Effects of high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation combined with inspiratory muscle training for treating respiratory sequelae of long COVID: A case series.

INTRODUCTION: Long COVID occurs when numerous symptoms begin 3 weeks after acute infection and last for 12 months or more. High-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) has been tested in patients with COVID-19; however, previous studies did not investigate the HD-tDCS use combined with inspiratory muscle training (IMT) for respiratory sequelae of long COVID. CASE PRESENTATION: Six individuals (four women and two men) aged between 29 and 71 years and presenting with respiratory sequelae of long COVID were included. They were submitted to an intervention that comprised HD-tDCS combined with IMT twice a week for 5 weeks. Lung function and respiratory muscle assessments were performed at baseline and after 5 weeks of intervention. IMPLICATIONS ON PHYSIOTHERAPY PRACTICE: HD-tDCS may enhance the IMT effects by increasing respiratory muscle strength, efficiency, and lung function of individuals with long COVID.

Factors associated with clinical severity in chronic venous disease: The role of functional parameters.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic venous disease (CVD) is a highly prevalent disease that presents a wide spectrum of clinical expressions due to abnormalities in the venous system. Patients often have major functional changes that can limit daily activities. However, the functional factors associated with the severity of the disease remain poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: To identify the functional factors associated with CVD severity. METHODS: Seventy-five patients with CVD (92.0% females, 49.6 ± 13.3 years) were evaluated through clinical examination, lower limb perimetry, ankle range of motion (AROM), and lower limb muscle strength by the Heel Rise test, and Sit-to-stand test. Patients were stratified according to the disease severity as mild (telangiectasia, varicose veins, or edema in the lower limbs) or severe CVD (trophic changes or venous ulcer). RESULTS: Patients with severe CVD (n = 13) were older (p = 0.002), predominantly male (p = 0.007), with reduced AROM in dorsiflexion (p = 0.028) and inversion (p = 0.009), reduced lower limb strength by the Heel Rise test (p = 0.040), and greater circumference of the calf (p = 0.020), ankle (p = 0.003), and plantar arch (p = 0.041) when compared to mild CVD (n = 62). Advanced age, male sex, lower ankle range of motion in dorsiflexion, and greater ankle and plantar arch circumferences were associated with CVD severity. However, the ankle circumference (OR 1.258, 95% CI: 1.008-1.570; p = 0.042), together with advanced age and male sex, was the only functional variable that remained independently associated with CVD severity. CONCLUSION: The increased ankle circumference was a determinant of the CVD severity and may assist in risk stratification and guide treatment goals in this population.

Correlation between postoperative cardiac risks factors, functionality and hospital length of stay

Introduction: Cardiac surgery (CS) may be associated with several organic repercussions responsible for the appearance of cardiac risk factors during the postoperative period. These, associated with prolonged hospital length of stay (LoS), may trigger critical manifestations in individuals undergoing this surgical procedure. Objective: To investigate the relationships between postoperative cardiac risk factors, LoS, and changes in functioning state. Methods: Patients undergoing reconstructive, substitutive, or corrective cardiac surgeries were evaluated. The presence of postoperative cardiovascular risks was assessed using the InsCor score, while LoS and functionality were collected from medical records. Results: One-hundred patients with a mean age of 59.2±12.3 years were included. Significant correlations between functionality and both the hospital and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) LoS (p<0.0001, ρ=0.56; p=0.002, ρ=0.29, respectively), as well as between hospital LoS and the number of comorbidities (p=0.003, ρ=0.28) were found. No significant relationships were observed between the number of postoperative risk factors and LoS. Conclusion: Functionality and comorbidities are associated with increased hospital and ICU LoS in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Systemic effects of settleable atmospheric particulate matter (SePM) on swamp ghost crab Ucides cordatus.

