Resources recovery from domestic wastewater by a combined process: anaerobic digestion and membrane photobioreactor.

Anaerobic and membrane technologies are a promising combination to decrease the energy consumption associated with wastewater treatment, allowing the recovery of resources: organic matter as biomethane, nutrient assimilation by microalgae and reclaimed water. In this study, domestic wastewater was treated using a combination of an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket sludge reactor (UASB) and a membrane photobioreactor (MPBR). The outdoor facilities were operated continuously for three months under unfavourable environmental conditions such as lack of temperature control, winter season with lower solar irradiation and lower daylight hours which was a challenge for the present work, not previously described. The energetic valorisation of the organic matter present in the wastewater by biomethane produced in the UASB would contribute to reducing overall facilities' energy requirements. The ultrafiltration (UF) membrane facilitated the harvesting of biomass, operating at 10 L·h-1·m-2 during the experimental period. Although the main contribution to fouling was irreversible, chemical cleanings were not necessary due to effective fouling control, which prevented the final TMP from exceeding 25 kPa. In addition, microalgae-bacterial consortium developed without prior inoculation were harvested from the MPBR using membrane assistance. The obtained biomass was also successfully tested as a biostimulant for corn germination/growth, as well as a biopesticide against Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium oxysporum.

Human papillomavirus in women infected with human immunodeficiency virus: association with viral load and lymphocyte count.

Women living with human immunodeficiency virus are at an increased risk of developing cancers related to human papillomavirus (HPV). Thus, it is important to combine clinical assessments, serological screening, and HPV data for planning prevention policies. This study aimed to identify HPV and its specific types in the cervical, anal, and oral mucosa of HIV-seropositive women, associating it with viral load and lymphocyte count. Sociodemographic characteristics, health data (CD4+ and CD8+ T cell counts and viral load), and biological samples (cervical, anal, and oral) were collected from 86 HIV-positive women undergoing antiretroviral therapy. Data were classified according to the presence or absence of HPV-DNA, HPV-DNA presence at one or more anatomic sites, and level of oncogenic risk, considering low- and high-risk oncogenic HPV-DNA groups. The presence of HPV in the cervicovaginal site was 65.9%, 63.8% in anal canal, and 4.2% in oral mucosa. A viral load ≥75 HIV copies/mL was associated with the presence of HPV-DNA. There was an association between viral load and the low-risk HPV or high-risk HPV groups. We found a high prevalence of HPV infection in HIV-seropositive women, particularly in the cervical and anal mucosa, with viral load ≥75 HIV copies/mL being associated with HPV-DNA presence.

Human papillomavirus in women infected with human immunodeficiency virus: association with viral load and lymphocyte count

ABSTRACT Women living with human immunodeficiency virus are at an increased risk of developing cancers related to human papillomavirus (HPV). Thus, it is important to combine clinical assessments, serological screening, and HPV data for planning prevention policies. This study aimed to identify HPV and its specific types in the cervical, anal, and oral mucosa of HIV-seropositive women, associating it with viral load and lymphocyte count. Sociodemographic characteristics, health data (CD4+ and CD8+ T cell counts and viral load), and biological samples (cervical, anal, and oral) were collected from 86 HIV-positive women undergoing antiretroviral therapy. Data were classified according to the presence or absence of HPV-DNA, HPV-DNA presence at one or more anatomic sites, and level of oncogenic risk, considering low- and high-risk oncogenic HPV-DNA groups. The presence of HPV in the cervicovaginal site was 65.9%, 63.8% in anal canal, and 4.2% in oral mucosa. A viral load ≥75 HIV copies/mL was associated with the presence of HPV-DNA. There was an association between viral load and the low-risk HPV or high-risk HPV groups. We found a high prevalence of HPV infection in HIV-seropositive women, particularly in the cervical and anal mucosa, with viral load ≥75 HIV copies/mL being associated with HPV-DNA presence.

