Quali-quantitative water behaviour in an intensive swine production catchment in the Atlantic Forest biome, Southern Brazil.

Agriculture is an essential economic activity in Brazil. However, it is also the main source of water quality degradation. Monitoring catchments with agricultural land use is a way to generate information on a scale to identify causes and sources of water quality degradation. This work used monitoring data derived from hydrology and the quality of surface and underground water in an intensive agricultural catchment in the Atlantic Forest biome. The Fortaleza River catchment is located in the western part of Santa Catarina state in southern Brazil and has 62 km2 of drainage area. Hydrological and water quality monitoring was conducted for 7 years at two fluviometric stations, three lysimeters, one meteorological station, and one piezometer. Data on precipitation, temperature, water flow, surface runoff, drainage, and water quality were used. Statistical analyses were also developed. Precipitation between 2013 and 2019 presented a homogeneous distribution in monthly and annual data, with January and July the months with the highest and lowest values, respectively. Statistical difference in the average and Q95 flows was found in upstream and downstream fluviometric sections. In terms of quality, statistical differences were identified for ammonium, nitrate, and potassium concentrations, which had higher concentrations in lysimeter runoff, indicating direct influence of agricultural activity on water quality. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that (i) surface water presented a positive relationship in Component 1 for the magnesium-calcium, sulphate-chloride, and acetate-bromide groups and a negative relationship for phosphate-nitrate; (ii) in lysimeters, the positive relationship occurred for Component 2 for the phosphate-chloride and sulphate-nitrate groups and was negative for ammonium-lithium and calcium-potassium-magnesium; and (iii) in piezometer, positive relationships were found for chloride-sodium and phosphate-nitrite pairs, while negative relationships were found for calcium-magnesium.

Multicompartment body composition analysis in older adults: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: During aging, changes occur in the proportions of muscle, fat, and bone. Body composition (BC) alterations have a great impact on health, quality of life, and functional capacity. Several equations to predict BC using anthropometric measurements have been developed from a bi-compartmental (2-C) approach that determines only fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM). However, these models have several limitations, when considering constant density, progressive bone demineralization, and changes in the hydration of the FFM, as typical changes during senescence. Thus, the main purpose of this study was to propose and validate a new multi-compartmental anthropometric model to predict fat, bone, and musculature components in older adults of both sexes. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 100 older adults of both sexes. To determine the dependent variables (fat mass [FM], bone mineral content [BMC], and appendicular lean soft tissue [ALST]) whole total and regional dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) body scans were performed. Twenty-nine anthropometric measures and sex were appointed as independent variables. Models were developed through multivariate linear regression. Finally, the predicted residual error sum of squares (PRESS) statistic was used to measure the effectiveness of the predicted value for each dependent variable. RESULTS: An equation was developed to simultaneously predict FM, BMC, and ALST from only four variables: weight, half-arm span (HAS), triceps skinfold (TriSK), and sex. This model showed high coefficients of determination and low estimation errors (FM: R2adj: 0.83 and SEE: 3.16; BMC: R2adj: 0.61 and SEE: 0.30; ALST: R2adj: 0.85 and SEE: 1.65). CONCLUSION: The equations provide a reliable, practical, and low-cost instrument to monitor changes in body components during the aging process. The internal cross-validation method PRESS presented sufficient reliability in the model as an inexpensive alternative for clinical field use.

Longitudinal evaluation of trifocal and extended depth of focus lenses implantation using standard automated perimetry parameters.

