Environmental and agronomic assessment of soil conditioners produced from bauxite residue and oil palm wastes.

Soil conditioner is class of products used to enhance physics, physicochemical or soil biological activities, being able to recover disturbed or nutritional unbalanced soils. The formulation of a soil conditioner composed by bauxite residue (BR), and organic oil palm wastes, as raw materials, was recently proposed as an innovative strategy for the Brazilian acid soils amendment. Here we show the results of soil conditioner amended soil leaching tests and agronomical performance. The soil conditioners were formulated by BR mixed with decomposed POC (palm oil compost) and non-decomposed POMW (palm oil mill waste) oil palm wastes, in the proportion of 25% BR + 75% POC (T1) and 50% BR + 50% POMW (T2), in addition to the treatment with 100% POMW without BR (T3) and limestone at a dose calculated to raise soil pH to 6.0 (T4). Except for T4, all conditioners were applied to the soil at doses of 40, 80, and 120 t ha-1 for leaching tests. The experimental plots were composed of polyvinyl chloride columns, filled with 5 kg of soil, with bottles adapted with hoses at the bottom to facilitate drainage of the leachate. After leaching tests, the respective columns were used as pots for the cultivation of Brachiaria grass, stage with addition of a control composed by undisturbed soil (T5). The pH of the leachates had changes, but the use of BR associated with POMW was similar to the use of limestone. Of the 65 chemical elements evaluated, only nine were identified in the leachate, being most of them considered as plant nutrients. As for soil pH, limestone was slightly higher (6.6) than treatments that had BR (5.5). Brachiaria grass cultivated in the soil amended with conditioners showed similar results of limestone treated soil for the parameters of plant development and showed fertility improvement.

SARS-CoV-2 spike protein induces long-term TLR4-mediated synapse and cognitive loss recapitulating Post-COVID syndrome

Cognitive dysfunction is often reported in post-COVID patients, but its underlying mechanisms remain unknown. While some evidence indicate that SARS-CoV-2 can reach and directly impact the brain, others suggest viral neuroinvasion as a rare event. Independently of brain viral infection, the ability of SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein to cross the BBB and reach memory-related brain regions has already been shown. Here, we demonstrate that brain infusion of S protein in mice induces late cognitive impairment and increases serum levels of neurofilament light chain (NFL), which recapitulates post-COVID features. Neuroinflammation, hippocampal microgliosis and synapse loss are induced by S protein. Increased engulfment of hippocampal presynaptic terminals late after S protein brain infusion were found to temporally correlate with cognitive deficit in mice. Blockage of TLR4 signaling prevented S-associated detrimental effects on synapse and memory loss. In a cohort of 86 patients recovered from mild COVID-19, genotype GG TLR4 -2604G>A (rs10759931) was associated with poor cognitive outcome. Collectively, these findings indicate that S protein directly impacts the brain and suggest that TLR4 is a potential target to prevent post-COVID cognitive dysfunction. One Sentence SummaryTLR4 mediates long-term cognitive impairment in mice and its genetic variant increases the risk of poor cognitive outcome in post-COVID patients.

Bauxite residue valorization - Soil conditioners production through composting with palm oil mill residual biomass.

Bauxite residue (BR) is a by-product of Bayer process, which is applied for alumina production. Due to its inherent alkalinity and sodicity, the use of BR is globally limited to 23% of the 150 million tons (Mt) produced annually. Maximizing alternative and large-scale uses of BR is a game changer to promote the sustainability of the aluminum production chain. As a strategy for BR valorization, a soil conditioner composed of BR and palm oil residual biomass was proposed. Here we evaluate the BR (25%, 50% and 75%) batch composting with raw palm oil mill waste (POMW) and palm oil compost (POC). The pH, EC, total N and organic carbon, C:N ratio, water holding capacity (WHC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), granulometry and elemental composition were determined after 90 days of composting. Changes in temperature, pH and EC curves were observed during composting of soil conditioners for 90 days. Composting reduced the alkalinity and sodicity of BR, increasing CEC, moisture, organic carbon and total nitrogen. The formulation containing 25% of BR and 75% of POC showed WHC ≥ 60% and CEC ≥ 200 mmolc·kg-1, meeting the Brazilian legislation for production and commercialization of soil conditioners. This strategy could potentially consume 7.6% of all BR produced annually in the largest Brazilian alumina refinery. Concentrations of potentially toxic elements were far below the allowable levels in all formulations. Major and minor plant nutrients were present and the composting aggregated small particles in BR. Composting of BR is a new alternative for the valorization of mining tailings, allowing the development of an environmentally friendly and zero-waste product, which can be applied on a large scale in agriculture to improve soil fertility.