Idosos catarinenses e a experiência de "quarentena": um estudo de representações sociais / Elderly people in Santa Ctarina and the "quarantine" experience: a study of social representations / Ancianos en Santa Catarina y la experiencia "cuarentena": un estudio de representaciones sociales

Santa Catarina é considerado o estado de maior longevidade do país. A pandemia de COVID-19, especialmente nos seus primeiros meses, afetou de modo mais intenso as pessoas idosas, que passaram a ser consideradas "grupo de risco" e por isso, a aderir mais intensamente ao distanciamento social. Esta pesquisa objetiva caracterizar as Representações Sociais relativas ao distanciamento social como medida de prevenção à COVID-19 para as pessoas idosas no estado de Santa Catarina. Para isso, 301 participantes responderam a um questionário autoaplicado online, composto por questões abertas e fechadas relativas à experiência do distanciamento social, dados sociodemográficos e de inclusão digital. Os participantes foram em maioria mulheres, brancas, casadas, com alto grau de escolaridade, renda e inclusão digital. A partir da análise de conteúdo avaliativa e categorial temática das questões abertas, constatou-se a predominância da dimensão atitudinal das representações sociais, com destaque para as atitudes negativas, revelando que a atribuição de sentido a este novo fenômeno envolveu afeto e tomada de posicionamento. Também foram descritas as dimensões foi possível informação e imagem, que se fizeram presentes, respectivamente, na relação com a mídia e na descrição da "quarentena" como um período de transformações, perdas e como uma experiência nova. Constatou-se que os processos de objetivação e, principalmente de ancoragem, revelaram diferenças de gênero.(AU)

Santa Catarina is considered the state of greatest longevityin the country. The COVID-19 pandemic, especially in its first months, affected the elderly people more intensely, who came to be considered a "risk group" and, therefore, adhered more intensely to social distancing. This research aims to characterize the Social Representations related to social distancing as a preventive measure against COVID-19 for elderly people in the state of Santa Catarina. For this, 301 participants answered a self-administered online questionnaire, consisting of open and closed questions relating to the experience of social distancing, sociodemographic data and digital inclusion. The participants were mostly white, married women, with a high level of education, monthly income and digital inclusion. From the analysis of the evaluative content and thematic category of the open questions, the predominance of the attitudinal dimension of social representations was found, with emphasis on negative attitudes, revealing that the attribution of meaning to this new phenomenon involved affection and positioning. The dimensions of information and image were also described, which were present, respectively, in the relationship of participants with the media and in the description of the "quarantine" as a period of transformations, losses and as a new experience. We also found that the processes of objectification, and especially anchoring, revealed gender differences.(AU)

Santa Catarina es considerado el estado más longevo del país. La pandemia de COVID19, especialmente en sus primeros meses, afectó más intensamente las personas mayores, quienes pasaron a ser considerados parte del "grupo de riesgo" y, por lo tanto, se adhirieron más intensamente al distanciamiento social. Esta investigación tiene como objetivo caracterizar las Representaciones Sociales relacionadas con el distanciamiento social como medida preventiva contra el COVID-19 para personas mayores en el estado de Santa Catarina. Para ello, 301 participantes respondieron un cuestionario en línea autoadministrado, compuesto por preguntas abiertas y cerradas relacionadas con la experiencia del distanciamiento social, datos sociodemográficos e inclusión digital. Los participantes fueron en su mayoría mujeres blancas, casadas, con un alto nivel de educación, ingresos e inclusión digital. A partir del análisis del contenido evaluativo y de categorias temáticas de las preguntas abiertas, se encontró el predominio de la dimensión actitudinal de las representaciones sociales, con énfasis en las actitudes negativas, revelando que la atribución de significado a este nuevo fenómeno implicaba afecto y toma de posición. También se describieron las dimensiones de información e imagen, que estuvieron presentes, respectivamente, en la relación con los medios de comunicación y en la descripción de la "cuarentena" como un período de transformaciones, pérdidas y como una nueva experiencia. Se encontró además que los procesos de objetivación, y especialmente de anclaje, revelaron diferencias de género.(AU)

Yclon: Ultrafast clustering of B cell clones from high-throughput immunoglobulin repertoire sequencing data.

