Advancing Precision Medicine: A Review of Innovative In Silico Approaches for Drug Development, Clinical Pharmacology and Personalized Healthcare.

The landscape of medical treatments is undergoing a transformative shift. Precision medicine has ushered in a revolutionary era in healthcare by individualizing diagnostics and treatments according to each patient's uniquely evolving health status. This groundbreaking method of tailoring disease prevention and treatment considers individual variations in genes, environments, and lifestyles. The goal of precision medicine is to target the "five rights": the right patient, the right drug, the right time, the right dose, and the right route. In this pursuit, in silico techniques have emerged as an anchor, driving precision medicine forward and making this a realistic and promising avenue for personalized therapies. With the advancements in high-throughput DNA sequencing technologies, genomic data, including genetic variants and their interactions with each other and the environment, can be incorporated into clinical decision-making. Pharmacometrics, gathering pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) data, and mathematical models further contribute to drug optimization, drug behavior prediction, and drug-drug interaction identification. Digital health, wearables, and computational tools offer continuous monitoring and real-time data collection, enabling treatment adjustments. Furthermore, the incorporation of extensive datasets in computational tools, such as electronic health records (EHRs) and omics data, is also another pathway to acquire meaningful information in this field. Although they are fairly new, machine learning (ML) algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques are also resources researchers use to analyze big data and develop predictive models. This review explores the interplay of these multiple in silico approaches in advancing precision medicine and fostering individual healthcare. Despite intrinsic challenges, such as ethical considerations, data protection, and the need for more comprehensive research, this marks a new era of patient-centered healthcare. Innovative in silico techniques hold the potential to reshape the future of medicine for generations to come.

Current Concepts in Early Mobilization of Critically Ill Patients Within the Context of Neurologic Pathology.

Neurocritical patients (NCPs) in the intensive care unit (ICU) rapidly progress to respiratory and peripheral muscle dysfunctions, which significantly impact morbidity and death. Early mobilization in NCPs to decrease the incidence of ICU-acquired weakness has been showing rapid growth, although pertinent literature is still scarce. With this review, we summarize and discuss current concepts in early mobilization of critically ill patients within the context of neurologic pathology in NCPs. A narrative synthesis of literature was undertaken trying to answer the following questions: How do the respiratory and musculoskeletal systems in NCPs behave? Which metabolic biomarkers influence physiological responses in NCPs? Which considerations should be taken when prescribing exercises in neurocritically ill patients? The present review detected safety, feasibility, and beneficial response for early mobilization in NCPs, given successes in other critically ill populations and many smaller intervention trials in neurocritical care. However, precautions should be taken to elect the patient for early care, as well as monitoring signs that indicate interruption for intervention, as worse outcomes were associated with very early mobilization in acute stroke trials.

Heart rate variability in school-age children born moderate-to-late preterm.

BACKGROUND: Prematurity is associated with reduced cardiac autonomic function. This study aimed to investigate the heart rate variability (HRV) in school-age children born moderately to late preterm (MLPT). METHODS: This cross-sectional study investigated school-age children, aged 5 to 10 years, born moderate-to-late preterm. Electrocardiograms recordings were performed during fifteen-minutes. Time and frequency domain parameters were calculated, corrected for heart rate and compared between the groups. RESULTS: A total of 123 children were evaluated and 119 were included in this study. HRV measures, studied in the time and frequency domains, were similar in both groups. Corrected values of root mean square of successive differences between normal cycles (RMSSD), percentage of successive cycles with a duration difference >50 ms (pNN50%), and high frequency (HF), indices that predominantly represent the parasympathetic activity of the autonomic nervous system, were 1.6E-7 and 1.8E-7 (p=0.226); 1.6E-13 and 1.6E-13 (p=0.506); 6.9E-12 and 7.4E-12 (p=0.968) in the preterm and control groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study did not find differences in heart rate variability between school-age children born MLPT and those born at term, suggesting that plasticity of cardiac autonomic modulation continues to occur in children up to school age or there is less impairment of the autonomic system in MLPT.

