Early visual intervention, visual function analysis, and grating visual acuity outcomes in children with congenital Zika syndrome

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study aimed to assess grating visual acuity and functional vision in children with congenital Zika syndrome. Methods: Initial and final grating visual acuity was measured using Teller acuity cards. Cerebral vision impairment standardized tests were used to assess functional vision. Patients were referred to the early visual intervention program for visually disabled children. Neuroimaging was performed. Results: In this study, 10 children were included with an age range of 1-37 months. Eight patients presented with macular atrophic scars. Neuroimaging revealed microcephaly and cerebral abnormalities in all patients. Low vision and cerebral vision impairment characteristics were observed in all children. The final grating visual acuity in this group varied from 3.00 to 0.81 logMAR. Conclusions: The grating visual acuity test revealed low vision in all children with congenital Zika syndrome. Functional vision evaluation revealed cerebral vision impairment characteristics in all patients, who were referred to the early visual intervention program. Visual acuity improved in six children.

O efeito conjunto de gemelaridade e prematuridade no aleitamento materno exclusivo na alta hospitalar / The joint effect of twinning and prematurity on exclusive breastfeeding at hospital discharge / El efecto conjunto de la gemelaridad y la prematuridad en la lactancia materna exclusiva al momento del alta hospitalaria

Objetivo: estimar a prevalência de Aleitamento Materno Exclusivo (AME) entre gemelares pré-termos e investigar o efeito de nascer gemelar e pré-termo no AME na alta hospitalar. Método: coorte prospectiva de recém-nascidos em uma instituição localizada no Rio de Janeiro, no período de 13 de março de 2017 a 12 de outubro de 2018. Dados coletados em questionário e prontuário médico. Foi utilizado DAG para construção do modelo conceitual, análise exploratória dos dados e regressão logística múltipla. Resultados: a prevalência de AME na alta hospitalar de gemelares pré-termos foi de 47,8%. Pré-termos apresentaram maior chance de não estarem em AME na alta hospitalar. Não gemelares apresentaram maior chance de não estarem em AME na alta hospitalar. Conclusão: pouco mais da metade dos gemelares pré-termo não estavam em AME na alta hospitalar. Prematuros tiveram maior chance de não estarem em AME. Não gemelares pré-termo apresentaram maior chance de não estarem em AME.

Objective: to estimate the prevalence of Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) in preterm twins and to investigate the effect of twin and preterm birth on EBF at hospital discharge. Method: prospective cohort of newborns in an institution located in Rio de Janeiro, from March 13, 2017, to October 12, 2018. Data collected through a questionnaire and medical records. A DAG was used to build the conceptual model, exploratory data analysis and multiple logistic regression. Results: prevalence of EBF at hospital discharge of preterm twins of 47.8%. Preterm infants were more likely to not be on EBF at hospital discharge. Non-twins were more likely to not be on EBF at hospital discharge. Conclusion: just over half of preterm twins were not on EBF at hospital discharge. Preterm infants had a greater chance of not being on EBF. Preterm non-twins were more likely to not be on EBF.

Objetivo: estimar la prevalencia de Lactancia Materna Exclusiva (LME) entre gemelos prematuros y investigar el efecto de nacer gemelo y prematuro en la LME al momento del alta hospitalaria. Método: cohorte prospectiva de recién nacidos en una institución ubicada en Rio de Janeiro, entre 13//marzo/2017 y 12/octubre/2018. Los datos se recolectaron mediante cuestionario y expediente médico. Se utilizó DAG para la construcción del modelo conceptual, análisis exploratorio de los datos y regresión logística múltiple. Resultados: la prevalencia de LME en el alta hospitalaria de gemelos prematuros fue del 47,8%. Los prematuros tuvieron mayor probabilidad de no estar en LME en el alta hospitalaria. Los no gemelares tuvieron mayor probabilidad de no estar en LME en el alta hospitalaria. Conclusión: poco más de la mitad de los gemelos prematuros no estaban en LME en el alta hospitalaria. Los prematuros tuvieron mayor probabilidad de no estar en LME. Los no gemelos prematuros presentaron mayor probabilidad de no estar en LME.

