Less is more: partial larvicidal efficacy of plant leachate leads to larger Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.

Major efforts to control the population of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes involve the use of synthetic insecticides, which can be harmful to the environment. Most plant compounds are eco-friendly and some of them have biocontrol potential, whereas a fraction of these compounds is released into the environment through the leaf-leaching process. We evaluated the effects of secondary compounds from Ateleia glazioviana and Eucalyptus grandis senescent leaf leachates on Ae. aegypti larval mortality, adult emergence time, and wing size using a microcosm approach. The microcosms consisted of 10 larvae kept in water (control) and under four treatments with leachates from a combination of plant species and leaching time (7 or 14 days). Chemical analyses of the leachates showed the presence of carboxaldehyde and Heptatriocotanol, which have antimicrobial properties, potentially reducing the food available for larvae. ß-Sitosterol, Stigmasterol, α-Amyrin, and Lupeol are compounds with inhibitory, neurotoxic, and larvicidal effects. Both plant species' leachates increased larval mortality and decreased emergence time due to the presence of compounds toxic to the larvae. Larger organisms emerged in treatments with 7-days leachates, likely due to the high concentration of dissolved organic matter in the leachates. The higher mortality in 7-days leachates may also increase the organic matter from co-specific decomposition, improving adult size. Therefore, if the mosquito population is not locally extinct, compounds present in leaf leachates may act as a resource enhancing larvae growth, potentially increasing survivors' fitness. In conclusion, biocontrol attempts using urban green spaces may have unexpected outcomes, such as resulting in larger pest organisms.

Shortened first-line TB treatment in Brazil: potential cost savings for patients and health services.

BACKGROUND: Shortened treatment regimens for tuberculosis are under development to improve treatment outcomes and reduce costs. We estimated potential savings from a societal perspective in Brazil following the introduction of a hypothetical four-month regimen for tuberculosis treatment. METHODS: Data were gathered in ten randomly selected health facilities in Rio de Janeiro. Health service costs were estimated using an ingredient approach. Patient costs were estimated from a questionnaire administered to 126 patients. Costs per visits and per case treated were analysed according to the type of therapy: self-administered treatment (SAT), community- and facility-directly observed treatment (community-DOT, facility-DOT). RESULTS: During the last 2 months of treatment, the largest savings could be expected for community-DOT; on average USD 17,351-18,203 and USD 43,660-45,856 (bottom-up and top-down estimates) per clinic. Savings to patients could also be expected as the median (interquartile range) patient-related costs during the two last months were USD 108 (13-291), USD 93 (36-239) and USD 11 (7-126), respectively for SAT, facility-DOT and community-DOT. CONCLUSION: Introducing a four-month regimen may result in significant cost savings for both the health service and patients, especially the poorest. In particular, a community-DOT strategy, including treatment at home, could maximise health services savings while limiting patient costs. Our cost estimates are likely to be conservative because a 4-month regimen could hypothetically increase the proportion of patients cured by reducing the number of patients defaulting and we did not include the possible cost benefits from the subsequent prevention of costs due to downstream transmission averted and rapid clinical improvement with less side effects in the last two months.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Advanced Maternal Aged Cumulus Cells: A Possible Link to ATP Synthase Impairment?