Doenças crônicas não transmissíveis e motivação para estilo de vida saudável em mulheres adultas / Noncommunicable chronic diseases and motivation for a healthy lifestyle in adult women

Analisar a associação entre a presença de Doenças Crônicas Não Transmissíveis (DCNT) e a Motivação para o Estilo de Vida Saudável (MEVS) em mulheres adultas. Estudo transversal e analítico realizado em 12 Unidades de Atenção Primária à Saúde, com 691 mulheres adultas. Utilizaram-se um questionário para a caracterização sociodemográfica e clínica da amostra e Questionário sobre a Motivação para a Prática de Estilo de Vida Saudável (QMEVS). Maior porcentagem de hipertensão arterial dentre as DCNT estudadas (12,9%); não houve associação entre a motivação e presença de DCNT (p = 0,270); DCNT associaram-se significativamente à motivação extrínseca e intrínseca (p = 0,008; p = 0,020). Mulheres com DCNT têm mais chances de motivação extrínseca e menos chances de motivação intrínseca (1,98 e 0,5 vezes, respectivamente). Não houve associação entre amotivação e DCNT. Mulheres com DCNT têm mais chances de desenvolverem motivação extrínseca e menos chances de motivação intrínseca.

To analyze the association between the presence of Chronic Noncommunicable Diseases (CNCDs) and the motivation for a Healthy Lifestyle (HL) in adult women. Cross-sectional and analytical study carried out in 12 Primary Health Care Units, with 691 adult women. A Questionnaire for the sociodemographic and clinical characterization of the sample and a Questionnaire on the Motivation for the Practice of a Healthy Lifestyle (QMEVS) were used. There was a higher percentage of arterial hypertension among the CNCDs studied (12.9%); there was no association between a motivation and the presence of CNCDs (p = 0.270); CNCDs were significantly associated with extrinsic and intrinsic motivation (p = 0.008; p = 0.020). Women with CNCDs are more likely to have extrinsic motivation and less chance of intrinsic motivation (1.98 and 0.5 times, respectively). There was no association between a motivation and CNCDs. Women with CNCDs are more likely to develop extrinsic motivation and less chance of intrinsic motivation.

Contrasting leaf intercellular space development in sorghum and maize modulates different tolerance capacity to water limitation.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between intercellular spaces and leaf gas exchange and the effect of total intercellular space on the growth of maize and sorghum under water restriction. The experiments were conducted in a greenhouse in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement (two plant types and three water conditions: field capacity (FC = 100%), 75%FC, and 50%FC) with 10 replicates. The lack of water was a limiting factor for maize because it showed reductions in leaf area, leaf thickness, biomass, and gas exchange parameters, while sorghum remained unchanged, maintaining its water-use efficiency. This maintenance was correlated with the growth of intercellular spaces in sorghum leaves because the increased internal volume led to better CO2 control and prevented excessive water loss under drought stress. In addition, sorghum had more stomata than maize. These characteristics contributed to the drought tolerance of sorghum, while maize could not make the same adjustments. Therefore, changes in intercellular spaces promoted adjustments to avoid water loss and may have improved CO2 diffusion, characteristics that are important for drought-tolerant plants.

Interactions between Beer Compounds and Human Salivary Proteins: Insights toward Astringency and Bitterness Perception.

Beer is one of the most consumed beverages worldwide with unique organoleptic properties. Bitterness and astringency are well-known key features and, when perceived with high intensity, could lead to beer rejection. Most studies on beer astringency and bitterness use sensory assays and fail to study the molecular events that occur inside the oral cavity responsible for those perceptions. This work focused on deepening this knowledge based on the interaction of salivary proteins (SP) and beer phenolic compounds (PCs) and their effect toward these two sensory attributes. The astringency and bitterness of four different beers were assessed by a sensory panel and were coupled to the study of the SP changes and PC profile characterization of beers. The human SP content was measured before (basal) and after each beer intake using HPLC analysis. The beers' PC content and profile were determined using Folin-Ciocalteu and LC-MS spectrometry, respectively. The results revealed a positive correlation between PCs and astringency and bitterness and a negative correlation between SP changes and these taste modalities. Overall, the results revealed that beers with higher PC content (AAL and IPA) are more astringent and bitter than beers with a lower PC content (HL and SBO). The correlation results suggested that an increase in whole SP content, under stimulation, should decrease astringency and bitterness perception. No correlation was found between the changes in specific families of SP and astringency and bitterness perception.