Pelvic floor dysfunction in primiparous women up to 6 months after delivery: cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze pelvic floor muscular strength (PFMS), urinary (UI) and anal (AI) incontinence and dyspareunia in primiparous women up to 6 months after normal or cesarean delivery. METHODS: this is a prospective cohort with 169 women (128 normal births, 41 cesarean sections), followed between 50-70 and 170-190 days postpartum, when PFMS was measured using perineometry, and UI and AI and dyspareunia, through interview. RESULTS: PFMS, UI and dyspareunia were similar between types of delivery. The difference was significant only for the time elapsed, with improvement in the studied period (2 and 6 months postpartum). Regarding AI, there was a significant difference between 2 and 6 months postpartum, with an interaction between type of delivery and time (p=0.022). CONCLUSION: the type of delivery did not show any influence on pelvic floor dysfunctions, except for AI. For all outcomes, there was an improvement in the period studied.

Com quem vou ao médico? Um estudo com homens da zona Sul de São Paulo / Who do I go to the doctor with? A study with men from the south of São Paulo / ¿Con quién voy al médico? Un estudio con hombres del sur de São Paulo

O objetivo do estudo foi conhecer com quem os homens comparecem aos serviços de saúde e quem seriam os acompanhantes. O cenário da pesquisa foi um ambulatório localizado na zona sul da cidade de São Paulo e contou com a participação de 51 indivíduos. Tratou-se de um estudo exploratório e descritivo, com abordagem quanti-qualitativa. A coleta dos dados foi feita por meio de um questionário semiestruturado. Os dados numéricos foram organizados em temas, agrupados em tabelas. As informações foram analisadas utilizando-se o método do Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo. Os resultados mostraram que 65% dos homens comparecem sós ao serviço, 27% citaram a esposa, destacando a parceria existente, 4% mencionaram a mãe, denotando vínculo materno, e 4% declararam a presença dos filhos. Constata-se que os homens vêm assumindo o protagonismo nos seus cuidados. Mesmo diante de um trabalho incipiente, vislumbra-se uma possibilidade de mudança.(AU)

The aim of the study was to find out with whom men attend health services and who would be the companions. The research scenario was an outpatient clinic located in the south of the city of São Paulo and had the participation of 51 individuals. It was an exploratory and descriptive study, with a quantitative and qualitative approach. Data collection was performed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The numerical data were organized into themes, grouped in tables. The information was analyzed using the Collective Subject Discourse method. The results showed that 65% of men attend the service alone, 27% mentioned the wife, highlighting the existing partnership, 4% mentioned the mother, denoting a maternal bond, and 4% declared the presence of their children. It appears that men have assumed the leading role in their care. Even in the face of incipient work, there is a possibility of change.(AU)

El objetivo del estudio fue conocer con quiénes acuden los hombres a los servicios de salud y quiénes serían los acompañantes. El escenario de investigación fue un ambulatorio ubicado en el sur de la ciudad de São Paulo y contó con la participación de 51 personas. Fue un estudio exploratorio y descriptivo, con enfoque cuantitativo y cualitativo. La recolección de datos se realizó mediante un cuestionario semiestructurado. Los datos numéricos se organizaron en temas, agrupados en tablas. La información se analizó mediante el método del Discurso Colectivo del Sujeto. Los resultados mostraron que el 65% de los hombres asisten solos al servicio, el 27% mencionó a la esposa, destacando la asociación existente, el 4% mencionó a la madre, denotando vínculo materno, y el 4% declaró la presencia de sus hijos. Parece que los hombres han asumido el papel principal en su cuidado. Incluso ante un trabajo incipiente, existe la posibilidad de cambio.(AU)

Pelvic floor dysfunction in primiparous women up to 6 months after delivery: cohort study / Disfunctión del suelo pélvico en primíparas hasta 6 meses después del parto: estudio de cohort / Disfunções do assoalho pélvico em primíparas até 6 meses após o parto: estudo de coorte