Age-related changes in the mitochondrial status of human cumulus cells (hCCs) impact oocyte quality; however, the relationship between hCC mitochondrial (dys)function and reproductive aging remains poorly understood. This study aimed to establish the interplay between hCC mitochondrial dysfunction and women's reproductive potential. In this investigation, 266 women were enrolled and categorized into two groups based on their age: a young group (<35 years old) and an advanced maternal age (AMA) group (≥35 years old). Comprehensive analysis of reproductive outcomes was conducted in our population. Various mitochondrial-related parameters were analyzed across distinct subsets. Specifically, mitochondrial membrane potential (∆Ψm) and mitochondrial mass were examined in 53 samples, mtDNA content in 25 samples, protein levels in 23 samples, bioenergetic profiles using an XF24 Extracellular Flux Analyzer in 6 samples, and levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in 39 and 43 samples, respectively. In our study, the reproductive potential of AMA women sharply decreased, as expected. Additionally, an impairment in the mitochondrial function of hCCs in older women was observed; however, no differences were found in terms of mitochondrial content. Regarding oxidative phosphorylation, metabolic profiling of hCCs from AMA women indicated a decrease in respiratory capacity, which was correlated with an age-dependent decrease in the ATP synthase (ATP5A1) protein level. However, intracellular ROS and ATP levels did not differ between groups. In conclusion, our study indicates that age-related dysfunction in hCCs is associated with impaired mitochondrial function, and, although further studies are required, ATP synthase could be relevant in this impairment.

Microplastics alter the leaf litter breakdown rates and the decomposer community in subtropical lentic microhabitats.

Microplastics, pervasive pollutants in aquatic environments, have been primarily studied for their impact on marine ecosystems. However, their effects on freshwater systems, particularly in forested phytotelmata habitats, remain understudied in Subtropical systems. This research examines the influence of varying microplastic concentrations (0.0, 200, 2,000, 20,000, and 200,000 ppm) on leaf litter breakdown of Inga vera (in bags of 10 and 0.05 mm mesh) and the naturally associated invertebrate community occurring in forested phytotelmata. The study employs an experimental design with microplastic concentration treatments in artificial microcosms (buckets with 800 mL of rainwater) arranged in an area of Atlantic Rain Forest native vegetation of Subtropical systems. The results indicate that elevated concentrations of microplastics may enhance leaf litter breakdown (6-8%), irrespective of the bag mesh, attributed to heightened decomposer activity and biofilm formation. Consequently, this contributes to increased invertebrate richness (33-37%) and greater shredder abundance (21-37%). Indicator analysis revealed that Culicidae, Stratiomyidae, Chironomidae, Empididae, Planorbidae, and Ceratopogonidae were indicative of some microplastic concentrations. These findings underscore the significance of accounting for microplastics when evaluating the taxonomic and trophic characteristics of invertebrate communities, as well as the leaf breakdown process in Subtropical systems.

Static magnetic field blocked alprazolam-induced behavior of Wistar rats in the elevated plus-maze test.

Studies have shown that psychotropic drugs change rat behavior in the elevated plus-maze test (EPM). This study investigated whether static magnetic fields could alter alprazolam-induced rat behavior in the EPM. 66 male Wistar rats (270-300 g weight) were assigned to one of the following groups: Sham Magnetic + Saline (SMS), North Pole + Saline (NPS), South Pole + Saline (SPS), Sham magnetic + alprazolam (SMA), NP + alprazolam (NPA), and SP + alprazolam (SPA). After five days of static magnetic stimulation (3200 Gauss), they received alprazolam or saline (1 mg/kg), and their behavior was evaluated. Two-way ANOVA and Holm-Sidak post-hock were used, with a significant P value of <0.05. The SMA and NPA groups showed an increased number of entries and time in the open arms compared with the SMS group. SPA showed a decrease in these measures when compared to SMA [F(2,61) = 6.43 and F(2,61) = 3.72, respectively]. The SMA and NPA groups showed increased head dipping and end-arm activity compared with the SMS group. SPA showed a decrease in these measures when compared to SMA [F(2,61) = 3.37 and [F(2,61) = 4.72, respectively]. These results show that the south magnetic pole of a static magnetic field blocked the alprazolam effect in the space-time variables of the open arms and ethological anxiolytic-like behavior in the EPM.

Epidemiological characteristics and strategies for the prevention of diarrheal disease in indigenous children: A scoping review.

