Representations of lipid nanoparticles using large language models for transfection efficiency prediction.

MOTIVATION: Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are the most widely used vehicles for mRNA vaccine delivery. The structure of the lipids composing the LNPs can have a major impact on the effectiveness of the mRNA payload. Several properties should be optimized to improve delivery and expression including biodegradability, synthetic accessibility, and transfection efficiency. RESULTS: To optimize LNPs, we developed and tested models that enable the virtual screening of LNPs with high transfection efficiency. Our best method uses the lipid Simplified Molecular-Input Line-Entry System (SMILES) as inputs to a large language model. Large language model-generated embeddings are then used by a downstream gradient-boosting classifier. As we show, our method can more accurately predict lipid properties, which could lead to higher efficiency and reduced experimental time and costs. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: Code and data links available at: https://github.com/Sanofi-Public/LipoBART.

Is there an association between proficiency in fundamental movement skills and mderate-to-vigorous physical activity in childhood on weekdays and weekends? The REACT project.

OBJECTIVE: The present study probes into the association between children's fundamental movement skills (FMS) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during weekdays and weekends. METHODS: This cross-sectional sample included 1014 children aged 6-10 years from the REACT project. Physical activity was assessed with accelerometry, and five FMS (stationary dribble, kick, catch, overhand throw, and underhand roll) were assessed with the digital platform Meu Educativo®. Three groups were formed based on the frequency of FMS that each child mastered: group 1 (wizard level in four or five FMS); group 2 (wizard level in two or three FMS); and group 3 (wizard level in at most one skill). Multilevel models were used to analyze the data treating children (level-1) nested within schools (level-2). RESULTS: Compared to group 1, groups 2 (-12.9 ± 2.3 min day-1) and 3 (-23.9 ± 2.4 min day-1) were less physically active during weekdays and weekends (group 2: -14.7 ± 2.7 min day-1 and group 3: -22.4 ± 2.9 min day-1), independent of age and sex. There was a decline in MVPA during the weekend. Further, on average, boys were more active than girls, and with increasing age, children were less active. CONCLUSION: On average, children with higher FMS levels are generally more physically active than their peers with lower FMS levels. Even though MVPA tends to decline on weekends, FMS proficiency is a significant factor in maintaining 60 min of MVPA on weekends.

Insights from the EQUALS4COVID19 study on migrant mental health in Portugal: a cross-sectional mixed-methods approach.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic and related disruptive consequences in the economic, health, and educational sectors have impacted people's lives, contributing to a context of increased economic and social vulnerability. The pandemic has revealed and accentuated social inequalities and discrimination based on racial or ethnic origin. This study aimed to contribute to the promotion of the mental health and well-being of migrant populations living in Portugal via the definition of an analytical framework and recommendations emerging from the EQUALS4COVID19 project. METHODS: To gather information on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and resilience determinants among immigrants, a mixed-methods approach was implemented in 2022, combining a cross-sectional survey targeting immigrant adults in Portugal, focus groups with immigrants, focus groups with healthcare professionals, and in-depth individual interviews with stakeholders involved in the implementation of measures related to mental health and well-being during the pandemic. The analysis followed an integrated framework; quantitative data informed the script of qualitative data collection methods, and qualitative analysis informed the reinterpretation of quantitative data. RESULTS: The survey with 604 Brazilian and Cape Verdean immigrants revealed that gender (being a woman) was associated with both psychological distress and depression-related symptomatology and that the perception of discrimination was a major risk factor for psychological suffering, while perceived social support and individuals' resilience characteristics were protective factors. Qualitative data provided deeper insights into these findings, revealing the ways mental health is affected by social structures, such as gender and ethnic hierarchies. Migrants tend to work in precarious jobs requiring physical presence, which, together with dense housing conditions, puts them at higher risk of infection. The deterioration of the economic conditions of the general population has also increased the perception of ethnic-racial discrimination, which was found to be related to the increase in insecurity and anxiety-related symptomatology among the migrant population. Newly arrived migrants, with reduced support networks, experienced a greater sense of insecurity as well as concern and anguish regarding relatives who live far away, in their home country. Migrant women reported greater family-related distress, including work-life balance problems. CONCLUSIONS: Proposals to address mental health inequalities should be considered in the context of the necessary global changes both at the societal level and in the delivery of mental health services. Additionally, they should be considered with the active involvement of migrants, families, and communities in the design and delivery of mental health promotion and care processes.

