SARS-CoV-2 Research in Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) and Felines (Felis silvestris catus) Domiciled in an International Border Region (Paraguay and Brazil).

Introduction: COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 that has become a serious threat to public health owing to its rapid spread from aerosols from infected people. Despite being considered a strictly human disease, there are reports in the literature about animals with confirmed presence of the virus. Aim: Owing to the scarcity of scientific literature on the potential for infection of animals and their importance for One Health, the objective of this work was to research SARS-CoV-2 RNA in felines (Felis silvestris catus) and dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) domiciled. Materials and Methods: Oropharyngeal swabs were collected from domestic dogs and cats belonging to patients diagnosed with COVID-19 from August to October 2021 and residents of the northwest and west regions of Paraná, Brazil. Results: Of the 34 samples collected, 14 were from dogs and 20 from cats. Three of these samples tested positive in real-time PCR, and two of them were also positive in the immunochromatographic test. After testing positive in real-time PCR, the samples underwent genetic sequencing using the Illumina COVIDSeq test. Of the 34 samples collected, three (9%), all of them female and from the feline species, tested positive in real-time PCR, with two of these (67%) also testing positive in the immunochromatographic test. Regarding sequencing, it was possible to sequence the three samples aligned with the AY.101 lineage, corresponding to the Delta variant. Conclusion: The occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in dogs and cats is seen as an unintended event with significant implications for public health, including its potential transmission to other animal species. Further research is required to enhance our understanding of how this disease spreads among these animals and its broader impact on One Health initiatives.

Cross-cultural adaptation of the Voice-related Experiences of Nonbinary Individuals - VENI to Brazilian Portuguese. / Adaptação transcultural do Voice-related Experiences of Nonbinary Individuals ­ VENI para o português brasileiro.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to translate and cross-culturally adapt the "Voice-related Experiences of Nonbinary Individuals" (VENI) to Brazilian Portuguese (BP). METHODS: Cross-cultural adaptation was performed based on the combined guidelines of the World Health Organization's (WHO) Translation Recommendations and the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN). The process included five stages: a) Translation of the instrument into BP by a translator specialized in the construct and a non-specialist, both native BP speakers and fluent in English; b) Synthesis of the two translations by consensus; c) Back-translation by a translator specialized in the construct and a non-specialist, both native English speakers and fluent in BP; d) Analysis by a committee of five speech-language pathologists voice specialist and the creation of the final version; e) Pre-testing with 21 individuals from the target population, conducted virtually. RESULTS: During the translation stage, there were disagreements regarding the title, instructions, response key, and 15 items. In the back-translation stage, there were discrepancies in the format of 12 items and the content of four items. The expert committee's analysis led to changes in the title, instructions, one option in the response key, and eight items to meet the equivalence criteria. In the pre-test, a significantly higher proportion of usual responses to the instrument was observed when compared to the non-applicable option; this is frequently observed in instrument adaptations. CONCLUSION: The cross-cultural adaptation of VENI into Brazilian Portuguese was successful, resulting in the "Experiências relacionadas à Voz de Pessoas Não Binárias - VENI-Br" version.

OBJETIVO: Traduzir e adaptar transculturalmente o Voice-related Experiences of Nonbinary Individuals ­ VENI para o português brasileiro. MÉTODO: Os procedimentos de adaptação transcultural foram baseados na combinação das recomendações e diretrizes da World Health Organization (WHO) Guidelines on Translation com o COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN). Foram realizadas cinco etapas: a) tradução do instrumento para o Português Brasileiro (PB) por um tradutor especialista no construto e um não-especialista, nativos do PB e fluentes em inglês; b) elaboração da síntese das duas traduções por consenso; c) retrotradução por um tradutor especialista no construto e um não-especialista, nativos do inglês e fluentes em PB; d) análise de um comitê formado por cinco fonoaudiólogos especialistas em voz e elaboração da versão final; e) pré-teste com 21 pessoas da população-alvo, aplicado virtualmente. RESULTADOS: Na tradução houve discordância no título, instruções, chave de resposta e em 15 itens. Na retrotradução, houve discordância quanto à forma em 12 itens e ao conteúdo em 4 itens. A análise do comitê de especialistas indicou mudanças no título, instruções de resposta, uma opção da chave de resposta, e em oito itens, para atender aos critérios de equivalência. No pré-teste houve proporção significativamente maior de respostas habituais do instrumento quando comparadas com a opção não-aplicável, usada regularmente nas adaptações de instrumentos. CONCLUSÃO: A adaptação transcultural para o português brasileiro do VENI foi bem sucedida e resultou na versão denominada "Experiências relacionadas a Voz de Pessoas Não Binárias - VENI-Br".

