Tailored electrochemical biosensor with poly-diallydimethylammonium chloride-functionalised multiwalled carbon nanotubes/gold nanoparticles/manganese dioxide, and haemoglobin for sensitive hydrogen peroxide detection.

A very sensitive electrochemical biosensor, with haemoglobin (Hb) as its basis, has been created to quantify hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), an essential marker in environmental monitoring, food safety, and medical diagnosis. The sensor uses a simple, eco-friendly preparation method. Hb was immobilised on manganese dioxide nanostructure/gold nanoparticles/poly-diallydimethylammonium chloride-functionalised multiwalled carbon nanotubes (PDDA-MWCNT/AuNP/MnO2), characterised using various techniques: amperometry, voltammetry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Nafion was used as a binder membrane to preserve the biological and electrochemical properties of the protein on the modified electrode. In comparison to earlier research, the novel biosensor had a lower detection limit (1.83 µM) and a limit of quantification (6.11 µM) (S/N = 3) for H2O2. It also exhibited notable reproducibility, long-term stability, and repeatability. It was effectively used to measure the amount of H2O2 in cow milk and orange juice, yielding recoveries in the order of 98.90-99.53 % with RSDs less than 5.0 %, which makes it a promising biosensor for food control.

Determination of the volatile chemical profile of Momordica charantia (bitter melon) leaf and fruit by GC-MS.

The plant Momordica charantia (Cucurbitaceae), popularly known as bitter melon, snake fruit, Saint Vincent's herb, or little melon, is an African species that has developed in tropical and subtropical biomes in various parts of Brazil. The fruit is used in various traditional medicinal applications. The study aimed to identify the compounds of the essential oil of the leaves obtained by hydrodistillation and in the fruit through Solid-Phase Microextraction by headspace mode (HS-SPME) coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The analysis of mature fruits led to the identification of 18 compounds, compared to the hydrodistillation, in which 21 compounds were identified. Benzaldehyde, linalool, and ß-cyclocitral were identified in both methods. Linalool was the major compound in both processes. These findings highlight the importance of knowing the chemical composition of organic volatile compounds (VOCs), given the potential for medicinal applications and popular use of plants.

The stingless bee Trigona spinipes (Hymenoptera: Apidae) is at risk from a range of insecticides via direct ingestion and trophallactic exchanges.

BACKGROUND: The stingless bee, Trigona spinipes, is an important pollinator of numerous native and cultivated plants. Trigona spinipes populations can be negatively impacted by insecticides commonly used for pest control in crops. However, this species has been neglected in toxicological studies. Here we observed the effects of seven insecticides on the survival of bees that had fed directly on insecticide-contaminated food sources or received insecticides via trophallactic exchanges between nestmates. The effects of insecticides on flight behavior were also determined for the compounds considered to be of low toxicity. RESULTS: Imidacloprid, spinosad and malathion were categorized as highly toxic to T. spinipes, whereas lambda-cyhalothrin, methomyl and chlorfenapyr were of medium to low toxicity and interfered with two aspects of flight behavior evaluated here. Chlorantraniliprole was the only insecticide tested here that had no significant effect on T. spinipes survival, although it did interfere with one aspect of flight capacity. A single bee that had ingested malathion, spinosad or imidacloprid, could contaminate three, four and nineteen other bees, respectively via trophallaxis, resulting in the death of the recipients. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to evaluate the ecotoxicology of a range of insecticides that not only negatively affected T. spinipes survival, but also interfered with flight capacity, a very important aspect of pollination behavior. The toxicity of the insecticides was observed following direct ingestion and also via trophallactic exchanges between nestmates, highlighting the possibility of lethal effects of these insecticides spreading throughout the colony, reducing the survival of non-foraging individuals. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Social Appearance Anxiety Scale: a psychometric investigation and evaluation of the influence of individual characteristics on social appearance anxiety in Brazilian adults who practice physical exercise.