Hyoid Bone Movement During Swallowing in Female Thyroidectomy Patients: A Kinematic Ultrasound Study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the measures of displacement, time and velocity of hyoid bone movement in female thyroidectomy patients. Fifty-eight ultrasound videos of 29 women during swallowing were analyzed. The sample was divided into experimental group (EG), composed of 12 women following total or partial thyroidectomy; and control group (CG) of 17 healthy women. The kinematic measures of displacement, time and velocity of hyoid bone displacement were tracked during swallowing of 10 ml of liquid (water) and 10 ml of thickened liquid (honey) in both groups for comparisons. Additional analysis included bolus consistency effect and relationship with clinical characteristics. Ultrasound videos were analyzed according to a standardized protocol using ImageJ software. Displacement, time and velocity of hyoid movement during swallowing of 10 ml of liquid or thickened liquid were not statistically different between female thyroidectomy patients and healthy women. There is no bolus consistency effect on kinematic measures in both groups, but among thyroidectomy patients, velocity of hyoid bone movement is significantly faster in those with swallowing complaints.

Shared IVF among female couples: clinical outcomes of the Reception of Oocytes from the Partner (ROPA) method.

RESEARCH QUESTION: What is the population undergoing the ROPA (Reception of Oocytes from Partner) method and what are the outcomes of the technique? DESIGN: Case series of all ROPA treatments carried out between 2011 and 2020 in 18 fertility clinics in Spain. Demographic characteristics, cycle features, laboratory and clinical outcomes, and the intentions regarding the disposition of surplus embryos were analysed. RESULTS: Donor patients were on average 3.5 years younger than recipients (P = 0.001). No significant differences were found in body mass index or anti-Müllerian hormone. In 13% of cases, fertility issues were found: poor ovarian reserve (6.8%); endometriosis (2.9%); and polycystic ovary syndrome (2.2%). Including cases of advanced age (38 years old or older), more than one-half of couples (53.6%) had some condition that could affect fertility. Mean number of mature oocytes per cycle was 10 (+/- 5.7), and fertilization rate was 74.5% (+/- 18.8). Mean number of viable embryos was 3.2 (+/- 1.5). Surplus embryos were cryopreserved in 50.4% of cycles. Outcomes after embryo transfers from ROPA, and subsequent frozen cycles were as follows: positive pregnancy test (61.0%), clinical pregnancy (54.1%) and miscarriage rate (16.1%). Other outcomes were live birth rate per embryo transfer (44.7%); multiple pregnancy rate (5.4%); per cumulative ROPA cycle (48.6%); and per couple (61.6%). CONCLUSION: The outcomes of the ROPA method are reassuring. About one-half of the ROPA cycles resulted in a live birth and one-quarter of the cycles had surplus embryos after achieving a live birth. Main neonatal outcomes were also reassuring.

Impact of water reuse on agricultural practices and human health.

