Fine-scale movement response of juvenile brown trout to hydropeaking.

Juvenile fish are known to be the most impacted during hydropeaking events due to stranding or uncontrolled drift resulting from changes to water depth and flow velocity. To shed light on their response to such hydraulic alterations, we coupled flume experiments with image-based fish tracking and quantified the fine-scale movement behavior of wild (n = 30) and hatchery-reared (n = 38) brown trout (Salmo trutta) parr. We exposed fish to two distinct hydropeaking treatments in a laterally inclined (14 %) flume section stocked with real cobbles to create refuge and heterogeneous hydraulic conditions. Fish were individually acclimated (20 min) to baseflow (Q = 1.6 L s-1) and then exposed to three consecutive hydropeaking events, reaching peakflows tenfold larger than baseflow (Q = 16 L s-1). We found that, within just minutes, fish exhibited fine-scale movement responses to cope with the change of hydrodynamic conditions. Fish moved perpendicular to the main flow direction to shallow areas as these became submerged during discharge increase, holding position at low velocity zones. This resulted in a significant difference (p < 0.001) in lateral occupancy of the experimental section between baseflow and peakflow. During peakflow, fish occupied specific positions around cobbles and exhibited swimming behaviors, including bow-riding and entraining, that allowed them to hold position while likely minimizing energy expenditure. As a result, swimming distance reduced 60-70 % compared to baseflow. During the decrease in discharge following peakflow, fish abandoned areas falling dry by moving laterally. In the treatment with the larger down-ramping rate, the time to initiate relocation was lower while the relocation speed was higher. This study shows that, for the conditions investigated here, brown trout parr is capable of swiftly deploying multiple behavioral responses to navigate rapid changes in hydrodynamic conditions. These findings can be incorporated into habitat modeling and improve our capacity to inform hydropeaking mitigation efforts.

Combination of Phytoactives in the Diet of Lactating Jersey Cows: Effects on Productive Efficiency, Milk Composition and Quality, Ruminal Environment, and Animal Health.

This study's objective was to evaluate whether adding a combination of phytoactive (microencapsulated essential oils, minerals, turmeric extract, tannin, prebiotic, and probiotic) to the feed of lactating Jersey cows positively affects the production, composition, and quality of milk, rumen environment, and animal health. Fourteen Jersey cows were divided into two groups (control and phytogenic) for an experiment with two lactation phases of 45 days each (early lactation and mid-lactation). During the experiment, milk production was higher at various times in cows that consumed phytoactive, and these animals had the best feed efficiency. In mid-lactation, phytoactive intake increased nutrient digestibility. The number of lymphocytes in the blood is reduced when cows consume phytoactive substances. Globulin levels increased in these cows fed with the additive, which may be related to a higher concentration of immunoglobulins, especially IgA. Cows fed phytoactives had lower ceruloplasmin and haptoglobin concentrations. Lower serum lipid peroxidation, associated with greater glutathione S-transferase activity, is a good health indicator in cows that consume phytoactive substances. The higher concentration of volatile fatty acids was due to the higher proportion of acetic acid in the ruminal fluid combined with lower butyric acid. Somatic cell counts in milk were lower in cows that consumed phytoactives during mid-lactation, as well as the effect of the treatment on Streptococcus spp. (lower in cows that consumed the additive). We conclude that consuming the additive benefits cows' health modulates rumen fermentation and nutrient digestibility, and positively affects milk production and quality.

Use of Integral Forage Palm Flour as an Innovative Ingredient in New Fettuccine-Type Pasta: Thermomechanical and Technological Properties, and Sensory Acceptance.

Dehydrated integral forage palm cladode flour (FPF) presents a promising nutritional and functional approach to enriching fettuccine-type pasta. This study investigated the use of microwave-dehydrated FPF (at 810 W) as a partial wheat flour substitute (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% w/w) in fresh and dry fettuccine-type pasta. The thermomechanical properties of flour blends and the technological and sensory attributes of the resulting pasta were evaluated. FPF displayed a high protein (15.80%), mineral (15.13%), dietary fiber (67.35%), and total soluble phenolic compound (251 mg EAG·100 g-1) content. While water absorption (~58%) and dough stability remained consistent across formulations, a decrease in maximum torque during heating was observed (p < 0.05). Fettuccine-type pasta containing 10% FPF exhibited an acceptable optimal cooking time, solid loss, weight gain, and textural properties for both fresh and dry pasta. Sensory evaluation revealed acceptability above 63% for pasta with 10% FPF, with a slight preference for the fresh version. Fresh pasta flavored with garlic and extra virgin olive oil (garlic and oil pasta) achieved a sensory acceptance rate of 79.67%. These findings demonstrate the potential of FPF for fettuccine-type pasta production, contributing desirable technological characteristics and achieving acceptable sensory profiles.