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze pelvic floor muscular strength (PFMS), urinary (UI) and anal (AI) incontinence and dyspareunia in primiparous women up to 6 months after normal or cesarean delivery. Methods: this is a prospective cohort with 169 women (128 normal births, 41 cesarean sections), followed between 50-70 and 170-190 days postpartum, when PFMS was measured using perineometry, and UI and AI and dyspareunia, through interview. Results: PFMS, UI and dyspareunia were similar between types of delivery. The difference was significant only for the time elapsed, with improvement in the studied period (2 and 6 months postpartum). Regarding AI, there was a significant difference between 2 and 6 months postpartum, with an interaction between type of delivery and time (p=0.022). Conclusion: the type of delivery did not show any influence on pelvic floor dysfunctions, except for AI. For all outcomes, there was an improvement in the period studied.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar fuerza muscular del suelo pélvico (FMSP), incontinencia urinaria (IU) y anal (IA) y dispareunia en mujeres primíparas hasta 6 meses después del parto normal o por cesárea. Métodos: Cohorte prospectiva con 169 mujeres (128 partos normales y 41cesáreas), seguidas entre 50-70 y 170-190 días posparto, cuando se midió la FMSP mediante perineometría, y se evaluó la IU, IA y dispareunia, mediante entrevista. Resultados: FMSP, IU y dispareunia fueron similares entre los tipos de parto. La diferencia fue significativa solo para el tiempo transcurrido, com mejoría em el período estudado, com mejoría em el período estudiado (2 y 6 meses posparto). Em cuanto a la IA, hubo una diferencia significativa entre los 2 y 6 meses posparto, com uma interacción entre el tipo de parto y el tiempo (p=0,022). Conclusión: El tipo de parto no mostro influencia em las disfunciones del suelo pélvico, excepto em la IA. Para todos los resultados, hubo uma mejora em el período estudiado.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a força muscular do assoalho pélvico (FMAP), a incontinência urinária (IU) e anal (IA) e a dispareunia em primíparas até 6 meses após o parto normal ou cesariana. Métodos: Coorte prospectiva com 169 mulheres (128 parto normal, 41 cesariana), acompanhadas entre 50-70 e 170-190 dias pós-parto, quando foi mensurada a FMAP, mediante a perineometria, e avaliadas a IU e IA e a dispareunia, mediante entrevista. Resultados: A FMAP, a IU e a dispareunia foram similares entre os tipos de parto. A diferença foi significativa apenas para o tempo decorrido, com melhora no período estudado (2 e 6 meses pós-parto). Em relação à IA, houve diferença significante entre 2 e 6 meses pós-parto, com interação entre tipo de parto e tempo (p=0,022). Conclusão: O tipo de parto não mostrou influência nas disfunções do assoalho pélvico, exceto na IA. Para todos os desfechos, houve melhora no período estudado.

Homens imigrantes bolivianos residentes na zona central do município de São Paulo: situação de moradia e saúde / Bolivian immigrant men living in the central area of the municipality of São Paulo: housing and health situation / Hogares imigrantes bolivianos residentes en la zona central del municipio de São Paulo: situação de moradia e saúde

Objetivo: conhecer e descrever a situação de vida e moradia de homens imigrantes bolivianos residentes no centro da cidade de São Paulo, Brasil. Método: Estudo quanti-qualitativo de corte transversal constituído através da aplicação de um questionário e a realização de entrevistas individuais. A pesquisa foi desenvolvida com 50 homens, junto a três instituições que atendem imigrantes bolivianos, na cidade de São Paulo, Brasil. Para análise dos dados qualitativos, utilizou-se o método do Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo. Os dados quantitativos foram organizados e agrupados em tabelas. Resultados: Os imigrantes bolivianos pesquisados são jovens (58%), com idades até 30 anos, com ensino médio de formação escolar (88%), de raça/cor autoreferida branca (56%) e trabalham no segmento de confecções. Quanto as condições de moradia, os homens dividem as instalações do quarto com outras pessoas (96%) e 98% dividem a cozinha. O cuidado da casa encontra-se sob a responsabilidade de mulheres (50%), e já cursaram com adoecimento após sua chegada ao Brasil (74%), tendo o desconforto abdominal como principal fator, seguidos de problemas dentários, infecções alimentares. Conclusão: Há precariedade das condições de moradia e, problemas de saúde associados com a forma de viver dos homens imigrantes bolivianos, suscitando maior atenção à dimensão de saúde global a partir da problemática da imigração.

