A thiomolybdate cluster for visible-light-driven hydrogen evolution: comparison of homogeneous and heterogeneous approaches.

This study investigates the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) efficiency of two photosystems incorporating an all-inorganic molecular thiomolybdate [Mo3S13]2- cluster as a HER catalyst. First, we delve into the performance of a homogeneous [Mo3S13]2-/[Ru(bpy)3]2+ (Mo3/Ru) dyad which demonstrates high turnover frequencies (TOFs) and apparent quantum yields (AQYs) at 445 nm approaching the level of 0.5%, yet its performance is marked by pronounced deactivation. In contrast, a heterogeneous approach involves anchoring [Mo3S13]2- onto graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) nanosheets through weak electrostatic association with its triazine/heptazine scaffold. [Mo3S13]2-/GCN (Mo3/GCN) displays effective H2 generation under visible light, with TOF metrics on par with those of its homogeneous analog. Although substantial leaching of [Mo3S13]2- species from the Mo3/GCN surface occurs, the remaining {Mo3}-based centers demonstrate impressive stability, leading to enduring HER performance, starkly distinguishing it from the homogeneous Mo3/Ru photosystem. Photoluminescence (PL) quenching experiments confirm that the performance of Mo3/GCN is not limited by the quality of the inorganic interface, but could be optimized by using higher surface area supports or a higher concentration of [Mo3S13]2- sites. Our findings showcase complexities underlying the evaluation and comparison of photosystems comprising well-defined catalytic centers and pave the way for developing analogous surface-supported (photo)catalysts with broad use in energy applications.

Detection of a Multiple Circulation Event of Dengue Virus 2 Strains in the Northern Region of Brazil.

Dengue virus serotype 2 (DENV-2) is responsible for dengue epidemics on a global scale and is associated with severe cases of the disease. This study conducted a phylogenetic investigation of DENV-2 isolates from 2017 to 2021 originating from the northern states of Brazil. A total of 32 samples from DENV-2 isolates were analyzed, including 12 from Acre, 19 from Roraima, and one from Tocantins. Only one lineage of the Asian-American genotype and one lineage of the cosmopolitan genotype were observed: Lineage 1, Asian-American genotype (connection to Puerto Rico); Lineage 5, cosmopolitan genotype (connection to Peru). Our results provide important data regarding the study of DENV genotypes and lineage distribution and open up possibilities for probable introduction and dissemination routes.

Boosting the Oxygen Evolution Activity of FeNi Oxides/Hydroxides by Molecular and Atomic Engineering.

FeNi oxides/hydroxides are the best performing catalysts for oxidizing water at basic pH. Consequently, their improvement is the cornerstone to develop more efficient artificial photosynthetic systems. During the last 5 years different reports have demonstrated an enhancement of their activity by engineering their structures via: (1) modulation of the number of oxygen, iron and nickel vacancies; (2) single atoms (SAs) doping with metals such as Au, Ir, Ru and Pt; and (3) modification of their surface using organic ligands. All these strategies have led to more active and stable electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution rection (OER). In this Concept, we critically analyze these strategies using the most relevant examples.

Efficient Strategies to Use ß-Cationic Porphyrin-Imidazolium Derivatives in the Photoinactivation of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Bacterial resistance to antibiotics is a critical global health issue and the development of alternatives to conventional antibiotics is of the upmost relevance. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is considered a promising and innovative approach for the photoinactivation of microorganisms, particularly in cases where traditional antibiotics may be less effective due to resistance or other limitations. In this study, two ß-modified monocharged porphyrin-imidazolium derivatives were efficiently incorporated into polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) formulations and supported into graphitic carbon nitride materials. Both porphyrin-imidazolium derivatives displayed remarkable photostability and the ability to generate cytotoxic singlet oxygen. These properties, which have an important impact on achieving an efficient photodynamic effect, were not compromised after incorporation/immobilization. The prepared PVP-porphyrin formulations and the graphitic carbon nitride-based materials displayed excellent performance as photosensitizers to photoinactivate methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (99.9999% of bacteria) throughout the antimicrobial photodynamic therapy. In each matrix, the most rapid action against S. aureus was observed when using PS 2. The PVP-2 formulation needed 10 min of exposure to white light at 5.0 µm, while the graphitic carbon nitride hybrid GCNM-2 required 20 min at 25.0 µm to achieve a similar level of response. These findings suggest the potential of graphitic carbon nitride-porphyrinic hybrids to be used in the environmental or clinical fields, avoiding the use of organic solvents, and might allow for their recovery after treatment, improving their applicability for bacteria photoinactivation.

Engineering g-C3N4 with CuAl-layered double hydroxide in 2D/2D heterostructures for visible-light water splitting.

CuAl layered double hydroxide (LDH) and polymeric carbon nitride (g-C3N4, GCNN) were assembled to construct a set of novel 2D/2D CuAl-LDH/GCNN heterostructures. These materials were tested towards H2 and O2 generation from water splitting using visible-light irradiation. Compared to pristine materials, the heterostructures displayed strongly enhanced visible-light H2 evolution, dependent on the LDH content, which acts as a cocatalyst, replacing the benchmark Pt. The optimal LDH loading was achieved for 0.2CuAl-LDH/GCNN that exhibited an increased number of active sites and showed a trade-off between charge separation efficiency and light shading, resulting in a 32-fold increase in the amount of evolved H2 compared with GCNN. In addition, the 0.2CuAl-LDH/GCNN heterostructure generated 1.5 times more O2 than GCNN. The higher photocatalytic performance was due to efficient charge carriers' separation at the heterojunction interface via an S-scheme (corroborated by work function, steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence studies), enhanced utilisation of longer-wavelength photons (>460 nm) and higher surface area available for the catalytic reactions.