Climate change is altering the habits of the population. Extensive drought periods and overuse of potable water led to significant water shortages in many different places. Therefore, new water sources are necessary for usage in applications where the microbiological and chemical water quality demands are less stringent, as for agriculture. In this study, we planted, germinated, and grew vegetables/fruits (cherry tomato, lettuce, and carrot) using three types of potential waters for irrigation: secondary-treated wastewater, chlorine-treated wastewater, and green wall-treated greywater, to observe potential health risks of foodstuff consumption. In this study the waters and crops were analyzed for three taxonomic groups: bacteria, enteric viruses, and protozoa. Enteric viruses, human Norovirus I (hNoVGI) and Enterovirus (EntV), were detected in tomato and carrots irrigated with secondary-treated and chlorine-treated wastewater, in concentrations as high as 2.63 log genome units (GU)/g. On the other hand, Aichi viruses were detected in lettuce. Bacteria and protozoa remained undetected in all fresh produce although being detected in both types of wastewaters. Fresh produce irrigated with green wall-treated greywater were free from the chosen pathogens. This suggests that green wall-treated greywater may be a valuable option for crop irrigation, directly impacting the cities of the future vision, and the circular and green economy concepts. On the other hand, this work demonstrates that further advancement is still necessary to improve reclaimed water to the point where it no longer constitutes risk of foodborne diseases and to human health.

Vaccine coverage and effectiveness against laboratory-confirmed symptomatic and severe Covid-19 in indigenous people in Brazil: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Indigenous people have historically suffered devastating impacts from epidemics and continue to have lower access to healthcare and be especially vulnerable to respiratory infections. We estimated the coverage and effectiveness of Covid-19 vaccines against laboratory-confirmed Covid-19 cases among indigenous people in Brazil. METHODS: We linked nationwide Covid-19 vaccination data with flu-like surveillance records and studied a cohort of vaccinated indigenous people aged ≥ 5 years between 18th January 2021 and 1st March 2022. We considered individuals unexposed from the date they received the first dose of vaccine until the 13th day of vaccination, partially vaccinated from the 14th day after the first dose until the 13th day after receiving the second dose, and fully vaccinated onwards. We estimated the Covid-19 vaccination coverage and used Poisson regression to calculate the relative risks (RR) and vaccine effectiveness (VE) of CoronaVac, ChAdOx1, and BNT162b2 against Covid-19 laboratory-confirmed cases incidence, mortality, hospitalisation, and hospital-progression to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or death. VE was estimated as (1-RR)*100, comparing unexposed to partially or fully vaccinated. RESULTS: By 1st March 2022, 48.7% (35.0-62.3) of eligible indigenous people vs. 74.8% (57.9-91.8) overall Brazilians had been fully vaccinated for Covid-19. Among fully vaccinated indigenous people, we found a lower risk of symptomatic cases (RR: 0.47, 95%CI: 0.40-0.56) and mortality (RR: 0.47, 95%CI: 0.14-1.56) after the 14th day of the second dose. VE for the three Covid-19 vaccines combined was 53% (95%CI:44-60%) for symptomatic cases, 53% (95%CI:-56-86%) for mortality and 41% (95%CI:-35-75%) for hospitalisation. In our sample, we found that vaccination did not reduce Covid-19 related hospitalisation. However, among hospitalised patients, we found a lower risk of progression to ICU (RR: 0.14, 95%CI: 0.02-0.81; VE: 87%, 95%CI:27-98%) and Covid-19 death (RR: 0.04, 95%CI:0.01-0.10; VE: 96%, 95%CI: 90-99%) after the 14th day of the second dose. CONCLUSIONS: Lower coverage but similar Covid-19 VE among indigenous people than overall Brazilians suggest the need to expand access, timely vaccination, and urgently offer booster doses to achieve a great level of protection among this group.

Hand preference in wild crab-eating capuchin monkeys (Sapajus libidinosus) in the coastal area of Northest Brazil.