PURPOSE: To evaluate reliability and global indices parameters from standard automated perimetry (SAP) in normal eyes undergoing phacoemulsification cataract surgery with implantation of trifocal or extended depth of focus intraocular lens (IOL). METHODS: Prospective study to evaluate the effect of trifocal IOL AcrySof IQ PanOptix® and extended depth of focus intraocular lens (EDOF) Tecnis Symfony® IOL implantation on visual field parameters. Patients underwent SAP pre- and postoperatively. Reliability indices (false negative rate-FN, false positive rate-FP), global indices (foveal sensitivity threshold, visual field index-VFI, standard pattern deviation-PSD, mean deviation MD) and test duration were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 23 eyes from 13 patients were in the trifocal IOL group and a total of 22 eyes from 14 patients were in the EDOF group. The following results were obtained by analyzing pre- and postoperative SAP of EDOF IOL: the rate of change of FN was 1.95/1.41% (p = 0.61); FP 1.64/1.27 (p = 0.60); MD - 1.60/- 1.08 dB (p = 0.15); foveal sensitivity was 34.5/33.9 dB (p = 0.41); VFI 98.5/98.4% (p > 0.99); PSD 1.85/1.86 (p = 0.07); and for test duration 305.81/298.36 s (p = 0.35); all respectively. Analysis of pre- and postoperative parameters of trifocal IOL were the rates of change of FN 1.22/1.83% (p = 0.29); FP 1.65/1.48% (p = 0.95); MD - 1.55/- 1.37 dB (p = 0.19); foveal sensitivity 33.9/34.9 dB (p = 0.47); VFI 98.6/98.3% (p = 0.62); PSD 1.58/2.05 (p = 0.02); and test duration 297.17/298.57 s (p = 0.87); all respectively. CONCLUSION: We identified a change in the PSD parameters in the trifocal IOL group. No other significant changes were identified in SAP parameters after implantation of trifocal AcrySof IQ PanOptix® and EDOF Tecnis Symfony® IOL. Longitudinal evaluation showed no changes in SAP after Trifocal and EDOF IOL implantation in normal subjects.

Evaluation of the Antiproliferative Potential of Eugenia pyriformis Leaves in Cervical Cancer Cells.

Eugenia pyriformis, typically known as uvaia, ubaia, uvaieira, uvalha or uvalha-do-campo, is a plant representative of the Myrtaceae family. E. pyriformis decreased HeLa cells proliferation, can induce cell death and reduce cell migration that may be related to metastasis and induction of cell death by apoptosis in vitro assays. Its leaves are used in folk medicine for hypertension control, decreased cholesterol and uric acid, slimming, astringent, and digestive. In this work, the evaluation of the in vitro anticancer potential Cervical Cancer (HeLa cells) and phytochemical analysis in E. pyriformes was performed. It was possible to quantify phenolic compounds and total flavonoids and identify Chlorogenic acid, Quercetrin, and Myricitrin in this species. The crude extract and ethyl acetate fraction inhibited cell viability by 50 % in the dose of 44.42 µg/mL and 40.39 µg/mL, respectively. The induced effector caspase 3/7 activation, which results in apoptosis and the ethyl acetate fraction, decreases cell migration of cancer cell lines; it is responsible for the cleavage of several cellular proteins that will result in the classic phenotype of the apoptotic cell.

Estimating resting energy expenditure from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry: A cross-sectional study in healthy young adults.

OBJECTIVE: To qualify a 3C approach model of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to estimate multicomponent resting energy expenditure (REE) referenced by indirect calorimetry (IC). METHODS: A sample of 155 college students, of both sexes (18-30 years old) was evaluated. Anthropometric measures, REE by IC, and whole-body DXA-scans were performed. The REE for each body component was determined after transforming the components from the molecular (DXA) to the organ tissue level. Bland-Altman and proportional bias analyses were used to verify agreement between REE measured (REEIC ) and estimated (REEDXA ). RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found for all sex comparisons (P < .001), except for age (P = .950). Differences from the final sex-specific models' were not found between REEIC and REEDXA (P > .05). Men also presented greater expenditure (P < .001) in each component, except for adipose tissue. The plots confirmed the validity of the model for both sexes, with low difference values between the measured and estimated REE. The mean of the differences of REEIC and REEDXA showed heteroscedasticity of the data for men (P = .004). The same error tendency was not evident for women (P = .333). CONCLUSIONS: This 3C model, estimating REE from a multicomponent approach, allows a new application of DXA as tool for understanding intraindividual differences in terms of the mass of metabolically active tissue. Sex and populational differences should be taken in account. Consequently, we present qualified sex-specific DXA models that can be applied in different contexts such as health and sports, besides considering interpersonal differences in terms of energy expenditure.

Air pollution epidemiology: A simplified Generalized Linear Model approach optimized by bio-inspired metaheuristics.