Introduction: Evaluating signs of anxiety related to body appearance is becoming increasingly important in contemporary society and, in this sense, the Social Appearance Anxiety Scale (SAAS) seems an interesting alternative of measurement. Objectives: To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the SAAS when applied to Brazilian adults who practice physical exercise and verify the influence of individual characteristics on participants' social appearance anxiety. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted online. The participants completed the SAAS and a demographic questionnaire. The psychometric properties of the SAAS one-factor model were evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis. A structural model was built for men and women to verify the influence of individual characteristics of the participants on social appearance anxiety. Results: 1,495 individuals participated in the study (70.8% women; mean age = 29.5, SD = 8.9 years). The data obtained with the SAAS presented good indicators of validity and reliability for both genders (CFI > 0.97, TLI > 0.97, SRMR = 0.04, α > 0.97, ω > 0.85). For both men and women, greater levels of social appearance anxiety were observed among younger participants, who had a higher body mass index, self-reported an eating disorder, and perceived a change in their body after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. For women specifically, higher income and having started physical exercise more recently were associated with greater levels of social appearance anxiety. Conclusion: The findings supported the validity and reliability of the data obtained with the SAAS and revealed that when investigating social appearance anxiety in future research and clinical protocols, specific individual characteristics should be considered.

Effect of a Nutritional Behavioral Intervention on Intuitive Eating in Overweight Women With Chronic Kidney Disease.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a nutritional behavioral intervention on intuitive eating (IE) scores of overweight non-dialysis-dependent women with chronic kidney disease and to investigate the relationship of IE scores with demographic, nutritional, and quality of life parameters in this group. DESIGN AND METHODS: This is a prospective noncontrolled clinical trial of a behavioral multisession group intervention for dietary management. Each group comprised five to eight participants in 14 weekly or biweekly sessions lasting about 90 minutes each. The IE principles were discussed during the meetings. The IE scale 2, translated and adapted to the study population, with a four-factor model was applied to assess IE attitudes. The 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire was applied to assess health-related quality of life. RESULTS: Of the 33 patients who began participation in the study, 23 patients (median [interquartile range]: age = 62.0 years [58.0-68.0]; 52.2% with diabetes; body mass index = 32.6 kg/m2 [30.2-39.3]; estimated glomerular filtration rate = 28.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 [22.0-31.0]) completed the intervention. Except for the IE subscale Body-Food Choice Congruence, the IE total score and all its subscales (Unconditional Permission to Eat, Eating for Physical Rather than Emotional Reasons, Reliance on Hunger and Satiety Cues, and Body-Food Choice Congruence) improved after the intervention. In a cross-sectional analysis, more intuitive eaters were older and had better scores for health-related quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: The nutritional behavioral intervention embracing IE principles was effective to improve IE attitudes for this group of chronic kidney disease patients. These results are promising and may contribute to a paradigm change in the strategies to enhance motivation and adherence to dietary recommendations in this population.

Brazilian Adults' Attitudes and Practices Regarding the Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination and Their Hesitancy towards Childhood Vaccination.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the attitudes and practices of Brazilian adults regarding the mandatory COVID-19 vaccination and their hesitancy towards the vaccination of children. METHODS: Between March and May 2022, Brazilian adults answered an online questionnaire distributed through social media. The SAGE-WG questionnaire was adapted to measure hesitancy to the vaccination of children. RESULTS: Of the 1007 participants, 67.4% believed that adult COVID-19 vaccination should be mandatory. Just over half of the participants (51.5%) believed that parents and/or guardians should decide if their children should be vaccinated against COVID-19 or not and 9.1% were unsure. Individuals who were younger, non-religious and had higher awareness of COVID-19 risks and critics of the federal government's performance in combating the pandemic were more likely to agree with mandatory adult vaccination. However, less agreement among parents and/or guardians concerning children's vaccination was observed, with lower scores for hesitancy to the vaccination of children. CONCLUSION: In Brazil, there is still far from a consensus on mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for adults and a significant proportion of the population believes that parents and/or guardians should be free to decide on their children's vaccination. These views are associated with age, religion, knowledge of COVID-19 risks and political inclination.

Investigating method effects associated with the wording direction of items of the Social Physique Anxiety Scale.

PURPOSE: The use of psychometric instruments to measure latent concepts is common. The development of these instruments usually involves mechanisms to reduce response bias, such as the inclusion of reversed items. The aim of this study was to investigate method effects related to the wording direction of the Social Physique Anxiety Scale (SPAS) items, a one-dimensional instrument that assesses individual's level of anxiety when others observe their body. METHODS: In total, 152 Brazilian adults (65.8% female) answered 2 formats of the SPAS: the original with 12 items (7 regular and 5 reversed); and a new format with all items written in the same direction (i.e., regular). Both formats were filled out at different times and alternately. Differential item functioning analysis (DIF) and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted. RESULTS: The original SPAS did not fit the data, but after allowing covariances between all reversed items, the fit improved. The wording effect was supported by the DIF, indicating a better fit to the data for the new format with all items worded in the same direction. CONCLUSION: The wording of the SPAS items had effect on the psychometric properties of instrument. When the wording of the reversed items was modified, the factor model fitted the data. Future studies should take these findings into account and evaluate the SPAS with all items worded in the same direction in different contexts. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Descriptive (cross-sectional) study, Level V.