Metallurgical activities are a significant source of settleable atmospheric particulate matter (SePM). The material is exposed to wind action, leading to its deposition throughout terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, thus promoting contamination by metals and metalloids. However, knowledge of the impacts on biota is scarce. In aquatic coastal zones, evaluating hemolymph in invertebrates makes it possible to have insights into the pre-pathogenic effects and health status of organisms. Our study aimed to evaluate bioaccumulation and the sublethal effects of SePM on the mangrove crab Ucides cordatus by assessing biomarkers of cito-genotoxicity in the hemolymph. Organisms underwent a 30-day experiment with four treatments: control; 0.01 g.L-1, 0.1 g.L-1, 1 g.L-1 of SePM, with hemolymph sampled at 2, 7, 15, and 30 days of exposure to assess lipid peroxidation (LPO), DNA damage (strand break), cholinesterase (ChE) and lysosomal membrane stability (LMS). The results revealed metals' bioaccumulation in soft tissues (Al, Fe+, Fe++, Cu, Zr, Nb) and dose-time-dependent responses for LPO, DNA strand break, ChE, and LMS. Significant correlation was found between LPO and Cu (tissue), reduced LMS and Al and Fe (tissue), and Cu, Zn, Ag, and Bi in water. Hemolymph was related to the toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic of metals and metalloids from SePM in Ucides cordatus. New toxicological evidence was obtained to shed light on the impacts of SePM on the ecological status of coastal zones.

Effect of acute exposure to settleable atmospheric particulate matter emitted by the steel industry on hematology and innate immunity of fat snook (Centropomus parallelus).

The steel industry is a significant worldwide source of atmospheric particulate matter (PM). Part of PM may settle (SePM) and deposit metal/metalloid and metallic nanoparticles in aquatic ecosystems. However, such an air-to-water cross-contamination is not observed by most monitoring agencies. The region of Vitoria City is the main location of iron processing for exports in Brazil, and it has rivers, estuaries, and coastal areas affected by SePM. We have evaluated the effects of SePM on a local representative fish species, the fat snook, Centropomus parallelus. After acclimation, 48 fishes (61.67 ± 27.83 g) were individually exposed for 96 h to diverse levels of SePM (0.0, 0.01, 0.1 and 1 g/L-1). The presence of metals in the blood and several blood biomarkers were analyzed to evaluate the impact of SePM on stress signaling, blood oxygen transport capacity, and innate immune activity. Metal bioaccumulation was measured from blood in two separately analyzed compartments: intracellular (erythrocytes plus white blood cells) and extracellular (plasma). The major metals present at all contamination levels in both compartments were Fe and Zn, followed by Al and Cu, plus traces of 'Emerging metals': Ba, Ce, La, Rb, Se, Sr, and Ti. Emerging metals refer to those that have recently been identified in water as contaminants, encompassing rare earth elements and critical technology elements, as documented in previous studies (See REEs and TCEs in Cobelo-García et al., 2015; Batley et al., 2022). Multivariate analysis revealed that SePM had strong, dose-dependent correlations with all biomarker groups and indicated that blood oxygen-carrying capacity had the highest contamination responsiveness. Metal contamination also increased cortisol and blood glucose levels, attesting to increased stress signaling, and had a negative effect on innate immune activity. Knowledge of the risks related to SePM contamination remains rudimentary. However, the fact that there was metal bioaccumulation, causing impairment of fundamental physiological and cellular processes in this ecologically relevant fish species, consumed by the local human population, highlights the pressing need for further monitoring and eventual control of SePM contamination.

Effects of a cardiopulmonary rehabilitation protocol on functional capacity, dyspnea, fatigue, and body composition in individuals with post-COVID-19 syndrome: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Reduced functional capacity, dyspnea, fatigue, and changes in body composition are common in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS), and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation may improve these parameters. Thus, the present study verified the effects of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation (respiratory, aerobic, and resistance muscle training) on submaximal exercise tolerance, dyspnea, fatigue, and body composition. METHODS: This controlled and randomized clinical trial applied a six-week outpatient intervention protocol in individuals over 18 years old (n = 33) with a diagnosis of COVID-19 confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. These individuals were allocated to cardiopulmonary rehabilitation (n = 17) or control groups (i.e., educational lectures; n = 16). The cardiopulmonary rehabilitation group performed respiratory, aerobic, and resistance muscle training. Submaximal exercise tolerance, dyspnea, fatigue, and body composition were assessed before and after the protocol. RESULTS: After 6 weeks, the cardiopulmonary rehabilitation group increased the tolerance to submaximal exercise, with a difference of 100.46 m (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.40-193 m) in the distance walked on the six-minute walk test, reduced dyspnea (-1.45, 95% CI: -1.98--0.92) in the modified Medical Research Council, and increased 0.63 kg (95% CI: 0.09-1.18 kg) of muscle mass in the upper limbs compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: The six-week cardiopulmonary rehabilitation protocol improved functional capacity, reduced dyspnea, and increased muscle mass in the upper limbs in individuals with PCS. Thus, these results supported the protocol use in this population and encourage further studies to assess its effectiveness in a large sample.