Handedness is a fundamental human trait, although recent research, especially on nonhuman primates, has shown that it is displayed by other animals as well (e.g., chimpanzees, gorillas). In this study, we explore hand preference in wild crab-eating tufted capuchin monkeys (Sapajus libidinosus) inhabiting a mangrove forest located on the coastal area of Northeast Brazil (Maranhão State). Tufted capuchin monkeys at our site use facultatively wooden tools to crack open crabs. We observed hand preference in 12 subjects who spontaneously participated in experiment sessions, in which we provided crabs and tools on wooden platforms. We recorded (using events and bouts) two unimanual tasks, (tool or crab) grabbing and (tool or crab) pounding, and one bimanual task, crab pulling, where one hand kept the crab in place while the other pulled off parts of the crab. Hand preference increased with greater strength needed to perform the task and its complexity. While only 17%-25% of capuchins showed hand preference during grabbing, 44%-64% showed hand preference during pounding, and most subjects 64%-80% displayed a right-hand preference when performing the bimanual task, for which all lateralized individuals were right-handed. Hand preference did not vary between adults and juvenile individuals and was not consistent across tasks. Group-level hand preference was found only for the bimanual task, for which all lateralized individuals were right-handed. Our findings are in concordance with those of other primate studies showing the emergence of hemispheric specialization for bimanual actions, highlight the importance of conducting such studies on diverse type of tasks, and show the feasibility to conduct experimental manipulation under natural conditions.

Clinical Trials with Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapies for Osteoarthritis: Challenges in the Regeneration of Articular Cartilage.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a whole-joint disease primarily characterized by the deterioration of hyaline cartilage. Current treatments include microfracture and chondrocyte implantation as early surgical strategies that can be combined with scaffolds to repair osteochondral lesions; however, intra-articular (IA) injections or implantations of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are new approaches that have presented encouraging therapeutic results in animal models and humans. We critically reviewed clinical trials with MSC therapies for OA, focusing on their effectiveness, quality, and outcomes in the regeneration of articular cartilage. Several sources of autologous or allogeneic MSCs were used in the clinical trials. Minor adverse events were generally reported, indicating that IA applications of MSCs are potentially safe. The evaluation of articular cartilage regeneration in human clinical trials is challenging, particularly in the inflammatory environment of osteoarthritic joints. Our findings indicate that IA injections of MSCs are efficacious in the treatment of OA and the regeneration of cartilage, but that they may be insufficient for the full repair of articular cartilage defects. The possible interference of clinical and quality variables in the outcomes suggests that robust clinical trials are still necessary for generating reliable evidence with which to support these treatments. We suggest that the administration of just-sufficient doses of viable cells in appropriate regimens is critical to achieve effective and durable effects. In terms of future perspectives, genetic modification, complex products with extracellular vesicles derived from MSCs, cell encapsulation in hydrogels, and 3D bioprinted tissue engineering are promising approaches with which to improve MSC therapies for OA.

The RNA-binding protein Hfq is important for ribosome biogenesis and affects translation fidelity.

Ribosome biogenesis is a complex process involving multiple factors. Here, we show that the widely conserved RNA chaperone Hfq, which can regulate sRNA-mRNA basepairing, plays a critical role in rRNA processing and ribosome assembly in Escherichia coli Hfq binds the 17S rRNA precursor and facilitates its correct processing and folding to mature 16S rRNA Hfq assists ribosome assembly and associates with pre-30S particles but not with mature 30S subunits. Inactivation of Hfq strikingly decreases the pool of mature 70S ribosomes. The reduction in ribosome levels depends on residues located in the distal face of Hfq but not on residues found in the proximal and rim surfaces which govern interactions with the sRNAs. Our results indicate that Hfq-mediated regulation of ribosomes is independent of its function as sRNA-regulator. Furthermore, we observed that inactivation of Hfq compromises translation efficiency and fidelity, both features of aberrantly assembled ribosomes. Our work expands the functions of the Sm-like protein Hfq beyond its function in small RNA-mediated regulation and unveils a novel role of Hfq as crucial in ribosome biogenesis and translation.

Are beliefs and attitudes about COVID-19 associated with self-perceived changes in food consumption? Results from a nationwide survey during lockdown.