MOTIVATION: The next-generation sequencing technologies have transformed our understanding of immunoglobulin (Ig) profiles in various immune states. Clonotyping, which groups Ig sequences into B cell clones, is crucial in investigating the diversity of repertoires and changes in antigen exposure. Despite its importance, there is no widely accepted method for clonotyping, and existing methods are computationally intensive for large sequencing datasets. RESULTS: To address this challenge, we introduce YClon, a fast and efficient approach for clonotyping Ig repertoire data. YClon uses a hierarchical clustering approach, similar to other methods, to group Ig sequences into B cell clones in a highly sensitive and specific manner. Notably, our approach outperforms other methods by being more than 30 to 5000 times faster in processing the repertoires analyzed. Astonishingly, YClon can effortlessly handle up to 2 million Ig sequences on a standard laptop computer. This enables in-depth analysis of large and numerous antibody repertoires. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: YClon was implemented in Python3 and is freely available on GitHub.

Application of Green Technology to Extract Clean and Safe Bioactive Compounds from Tetradesmus obliquus Biomass Grown in Poultry Wastewater.

Microalgae are capable of assimilating nutrients from wastewater (WW), producing clean water and biomass rich in bioactive compounds that need to be recovered from inside the microalgal cell. This work investigated subcritical water (SW) extraction to collect high-value compounds from the microalga Tetradesmus obliquus after treating poultry WW. The treatment efficiency was evaluated in terms of total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), phosphate, chemical oxygen demand (COD) and metals. T. obliquus was able to remove 77% TKN, 50% phosphate, 84% COD, and metals (48-89%) within legislation values. SW extraction was performed at 170 °C and 30 bar for 10 min. SW allowed the extraction of total phenols (1.073 mg GAE/mL extract) and total flavonoids (0.111 mg CAT/mL extract) with high antioxidant activity (IC50 value, 7.18 µg/mL). The microalga was shown to be a source of organic compounds of commercial value (e.g., squalene). Finally, the SW conditions allowed the removal of pathogens and metals in the extracts and residues to values in accordance with legislation, assuring their safety for feed or agriculture applications.

Light-emitting diode (LED) photobiomodulation regulates thermogenesis and lipogenesis markers in adipose tissue and improves anthropometric and metabolic parameters in obese mice.

To evaluate the effects of Light-Emitting Diode (LED) irradiation on the expression of thermogenesis and lipogenesis-associated markers in adipose tissue and metabolic parameters of obese mice. Twenty-four male mice were divided into four groups: i) ST fed standard diet; ii) HCD fed hyperglycemic diet; iii) LED + I fed hyperglycemic diet and irradiated with LED in the interscapular region; iv) LED + A fed hyperglycemic diet and irradiated with LED in the abdominal region. The first phase of the study comprehended the induction of obesity for 12 weeks. Next, the animals were submitted to six irradiation sessions (days 1, 3, 7, 10, 14, and 21) using a 660-nm LED (5.77 J/cm2 at 48,1 mW/cm2). Anthropometric, biochemical, and histological parameters and the expression of thermogenesis and lipogenesis-associated markers were assessed in adipose tissue. There was diminished weight gain between the HCD and LED + A groups (ST: 0.37 ± 0.65; HCD: 3.10 ± 0.89; LED + I: -1.26 ± 0.83; LED + A: -2.07 ± 1.27 g; p < 0.018). There was a 33.3% and 23.8% reduction in epidydimal adipose tissue weight and a 25% and 10.7% in the visceral adiposity for the LED + I and LED + A groups, respectively, when compared with HCD. There was a decreased accumulation of fat droplets in adipose tissue in LED + A and LED + I groups. Additionally, LED irradiation was associated with increased mRNA expression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) in the brown adipose tissue (ST: 2.27 ± 0.19; HCD: 1.54 ± 0.12; LED + I: 2.44 ± 0.22; p = 0.014) and decreased fatty acid synthetase (FAS) expression in epidydimal adipose tissue (ST: 0.79 ± 0.13; HCD: 1.59 ± 0.13; LED + A: 0.85 ± 0.04; p = 0.0008). LED treatment improved anthropometric parameters, possibly associated with the histological alterations, thermogenesis and lipogenesis markers in white adipose tissue, and expression modulation in brown adipose tissue.