Exploiting Non-Conventional Yeasts for Low-Alcohol Beer Production.

Non-Saccharomyces yeasts represent a very appealing alternative to producing beers with zero or low ethanol content. The current study explores the potential of seven non-Saccharomyces yeasts to produce low-alcohol or non-alcoholic beer, in addition to engineered/selected Saccharomyces yeasts for low-alcohol production. The yeasts were first screened for their sugar consumption and ethanol production profiles, leading to the selection of strains with absent or inefficient maltose consumption and consequently with low-to-null ethanol production. The selected yeasts were then used in larger-scale fermentations for volatile and sensory evaluation. Overall, the yeasts produced beers with ethanol concentrations below 1.2% in which fusel alcohols and esters were also detected, making them eligible to produce low-alcohol beers. Among the lager beers produced in this study, beers produced using Saccharomyces yeast demonstrated a higher acceptance by taster panelists. This study demonstrates the suitability of non-conventional yeasts for producing low-alcohol or non-alcoholic beers and opens perspectives for the development of non-conventional beers.

The Contribution of the Sheep and the Goat Model to the Study of Ovarian Ageing.

Ovarian ageing stands as the major contributor towards fertility loss. As such, there is an urge for studies addressing the mechanisms that promote ovarian ageing and new strategies aiming to delay it. Recently, the presence of a unique population of multinucleated giant cells has been identified in the ovaries of reproductively aged mice. These cells have been considered hallmarks of ovarian ageing. However, up to date multinucleated giant cells have only been described in the ovaries of the mice. Therefore, the aim of the present work was to evaluate and characterize the presence of such hallmarks of ovarian ageing in the sheep and the goat. In this study, ovaries from juvenile (6 months) and mature animals (18-24 months) were used. The hematoxylin and eosin technique was performed to describe the ovarian morphology and evaluate the ovarian follicle reserve pool. Sudan black B staining and the detection of autofluorescence emission were used to identify and characterize the presence of multinucleated giant cells. Statistical analyses were performed with GraphPad Prism 9.0.0. A decrease in the follicle reserve pool and the presence of multinucleated giant cells, with lipofuscin accumulation and the emission of autofluorescence, were observed in the ovaries of the mature animals of both species. Our results support the interest in the use of the ovine and the caprine model, that share physiological and pathophysiological characteristics with humans, in future studies addressing ovarian ageing.

Addition of respiratory exercises to conventional rehabilitation for children and adolescents with cerebral palsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory dysfunctions are an important cause of morbidity and death in cerebral palsy (CP) populations. Respiratory exercises in addition to conventional rehabilitation have been suggested to improve respiratory status in CP patients. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to verify the effects of the addition of respiratory exercises to conventional rehabilitation on pulmonary function, functional capacity, respiratory muscle strength, gross motor function and quality of life in children and adolescents with CP. METHODS: We searched for randomized controlled clinical trials in PubMed/Medline, Lilacs, SciELO, EMBASE and Physiotheraphy Evidence (PEDro) from their inception until July 2022 without language restrictions. Studies that included respiratory exercises (breathing exercise program; feedback respiratory training; incentive spirometer exercise; inspiratory muscle training; and combination of respiratory exercises + incentive spirometer exercise) in combination with conventional rehabilitation for children and adolescents with CP were evaluated by two independent reviewers. The mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated by random effect models. RESULTS: Ten studies met the eligibility criteria, including 324 children aged from 6 to 16 years. The meta-analysis showed an improvement in inspiratory muscle strength of 22.96 cmH2O (18.63-27.27, n = 55) and pulmonary function of 0.60 (0.38-0.82, n = 98) for forced vital capacity (L); 0.22 (0.06-0.39, n = 98) for forced expiratory volume at 1 second (L); and 0.50 (0.05-0.04, n = 98) for peak expiratory flow (L/min). Functional skills in daily living activities improved in the intervention group. Caregivers' assistance of daily living activities, functional capacity, gross motor function and expiratory muscle strength showed a nonsignificant improvement. Social well-being and acceptance and functioning domains improved in only one study. CONCLUSIONS: Emerging data show significant enhancements in inspiratory muscle strength and pulmonary function in CP patients after respiratory training in addition to conventional rehabilitation. There is no consensus on the frequency, type or intensity of respiratory exercises for children with and adolescents with CP.