This study aimed to understand how beliefs and attitudes regarding COVID-19 are associated with self-perceived changes in food consumption during lockdown between March 19 and May 2, 2020. We conducted a cross-sectional study with a non-probabilistic weighted sample of the Portuguese population. Data were collected using an online survey and telephone interviews. The association between agreement with sentences about food and COVID-19 and perceived changes in food consumption were assessed by multinomial logistic regression models. Overall, 5858 citizens were included, with a mean age of 38.2 (17.3) years. Exclusive agreement with the belief "SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted by food" (27.5%) was associated with decreased odds of perceived positive changes (e.g., increased consumption of fruit and vegetables). Agreement only with the attitudinal sentence "I started to consume foods that may protect against COVID-19" (11.9%) was associated with positive perceived consumption changes (e.g., increasing fruit and vegetables, and decreasing soft drinks and snacks). Cumulative agreement (with both sentences; 10.6%) was also associated with mostly positive food consumption changes. Specific beliefs and attitudes regarding COVID-19 and food are associated with self-perceived changes in food consumption. Longitudinal research is needed to understand how beliefs and/or attitudes about the role of food in infectious diseases act as determinants of eating behavior modification.

Similar reproductive outcomes between lesbian-shared IVF (ROPA) and IVF with autologous oocytes.

PURPOSE: To compare reproductive outcomes of the ROPA method (reception of oocytes from partner) to IVF with autologous oocytes. To study the impact of the absence of a genetic link between the embryo and its recipient in reproductive outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective multicentric cohort study performed from January 2011 to December 2020 in 18 fertility clinics in Spain. A total of 99 ROPA (73 couples) and 2929 non-ROPA cycles (2334 couples or single patients) of women younger than 38 years old with no known female fertility disorder were included. Clinical outcomes were compared between both groups and included positive pregnancy test, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, pre-term birth, live birth, weeks of gestation at birth, and newborn weight at birth. RESULTS: No differences were found between groups in clinical outcomes. The total clinical pregnancy rates per embryo transfer were 57% and 50.2% (p = 0.15) and the live-birth rates were 46.1% and 40.9% (p = 0.14) for the ROPA and non-ROPA groups, respectively. When adjusted to age and BMI of donors and recipients, there were also no differences in live-birth rates between both groups. The cumulative live-birth rate per ROPA cycle was 73.7% and the cumulative live-birth rate per couple was 78.3%. CONCLUSION: Clinical outcomes following the ROPA method and IVF with autologous oocytes were found to be similar. These findings suggest no impact of the absence of genetic ties between the embryo and the uterus on reproductive treatments' outcomes. Data regarding the outcomes of the ROPA method are reassuring.

First Report of Mulberry Rust Caused by Cerotelium fici on Morus nigra in Brazil.

