Simulation of murine retinal hemodynamics in response to tail suspension.

The etiology of spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS) remains unclear. Recent murine studies indicate there may be a link between the space environment and retinal endothelial dysfunction. Post-fixed control (N = 4) and 14-day tail-suspended (TS) (N = 4) mice eye samples were stained and imaged for the vessel plexus and co-located regions of endothelial cell death. A custom workflow combined whole-mounted and tear reconstructed three-dimensional (3D) spherical retinal plexus models with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation that accounted for the Fåhræus-Lindqvist effect and boundary conditions that accommodated TS fluid pressure measurements and deeper capillary layer blood flow distribution. TS samples exhibited reduced surface area (4.6 ± 0.5 mm2 vs. 3.5 ± 0.3 mm2, P = 0.010) and shorter lengths between branches in small vessels (<10 µm, 69.5 ± 0.6 µm vs. 60.4 ± 1.1 µm, P < 0.001). Wall shear stress (WSS) and pressure were higher in TS mice compared to controls, particularly in smaller vessels (<10 µm, WSS: 6.57 ± 1.08 Pa vs. 4.72 ± 0.67 Pa, P = 0.034, Pressure: 72.04 ± 3.14 mmHg vs. 50.64 ± 6.74 mmHg, P = 0.004). Rates of retinal endothelial cell death were variable in TS mice compared to controls. WSS and pressure were generally higher in cell death regions, both within and between cohorts, but significance was variable and limited to small to medium-sized vessels (<20 µm). These findings suggest a link may exist between emulated microgravity and retinal endothelial dysfunction that may have implications for SANS development. Future work with increased sample sizes of larger species or spaceflight cohorts should be considered.

Increased absorption and use of nutrients induced by Si is an indicator for tolerance to water deficit in a common bean cultivar cultivated in the field with and without application of K.

Introduction: Reduced water content in the soil triggers physiological, biochemical, and morphological damage to plants, aggravated by nutritional deficiency. One possible strategy to mitigate this damage comprises the use of silicon (Si). This study investigated whether Si can mitigate the damage caused by water deficit through nutritional mechanisms in bean plants grown under field conditions. Furthermore, it investigated whether the effectiveness of Si is influenced by water availability in the soil and the Si dose supplied. Methods: Therefore, two split-plot experiments were carried out: with and without K supply. In both experiments,the treatments comprised a 3 × 4 factorial scheme. Treatments included three water regimes: 80% (no water deficit), 60% (moderate water deficit), and 40% (severe water deficit) of the soil's water retention capacity. Moreover, they comprised four doses of Si supplied via fertigation-0 kg/ha, 4 kg/ha, 8 kg/ha, and 12 kg/ha-arranged in a randomized block design with four replications. Results and discussion: The appropriate dose of Si to be applied increased with the severity of the water deficit, with the recommended dose being 6 kg/ha, 7 kg/ha, and 8 kg/ha of Si for adequate water conditions, moderate water deficit, and severe water deficit, respectively.

Acute renal failure, COVID-19 and deaths, worrying rates in intensive care units: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney failure is a serious consequence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). OBJECTIVES: To identify the prevalence of COVID-19, kidney failure, frequency of death, and associated factors in patients receiving intensive care. DESIGN AND SETTING: Analytical cross-sectional study conducted in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a medium-sized philanthropic general hospital in center-west Minas Gerais. METHODS: Adults and older individuals who underwent real-time polymerase chain reaction testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) were evaluated by the nephrology team. RESULTS: Among the 176 patients, the prevalence of COVID-19 and acute kidney injury (AKI) were 103 (58.5%) and 132 (75%), respectively, and 44 (25%) had chronic kidney disease (CKD) and 16 (15,5%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2. In the Charlson index classification, which estimates the risk of death, a statistically significant difference was identified in the percentages of groups with and without COVID-19 for indices 0, 1, and 2. There was a significant association between kidney disease and ICU mortality (P < 0.05). Patients with CKD had fewer fatal outcomes (13/97, 13.4%) than those with AKI (85/97, 87.6%). CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 rates remained high long after diagnosis and prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection. In addition, a higher death rate among patients who developed AKI, whose prevalence was also greater than that in the national literature, regardless of the presence of COVID-19, revealed a worrying scenario and corroborated the need for early and judicious approaches to preserve the lives of patients with AKI admitted to intensive care units.