Oxidative stress and neurotoxicity induced by exposure to settleable atmospheric particulate matter in bullfrog tadpoles, Aquarana catesbeiana, (Shaw, 1802).

Bullfrog tadpoles, Aquarana catesbeiana, were exposed to settleable particulate matter (SePM), (1 g L-1, 96 h) and their organs were collected for analysis of metal/metalloid, oxidative stress and neurotoxicity in liver, muscle, kidney and brain. The SePM water of the exposed groups contained 18 of the 28 metals/metalloids detected in ambient particulate matter (APM). Fe56 and Al were those that presented the highest concentrations, Cr, Mn, Pb and Cu increased from 10 to 20 times and Ti, V, Sr, Rb, Cd, Sn and Ni increased from 1 to 3 times compared to the control. Bioaccumulation of metals/metalloids in the exposure water varied significantly between organs, with the muscle and liver showing the highest concentrations of metals, followed by the brain. Lipoperoxidation and malondialdehyde increased only in muscle, while carbonyl proteins increased only in the liver and brain. Regarding nitric oxide synthase, there was an increase in the liver and brain in the group exposed to SePM. Catalase activity decreased in the liver and muscle, while the activity of glutathione peroxidase, increased in the liver and kidney and decreased in muscle. Glutathione S-transferase, which is mainly responsible for detoxification, increased in the liver and decreased in muscle and the kidney. Cholinesterase activity increased only in the muscle. The results indicate oxidative stress, due to oxidation catalyzed by metals, components of SePM. Thus, the results contribute to the understanding that SePM has a deleterious effect on the aquatic environment, negatively affecting bullfrog tadpoles, in different ways and levels in relation to the analyzed organs.

Hymenaea rubriflora Ducke stem bark extract has vasorelaxant and contractile inhibition capacity

Abstract We investigated the vasodilatory effects of Hymenaea rubriflora Ducke stem bark extract (HRHAc). Vascular reactivity of the aortic rings of Wistar rats was tested by in vitro cumulative doses (0.1 - 729 µg/mL). Rats (n=5) were treated with 25 (G25), 50 (G50) and 100 (G100) mg/ kg of HR-HAc or saline (control group - CG) for four weeks. An in vitro assay resulted in dose-dependent relaxation of the aortic rings with functional endothelium, which was inhibited in the presence of L-NAME. Rings of the treated animals increased acetylcholine relaxing potency at all doses, with a greater effect on G50 (pD2 = 7.8±0.1, Emax = 95.6±1.1) and a decreased contractile potency to phenylephrine in G25 (pD2 = 6.9±0.06, Emax = 61.5±6.0%) and G50 (pD2= 6.6±0.06, Emax = 71.0±8.5%) when compared to the CG in the presence and absence of endothelium (pD2= 6.4± 0.1, 6.4±0.1 and 6.9±0.1, respectively). Cumulative doses of nitroprusside resulted in increased relaxing potency in all treated groups and maintained Emax at 100%. It is concluded that HR-HAc has vasorelaxant capacity and inhibitory vascular contraction activity applied either directly to aortic rings or after treatment with in vivo supplementation, which places this extract as a potential nutraceutical or pharmacological agent for treating diseases associated with vascular dysfunction.

Bridging the Gaps in Meta-Omic Analysis: Workflows and Reproducibility.