Tutton salt (NH4)2Zn(SO4)2(H2O)6: thermostructural, spectroscopic, Hirshfeld surface, and DFT investigations.

CONTEXT: Ammonium Tutton salts have been widely studied in recent years due to their thermostructural properties, which make them promising compounds for application in thermochemical energy storage devices. In this work, a detailed experimental study of the Tutton salt with the formula (NH4)2Zn(SO4)2(H2O)6 is carried out. Its structural, vibrational, and thermal properties are analyzed and discussed. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) studies confirm that the compound crystallizes in a structure of a Tutton salt, with monoclinic symmetry and P21/a space group. The Hirshfeld surface analysis results indicate that the main contacts stabilizing the material crystal lattice are H···O/O···H, H···H, and O···O. In addition, a typical behavior of an insulating material is confirmed based on the electronic bandgap calculated from the band structure and experimental absorption coefficient. The Raman and infrared spectra calculated using DFT are in a good agreement with the respective experimental spectroscopic results. Thermal analysis in the range from 300 to 773 K reveals one exothermic and several endothermic events that are investigated using PXRD measurements as a function of temperature. With increasing temperature, two new structural phases are identified, one of which is resolved using the Le Bail method. Our findings suggest that the salt (NH4)2Zn(SO4)2(H2O)6 is a promising thermochemical material suitable for the development of heat storage systems, due to its low dehydration temperature (≈ 330 K), high enthalpy of dehydration (122.43 kJ/mol of H2O), and hydration after 24 h. METHODS: Computational studies using Hirshfeld surfaces and void analysis are conducted to identify and quantify the intermolecular contacts occurring in the crystal structure. Furthermore, geometry optimization calculations are performed based on density functional theory (DFT) using the PBE functional and norm-conserving pseudopotentials implemented in the Cambridge Serial Total Energy Package (CASTEP). The primitive unit cell optimization was conducted using the Broyden-Fletcher-Goldfarb-Shanno (BFGS) algorithm. The electronic properties of band structure and density of states, and vibrational modes of the optimized crystal lattice are calculated and analyzed.

Factors associated with burnout in military police officers in a city in Paraná.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the association between burnout and sociodemographic, work factors, lifestyle habits and health conditions of military police officers in a municipality in the state of Paraná, Brazil. METHOD: cross-sectional research with 131 military police officers. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software and the R program. Chi-square, Fisher's exact and Poisson Generalized Linear Model tests were used. RESULTS: most participants (65.6%) had a high level of burnout. In relation to protective factors, those who carried out leisure activities had a 33.6% chance of not developing burnout. Conjugality was also a protective factor. Not practicing physical activity and leisure activities are factors that can contribute to the occurrence of burnout. CONCLUSIONS: important factors and high rates of burnout were observed in the police officers investigated. It is necessary to implement public health policies to reduce burnout with attention focused on this professional category.

Um caso de estenose de artéria renal por displasia fibromuscular: devemos resistir à tentação de revascularizar estes pacientes? / A case of renal artery stenosis due to fibromuscular dysplasia: should we resist the temptation to revascularize these patients?