Nano-silicon and sodium mitigate damage by potassium deficiency in chicory.

Chicory is a food with high nutritional. The use of beneficial elements in plants, such as sodium (Na) and silicon (Si), may be important to mitigate nutritional disorders, such as potassium (K) deficiency, but research is lacking on this topic. The objective was to evaluate the effects of sodium and nano-silicon on the nutritional, physiological, growth, and quality parameters of chicory under K deficiency and sufficiency. We used a concentration for sufficient K (3.0 mmol L-1), K-deficiency (1.5 mmol L-1), combined with the lack or presence of Na (2.0 mmol L-1) and Si (2.0 mmol L-1). The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse with six treatments corresponding to K sufficiency, K-sufficiency with Na, K-sufficiency with Si, K deficiency, K-deficiency with Na, and K-deficiency with Si, with six replications. The following growth variables were evaluated: (i) plant height, (ii) stem diameter, (iii) number of leaves, (iv) leaf area, and (v) plant biomass. Potassium and Si contents in the above ground part and K utilization efficiency were assessed, and the accumulation of K, Na, and Si was calculated. The efficiency of the quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) and the photosynthetic pigments was determined. Electrolyte leakage index and relative water content, as well as phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid, and leaf firmness index were also determined. We found that supplying nano-Si and Na to a K-deficient nutrient solution increased K accumulation by 60% and 50% and K use efficiency by 79% and 62% compared to plants without supply of those elements. Nano-Si reduced electrolyte leakage, being 41% less than Na in K-deficient chicory. However, when Na was added to a nutrient solution with sufficient potassium, the K use efficiency decreased by 48% compared to sufficient potassium without Na. Under the same condition of sufficient supply of potassium and Na, K accumulation decreased by 20% in chicory compared to sufficient potassium without Na, and the photosynthetic pigments-total chlorophyll and carotenoids-were reduced by 5% and 10%, respectively. Our findings contribute to improve cultivation systems with low supply of K as the supply of Na and nano-Si mitigates the damage caused to the metabolism of chicory under K deficiency.

Polymer-Based Nanoparticles with Probucol and Lithocholic Acid: A Novel Therapeutic Approach for Oxidative Stress-Induced Retinopathies.

Oxidative stress is pivotal in retinal disease progression, causing dysfunction in various retinal components. An effective antioxidant, such as probucol (PB), is vital to counteract oxidative stress and emerges as a potential candidate for treating retinal degeneration. However, the challenges associated with delivering lipophilic drugs such as PB to the posterior segment of the eye, specifically targeting photoreceptor cells, necessitate innovative solutions. This study uses formulation-based spray dry encapsulation technology to develop polymer-based PB-lithocholic acid (LCA) nanoparticles and assesses their efficacy in the 661W photoreceptor-like cell line. Incorporating LCA enhances nanoparticles' biological efficacy without compromising PB stability. In vitro studies demonstrate that PB-LCA nanoparticles prevent reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced oxidative stress by improving cellular viability through the nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathway. These findings propose PB-LCA nanoparticles as a promising therapeutic strategy for oxidative stress-induced retinopathies.

Natural history and biomarkers of KCNV2-associated retinopathy.

BACKGROUND: KCNV2-associated retinopathy is an autosomal recessive inherited retinal disease classically named cone dystrophy with supernormal rod response (CDSRR). This study aims to identify the best biomarker for evaluating the condition. METHODS: A retrospective review of eight patients from seven families with genetically confirmed KCNV2-associated retinopathy was performed. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), full-field electroretinogram (ffERG), pattern ERG (pERG), fundus imaging: retinal photograph and fundus autofluorescence (FAF), and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were analysed. RESULTS: There was a disproportionate increase in b-wave amplitude with a relatively small light intensity increase, especially between the two dimmest stimuli of DA 0.002 and 0.01 (-2.7 and -2.0 log cd.s/m2). The a-wave amplitude was normal. The a-wave peak time was delayed in all stimuli. The b-wave peak time was delayed compared to normal, but the gap tightened as intensity increased. The b:a wave ratio was above or at the upper limit for the reference values. FAF bull's eye maculopathy pattern was prominent and variable foveal disruption on OCT was apparent in all patients. Legal blindness was reached before the age of 25. CONCLUSIONS: We identified three potential electrophysiology biomarkers to assist in evaluating future therapies: the disproportionate b-wave amplitude jump, delayed a-wave and b-wave peak time, and the higher than normal b:a wave ratio. Any of these biomarkers found with photoreceptor ellipsoid zone foveal-perifoveal disruption should prompt consideration for KCNV2 retinopathy. The BCVA natural history data suggests the probable optimum therapeutic window in the first three decades of life.

