impact of dengue vaccination on personal vector control behavior: a qualitative study in Fortaleza, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Dengue is the most rapidly spreading viral vector-borne disease in the world. Promising new dengue vaccines have contributed to a growing consensus that effective dengue control will require integrated strategies of vaccination and vector control. In this qualitative study, we explored the perspectives of residents of Fortaleza, Brazil on acceptability of a hypothetical safe and effective dengue vaccine, specific drivers of dengue vaccine acceptance or hesitance, and the expected impact of dengue vaccination on their personal vector control practices. METHODS: A total of 43 in-depth interviews were conducted from April to June 2022 with Fortaleza residents from a diverse range of educational and professional backgrounds, with and without recent personal experiences of symptomatic dengue infections. Data were analyzed using the principles of inductive grounded theory methodology. RESULTS: Our findings indicate that knowledge of dengue transmission, symptoms, and prevention methods was strong across respondents. Respondents described willingness to accept a hypothetical dengue vaccine for themselves and their children, while emphasizing that the vaccine must be demonstrably safe and effective. Respondents expressed diverse perspectives on how receiving a safe and effective dengue vaccine might influence their personal vector control behaviors, relating these behaviors to their perception of risk from other Aedes mosquito-carried infections and beliefs about the role of vector control in maintaining household cleanliness. CONCLUSIONS: Our study findings provide community-level perspectives on dengue vaccination and its potential impact on personal vector control behavior for policymakers and program managers in Fortaleza to consider as new dengue vaccines become available. With the introduction of any new dengue vaccine, community perspectives and emerging concerns that may drive vaccine hesitancy should be continuously sought out. Improved urban infrastructure and efforts to engage individuals and communities in vector control may be needed to optimize the impact of future dengue vaccinations and prevent rising cases of other arboviruses such as Zika and chikungunya.

Correlation between ABO blood type, susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 disease severity: A systematic review

ABSTRACT Objectives: To verify the association between the ABO blood type and the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 disease severity. Methods: This review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), using the 2020 PRISMA Checklist and flow diagram, and articles selected for review were analyzed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Rating Scale. The research question was: "Would the ABO blood group influence the risk of infection and clinical course of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2?", The following databases were used: Embase, PubMed, Virtual Health Library (VHL), Web of Science, Science-Direct and Scopus. The protocol for this review was registered in the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), number CRD42021245945. Results: We found 798 articles across PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct and Virtual Health Library and 54 articles were included in the final analysis. Among 30 studies evaluating the risk of COVID-19 infection, 21 found significant correlations with ABO blood groups, 14 of them revealing an increased risk in blood group A and 15 studies showing a decreased risk in blood group O. Most studies found no significant correlation with disease severity or mortality. Conclusion: The qualitative assessment of available information suggests that blood group A may be a risk factor for COVID-19 infection and that blood group O may have a protective effect. We were unable to determine a clear association between the ABO blood group and mortality. These conclusions are based on highly heterogenous evidence.

Estratégias utilizadas por enfermeiros da atenção primária na prevenção do câncer de colo do útero: revisão integrativa / Strategies used by primary care nurses in the prevention of cervical cancer: integrative review

Objetivo: identificar, na literatura científica, as estratégias utilizadas por enfermeiros da Atenção Primária para a prevenção do câncer de colo do útero. Métodos: revisão integrativa nas bases de dados EMBASE, LILACS (BVS), SCOPUS e Web of Science, entre março e abril de 2023. Após a busca, seguiu-se com leitura na íntegra dos artigos selecionados e extração dos dados para análise. A amostra final foi constituída por 5 estudos. Resultados: as principais estratégias utilizadas foram intervenções educativas, com predominância de palestras e posterior convite ou coleta de material para a realização do exame preventivo. Também foram utilizadas rodas de conversa (círculo de cultura), orientações por contato telefônico e oferta de ficha clínica auto preenchível na consulta de enfermagem. Conclusões: os estudos possibilitaram identificar estratégias positivas na prevenção do câncer de colo do útero, podendo direcionar enfermeiros a investir cada vez mais em metodologias voltadas a uma maior autonomia das mulheres

Objective: to identify, in the scientific literature, the strategies used by primary care nurses to prevent cervical cancer. Methods: An integrative review of the EMBASE, LILACS (BVS), SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases between March and April 2023. After the search, the selected articles were read in full, and the data were extracted for analysis. The final sample consisted of 5 studies. Results: the main strategies used were educational interventions, with a predominance of lectures and subsequent invitations or collection of material to carry out the preventive exam. Conversation circles (culture circles), telephone guidance, and the provision of a self-completed clinical form during the nursing consultation were also used. Conclusions: the studies made it possible to identify positive strategies for preventing cervical cancer, which could direct nurses to increasingly invest in methodologies aimed at increasing women's autonomy

Monitoring of Mycotoxigenic Fungi in Fish Farm Water and Fumonisins in Feeds for Farmed Colossoma macropomum.