Hematite colour revisited: Particle size and electronic transitions.

Hematite has been used as a pigment since ancient times, due to its natural abundance and colour that ranges from vivid red to purple. Caput mortuum is a purple α-Fe2O3 whose colour has been ascribed as originating from particle size. In this work, submicrometric synthetic, natural and commercial hematites were investigated by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and Raman microscopy aiming to clarify the origin of the purple colour. From the results it was concluded that the purple colour is associated with crystallinity, that promotes a significant decrease in absorption below 500 nm and, simultaneously, an increase in the 6A1(6S) → 4T1(4G) d-d transition at ca. 880 nm. The behaviour of the ca. 880 nm band can be explained by the more extensive magnetic interaction between adjacent Fe3+ ions in crystalline samples but cannot explain the spectral behaviour in the green-blue region considering only the d-d transitions. A plausible explanation is that in the distorted FeO6 octahedra, both the Fe-O distances and the Fe-O-Fe angles area are affected, thus interfering in the low energy oxygen-to-iron charge transfer transition, whose tail span the 400 nm - 500 nm region and is more intense than the d-d transitions in hematite nanoparticles, nanofilms and defective (red) Fe2O3 samples. The decrease in the intensity of the charge transfer band as a consequence of the FeO6 octahedral distortion is yet to be confirmed by further experiments, but the experimental results clearly show that the purple colour of hematite is due to a decrease in optical absorption below 500 nm.

Castor (Ricinus communis L.) differential cell cycle and metabolism reactivation, germinability, and seedling performance under NaCl and PEG osmoticum: Stress tolerance related to genotype-preestablished superoxide dismutase activity.

Castor (Ricinus communis) is a relevant industrial oilseed feedstock for many industrial applications, being globally mainly cultivated by smallholder farmers in semiarid areas, where abiotic stresses predominate. Therefore, susceptible to generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and subsequent oxidative stress, compromising cell metabolism upon seed imbibition and germination, seedling and crop establishment, and yield. The present study evaluated the consequences of water restriction by Polyethylene glycol (PEG) and Sodium chloride (NaCl) on cell cycle and metabolism reactivation on germinability, seedling growth, and vigor parameters in 2 commercial castor genotypes (Nordestina and Paraguaçu). PEG water restriction inhibited germination completely at -0.23 MPa or higher, presumably due to reduced oxygen availability. The restrictive effects of NaCl saline stress on germination were observed only from -0.46 MPa onwards, affecting dry mass accumulation and the production of normal seedlings. In general, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased in NaCl -0.23 MPa, whereas its modulation during the onset of imbibition (24h) seemed to depend on its initial levels in dry seeds in a genotype-specific manner, therefore, resulting in the higher stress tolerance of Nordestina compared to Paraguaçu. Overall, results show that Castor germination and seedling development are more sensitive to the restrictive effects of PEG than NaCl at similar osmotic potentials, contributing to a better understanding of the responses to water restriction stresses by different Castor genotypes. Ultimately, SOD may constitute a potential marker for characterizing castor genotypes in stressful situations during germination, early seedling, and crop establishment, and a target for breeding for Castor-improved stress tolerance.