Leaf rust caused by Cerotelium fici (Cast.) Arth. is the main disease affecting Moraceae family plants, such as Ficus and Morus species (Galleti and Rezende 2016; Srikantaswamy et al. 2006). In August 2020, rust symptoms were observed in 100% of mulberry (Morus nigra L.) trees in an experimental orchard (Piracicaba, SP, Brazil; 22°42'28"S, 47°37'42"W). Mulberry leaves with high rust severity became yellowish and fell-off prematurely. Pustules were light brown with yellowish halo and presented mean size of 0.9 mm2. Uredinial paraphyses (n = 50) measured 42.2 ± 0.67 µm long with wall uniformly ca 0.6-1.1 µm thick. Urediniospores were brownish, echinulate, globoid to broadly ellipsoid, and measured 27.1 ± 0.29 × 21.0 ± 0.27 µm with a wall thickness of 0.6 ± 0.01 µm (n = 100). The morphology of the urediniospores observed in this study was similar to that reported in the literature for C. fici on Morus alba and Ficus spp. (Gupta et al. 1994; McKenzie 1986; Hennen et al. 2005). We used a low-coverage genome-skimming approach to retrieve genetic information of the rRNA cluster and the mtDNA. Genomic DNA was extracted from 3-4 mg of stored urediniospores at -80 °C, macerated in liquid nitrogen, using a modified cetyl trimethylammonium bromide extraction procedure (Lo Piccolo et al. 2012), and sequenced with 150-bp paired-end reads on Illumina NovaSeq 6000 System. Raw data, (45,761,957 X 2 reads) were assembled with SPAdes v3.15.1 (Bankevich et al., 2012) and the output used to create a custom BLAST database. Loci used for the phylogenetic analyses were identified by BLASTn using, as a query, sequences of C. fici from Ficus sp. from Australia publicly available: Accession No. MH047210.1 for the rRNA and MW036502.1 for COX3. The retrieved sequences were deposited in GenBank under accession numbers OM296992 and OP797407 for the partial rRNA cluster and COX3, respectively. The Bayesian inference phylogenetic analysis of the three concatenate loci (18S, 28S, and COX3) revealed that the isolate obtained in this study (MN1) was clustered in a well-supported clade with C. fici type species. Pathogenicity tests were conducted using mulberry potted plants under greenhouse conditions (25 ± 5 °C). The urediniospores suspension (5 × 104 urediniospores ml-1) with 0.05% Tween 20 was sprayed with an airbrush on fully expanded leaves until run-off. As a control, mulberry plants were sprayed with distilled water and kept under the same conditions. Inoculated and mock-inoculated plants were kept in a dark moist chamber at 23 °C (± 2 °C) for 24 h. After this period, plants were moved to the greenhouse. The experimental design was completely randomized with five replicates, each replicate consisted of one potted plant and the experiment was performed twice. At 12 days post-inoculation, all inoculated plants showed rust symptoms identical to those observed in the field, whereas control plants had no symptoms. The first symptoms were small pustules on the abaxial surface of fully expanded leaves. Small chlorotic lesions were observed on the adaxial leaf surface, which evolved into necrotic lesions. The pathogen was re-inoculated into potted plants, where it was maintained through monthly inoculations. To our knowledge, this is the first report of mulberry rust on M. nigra in Brazil. As mulberry leaves are the only natural food for silkworm (Bombyx mori L.), rust poses a significant threat to the sericulture industry because the disease can decrease production and quality of mulberry foliage.

Diagnostic Performance of Three ELISAs for Detection of Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in Human Samples.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a disease with a high rate of transmission. Serological tests are important to perform surveys and to determine the immunological status of the population. Based on this, we evaluated three enzyme-linked immunoassays (ELISAs) using different antigens from SARS-CoV-2 in a cohort of 161 patients. The performance of the ELISA developed for immunoglobulin G (IgG) measurement against SARS-CoV-2 was evaluated based on sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. We found specificities of 0.98, 0.98, and 0.99 and sensitivities of 0.99, 0.91, and 0.87 for the nucleocapsid (N) protein, spike protein, and receptor binding domain (RBD) fraction, respectively. The accuracy assessment indicated the N protein (accuracy = 0.98) as the antigen most likely to give a correct diagnosis. Overall, the antibody responses were present for all three proteins in subjects with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections, showing a similar pattern of antibody production for different antigens. In summary, these highly sensitive and specific ELISAs, with a more competitive price, appear to be a valid approach for the serodiagnosis of COVID-19.

Recovery of SARS-CoV-2 from large volumes of raw wastewater is enhanced with the inuvai R180 system.

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) for severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a powerful tool to complement syndromic surveillance. Although detection of SARS-CoV-2 in raw wastewater may be prompted with good recoveries during periods of high community prevalence, in the early stages of population outbreaks concentration procedures are required to overcome low viral concentrations. Several methods have become available for the recovery of SARS-CoV-2 from raw wastewater, generally involving filtration. However, these methods are limited to small sample volumes, possibly missing the early stages of virus circulation, and restrained applicability across different water matrices. The aim of this study was thus to evaluate the performance of three methods enabling the concentration of SARS-CoV-2 from large volumes of wastewater: i) hollow fiber filtration using the inuvai R180, with an enhanced elution protocol and polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation; ii) PEG precipitation; and iii) skimmed milk flocculation. The performance of the three approaches was evaluated in wastewater from multiple wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) with distinct singularities, according to: i) effective volume; ii) percentage of recovery; iii) extraction efficiency; iv) inhibitory effect; and v) the limits of detection and quantification. The inuvai R180 system had the best performance, with detection of spiked control across all samples, with average recovery percentages of 68% for porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), with low variability. Mean recoveries for PEG precipitation and skimmed milk flocculation were 9% and 14%, respectively. The inuvai R180 enables the scalability of volumes without negative impact on the costs, time for analysis, and recovery/inhibition. Moreover, hollow fiber ultrafilters favor the concentration of different microbial taxonomic groups. Such combined features make this technology attractive for usage in environmental waters monitoring.