Positive pressure ventilation in the weaning of preterm newborns.

BACKGROUND: Weaning from invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) of preterm newborns (PTNB) is one of the critical stages of life support in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) has been used to facilitate weaning from IMV and includes continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) without or with inspiratory pressure support (bilevel NPPV). Nevertheless, there is little information about their adherence and success rate during weaning process. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, weaning data from patients admitted to a NICU from the northeast region of Brazil were analyzed. Sample was composed of PTNB submitted to IMV and divided in two groups according to the weaning strategy adopted: bilevel NPPV or NCPAP. Weaning failure was defined as returning to IMV within less than 48 h after extubation. RESULTS: Fifty-seven PTNB were included. Majority were females, had caesarean delivery, very low weight upon birth (760-1480 g) and neonatal hypoxemia scores (Apgar) <7 in the first minute. Respiratory distress syndrome occurred in 56.7% of PTNB whilst respiratory infections occurred in 35.1% of patients. Bilevel NPPV was the most chosen modality of weaning. No difference in success rate was found between bilevel NPPV and NCPAP (P=0.17). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the application of noninvasive ventilation in preterm newborns for weaning from IMV was similar success rate between bilevel NPPV and NCPAP.

Clinical features and physiotherapy management for COVID-19 in children.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has quickly become a worldwide threat to health, travel, and commerce. Studies adressing the clinical-functional presentation of viral infection and physiotherapy management in children are scarce. The purpose statement was to provide current perspectives on the physiotherapy interventions for managing children based on COVID-19 evidence. METHODS: In this review, databases were searched between January 1, and March 26, 2020. The following descriptors were considered in the electronic databases National Library of Medicine (PubMed/Medline), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro): (novel Coronavirus), (novel corona virus), Coronavirus, (corona vírus), 2019-nCoV, nCovor, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2. The results were described through the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. RESULTS: Sixteen papers were included in this review. COVID-19 seems to lead to restriction of participation and interfere in tasks, such as recreation and leisure activities, respiratory muscle function and exercise tolerance. Personal protective equipments and contact precautions are important part of treatment. Effective oxygen therapy should be given immediately in presence of hypoxia. Nasal high-flow oxygen therapy, noninvasive ventilation, lung-protective ventilation strategies and prone position, should be undertaken when necessary under appropriate conditions. Airway clearance techniques should be administered only strictly needed and early activities must be encouraged. CONCLUSIONS: Potential physiotherapy interventions for children with COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2 consist of ventilatory management, airway clearance techniques and early activities and mobilization.

Diazotrophic bacteria improve Hymenaea courbaril seedlings growth and survival in iron mine tailings.