Prevalence and underreporting of immunization errors in childhood vaccination: results of a household survey.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate underreporting of immunization errors based on vaccination records from children under five years of age. METHOD: An epidemiological, cross-sectional analytical study, carried out through a household survey with 453 children aged 6 months to 4 years in three municipalities in Minas Gerais in 2021. A descriptive analysis was carried out, and the prevalence of the error was calculated per 100 thousand doses applied between 2016 and 2021. The magnitude was estimated of the association between variables by prevalence and 95% Confidence Intervals (95%CI). To analyze underreporting, State reporting records were used. RESULTS: A prevalence of immunization errors was found to be 41.9/100,000 doses applied (95%CI:32.2 - 51.6). The highest prevalence occurred between 2020 (50.0/100,000 doses applied) and 2021 (78.6/100,000 doses applied). The most frequent error was an inadequate interval between vaccines (47.2%) associated with adsorbed diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP) vaccine (13.7/100,000) administration. Vaccination delay was related to immunization errors (7.55 95% CI:2.30 - 24.80), and the errors found were underreported. CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of underreported errors points to a worrying scenario, highlighting the importance of preventive measures.

Work hours, weekend working, nonstandard work schedules and sleep quantity and quality: findings from the UK household longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Atypical temporal work patterns such as working longer than the standard 35-40 h/ week, weekend working, and nonstandard work schedules (i.e. outside of the typical 9-5, including but not restricted to shiftwork) are increasingly prevalent in the UK. Aside from occupation-specific studies, little is known about the effects of these atypical temporal work patterns on sleep among workers in the UK, even though poor sleep has been linked to adverse health problems, lower workplace productivity, and economic costs. METHOD: We used regression models to investigate associations between three types of atypical temporal work patterns (long and short weekly work hours, weekend working, and nonstandard schedules) and sleep duration and disturbance using data from over 25,000 employed men and women from 2012-2014 and/or 2015-2017 in the UK Household Longitudinal Study, adjusting for potential confounders and psychosocial work factors. RESULTS: We found that relative to a standard 35-40 h/week, working 55 h/week or more was related to short sleep (less than 7 h/night) and sleep disturbance. Working most/all weekends compared to non-weekends was associated with short sleep, long sleep (more than 8 h/night), and sleep disturbance, as was working nonstandard schedules relative to standard schedules (fixed day-time schedules). Further analyses suggested some gender differences. CONCLUSIONS: These results should prompt employers and policymakers to recognise the need for rest and recovery, consider how the timing and scheduling of work might be improved to better support workers' health and productivity, and consider appropriate compensation for anyone required to work atypical temporal work patterns.

Acute renal failure, COVID-19 and deaths, worrying rates in intensive care units: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Acute kidney failure is a serious consequence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). OBJECTIVES: To identify the prevalence of COVID-19, kidney failure, frequency of death, and associated factors in patients receiving intensive care. DESIGN AND SETTING: Analytical cross-sectional study conducted in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a medium-sized philanthropic general hospital in center-west Minas Gerais. METHODS: Adults and older individuals who underwent real-time polymerase chain reaction testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) were evaluated by the nephrology team. RESULTS: Among the 176 patients, the prevalence of COVID-19 and acute kidney injury (AKI) were 103 (58.5%) and 132 (75%), respectively, and 44 (25%) had chronic kidney disease (CKD) and 16 (15,5%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2. In the Charlson index classification, which estimates the risk of death, a statistically significant difference was identified in the percentages of groups with and without COVID-19 for indices 0, 1, and 2. There was a significant association between kidney disease and ICU mortality (P < 0.05). Patients with CKD had fewer fatal outcomes (13/97, 13.4%) than those with AKI (85/97, 87.6%). CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 rates remained high long after diagnosis and prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection. In addition, a higher death rate among patients who developed AKI, whose prevalence was also greater than that in the national literature, regardless of the presence of COVID-19, revealed a worrying scenario and corroborated the need for early and judicious approaches to preserve the lives of patients with AKI admitted to intensive care units.

