Deleterious Effects of Polypropylene Microplastic Ingestion in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

The effect of daily ingestion of polypropylene microplastic on the health of tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, was evaluated. 60 fish (± 200 g) were placed in 6 aquariums (n = 10, 100 L each), constituting the following treatments: Control (without the addition of polymer), fed with 100 and 500 µg of polypropylene/kg of body weight (b.w.), respectively. After 30 days of feeding, the animals were submitted to blood collection for hemogram and biochemical study and later euthanized for gut microbiological analysis, somatic index of liver, spleen, heart, kidney, stomach, and intestine. In the serum biochemical study, an increase in cholesterol and serum Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) activity levels was observed in animals treated with 500 µg of polypropylene. Tilapia-fed polypropylene in the diet showed an increase in thrombocyte and total leukocyte counts, marked by a significant increase in the number of circulating lymphocytes. The results of the somatic study revealed a significant increase in the stomach, liver, and heart of tilapia fed with the polymer. Increase in the number of Gram-negative microorganisms and decrease in mesophilic aerobic microorganisms were observed in the gut of fish exposed to the polymer, including a dose-response effect was observed for these analyses. Therefore, tilapias fed daily with diets containing polypropylene for 30 consecutive days showed deleterious effects, resulting in systemic inflammatory disturbs by altering liver functions, leukocyte profile, and organ morphometry, as well as changes in the intestinal microbiota. Such results demonstrate the impairment of fish health, highlighting the need for further studies that evaluate the impact of microplastics on aquatic organisms.

Biological therapy in systemic lupus erythematosus, antiphospholipid syndrome, and Sjögren's syndrome: evidence- and practice-based guidance.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), and Sjögren's syndrome (SS) are heterogeneous autoimmune diseases. Severe manifestations and refractory/intolerance to conventional immunosuppressants demand other options, namely biological drugs, and small molecules. We aimed to define evidence and practice-based guidance for the off-label use of biologics in SLE, APS, and SS. Recommendations were made by an independent expert panel, following a comprehensive literature review and two consensus rounds. The panel included 17 internal medicine experts with recognized practice in autoimmune disease management. The literature review was systematic from 2014 until 2019 and later updated by cross-reference checking and experts' input until 2021. Preliminary recommendations were drafted by working groups for each disease. A revision meeting with all experts anticipated the consensus meeting held in June 2021. All experts voted (agree, disagree, neither agree nor disagree) during two rounds, and recommendations with at least 75% agreement were approved. A total of 32 final recommendations (20 for SLE treatment, 5 for APS, and 7 for SS) were approved by the experts. These recommendations consider organ involvement, manifestations, severity, and response to previous treatments. In these three autoimmune diseases, most recommendations refer to rituximab, which aligns with the higher number of studies and clinical experience with this biological agent. Belimumab sequential treatment after rituximab may also be used in severe cases of SLE and SS. Second-line therapy with baricitinib, bortezomib, eculizumab, secukinumab, or tocilizumab can be considered in SLE-specific manifestations. These evidence and practice-based recommendations may support treatment decision and, ultimately, improve the outcome of patients living with SLE, APS, or SS.

Biologic therapy in large and small vessels vasculitis, and Behçet's disease: Evidence- and practice-based guidance.

OBJECTIVE: Vasculitis are a very heterogenous group of systemic autoimmune diseases, affecting large vessels (LVV), small vessels or presenting as a multisystemic variable vessel vasculitis. We aimed to define evidence and practice-based recommendations for the use of biologics in large and small vessels vasculitis, and Behçet's disease (BD). METHODS: Recommendations were made by an independent expert panel, following a comprehensive literature review and two consensus rounds. The panel included 17 internal medicine experts with recognized practice on autoimmune diseases management. The literature review was systematic from 2014 until 2019 and later updated by cross-reference checking and experts' input until 2022. Preliminary recommendations were drafted by working groups for each disease and voted in two rounds, in June and September 2021. Recommendations with at least 75% agreement were approved. RESULTS: A total of 32 final recommendations (10 for LVV treatment, 7 for small vessels vasculitis and 15 for BD) were approved by the experts and several biologic drugs were considered with different supporting evidence. Among LVV treatment options, tocilizumab presents the higher level of supporting evidence. Rituximab is recommended for treatment of severe/refractory cryoglobulinemic vasculitis. Infliximab and adalimumab are most recommended in treatment of severe/refractory BD manifestations. Other biologic drugs can be considered is specific presentations. CONCLUSION: These evidence and practice-based recommendations are a contribute to treatment decision and may, ultimately, improve the outcome of patients living with these conditions.