Objective: to know and describe the life and housing situation of Bolivian immigrant men living in the city center of São Paulo, Brazil. Method: Quantitative and qualitative cross-sectional study constituted by applying a questionnaire and conducting individual interviews. The research was carried out with 50 men, together with three institutions that serve Bolivian immigrants, in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. For the analysis of qualitative data, the Collective Subject Discourse method was used. Quantitative data were organized and grouped into tables. Results: The Bolivian immigrants surveyed are young (58%), aged up to 30 years old, with high school education (88%), of self-reported white race / color (56%) and work in the clothing segment. As for living conditions, men share the room facilities with other people (96%) and 98% share the kitchen. The care of the home is under the responsibility of women (50%), and they have already suffered illness after their arrival in Brazil (74%), with abdominal discomfort as the main factor, followed by dental problems, food infections. Conclusion: There are precarious housing conditions and health problems associated with the way of life of Bolivian immigrant men, raising greater attention to the global health dimension based on the problem of immigration.

Objetivo: conocer y describir la situación de vida y vivienda de los inmigrantes bolivianos que viven en el centro de la ciudad de São Paulo, Brasil. Método: estudio transversal cuantitativo y cualitativo constituido mediante la aplicación de un cuestionario y la realización de entrevistas individuales. La investigación se llevó a cabo con 50 hombres, junto con tres instituciones que sirven a inmigrantes bolivianos, en la ciudad de São Paulo, Brasil. Para el análisis de los datos cualitativos, se utilizó el método de Discurso del sujeto colectivo. Los datos cuantitativos se organizaron y agruparon en tablas. Resultados: los inmigrantes bolivianos encuestados son jóvenes (58%), de hasta 30 años de edad, con educación secundaria (88%), de raza / color blanco autoinformado (56%) y trabajan en el segmento de ropa. En cuanto a las condiciones de vida, los hombres comparten las habitaciones con otras personas (96%) y el 98% comparten la cocina. El cuidado del hogar está bajo la responsabilidad de las mujeres (50%) y ya han sufrido enfermedades después de su llegada a Brasil (74%), con molestias abdominales como factor principal, seguidas de problemas dentales e infecciones alimentarias. Conclusión: Existen condiciones precarias de vivienda y problemas de salud asociados con la forma de vida de los hombres inmigrantes bolivianos, lo que aumenta la atención a la dimensión de salud global basada en el problema de la inmigración.

Caracterização epidemiológica e distribuição geográfica de potenciais vetores da doença de Chagas na região do Maciço de Baturité, Ceará, Brasil / Epidemiological characterization and geographical distribution of potential vectors of Chagas Disease in Maciço Baturité region, Ceara, Brazil

Objetivo: identificar potenciais vetores da doença de Chagas na região do Maciço de Baturité, Ceará. Métodos: no período de2014 a 2018, foi realizado estudo parasitológico em fezes de triatomíneos para Trypanosoma cruzi, em oito municípios da região do maciço de Baturité. Os triatomíneos foram capturados em ambiente intradomiciliar e peridomiciliar. Resultados: foram examinados 594 vetores, a diagnose revelou infecção natural por Trypanosoma cruzi em 79 (13,3%) espécimes, sendo, 53 machos (8,9%), 25 fêmeas (4,2%) e 1 ninfa (0,2%). Conclusão: os resultados evidenciam a região como endêmica para doença de Chagas com sete casos humanos confirmados em três municípios, existindo vários focos silenciosos em que pode haver a transmissão do agente etiológico.

Objective: to identify potential vectors of Chagas disease in the Baturité Massif region, Ceará Methods: during the period from 2014 to 2018, a parasitological study was performed on triatomine feces for Trypanosoma cruzi, in eight municipalities in Maciço Baturité region. Triatomines were captured indoors and peridomiciliary by endemic agents and population as well. Results: a total of594 vectors were examined, diagnosis revealed natural infection by Trypanosoma cruzi in79 (13,3%) specimens, being, 53 males (8,9%), 25 females (4,2%) and 1 nymph (0,2%). Conclusion: results evidenced the region as endemic to Chagas Disease with seven confirmed human cases in three municipalities with several silent foci where the causative agent might be transmitted.