Studies in air pollution epidemiology are of paramount importance in diagnosing and improve life quality. To explore new methods or modify existing ones is critical to obtain better results. Most air pollution epidemiology studies use the Generalized Linear Model, especially the default version of R, Splus, SAS, and Stata softwares, which use maximum likelihood estimators in parameter optimization. Also, a smooth time function (usually spline) is generally used as a pre-processing step to consider seasonal and long-term tendencies. This investigation introduces a new approach to GLM, proposing the estimation of the free coefficients through bio-inspired metaheuristics - Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Genetic Algorithms, and Differential Evolution, as well as the replacement of the spline function by a simple normalization procedure. The considered case studies comprise three important cities of São Paulo state, Brazil with distinct characteristics: São Paulo, Campinas, and Cubatão. We considered the impact of particles with an aerodynamic diameter less than 10 µm (PM10), ambient temperature, and relative humidity in the number of hospital admissions for respiratory diseases (ICD-10, J00 to J99). The results showed that the new approach (especially PSO) brings performance gains compared to the default version of statistical software like R.

Chronic alteration of circadian rhythm is related to impaired lung function and immune response.

BACKGROUND: Alterations of the circadian rhythm negatively impact several aspects of the health, including the lung function. Chronic shiftwork scale classically induces alterations in the circadian rhythm. However, its effects on pulmonary immune response are unknown. AIMS: To evaluate the impact of chronic alteration of circadian rhythm on pulmonary function and immune response. METHODS: In this context, a 12 × 24 hours and 12 × 48 hours work scale in shiftwork scale policemen (n = 25; 38.73 ± 6.92 years old) were compared with fixed work scale (8 h/d) civil men (n = 25; 34.00 ± 9.60 years old) who were evaluated for perceived stress, sleepiness, physical activity levels, anthropometric characteristics, lung function, pulmonary and systemic cellular and humoral immune response. RESULTS: Policemen presented increased levels of perceived stress (P < .0008), impaired sleepiness (P < .04) and lung function as demonstrated by reduced forced vital capacity (FVC) (P < .053) and FEV1 (P < .043) when compared with civil men. In addition, increased levels of exhaled nitric oxide (P < .037) and of IL-2 (P < .0046) in the breath condensate revealed that policemen presented chronic lung inflammation compared with civil men. Although the whole blood analysis did not showed any differences between the two groups concerning the number of leucocytes, the humoral response revealed that policemen presented increased levels of IL-2 (P < .002) and lower levels of IL-10 (P < .001), clearly displaying a clinical status of low-grade inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic alteration of circadian rhythm in shiftwork scale policemen results in impaired lung function, beyond to impair pulmonary and systemic immune function.

Side effects of a mixture of essential oils on Psyttalia concolor.

Integrated Pest Management programs do not always prioritize natural enemies when selecting control methods; too often these important pest reducing agents are negatively affected by the action of other methods in agroecosystems. The aim of this research was to evaluate side effects of a bioinsecticide, developed from the mixture of cedar (Cedrus atlantica), eucalyptus (Corymbia citriodora) and lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oils (EOs), in a ratio of 1:1:1, on Psyttalia concolor (Szèpligeti) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) which is a parasitoid of some pests of the Tephritidae family, as Ceratitis capitata. The LD50 of the EOs mixture for C. capitata females was 3.09 µl/g, whereas the LD50 for P. concolor females was 20.45 µl/g which suggests the natural enemy is more tolerant to the EOs mixture. P. concolor parasitized L3 larvae of C. capitata through a voile treated with the mixture of EOs at 1.8% without causing any deleterious effects neither on the percentage of attacked hosts nor on the emergence rate, whereas at the highest concentration tested, 4.8%, decreased both parameters during the 2 first days after treatment. Semi-field assays showed that mixture of EOs was harmless to P. concolor when released 4 h after treatment whereas killed 55 ± 3.9% males and 37.5 ± 1.6% females of C. capitata. The mixture of EOs used jointly with lambda-cyhalothrin or kaolin, both compounds applied against C. capitata in conventional and organic farming, respectively, did not increase the toxicity and/or persistence against the pest.

Biosorption of organic micropollutants onto lignocellulosic-based material.