Representações sociais sobre o planejamento reprodutivo entre mulheres em gravidez não planejada / Social representations of reproductive planning among women with unplanned pregnancies / Representaciones sociales sobre la planificación reproductiva de las mujeres con embarazo no planificado

Objetivo: conhecer as representações sociais sobre o planejamento reprodutivo entre mulheres em gravidez não planejada na Estratégia Saúde da Família. Método: estudo qualitativo, orientado pela Teoria das Representações Sociais, realizado com 15 gestantes, entre abril e maio de 2019. Utilizou-se a entrevista semiestruturada. Os dados foram organizados por meio do Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo, com auxílio do software DSCsoft©. Protocolo de pesquisa aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa. Resultados: as representações sociais das mulheres em gravidez não planejada evidenciadas pelo Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo foram representadas por oito ideias centrais, a saber: "eu não me preveni, nem ele", "nós nos prevenimos", "eu comprava", "pegava no posto", "construir uma família", "ter esse acesso", "estou por fora" e "eu sei que é disponível". Conclusão: as representações sociais nos discursos das mulheres em gravidez não planejada estavam pautadas no desconhecimento acerca do planejamento reprodutivo, dos anticoncepcionais disponíveis e seu uso correto.

Objective: to understand the social representations of reproductive planning among women with unplanned pregnancies in the Family Health Strategy. Method: qualitative study, guided by the Theory of Social Representations, carried out with 15 pregnant women between April and May 2019. Semi-structured interviews were used. The data was organized using the Discourse of the Collective Subject, with the aid of DSCsoft© software. Research protocol approved by the Research Ethics Committee. Results: the social representations of women with unplanned pregnancies as evidenced by the Collective Subject Discourse were represented by eight central ideas, namely: "I didn't prevent myself, nor did he", "we prevented ourselves", "I would buy it", "I would get it at the health center", "build a family", "have this access", "I am not aware" and "I know it is available". Conclusion: the social representations in the women's speeches about unplanned pregnancies were based on a lack of knowledge about reproductive planning, the contraceptives available and their correct use.

Objetivo: conocer las representaciones sociales sobre la planificación reproductiva de las mujeres con embarazo no planificado en la Estrategia Salud de la Familia. Método: estudio cualitativo, basado en la Teoría de las Representaciones Sociales, realizado con 15 mujeres embarazadas, entre abril y mayo de 2019. Se utilizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas. Los datos fueron organizados mediante el Discurso del Sujeto Colectivo, con ayuda del software DSCsoft©. El protocolo de investigación fue aprobado por el Comité de Ética en Investigación. Resultados: las representaciones sociales de las mujeres con embarazo no planificado reveladas por el Discurso del Sujeto Colectivo fueron representadas por ocho ideas centrales, a saber: "yo no me cuidé y él tampoco", "nos cuidamos", "yo los compraba", "los buscaba en el centro de salud", "construir una familia", "tener acceso", "no participo" y "sé que está disponible". Conclusión: las representaciones sociales en los discursos de las mujeres con embarazo no planificado se basaron en la falta de conocimiento sobre la planificación reproductiva, en los anticonceptivos disponibles y su uso correcto.

Escala de alerta precoce na identificação de pacientes com risco de deterioração clínica / Early warning scale for identifying patients at risk of clinical deterioration / Escala de alerta temprana en la identificación de pacientes con riesgo de deterioro clínico

Objetivo: avaliar pontuação da National Early Warning Score (NEWS) em relação ao tipo de desfecho e perfil dos pacientes da enfermaria clínica médica de um hospital em Teresina, Piauí, Brasil. Método: estudo quantitativo realizado num hospital público, em Teresina, com 150 prontuários de pacientes internados no setor clínica médica de fevereiro de 2022 a dezembro de 2022, a partir de registros demográficos, clínicos e valores da escala na admissão e desfecho. Resultados: houve associação dos valores da escala com a faixa etária (p=0,029), tempo de internação (p=0,023) e tipo de desfecho (p < 0,001). Alto risco clínico prevaleceu entre pacientes do sexo masculino (13%), na faixa etária de 60 a 94 anos (13%), com permanência de 21 a 57 dias (19,2%) e óbito como desfecho (100%). Conclusão: implementação da referida escala evidenciou ser fundamental para prever agravos clínicos e melhorar qualidade da assistência.