The past few years have seen significant advances in the study of complex microbial communities associated with the evolution of sequencing technologies and increasing adoption of whole genome shotgun sequencing methods over the once more traditional Amplicon-based methods. Although these advances have broadened the horizon of meta-omic analyses in planetary health, human health, and ecology from simple sample composition studies to comprehensive taxonomic and metabolic profiles, there are still significant challenges in processing these data. First, there is a widespread lack of standardization in data processing, including software choices and the ease of installing and running attendant software. This can lead to several inconsistencies, making comparing results across studies and reproducing original results difficult. We argue that these drawbacks are especially evident in metatranscriptomic analysis, with most analyses relying on ad hoc scripts instead of pipelines implemented in workflow managers. Additional challenges rely on integrating meta-omic data, since methods have to consider the biases in the library preparation and sequencing methods and the technical noise that can arise from it. Here, we critically discuss the current limitations in metagenomics and metatranscriptomics methods with a view to catalyze future innovations in the field of Planetary Health, ecology, and allied fields of life sciences. We highlight possible solutions for these constraints to bring about more standardization, with ease of installation, high performance, and reproducibility as guiding principles.

Integrating chemical and biological data by chemometrics to evaluate detoxification responses of a neotropical bivalve to metal and metalloid contamination.

Mangroves represent a challenge in monitoring studies due to their physical and chemical conditions under constant marine and anthropogenic influences. This study investigated metals/metalloids whole-body bioaccumulation (soft tissues) and the risk associated with their uptake, biochemical and morphological detoxification processes in gills and metals/metalloids immobilisation in shells of the neotropical sentinel oyster Crassostrea rhizophorae from two Brazilian estuarine sites. Biochemical and morphological responses indicated three main mechanisms: (1) catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione played important roles as the first defence against reactive oxygen species; (2) antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals, glutathione S-transferase, metallothionein prevent protein damage and (3) metals/metalloids sequestration into oyster shells as a mechanism of oyster detoxification. However, the estimated daily intake, target hazard quotient, and hazard index showed that the human consumption of oysters would not represent a human health risk. Among 14 analysed metals/metalloids, chemometrics indicate that Mn, As, Pb, Zn and Fe overload the antioxidant system leading to morphological alterations in gills. Overall, results indicated cellular vacuolization and increases in mucous cell density as defence mechanisms to prevent metals/metalloids accumulation and the reduction in gill cilia; these have long-term implications in respiration and feeding and, consequently, for growth and development. The integration of data from different sites and environmental conditions using chemometrics highlights the main biological patterns of detoxification from a neotropical estuarine bivalve, indicating the way in which species can cope with metals/metalloids contamination and its ecological consequences.

Metal/metalloid bioconcentration dynamics in fish and the risk to human health due to water contamination with atmospheric particulate matter from a metallurgical industrial area.

Settleable atmospheric particulate matter (SeAPM) containing a mixture of metals, including metallic nanoparticles, has increased throughout the world, and caused environmental and biota contamination. The metal bioconcentration pattern in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) was evaluated during a 30-day exposure to 1 g L-1 SeAPM and assessed the human health risk from consuming fish fillets (muscle) based on the estimated daily intake (EDI). SeAPM was collected surrounding an iron ore processing and steel industrial complex in Vitória city (Espírito Santo, Brazil) area. Water samples were collected daily for physicochemical analyses, and every 3 days for multi-elemental analyses. Metal bioconcentrations were determined in the viscera and fillet of fish every 3 days. The elements B, Al, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Ag, Cd, Pb, Hg, Ba, Bi, W, Ti, Zr, Y, La, Nb, and Ce were analyzed in SeAPM, water, and fish using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The metal concentration in SeAPM-contaminated water was higher than in control water. Most metals bioconcentrated preferentially in the fish viscera, except for the Hg and Rb, which bioconcentrated mostly in the fillet. The bioconcentration pattern was Fe > Al > Mn > Pb > V > La > Ce > Y > Ni > Se > As > W > Bi in the viscera; it was higher than the controls throughout the 30-day exposure. Ti, Zr, Nb, Rb, Cd, Hg, B, and Cr showed different bioconcentration patterns. The Zn, Cu, Sr, Sn, Ag, and Ta did not differ from controls. The differences in metal bioconcentration were attributed to diverse metal bioavailability in water and the dissimilar ways fish can cope with each metal, including inefficient excretion mechanisms. The EDI calculation indicated that the consumption of the studied fish is not safe for children, because the concentrations of As, La, Zr, and Hg exceed the World Health Organization's acceptable daily intake for these elements.

Metagenomic Analyses Reveal the Influence of Depth Layers on Marine Biodiversity on Tropical and Subtropical Regions.