Peripheral arterial disease progression and ankle brachial index: a cohort study with newly diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the evolution of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) since diagnosis and its association with glycemic and lipid control in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the actual criteria to start screening PAD with ankle-brachial index (ABI) in T2DM patients and assess its progression and relationship with glycemic and lipid control since diagnosis. METHODS: We performed a 3-year prospective cohort study with two groups: group 1 (978 individuals with T2DM undergoing drug treatment) and group 2 [221 newly diagnosed drug-naive (< 3 months) patients with T2DM]. PAD diagnosis was by ABI ≤ 0.90, regardless any symptoms. RESULTS: As expected, abnormal ABI prevalence was higher in group 1 vs. Group 2 (87% vs. 60%, p < 0.001). However, abnormal ABI prevalence did not differ between patients over and under 50 years in both groups. Our drug-naive group stabilizes ABI (0.9 ± 0.1 vs 0.9 ± 0.1, p = NS) and improved glycemic and lipid control during follow-up [glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) = 8.9 ± 2.1 vs 8.4 ± 2.3%, p < 0.05; LDL = 132 ± 45 vs 113 ± 38 mg/dL, p < 0.01, respectively]. When compared, patients who evolved with normalization or maintained normal ABI levels at the end [Group A, N = 60 (42%)] with those who decreased ABI to abnormal levels (ABI basal 1.0 ± 0.1 vs final 0.85 ± 0.1, p < 0.001) [Group B, N = 26 (18%)], an improvement in HbA1c (9 ± 2 vs 8 ± 2%, p < 0.05) and a correlation between the final HbA1c with ABI (r = - 0.3, p = 0.01) was found only in the first. In addition, a correlation was found between albuminuria variation and ABI solely in group A (r = - 0.3; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that ABI should be measured at diagnosis in T2DM patients, indicating that current criteria to select patients to screen PAD with ABI must be simplified. An improvement in albuminuria and glycemic and lipid control could be related with ABI normalization in newly diagnosed T2DM drug-naive patients.

Whole-genome sequencing analysis of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O22:H8 isolated from cattle prediction pathogenesis and colonization factors and position in STEC universe phylogeny.

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is a foodborne pathogen capable of causing illness in humans. In a previous study, our group showed that a STEC isolate belonging to O22:H8 serotype (strain 154) can interfere with STEC O157:H7 colonization both in vitro and in vivo. Using whole-genome sequencing and genomic comparative, we predicted a subset of genes acquired by O22:H8 strain 154 through horizontal gene transfer that might be responsible for the phenotype previously described by our group. Among them were identified genes related to the pathogenesis of non-LEE (locus of enterocyte effacement) STEC, specific metabolic processes, antibiotic resistance and genes encoding for the T6SS-1 that is related to inter-bacterial competition. In addition, we showed that this strain carries stx1c and stx2dact, a mucus-inducible variant. The results obtained in this study provide insights into STEC genomic plasticity and the importance of genomic islands in the adaptation and pathogenesis of this pathogen.

Lethal and sublethal effects of insecticides used in the management of Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) on the predator Cycloneda sanguinea L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae).