AAV capsid bioengineering in primary human retina models.

Adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector-mediated retinal gene therapy is an active field of both pre-clinical as well as clinical research. As with other gene therapy clinical targets, novel bioengineered AAV variants developed by directed evolution or rational design to possess unique desirable properties, are entering retinal gene therapy translational programs. However, it is becoming increasingly evident that predictive preclinical models are required to develop and functionally validate these novel AAVs prior to clinical studies. To investigate if, and to what extent, primary retinal explant culture could be used for AAV capsid development, this study performed a large high-throughput screen of 51 existing AAV capsids in primary human retina explants and other models of the human retina. Furthermore, we applied transgene expression-based directed evolution to develop novel capsids for more efficient transduction of primary human retina cells and compared the top variants to the strongest existing benchmarks identified in the screening described above. A direct side-by-side comparison of the newly developed capsids in four different in vitro and ex vivo model systems of the human retina allowed us to identify novel AAV variants capable of high transgene expression in primary human retina cells.

Dual AAV-based PCDH15 gene therapy achieves sustained rescue of visual function in a mouse model of Usher syndrome 1F.

Mutations in the PCDH15 gene, encoding protocadherin-15, are among the leading causes of Usher syndrome type 1 (USH1F), and account for up to 12% USH1 cases worldwide. A founder truncating variant of PCDH15 has a ∼2% carrier frequency in Ashkenazi Jews accounting for nearly 60% of their USH1 cases. Although cochlear implants can restore hearing perception in USH1 patients, presently there are no effective treatments for the vision loss due to retinitis pigmentosa. We established a founder allele-specific Pcdh15 knockin mouse model as a platform to ascertain therapeutic strategies. Using a dual-vector approach to circumvent the size limitation of adeno-associated virus, we observed robust expression of exogenous PCDH15 in the retinae of Pcdh15KI mice, sustained recovery of electroretinogram amplitudes and key retinoid oxime, substantially improved light-dependent translocation of phototransduction proteins, and enhanced levels of retinal pigment epithelium-derived enzymes. Thus, our data raise hope and pave the way for future gene therapy trials in USH1F subjects.

The role of epigenetic changes in the pathology and treatment of inherited retinal diseases.

Elucidation of the cellular changes that occur in degenerating photoreceptors of people with inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) has been a focus for many research teams, leading to numerous theories on how these changes affect the cell death process. What is clearly emerging from these studies is that there are common denominators across multiple models of IRD, regardless of the underlying genetic mutation. These common markers could open avenues for broad neuroprotective therapeutics to prevent photoreceptor loss and preserve functional vision. In recent years, the role of epigenetic modifications contributing to the pathology of IRDs has been a particular point of interest, due to many studies noting changes in these epigenetic modifications, which coincide with photoreceptor cell death. This review will discuss the two broad categories of epigenetic changes, DNA methylation and histone modifications, that have received particular attention in IRD models. We will review the altered epigenetic regulatory events that are believed to contribute to cell death in IRDs and discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting these alterations.

The origins of the full-field flash electroretinogram b-wave.

The electroretinogram (ERG) measures the electrical activity of retinal neurons and glial cells in response to a light stimulus. Amongst other techniques, clinicians utilize the ERG to diagnose various eye diseases, including inherited conditions such as cone-rod dystrophy, rod-cone dystrophy, retinitis pigmentosa and Usher syndrome, and to assess overall retinal health. An ERG measures the scotopic and photopic systems separately and mainly consists of an a-wave and a b-wave. The other major components of the dark-adapted ERG response include the oscillatory potentials, c-wave, and d-wave. The dark-adapted a-wave is the initial corneal negative wave that arises from the outer segments of the rod and cone photoreceptors hyperpolarizing in response to a light stimulus. This is followed by the slower, positive, and prolonged b-wave, whose origins remain elusive. Despite a large body of work, there remains controversy around the mechanisms involved in the generation of the b-wave. Several hypotheses attribute the origins of the b-wave to bipolar or Müller glial cells or a dual contribution from both cell types. This review will discuss the current hypothesis for the cellular origins of the dark-adapted ERG, with a focus on the b-wave.