The emergence of open ocean global-scale studies provided important information about the genomics of oceanic microbial communities. Metagenomic analyses shed light on the structure of marine habitats, unraveling the biodiversity of different water masses. Many biological and environmental factors can contribute to marine organism composition, such as depth. However, much remains unknown about microbial communities' taxonomic and functional features in different water layer depths. Here, we performed a metagenomic analysis of 76 publicly available samples from the Tara Ocean Project, distributed in 8 collection stations located in tropical or subtropical regions, and sampled from three layers of depth (surface water layer-SRF, deep chlorophyll maximum layer-DCM, and mesopelagic zone-MES). The SRF and DCM depth layers are similar in abundance and diversity, while the MES layer presents greater diversity than the other layers. Diversity clustering analysis shows differences regarding the taxonomic content of samples. At the domain level, bacteria prevail in most samples, and the MES layer presents the highest proportion of archaea among all samples. Taken together, our results indicate that the depth layer influences microbial sample composition and diversity.

Distribuição e dependência espacial da dengue nos municípios paranaenses em períodos epidêmicos / Distribuición u dependencia espacial del dengue en los municipios de Paraná en períodos epidémicos / Distribution and spatial dependence of dengue in Paraná municipalities in epidemic periods

Objetivo:analisar a distribuição e autocorrelação dos casos de dengue notificados no Paraná, nos períodos epidêmicos de 2015-2016 e 2019-2020.Método: estudo ecológico, tendo como unidade de análise as regiões de saúde e os municípios do Paraná. Utilizou-se dados de 2015-2016/2019-2020 do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação. Para análise, procedeu-se ao cálculo dos coeficientes de incidência e variação percentual por municípios. Ainda, empregou-se a estatística de Moran global e local.Resultados:maiores coeficientes de incidência foram nas macrorregiões Noroeste, Norte e Oeste, onde também foram identificadas variações percentuais positivas, indicando aumento na incidência entre epidemias. Por outro lado, a macrorregião Leste apresentou queda. Áreas de alto risco foram evidenciadas em maior número na macrorregião Noroeste, ao passo que a Leste apresentou maior área de baixo risco. Conclusões:existem áreas de alto risco para dengue no Paraná, demandando o direcionamento de ações no controle e manejo do agravo.

Objective:to analyze the distribution and autocorrelation of reported dengue cases in the Paraná, in the epidemic periods of 2015-2016 and 2019-2020. Method:ecological study, with the health regions and municipalities of Paraná as the unit of analysis. Data from 2015-2016/2019-2020 from the Notifiable Diseases Information System were used. For analysis, the incidence coefficients and percentage variation by municipalities were calculated. Also, global and local Moran statistics were used. Results:higher incidence coefficients were found in the Northwest, North and West macro-regions, where positive percentage variations were also identified, indicating an increase in incidence between epidemics. On the other hand, the East macro-region showed a decline. High-risk areas were evidenced in greater numbers in the Northwest macro-region, while the East had a larger low-risk area. Conclusions:there are areas of high risk for dengue in Paraná, demanding the direction of actions in the control and management of the disease.

Objetivo:analizar distribución y autocorrelación de casos de dengue notificados en el Paraná, en 2015-2016 y 2019-2020. Método:estudio ecológico, con las regiones de salud y los municipios de Paraná como unidad de análisis. Se utilizaron datos del Sistema de Información de Enfermedades de Declaración Obligatoria. Para el análisis se calcularon los coeficientes de incidencia y variación porcentual por municipios. Además, se utilizaron estadísticas globales y locales de Moran. Resultados:se encontraron mayores coeficientes de incidencia en las macrorregiones Noroeste, Norte y Oeste, donde también se identificaron variaciones porcentuales positivas, indicando un aumento de la incidencia entre epidemias. La macrorregión Oriente mostró un descenso. Las áreas de alto riesgo se evidenciaron en Noroeste, mientras que el Este tuvo una mayor área de bajo riesgo.Conclusiones:existen áreas de alto riesgo para el dengue en Paraná, exigiendo la dirección de acciones en el control y manejo de la enfermedad.

Settleable atmospheric particulate matter harms a marine invertebrate: Integrating chemical and biological damage in a bivalve model.