Astaxanthin improves the shelf-life of tilapia fillets stored under refrigeration.

BACKGROUND: Astaxanthin, classified as a xanthophyll, has antioxidant properties about 500 times greater than α-tocopherols and ten times greater than ß-carotenes. Based on the antioxidant activity of this carotenoid, this study aimed to evaluate the shelf-life of tilapia fillets (Oreochromis niloticus) fed with astaxanthin, by determining the microbiological quality (colimetry, counts of mesophilic and psychrotrophic microorganisms), physicochemical analyses (colorimetry, pH, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)) and sensory analysis. RESULTS: Tilapia supplemented with astaxanthin presented a reduction in the counts of microorganisms (mesophiles and psychrotrophics) and lower lipid oxidation index (TBARS), when compared to fillets of control fish. Colorimetric changes of fillet degradation were observed, associated with increased pH during storage, as well as loss of brightness and texture in addition to worsening of appearance and odor. These deteriorating changes were minimized using astaxanthin. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate the beneficial performance of astaxanthin in the shelf-life of tilapia fillets stored under refrigeration. Therefore, dietary supplementation with astaxanthin (100 and 200 mg kg-1 of feed) improves the microbiological and physicochemical quality of tilapia fillets during 50 days of shelf-life. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Astaxanthin improves the shelf-life of tilapia fillets stored under refrigeration

Background: Astaxanthin, classified as a xanthophyll, has antioxidant properties about 500 times greater than α-tocopherols and 10 times greater than β-carotenes. Based on the antioxidant activity of this carotenoid, this study aimed to evaluate the shelf-life of tilapia fillets (Oreochromis niloticus) fed with astaxanthin, by determining the microbiological quality (colimetry, counts of mesophilic and psychrotrophic microorganisms), physicochemical analyzes (colorimetry, pH, TBARs) and sensory analysis. Results: Tilapia supplemented with astaxanthin presented reduction in the counts of microorganisms (mesophiles and psychrotrophics) and lower lipid oxidation index (TBARs), when compared to fillets of control fish. Colorimetric changes of fillet degradation were observed, associated with increased pH during storage, as well as loss of brightness and texture in addition to worsening in appearance and odor. These deteriorating changes were minimized using astaxanthin. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate the beneficial performance of astaxanthin in the shelf-life of tilapia fillets stored under refrigeration. Therefore, dietary supplementation with astaxanthin (100 and 200mg kg-1 of feed) improves the microbiological and physicochemical quality of tilapia fillets during 50 days of shelf-life.

Negritude como foco para intervenções artísticas e terapêuticas / Blackness as artistic and terapeutic focus

Este texto parte da experiência do projeto L'ABRI no Bosque: Intervenções Artísticas", associado ao Laboratório de Relações Interpessoais (L'ABRI), do curso de Psicologia da Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC). No semestre 2017.1, o projeto guiou-se pela temática "Negritude e Protagonismo Negro", promovendo atividades, como: rodas de conversa, cine debates e oficinas na universidade. O planejamento das ações seguiu a Matriz de Identidade, conceito-chave do Psicodrama de Moreno, que discute o processo relacional de construção da identidade através do reconhecimento de si próprio como protagonista, do outro também como protagonista e da interação de complementaridade entre estes ­ condição essencial para a saúde do sujeito. As intervenções artísticas permitiram registro das falas espontâneas dos participantes, observando-se a recorrência dos seguintes conjuntos temáticos: "infância, racismo e reconhecimento da negritude", "universidade, pertencimento e empoderamento" e "afetividade e solidão da pessoa negra". Baseando nisso, foram propiciados momentos para a realização de atos psicodramáticos à população negra da UFC, em 2017.2, por meio da intervenção psicodramática de aquecimento (pré-dramatização), dramatização (produção de contato com consigo para criativamente elaborar novas atitudes) e compartilhamento grupal. Neste trabalho, objetiva-se apresentar o modelo do Psicodrama utilizado no planejamento e execução das ações e discutir a experiência dos participantes, relacionando os elementos teóricos e vivenciais para a compreensão da saúde mental da população negra. O alcance do projeto pode ser percebido em todas as fases do projeto a partir dos ricos depoimentos apresentados, e em especial nos atos psicodramáticos, quando os protagonistas puderam (re)configurar suas percepções acerca de suas experiências e relações.