Objective: to evaluate the National Early Warning Score (NEWS) in relation to the type of outcome and profile of patients in the medical clinical ward of a hospital in Teresina, Piauí, Brazil. Method: a quantitative study conducted in a public hospital in Teresina, with 150 medical records of patients admitted to the medical clinic sector from February 2022 to December 2022, based on demographic and clinical records and scale values at admission and outcome. Results: there was an association between the scale values and the age group (p=0.029), length of stay (p=0.023) and type of outcome (p < 0.001). High clinical risk prevailed among male patients (13%), aged between 60 and 94 years (13%), with a stay of 21 to 57 days (19.2%), and death as an outcome (100%). Conclusion: implementation of the aforementioned scale proved to be fundamental for predicting clinical problems and improving care quality.

Objetivo: evaluar el puntaje de la National Early Warning Score (NEWS) con respecto al tipo de desenlace y el perfil de los pacientes de la enfermería clínica médica de un hospital en Teresina, Piauí, Brasil. Método: estudio cuantitativo realizado en un hospital público en Teresina, con 150 historiales médicos de pacientes internados en el sector de clínica médica desde febrero de 2022 hasta diciembre de 2022, a partir de registros demográficos, clínicos y valores de la escala en la admisión y desenlace. Resultados: hubo asociación de los valores de la escala con la edad (p=0,029), tiempo de internación (p=0,023) y tipo de desenlace (p < 0,001). El alto riesgo clínico prevaleció entre los pacientes del sexo masculino (13%), en la franja de edad entre 60 y 94 años (13%), con una estancia de 21 a 57 días (19,2%) y fallecimiento como desenlace (100%). Conclusión: la implementación de dicha escala demostró ser fundamental para prever agravios clínicos y mejorar la calidad de la asistencia.

Clinical impact of sex differences and procedural setting in transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a well-established treatment for symptomatic patients with aortic stenosis. Yet, the impact of sex differences and public vs. private procedural setting on TAVI outcomes remain uncertain. METHODS: The RIBAC-NT (Brazilian Registry for Evaluation of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Outcomes) dataset included 3194 TAVI patients from 2009 to 2021. This retrospective analysis explored disparities in baseline characteristics, procedural and in-hospital outcomes stratifying patients by sex and procedural setting. Temporal trends were also investigated. RESULTS: We included 1551 (49 %) female and 1643 (51 %) male patients. Women were older (83 [78-87] vs. 81 [75-85] years; p < 0.01) but had a lower prevalence of diabetes mellitus (30.2 % vs. 36.3 %, p < 0.01) and coronary artery disease (39.0 % vs. 52.2 %, p < 0.01). However, women had a 3-fold higher higher risk of life-threatening bleeding (6.1 % vs. 2.4 %, p < 0.01). Women presented higher procedural and in-hospital mortality rates (4.4 % vs. 2.5 % and 7.7 % vs. 4.5 %, all p < 0.01, respectively). Although public hospitals presented ~2-fold higher procedural mortality rate compared with private settings (5.0 % vs. 2.7 %, p < 0.01), after multivariable analysis procedural setting was not independently associated with in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Women had higher procedural and in-hospital mortality rates after TAVI as compared with men, while facing higher life-threatening bleeding and adverse events rates. Although public hospitals exhibited higher mortality rates than private centers, procedural setting was not independently associated with in-hospital mortality.

Bio-fertilizer applications from poultry slaughterhouses in subtropical agriculture - Interactions between soil structure and nitrate dynamics.