Compensatory Cone-Mediated Mechanisms in Inherited Retinal Degeneration Mouse Models: A Functional and Gene Expression Analysis.

The retina undergoes compensatory changes in response to progressive photoreceptor loss/dysfunction; however, studies of inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) often lack a temporal connection between gene expression and visual function. Here, we used three mouse models of IRD - Cnga3-/-, Pde6ccpfl1, and Rd1 - to investigate over time the effect of photoreceptor degeneration, particularly cones, on visual function and gene expression. Changes to gene expression include increases in cell survival and cell death genes in Pde6ccpfl1 before significant cell loss, as well as an increase in cone-specific genes in the Rd1 at the peak of rod death. We show that Cnga3-/- and Pde6ccpfl1 mice maintained photopic visual acuity via optomotor responses, despite no recordable cone electroretinogram (ERG), while functional measures and photoreceptors loss were correlated in Rd1 mice. There were also significant changes to oscillatory potentials (OPs) in Cnga3-/- and Pde6ccpfl1, implying an effect on inner retinal cells as a result of cone degeneration. These results indicate a potentially malleable retinal environment following cone degeneration; however, further investigation is needed to elucidate how these changes compensate for the loss of cone function.

Trajectories of health-related quality of life and their predictors in adult COVID-19 survivors: A longitudinal analysis of the Biobanque Québécoise de la COVID-19 (BQC-19).

PURPOSE: A significant number of people will experience prolonged symptoms after COVID-19 infection that will greatly impact functional capacity and quality of life. The aim of this study was to identify trajectories of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and their predictors among adults diagnosed with COVID-19. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of an ongoing prospective cohort study (BQC-19) including adults (≥18y) recruited from April 2020 to March 2022. Our primary outcome is HRQOL using the EQ-5D-5L scale. Sociodemographic, acute disease severity, vaccination status, fatigue, and functional status at onset of the disease were considered as potential predictors. The latent class mixed model was used to identify the trajectories over an 18-month period in the cohort as a whole, as well as in the inpatient and outpatient subgroups. Multivariable and univariable regressions models were undertaken to detect predictors of decline. RESULTS: 2163 participants were included. Thirteen percent of the outpatient subgroup (2 classes) and 28% in the inpatient subgroup (3 classes) experienced a more significant decline in HRQOL over time than the rest of the participants. Among all patients, age, sex, disease severity and fatigue, measured on the first assessment visit or on the first day after hospital admission (multivariable models), were identified as the most important predictors of HRQOL decline. Each unit increase in the SARC-F and CFS scores increase the likelihood of belonging to the declining trajectory (univariable models). CONCLUSION: Although to different degrees, similar factors explain the decline in HRQOL over time among the overall population, people who have been hospitalized or not. Clinical functional capacity scales could help to determine the risk of HRQOL decline.