Some atmospheric pollutants may affect aquatic ecosystems after settling, generating contamination, bioaccumulation, and threats to aquatic species. Metallurgical processes result in the emission of settleable atmospheric particulate matter (SePM), including metals and metalloids, along with rare earth elements (REE) that are considered emerging contaminants. We report the 30-day exposure of brown mussels (Perna perna) to SePM collected in a metallurgical area of southeast Brazil close to estuarine ecosystems, followed by a 30-day clearance period, to evaluate the toxic potential of SePM to this model mollusk. The bioaccumulation of 28 elements identified in SePM and the sublethal effects were evaluated. REEs were found in SePM (Ce, Y, and La). Significant bioaccumulation of eight metals (Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, Cd, and Ba) was found in the bivalves and correlates with the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity, showing a dose-dependent mode and suggesting a pre-pathological condition that could lead to ecological disturbances over time. Conversely, the unchanged lipid-peroxidation level after SePM exposure could indicate the effectiveness of the antioxidant system in protecting gills and digestive glands. The clearance period was not enough to successfully reverse the negative effects observed. So far, the current results enhance the comprehension of the negative role of SePM on metal bioaccumulation and metal-induced toxicity to aquatic biota. Thus, this report adds innovative findings on the role of SePM in aquatic pollution in coastal areas affected by atmospheric pollution, which should be relevant for future public policies to verify and control the environmental pollution.

Metalliferous atmospheric settleable particulate matter action on the fat snook fish (Centropomus parallelus): Metal bioaccumulation, antioxidant responses and histological changes in gills, hepatopancreas and kidneys.

Metallic smoke released by steel industries is constitute by a mixture of fine and gross particles containing metals, including the emerging ones, which sedimentation contaminates soil and aquatic ecosystems and put in risk the resident biota. This study determined the metal/metalloids in the atmospheric settleable particulate matter (SePM, particles >10 µm) from a metallurgical industrial area and evaluated metal bioconcentration, antioxidant responses, oxidative stress, and the histopathology in the gills, hepatopancreas and kidneys of fat snook fish (Centropomus parallelus) exposed to different concentrations of SePM (0.0, 0.01, 0.1 and 1.0 g L-1), for 96 h. From the 27 metals (Al, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sn, Ba, La, Ce, W, Hg, Pb, Bi) analyzed, 18 were quantified in SePM and dissolved in seawater. Metal bioconcentrations differed among organs; Fe and Zn were the metals most bioconcentrated in all organs, Fe was higher in hepatopancreas and Zn > Fe > Sr > Al was higher in kidneys. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) decreased in the gills; SOD, catalase (CAT) decreased, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) increased in hepatopancreas and, CAT, glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and the level of glutathione (GSH) increased in kidneys. The unchanged levels of lipid peroxidation and oxidized protein in any organ indicate that the antioxidant responses were efficient to avoid oxidative stress. Organ lesion indices were higher in the gills > kidneys > hepatopancreas, being higher in fish exposed to 0.01 g L-1 SePM. All changes indicate a tissue-specific metal/metalloids bioconcentration, antioxidant and morphological responses that all together compromise fish health. Regulatory normative are needed to control the emission of these metalliferous PM to preserve the environment and biota.

Os direitos sexuais e reprodutivos da mulher no Brasil na perspectiva do feminismo decolonial / Women's sexual and reproductive rights in Brazil from the perspective of decolonial feminism / Los derechos sexuales y reproductivos de las mujeres en Brasil en la perspectiva del feminismo decolonial

Objetivo: analisar os direitos sexuais e reprodutivos da mulher no Brasil na perspectiva do feminismo decolonial. Metodologia: tratou-se de pesquisa teórico-dogmática que, com base nas normas jurídicas, objetivou esboçar os direitos sexuais e reprodutivos das mulheres e descortinar esses direitos, na constatação de interseccionalidades como entraves ao reconhecimento e exercício deles na perspectiva decolonial. Resultados: verificou-se que as normas jurídicas, de forma hegemônica, não são suficientes, eis que questões socioeconômicas e jurídicas acabam por impedir sua efetivação a todas as mulheres. Conclusão: fatores interseccionais e de diversidade impedem o exercício dos direitos sexuais e reprodutivos das mulheres no Brasil, de forma que as normas jurídicas não são suficientes para a garantia dos direitos.