Effect of phage vB_EcoM_FJ1 on the reduction of ETEC O9:H9 infection in a neonatal pig cell line.

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) colonizes the intestine of young pigs causing severe diarrhoea and consequently bringing high production costs. The rise of antibiotic selective pressure together with ongoing limitations on their use, demands new strategies to tackle this pathology. The pertinence of using bacteriophages as an alternative is being explored, and in this work, the efficacy of phage vB_EcoM_FJ1 (FJ1) in reducing the load of ETEC EC43-Ph (serotype O9:H9 expressing the enterotoxin STa and two adhesins F5 and F41) was assessed. Foreseeing the oral application on piglets, FJ1 was encapsulated on calcium carbonate and alginate microparticles, thus preventing phage release under adverse conditions of the simulated gastric fluid (pH 3.0) and allowing phage availability in simulated intestinal fluid (pH 6.5). A single dose of encapsulated FJ1, provided to IPEC-1 cultured cells (from intestinal epithelium of piglets) previously infected by EC43, provided bacterial reductions of about 99.9% after 6 h. Although bacteriophage-insensitive mutants (BIMs) have emerged from treatment, the consequent fitness costs associated with this new phenotype were demonstrated, comparatively to the originating strain. The higher competence of the pig complement system to decrease BIMs' viability, the lower level of colonization of IPEC-1 cells observed with these mutants, and the increased survival rates and health index recorded in infected Galleria mellonella larvae supported this observation. Most of all, FJ1 established a proof-of-concept of the efficiency of phages to fight against ETEC in piglet intestinal cells.

Parentalidade e temperamento infantil: uma revisão sistemática / Parenting and child temperament: a systematic review / Parentalidad y temperamento infantil: una revisión sistemática

Este estudo realizou uma revisão sistemática da literatura brasileira e internacional publicada entre 2015 e 2020 sobre bibliométricos, operacionalização teórica e metodológica e direcionalidade de efeitos das relações entre a parentalidade e o temperamento infantil em estudos sobre crianças de quatro a sete anos. A busca nas bases de dados BVS-Psi, Portal Regional da BVS, MEDLINE, Academic Search Premier, SocINDEX, SCOPUS, ScienceDirect, PsycInfo e PsycArticles, a partir das palavras-chave "parenting", "child temperament" e "infant temperament" resultou em 24 estudos selecionados para análise. Predominaram pesquisas norte-americanas, com delineamento quantitativo, uso de questionários e mães respondentes. O referencial teórico-metodológico utilizado para avaliar a parentalidade mostrou-se diversificado, enquanto o Modelo Psicobiológico destacou-se na avaliação do temperamento. Constatou-se que temperamento e parentalidade possuem associação direta e indireta e os efeitos dessa relação reverberam no desenvolvimento infantil. Destaca-se a importância de programas de intervenção para a promoção da parentalidade positiva e o desenvolvimento de habilidades regulatórias infantis

This study carried out a systematic review of literature published between 2015 and 2020 on bibliometrics; theoretical and methodological operationalization and directionality of the effects of the relationships between parenting and child temperament in studies about 4-7 years children. The search in BVS-Psi, Portal Regional da BVS, MEDLINE, Academic Search Premier, SocINDEX, SCOPUS, ScienceDirect, PsycInfo e PsycArticles databases, using the keywords "parenting", "child temperament" and "infant temperament" resulted in 24 studies selected for analysis. North American studies predominated, with a quantitative design, with mothers responding questionnaires. The theoretical-methodological framework used to assess parenting proved to be diversified, while the Psycho-biological Model stood out in the assessment of temperament. It was found that temperament and parenting have a direct and indirect association and the effects of this relationship reverberate in child development. The importance of intervention programs to promote positive parenting and the development of child regulatory skills is highlighted