This paper is about the experience on the Project "LABRI no Bosque: Intervenções Artísticas", which is part of Interpersonal Relations Laboratory (L'ABRI), of Psychology course of the Federal University of Ceará (UFC). In the first semester of 2017, this project was embased for "Blackness and Black Protagonism" theme, promoting actions as rounds of conversation, cinedebates and workshops in university. Those actions were embased by Matrix of Identity, one of most important concepts of Moreno's Psychodrama, which argues about the interpersonal process of identity construction through the recognition of yourself as protagonist, of other as protagonist as well and the interplay further between them ­ main condition of subject's health. The artistic interventaion allowed to make a register of spontanelly speech of the participants - it showed a often appearance of the subsequent themes: "childhood, racism and blackness recognition", "university, belonging and empowerment" and "affectivity and black person loneliness". In second semester of 2017, there happened psychodramatic acts to UFC's black people through the method of warm-up (pre-drama), the action (my-self contact production to creatively create new attitudes) and sharing in group. In this study, there aims to present the Psychodrama' model used on plaining and execution of activities and to debate the participants experiences, linking to conceptual and experiential elements to comprehend the black people mental health. This project impact can be demonstrate in every each phase through the participant

Parentalidades adotante e biológica: dois lados do vínculo familiar / Adoptive and biological parentalities: two sides of the family bond

Trata-se de um projeto desenvolvido a partir da disciplina de Práticas Integrativas II (Psicologia), em parceria com uma instituição-abrigo. A análise dos casos, a metodologia das ações e as discussões teóricas foram fundamentadas na abordagem sociodramática, enfatizando-se o exercício da criatividade e da espontaneidade como modo de ampliação dos vínculos e reconfiguração das relações, bem como a dramatização como exercício de protagonismo. O presente artigo evidencia a vivência de um grupo de familiares biológicos e adotantes, em um processo que implicou em forte repercussão para os integrantes. Participaram: um casal, que estava finalizando o processo de adoção de seu primeiro filho; uma senhora que desejava reaver a guarda de suas netas, ainda residentes na instituição. O processo grupal deu ensejo a importantes percepções e reflexões, a partir das quais tanto a representante da família biológica, como os pais adotivos ressignificaram seus pontos de vista a respeito da parentalidade.

This is a continuous project in the discipline of Integrative Practices II (Psychology), in partnership with an institution-shelter. The analysis of the cases, the methodology of the actions and the theoretical discussions were based on the sociodramatic approach, that emphasizes the practice of the creativity and the spontaneity as a way of expanding the bonds and to reconfigurate of the relationships; and the dramatization as a practice of protagonism. This paper evidences the experience of a group of biological and adoptive family, in a process that had strong repercussion for the participants. They were a couple who was finalizing the process of adoption of their first son, and a lady who wished to recover the guard of their granddaughters who still were in the institution. The group process evidenced important perceptions and reflections, from which both the representative of the biological family and the adoptive parents re-defined their points of view regarding parenting.

LED antimicrobial photodynamic therapy with phenothiazinium dye against Staphylococcus aureus: An in vitro study.

The objective of this study was to evaluate, in vitro, the bactericidal effect of AmPDT on Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) using different concentrations (100, 50, 25, 12.5 and 6.25µg/mL) of phenothiazine compound combined with LED light (λ632±2nm) using varied energy densities (12, 9.6, 7.2, 4.8 and 2.4J/cm2). The experiments were carried out in triplicate and the samples were divided into groups: Control, Irradiated (treated only with light at different energy densities), Photosensitizer (treated only in the presence of the dye), AmPDT (treatment with light associated with dye). Counts of the colony forming units and the data obtained were statistically analyzed (ANOVA, Tukey's test, p<0.05). The results showed no difference between irradiated and Control groups. However, using the photosensitizer alone caused significant increased cytotoxicity and consequent reduction on the CFU counts (12.5µg/mL (p<0.001), 25µg/mL, 50µg/mL and 100µg/mL (p<0.0001). When AmPDT was used significant inhibition above 70% were detected for all concentrations of the photosensitize (p<0.0001) except for 6.25µg/mL. The results indicate a dose-response dependent when the photosensitizer is used alone but not for the sole use of the light is used. It is concluded that, a single application of AmPDT, using energy density of 12J/cm2 associated either to 12.5 (81.52%) or 25µg/mL (91.57%) resulted in higher in vitro inhibition of S. aureus.