One of the largest accidents with mine tailings happened in Brazil in 2015, with the rupture of the Fundão dam, and the physical characteristics of these tailings make it difficult to recover degraded areas. Hymenaea courbaril is a tree species native to Brazil that has low nutritional and water requirements, besides its capacity for survival in contaminated environments. In this study we hypothesized that inoculation with diazotrophs would improve the growth and physiology of H. courbaril in tailings, favoring the reforestation process aiming the recovery of the accident site. Every 20 days for 60 days, we investigated the morphophysiology of H. courbaril grown in iron mine tailings or soil, with the addition of nitrate (N-positive control), non-inoculation (negative control) or inoculation with native diazotrophic bacteria previously isolated from the tailings (UNIFENAS100-569; UNIFENAS100-654 and UNIFENAS100-638). We found that H. courbaril has survival capacity under mine tailings, with no growth alteration in the tailings, although there were signs of reduced ability for photoprotective responses. Inoculation with diazotrophic bacteria improved physiological aspects of H. courbaril and strain UNIFENAS100-638 was the most effective in favoring total growth of plants, net photosynthetic rate and root morphology under mine tailings. The survival capacity and growth of H. courbaril indicates the possibility of its use for reforestation in areas degraded by mine tailings. Further studies are necessary in field conditions and with a larger experimental period to more thoroughly understand H. courbaril tolerance.

Rotating nasal masks with nasal prongs reduces the incidence of moderate to severe nasal injury in preterm infants supported by noninvasive ventilation. / Alternância de máscara nasal com pronga nasal reduz a incidência de lesão nasal moderada a grave em prematuros em uso de ventilação não invasiva.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between noninvasive ventilation delivery devices and the incidence of nasal septum injury in preterm infants. METHODS: This retrospective singlecenter cohort study included preterm infants supported by noninvasive ventilation. The incidence of nasal injury was compared among three groups according to the noninvasive ventilation delivery device (G1 - nasal mask; G2 - binasal prongs; and G3, rotation of nasal mask with prongs). Nasal injury was classified according to the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel as stages 1 - 4. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to estimate relative risks to identify possible predictors associated with medical device-related injuries. RESULTS: Among the 300 infants included in the study, the incidence of medical device-related injuries in the rotating group was significantly lower than that in the continuous mask or prong groups (n = 68; 40.48%; p value < 0.01).The basal prong group presented more stage 2 injuries (n = 15; 55.56%; p < 0.01). Staying ≥ 7 days in noninvasive ventilation was associated with a higher frequency of medical device-related injuries, regardless of device (63.81%; p < 0.01). Daily increments in noninvasive ventilation increased the risk for nasal injury by 4% (95%CI 1.02 - 1.06; p < 0.01). Higher birth weight indicated protection against medical device-related injuries. Each gained gram represented a decrease of 1% in the risk of developing nasal septum injury (RR: 0.99; 95%CI 0.99 - 0.99; p < 0.04). CONCLUSION: Rotating nasal masks with nasal prongs reduces the incidence of moderate to severe nasal injury in comparison with single devices. The addition of days using noninvasive ventilation seems to contribute to medical device-related injuries, and higher birth weight is a protective factor.

OBJETIVO: Investigar a relação entre dispositivos de ventilação não invasiva e incidência de lesão do septo nasal em recém-nascidos pré-termo. MÉTODOS: Este estudo de coorte retrospectivo e unicêntrico incluiu prematuros em uso de ventilação não invasiva. A incidência de lesão nasal foi comparada entre três grupos, de acordo com o dispositivo de ventilação não invasiva (G1 para máscara nasal; G2 para prongas binasais e G3 para alternância entre máscaras e prongas nasais). As lesões nasais foram classificadas de acordo com o National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel como estágios 1 - 4. Foram realizadas análises de regressão multivariada para estimar os riscos relativos, a fim de identificar possíveis preditores associados a lesões relacionadas a dispositivos médicos. RESULTADOS: Entre os 300 lactentes incluídos no estudo, a incidência de lesões relacionadas a dispositivos médicos no grupo em uso alternado foi significativamente menor do que a nos grupos de máscara ou prongas de uso contínuo (n = 68; 40,48%; valor de p < 0,01).O grupo de prongas nasais apresentou mais lesões de estágio 2 (n = 15; 55,56%; p < 0,01). A permanência ≥ 7 dias em ventilação não invasiva foi associada a maior incidência de lesões relacionadas a dispositivos médicos, independentemente do dispositivo (63,81%; p < 0,01). Os incrementos diários na ventilação não invasiva aumentaram o risco de lesões nasais em 4% (IC95% 1,02 - 1,06; p < 0,01). Um maior peso ao nascer indicou proteção contra lesões relacionadas a dispositivos médicos. Cada grama extra representou diminuição de 1% no risco de desenvolver lesão do septo nasal (RR: 0,99; IC95% 0,99 - 0,99; p < 0,04). CONCLUSÃO: A alternância entre máscaras e prongas nasais reduz a incidência de lesão nasal moderada a grave em comparação com dispositivos únicos. O incremento de dias em uso de ventilação não invasiva parece contribuir para lesões relacionadas a dispositivos médicos, e um maior peso ao nascer é um fator de proteção.