Objective: to analyze the sexual and reproductive rights of women in Brazil from the perspective of decolonial feminism. Methods: it was a theoretical-dogmatic investigation that aimed to outline, based on legal norms, the sexual and reproductive rights of women and to show these rights, considering intersections, as obstacles to the recognition and exercise of these rights in a decolonial perspective. Results: legal norms were found to be inadequate in hegemonic ways, as socioeconomic and legal issues prevent their implementation for all women. Conclusion: intersectional and diversity factors prevent the exercise of women's sexual and reproductive rights in Brazil, making legal norms insufficient to guarantee rights.

Objetivo:analizar los derechos sexuales y reproductivos de las mujeres en Brasil desde la perspectiva del feminismo decolonial. Metodología:se trató de una investigación teórico-dogmática que, a partir de normas jurídicas, tuvo como objetivo delinear los derechos sexuales y reproductivos de las mujeres y develar esos derechos, en la observación de las interseccionalidades como obstáculos para su reconocimiento y ejercicio en la perspectiva decolonial. Resultados: se constató que las normas jurídicas colocadas de forma hegemónica no son suficientes, ya que cuestiones socioeconómicasy jurídicas terminan impidiendo su implementación para todas las mujeres. Conclusión: factores interseccionales y de diversidad impiden el ejercicio de los derechos sexuales y reproductivos del as mujeres en Brasil, por lo que las normas jurídicas no son suficiente para garantizar los derechos.

Non-invasive brain stimulation for fatigue in post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC).

BACKGROUND: and purpose: Fatigue is among the most common persistent symptoms following post-acute sequelae of Sars-COV-2 infection (PASC). The current study investigated the potential therapeutic effects of High-Definition transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (HD-tDCS) associated with rehabilitation program for the management of PASC-related fatigue. METHODS: Seventy patients with PASC-related fatigue were randomized to receive 3 mA or sham HD-tDCS targeting the left primary motor cortex (M1) for 30 min paired with a rehabilitation program. Each patient underwent 10 sessions (2 sessions/week) over five weeks. Fatigue was measured as the primary outcome before and after the intervention using the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). Pain level, anxiety severity and quality of life were secondary outcomes assessed, respectively, through the McGill Questionnaire, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) and WHOQOL. RESULTS: Active HD-tDCS resulted in significantly greater reduction in fatigue compared to sham HD-tDCS (mean group MFIS reduction of 22.11 points vs 10.34 points). Distinct effects of HD-tDCS were observed in fatigue domains with greater effect on cognitive (mean group difference 8.29 points; effect size 1.1; 95% CI 3.56-13.01; P < .0001) and psychosocial domains (mean group difference 2.37 points; effect size 1.2; 95% CI 1.34-3.40; P < .0001), with no significant difference between the groups in the physical subscale (mean group difference 0.71 points; effect size 0.1; 95% CI 4.47-5.90; P = .09). Compared to sham, the active HD-tDCS group also had a significant reduction in anxiety (mean group difference 4.88; effect size 0.9; 95% CI 1.93-7.84; P < .0001) and improvement in quality of life (mean group difference 14.80; effect size 0.7; 95% CI 7.87-21.73; P < .0001). There was no significant difference in pain (mean group difference -0.74; no effect size; 95% CI 3.66-5.14; P = .09). CONCLUSION: An intervention with M1 targeted HD-tDCS paired with a rehabilitation program was effective in reducing fatigue and anxiety, while improving quality of life in people with PASC.

A multi-biomarker approach to assess the sublethal effects of settleable atmospheric particulate matter from an industrial area on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