Effectiveness of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (AmPDT) on Staphylococcus aureus using phenothiazine compound with red laser.

The aim of this study was to evaluate, in vitro, the bactericidal effect of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (AmPDT) using phenothiazinium dyes (Toluidine Blue O and methylene blue, 1:1) using different concentrations (100, 50, 25, 12.5, and 6.25 µg/mL) associated to red laser with different energy densities (2.4, 4.8, 7.2, 9.6, and 12 J/cm2) on a strain of Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 23529). On this study, tests were performed in triplicate and the samples were distributed into 36 test groups: Control and bacterial suspensions were irradiated with the different energy densities, respectively, in the absence of photosensitizer, bacterial suspensions were irradiated with the laser in the different concentrations of the photosensitizer, and finally bacterial suspensions only in the presence of phenothiazinium dye. The pre-irradiation time was 5 min. Therefore, we analyzed the potential of the AmPDT by counting colony-forming units. The logarithm of CFU/mL (log10 CFU/mL) was calculated and the data was analyzed statistically (ANOVA, Tukey's test, p < 0.05). The results showed that the association 50 and 100 µg/mL with 12 J/cm2 showed the highest percentage of inhibition (100 %). Based upon the present results, it may be concluded that the AmPDT was able to enhance the antimicrobial effect of phenothiazines and both concentration of the compound and energy density are important factors for greater effectiveness of therapy.

L'ABRI Laboratório de relações interpessoais: história e perspectivas / L'ABRI Interpersonal relations laboratory: history and perspectives

O artigo apresenta o Laboratório de Relações Interpessoais ­ L'ABRI, criado em 2014, discutindo-se a adoção de um método de estudo e intervenção das relações interpessoais o processo de formação de um programa que contemple ensino, pesquisa e extensão, nesta temática, e a valorização das relações interpessoais no cotidiano vivido e nas intervenções propostas. Também será descrito o modelo de construção contínua das atividades propostas e dos grupos que participam no L'ABRI, bem como as metas que se apontam, pensadas a partir do processo de sua constituição até aqui. O eixo teórico orientador é "Vínculo e Saúde Mental e o método utilizado na condução das atividades tem se fundamentado em propostas fenomenológicas como o Sociodrama (J. L. Moreno) e a Hermenêutica (P. Ricoeur).

The article presents the Interpersonal Relationships Laboratory - L'ABRI, created in 2014, discussing the adoption of a method of study and intervention of interpersonal relationships, the formation process of a program of teaching, research and extension in this subject, and the enhancement of interpersonal relations in the everyday living and the proposed interventions. It will also be described the ongoing construction of model of the proposed activities and groups participating in the L'ABRI as well as the goals that point, thought from the process of its formation until now. The guiding theoretical axis is "Bond and Mental Health" and the method used to the activities have been based on phenomenological proposals, as Sociodrama (J. L. Moreno) and the Phenomenological Hermeneutics (P. Ricoeur).