The No-till system and organic fertilization combined can be a potential strategy to avoid nutrient leaching, as the soil structure plays a crucial role in retaining them. In this study, we evaluated the influence of different rates of a bio-fertilizer made of industrial organic waste (IOW) from a poultry slaughterhouse on the percolation and stocks of nitrate in disturbed and undisturbed soil samples collected from a subtropical no-till field in southern Brazil. In an incubation experiment, we performed a percolation experiment using lysimeters and simulated rainfall for 180 days and evaluated the remaining soil nitrate stock after the incubation period. We set up a completely randomized experiment with three replicates using four IOW rates (equivalent to 0, 2, 4, and 8 Mg ha-1) and two sample types: disturbed and undisturbed soils. Using the bio-fertilizer increased nitrate mineralization from 0.77 to 1.55 kg ha-1 day-1. Overall, the IOW application increased the amount of percolated nitrate, significantly influenced by the simulated rainfall (p < 0.01). The amount of water flushed through the lysimeters was significantly higher for the disturbed soils (p < 0.05, LSD test), suggesting that the loosened structure promoted a higher water flux. No differences were observed between undisturbed and disturbed samples for nitrate percolation, implying that the amount of nitrate in the liquid soil phase may be a more critical factor in determining nitrate leaching than the water flux. The disturbed samples presented significantly higher nitrate percolation with increasing IOW rates, regardless of precipitation. Stocks in the 0-5 cm depth were 6.6 kg ha-1 higher for undisturbed samples (p < 0.05, LSD test). This result suggests preserving the soil structure can significantly increase the nitrate stocks upon IOW application.

Role of Nitric oxide synthase II in cognitive impairment due to experimental cerebral malaria.

The role of nitric oxide (NO) in the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria and its cognitive sequelae remains controversial. Cerebral malaria is still the worst complication of Plasmodium falciparum infection, which is characterized by high rates of morbidity and mortality. Even after recovery from infection due to antimalarial therapy, the development of cognitive impairment in survivors reinforces the need to seek new therapies that demonstrate efficacy in preventing long-lasting sequelae. During disease pathogenesis, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) are produced after the established intense inflammatory response. Increased expression of the enzyme inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) seems to contribute to tissue injury and the onset of neurological damage. Elevated levels of NO developed by iNOS can induce the production of highly harmful nitrogen-reactive intermediates such as peroxynitrite. To address this, we performed biochemical and behavioral studies in C57BL6 mice, aminoguanidine (specific pharmacological inhibitor of the enzyme iNOS) treated and iNOS-/-, infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA (PbA), with the aim of clarifying the impact of iNOS on the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria. Our findings underscore the effectiveness of both strategies in reducing cerebral malaria and providing protection against the cognitive impairment associated with the disease. Here, the absence or blockade of the iNOS enzyme was effective in reducing the signs of cerebral malaria detected after six days of infection. This was accompanied by a decrease in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. In addition, nitrotyrosine (NT-3), a marker of nitrosative stress, was also reduced. Futher, cognitive dysfunction was analyzed fifteen days after infection in animals rescued from infection by chloroquine treatment (25 mg/kg bw). We observed that both interventions on the iNOS enzyme were able to improve memory and learning loss in mice. In summary, our data suggest that the iNOS enzyme has the potential to serve as a therapeutic target to prevent cognitive sequelae of cerebral malaria.

Effects of the control of an invasive tree on the structure of a plant-frugivore network.

Invasive non-native species are one of the main causes of degradation of ecosystems worldwide. The control of invasive species is key to reducing threats to ecosystem viability in the long term. Observations of structural changes in ecological interaction networks following invasive species suppression can be useful to monitor the success of ecological restoration initiatives. We evaluated the structure of plant-bird frugivory interaction networks in a plant community invaded by the guava tree (Psidium guajava L.) by comparing network metrics before and after control actions. Psidium guajava was relevant in all metrics for the unmanaged network in this study, with high degree centrality and high nestedness contribution. Based on the asymmetry of species interactions, we found that birds were highly dependent on the invasive plant before suppression. Once P. guajava trees were eliminated, bird and plant species richness, total number of interactions, and modularity increased, whereas nestedness and interaction strength asymmetry decreased. The diet of the bird community became more diversified once P. guajava was no longer available and relevant species roles in community structure emerged. Our results corroborate the fact that ecological restoration interventions should include the control of non-native plant species that attract frugivorous animals in order to diversify plant-frugivore interactions and thus maintain biodiversity in natural ecosystems.

Further description of the phenotypic spectrum of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 11.