INTRODUÇÃO: A hipertensão renovascular (HRV) é uma das principais causas de hipertensão arterial (HA) secundária, 90% das vezes por aterosclerose. A displasia fibromuscular (DFM) é uma doença vascular sistêmica rara, com incidência predominante em mulheres abaixo dos 50 anos e responsável por 10% dos casos de HRV. O padrão-ouro no tratamento da HRV por DFM é a angioplastia percutânea por balão (APB), com relatos de taxa de cura da HA de 35 a 80%. RELATO DE CASO: Mulher de 50 anos, com diagnóstico de HA aos 28 anos, relato de pré-eclâmpsia com dois abortos e mantendo quadro de HA refratária (PA média na MAPA de 24h: PA181x112 mmHg) em uso diário de olmesartana 40mg, clortalidona 25mg, metildopa 1500mg, anlodipino 10mg, espironolactona 50mg, hidralazina 100mg e metoprolol 100mg, foi submetida a rastreio de HA secundária. Observou-se no doppler de artérias renais (AR) estenose de AR direita maior que 60%, confirmada e melhor caracterizada na angiotomografia como múltiplas estenoses sugestivas de DFM. Demais exames complementares: aldosterona 8 ng/dL, atividade de renina plasmática: 0,8 ng/ml/h e creatinina: 0,8 mg/dL. A pesquisa de lesão de órgão-alvo revelou retinopatia grau 3 de Keith Wagener Barker; microalbuminúria (137 mg/g) hipertrofia ventricular esquerda (massa indexada de VE: 159g/m2). Foi submetida à APB com stent da AR direita, com resultado angiográfico satisfatório e sem intercorrências clínicas. PA na alta 160x108 mmHg e creatinina mantida em 0,8 mg/dL. Manteve-se hipertensa apesar das 7 classes medicamentosas prescritas e MAPA de 24h realizado 15 dias após o procedimento revelou PA média: 182x109 mmHg. CONCLUSÃO: Relatamos um caso de HA refratária associada à estenose de AR direita por DFM, submetida a APB e implante de stent, sem benefício clínico associado, mantendo-se a refratariedade do quadro hipertensivo ao longo do seguimento ambulatorial. A APB figura na literatura como o padrão-ouro no tratamento da DFM. Estudos observacionais reportam taxas de controle pressórico em torno de 70% e de cura da HA em aproximadamente 50% dos pacientes. Todavia, o caráter observacional desses estudos limita suas conclusões e os maiores estudos clínicos randomizados de revascularização arterial renal excluíram indivíduos com DFM. Este caso se soma ao conjunto de evidências contrárias à revascularização rotineira da AR na DFM. O tratamento precisa ser individualizado com base em novos preditores clínico-laboratoriais de sucesso.

Um caso de hipertensão refratária associada a hiperparatireoidismo normocalcêmico: cúmplices ou mútuos espectadores? / A case of refractory hypertension associated with normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism: accomplices or mutual spectators?

INTRODUÇÃO O hiperparatireoidismo é considerado uma causa endócrina de hipertensão arterial (HA) secundária. Contudo, a natureza dessa associação é ainda controversa na literatura. RELATO DE CASO Paciente de sexo masculino, 53 anos de idade, com antecedente de HA desde os 30 anos, em estágio III ao diagnóstico, evoluiu com HA refratária apesar do uso de 7 classes de anti-hipertensivos: Olmesartana (40mg/dia), Anlodipino (10mg/dia), Clortalidona (25mg/dia), Espironolactona (25mg/dia), Atenolol (50mg/dia) e Hidralazina (150mg/dia), mantendo PA total de 135/95 na MAPA de 24h e apresentando retinopatia hipertensiva grau II e microalbuminúria. Ao longo do acompanhamento foi identificado hiperparatireoidismo normocalcêmico: paratormônio (PTH)= 117 pg/mL (VR: 18-88); cálcio sérico total= 8,9 mg/dL; 25-OH- vitamina D= 17,8 ng/mL, com evidência de captação tênue de formação nodular filiforme adjacente ao polo superior do lobo tireoidiano esquerdo (1,4cmx0,2cm) em cintilografia de paratireoide. Dada a ausência de sintomas e por se tratar de alteração discreta, optou-se por tratamento conservador com reposição de colecalciferol e carbonato de cálcio. No entanto, apesar da reposição ao longo de um ano, o PTH permaneceu elevado (118 pg/mL) e a HA continuou refratária. DISCUSSÃO Numerosos estudos observacionais reportam uma correlação positiva entre PTH e níveis de PA, tanto no hiperparatireoidismo primario como no secundário, independente da presença de hipercalcemia. Alem disso, evidência experimental aponta efeitos vasoativos diretamente atribuíveis ao PTH, assim como aumento da secreção de renina, promoção de rigidez arterial e hipertrofia ventricular. Apesar disso, uma relação causal ainda não foi definitivamente estabelecida e alguns autores sugerem inclusive causalidade reversa. No caso aqui exposto a hipótese de associação causal é sugerida pela refratariedade do quadro hipertensivo que acompanha a elevação sustentada dos níveis de PTH. A comprovação dessa causalidade se daria pelo controle da HA mediante a paratireoidectomia. No entanto, em casos limítrofes como o presente, o procedimento não é rotineiramente indicado, não sendo portanto possível assinar um veredito de cumplicidade.