Inpatient Physical Therapy in Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury in in Older Adults: A Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: Around 500/100,000 Canadians experience a traumatic brain injury (TBI) resulting in long-term disabilities and premature death. Physiotherapy is known to positively impact the prognosis of young adults following a TBI. OBJECTIVE: This is a scoping review that aimed to identify research topics in physiotherapy interventions for seniors after a TBI, describe potential knowledge gaps, and uncover needs for future research. METHODOLOGY: Ten databases were interrogated (January-March 2022). We included texts published after 2010, in English or French, scientific papers, guidelines, and gray literature sources targeting in-hospital, acute-to-subacute interventions for people aged ≥55 years old with a moderate-to-severe TBI. The outcomes sought were physical/functional capacities, injury severity, and quality of life. RESULTS: From 1296 articles, 16 were selected. The number of participants from the studies altogether was 248,794. We identified eight retrospectives studies, three clinical trials, and five articles from the gray literature. Articles were classified according to the nature of their analysis and outcomes: (1) interventional studies including physiotherapy (at least 10 types of rehabilitative or preventive interventions were identified); (2) studies evaluating prognostic factors (five factors identified); and (3) recommendations from clinical practical guidelines and other sources (gray literature). Our results provide evidence that physiotherapy is effective in TBI acute rehabilitation for the elderly to prevent complications arising from the primary injury and to improve functional capacities. CONCLUSION: The heterogeneity of our results does not allow us to infer the effectiveness of one intervention over another. However, we found that the elderly population benefits from physiotherapy interventions as much as adults, but the gap must be filled with higher-quality studies to make definite recommendations.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the evidence on inflammation in depressive illness and symptoms in chronic and end-stage kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Depression affects approximately 27% of adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage kidney failure (ESKF). Depression in this population is associated with impaired quality of life and increased mortality. The extent of inflammation and the impact on depression in CKD/ESKF is yet to be established. Through a systematic literature review and meta-analysis, we aim to understand the relationship between depression and inflammation in CKD/ESKF patients. METHODS: We searched nine electronic databases for published studies until January 2022. Titles and abstracts were screened against inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data extraction and study quality assessment was carried out independently by two reviewers. A meta-analysis was carried out where appropriate; otherwise a narrative review of studies was completed. RESULTS: Sixty studies met our inclusion criteria and entered the review (9481 patients included in meta-analysis). Meta-analysis of cross-sectional associations revealed significantly higher levels of pro-inflammatory biomarkers; C-reactive protein; Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha in patients with depressive symptoms (DS) compared to patients without DS. Significantly lower levels of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 were found in patients with DS compared to patients without DS. Considerable heterogeneity was detected in the analysis for most inflammatory markers. CONCLUSION: We found evidence for an association of higher levels of pro-inflammatory and lower anti-inflammatory cytokines and DS in patients with CKD/ESKF. Clinical trials are needed to investigate whether anti-inflammatory therapies will be effective in the prevention and treatment of DS in these patients with multiple comorbidities.

Prevalence and underreporting of immunization errors in childhood vaccination: results of a household survey / Prevalencia y subregistro de errores de inmunización en la vacunación infantil: resultados de una encuesta de hogares / Prevalência e subnotificação de erros de imunização na vacinação de crianças: resultados de um inquérito domiciliar