PURPOSE: Ceroid lipofuscinosis type 11 (CLN11) is a very rare disease, being reported in only 13 unrelated families so far. Further reports are necessary to comprehend the clinical phenotype of this condition. This article aims to report nine additional cases of CLN11 from nine unrelated Latin American families presenting with relatively slow disease progression. METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study including patients with CLN11. Patients were identified through an active search for GRN pathogenic variants across the entire database of next-generation sequencing (NGS) of a commercial laboratory and by contacting attending physicians to check for clinical and radiologic findings compatible with a neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis phenotype. RESULTS: Nine CLN11 patients from unrelated families were evaluated. Age of onset varied between 3 to 17 years. The most common findings were visual impairment, cerebellar ataxia, seizures, myoclonus and cognitive decline. One patient had a previously unreported finding of cervical, perioral and tongue myoclonus. Most of the patients were able to walk unassisted after an average of 14.2 years (SD 4.76y) from disease onset. CONCLUSION: We describe nine new cases of a very rare type of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (CLN11) from Latin America with a recurrent p.(Gln257ProfsTer27) and a novel p.(Cys83Ter) nonsense variant. Our findings suggest that a slowly progressive NCL might be a clue for the diagnosis of CLN11.

Association between delta anion gap/delta bicarbonate and outcome of surgical patients admitted to intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing high-risk surgeries with acid-based disorders are associated with poor outcomes. The screening of mixed acid-based metabolic disorders by calculating delta anion gap (AG)/delta bicarbonate (Bic) has a clinically relevant role in patients with high AG metabolic acidosis (MA), however its utility in individuals facing high-risk surgical procedures remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: Characterize metabolic acidosis using delta-AG/delta-Bic and its associations in patients undergoing high-risk surgeries with possible outcome-related complications. DESIGN: Prospective observational multicentric study. SETTING: Three tertiary hospitals in Brazil. PATIENTS: Patients undergoing high-risk surgeries, aged 18 years or older, requiring postoperative critical care. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patients undergoing high-risk surgeries monitored during the postoperative phase across three distinct intensive care units (ICUs), with assessment encompassing laboratory analyses upon admission and 24 h thereafter. Patients with MA and with elevated AG within 24 h were separated into 3 subgroups: [G1 - delta-AG/delta-Bic < 1.0] MA associated with hyperchloremia; [G2 - delta-AG/delta-Bic between 1.0 and 1.6] MA and no mixed disorders; and [G3 - delta-AG/delta-Bic > 1.6] MA associated with alkalosis. Primary endpoint was 30-day mortality. The secondary endpoints were cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, neurological, coagulation and infective complications. RESULTS: From the 621 surgical patients admitted to ICU, 421 (51.7%) had any type of acidosis. After 24 h, 140 patients remained with MA with elevated AG (G1: 101, G2: 18, and G3: 21). When compared to patients from subgroups 1 and 3, the subgroup with no mixed disorders 2 showed higher 30-day mortality (adjusted HR = 3.72; 95% CI 1.11-12.89, p = 0.001), cardiovascular complications (p = 0.001), ICU mortality (p = 0.03) and sum of all complications during the ICU period (p = 0.021). CONCLUSION: In the postoperative time, patients with metabolic acidosis and no mixed disorders present higher ICU-Mortality and higher cardiovascular postoperative complications when compared with patients with combined hyperchloremia or alkalosis. Delta-AG/delta-Bic can be a useful tool to evaluate major clinical outcomes in this population.