Cymbopogon citratus Essential Oil in Controlling of Bacteria Associated with Oral Cavity of Dogs In Vitro and Dry Pet Feed.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil against bacteria isolated from the oral cavity of dogs and applied directly to artificially contaminated feed. The commercial dry dog feed received the inoculum of the bacteria prevalent in the oral cavity of the dogs where C. citratus was deposited in the feed by spray. In total, 42 isolates were obtained, 38 Gram-positive and 4 Gram-negative. Staphylococcus spp. was the most prevalent bacteria in the oral cavity of dogs (76.2%). The isolates showed high levels of resistance to different antimicrobials. The minimum inhibitory concentration capable of inhibiting oral bacteria was 0.38 mg/mL. C. citratus essential oil showed positive results with a significant bacterial reduction when applied to feed, signaling the need for further studies to enable its use in the control of pathogens transmitted by animal feed.

Effect of artificial eccentric occlusal interferences on masticatory performance: A randomised double-blind clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Occlusal interferences lead to changes in mandibular kinematics to compensate and improve function. However, the effects of different types of eccentric disturbance on the comminution capacity are not known. OBJECTIVE: To determine the immediate effect of eccentric occlusal interferences on masticatory performance. METHODS: This crossover clinical trial included 12 healthy dentate subjects aged 25.2 ± 3.3 years who were randomly submitted to seven types of occlusal interference: unilateral and bilateral laterotrusive and mediotrusive, protrusive, dummy and control (no interference). The interference forms were planned in a semi-adjustable articulator, fabricated with composite resin and adhered to the mandibular first molars such that subjects' maximum intercuspation was maintained. Masticatory performance and the chewing rate during 20 cycles were evaluated during subjects' comminution of silicone test food under one interference condition per test day; the multiple sieve method was applied to the comminuted particles. The interference was removed upon test completion, and a 1-week washout period was applied between tests. RESULTS: Comminuted median particle sizes were larger under unilateral (4.94 ± 0.41 mm) and bilateral (4.81 ± 0.49 mm) laterotrusive, bilateral mediotrusive (4.65 ± 0.50 mm) and protrusive (4.83 ± 0.54 mm) interferences (p < .05) than under the control (4.01 ± 0.52 mm) and dummy (4.18 ± 0.58 mm) conditions (p < .05). Only unilateral and bilateral laterotrusive interferences narrowed the comminuted particle size dispersion (p < .05). The chewing rate did not differ among conditions (p = .1944). CONCLUSION: Artificial eccentric interferences had an immediate adverse effect on masticatory performance by resulting in larger comminuted particles. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (RBR-8g5zfg8).

Advancing Chikungunya Diagnosis: A Cost-Effective and Rapid Visual employing Loop-mediated isothermal reaction.

The diagnosis of Chikungunya (CHIKV), along with the simultaneous monitoring of virus circulation in the population or vectors, is essential for global health. Although effective diagnostic methods for CHIKV, such as RT-qPCR, exist, their utilization is constrained by high costs. With the aim of contributing to the field of diagnostics, we have developed a diagnostic assay using isothermal amplification technology with visually interpretable results. This test can detect the virus within a maximum timeframe of 30 minutes. The detection limit of RT-LAMP CHIKV was found to be 66 copies of RNA molecules (Ct ≅ 31.28), and no cross-reactivity with other arboviruses was observed. During test validation, our assay demonstrated a sensitivity of 80.43%, specificity of 100%, and an overall accuracy of 88.89%. By utilizing more cost-effective reagents and equipment compared to RT-qPCR, this test holds the potential for broader application and enhanced accessibility, particularly in point-of-care settings.