First Stage of the Development of an Eco-Friendly Detergent Formulation for Efficient Removal of Carbonized Soil.

Detergent formulations for cleaning a carbonized soil­degreasers­typically comprise surfactants, organic solvents, phosphate-based cleaning agents, and alkaline agents, which results in high pH values (>11) that raise human and environmental risks. It is important to develop eco-friendly and safer degreasers, while maintaining their cleaning efficiency. In this work, simple degreaser formulations, with a pH below 11 and without phosphates, were developed by using a mixture of solvent, surfactant, and water to remove carbonized soil. The efficiency of the new degreaser formulations (with 5 wt% solvent, 5 wt% nonionic or ionic surfactant, and 90 wt% water) was evaluated by an abrasion test in the removal of carbonized soil from ceramic and stainless steel surfaces and compared with a commercial product. The results obtained show that the formulations comprising isopropylene glycol (IPG) with C11−C13 9EOs and diethylene glycol butyl ether (BDG) with octyltrimethylammonium octanoate ([N1118][C8O2]) present the best cleaning efficiency for both surfaces. The composition of these formulations was optimized for each surface using a mixture design. The resulting formulations, despite having a simpler composition, a pH lower than 11, and being phosphate-free, presented a cleaning efficiency equal or slightly higher than the commercial control. These results show that it is possible to design degreasers that are much less aggressive to the environment and user, while simultaneously fulfilling the market requirements.

Benefits and challenges of nanomaterials in assisted reproductive technologies.

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) have contributed to preserve fertility in humans and to increase multiplication of genetically superior animals. Despite being highly practiced worldwide, ART presents some challenges, especially because gametes and embryos are kept in vitro for a variable period of time, and the oxidative stress in vitro can have negative impact on oocyte competence and embryo development. Nanotechnology needs to be considered to help overcome some of those impairments, since it can provide strategies to deliver antioxidants and hormones to gametes and embryos in vitro. The application of nanotechnology to ART can allow the development of new protocols using nanomaterials to improve in vitro oocyte competence and embryo production. This review discusses the applicability of nanomaterials to improve sperm selection, to deliver antioxidants and hormones to preantral follicles, oocytes, and embryos in vitro, as well as the concerns about using nanotechnology in ART.

Lack of an Intron in Cytochrome b and Overexpression of Sterol 14α-Demethylase Indicate a Potential Risk for QoI and DMI Resistance Development in Neophysopella spp. on Grapes.

Asian grapevine leaf rust, caused by Neophysopella meliosmae-myrianthae and N. tropicalis, is often controlled by quinone outside inhibitor (QoI) and demethylation inhibitor (DMI) fungicides in Brazil. Here, we evaluated the sensitivity of 55 Neophysopella spp. isolates to pyraclostrobin (QoI) and tebuconazole (DMI). To elucidate the resistance mechanisms, we analyzed the sequences of the cytochrome b (CYTB) and cytochrome P450 sterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51) target proteins of QoI and DMI fungicides, respectively. The CYP51 expression levels were also determined in a selection of isolates. In leaf disc assays, the mean 50% effective concentration (EC50) value for pyraclostrobin was about 0.040 µg/ml for both species. CYTB sequences were identical among all 55 isolates, which did not contain an intron immediately after codon 143. No amino acid substitution was identified at codons 129, 137, and 143. The mean EC50 value for tebuconazole was 0.62 µg/ml for N. tropicalis and 0.46 µg/ml for N. meliosmae-myrianthae, and no CYP51 sequence variation was identified among isolates of the same species. However, five N. meliosmae-myrianthae isolates grew on leaf discs treated at 10 µg/ml tebuconazole, and these were further exposed to tebuconazole selection pressure. Tebuconazole-adapted laboratory isolates of N. meliosmae-myrianthae showed an eight- to 25-fold increase in resistance after four rounds of selection that was not associated with CYP51 target alterations. In comparison with sensitive isolates, CYP51 expression was induced in the presence of tebuconazole in three out of four tebuconazole-adapted isolates tested. These results suggest a potential risk for QoI and DMI resistance development in Neophysopella spp.