The occurrence of organic micropollutants such as pharmaceutical drugs and hormones in the environment reflects the inefficiency of traditional wastewater treatment technologies. Biosorption is a promising alternative from a technical-economic point of view, so understanding the mechanisms of adsorption in new biosorbents is vital for application and process optimization. Within this context, this study aims to evaluate the mechanisms of adsorption and removal of synthetic and natural hormones by Pinus elliottii bark biosorbent (PS) compared to commercial granular activated carbon (GAC) through kinetic models, isotherm models, and thermodynamic models. The adsorbents were also characterized by morphology, chemical composition, functional groups, and point of zero charge. Characterization of the adsorbents highlights the heterogeneous and fibrous morphology and broader range of functional groups found for PS. Kinetic adjustments showed high accuracy for pseudo-second-order, Elovich, and intraparticle diffusion models, presenting multilinearity and evidencing multi-stage adsorption. The isotherms for PS followed high-affinity models, predominantly chemisorption, while those for GAC followed the Langmuir model, where physisorption predominates. These mechanisms were confirmed by thermodynamic models, which also indicated a higher dependence on temperature in the adsorption process. In the fortified water removal test, PS showed removal values higher than GAC, highlighting the advantages of this adsorbent.

Resistance training reduces depressive symptoms in elderly people with Parkinson disease: A controlled randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Depression affects up to 40% of individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). PURPOSE: To assess resistance training effects on the depressive symptoms of elderly PD patients. STUDY DESIGN: A randomized control study. METHODS: Thirty-three patients (aged ≥ 60 years) were randomly divided into two groups: (a) control group: n = 16 and (b) resistance training group (RTG): n = 17. All patients with Parkinson's disease (stage 1-3 on the Hoehn and Yahr scale). The RTG, in addition to maintaining their pharmacological treatments, performed 20 weeks of resistance training. The control group maintained their pharmacological treatments. Depressive symptoms, quality of life, unified Parkinson's Disease scale, and functional capacity were evaluated in both groups. RESULTS: The RTG presented a significant reduction (P < .05) of depressive symptoms (pre = 17.9 ± 8 score; post = 10.3 ± 6 score; effect size: -0.48), improved quality of life (pre = 40.3 ± 21.1 score; post = 30.2 ± 16.8 score; effect size: -0.26), and improved UPDRS (pre = 64 ± 34.6 score; post = 49.1 ± 24.1 score; effect size: -0.24). No significant changes in the control group regarding depressive symptoms (pre = 18.7 ± 5.4 score; post = 19.4 ± 5.2 score; effect size: 0.07), quality of life (pre = 39 ± 16.1 score; post = 40.6 ± 15.6 score; effect size: 0.05), and UPDRS (pre = 61.1 ± 24.3 score; post = 64.9 ± 23.4 score; effect size: 0.08) after 20 weeks. CONCLUSION: Resistance training reduces depressive symptoms and improves the quality of life and functionality of elderly with PD.

Lipodystrophy diagnosis in people living with HIV/AIDS: prediction and validation of sex-specific anthropometric models.

BACKGROUND: Body composition alterations, or lipodystrophy, can lead to serious health problems in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). The objectives of this study are to predict and validate sex-specific anthropometric predictive models for the diagnosis of lipodystrophy in PLWHA. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was employed to recruit 106 PLWHA (men = 65 and women = 41) in Brazil during 2013-2014. They were evaluated using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and 19 regions of body perimeters and 6 skinfold thicknesses were taken. Sex-specific predictive models for lipodystrophy diagnosis were developed through stepwise linear regression analysis. Cross-validations using predicted residual error sum of squares was performed to validate each predictive model. RESULTS: Results support the use of anthropometry for the diagnosis of lipodystrophy in men and women living with HIV/AIDS. A high power of determination with a small degree of error was observed for lipodystrophy diagnosis for men in model six (r2 = 0.77, SEE = 0.14, r2PRESS = 0.73, SEE PRESS = 0.15), that included ratio of skinfold thickness of subscapular to medial calf, skinfold thickness of thigh, body circumference of waist, formal education years, time of diagnosis to HIV months, and type of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) (with protease inhibitor "WI/PI = 1" or without protease inhibitor "WO/PI = 0"); and model five for women (r2 = 0.78, SEE = 0.11, r2PRESS = 0.71, SEE PRESS = 0.12), that included skinfold thickness of thigh, skinfold thickness of subscapular, time of exposure to cART months, body circumference of chest, and race (Asian) ("Yes" for Asian race = 1; "No" = 0). CONCLUSIONS: The proposed anthropometric models advance the field of public health by facilitating early diagnosis and better management of lipodystrophy, a serious adverse health effect experienced by PLWHA.

Fungicides from rice cultivation (tebuconazole and azoxystrobin) alters biochemical and histological markers of hammertoad tadpoles (Boanafaber).