Mulher jovem com agenesia total de pericárdio: relato de caso e revisão de literatura / Young woman with total pericardial agenesis: case report and literature review

INTRODUÇÃO: A agenesia do pericárdio é uma patologia rara, com prevalência de 1:14.000 casos pela literatura. Seu diagnóstico é habitualmente incidental, visto que a maioria dos casos são assintomáticos. Pode ocorrer de forma total ou parcial, sendo três vezes mais prevalente entre indivíduos do sexo masculino. DESCRIÇÃO DO CASO: Paciente do sexo feminino, 28 anos de idade com história de derrame pleural à esquerda recorrente desde 2012 associada a dor ventilatório-dependente em hemitórax esquerdo. Ao exame físico apresentava desvio de ictus para linha axilar posterior, sem outros achados. Eletrocardiograma com desvio extremo do eixo para a direita e distúrbio de condução pelo ramo direito, Holter 24h com ausência de ectopias ou pausas, Ecocardiograma com desvio extremo do ápice cardíaco (ambos os ventrículos) para região axilar posterior e hipermobilidade cardíaca durante o exame, além de Ressonância Magnética Cardíaca evidenciando levoposição excessiva do coração, hipermobilidade ventricular e interposição de parênquima pulmonar entre o tronco pulmonar e a aorta ascendente, todos achados sugestivos de agenesia de pericárdio. DISCUSSÃO: A agenesia de pericárdio, embora frequentemente assintomática, pode manifestar-se com sintomas variados como dor torácica, dispneia, tonturas ou síncope, decorrentes de um defeito congênito no desenvolvimento da membrana pleuropericárdica esquerda. Em casos de defeitos parciais, onde os sintomas são mais prevalentes, pode ocorrer herniação e encarceramento do apêndice atrial esquerdo ou do ventrículo esquerdo, situações que demandam reparo cirúrgico urgente utilizando materiais sintéticos ou pericárdio bovino. No caso relatado, os achados de desvio extremo do ápice cardíaco e interposição de parênquima pulmonar entre o tronco pulmonar e a aorta ascendente indicam agenesia total. A decisão contra a intervenção cirúrgica foi baseada na ausência de risco iminente de morte súbita, sublinhando a importância de uma avaliação criteriosa dos riscos versus benefícios da cirurgia em casos de agenesia completa.

Limitações do doppler renal no diagnóstico de hipertensão renovascular: um relato de caso / Limitations of renal doppler in the diagnosis of renovascular hypertension: a case report

INTRODUÇÃO: O Ultrassom Doppler de artérias renais (USD-AR) com análise de velocidade de pico sistólico (VPS) é utilizado na investigação inicial de pacientes com suspeita de hipertensão (HAS) renovascular com sensibilidade de 85% e especificidade de 92%. Se trata, no entanto, de avaliação sujeita a variabilidade examinador-dependente. Apresentamos o caso de uma paciente com HAS refratária com exames ultrassonográficos iniciais discordantes. RELATO DE CASO: Paciente de 60 anos, com diagnóstico de HAS desde os 48 anos, foi encaminhada para centro de referência após episódio de AVC isquêmico por suspeita de HAS secundária. MAPA de 24h na admissão mostrava PA média total de 204/122 mmHg em vigência de Losartana e Hidroclorotiazida. Após ajustes terapêuticos sequenciais, obteve-se redução parcial dos níveis tensionais (PA média total no MAPA de 24h: 164x95 mmHg, em vigência de 7 classes: Olmesartana, Clortalidona, Lercanidipino, Carvedilol, Espironolactona, Hidralazina e Alfametildopa), mantendose, no entanto, fora da meta de PA e configurando quadro de HAS refratária. Dois USD-AR foram realizados em serviços diferentes, revelando resultados contraditórios. O USD-AR1 mostrava rim direito excluído e VPS da AR esquerda de 235 cm/s, enquanto no USD-AR2 a VPS da AR esquerda foi de 22 cm/s e a origem da AR direita não foi visualizada por interposição gasosa. A paciente foi submetida a arteriografia renal que revelou obstrução proximal (70%) da AR esquerda e oclusão total da AR direita. Optouse por angioplastia com implante de stent em AR esquerda com bom resultado angiográfico (Fig.1) e evolução clínico-laboratorial favorável (MAPA: PA total média = 135x75 mmHg na vigência de 6 classes; Creatinina plasmática pré- e pós-angioplastia: 2,2 mg/dL e 1,4 mg/dL, respectivamente). DISCUSSÃO: O exame de USD-AR é útil no rastreio da HAS renovascular, mas sua acurácia é examinador-dependente. Por isso, frente a resultado negativo e alto grau de suspeita clínica a investigação deveria prosseguir com exames como a angiotomografia, a angiorressonância e a arteriografia, que é o padrão-ouro para a identificação de estenose de AR.