Alternância de máscara nasal com pronga nasal reduz a incidência de lesão nasal moderada a grave em prematuros em uso de ventilação não invasiva / Rotating nasal masks with nasal prongs reduces the incidence of moderate to severe nasal injury in preterm infants supported by noninvasive ventilation

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar a relação entre dispositivos de ventilação não invasiva e incidência de lesão do septo nasal em recém-nascidos pré-termo. Métodos: Este estudo de coorte retrospectivo e unicêntrico incluiu prematuros em uso de ventilação não invasiva. A incidência de lesão nasal foi comparada entre três grupos, de acordo com o dispositivo de ventilação não invasiva (G1 para máscara nasal; G2 para prongas binasais e G3 para alternância entre máscaras e prongas nasais). As lesões nasais foram classificadas de acordo com o National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel como estágios 1 - 4. Foram realizadas análises de regressão multivariada para estimar os riscos relativos, a fim de identificar possíveis preditores associados a lesões relacionadas a dispositivos médicos. Resultados: Entre os 300 lactentes incluídos no estudo, a incidência de lesões relacionadas a dispositivos médicos no grupo em uso alternado foi significativamente menor do que a nos grupos de máscara ou prongas de uso contínuo (n = 68; 40,48%; valor de p < 0,01). O grupo de prongas nasais apresentou mais lesões de estágio 2 (n = 15; 55,56%; p < 0,01). A permanência ≥ 7 dias em ventilação não invasiva foi associada a maior incidência de lesões relacionadas a dispositivos médicos, independentemente do dispositivo (63,81%; p < 0,01). Os incrementos diários na ventilação não invasiva aumentaram o risco de lesões nasais em 4% (IC95% 1,02 - 1,06; p < 0,01). Um maior peso ao nascer indicou proteção contra lesões relacionadas a dispositivos médicos. Cada grama extra representou diminuição de 1% no risco de desenvolver lesão do septo nasal (RR: 0,99; IC95% 0,99 - 0,99; p < 0,04). Conclusão: A alternância entre máscaras e prongas nasais reduz a incidência de lesão nasal moderada a grave em comparação com dispositivos únicos. O incremento de dias em uso de ventilação não invasiva parece contribuir para lesões relacionadas a dispositivos médicos, e um maior peso ao nascer é um fator de proteção.

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the association between noninvasive ventilation delivery devices and the incidence of nasal septum injury in preterm infants. Methods: This retrospective singlecenter cohort study included preterm infants supported by noninvasive ventilation. The incidence of nasal injury was compared among three groups according to the noninvasive ventilation delivery device (G1 - nasal mask; G2 - binasal prongs; and G3, rotation of nasal mask with prongs). Nasal injury was classified according to the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel as stages 1 - 4. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to estimate relative risks to identify possible predictors associated with medical device-related injuries. Results: Among the 300 infants included in the study, the incidence of medical device-related injuries in the rotating group was significantly lower than that in the continuous mask or prong groups (n = 68; 40.48%; p value < 0.01). The basal prong group presented more stage 2 injuries (n = 15; 55.56%; p < 0.01). Staying ≥ 7 days in noninvasive ventilation was associated with a higher frequency of medical device-related injuries, regardless of device (63.81%; p < 0.01). Daily increments in noninvasive ventilation increased the risk for nasal injury by 4% (95%CI 1.02 - 1.06; p < 0.01). Higher birth weight indicated protection against medical device-related injuries. Each gained gram represented a decrease of 1% in the risk of developing nasal septum injury (RR: 0.99; 95%CI 0.99 - 0.99; p < 0.04). Conclusion: Rotating nasal masks with nasal prongs reduces the incidence of moderate to severe nasal injury in comparison with single devices. The addition of days using noninvasive ventilation seems to contribute to medical device-related injuries, and higher birth weight is a protective factor.