Adaptação transcultural do Voice-related Experiences of Nonbinary Individuals - VENI para o português brasileiro / Cross-cultural adaptation of the Voice-related Experiences of Nonbinary Individuals - VENI to Brazilian Portuguese

RESUMO Objetivo Traduzir e adaptar transculturalmente o Voice-related Experiences of Nonbinary Individuals - VENI para o português brasileiro. Método Os procedimentos de adaptação transcultural foram baseados na combinação das recomendações e diretrizes da World Health Organization (WHO) Guidelines on Translation com o COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN). Foram realizadas cinco etapas: a) tradução do instrumento para o Português Brasileiro (PB) por um tradutor especialista no construto e um não-especialista, nativos do PB e fluentes em inglês; b) elaboração da síntese das duas traduções por consenso; c) retrotradução por um tradutor especialista no construto e um não-especialista, nativos do inglês e fluentes em PB; d) análise de um comitê formado por cinco fonoaudiólogos especialistas em voz e elaboração da versão final; e) pré-teste com 21 pessoas da população-alvo, aplicado virtualmente. Resultados Na tradução houve discordância no título, instruções, chave de resposta e em 15 itens. Na retrotradução, houve discordância quanto à forma em 12 itens e ao conteúdo em 4 itens. A análise do comitê de especialistas indicou mudanças no título, instruções de resposta, uma opção da chave de resposta, e em oito itens, para atender aos critérios de equivalência. No pré-teste houve proporção significativamente maior de respostas habituais do instrumento quando comparadas com a opção não-aplicável, usada regularmente nas adaptações de instrumentos. Conclusão A adaptação transcultural para o português brasileiro do VENI foi bem sucedida e resultou na versão denominada "Experiências relacionadas a Voz de Pessoas Não Binárias - VENI-Br".

ABSTRACT Purpose This study aimed to translate and cross-culturally adapt the "Voice-related Experiences of Nonbinary Individuals" (VENI) to Brazilian Portuguese (BP). Methods Cross-cultural adaptation was performed based on the combined guidelines of the World Health Organization's (WHO) Translation Recommendations and the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN). The process included five stages: a) Translation of the instrument into BP by a translator specialized in the construct and a non-specialist, both native BP speakers and fluent in English; b) Synthesis of the two translations by consensus; c) Back-translation by a translator specialized in the construct and a non-specialist, both native English speakers and fluent in BP; d) Analysis by a committee of five speech-language pathologists voice specialist and the creation of the final version; e) Pre-testing with 21 individuals from the target population, conducted virtually. Results During the translation stage, there were disagreements regarding the title, instructions, response key, and 15 items. In the back-translation stage, there were discrepancies in the format of 12 items and the content of four items. The expert committee's analysis led to changes in the title, instructions, one option in the response key, and eight items to meet the equivalence criteria. In the pre-test, a significantly higher proportion of usual responses to the instrument was observed when compared to the non-applicable option; this is frequently observed in instrument adaptations. Conclusion The cross-cultural adaptation of VENI into Brazilian Portuguese was successful, resulting in the "Experiências relacionadas à Voz de Pessoas Não Binárias - VENI-Br" version.

Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers for Treatment of Congenital and Acquired Lip Asymmetries and Deformities

Hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers are widely used in aesthetic treatments for facial and lip modeling. Despite HA fillers has largely known to be use in procedures for augmentation the lip volume, their application to management lip abnormalities is not widespread. This study reviewed the use of HA fillers for reconstruction of congenital and acquired li p asymmetries and deformities, searching to expand knowledge about this treatment modality. To undertake this narrative review, the Medline-Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, Google Schoolar e Lillacs databases were searched. Several studies have reported positive results in the use of HA fillers for the treatment of lip deformities caused by different factors such as: Insatisfactory dermal fillers, permanent lip implants, excision of lip carcinoma, post-operative scars and electrical burns. HA fillers are also an alternative for the management of lip asymmetries and residual surgical scars in patients with cleft lip. Moreover, injection of HA fillers in individuals with facial paralysis and facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy can also improve lip incompetence. Additionally, HA fillers can be used as a complementary treatment in cases of severe malocclusion associated with skeletal changes, helping to maintain the seal and refine the lip appearance. Therefore, HA fillers can be used as alternative treatment for several types of congenital and acquired lip deformities and asymmetries. However, it is necessary to carry out randomized clinical trials with a greater number of patients and follow-up time, in order to investigate the benefits of the HA fillers for carriers patients of lip abnormalities.