Vertical Transmission of Oropouche Virus in a Newly Affected Extra-Amazon Region: A Case Study of Fetal Infection and Death in Ceará, Brazil / Transmisión vertical del virus Oropouche en una región extraamazónica recientemente afectada: un estudio de caso de infección y muerte fetal en Ceará, Brasil / Transmissão vertical do vírus Oropouche em uma região extra-amazônica recentemente afetada: um estudo de caso de infecção fetal e morte no Ceará, Brasil

The recent geographic spread of Oropouche virus (OROV), coupled with an increase in cases and the emergence of previously unrecognized severe manifestations, has raised significant public health concerns. We report the case of a 40-year-old family farmer at 31 weeks of gestation who presented with fever, myalgia, and headache. OROV infection was confirmed by RT-qPCR, with other infections ruled out. Initially, maternal and fetal health assessments revealed no complications. However, within a week, the patient noted decreased fetal movements, and ultrasound confirmed fetal demise. Molecular diagnostics identified OROV RNA in multiple fetal tissues, confirming vertical transmission. This case highlights the urgent need to protect pregnant women against viral vectors and include OROV into the differential diagnosis of febrile illnesses. Furthermore, it is critical to further investigate the pathogenic mechanisms of this virus, which may lead to changes in public health policies and clinical guidelines.

La reciente propagación geográfica del virus Oropouche (OROV), junto con un aumento de casos y la aparición de manifestaciones graves no reconocidas previamente, ha suscitado importantes preocupaciones de salud pública. Informamos del caso de un agricultor familiar de 40 años de edad con 31 semanas de gestación que presentó fiebre, mialgia y dolor de cabeza. La infección por OROV se confirmó mediante RT-qPCR, y se descartaron otras infecciones. Inicialmente, las evaluaciones de salud materna y fetal no revelaron complicaciones. Sin embargo, en una semana, la paciente notó una disminución de los movimientos fetales y la ecografía confirmó la muerte fetal. Los diagnósticos moleculares identificaron ARN de OROV en múltiples tejidos fetales, lo que confirmó la transmisión vertical. Este caso destaca la necesidad urgente de proteger a las mujeres embarazadas contra los vectores virales e incluir OROV en el diagnóstico diferencial de enfermedades febriles. Además, es fundamental investigar más a fondo los mecanismos patogénicos de este virus, lo que puede conducir a cambios en las políticas de salud pública y las pautas clínicas.

A recente disseminação geográfica do vírus Oropouche (OROV), juntamente com um aumento de casos e o surgimento de manifestações graves não reconhecidas anteriormente, levantou preocupações significativas de saúde pública. Relatamos o caso de uma agricultora familiar de 40 anos com 31 semanas de gestação que apresentou febre, mialgia e dor de cabeça. A infecção por OROV foi confirmada por RT-qPCR, com outras infecções descartadas. Inicialmente, as avaliações de saúde materna e fetal não revelaram complicações. No entanto, dentro de uma semana, a paciente notou diminuição dos movimentos fetais, e o ultrassom confirmou a morte fetal. O diagnóstico molecular identificou o RNA do OROV em vários tecidos fetais, confirmando a transmissão vertical. Este caso destaca a necessidade urgente de proteger as mulheres grávidas contra vetores virais e incluir o OROV no diagnóstico diferencial de doenças febris. Além disso, é fundamental investigar mais profundamente os mecanismos patogênicos deste vírus, o que pode levar a mudanças nas políticas de saúde pública e diretrizes clínicas.

Analysis of the influence of occupational, sociodemographic and health factors on the demotivation of the intensivist.

Introduction: Understanding motivation, identifying motivational factors of health professionals, and recognizing how managers and leaders can successfully motivate healthcare professionals is a growing concern. Objectives: To assess the occupational, sociodemographic, and health factors that influence the occurrence of demotivation in the intensive care unit professionals. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study with health professionals from nine intensive care units in João Pessoa, Paraíba state, Brazil. Data were collected using an adapted version of the Health Care Establishment Questionnaire. We built a Logistic Regression model to analyze the influence of variables on the motivational state, and variables were selected by the Backward method. We used 80% of the sample for parameter estimation and the remaining 20% for testing and validation. We used the R software for the analyses, with a significance level of α ≤ 0.05. Results: We identify that the variable with the greatest power over the intensivist's demotivation was shift work (odds ratio [OR] = 4.215, p = 0.006). The number of symptoms (OR = 1.206, p = 0.000) and working time (OR = 1.080, p = 0.031) were also significant risk variables. When the three variables were combined, the professional's chance of feeling unmotivated increased by 38 times (OR = 38.99, p = 0.000). Conclusions: Based on these results, it is possible to identify aspects that will require organizational adjustments so that intensivists remain satisfied and motivated.