Effects of imiquimod and low-intensity laser (λ660 nm) in chemically induced oral carcinomas in hamster buccal pouch mucosa.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common neoplasm of the oral cavity. It is aggressive, highly proliferative, and metastatic. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of LLLT and imiquimod on DMBA chemically induced lesions on the oral mucosa of hamsters. SCCs were induced on 25 hamsters. Animals of G1 (control 1) were killed and the presence of tumors confirmed; G2 (control 2) suffered no interventions for additional 4 weeks; animals of G3 (laser treatment) were irradiated (λ660 nm, 50 mW, CW, Ø=3 mm, 0.07 cm(2), 714.2 mW/cm(2), 133 s, 95 J/cm(2), 6.65 J) at every other day for 4 weeks; animals of G4 (imiquimod treatment) received 5 % imiquimod three times a week for 4 weeks; and animals of G5 (imiquimod and laser treatment) received both treatments for the same period. Samples were taken and underwent histological analysis by light microscopy and were investigated using immunohistochemistry for S-100(+) dendritic cells. In G1, G2, and G3, the evaluations showed malignant tumors and the absence of S-100(+) dendritic cells in the tumor stroma. In G4, 60 % of the animals had no malignant tumors, and S-100(+) dendritic cells were present in the stroma of the tumors as well as dysplasia. In G5, 40 % of the animals presented SCC, with scarce or no S-100(+) dendritic cells. The imiquimod treatment played a direct effect on SCC, demonstrated by the increased number of S-100(+) dendritic cells, which could suggest an important role of immune surveillance against neoplastic proliferation. Furthermore, its association with laser needs to be further investigated.

Influence of laser phototherapy (λ660 nm) on the outcome of oral chemical carcinogenesis on the hamster cheek pouch model: histological study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate, histologically, the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) (λ660 nm) on DMBA chemically induced lesions of the oral mucosa of hamsters. BACKGROUND DATA: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common neoplasm of the oral cavity. It is aggressive, highly proliferative, invasive, and metastatic. There is evidence that LLLT similarly affects neoplasic and non-neoplasic cells. METHODS: Cancerous lesions were induced on the cheek pouch of 15 golden Syrian hamsters by using DMBA 3 times a week for 8 weeks. At the end of the cancer induction (8 weeks), animals in G1 were killed and the presence of tumors confirmed. Animals in G3 were irradiated (λ660 nm, 30 mW, CW, Ø=3 mm, area: 0.07 cm(2), 424 mW/cm(2), 133 sec, 56.4(2)J/ cm(2), 4J) at every other day for 4 weeks. G2 received no interventions for the same period. Samples were taken and underwent histological analysis by light microscopy. RESULTS: GI showed 100% well-differentiated SCC. G2 showed 20% moderately differentiated and 80% well-differentiated SCC. G3 showed 40% well-differentiated, 40% poorly differentiated, and 20% moderately differentiated SCC. Significant differences (p=0.02) in the amount of well-differentiated SCC were seen between G1 and G3 and between G3 and G2 (p=0.04). Significant difference was also seen between G3 and G1 and G2 with regard to the amount of poorly differentiated tumors (p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that LLLT, within the parameters used in the present study, caused a significant progression of the severity of SCC in the oral cavity of hamsters.

Effect of LED red and IR Photobiomodulation in tongue mast cells in Wistar rats: histological study.

OBJECTIVE: This article aimed to study the effect of LED Phototherapy (LED-PHT) (?630?nm or ?850?nm) on mast cells on the dorsum of the tongue of rodents. BACKGROUND DATA: Vasodilatation is one of the reported effects of laser light on tissues. Laser light is able to induce the release of mediators responsible for vasodilatation, such as those produced by mast cells. Mast cells are also related to some diseases such as hay fever. METHODS: Sixty Wistar rats were divided into three groups: I, Control; II, IR-LED (?850?nm, 21.9?J/cm(2), 73 sec; and III, red-LED (?630?nm, 21.9?J/cm(2), 73?sec). The specimens were taken after, 20, 45, and 60?min following irradiation. The specimens were routinely processed; stained with toluidine blue; and then total, degranulated, and non-degranulated mast cells were counted and statistical analysis performed. RESULTS: Both LED irradiated subjects showed significant difference when compared to the control subjects on the total number mast cells (p<0.001, ANOVA), degranulated mast cells (p<0.001, ANOVA), and non-degranulated mast cells (p<0.001, ANOVA). Comparing the two groups of LED irradiated subjects, significant difference was observed regarding the total number of cells (p<0.001, paired t-test) and degranulated mast cells (p<0.001, paired t-test) with a greater number of these cells noted in the IR-LED group. On the other hand, Red-LED irradiated subjects showed a significantly greater number of non-degranulated mast cells (p=0.001, paired t-test). CONCLUSIONS: Our results lead us to conclude that both red and IR-LED light caused increased mast cell degranulation and that IR-LED light resulted in a greater number of mast cells.