This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of mycotoxigenic fungi in fish farm water and mycotoxins in feeds for farmed tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum). A total of 40 samples of freshwater from fish farms and 16 samples of feed were collected and analyzed for microbiology. A total of five species of free-living fungi were identified in fish farms: Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium citrinum, P. implicatum, Fusarium oxysporum and Alternaria alternata. These fungi species were counted in water samples at 35.14 CFU mL-1 and 24.69 CFU mL-1 in the dry seasons. In all fish farms, there was a higher abundance of fungi species in the rainy season. During visits to the fish farmers, it was possible to verify poor feed storage conditions. Concerning mutations in blood cells, in tambaqui (C. macropomum), a total of 159 anomalies were found, and in Leptodactylus petersii, 299 anomalies were found, with higher incidences in conditions above 1.0 CFU mL-1 in log10(x+1) fungi and in the rainy season. The occurrence of mycotoxicological contamination was confirmed in 81.25% of the analyzed samples. The quantified mycotoxin was Fumonisins B1 + B2 (375 to 1418 µg kg-1). Pearson's correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation between Fumonisins and feed samples (r = 0.83). There was also a significant positive correlation between the abundance of fungi in water and the quantification of Fumonisins (r = 0.79). Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that free-living fungi can be used as bioindicators of water quality in fish farms. Consequently, the lack of good management practices caused microbiological contamination of the aquatic environment.

Controversies in immunotherapy for anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis: a scoping review with a proposal of operational definitions.

Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis (NMDARE), an autoimmune encephalitis associated with autoantibodies against the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, affects predominantly young women and is associated with psychiatric symptoms, seizures, movement disorders, and autonomic instability. Traditional treatments of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis involve corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, plasmapheresis, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab. However, many controversies remain in the treatment for NMDA receptor encephalitis, such as optimal timing and combination of different immunotherapies, the role of newer strategies (e.g., bortezomib or tocilizumab) for severe and refractory patients, and the need or not for long-term immunosuppression. Our goal was to perform a scoping review to discuss the controversial topics of immunotherapy for NMDA receptor encephalitis and propose operational definitions to guide clinical practice and future research in the field.

Antimicrobial Activity and Molecular Docking Studies of the Biotransformation of Diterpene Acanthoic Acid Using the Fungus Xylaria sp.

Biotransformations are reactions mediated by microorganisms, such as fungi. These bioreactions have high chemo- and stereoselectivity on organic substrates and can be applied in the search for new bioactive compounds. In this study, acanthoic acid (AA) was biotransformed using the fungus Xylaria sp., giving the novel compound 3ß,7ß-dihydroxyacanthoic acid (S1). Both the AA and the product S1 were tested against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. To identify and validate possible biological targets as enzymes or proteins involved in the activity observed in vitro, we used the molecular docking method. Hydroxylation at the C-3 and C-7 positions of the biotransformation product enhanced its activity against Escherichia coli as well as its binding affinity and interactions with superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1; PDB ID 4A7G). Based on our results, the SOD1 enzyme was suggested to be a possible target for the antioxidant activity of product S1.

Pathophysiology and Treatment of Lipid Abnormalities in Cerebrotendinous Xanthomatosis: An Integrative Review.

Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by pathogenic variants in CYP27A1, leading to a deficiency in sterol 27-hydroxylase. This defect results in the accumulation of cholestanol and bile alcohols in various tissues, including the brain, tendons and peripheral nerves. We conducted this review to evaluate lipid profile abnormalities in patients with CTX. A search was conducted in PubMed, Embase and the Virtual Health Library in January 2023 to evaluate studies reporting the lipid profiles of CTX patients, including the levels of cholestanol, cholesterol and other lipids. Elevated levels of cholestanol were consistently observed. Most patients presented normal or low serum cholesterol levels. A decrease in chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) leads to increased synthesis of cholesterol metabolites, such as bile alcohols 23S-pentol and 25-tetrol 3-glucuronide, which may serve as surrogate follow-up markers in patients with CTX. Lipid abnormalities in CTX have clinical implications. Cholestanol deposition in tissues contributes to clinical manifestations, including neurological symptoms and tendon xanthomas. Dyslipidemia and abnormal cholesterol metabolism may also contribute to the increased risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular complications observed in some CTX patients.

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

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

The Effects of the Compassionate Mind Training for Caregivers on Professional Quality of Life and Mental Health: Outcomes from a Cluster Randomized Trial in Residential Youth Care Settings.