Tebuconazole (TBZ) and azoxystrobin (AZX) are fungicides frequently used in rice cultivation. Despite protecting crops against fungal diseases, these compounds can contaminate the natural environments close to the crops, exerting negative effects on non-target organisms, the present study aimed to characterize the contamination by fungicides of a river that flows in an area dominated by rice cultivation in the north of the state of Santa Catarina, SC, Brazil. Concentrations of TBZ and AZX found in the field were used to evaluate their negative effects on development, biochemical biomarkers and histopatology of the liver of a native tadpole species, the hammerfrog (Boana faber). Tadpoles were exposed for 16 days to the lowest (1.20 µg/L) and highest (2.60 µg/L) concentration of TBZ, lowest (0.70 µg/L) and highest (1.60 µg/L) concentration of AZX, and the mix of both fungicides at lowest and highest concentration of each found in field analyses. Exposure to the lower TBZ concentration and both concentrations of the Mix accelerated the development of tadpoles. AZX caused an increase in the activities of glutathione S-transferase (GST), carboxylesterase (CbE) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) in the liver, an increase in the levels of protein carbonyls (PC) in the liver and an increase in the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in muscle of tadpoles. TBZ, on the other hand, generated an increase in GST, G6PDH, PC and histopathological severity scores in liver and in muscle AChE activity. The effects were more intense in the groups exposed to the Mix of contaminants. No treatment altered brain AChE. The data showed that the fungicides from in rice cultivation found in natural aquatic environments around the crops pose risks to the health of the animals, compromising their metabolism and development.

Exposure to pesticides used in rice farming (bentazone, chlorantraniliprole and tebuconazole) affects biochemical biomarkers and hepatic histopathological parameters of hammertoad tadpoles (Boana faber).

Pesticides used in rice cultivation can cause negative health effects to non-target organisms representative of natural biodiversity. In this context, the present study aimed to investigate the occurrence of pesticides in surface waters from a river that flows in the middle of a rice farming-dominated area. We were also interested in evaluate biochemical and histological effects caused by exposure (16 d) to the lower and higher concentrations of the main found herbicide (bentazone, BTZ), insecticide (chlorantraniliprole, CTP) and fungicide (tebuconazole, TBZ), isolated or mixed, in Boana faber tadpoles. No significant differences were observed in the development of the animals. Tadpoles exposed to the herbicide BTZ showed higher hepatic levels of malondialdehyde (MDA). In animals exposed to CTP, MDA levels were lower than controls. Animals exposed to the fungicide TBZ showed higher hepatic activity of glutathione S-transferase and carboxylesterase (CbE), as well as higher levels of carbonyl proteins and MDA. Animals exposed to Mix showed higher activity in CbE and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity in the liver, as well as higher levels of MDA. In the brain and muscle of tadpoles exposed to Mix, acetylcholinesterase activity was higher. Histological changes were also observed in pesticide-exposed animals, such as increased occurrence of melanomacrophages, inflammatory infiltrates and congestion. Our data evidences the contamination of natural aquatic environments by rice pesticides, and the adverse effects of main ones in B. faber tadpoles, which suggests the contribution of pesticides derived from rice cultivation to the degradation of local biodiversity health.

Integrating pollutant levels and biochemical biomarkers in oysters (Crassostrea rhizophorae and Crassostrea gasar) indicates anthropic impacts on marine environments along the coast of Santa Catarina state, Brazil.

This study aimed to carry out a general diagnosis of the contamination of the coastal marine environment of the Santa Catarina state (SC, Brazil) by different classes of environmental pollutants, as well as to evaluate possible adverse effects of the contaminants on biochemical biomarkers of oysters, Crassostrea gasar and Crassostrea rhizophorae. 107 chemicals were evaluated in water, sediment and oyster samples from nine sites along the coastline of SC. We also examined various biochemical biomarkers in the oysters' gills and digestive glands to assess potential effects of contaminants. In general, the northern and central regions of the littoral of SC presented higher occurrences and magnitudes of contaminants than the southern region, which is probably related to higher urbanization of center and northern areas of the littoral. The biomarker analysis in the oysters reflected these contamination patterns, with more significant alterations observed in regions with higher levels of pollutants. Our results may serve as a first baseline for future and more extensive monitoring actions and follow-up of the degree of contamination in the state, allowing for inspection actions and management of areas most affected by marine pollutants.