Introdução: Há uma crescente preocupação em relação a entender os fenômenos da motivação, identificar os fatores motivadores dos profissionais de saúde e reconhecer como o gestor e os líderes conseguem motivar a equipe com sucesso. Objetivo: Avaliar os fatores ocupacionais, sociodemográficos e de saúde que influenciam na ocorrência de desmotivação no profissional de saúde intensivista. Métodos: Tratou-se de um estudo transversal, realizado com profissionais de saúde de nove unidades de terapia intensiva localizadas em João Pessoa, no estado da Paraíba, Brasil. Os dados foram coletados por meio de uma versão adaptada do Health Care Establishment Questionnaire. Para análise da influência das variáveis sobre o estado motivacional, construiu-se um modelo de regressão logística, com seleção de variáveis pelo método backward. Utilizou-se 80% do total da amostra para estimação dos parâmetros, e os 20% restantes foram usados para o teste e a validação dos resultados. As análises foram realizadas no software R, com nível de significância de α ≤ 0,05. Resultados: Identificou-se que a variável com maior poder sobre a desmotivação do intensivista foi o trabalho em turnos (razão de chances [OR] = 4,215, p = 0,006). O quantitativo de queixas sintomatológicas (OR = 1,206, p = 0,000) e o tempo de trabalho (OR = 1,080, p = 0,031) também foram variáveis significativas sobre o risco. Quando as três variáveis estiveram combinadas, aumentou-se em 38 vezes a chance de o profissional se sentir desmotivado (OR = 38,99, p = 0,000). Conclusões: Com base nesses resultados, é possível identificar aspectos do trabalho que exigem ajustes organizacionais para que os intensivistas mantenham-se satisfeitos e motivados.

Microemulsions strongly promoted the activity of α-bisabolol against different Leishmania species and its skin permeation.

This study aimed to develop microemulsions (MEs) containing α-bisabolol for the topical treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Initially, pseudoternary phase diagrams were developed using α-bisabolol as the oil phase, Eumulgin® CO 40 as the surfactant, Polymol® HE as the co-surfactant, and distilled water as the aqueous phase. Two transparent liquid systems (TLS) containing 5% of α-bisabolol were selected and characterized (F5E25 and F5EP25). Next, skin permeation and retention assays were performed using Franz cells. The interaction of the formulation with the stratum corneum (SC) was evaluated using the FTIR technique. The cytotoxicity was evaluated in murine peritoneal macrophages. Finally, the antileishmanial activity of microemulsions was determined in promastigotes and amastigotes of L. amazonensis (strain MHOM/BR/77/LTB 0016). As a result, the selected formulations showed isotropy, nanometric size (below 25 nm), Newtonian behavior and pH ranging from 6.5 to 6.9. The MEs achieved a 2.5-fold increase in the flux and skin-permeated amount of α-bisabolol. ATR-FTIR results showed that microemulsions promoted fluidization and extraction of lipids and proteins of the stratum corneum, increasing the diffusion coefficient and partition coefficient of the drug in the skin. Additionally, F5E25 and F5EP25 showed higher activity against promastigotes (IC50 13.27 and 18.29, respectively) compared to unencapsulated α-bisabolol (IC50 53.8). Furthermore, F5E25 and F5EP25 also showed antileishmanial activity against intracellular amastigotes of L. amazonensis, with IC50 50 times lower than free α-bisabolol and high selectivity index (up to 15). Therefore, the systems obtained are favorable to topical administration, with significant antileishmanial activity against L. amazonensis promastigotes and amastigotes, being a promising system for future in vivo trials.

Highly sensitive voltammetric determination of hydrochlorothiazide using a glassy carbon electrode modified with Super P carbon black nanoparticles.

Hydrochlorothiazide is an extremely important diuretic that regulates body functions, which can prevent several diseases. However, the abuse of this diuretic is concerning since it does not require a medical prescription, particularly for aesthetic purposes such as weight loss, which can lead to various health problems, including ventricular arrhythmia. The present work aims to use a glassy carbon electrode modified with Super P carbon black (SPCB/GCE) to quantify hydrochlorothiazide through Linear Sweep Adsorptive Stripping Voltammetry (LSAdSV). The modification of the GCE with SPCB significantly improved the response of hydrochlorothiazide. Furthermore, due to the adsorptive nature of charge transport, applying preconcentration time enhanced sensitivity. The optimized system provided a linear range of 0.5 to 30.0 µmol L-1 with a detection limit of 0.083 µmol L-1. Pharmaceutical tablet analyses indicated approximately 25 mg per tablet, which was confirmed by the UV-vis and in agreement with that indicated by the manufacturer. Furthermore, analyses of the tea, synthetic urine, tap water and lake water samples indicated recovery values close to 100%, demonstrating that there was no matrix effect. Therefore, it is possible to infer that the proposed method together with the sensor modified with carbon black nanoparticles presented excellent results, demonstrating that it can be an alternative method of monitoring this drug in different samples.