Este estudio realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura publicada entre 2015 y 2020 sobre bibliometría, operacionalización teórica y metodológica y direccionalidad de los efectos de las relaciones entre parentalidad y tempera-mento infantil en estudios sobre niños de 4 a 7 años. Se buscó en las bases de datos BVS-Psi, Portal Regional de la BVS, MEDLINE, Academic Search Premier, SocINDEX, SCOPUS, ScienceDirect, PsycInfo y PsycArticles, las palabras clave "parenting", "child temperament" y "infant temperament" con 24 estudios seleccionados para analizar. Predominaron los estudios norteamericanos, cuantitativos, con cuestionarios y madres respondedoras. El marco teórico-metodológico utilizado para evaluar la parentalidad fue diversificado, mientras que el Modelo Psicobiológico se destacó en la evaluación del temperamento. El temperamento y la parentalidad tienen una asociación directa e indirecta y essa relación repercute en el desarrollo infantil. Se destaca la importancia de los programas de intervención sobre parentalidad positiva y el desarrollo de habilidades regulatorias infantiles

Algae as Food in Europe: An Overview of Species Diversity and Their Application.

Algae have been consumed for millennia in several parts of the world as food, food supplements, and additives, due to their unique organoleptic properties and nutritional and health benefits. Algae are sustainable sources of proteins, minerals, and fiber, with well-balanced essential amino acids, pigments, and fatty acids, among other relevant metabolites for human nutrition. This review covers the historical consumption of algae in Europe, developments in the current European market, challenges when introducing new species to the market, bottlenecks in production technology, consumer acceptance, and legislation. The current algae species that are consumed and commercialized in Europe were investigated, according to their status under the European Union (EU) Novel Food legislation, along with the market perspectives in terms of the current research and development initiatives, while evaluating the interest and potential in the European market. The regular consumption of more than 150 algae species was identified, of which only 20% are approved under the EU Novel Food legislation, which demonstrates that the current legislation is not broad enough and requires an urgent update. Finally, the potential of the European algae market growth was indicated by the analysis of the trends in research, technological advances, and market initiatives to promote algae commercialization and consumption.

Supercritical CO2 Extract from Microalga Tetradesmus obliquus: The Effect of High-Pressure Pre-Treatment.

High-pressure pre-treatment followed by supercritical carbon dioxide (ScCO2) extraction (300 bar, 40 °C) was applied for the attainment of the lipophilic fraction of microalga Tetradesmus obliquus. The chemical profile of supercritical extracts of T. obliquus was analyzed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization (UHPLC-ESI-HRMS). Moreover, the impact of ScCO2 on the microbiological and metal profile of the biomass was monitored. The application of the pre-treatment increased the extraction yield approximately three-fold compared to the control. In the obtained extracts (control and pre-treated extracts), the identified components belonged to triacylglyceroles, fatty acid derivatives, diacylglycerophosphocholines and diacylglycerophosphoserines, pigments, terpenes, and steroids. Triacylglycerols (65%) were the most dominant group of compounds in the control extract. The pre-treatment decreased the percentage of triacylglycerols to 2%, while the abundance of fatty acid derivatives was significantly increased (82%). In addition, the pre-treatment led to an increase in the percentages of carotenoids, terpenoids, and steroids. Furthermore, it was determined that ScCO2 extraction reduced the number of microorganisms in the biomass. Considering its microbiological and metal profiles, the biomass after ScCO2 can potentially be used as a safe and important source of organic compounds.

Impact of High-Pressure Homogenization on the Cell Integrity of Tetradesmus obliquus and Seed Germination.