BACKGROUND: The application of synthetic insecticides is the main strategy used to reduce the damage caused by the diamondback moth Plutella xylostella in commercial Brassica crops. However, incorrect insecticide use can cause biological and ecological disturbances in agroecosystems. Cycloneda sanguinea is a generalist voracious predator and is distributed widely in cultivated and noncultivated ecosystems. This study investigated the efficiency of four insecticides for the control of P. xylostella and the lethal and sublethal effects of these insecticides on C. sanguinea. RESULTS: Spinosad (92% mortality) and chlorfenapyr (76% mortality) were highly toxic to P. xylostela. However, chlorantraniliprole (10% mortality) and methomyl (no mortality) were ineffective against this pest. Chlorantraniliprole was the only insecticide that was highly toxic to C. sanguinea by contact (90% mortality), however, it was nontoxic following the ingestion of chlorantraniliprole-contaminated aphids. Interestingly, ingestion of prey contaminated with methomyl and chlorfenapyr was highly toxic (100% mortality) to C. sanguinea. Spinosad was nontoxic to C. sanguinea via exposure to contaminated surfaces and following ingestion of contaminated prey. However, direct contact of the insects with both methomyl and spinosad significantly affected C. sanguinea flight activity (vertical flight and free-fall flight), whereas chlorfenapyr impacted vertical flight only. CONCLUSION: These findings showed that chlorantraniliprole was not only ineffective for the control of P. xylostela, but was also highly toxic to C. sanguinea. The results indicated that spinosad was efficient against P. xylostela and was of low toxicity to C. sanguinea; however, the deleterious effects of this insecticide on flight behavior could result in reduced predatory efficiency. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Transcriptome Architecture of Osteoblastic Cells Infected With Staphylococcus aureus Reveals Strong Inflammatory Responses and Signatures of Metabolic and Epigenetic Dysregulation.

Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic pathogen that causes a range of devastating diseases including chronic osteomyelitis, which partially relies on the internalization and persistence of S. aureus in osteoblasts. The identification of the mechanisms of the osteoblast response to intracellular S. aureus is thus crucial to improve the knowledge of this infectious pathology. Since the signal from specifically infected bacteria-bearing cells is diluted and the results are confounded by bystander effects of uninfected cells, we developed a novel model of long-term infection. Using a flow cytometric approach we isolated only S. aureus-bearing cells from mixed populations that allows to identify signals specific to intracellular infection. Here we present an in-depth analysis of the effect of long-term S. aureus infection on the transcriptional program of human osteoblast-like cells. After RNA-seq and KEGG and Reactome pathway enrichment analysis, the remodeled transcriptomic profile of infected cells revealed exacerbated immune and inflammatory responses, as well as metabolic dysregulations that likely influence the intracellular life of bacteria. Numerous genes encoding epigenetic regulators were downregulated. The later included genes coding for components of chromatin-repressive complexes (e.g., NuRD, BAHD1 and PRC1) and epifactors involved in DNA methylation. Sets of genes encoding proteins of cell adhesion or neurotransmission were also deregulated. Our results suggest that intracellular S. aureus infection has a long-term impact on the genome and epigenome of host cells, which may exert patho-physiological dysfunctions additionally to the defense response during the infection process. Overall, these results not only improve our conceptual understanding of biological processes involved in the long-term S. aureus infections of osteoblast-like cells, but also provide an atlas of deregulated host genes and biological pathways and identify novel markers and potential candidates for prophylactic and therapeutic approaches.

Health-related quality of life in T1DM patients after high-dose cholecalciferol supplementation: data from a pilot clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) impacts health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Cross-sectional studies suggest that low levels of vitamin D (VD) may impair HRQoL, however, the effect of VD supplementation on quality of life in T1DM patients has not yet been clarified. Our study evaluated the effects of high-dose VD supplementation on HRQoL in T1DM. METHODS: We performed a prospective study with 64 patients receiving cholecalciferol (4000 IU/day for patients with 25-OH-vitamin D [25(OH)D] between 30 and 60 ng/mL, and 10,000 IU/day for those with 25(OH)D below 30 ng/mL) for 12 weeks, as part of a research protocol. HRQoL was assessed with EuroQol instruments (EQ-5D and EQ-VAS). RESULTS: There was an improvement in global EQ-5D index, and analysing specifically the EQ-5D domains, we observed an improvement in mobility (1.3 ± 0.6 versus 1.1 ± 0.3, p < 0.01). Evaluating possible outcome influencing variables, we detected a reduction in albuminuria at the end of the trial, without changes in BMI, lipids, blood pressure, glycemic control and insulin doses. We found correlations between final albuminuria and the dimensions: mobility (r = 0.6; p < 0.01), personal care (r = 0.7; p < 0.01), pain and discomfort (r = 0.6; p < 0.01) and habitual activities (r = 0.6; p < 0.01), suggesting an association between albuminuria reduction and the impact of VD supplementation on HRQoL. CONCLUSION: Our data showed that high doses of cholecalciferol supplementation can improve HRQoL in patients with T1DM, and the reduction of albuminuria seems to be an important factor in this context. TRIAL REGISTRATION: (ISRCTN32601947), 03/06/2017 retrospectively registered.