Prednisone and prednisolone effects on development, blood, biochemical and histopathological markers of Aquarana catesbeianus tadpoles.

Synthetic glucocorticoids are often found in surface waters and can cause harmful effects to aquatic organisms such as amphibians. In this work we evaluated the effects of the drugs prednisone (PD) and prednisolone (PL) on developmental, molecular, blood, biochemical and histological markers. Aquarana catesbeianus tadpoles were exposed for 16 days to environmentally relevant concentrations of 0, 0.1, 1 and 10 µg/L of both drugs. PD increased the transcript levels of the enzyme deiodinase III (Dio3), the hormones cortisol and T4 and delayed development. Changes in the thyroid gland occurred after tadpoles were exposed to both drugs, with a reduction in the diameter and number of follicles and an increase/or decrease in area. Also, both drugs caused a decrease in lymphocytes (L) and an increase in neutrophils (N), thrombocytes, the N:L ratio and lobed and notched erythrocytes. Increased activity of the enzymes superoxide dismutase, glutathione S-transferase and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase was observed after exposure to PD. Furthermore, both drugs caused an increase in the activity of the enzymes catalase and glutathione peroxidase. However, only PD caused oxidative stress in exposed tadpoles, evidenced by increased levels of malondialdehyde and carbonyl proteins. Both drugs caused an increase in inflammatory infiltrates, blood cells and melanomacrophages in the liver. Our results indicate that PD was more toxic than PL, affecting development and causing oxidative stress.

Emerging and legacy contaminants on the Brazilian southern coast (Santa Catarina): A multi-biomarker approach in oysters Crassostrea gasar (Adanson, 1757).

Coastal environments, such as those in the Santa Catarina State (SC, Brazil), are considered the primary receptors of anthropogenic pollutants. In this study, our objective was to evaluate the levels of emerging contaminants (ECs) and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in indigenous Crassostrea gasar oysters from different regions of SC coast in the summer season (March 2022). Field collections were conducted in the São Francisco do Sul, Itajaí, Florianópolis and Laguna coastal zones. We analyzed the bioaccumulation levels of 75 compounds, including antibiotics (AB), endocrine disruptors (ED), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and pesticides. Furthermore, we assessed biomarker responses related to biotransformation, antioxidant defense, heat shock protection and oxidative damage in oysters' gills. Prevalence of ECs was observed in the central and southern regions, while the highest concentrations of POPs were detected in the central-northern regions of SC. Oysters exhibited an induction in biotransformation systems (cyp2au1 and cyp356a1, sult and GST activity) and antioxidant enzymes activities (SOD, CAT and GPx). Higher susceptibility to lipid peroxidation was observed in the animals from Florianópolis compared to other regions. Correlation analyses indicated possible associations between contaminants and environmental variables in the biomarker responses, serving as a warning related to climate change. Our results highlight the influence of anthropogenic activities on SC, serving as baseline of ECs and POPs levels in the coastal areas of Santa Catarina, indicating more critical zones for extensive monitoring, aiming to conserve coastal regions.

Impact of HLA eplet mismatch load in immunological outcomes after living donor kidney transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: HLA eplets mismatches (eMM) have been associated with negative kidney outcomes after transplantation, such as the development of de novo donor-specific antibody (dnDSA), antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR), and early graft loss. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical effects of the HLA eMM load on dnDSA development, ABMR, renal function, allograft survival and graft loss. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study involved 159 living donor kidney transplant patients categorized into groups based on antigen HLA mismatches assessed traditionally and HLA eMM load. Patients had followed for at least one year. The EpViX online program was used to evaluate the HLA eMM load. Cox models were constructed to assess the risk of graft loss. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were carried out. The analyses had performed using the R program and p < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: From all 159 patients, 28 (17.6%) lost their allografts. Rejection episodes occurred in 37.1% of patients, 13.6% of whom were ABMR. Patients with rejection episodes had higher HLA-AB (p = 0.032) and HLA-DR (p = 0.008) HLA eMM load, HLA-AB (p = 0.006) and HLA-DR (p = 0.009) antigens mismatches, and higher proportions of the following eMM in the HLA-DR locus: 70R eMM (p = 0.015), 70RE (p = 0.015), 74E (p = 0.015) and 48Q (p = 0.047). In multiple models, the presence of HLA-DR 70qq eMM (HR 3.75, 95% CI 1.47; 9.55) add an increase in creatinine levels at 1-year (HR 3.87, 95% CI 2.30, 6.53) were associated with the risk of graft loss. CONCLUSION: The HLA eMM load was related to episodes of rejection and allograft loss. The HLA-DR eMM was most strongly associated with a worse immunologic outcome than eMM mismatches for HLA-AB.