Microalgae have almost unlimited applications due to their versatility and robustness to grow in different environmental conditions, their biodiversity and variety of valuable bioactive compounds. Wastewater can be used as a low-cost and readily available medium for microalgae, while the latter removes the pollutants to produce clean water. Nevertheless, since the most valuable metabolites are mainly located inside the microalga cell, their release implies rupturing the cell wall. In this study, Tetradesmus obliquus grown in 5% piggery effluent was disrupted using high-pressure homogenization (HPH). Effects of HPH pressure (100, 300, and 600 bar) and cycles (1, 2 and 3) were tested on the membrane integrity and evaluated using flow cytometry and microscopy. In addition, wheat seed germination trials were carried out using the biomass at different conditions. Increased HPH pressure or number of cycles led to more cell disruption (75% at 600 bar and 3 cycles). However, the highest increase in wheat germination and growth (40-45%) was observed at the lowest pressure (100 bar), where only 46% of the microalga cells were permeabilised, but not disrupted. Non-treated T. obliquus cultures also revealed an enhancing effect on root and shoot length (up to 40%). The filtrate of the initial culture also promoted shoot development compared to water (21%), reinforcing the full use of all the process fractions. Thus, piggery wastewater can be used to produce microalgae biomass, and mild HPH conditions can promote cell permeabilization to release sufficient amounts of bioactive compounds with the ability to enhance plant germination and growth, converting an economic and environmental concern into environmentally sustainable applications.

A canthin-6-one derivative induces cell death by apoptosis/necroptosis-like with DNA damage in acute myeloid cells.

Natural products have long been considered a relevant source of new antitumor agents. Despite advances in the treatment of younger patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the prognosis of elderly patients remains poor, with a high frequency of relapse. The cytotoxicity of canthin-6-one alkaloids has been extensively studied in different cell types, including leukemic strains. Among the canthin-6-one analogs tested, 10-methoxycanthin-6-one (Mtx-C) showed the highest cytotoxicity in the malignant AML cells Kasumi-1 and KG-1. Thus, we evaluated the cytotoxicity and cell death mechanisms related to Mtx-C using the EC50 (80 µM for Kasumi-1 and 36 µM for KG-1) treatment for 24 h. Our results identify reactive oxygen species production, mitochondrial depolarization, annexin V-FITC/7-AAD double staining, caspase cleave and upregulation of mitochondria-dependent apoptosis proteins (Bax, Bim, Bik, Puma and phosphorylation of p53) for both cell lineages. However, downregulation of Bcl-2 and the simultaneous execution of the apoptotic and necroptotic programs associated with the phosphorylation of the proteins receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 3 and mixed lineage kinase domain-like pseudokinase occurred only in Kasumi-1 cells. About the lasted events, Kasumi-1 cell death was inhibited by pharmacological agents such as Zvad-FMK and necrostatin-1. The underlying molecular mechanisms of Mtx-C still include participation in the DNA damage and stress-signaling pathways involving p38 and c-Jun N-terminal mitogen-activated protein kinases and interaction with DNA. Thus, Mtx-C represents a promising tool for the development of new antileukemic molecules.

Nannochloropsis oceanica harvested using electrocoagulation with alternative electrodes - An innovative approach on potential biomass applications.

Electrocoagulation is a promising technology to harvest microalgal biomass. However, the commonly used aluminum electrodes release undesired salts that decrease biomass value. In this study, alternative iron, zinc, and magnesium electrodes and operational parameters pH, time and current density were studied to harvest Nannochloropsis oceanica. For recovery efficiency and concentration factor the initial pH was most important using iron electrodes, while time and current density were more relevant using zinc and magnesium electrodes. Optimal parameters resulted in biomass recovery efficiencies > 95%, biomass was concentrated 2.8-7.2 times and contained 15.7-29.1% ashes. Elemental analysis revealed metal salts in harvested biomass resulting from electrode corrosion. Finally, ash contents could be reduced by 65% using EDTA as a chelating agent. The electrocoagulation harvested microalgal biomass enriched in essential metals may be a promising bioresource for agricultural growth inducers, or functional ingredients for feed.

Impact of political partisanship on public interest in infection prevention measures in the United States: An infodemiological study.