Background: Psychological distress is highly noticeable among caregivers working in residential youth care (RYC). Maintaining and enhancing caregivers' professional mental health and quality of life is crucial to achieve effective outcomes in RYC. Nevertheless, trainings to protect caregivers' mental health are scarce. Considering the buffering effect over negative psychological outcomes, compassion training could be beneficial in RYC. Objective: This study is part of a Cluster Randomized Trial examining the effects of the Compassionate Mind Training for Caregivers (CMT-Care Homes), looking at professional quality of life and mental health of caregivers working in RYC. Method: The sample was composed of 127 professional caregivers from 12 Portuguese residential care homes (RCH). RCHs were randomly allocated at experimental (N = 6) and control group (N = 6). Participants were assessed at baseline, post-treatment, and 3 and 6-month follow-ups, answering to the Professional Quality of Life Scale and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale. Program effects were tested using a two-factor mixed MANCOVA, with self-critical attitude and education degree as covariates. Results: MANCOVA showed a significant Time × Group interaction effects (F = 1.890, p = .014; ηp2 = .050), with CMT-Care Homes participants presenting lower scores on burnout, anxiety, and depression at 3 and 6-months follow-ups, when compared with controls. Participants that received CMT-Care Homes considered the program useful to deal with pandemic threats and with youth during lockdowns. Conclusion: This study shows the benefits of the CMT-Care Homes in helping professional caregivers reducing burnout, anxiety and depression, and dealing with pandemic challenges in RYC.Trial registration: This cluster randomized trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (TRN: NCT04512092) on 6th August 2020.

First evidence of microplastics in freshwater from fish farms in Rondônia state, Brazil.

The main aimed of this study was to provide information on microplastics present in the freshwater of fish farm ponds. In addition, the study showes a relationship between the seasonal, spatial distribution and the amount of microplastics found. This study was conducted in 35 fish farms located in the Rondônia state, Brazil, the sample collects were carried out in the two Amazonian hydrological seasons (dry and rainy). The study was developed in a completely randomized factorial scheme 35 × 3 x 3 (35 fish farms, 3 ponds and 3 repetitions per ponds). Microplastic sampling was performed following a modified method based on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Samples of 250 mL freshwater collected, which were deionized and pre-filtered through 6.0 mm mesh granulometric sieves. The average abundances of the different hydrological seasons were compared by Student's t-test, with differences statistically significant at p < 0.05. The microplastics were morphological categorized into fibers and colors blue, red or transparent. Microplastic contamination was confirmed in freshwater of 9 fish farming, with greater abundance of blue fibers and greater quantification in the rainy season. Fish farms P3, P4 and P6 had the highest quantifications of blue fiber in the two seasons (6 and 43, 19 and 56, 11 and 88 items mL-1, respectively). Almost all fish farms had a higher abundance of microplastics in the rainy season. It is important to highlight the prominence of microplastics in the blue fiber rainy season (286 items mL-1) compared to the dry season (58 items mL-1). Fish farms P3, P4 and P6 showed a strong positive correlation between the factors distance from the nearest urban area (r = 0.94, 0.79 and 0.97, respectively) and seasonality (r = 0.98, 0.77 and 0.96, respectively). Rainfall variations influenced the abundance of microplastics, especially of blue fibers. Fish farms are supplied with fresh water by rivers or streams, so it is possible that microplastics originate outside the fish farm, perhaps they were introduced due to high soil occupation, although surface runoff (of water contaminated by sewage) caused by heavy rains the most important factor. Therefore, one factor must be considered, surface runoff and groundwater contaminated by urban, agricultural and urban effluents may have contaminated rivers and streams and then contaminated the water in the fish farm ponds.

Food insecurity among families with infants born during the COVID-19 pandemic in Fortaleza, Northeast Brazil.

PURPOSE: To assess the prevalence of food insecurity (FI) among families with infants born during the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated factors in Fortaleza, the fifth largest city in Brazil. METHODS: Data from two survey rounds of the Iracema-COVID cohort study collected at 12 (n = 325) and 18 months (n = 331) after birth. FI was measured using the Brazilian Household Food Insecurity Scale. FI levels were described according to potential predictors. Crude and adjusted logistic regressions with robust variance were used to assess factors associated with FI. RESULTS: In the 12- and 18-month follow-ups interviews, there was a 66.5% and 57.1% prevalence of FI, respectively. Over the study period, 3.5% of the families persisted in severe FI and 27.4% in mild/moderate FI. Households headed by mothers, with more children, low education and income, sustained maternal common mental disorders, and that were beneficiaries of cash transfer programs were the most affected by persistent FI. CONCLUSIONS: Although the prevalence of FI decreased in our sample, almost 60% of families in Fortaleza still have no regular access to enough and/or nutritionally appropriate food. We have identified the groups at higher FI risk, which can guide governmental policies.