Using climate reanalysis and remote sensing-derived data to create the basis for predicting the occurrence of algal blooms, harmful algal blooms and toxic events in Santa Catarina, Brazil.

This study aimed to form a basis for future predictive modeling efforts in support of the harmful algal blooms (HAB) surveillance program currently in force in the Brazilian State of Santa Catarina (SC). Data from monitoring toxin-producing algae were merged with both meteorological and oceanographic data and analyzed. Data from four sources were used in this study: climate reanalysis (air temperature, pressure, cloud cover, precipitation, radiation, U and V winds); remote sensing (chlorophyll concentration and sea surface temperature); Oceanic Niño Index; and HAB monitoring data (phytoplankton counts and toxin levels in shellfish samples obtained from 39 points located in shellfish farms distributed along the SC coastline). This study analyzed the period from 2007-01-01 to 2019-12-31 (7035 records in the HAB database) and used descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analyses to draw correlations among environmental parameters and the occurrence of algal blooms (AB), HAB and toxic events. Dinophysis spp. AB were the most registered type of event and tended to occur during the late autumn and winter months. These events were associated with high atmospheric pressure, predominance of westerly and southerly winds, low solar radiation and low sea and air temperature. An inverted pattern was observed for Pseudo-nitzschia spp. AB, which were mostly registered during the summer and early autumn months. These results give evidence that the patterns of occurrence of highly prevalent toxin-producing microalgae reported worldwide, such as the Dinophysis AB during the summer, differ along the coast of SC. Our findings also show that meteorological data, such as wind direction and speed, atmospheric pressure, solar radiation and air temperature, might all be key predictive modeling input parameters, whereas remote sensing estimates of chlorophyll, which are currently used as a proxy for the occurrence of AB, seem to be a poor predictor of HAB in this geographic area.

Latex-Free Anesthesia for Craniosynostosis Surgery Associated With Xia-Gibbs Syndrome: A Case Report.

This case report describes the anesthetic management of a one-year-old patient with Xia-Gibbs syndrome, which is a rare genetic condition caused by a mutation in the AHDC1 gene. The procedure involved calvarial vault remodeling and fronto-orbital advancement to correct a left coronal craniosynostosis. In addition, the patient had a history of seizures and latex-fruit syndrome, which necessitated careful preoperative planning and management. Despite the difficulties provided by the patient's cranial abnormalities and the paucity of literature on anesthetic experiences with the condition, the treatment was completed successfully and without complications. Insights are offered about the anesthetic approach for this syndromic pediatric patient undergoing neurosurgery with a high risk of bleeding. It is important to understand and prepare for the perioperative implications of this disease in order to achieve a safe outcome.

Oxidative status of Ctenomys flamarioni (Rodentia: Ctenomyidae) in natural areas with different levels of anthropic activity in southern Brazil.

Rampant urbanization in coastal environments turns areas close to the seafront into a highly impacted ecosystem, possibly affecting the health and well-being of resident animal species. The tuco-tuco Ctenomys flamarioni is an endemic and endangered subterranean mammal from southern Brazil, and the anthropic influence was considered one of the main threats to the species. In this context, the present study aimed to investigate the patterns of oxidative status of the species in natural areas with different levels of anthropogenic disturbance. We evaluated two populations of C. flamarioni, one located in an area with intense anthropogenic impact due to urbanization and tourist activity, and the other in a non-impacted area. Oxidative injury parameters (lipid peroxidation and carbonylated protein levels), and the activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, glutathione S-transferase and carboxylesterase were measured. Individuals inhabiting the impacted area had lower G6PDH activity and higher levels of carbonylated proteins. This combination of higher level of oxidative damage and lower antioxidant activity is an indication that the oxidative status of animals in the impacted population is possibly being affected as a consequence of anthropogenic activities in this environment. The values of the parameters obtained in the current study can be used as a reference of the oxidative state of C. flamarioni in future studies with tuco-tucos.