There has been conflicting public messaging from government and state officials about recommended health behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined whether differences in political affiliation influences the public's interest in infection prevention measures in the United States. State-specific data on public search interest in four key infection prevention measures (Quarantine, Social distancing, Hand washing and Masks) were obtained from Google Trends for the period 1 January 2020 to 12 December 2020. Political affiliation was ascertained based on the 2020 U.S. Presidential election results and 2017 Cook Partisan Voting Index. Spearman's rank, partial correlation, and multiple regression analyses were conducted to compare political partisanship with public interest in infection prevention measures and overall case rate per 100 000 population. Statistical analysis was performed in R version 4.0.3. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significantly increased public interest in infection prevention measures. The greater the support for the Democratic Party, the greater the search interest in all four measures analysed. Political partisanship was most highly correlated with searches relating to Quarantine (ρ = 0.79, p < 0.001), followed by Social distancing (ρ = 0.71, p < 0.001), Hand washing (ρ = 0.69, p < 0.001), and Masks (ρ = 0.66, p < 0.001). These findings were robust to using two different partisanship measures, controlling for state-level demographic variables, different pandemic onset dates, and using exact rather than Topic search methods. This partisan divide among the American people has important health implications that must be better addressed. We call for clear, bipartisan support of simple public health advice to combat the continued SARS-CoV-2 spread across the USA.

Trichomonas vaginalis as a risk factor for human papillomavirus: a study with women undergoing cervical cancer screening in a northeast region of Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) infections are the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) globally. The latter has contributed to a variety of adverse outcomes for both sexes. Moreover, in Brazil, epidemiological studies on patients with STIs are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of TV and its association with HPV in women undergoing cervical cancer screening. METHODS: Women with a normal cervix were recruited from a community-based cervical cancer screening program. Gynecological examinations were conducted, and questionnaires were provided. Vaginal canal and uterine cervix samples were collected for cytological examinations (reported using the 2001 Bethesda System) and tested for the presence of TV and HPV DNA. RESULTS: In total, 562 women who attended public primary healthcare were included in the study. The T. vaginalis was present in 19.0% (107) and HPV DNA was present in 46.8% (263) of women. Among the women of TV 73.8% (79) had a co-infection with HPV (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that a TV infection is associated with an HPV infection of the cervix as well as with the cervical cytological abnormalities. Further studies could reveal the mechanisms by which these two organisms interact at the cellular level, with control for shared behavioral risk factors.

Interventions to reduce social isolation and loneliness during COVID-19 physical distancing measures: A rapid systematic review.

BACKGROUND: A significant proportion of the worldwide population is at risk of social isolation and loneliness as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to identify effective interventions to reduce social isolation and loneliness that are compatible with COVID-19 shielding and social distancing measures. METHODS AND FINDINGS: In this rapid systematic review, we searched six electronic databases (Medline, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and SCOPUS) from inception to April 2020 for systematic reviews appraising interventions for loneliness and/or social isolation. Primary studies from those reviews were eligible if they included: 1) participants in a non-hospital setting; 2) interventions to reduce social isolation and/or loneliness that would be feasible during COVID-19 shielding measures; 3) a relevant control group; and 4) quantitative measures of social isolation, social support or loneliness. At least two authors independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias using the Downs and Black checklist. Study registration: PROSPERO CRD42020178654. We identified 45 RCTs and 13 non-randomised controlled trials; none were conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The nature, type, and potential effectiveness of interventions varied greatly. Effective interventions for loneliness include psychological therapies such as mindfulness, lessons on friendship, robotic pets, and social facilitation software. Few interventions improved social isolation. Overall, 37 of 58 studies were of "Fair" quality, as measured by the Downs & Black checklist. The main study limitations identified were the inclusion of studies of variable quality; the applicability of our findings to the entire population; and the current poor understanding of the types of loneliness and isolation experienced by different groups affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: Many effective interventions involved cognitive or educational components, or facilitated communication between peers. These interventions may require minor modifications to align with COVID-19 shielding/social distancing measures. Future high-quality randomised controlled trials conducted under shielding/social distancing constraints are urgently needed.