Iron and steel industries discharge a large amount of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) containing metals and metallic nanoparticles (NPs) that contaminate not only the air, but also settle into the aquatic environments. However, the effects of settleable atmospheric particulate matter (SePM) on aquatic fauna are still poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the sublethal effects of a short-term exposure to a realistic concentration of SePM on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) using a multi-biomarker approach: relative ventricular mass (RVM) and heart function, blood oxidative stress, stress indicators, hemoglobin concentration, metallic NPs internalization, and metal bioaccumulation. Exposed fish exhibited reduced hemoglobin content and elevated plasma cortisol and glucose levels, reflecting stressed states. Furthermore, SePM caused blood oxidative stress increasing lipid and protein oxidation, decreasing glutathione levels, and inhibiting superoxide and glutathione reductase activities. SePM exposure also increased RVM and improved cardiac performance, increasing myocardial contractile force and rates of contraction and relaxation. In the heart tissue there was a significant accumulation of Fe > Zn > > Cr > Cu > Rb > Ni > V > Mn > Se > Mo > As. On the other hand, in the erythrocytes there was significant accumulation of Sn > Zn > > Cr > Ti > Mn = Ni > Nb > As > Bi. The highest bioaccumulation factors were found for Cr, Zn and Ni in both tissues. NPs (Ti, Sn, Al, Fe, Cu, Si, Zn) were also detected in ventricular myocardium of fish exposed and nanocrystallographic analysis revealed a predominance of anatase phase of TiO2-NP, which is regarded to be more cytotoxic. The association between blood oxidative stress and energy expenditure to sustain increased cardiac pumping capacity under stress condition suggests that SePM has negative impacts on fish physiological performance, threatening their survival, growth rate and/or population establishment.

Distribution and behavior of lipid droplets in hepatic cells analyzed by variations of citochemical technique and scanning electron microscopy.

Toxicity evaluations involve the analysis of multiple biomarkers. In this study, the liver, target organ analyzed by treatments with iron concentrations, indicated the accumulation of lipids as a response. Considering that the distribution of lipids in an organ is directly related to the induction of inflammatory processes by aquatic contaminants, this study proposes to carry out an integrative investigation of the behavior and the distribution of lipids in the liver tissue. Techniques of light and electron microscopy were performed in order to propose a new way of assessing and quantifying the distribution of lipid droplets, also presenting methodological alternatives that can be chosen by the reader according to the interests and resources available. Thus, it is assumed that the method begins with the fixation of the liver with Glutaraldehyde 2,5% in PBS 0,1 M and continues with post fixation with osmium tretoxide 1%, which marks lipids. For this proposition, two inclusion methodologies were performed to histological analyses in Historesin and ultrastructural analyses in EMBeed 812. For light microscopy (LM) analyses, cuts were obtained with 2,5 micrometers thickness, which were stained with (1) Mayers hematoxylin and (2) toluidine blue. The images obtained were processed in software Image J Fiji to evidence the lipid distribution in liver.•Cytological reactions with osmium tetroxide constitute low complexity methods that allow the optimization of the localization, identification and quantification of lipid droplets in the liver tissue when analyzed under the conventional light microscope.•Samples included in EMBeed 812 resin commonly used in Transmission Electron Microscopy can be analyzed by SEM-BEC, as complementary analyses for the detection of lipids.•Using SEM-BEC and conventional light microscopy, it is possible to quantify the area occupied by lipid droplets using Image J Fiji software, as these are contrasted due to the reaction with osmium tetroxide.

Supplementation with Spirulina platensis Prevents Damage to Rat Erections in a Model of Erectile Dysfunction Promoted by Hypercaloric Diet-Induced Obesity.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve and/or maintain a penile erection sufficient for sexual satisfaction. Currently, many patients do not respond to the pharmacotherapy. The effects of a supplementation with Spirulina platensis, were evaluated in a model of ED induced by hypercaloric diet consumption. Wistar rats were divided into groups fed with standard diet (SD) or hypercaloric diet (HD) and supplemented with this alga at doses of 25, 50 or 100 mg/kg. Experimental adiposity parameters and erectile function were analyzed. In SD groups, Spirulina platensis reduced food intake, final body mass and adiposity index, and increased the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of adipose tissue. However, no change was observed in erectile function. In the HD group, without Spirulina supplementation, a decrease in food intake was observed, in addition to an increase of final body mass, weight gain, adipose reserves, and adiposity index. Additionally, reduction in the number and increase in the latency of penile erection and adipose malondialdehyde levels, as well as a reduction in TCA was noted. Furthermore, cavernous contractility was increased, and the relaxing response was decreased. Interestingly, these deleterious effects were prevented by the algae at doses of 25, 50 and/or 100 mg/kg. Therefore, the supplementation with S. platensis prevents damages associated to a hypercaloric diet consumption and emerges as an adjuvant the prevention of ED.