Bioactive Compounds in Citrus Species with Potential for the Treatment of Chronic Venous Disease: A Review.

Chronic venous disease (CVD) significantly impacts global health, presenting a complex challenge in medical management. Despite its prevalence and the burden it places on healthcare systems, CVD remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the bioactive compounds in the Citrus genus, exploring their therapeutic potential in CVD treatment and addressing the gap in current treatment modalities. A narrative review methodology was adopted, focusing on the pharmacological effects of Citrus-derived bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and terpenes. Additionally, the review introduced the DBsimilarity method for analyzing the chemical space and structural similarities among Citrus compounds. The review highlights the Citrus genus as a rich source of pharmacologically active compounds, notably flavonoids and terpenes, which exhibit significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and veno-protective properties. Some of these compounds have been integrated into existing therapies, underscoring their potential for CVD management. The DBsimilarity analysis further identified many clusters of compounds with more than 85% structural similarity. Citrus-derived bioactive compounds offer promising therapeutic potential for managing CVD, showcasing significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and veno-protective effects. The need for further comparative studies, as well as safety and efficacy investigations specific to CVD treatment, is evident. This review underlines the importance of advancing our understanding of these natural compounds and encouraging the development of novel treatments and formulations for effective CVD management. The DBsimilarity method's introduction provides a novel approach to exploring the chemical diversity within the Citrus genus, opening new pathways for pharmacological research.

Dual-Target Additively Manufactured Electrochemical Sensor for the Multiplexed Detection of Protein A29 and DNA of Human Monkeypox Virus.

Herein, we present the first 3D-printed electrochemical portable biodevice for the detection of monkeypox virus (MKPV). The electrochemical device consists of two biosensors: an immunosensor and a genosensor specifically designed for the detection of the protein A29 and a target DNA of MKPV, respectively. The electrodes were manufactured using lab-made ultraflexible conductive filaments composed of carbon black, recycled PLA from coffee pods, and castor oil as a plasticizer. The sensors created through 3D printing technology exhibited good reproducibility and repeatability of analytical responses. Furthermore, both the immunosensor and genosensor demonstrated excellent MKPV detection capabilities, with a linear range from 0.01 to 1.0 µmol L-1 for the antigen and 0.1 to 20.0 µmol L-1 for the DNA target. The biosensors achieved limits of detection of 2.7 and 29 nmol L-1 for the immunosensor and genosensor, respectively. Interference tests conducted with the biosensors demonstrated their selectivity for MKPV. Moreover, analyses of fortified human serum samples showed recoveries close to 100%, confirming the absence of significant matrix effects for MKPV analysis. Therefore, the 3D-printed multiplex device represents a viable and highly promising alternative for on-site, portable, and rapid point-of-care MKPV monitoring.

Handgrip Strength and Clinical Evolution of People Living with HIV: A Mini Narrative Review.

HIV infection is a worldwide epidemic. Antiretroviral therapy allows people living with HIV (PLHIV) increased longevity and a better quality of life. Among the various ways of monitoring the clinical evolution of PLHIV, handgrip strength (HGS) is a promising strategy, as this test can be used to assess the health condition quickly and at a low cost. In this sense, the present study aims to describe, through a literature review, the relationship between HGS and the clinical evolution of PLHIV, especially with morbimortality. Initially, it is highlighted that aging, HIV infection, and excess body fat are related to the loss of HGS in PLHIV. Furthermore, PLHIV is more likely to present cardiometabolic diseases that can be aggravated by reduced HGS. Thus, in people without positive HIV serology, low HGS indirectly, through the presence of risk factors or cardiometabolic diseases, or directly increases the chance of mortality. In conclusion, the lack of studies on this topic for PLHIV is highlighted, and more longitudinal studies, including control groups, are needed.

Influence of extended working hours and physical recovery on absenteeism in the footwear industry from a system dynamics model.

Objectives. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are recurrent in the footwear industry, resulting in absenteeism. This study aimed to quantitatively analyze the influence of overtime work and physical recovery time on the occurrence of WMSD-related absenteeism using a system dynamics model. As ergonomic methods have limitations in quantitatively simulating the behavior of these relationships, the integration of computational modeling techniques has emerged as a methodological alternative to bridge this gap. Methods. An ergonomic work analysis (EWA) was developed in a production cell of a large company. A model of causal relationships (causal loop diagram) and a simulation model (flow and stock diagram) were then developed, where three scenarios for overtime and physical recovery time were analyzed. Results. Working an additional hour resulted in a 42% increase in physical overload, leading to 7.62 leave requests per year and 78.7 days of employee absenteeism. Increasing the physical recovery time by 15 min reduced the overload to 36.5%, resulting in 6.8 leave requests per year and 71.1 days of employee absenteeism. Conclusions. Properly managing excess workload and providing adequate physical recovery for professionals is necessary to mitigate the productivity impacts of absenteeism in the footwear industry.