The Effects of Collagen Peptides as a Dietary Supplement on Muscle Damage Recovery and Fatigue Responses: An Integrative Review.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The oral administration of hydrolyzed collagen peptides is a scientifically validated intervention for enhancing skeletal muscle health and performance. This integrative review consolidates the evidence supporting the use of low molecular weight collagen peptides (2000-3500 daltons) for their superior bioavailability and absorption. Our objective was to review the effects of collagen peptide or hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on muscle damage, recovery, and construction related to physical exercise. METHODS: A bibliographic search was conducted in major English-language databases, including PubMed/Medline, using terms like "Peptides Collagen and Damage" and "collagen peptides AND Soreness Muscle". This review followed PRISMA guidelines, with bias risk assessed via the PEDro scale. The inclusion criteria were (a) randomized clinical trials, (b) randomized studies in humans with a control or placebo group, (c) studies assessing muscle damage or delayed onset muscle soreness via physiological markers or strength performance tests, and (d) studies using hydrolyzed collagen or collagen peptides. RESULTS: Initially, 752 articles were identified. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, including duplicate removal, eight articles with 286 participants were included. Of these, 130 participants received collagen peptide supplementation, while 171 received a placebo or control. CONCLUSION: This integrative review supports the potential of collagen peptide supplementation to mitigate muscle stress from acute strenuous resistance training. However, due to the methodological heterogeneity among the studies, further clinical trials are needed to clarify the mechanisms underlying muscle improvement with collagen supplementation.

The EAT-Lancet diet associated cardiovascular health parameters: evidence from a Brazilian study.

BACKGROUND: The EAT-Lancet diet is a diet aimed at promoting population and planetary health from the perspective of sustainable diets in terms of environmental and health aspects. This study aimed to assess the association between adherence to the EAT-Lancet diet and cardiometabolic risk factors among adults and elderly individuals in a capital city in the northeastern region of Brazil. METHODS: This is an analytical cross-sectional observational study from a population-based sample conducted between 2019 and 2020, involving 398 non-institutionalized adults and elderly people, of both sexes from "Brazilian Usual Consumption Assessment" study (Brazuca-Natal). There was a 38% response rate due to the suspension of data collection due to the covid-19 pandemic, but According to the comparative analysis of socioeconomic and demographic variables between the surveyed and non-surveyed sectors, losses were found to be random (p = 0.135, Little's MCAR test). Socioeconomic and lifestyle data, anthropometric measurements, and dietary consumption were collected. We used the Planetary Health Diet Index (PHDI) and the Cardiovascular Health Diet Index (CHDI) for cardiovascular health to assess adherence to the diet's sustainability. The evaluated cardiometabolic parameters included fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements. We also assessed the presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, and dyslipidemia. For the data analyses, sample weights and the effect of the study design were taken into account. Pearson's chi-square test was used to evaluate the statistical significance of frequencies. Multiple linear regression models assessed the associations between PHDI and CHDI and its components and the cardiometabolic parameters. RESULTS: The mean PHDI was 29.4 (95% CI 28.04:30.81), on a total score ranging from 0 to 150 points and the mean CHDI was 32.63 (95% CI 31.50:33.78), on a total score ranging from 0 to 110 points. PHDI showed a significant positive association with the final CHDI score and components of fruits, vegetables, and legumes, and a negative association with Ultra-processed Food (UPF) (p < 0.05). Notably, among the most consumed UPF, the following stand out: "packaged snacks, shoestring potatoes, and crackers" (16.94%), followed by margarine (14.14%). The PHDI exhibited a significant association with diabetes and dyslipidemia, as well as with systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, and LDL-C. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that adopting the EAT-Lancet diet is associated with the improvement of key cardiovascular health indicators.

Oscillometry in Asthma: Respiratory Modeling and Analysis in Occupational and Work-Exacerbated Phenotypes.