Los rellenos dérmicos de ácido hialurónico (AH) son muy utilizados en tratamientos estéticos para el modelado facial y de labios. A pesar de que se sabe en gran medida que los rellenos de HA se utilizan en procedimientos para aumentar el volumen de los labios, su aplicación para el tratamiento de anomalías labiales no está muy extendida. Este estudio revisó el uso de rellenos de HA para la reconstrucción de asimetrías y deformidades labiales congénitas y adquiridas, buscando ampliar el conocimiento sobre esta modalidad de tratamiento. Para realizar esta revisión narrativa, se realizaron búsquedas en las bases de datos Medline-Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, Google Schoolar y Lillacs. Varios estudios han reportado resultados positivos en el uso de rellenos de HA para el tratamiento de deformidades labiales causadas por diferentes factores tales como: rellenos dérmicos insatisfactorios, implantes labiales permanentes, escisión de carcinoma labial, cicatrices postoperatorias y quemaduras eléctricas. Los rellenos de HA también son una alternativa para el manejo de asimetrías labiales y cicatrices quirúrgicas residuales en pacientes con labio hendido. Además, la inyección de rellenos de HA en personas con parálisis facial y distrofia muscular facioescapulohumeral también puede mejorar la incompetencia de los labios. Además, los rellenos de HA se pueden usar como un tratamiento complementario en casos de maloclusión severa asociada con cambios esqueléticos, lo que ayuda a mantener el sellado y refinar la apariencia de los labios. Por lo tanto, los rellenos de HA se pueden utilizar como tratamiento alternativo para varios tipos de deformidades y asimetrías labiales congénitas y adquiridas. Sin embargo, es necesario realizar ensayos clínicos aleatorizados con mayor número de pacientes y tiempo de seguimiento, para investigar los beneficios de los rellenos HA para pacientes portadores de anomalías labiales.

Presence and Resistance Profile of Staphylococcus spp. Isolated from Slaughtered Pigs.

Background: The objective of this study was to isolate Staphylococcus spp. and to characterize the resistance profile in nasal samples from pigs slaughtered for consumption. Material and Methods: Intranasal swabs were collected from 100 pigs immediately after bleeding in a slaughterhouse located in the largest pork production region in Brazil, these samples were cultured and isolated to identify Staphylococcus spp. in coagulase positive (CoPS) and coagulase negative (CoNS) and molecular identification of Staphylococcus aureus and then subjected to the disk-diffusion test to identify the bacterial resistance profile and search for the mecA gene. Results: Of the 100 samples collected, it was possible to isolate 79 Staphylococcus spp., of these, 72.15% were classified as CoNS and 27.85% of the isolates classified as CoPS. Among the CoPS isolates, 77.27% were identified as S. aureus. Through the disk-diffusion test, it was possible to verify isolates resistant to clindamycin and erythromycin (98.73%), chloramphenicol (93.67%), and doxycycline (89.87%). There was amplification of the mecA gene in 30.38% of Staphylococcus spp. Conclusion: The results of this study highlight the need for the careful use of antibiotics in swine production, in addition to aiming at continuous surveillance in relation to the rate of multiresistant microorganisms within these environments, focused on large industrial centers; such results also indicate the importance of understanding, through future studies, possible pathways to transmission of these microorganisms directly, or indirectly, through meat products derived from these pigs, which can be considered neglected diffusers of variants of Staphylococcus spp. resistant to antibiotics or carriers of important resistance genes related to One Health.

Clinical Aspects and Etiologic Investigation of Pediatric Patients With Acute Liver Failure.

A new outbreak of hepatitis of unknown origin raised awareness in the international community. A few reports have attempted to associate new cases with adenovirus infection and the immunologic effects of previous SARS-CoV-2 infections through a superantigen mechanism. Moreover, according to a case series, viral isolates were identified in 7 of 10 cases of pediatric patients with hepatitis of unknown origin and acute liver failure. Adenovirus was detected by respiratory secretion polymerase chain reaction in 2 patients, with neither presenting with SARS-CoV-2 acute infection. Clinical and laboratory descriptions and cross-referencing epidemiologic and pathophysiological data can help identify possible disease etiologies.