Relationship between serum concentrations of uric acid, insulin resistance and metabolic alterations in adolescents / Relação entre concentrações séricas de ácido úrico, resistência insulínica e alterações metabólicas em adolescentes

ABSTRACT Objective: To verify the possible relationship between serum uric acid concentrations and insulin resistance in adolescents. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with 74 participants from a public school in São Luís, Maranhão, aged between 10 and 19 years. The study was approved by the Ethics and Research Committee of the University Hospital of the Universidade Federal do Maranhão (UFMA) under report 2,673,791. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure and blood collection were performed. The participants were divided into two groups: group 1 (with hyperuricemia) and group 2 (without hyperuricemia). Data analysis was performed by means of the Stata program. Results: Anthropometric measurements, such as body mass index and waist circumference, had statistical significance (p < 0.05) among groups with hyperuricemia and without hyperuricemia, as well as the percentage of body fat (p = 0.0423) and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.0235). Biochemical parameters for total cholesterol (p = 0.0172), triglycerides (p = 0.0268), glucose (p = 0.0284) and TyG index (p = 0.0416) had statistical significance in the hyperuricemia group when compared to the group without hyperuricemia. Conclusion: According to the obtained results, the participants with insulin resistance calculated by the TyG index presented high serum acid levels, demonstrating a statistically significant correlation.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Verificar la posible relación entre concentraciones séricas de ácido úrico y resistencia a la insulina en adolescentes. Métodos: Estudio transversal con 74 participantes de una escuela pública en São Luís, Maranhão, con edades entre 10 y 19 años. El estudio es aprobado por el Comité de Ética e Investigación del Hospital Universitario de la Universidad Federal de Maranhão (UFMA) bajo dictamen 2.673.791. Se realizaron mediciones antropométricas, de presión arterial y extracción de sangre. Los participantes se dividieron en dos grupos: grupo 1 (con hiperuricemia) y grupo 2 (sin hiperuricemia). El análisis de datos se realizó utilizando el programa Stata. Resultados: Las medidas antropométricas, como el índice de masa corporal (IMC) y la circunferencia de la cintura, tuvieron significancia estadística (p < 0,05) entre los dos grupos, así como el porcentaje de grasa corporal (p = 0,0423) y la presión arterial sistólica y diastólica (p = 0,0235). Los parámetros bioquímicos referentes a colesterol total (p = 0,0172), triglicéridos (p = 0,0268), glucosa (p = 0,0284) e índice TyG (p = 0,0416) fueron estadísticamente significativos en el grupo con hiperuricemia, en comparación con el grupo sin hiperuricemia. Conclusión: De acuerdo a los resultados obtenidos, los participantes con resistencia a la insulina, en base al cálculo mediante el índice TyG, presentaron niveles séricos elevados de ácido úrico, mostrando una correlación estadísticamente significativa.

RESUMO Objetivo: Verificar a possível relação entre concentrações séricas de ácido úrico e resistência insulínica em adolescentes. Métodos: Estudo de caráter transversal com 74 participantes oriundos de uma escola pública de São Luís, Maranhão, com idades entre 10 e 19 anos. O estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética e Pesquisa do Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal do Maranhão (UFMA) sob o parecer 2.673.791. Medidas antropométricas, pressão arterial e coleta de sangue foram feitas. A divisão dos participantes foi realizada em dois grupos: grupo 1 (com hiperuricemia) e grupo 2 (sem hiperuricemia). A análise de dados foi realizada por meio do programa Stata. Resultados: As medidas antropométricas, como índice de massa corporal (IMC) e circunferência da cintura, tiveram significância estatística (p < 0,05) entre os dois grupos, assim como a porcentagem de gordura corporal (p = 0,0423) e a pressão arterial sistólica e diastólica (p = 0,0235). Os parâmetros bioquímicos referentes a colesterol total (p = 0,0172), triglicerídeos (p = 0,0268), glicose (p = 0,0284) e índice TyG (p = 0,0416) tiveram significância estatística no grupo com hiperuricemia, quando comparados com o grupo sem hiperuricemia. Conclusão: De acordo com os resultados obtidos, os participantes com resistência insulínica, a partir do cálculo pelo índice TyG, apresentaram níveis séricos elevados de ácido úrico, demonstrando correlação estatística significativa.