Background: Asthma onset or worsening of the disease in adulthood may be associated with occupational asthma (OA) or work-exacerbated asthma (WEA). Oscillometry and respiratory modeling offer insight into the pathophysiology and contribute to the early diagnosis of respiratory abnormalities. Purpose: This study aims to compare the changes due to OA and WEA and evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of this method. Patients and Methods: Ninety-nine volunteers were evaluated: 33 in the control group, 33 in the OA group, and 33 in the WEA group. The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) was used to describe diagnostic accuracy. Results: Oscillometric analysis showed increased resistance at 4 hz (R4, p<0.001), 20 hz (R20, p<0.05), R4-R20 (p<0.0001), and respiratory work (p<0.001). Similar analysis showed reductions in dynamic compliance (p<0.001) and ventilation homogeneity, as evaluated by resonance frequency (Fr, p<0.0001) and reactance area (p<0.0001). Respiratory modeling showed increased peripheral resistance (p<0.0001), hysteresivity (p<0.0001), and damping (p<0.0001). No significant changes were observed comparing OA with WEA in any parameter. For OA, the diagnostic accuracy analyses showed Fr as the most accurate among oscillometric parameters (AUC=0.938), while the most accurate from respiratory modeling was hysteresivity (AUC=0.991). A similar analysis for WEA also showed that Fr was the most accurate among traditional parameters (AUC=0.972), and hysteresivity was the most accurate from modeling (AUC=0.987). The evaluation of differential diagnosis showed low accuracy. Conclusion: Oscillometry and modeling have advanced our understanding of respiratory abnormalities in OA and WEA. Furthermore, our study presents evidence suggesting that these models could aid in the early diagnosis of these diseases. Respiratory oscillometry examinations necessitate only tidal breathing and are straightforward to conduct. Collectively, these practical considerations, coupled with the findings of our study, indicate that respiratory oscillometry in conjunction with respiratory modeling, may enhance lung function assessments in OA and WEA.

Application Techniques and Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid to Reduce Saline Stress in Passion Fruit.

Salinity restricts the growth of irrigated fruit crops in semi-arid areas, making it crucial to find ways to reduce salt stress. One effective strategy is using eliciting substances like ascorbic acid. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of application methods and concentrations of ascorbic acid on the morphophysiology and production of sour passion fruit irrigated with saline water. The experiment was organized using a factorial randomized block design (3 × 3 × 2) with three application methods (soaking, spraying, and soaking and spraying), three concentrations of ascorbic acid (0, 0.8, and 1.6 mM) and two levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water-ECw (0.8 and 3.8 dS m-1). Foliar spraying of ascorbic acid at a concentration of 0.8 mM mitigated the effects of salt stress on the relative water content of leaves, the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments, gas exchange, and total production of sour passion fruit when irrigated with ECw of 3.8 dS m-1. Plants grown with water of 0.8 dS m-1 and under foliar application of 0.8 mM of ascorbic acid achieved the maximum growth in stem diameter and the greatest volume of pulp in the fruits.

Multiple-Yolk-Shell NiO Microspheres for Selective Detection of m-Xylene.

m-Xylene is a volatile organic compound that is extensively used in various industrial processes. It is toxic, posing significant risks to human health and the environment. Therefore, developing gas sensors with high sensitivity and selectivity for m-xylene detection is critical. In this work, we demonstrated the synthesis of NiO-yolk double-shell (NiO-YDS) and NiO-yolk triple-shell (NiO-YTS) derived from NiO/Ni-BTC and NiO/Ni-PTA composites, respectively, using the microwave-assisted solvothermal method from Ni-BTC-derived NiO spheres. The NiO/Ni-BTC composite has trimesic acid (H3BTC) as an organic linker, while NiO/Ni-PTA has p-terephthalic acid (PTA). We investigated the sensing properties of these materials for 2-butanone, 2-nonanone, 3-methyl-1-butanol, acetone, benzene, ethanol, methanol, and m-xylene. These composites exhibited excellent sensitivity and selectivity for detecting m-xylene under dry conditions. Specifically, the NiO-YTS sensor showed a sensitivity of 217.5% to m-xylene, while the NiO-YDS sensor demonstrated a sensitivity of 179.8% at 350 °C in dry air. We emphasize the NiO-YTS composite due to its superior sensitivity and selectivity in detecting m-xylene compared with the NiO-YDS composite. The NiO-YTS sensor exhibited stable and reproducible sensing performance for 100 ppm of m-xylene under optimum working conditions, with a theoretical detection limit of 5.43 ppb and relatively fast response time (89 s) and recovery time (191 s). This work describes an easy method for synthesizing NiO-YDS and NiO-YTS derived from NiO/Ni-BTC and NiO/Ni-PTA composites. It demonstrates that these composites represent a new class of materials that can potentially enhance the sensitivity and selectivity of m-xylene gas sensors.

Occurrence of Babesia and Anaplasma in ruminants from the Catimbau National Park, Semiarid Region of Northeast Brazil.