Gossypetin Is a Novel Modulator of Inflammatory Cytokine Production and a Suppressor of Osteosarcoma Cell Growth.

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a common childhood sarcoma, and its treatment is hindered by adverse effects, chemoresistance, and recurrence. Interleukin (IL)-6 production by tumors plays a significant role in inflammation, carcinogenesis, and metastasis. This study aimed to investigate the antiproliferative potential of luteolin derivatives in OS and to evaluate interleukin production. MG-63, Saos-2, HOS, and 143B human OS cell lines were incubated with luteolin and eight derivatives containing hydroxy, chlorine, or alkyl substitutions. The cell viability and growth were evaluated in the presence of these compounds. Apoptosis was also examined through the analysis of the Bax expression and caspase-3 activity. Finally, the gossypetin effects were measured regarding the production of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1ß, and IL-12p70. Our findings show that gossypetin was the most potent compound, with proliferation-suppressing activities that induced a series of critical events, including the inhibition of the cell viability and growth. Apoptosis was associated with enhanced caspase-3 activity and increased Bax expression, indicating the involvement of the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. Moreover, pre-/co-treatment with gossypetin significantly reduced the autocrine production of proinflammatory cytokines. Further investigation is required; nevertheless, considering the link between inflammation, carcinogenesis, and metastasis in OS, our findings suggest that gossypetin exhibits anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory properties that are potentially relevant in the clinical context.

Effect of the secretome of mesenchymal stem cells overexpressing BMP-9 on osteoblast differentiation and bone repair.

The secretome present in the conditioned medium (CM) of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is a promising tool to be used in therapies to promote bone regeneration. Considering the high osteogenic potential of the bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP-9), we hypothesized that the secretome of MSCs overexpressing BMP-9 (MSCsBMP-9 ) enhances the osteoblast differentiation of MSCs and the bone formation in calvarial defects. CM of either MSCsBMP-9 (CM-MSCsBMP-9 ) or MSCs without BMP-9 overexpression (CM-MSCsVPR ) were obtained at different periods. As the CM-MSCsBMP-9 generated after 1 h presented the highest BMP-9 concentration, CM-MSCsBMP-9 and CM-MSCsVPR were collected at this time point and used to culture MSCs and to be injected into mouse calvarial defects. The CM-MSCsBMP-9 enhanced the osteoblast differentiation of MSC by upregulating RUNX2, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteopontin protein expression, and ALP activity, compared with CM-MSCsVPR . The CM-MSCsBMP-9 also enhanced the bone repair of mouse calvarial defects, increasing bone volume, bone volume/total volume, bone surface, and trabecular number compared with untreated defects and defects treated with CM-MSCsVPR or even with MSCsBMP-9 themselves. In conclusion, the potential of the MSCBMP-9 -secretome to induce osteoblast differentiation and bone formation shed lights on novel cell-free-based therapies to promote bone regeneration of challenging defects.

Relations Between Guardians and Domestic Animals During the Sars-Cov-2 Pandemic in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate how relationships between guardians and domestic animals were established and their possible effects during the COVID-19 pandemic period in Brazil. METHODS: Data were collected by completing an online questionnaire. Throughout the national territory, 2002 people completed the questionnaire, while respecting social distancing from January 20, 2021, to March 20, 2021. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were 'to own pets' or 'those who had them during the period of quarantine' in Brazil. The data obtained were treated qualitatively through discourse analysis and content analysis, while the quantitative data were tabulated by the questionnaire application platform itself. RESULTS: The results showed that 97% of the participants were affected by the coronavirus pandemic in Brazil and that of these, 95.5% stated that their pet was important to overcome and bear bad feelings during the period of social isolation. It was possible to observe through the participants' reports through the online questionnaire that the relationships with their pets were deepened during the pandemic period, and that these had an important role in overcoming bad emotions caused by social distancing. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that due to these relationships, behaviors such as anxiety and sadness were reduced and the pets themselves also showed an increase in affective behaviors in relation to their guardians.