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate underreporting of immunization errors based on vaccination records from children under five years of age. Method: An epidemiological, cross-sectional analytical study, carried out through a household survey with 453 children aged 6 months to 4 years in three municipalities in Minas Gerais in 2021. A descriptive analysis was carried out, and the prevalence of the error was calculated per 100 thousand doses applied between 2016 and 2021. The magnitude was estimated of the association between variables by prevalence and 95% Confidence Intervals (95%CI). To analyze underreporting, State reporting records were used. Results: A prevalence of immunization errors was found to be 41.9/100,000 doses applied (95%CI:32.2 - 51.6). The highest prevalence occurred between 2020 (50.0/100,000 doses applied) and 2021 (78.6/100,000 doses applied). The most frequent error was an inadequate interval between vaccines (47.2%) associated with adsorbed diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP) vaccine (13.7/100,000) administration. Vaccination delay was related to immunization errors (7.55 95% CI:2.30 - 24.80), and the errors found were underreported. Conclusion: The high prevalence of underreported errors points to a worrying scenario, highlighting the importance of preventive measures.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Investigar el subregistro de errores de vacunación a partir de los registros de vacunación de niños menores de cinco años. Método: Estudio epidemiológico, analítico transversal, realizado mediante encuesta de hogares con 453 niños de 6 meses a 4 años en tres municipios de Minas Gerais en 2021. Análisis descriptivo y cálculo de la prevalencia de error por 100 mil dosis aplicadas entre 2016 y 2021. La magnitud de la asociación entre las variables se estimó mediante prevalencia e intervalos de confianza del 95% (IC95%). Para analizar el subregistro se utilizaron los registros de notificaciones estatales. Resultados: Se encontró una prevalencia de errores de inmunización de 41,9/100.000 dosis aplicadas (IC95%: 32,2 - 51,6). La prevalencia más alta se produjo entre 2020 (50,0/100.000 dosis aplicadas) y 2021 (78,6/100.000 dosis aplicadas). El error más frecuente fue un intervalo inadecuado entre vacunas (47,2%) asociado a la administración de la vacuna adsorbida contra la difteria, el tétanos y la tos ferina (DTP) (13,7/100.000). El retraso en la vacunación estuvo relacionado con errores de vacunación (7,55 IC 95%: 2,30 - 24,80), y los errores encontrados fueron subreportados. Conclusión: La alta prevalencia de errores no reportados apunta a un escenario preocupante, destacando la importancia de las medidas preventivas.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar a subnotificação de erros de imunização a partir dos registros de vacinação da caderneta de crianças menores de cinco anos. Método: Estudo epidemiológico, transversal analítico, realizado por inquérito domiciliar com 453 crianças de 6 meses a 4 anos em três municípios de Minas Gerais em 2021. Realizaram-se a análise descritiva e o cálculo da prevalência do erro por 100 mil doses aplicadas entre 2016 e 2021. Estimou-se a magnitude da associação entre as variáveis pela prevalência e Intervalos de Confiança 95% (IC95%). Para a análise da subnotificação, utilizaram-se os registros de notificação do Estado. Resultados: Encontrou-se uma prevalência de erros de imunização de 41,9/100.000 doses aplicadas (IC95%:32,2 - 51,6). A maior prevalência ocorreu entre 2020 (50,0/100.000 doses aplicadas) e 2021 (78,6/100.000 doses aplicadas). O erro mais frequente foi intervalo inadequado entre vacinas (47,2%) associado à administração da vacina adsorvida difteria, tétano e pertussis (DTP) (13,7/100.000). O atraso vacinal relacionou-se ao erro de imunização (7,55 IC95%:2,30 - 24,80), e os erros encontrados foram subnotificados. Conclusão: A alta prevalência de erros subnotificados aponta para um cenário preocupante, ressaltando a importância de medidas preventivas.

Impact of Nanotechnology from Nanosilica to Mitigate N and P Deficiencies Favoring the Sustainable Cultivation of Sugar Beet.

This research aimed to study the effects of the nanosilica supply on Si absorption and the physiological and nutritional aspects of beet plants with N and P deficiencies cultivated in a nutrient solution. Two experiments were performed with treatments arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial scheme in randomized blocks with five replications. The first experiment was carried out on plants under a N deficiency and complete (complete solution with all nutrients), combined with the absence of Si (0 mmol L-1) and the presence of Si (2.0 mmol L-1). In the other experiment, the plants were cultivated in a nutrient solution with a P deficiency and complete, combined with the absence (0 mmol L-1) and the presence of Si (2.0 mmol L-1). The beet crop was sensitive to the N and P deficiencies because they sustained important physiological damage. However, using nanosilica via fertigation could reverse the damage. Using nanotechnology from nanosilica constituted a sustainable strategy to mitigate the damage due to a deficiency in the beet crop of the two most limiting nutrients by optimizing the physiological processes, nutritional efficiency, and growth of the plants without environmental risks. The future perspective is the feasibility of nanotechnology for food security.

Investigating inflammation in depression in the chronically ill: Theoretical model and perspectives.

BACKGROUND: Inflammation is a risk factor for chronic physical illnesses. Evidence is building that inflammation is also a risk factor for mental illnesses making inflammation a common mechanism which could explain the high comorbidity between mental and physical illnesses. METHODS: Based on a systematic search, a review on factors associated with inflammation in the depressed chronically ill has been conducted. Relevant articles have been selected according to the methodological considerations (scope, sample size, type of analysis and bias). RESULTS: Five categories of factors mediate the association between chronic physical and mental illnesses: (1) social-demographic factors, (2) social-economic background, (3) adverse health behaviours, (4) psychological stress and (5) genetics. Psychological therapies and medication also moderate this association. A theoretical model of the interplay between inflammation, depression and chronic physical illness is then presented. DISCUSSION: Inflammation contribute to both chronic physical and mental illnesses. These conclusions support future advances in clinical and research practice, as well as training and education.