High-dose Vitamin D Supplementation on Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: Is there an Improvement in Glycemic Control?

BACKGROUND: Some authors evaluated the effect of VD on hyperglycemia in T1DM, but the results remain controversial. This study aims to analyze the effects of high-dose VD supplementation on T1DM patients' glycemic levels, maintaining stable doses of insulin. METHODS: Prospective, 12-week clinical trial including 67 T1DM patients, supplemented with high doses of cholecalciferol according to participants' VD value. Patients with VD levels below 30 ng/mL received 10,000 IU/day; those with levels between 30-60 ng/mL received 4,000 IU/day. Patients who had not achieved 25(OH)D levels > 30 ng/ml or presented insulin dose variation during the study were not analyzed. RESULTS: Only 46 out of 67 patients accomplished the criteria at the end of the study. There was no general improvement in the glycemic control evaluated by HbA1c (9.4 ± 2.4 vs 9.4 ± 2.6, p=NS) after VD supplementation. However, a post-hoc analysis, based on HbA1c variation, identified patients who had HbA1c reduced at least 0.6% (group 1, N = 13 (28%)). In addition, a correlation between 25(OH)D levels with HbA1c and total insulin dose at the end of the study was observed (r = -0.3, p<0.05; r=-0.4, p<0.05, respectively), and a regression model demonstrated that 25(OH)D was independent of BMI, duration of T1DM and final total insulin dose, being capable of determining 9.2% of HbA1c final levels (Unstandardized B coefficient = -0.033 (CI 95%: -0.064 to -0.002), r2 = 0.1, p <0.05). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that VD is not widely recommended for glycemic control. Nevertheless, specific patients might benefit from this approach.

Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric assessment of the Portuguese language version of the Eating and Appraisal due to Emotions and Stress (EADES) Questionnaire in Brazilian adults.

PURPOSES: To develop a Brazilian Portuguese version of the Eating and Appraisal due to Emotions and Stress (EADES) Questionnaire and estimate the psychometric properties of the EADES factorial model for young Brazilian adults and also to assess the association between EADES factors and age, body mass index (BMI), and economic level. METHODS: The cross-cultural adaptation was performed using a standardized protocol. The psychometric properties were assessed separately for each sex. A structural model for each sex was developed to investigate the influence of age, economic level, and BMI on the EADES factors. RESULTS: A total of 1240 participants completed the study [65.8% female, mean age 23.91 (SD = 5.03) years]. The EADES original factorial model did not present good psychometric properties. Then, a factorial model proposed for a Mexican sample was tested and a different model was fitted for each sex. The results showed that younger women have lower self-efficacy and self-confidence and poorer assessment of resources and coping skills. Women with a higher economic level have lower self-efficacy. Higher BMI was associated with lower self-efficacy and self-confidence in both sexes. Younger men have lower self-efficacy and poorer assessment of resources and coping skills. CONCLUSIONS: The Brazilian Portuguese version of the EADES provided valid and reliable data after refinement, and a different model was fitted for each sex. Sex, age, BMI, and economic level were significantly associated with the EADES factors. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V, descriptive cross-sectional study.

Association Between 25(OH)Vitamin D, HbA1c and Albuminuria in Diabetes Mellitus: Data From a Population-Based Study (VIDAMAZON).

Background: The effect of glycemic control on diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is well known. Recent evidence has suggested that Vitamin D (VD) may have a nephroprotective effect in diabetes, but the relationship between VD, glycemic control, and albuminuria has yet to be clarified. Objective: Evaluate the relationship between 25-hydroxy-vitamin D [25(OH)D], HbA1c, and albuminuria in Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Patients and Methods: Cross-sectional study with 1576 individuals with DM who had 25(OH)D, HbA1c, and albuminuria levels measured. Patients with abnormal creatinine levels were excluded, in order to avoid interference on VD levels by impaired kidney function. Results: Patients with HbA1c ≥7% had lower 25(OH)D when compared to patients with HbA1c <7% (29.7 ± 10.2 vs 28.1 ± 9.9 ng/ml, p = 0.003) and 25(OH)D levels seems to predict 1.5% of HbA1c behavior. The 25(OH)D concentrations in patients with normoalbuminuria were higher than the levels observed in those with micro or macroalbuminuria (29.8 ± 9.0 vs 26.8 ± 8.6 and 25.1 ± 7.6, respectively, p = 0.001), patients who had 25(OH)D <20 ng/ml and 25(OH)D <30 ng/ml were at a higher risk of presenting albuminuria [OR = 2.8 (95% CI = 1.6 - 4.9), p<0.001, and OR = 2.1 (95% CI = 1.3 - 4.6), p<0.001, respectively]. In our regression model, albuminuria was influenced by HbA1c (r² = 0.076, p<0.00001) and 25(OH)D (r² = 0.018, p = 0.002) independently. Conclusion: Our study found an association between vitamin D levels, HbA1c and DKD. Additionally, our data suggest that the association between urinary albumin excretion and vitamin D levels is independent of glycemic control in patients with diabetes. Even though our patients presented normal creatinine levels, it is necessary further prospective studies to confirm if this association precedes or not the loss of renal function.