Socioeconomic determinants of excess weight and obesity among Indigenous women: findings from the First National Survey of Indigenous People's Health and Nutrition in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: This article assesses the nutritional status of Indigenous women from 14 to 49 years of age in Brazil. DESIGN: Sample size was calculated for each region considering a prevalence of 50 % for all disease outcomes, a relative error of 5 % and a CI of 95 %. In the initial data analysis, the prevalence of excess weight and obesity was calculated according to independent variables. Multivariate multilevel hierarchical analyses were conducted based on a theoretical model of two ranked blocks. SETTING: The 2010 Indigenous population in Brazil was 896 000, with approximately 300 Indigenous ethnic groups, making Brazil one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the Americas and the world. PARTICIPANTS: Of the total target sample of 6722 women evaluated by the National Survey, thirty did not participate, 939 were not eligible for analyses due to pregnancy or unknown pregnancy status, and thirty-nine were excluded due to missing anthropometric data. RESULTS: The evaluation of nutritional status was completed for 5714 non-pregnant women (99·3 % of eligible participants for this outcome). High prevalence rates were encountered for both excess weight (46·2 %) and obesity (15·8 %) among the sampled women. In the multivariate analyses, higher socioeconomic indicators, market-integrated living conditions and less reliance on local food production, as well as increased age and parity were associated with excess weight and obesity. CONCLUSION: Results point to distinct patterns of associations between socioeconomic indicators and the occurrence of excess weight and obesity among Indigenous women, which have potentially significant implications from a public policy perspective for Indigenous peoples in Brazil.

In vitro and In Vivo Immunomodulatory Activity of Physalis angulata Concentrated Ethanolic Extract.

The need for new immunomodulatory drugs is due to the side effects associated with the prolonged use of the currently used immunomodulatory drugs. In this context, the present work aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory effect of an ethanolic concentrated extract from Physalis angulata. The cytotoxicity of samples was determined using peritoneal macrophages though the Alamar Blue assay. The immunomodulatory activity of the ethanolic extract from P. angulata on activated macrophages was determined by measurement of nitrite and cytokine production. The immunosuppressive effects of the ethanolic extract from P. angulata was evaluated on lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production. The effects of the extract on cell cycle progression and cell death on lymphocytes were evaluated by flow cytometry. Lastly, the ethanolic extract from P. angulata was tested in vivo in toxicological tests and in models of peritonitis and delayed-type hypersensitivity response. The ethanolic extract from P. angulata decreased nitrite, interleukin-6, interleukin-12, and TNF-α production by activated macrophages without affecting the cell viability. In addition, the ethanolic extract from P. angulata inhibited lymphoproliferation and the secretion of interleukin-2, interleukin-6, and IFN-γ, and increased interleukin-4 secretion by activated splenocytes. Flow cytometry analysis in lymphocyte cultures showed that treatment with the ethanolic extract from P. angulata induces cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase followed by cell death by apoptosis. Moreover, mice treated with the extract from P. angulata at 100 or 200 mg/kg did not show signs of toxicity or alterations in serum components. Finally, the ethanolic extract from P. angulata significantly reduced neutrophil migration and reduced paw edema in bovine serum albumin-induced the delayed-type hypersensitivity response model. Our results demonstrate the potential of the ethanolic extract of P. angulata as an alternative for the treatment of immune-inflammatory diseases.