AIM: The aim of the present scoping review was to map the scientific evidence about diarrheal disease in indigenous children and the strategies that can be used to prevent it. METHODS: The subject headings were indigenous population; child; diarrhea; dysentery; epidemiology; and prevention, primary; also the following keywords characteristic, epidemiologic study; and children. The databases consulted were Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature, MEDLINE via the US National Library of Medicine/National Institutes of Health, and Web of Science. Initially, 268 studies were identified, and after being screened using the eligibility criteria, six were selected. Finally, via reference tracking, five more were identified. The final sample was made up of eleven articles. RESULTS: The results confirmed higher mortality rates due to diarrheal disease among indigenous children who are socially disadvantaged and living in poor hygienic and basic sanitation conditions. Among the primary prevention strategies are basic sanitation, health education better hygiene habits, animal control, breastfeeding, supplementing the diet with zinc, vitamins, and the rotavirus vaccine. The preventive strategies included the use of oral rehydration solutions, adequate nutrition, prescribed antimicrobials, and intravenous fluid replacement with glycaemic and electrolyte correction in severe cases. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, public policies regarding the indigenous population and cross-cultural care should be strengthened. The present study confirmed that, at a global level, there is a lack of publications studying this issue.

Effect of the Association and Evaluation of the Induction to Adaptation of the (+)-α-pinene with Commercial Antimicrobials against Strains of Escherichia coli.

BACKGROUND: The increasing and inappropriate use of antibiotics has increased the number of multidrug-resistant microorganisms to these drugs, causing the emergence of infections that are difficult to control and manage by health professionals. As an alternative to combat these pathogens, some monoterpenes have harmful effects on the bacterial cell membrane, showing themselves as an alternative in combating microorganisms. Therefore, the positive enantiomer α -pinene becomes an alternative to fight bacteria, since it was able to inhibit the growth of the species Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, demonstrating the possibility of its use as an isolated antimicrobial or associated with other drugs. AIMS: The aim of this study is to evaluate the sensitivity profile of E. coli ATCC 25922 strain against clinical antimicrobials associated with (+) -α-pinene and how it behaves after successive exposures to subinhibitory concentrations of the phytochemicals. METHODS: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using the microdilution method. The study of the modulating effect of (+) -α-pinene on the activity of antibiotics for clinical use in strains of E. coli and the analysis of the strain's adaptation to the monoterpene were tested using the adapted disk-diffusion method. RESULTS: The results demonstrate that the association of monoterpene with the antimicrobials ceftazidime, amoxicillin, cefepime, cefoxitin and amikacin is positive since it leads to the potentiation of the antibiotic effect of these compounds. It was observed that the monoterpene was able to induce crossresistance only for antimicrobials: cefuroxime, ceftazidime, cefepime and chloramphenicol. CONCLUSION: It is necessary to obtain more concrete data for the safe use of these combinations, paying attention to the existence of some type of existing toxicity reaction related to the herbal medicine and to understand the resistance mechanisms acquired by the microorganism.

Relationship between nocturnal blood pressure profiles and the presence and severity of hypertensive retinopathy. / Relação entre o perfil tensional noturno e a prevalência e gravidade da retinopatia hipertensiva.

INTRODUCTION: Non-dipper and extreme dipper blood pressure (BP) profiles are associated with a worse cardiovascular prognosis. The relationship between nocturnal BP profile and hypertensive retinopathy (HR) is not fully established. AIM: To assess the association between the prevalence and severity of HR and nocturnal BP. METHODS: We prospectively studied hypertensive patients who underwent 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring. The population was divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of lesions and compared according to baseline characteristics, nocturnal BP profile (dippers, non-dippers, inverted dippers/risers and extreme dippers) and mean nocturnal systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) BP values. The presence and severity of HR were assessed using the Scheie classification. The relationship between nocturnal SBP and DBP values (and nocturnal BP profile) and the prevalence and severity of HR was determined. RESULTS: Forty-six patients (46% male, aged 63±12 years) were analyzed, of whom 91% (n=42) were under antihypertensive treatment. Seventy percent (n=33) had uncontrolled BP. HR was diagnosed in 83% (n=38). Patients with HR had higher mean systolic nocturnal BP (151±23 vs. 130±13 mmHg), p=0.008). Patients with greater HR severity (Scheie stage ≥2) had higher nocturnal BP (153±25 vs. 140±16 mmHg, p=0.04). There was no statistically significant association between DBP and nocturnal BP patterns and HR. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence and severity of HR were associated with higher nocturnal SBP. No relationship was observed between nocturnal BP profile and the presence of HR.