Genomic analysis of shiga toxin-containing Escherichia coli O157:H7 isolated from Argentinean cattle.

Cattle are the main reservoir of Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC), with O157:H7 the distinctive serotype. EHEC is the main causative agent of a severe systemic disease, Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). Argentina has the highest pediatric HUS incidence worldwide with 12-14 cases per 100,000 children. Herein, we assessed the genomes of EHEC O157:H7 isolates recovered from cattle in the humid Pampas of Argentina. According to phylogenetic studies, EHEC O157 can be divided into clades. Clade 8 strains that were classified as hypervirulent. Most of the strains of this clade have a Shiga toxin stx2a-stx2c genotype. To better understand the molecular bases related to virulence, pathogenicity and evolution of EHEC O157:H7, we performed a comparative genomic analysis of these isolates through whole genome sequencing. The isolates classified as clade 8 (four strains) and clade 6 (four strains) contained 13 to 16 lambdoid prophages per genome, and the observed variability of prophages was analysed. An inter strain comparison show that while some prophages are highly related and can be grouped into families, other are unique. Prophages encoding for stx2a were highly diverse, while those encoding for stx2c were conserved. A cluster of genes exclusively found in clade 8 contained 13 genes that mostly encoded for DNA binding proteins. In the studied strains, polymorphisms in Q antiterminator, the Q-stx2A intergenic region and the O and P γ alleles of prophage replication proteins are associated with different levels of Stx2a production. As expected, all strains had the pO157 plasmid that was highly conserved, although one strain displayed a transposon interruption in the protease EspP gene. This genomic analysis may contribute to the understanding of the genetic basis of the hypervirulence of EHEC O157:H7 strains circulating in Argentine cattle. This work aligns with other studies of O157 strain variation in other populations that shows key differences in Stx2a-encoding prophages.

Association of Soy and Exclusive Breastfeeding With Central Precocious Puberty: A Case-Control Study.

Introduction: While soy is suggested as a possible risk factor, exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) has a likely protective effect in precocious puberty. Our aim was to evaluate the association between both of these variables with central precocious puberty (CPP). Methods: We performed a retrospective, case-control study. A total of 161 girls were divided into two groups: 84 patients diagnosed with CPP composed the case group and 77 patients without the diagnosis of CPP (had gone through normal onset of puberty) were the control group. Results: Our control group had a higher presence of EBF >6 months, which was an important protective factor for CPP (OR: 0.5; IC 95%: 0.3-0.9, p = 0.05) and also correlated negatively with the presence of it (r = -0.2; p < 0.05). Oppositely, the use of soy was significantly higher in the CPP group, (OR: 3.8; IC 95%: 1.5-6, p < 0.05) and positively correlating (r = 0.2; p < 0.01) with the presence of CPP. Duration of soy intake (years) correlated with bone age (r = 0.415; p < 0.05). A logistic regression was performed to evaluate the effects of EBF duration and soy on CPP. The model was significant (x² (2) = 20,715, p = <0.001) and explained 12.2% (Nagelkerke R2) of the variance, correctly classifying 62.5% of cases. EBF was associated with a reduction of likelihood of having CPP [OR = 0,187 (CI = 0.055-0,635); Wald = 7,222, p = 0.007], while soy intake increased the risk [OR = 3.505 (CI) = 1,688-7,279, Wald = 11,319, p = 0.001]. Conclusion: Our data found the use of soy was associated with CPP. Additionally, EBF was pointed as a protective factor. However, future prospective studies are needed to clarify this issue.

A Portuguese Adaptation of the Teruel Orthorexia Scale and a Test of Its Utility with Brazilian Young Adults.