Applications of chitosan to the roots and shoots change the accumulation pattern of cadmium in Talinum patens (Talinaceae) cuttings.

Chitosan induces tolerance to abiotic stress agents in plants. However, studies on the different application forms of this biopolymer are limited. This study evaluated the effect of two forms of chitosan application on the morphophysiology of and metal accumulation by Talinum patens cuttings subjected to Cd to develop new cadmium (Cd) decontamination technologies. Cuttings from 75-day-old plants were transferred to a hydroponic system. For 30 days, three Cd concentrations (0, 7, and 14 mg L-1) and three forms of chitosan application (without application, root, and foliar) were applied. The cuttings were tolerant to Cd because the metal did not influence biomass production or photosynthetic efficiency. Neither chitosan application nor Cd increased the modified chlorophyll content and fluorescence parameters. However, foliar chitosan reduced the transpiration rate. At the highest concentration of Cd, the application of chitosan in the root reduced the Mg content of the root system and shoots. The root application of chitosan increased the surface area and volume of thicker roots at the expense of finer ones. The foliar application resulted in greater total root length and surface area, mainly those finer. Furthermore, chitosan applied to the leaves activated catalase in the roots and leaves. In contrast to the root application, foliar application increased the accumulation of Cd in the roots. The action of catalase and the increase of fine roots may have favored a greater absorption of the nutrient solution and Cd in the chitosan foliar application treatment. It is concluded that chitosan foliar spraying can improve Cd rhizofiltration with T. patens.

Lung mechanics and respiratory morbidities in school-age children born moderate-to-late preterm.

BACKGROUND: Late and moderate prematurity may have an impact on pulmonary function during childhood. The present study aimed to investigate lung mechanics in school-age children born moderate-to-late preterm (MLPT). METHODS: Children aged 5-10 years were enrolled in this case-control study. Lung function and bronchodilator response were assessed by impulse oscillometry (IOS) at two hospital-based specialized clinics. A structured questionnaire was employed to assess respiratory morbidities. RESULTS: A total of 123 children was divided into two groups: case (MLPT) n = 52 and control (children born at term) n = 71. The results showed no difference between groups in mean baseline IOS variables: R5 0.80 ± 0.20 vs 0.82 ± 0.22 kPa/L/s, p = 0.594, R20 0.54 ± 0.13 vs 0.55 ± 0.13 kPa/L/s, p = 0.732, R5-R20 0.26 ± 0.12 vs 0.27 ± 0.15 kPa/L/s, p = 0.615, X5 -0.29 ± 0.01 vs -0.29 ± 0.1 kPa/L/s, p = 0.990, Fres 21.1 ± 3.3 vs 21.7 ± 3.1 L/s, p = 0.380, and AX 2.7 ± 3.36 vs 2.5 ± 1.31 kPa/L/s, p = 0.626. Bronchodilator response and the occurrence of respiratory morbidities after birth were also similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study found lung mechanics parameters to be similar in school-age children born MLPT and those born at term, suggesting that pulmonary plasticity continues to occur in children up to school age. IMPACT: Late and moderate prematurity is associated with an increased risk of reduced pulmonary function during childhood. Follow-up reports in adolescents and adults born MLPT are scarce but have indicated pulmonary plasticity with normalization of airway function. Our results show that the lung function in school-age children born MLPT is similar to that of children born at term.

Stomatal cavity modulates the gas exchange of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench. grown under different water levels.