Simultaneous analysis of cytoskeletal patterns and chromosome positioning in human fertilization failures.

OBJECTIVE: To sequentially and reliably apply both tubulin immunocytochemistry (ICC) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to human fertilization failures, thus providing a tool for a multiple analysis of arrest. DESIGN: Analysis of human fertilization failures at several stages of arrest. SETTING: Academic and clinical institutions. PATIENT(S): Consenting patients undergoing assisted reproduction technologies. INTERVENTION(S): Failed fertilizations displaying signs of activation without pronuclear development, or with the absence of polar body emission or cleavage 48 hours after insemination or microinjection were analyzed. Fertilization failures were fixed and processed for ICC. After data was collected the same samples were then subjected to FISH analysis using probes for chromosomes X, Y, and 18. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Simultaneous ICC and FISH data on the same sample. RESULT(S): Sequential application of straightforward standard ICC and FISH techniques was not possible, as the morphologic features had been altered, microtubular patterns were not preserved, and many samples were rendered opaque. Only chromatin at the cell surface or outside the oocyte/zygote, such as metaphase II spindles or polar body nuclei, could be routinely probed for FISH after ICC. However, an increase in detergent-induced sample permeabilization as well as the removal of several steps usually performed for FISH made it possible to directly compare microtubular patterns and chromosome position, regardless of chromatin status. CONCLUSION(S): Analysis of specific proteins by immunocytochemistry and of chromosome status/positioning by FISH can be carried out sequentially in human fertilization failures, irrespective of the stage of arrest.

Desenvolvimento comunitário: uma experiência de parceria / Community development: an experience of partnership

O presente artigo descreve espaços de açäo em que psicólogos comunitários e assistentes sociais tiveram um experiência de trabalho em desenvolvimento comunitário, dentro de uma comunidade carente, em Porto Alegre, Brasil. O trabalho realizado em parceria com lideranças comunitárias teve como objetivos: incentivar a participaçäo comunitária no planejamento das açöes, determinar prioridades, definir e aplicar recursos da comunidade. A partir do enfoque da psicologia social comunitária (Freitas, 1996) foi possível a aproximaçäo do agente externo, sem a perda da noçäo de cidadania (direitos e responsabilidades da comunidade) e fundamentalmente o respeito às diferenças entre visäo acadêmica e a realidade da populaçäo da comunidade em questäo. Acredita-se que experiências como essa podem ser aplicadas com sucesso em outros âmbitos, se o psicólogo aborda a comunidade com uma visäo ampla e realística do trabalho que ele pode e deve fazer

Sexualidade, AIDS e drogas: um relato de intervençäo com adolescentes / Sexuality, AIDS and drugs: an intervention report with adolescents

Apresenta o Programa de Intervenção em Sexualidade, AIDS e Drogas (PISAD) da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul e um exemplo de atividade de intervenção com adolescentes em situação de risco. São apresentados os pressupostos da Abordagem Ecológica do Desenvolvimento Humano e da Psicologia Comunitária (teorias que apoiam o trabalho do PISAD) e do desenvolvimento adolescente, ressaltando as questões de comportamentos de risco para sexualidade saudável, HIV/AIDS e drogas. Na intervenção com os adolescentes foi realizado um levantamento de necessidades no início e aplicado um instrumento de sentenças incompletas no final, centrados nas temáticas do PISAD. As informações obtidas foram analisadas e mostram a existência de dúvidas com relação à transmissão e prevenção do HIV, a crença na necessidade de uma rede de apoio sócio-emocional efetiva para a criação e promoção de estratégias que estimulem comportamentos saudáveis e uma associação clara entre as experiências vividas no cotidiano e questões do desenvolvimento adolescente, como auto-estima, identidade, grupo de amigos e vida sexual