The aims for this study were to perform a Portuguese language cross-cultural adaptation of the Teruel Orthorexia Scale (TOS) and to evaluate the scale's psychometric properties, including verifying the frequency of behaviors characteristic of orthorexia nervosa and healthy orthorexia, among a group of Brazilian gym users. First, we adapted the Spanish version of the TOS to the Brazilian Portuguese language following international protocols to guarantee idiomatic, semantic, conceptual, and cultural equivalence. Then participants completed both the new Portuguese version of the TOS and a socioeconomic questionnaire. Among our sample of 226 young Brazilian adults (63.7% men; M age = 28.8, SD = 5.1 years), we assessed the bi-factorial model of the TOS through factorial, convergent, and discriminant validity, reliability, and factorial invariance. We calculated the mean scores of the TOS factors and the frequency of behaviors of both orthorexia nervosa and healthy orthorexia. The new Portuguese version was well understood by participants, and the TOS bi-factorial model presented adequate psychometric properties and showed invariance in independent subsamples and in men and women. The mean scores were different between sexes only for orthorexia nervosa, with women obtaining higher values. The frequency of orthorexia nervosa behaviors was 5.3% and of healthy orthorexia was 41.2%. Based on these findings, the Brazilian Portuguese version of the TOS can be a useful tool for investigating orthorexia-like behaviors in future research.

Brazilian Portuguese versions and cross-cultural adaptation of two instruments to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding the COVID-19 pandemic in the Brazilian population.

INTRODUCTION: Studies based on knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) theory are conducted to identify ways to improve strategies aimed at preventing and combatting certain conditions or diseases, to understand the way how behavioral changes are assimilated by the populations, and to reorient interventions. In view of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, studies based on KAP theory have been useful to better understand certain behaviors, such as adherence to prevention measures and control of the spread of the virus. OBJECTIVE: To describe the process of cross-cultural adaptation of two complementary instruments for assessing KAP regarding the COVID-19 pandemic in the Brazilian population. METHODS: Two independent translators proposed a first Brazilian Portuguese version of the scales. The cultural adaptation and pre-test of the Brazilian Portuguese versions occurred at different stages, using a panel of specialists and a subsample of the target population, respectively. RESULTS: The pre-test of the adapted instruments involved 30 Brazilian adults (mean age = 41.8 years; standard deviation = 4.24) and was carried out to assess instrument understanding and applicability. The participants informed they did not have difficulties to self-complete the instruments and reported a high level of clarity and understanding. CONCLUSION: Both instruments can bring an opportunity to study behavioral constructs about COVID-19 in the Brazilian population, aiming to articulate strategies that enable the fulfillment of effective preventive measures.

Comparative Proteomic Analyses Between Biofilm-Forming and Non-biofilm-Forming Strains of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis Isolated From Goats.

Caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) is a chronic disease that affects small ruminants and causes economic losses in the associated breeding system. The causative agent of CLA is Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, a Gram-positive bacterium that exhibits tropism for external and internal lymph nodes and induces abscess formation in the host. Bacterial communities often produce a biofilm matrix that serves various functions, including protection against hostile environmental conditions, antibiotics, and the host immune response. Although biofilm formation has been reported for C. pseudotuberculosis, not all strains demonstrate this property in culture. In this work, we report the first comparative proteomic analysis of one biofilm-forming (CAPJ4) and one biofilm-non-forming strain (CAP3W) of C. pseudotuberculosis isolated from goats. Bacterial whole cell protein extracts were obtained for mass spectrometry analyses. Using LC-MS/MS, our studies reveal three and four proteins exclusively found in the CAPJ4 and CAP3W proteome, respectively. In addition, label-free quantitative analysis identified 40 proteins showing at-least 2-fold higher values in CAPJ4 compared CAP3W proteome Notably, CAPJ4 differentially synthesized the penicillin-binding protein, which participates in the formation of peptidoglycans. CAPJ4 also exhibited upregulation of N-acetylmuramoyl-L-alanine amidase and galactose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase, which are involved in biofilm formation and exopolysaccharide biosynthesis. Here, we demonstrate that biofilm formation in C. pseudotuberculosis is likely associated with specific proteins, some of which were previously shown to be associated with virulence and biofilm formation in other organisms. Our findings may drive studies related to the bacterial mechanisms involved in the biofilm formation, in addition to providing targets for the treatment of CLA.