Babesiosis and Anaplasmosis are diseases associated with economic losses; ticks and blood-sucking flies are important zoonotic vectors and reservoirs. This study aimed to investigate the presence of anti-Babesia spp. and anti-Anaplasma marginale antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), in ruminants at the Catimbau National Park. Blood samples were collected from 119 sheep, 119 goats, and 47 cattle. Rhipicephalus microplus ticks were collected from cattle. ELISA showed seropositivity of 34% (16/47), 20.3% (24/119), and 16% (19/119) for anti-Babesia bovis; 34% (16/47), 15.2% (18/119), and 9% (7/119) for anti-Babesia bigemina; and 34% (16/47), 35.6% (42/119), and 17% (20/119) for anti-A. marginale antibodies in cattle, goats, and sheep, respectively. The information collected using an epidemiological questionnaire showed that mostly are breed in a semi-intensive system, with access to Caatinga vegetation. The circulation of B. bovis, B. bigemina, and A. marginale was confirmed. Thus, based on the prevalence, this suggests this is an enzootic instability area and is prone to outbreaks.

Corrigendum to "Once-weekly insulin icodec versus once-daily long-acting insulins for type 2 diabetes mellitus: Systematic review and meta-analysis" [Metabolism Open, 22 (2024) 100285].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.metop.2024.100285.].

Mas receptor blockade impairs exercise-induced cardiac hypertrophy.

Exercise training leads to physiological cardiac hypertrophy and the protective axis of the renin-angiotensin system composed of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, angiotensin-(1-7), and Mas receptor seems involved in this process. However, the role of the basal activity of the Mas receptor in exercise-induced physiological cardiac hypertrophy is still unclear. We evaluated the effects of the Mas receptor blockade on the left ventricular structure and function of rats submitted to running training. Rats were assigned to 4 groups: sedentary (S), sedentary + A-779 (Mas receptor antagonist, 120 µg/kg/day, i.p.; SA), trained (60-minute treadmill running sessions, five days a week, 8 weeks; T), and trained + A-779 (TA). Systolic blood pressure was higher in sedentary and trained rats treated with A-779 at the end of the experimental period. The A-779 treatment prevented the left ventricular hypertrophy evoked by physical exercise and increased collagen deposition in sedentary and trained rats. Cardiomyocytes from the SA group presented increased length and thickness of the sarcomeres, elongated mitochondria, glycogen deposits, and enlarged cisterns of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. TA group presented a reduced sarcomere thickness and cytoplasm with a degenerative aspect. These findings show that the basal activity of the Mas receptor is essential for the proper turnover of the extracellular matrix in the myocardium and the maintenance of the sarcomeric structure of cardiomyocytes.

Homologous equivalence study of immunogenicity after third dose of Covid-19 vaccine (recombinant) with an interval of six months after the second dose, comparing the interval of eight and 12 weeks between the first two doses.

BACKGROUND: In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, Brazil authorised the Astra Zeneca/Fiocruz vaccine in January 2021. As the Delta variant emerged in May 2021, interval between vaccine doses was adjusted. By September 2021, the Brazilian National Immunisation Program recommended a booster dose for individuals over 70, and later expanded the recommendation to all adults. OBJECTIVES: Assess the equivalence of IgG antibody response against the Covid-19 S protein before and approximately 28 days after the third dose of a Covid-19 recombinant vaccine. Two groups received initial two doses with intervals of eight and 12 weeks. METHODS: This is a phase IV clinical study, uncontrolled, non-randomised. The study proposes calculating the ratio of geometric means titres (GMT) 28 days after the third dose, with a target ratio of confidence interval (CI) between 0.77 and 1.3. FINDINGS: In the primary endpoint, there was no equivalence between the eight- and 12-week intervals with a slight variation favouring the eight-week group. Post-third dose, both groups showed increases titres at 28 days, three months, six months and 12 months. Both groups responded similarly to Delta and Omicron BA.1, with a more significant increase for Delta. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: The study showed strong and consistent immune response in all age groups receiving the Covid-19 recombinant vaccine. Third dose elicited an increase in GMT by at least three times aligned with Ministry of Health strategies emphasising Bio-Manguinhos crucial role in pandemic control in the country.