This work aimed to evaluate the effects of lower water levels on leaf intercellular spaces and to assess their relations with the gas exchange, anatomy, and growth of Sorghum bicolor. Experiments were conducted in a greenhouse, in which plants were subjected to three water conditions (ten replicates, n = 30): well-irrigated, decreased irrigation, and limited irrigation. Lower water levels had no significant effect on the growth of S. bicolor but increased the biomass of the roots. Moreover, the number of leaves, leaf area, and leaf size as well as the chlorophyll content were not affected by lower water levels, and no significant changes were detected for whole plant photosynthesis, transpiration, or stomatal conductance. The water content of the plants and the water potential remained unchanged. However, compared with other treatments, the decreased irrigation decreased water loss and increased the water retention. Lower water levels increased the intercellular CO2 percentage, mesophyll area, and proportion of stomatal cavities and promoted minor changes in leaf tissue and stomatal traits. The increased stomatal cavities provided higher CO2 uptake and prevented excessive water loss. Thus, modifications to the intercellular spaces promoted conditions to avoid excessive water loss while concurrently improving CO2 uptake, which are important traits for drought-tolerant plants.

Uso de argilas expansivas em camadas de impermeabilização de coberturas de aterros sanitários no Nordeste do Brasil / Use of expansive clays in waterproofing layers of landfill of the final cover in Northeastern Brazil

RESUMO Os aterros sanitários são obras construídas para o confinamento seguro dos resíduos sólidos e, entre seus elementos de projeto, destaca-se a camada de impermeabilização da cobertura final, frequentemente construída com solo argiloso, que deve, entre outras funções, minimizar ao máximo a infiltração de águas pluviais para o interior do aterro e o fluxo de gases com o meio ambiente. As características físicas, químicas e mineralógicas dos materiais dessa camada devem ser analisadas para a avaliar seu potencial de utilização. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o desempenho de argilas expansivas, sujeitas à variação de umidade, como material impermeabilizante de cobertura de aterros sanitários, sendo caracterizadas duas amostras por meio de ensaios geotécnicos. As características foram compatíveis com os requisitos exigidos nas normas consultadas. A parte superior de uma camada de argila compactada foi reproduzida com uma das amostras em um modelo experimental, sujeita à secagem, com observação da formação de trincas e medições do teor de umidade ao longo do tempo e profundidade. A formação de trincas na superfície se iniciou para teores de umidade acima do limite de plasticidade. A aplicação de uma carga hidráulica na superfície após a etapa de secagem resultou em um fechamento das trincas em razão da expansão da argila, indicando eficiência na restrição de entrada de águas pluviais. No entanto, o uso de material expansivo para esse fim deve ser investigado quanto ao seu desempenho em campo, tanto na fase de construção, durante a compactação, quanto de operação, quando estará sujeito às variações climáticas.

ABSTRACT Solid waste landfills are works built to contain solid urban waste, being the most used final disposal method in Brazil. One of the most important components of the project is the final cover, the low hydraulic conductivity layer, with clayey materials, which has the function of minimizing the infiltration of rainwater into the landfill and the entry and exit of gases. The physical, chemical and mineralogical characteristics of clayey materials must be analyzed for potential use as a cover layer. The present work aimed to evaluate the use of clays, with expansive characteristics, subject to water content variations, as cover material in landfills, being characterized two clay samples through geotechnical tests. The characterization indicated samples with characteristics compatible with the requirements demanded by the consulted standards. One of them was used in a laboratory model and reproduced the upper part of a layer of compacted clay, subject to drying on the surface, with observation of the formation of cracks, and with measurements of the water content over time and depth. Cracks on the clay surface occurred during the drying process, starting for water contents above the limit of plasticity of the clay. The application of a hydraulic head on the surface, after the drying step, resulted in cracks closure, due to the expansion of the clay, indicating efficiency in the restriction of rainwater entry. However, the use of expansive material for this purpose should be investigated regarding its performance in the field, both in the construction phase, during compaction, and in operation, subject to climatic variations.