Essential oils and capsaicin in the diet of Jersey cows at early lactation and their positive impact on anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunological responses.

The objective of this work was to determine whether the addition of phytogenic compounds based on essential oils (carvacrol, eugenol, cinnamaldehyde) and resinous pepper oil (capsaicin) to the diet of Jersey cows at the beginning of lactation affects anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulatory responses, as well as whether there are effects of EO on blood metabolites, ruminal fermentation, digestibility and milk production and composition. Six primiparous cows (370.00 ± 17 kg body weight (BW); 13.02 kg dry matter intake (DMI); 21 days of lactation and average milk production of 20 ± 2 L per day) were allocated to crossed experimental design (2 × 2) with two experimental periods of 28 days and two treatments. Blood, milk and rumen fluid were collected and, at the end of each period, feed and feces samples were collected to evaluate the apparent digestibility of nutrients. The groups were control (CLT) without supplementation and treated (BEO) with the addition of 150 mg/kg of dry matter of the phytogenic to the concentrated portion of the diet. Cows in the BEO group had lower numbers of leukocytes (P ≤ 0.05) and lymphocytes (P ≤ 0.02), but total protein and globulin levels were higher on days 21 and 28 (P ≤ 0.01). In the BEO group, the levels of immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin heavy chain and transferrin were higher (P ≤ 0.05). The levels of ceruloplasmin, haptoglobin and C-reactive protein were lower in the BEO group (P ≤ 0.05). Lipid peroxidation levels and protein carbonyl content were lower in the BEO group. The total antioxidant capacity (P ≤ 0.09) and the activity of glutathione S-transferase (P ≤ 0.03) and glutathione peroxidase (P ≤ 0.05) were higher in the BEO group. Cows in the BEO group had lower pH (P ≤ 0.05), acetic acid concentrations (P ≤ 0.01) and higher protozoa counts (P ≤ 0.01). Our results suggest that phytogenic supplementation has positive effects on the health of Jersey cows in early lactation, characterized by immunostimulant, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Alternative to antimicrobial growth promoters in the diets of broilers challenged with subclinical necrotic enteritis.

Necrotic enteritis (NE) is a disease of worldwide distribution, which affects young broilers and causes economic losses on a scale of 6 billion dollars per year. For decades, NE was controlled in poultry flocks by dietary administration of low doses of antimicrobial growth promoters (AGPs). However, an increase in NE incidence was noted after the AGP ban. This study aimed to compare the effect of an antibiotic (Enramycin) diet to a combination of sodium butyrate, hydrolyzed yeast, and zinc proteinate (ViligenTM) on broiler diets regarding performance, blood parameters, intestinal permeability, morphology and lesions, and carcass yield of broilers challenged with Eimeria spp. and Clostridium perfringens to simulate subclinical necrotic enteritis. A total of 1,150 one-day-old male broiler chickens with an initial average weight of 43.9 ± 0.65 g were allocated to 50 experimental pens. Animals were divided into 5 groups: Negative control (NC) without additives; Positive control (PC) with 0.12 g/ton of Enramycin (8%); V500, V1000, and V1500 with the addition of 500, 1.000, and 1.500 g/ton of Viligen, respectively. All animals were challenged by Eimeria spp. at 7 d of age and by C. perfringens at 17, 18, and 19 d for induction of subclinical NE. The broilers fed with all concentrations of Viligen showed similar performance, blood parameters, intestinal permeability, and carcass yield compared to PC broilers. However, NC broilers showed higher FCR compared to PC broilers from 1 to 33 d (1.42 vs. 1.39) (P = 0.048) and from 1 to 42 d (1.51 vs. 1.49) (P < 0.001). V1500 broilers had fewer intestinal lesions at 28 d when compared to the PC treatment (P < 0.05) and showed that higher Viligen inclusion resulted in lower intestinal damage. At 21 d, the V500 group showed higher intestinal morphology characteristics (VH:VD 4.9 vs. 3.5) compared to the PC treatment (P < 0.001). Thus, in this study, the dietary addition of Viligen to broilers challenged by an experimental model of subclinical NE resulted in lower intestinal damage and similar performance to that obtained by the addition of Enramycin.