Design and Synthesis of New Anthranyl Phenylhydrazides: Antileishmanial Activity and Structure-Activity Relationship.

Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease affecting millions of people worldwide. A centenary approach to antimonial-based drugs was first initiated with the synthesis of urea stibamine by Upendranath Brahmachari in 1922. The need for new drug development led to resistance toward antimoniates. New drug development to treat leishmaniasis is urgently needed. In this way, searching for new substances with antileishmanial activity, we synthesized ten anthranyl phenylhydrazide and three quinazolinone derivatives and evaluated them against promastigotes and the intracellular amastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis. Three compounds showed good activity against promastigotes 1b, 1d, and 1g, with IC50 between 1 and 5 µM. These new phenylhydrazides were tested against Leishmania arginase, but they all failed to inhibit this parasite enzyme, as we have shown in a previous study. To explain the possible mechanism of action, we proposed the enzyme PTR1 as a new target for these compounds based on in silico analysis. In conclusion, the new anthranyl hydrazide derivatives can be a promising scaffold for developing new substances against the protozoa parasite.

COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) in Children Attended-to in the Health UNIC System (HUS) With flu and Respiratory Symptoms in Three Brazilian Municipalities in an International Border Region.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of the disease and research risk factors through sociodemographic data of children aged 0 to 15 years, with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 in 3 Brazilian municipalities in an international border region. METHODS: Epidemiological and RT-PCR test results were collected from the COVID-19 notification records in suspected children and adolescents from March 1 to August 31, 2020, in municipalities (Assis Chateaubriand, Tupãssi, and Formosa do Oeste) located in an international border region. The results obtained and the variables associated were subjected to statistical analysis using the Chi-Square Test (x2) or Fisher's Exact Test, using the statistical program SPSS v. 21.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, USA) at the 5% significance level. RESULTS: Among the 147 children from the 3 municipalities, 20 (13.60%) were diagnosed as positive. The predominance of cases was in male children (60.00%) and in children living in urban areas (80%). The most frequent symptoms observed in children were fever (65.00% of the cases), followed by headache (60.00%), cough (55.00%), and nasal congestion, as well as sore throat, both found in 35.00% of the cases. CONCLUSION: All these data highlight the importance and the need for more epidemiological studies, especially in children and adolescents, as COVID-19 becomes part of the child health panorama worldwide, with serious direct and indirect impacts for humans, animals, and the environment.

Beliefs and expectations of patients with fibromyalgia about telerehabilitation during Covid-19 pandemic: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Telerehabilitation as an alternative to physiotherapeutic care has been increasingly implemented in diverse populations. However, this mode of service can evoke beliefs and expectations in patients with fibromyalgia, depending on sociocultural and clinical context, that can cause poor adaptation and dropout from treatment. OBJECTIVE: To explore beliefs and expectations of individuals with fibromyalgia about physical exercises delivered through telerehabilitation. METHODS: Thirty individual semi-structured interviews were conducted via videoconference with women with fibromyalgia recruited during COVID-19 pandemic through intentional sampling. These interviews were guided by four questions addressing the beliefs and expectations about telerehabilitation. The interviews were recorded after consent and transcribed using the MAXQDA® software. The inductive approach was performed in which raw data were coded into categories and subcategories. RESULTS: Participants expect to benefit from telerehabilitation due to flexible hours, no need of travel, socialization, and lower risk of contamination. However, they believe they have difficulties related to the physical absence of the therapist, complexity of the exercises, internet connection problems, adaptation to the domestic routine and availability of schedules. CONCLUSION: Women with fibromyalgia showed positive expectations about telerehabilitation, relating better socialization with other individuals diagnosed with fibromyalgia, home care with flexible schedule and, to provide needed service to underserved. However, they listed barriers such as the physical absence of the therapist and instability of the internet connection and, the FM symptoms themselves.

Orange molasses as a new energy ingredient for feedlot lambs in Brazil.