Uso de drogas entre meninos e meninas em situação de rua: subsídios para uma intervenção comunitária / Use of drugs between boys and girls in street situation: subsidies for a communitarian intervention

Este estudo teve quatro objetivos: (a) descrever as instituições de assistência a meninos e meninas em situação de rua, em Porto Alegre (Estudo 1), (b) caracterizar o uso de drogas nessa população (Estudo 2), c) descrever sua visão sobre os serviços de intervenção e prevenção ao uso de drogas direcionados à população de rua (Estudo 3), (d) e avaliar sua rede de apoio social (Estudo 4). Participaram 55 adultos, membros das instituições, e 83 meninos e meninas que vivem em situação de rua, com idade entre 10 e 18 anos. Os resultados foram obtidos através de questionários, entrevista semi-estruturada e do Diagrama da Escolta de Apoio Social. Os dados mostraram que todas as instituições têm educadores em sua equipe e o objetivo de resgatar a cidadania. As drogas que já foram usadas pelo menos uma vez na vida, por meninos e meninas em situação de rua, são: tabaco (74,4 por cento), loló (69,9 por cento), álcool (55,4 por cento) e maconha (53 por cento), entre outras. A visão dos participantes sobre serviços de atenção às drogas está influenciada pelo modelo médico. A construção da Escolta de Apoio Social, no ambiente da rua, não parece ter sido influenciada pelo sexo ou pelo uso de drogas. Os dados mostram que existe a necessidade de valorizar a rua como ambiente de desenvolvimento e espaço de aprendizagens. Os resultados podem subsidiar a implementação e qualificação de trabalhos comunitários, visando a promoção da resiliência em crianças e adolescentes em situação de rua (AU)

Uso de drogas entre meninos e meninas em situação de rua: subsídios para uma intervenção comunitária / Use of drugs between boys and girls in street situation: subsidies for a communitarian intervention

Este estudo teve quatro objetivos: (a) descrever as instituições de assistência a meninos e meninas em situação de rua, em Porto Alegre (Estudo 1), (b) caracterizar o uso de drogas nessa população (Estudo 2), c) descrever sua visão sobre os serviços de intervenção e prevenção ao uso de drogas direcionados à população de rua (Estudo 3), (d) e avaliar sua rede de apoio social (Estudo 4). Participaram 55 adultos, membros das instituições, e 83 meninos e meninas que vivem em situação de rua, com idade entre 10 e 18 anos. Os resultados foram obtidos através de questionários, entrevista semi-estruturada e do Diagrama da Escolta de Apoio Social. Os dados mostraram que todas as instituições têm educadores em sua equipe e o objetivo de resgatar a cidadania. As drogas que já foram usadas pelo menos uma vez na vida, por meninos e meninas em situação de rua, são: tabaco (74,4 por cento), loló (69,9 por cento), álcool (55,4 por cento) e maconha (53 por cento), entre outras. A visão dos participantes sobre serviços de atenção às drogas está influenciada pelo modelo médico. A construção da Escolta de Apoio Social, no ambiente da rua, não parece ter sido influenciada pelo sexo ou pelo uso de drogas. Os dados mostram que existe a necessidade de valorizar a rua como ambiente de desenvolvimento e espaço de aprendizagens. Os resultados podem subsidiar a implementação e qualificação de trabalhos comunitários, visando a promoção da resiliência em crianças e adolescentes em situação de rua (AU)