The objectives of this experiment were to evaluate the effects of increasing levels of orange molasses in replacement of flint corn grain in high-concentrate diets on dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), and feed efficiency (FE) of feedlot lambs. Thirty male lambs without defined racial pattern (30.3 ± 5.3 kg of initial BW; mean ± SD) were used in a randomized complete block design with 10 blocks and 3 treatments. The treatments were defined by partial replacement of flint corn by orange molasses in the diet with 90% of concentrate and 10% of Cynodon spp. hay, as follows: 0OM-control diet without orange molasses; 20OM-20% of orange molasses replacing flint corn; and 40OM-40% of orange molasses replacing flint corn (DM basis). The experiment lasted 72 days divided into 3 subperiods, with 1 subperiod of 16 days and 2 subperiods of 28 days. Animals were weighed after a 16-h fast on days 1, 16, 44, and 72 of the experimental periods to determine the ADG and FE. The DMI, ADG, and FE showed an interaction between treatments and experimental periods. The DMI in the first period decreased linearly (P < 0.01); in the third period, there was no effect of treatments (P > 0.05) on DMI. The ADG decreased linearly (P < 0.01) in the first period as the orange molasses increased. Otherwise, in the third period, ADG increased linearly (P = 0.05) as flint corn was replacement by orange molasses. The FE showed an interaction between treatment and period (P = 0.09). The first period had a decreased linear effect; in the third period, there was a trend (P = 0.07) of increased linear effect. There was no difference between the diets regarding the final BW of the lambs. In conclusion, the orange molasses can replace up to 40% of flint corn in diets for feedlot lambs without affecting final BW. However, it is important to consider the adaptation time proved to be very important for better use of orange molasses as a source of energy in diets for lambs.

Minimally Processed Vegetables in Brazil: An Overview of Marketing, Processing, and Microbiological Aspects.

The global demand for minimally processed vegetables (MPVs) has grown, driven by changes in the population's lifestyle. MPVs are fresh vegetables that undergo several processing steps, resulting in ready-to-eat products, providing convenience for consumers and food companies. Among the processing steps, washing-disinfection plays an important role in reducing the microbial load and eliminating pathogens that may be present. However, poor hygiene practices can jeopardize the microbiological quality and safety of these products, thereby posing potential risks to consumer health. This study provides an overview of minimally processed vegetables (MPVs), with a specific focus on the Brazilian market. It includes information on the pricing of fresh vegetables and MPVs, as well as an examination of the various processing steps involved, and the microbiological aspects associated with MPVs. Data on the occurrence of hygiene indicators and pathogenic microorganisms in these products are presented. The focus of most studies has been on the detection of Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and Listeria monocytogenes, with prevalence rates ranging from 0.7% to 100%, 0.6% to 26.7%, and 0.2% to 33.3%, respectively. Foodborne outbreaks associated with the consumption of fresh vegetables in Brazil between 2000 and 2021 were also addressed. Although there is no information about whether these vegetables were consumed as fresh vegetables or MPVs, these data highlight the need for control measures to guarantee products with quality and safety to consumers.

Implications of the COVID-19 pandemic in monitoring health and cardiovascular diseases: survey study.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the implications of COVID-19 in the monitoring of health and cardiovascular diseases in health services. METHOD: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional, survey-type study with 798 adults, selected by snowball on social networks, between June and July 2020. Data were collected in an electronic form validated for this study. RESULTS: There was a negative impact on monitoring health and cardiovascular diseases with missed appointments and elective exams. Symptoms such as chest pain and hypertensive crisis were neglected due to fear of contagion, lack of knowledge or structural lack of services, in addition to impaired monitoring of chronic conditions. CONCLUSION: The severity of results is noted considering the COVID-19 progression and the risk of complications. It is necessary to organize flows and structures compatible with each care profile, in health services, to guarantee care and promote diagnosis and control of chronic conditions in the set of actions to contain pandemics. It is crucial to prioritize primary care in health follow-ups during pandemic periods, as this has a direct impact on the progression of critical conditions at other levels of care.