Serotype-associated immune response and network immunoclusters in children and adults during acute Dengue virus infection.

The present study was designed as an exploratory investigation to characterize the overall profile of chemokines, growth factors, and pro-inflammatory/regulatory cytokines during acute DENV infection according to DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-4 serotypes and age: children: <1-10-year-old (yo); adolescents:11-20 yo; adults 21-40 yo; and older adults: 41-75 yo. The levels of soluble immunemediators were measured in serum by high-throughput microbeads array in 636 subjects including 317 DENV-infected and 319 age-matching non-infected control (NI). Overall, most soluble mediators were increased in DENV-infected patients as compared to NI group regardless of age and DENV serotype, with high magnitude order of increase for CCL2, CXCL10, IL-1ß, IFN-γ, IL1-Ra (fold change >3x), except PDGF in which no fold change was observed. Moreover, despite the age ranges, DENV-1 and DENV-4 presented increased levels of VEGF, IL-6, and TNF-α in serum but decreased levels of PDGF, while DENV-2 exhibited increased levels of CXCL8, CCL4, and IL-12. Noteworthy was that DENV-2 showed increased levels of IL-12, IL-15, IL-17, IL-4, IL-9, and IL-13, and maintained an unaltered levels of PDGF at younger ages (<1-10 yo and 11-20 yo), whereas in older ages (21-40 yo and 41-75 yo), the results showed increased levels of CCL2, IL-6, and TNF-α, but lower levels of PDGF. In general, DENV infection at younger age groups exhibited more complex network immunoclusters as compared to older age groups. Multivariate analysis revealed a clustering of DENV cases according to age for a set of soluble mediators especially in subjects infected with DENV-2 serotype. Altogether, our findings demonstrate that the profile of circulating soluble mediators differs substantially in acute DENV according to age and DENV serotypes suggesting the participation of serotype-associated immune response, which may represent a potential target for development of therapeutics and could be used to assist medical directive for precise clinical management of severe cases.

Treatment of a Snakebite Injury With Secondary Bacterial Infection: A Case Study.

BACKGROUND: Pit viper snakebites are challenging as they often cause tissue injury and secondary bacterial infection that may impair full recovery of the affected limb. We describe the evolution of a snakebite injury with secondary infection and the use of specialized dressings to achieve tissue repair and complete closure of the wound. CASE: Ms E., a 45-year-old woman, was bitten by a pit viper that began as a small lesion and progressed to necrosis, cellulitis, edema, and hyperemia of the perilesional skin, local inflammation, and infection. We implemented a combination of topical hydrogel therapy with calcium alginate and hydrofiber with 1.2% silver to promote autolytic debridement, combat local infection, and provide a moist wound environment. The wound required daily local treatment for 2 months due to extensive tissue damage, combined with the proteolytic action of the bothropic venom. CONCLUSION: The care of wounds caused by snakebites is a challenge for the health care team due to tissue loss resulting from the action of the venom and secondary bacterial infection. Close follow-up with the use of systemic antibiotics and topical therapies proved effective in minimizing tissue loss in this case.

Isolation of Flaviviruses and Alphaviruses with Encephalitogenic Potential Diagnosed by Evandro Chagas Institute (Pará, Brazil) in the Period of 1954-2022: Six Decades of Discoveries.

Viruses with encephalitogenic potential can cause neurological conditions of clinical and epidemiological importance, such as Saint Louis encephalitis virus, Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus, Eastern equine encephalitis virus, Western equine encephalitis virus, Dengue virus, Zika virus, Chikungunya virus, Mayaro virus and West Nile virus. The objective of the present study was to determine the number of arboviruses with neuroinvasive potential isolated in Brazil that corresponds to the collection of viral samples belonging to the Department of Arbovirology and Hemorrhagic Fevers, Evandro Chagas Institute (SAARB/IEC) of the Laboratory Network of National Reference for Arbovirus Diagnosis from 1954 to 2022. In the analyzed period, a total of 1,347 arbovirus samples with encephalitogenic potential were isolated from mice; 5,065 human samples were isolated exclusively by cell culture; and 676 viruses were isolated from mosquitoes. The emergence of new arboviruses may be responsible for diseases still unknown to humans, making the Amazon region a hotspot for infectious diseases due to its fauna and flora species characteristics. The detection of circulating arboviruses with the potential to cause neuroinvasive diseases is constant, which justifies the continuation of active epidemiological surveillance work that offers adequate support to the public health system regarding the virological diagnosis of circulating arboviruses in Brazil.

Induction Therapy With Cisplatin, 5-Fluorouracil, Leucovorin, and Paclitaxel in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the toxicities and response rate of a modified TPF (docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil) protocol in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer (ECOG performance status ≤1). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Induction treatment consisted of cisplatin 25 mg/m2/day as a 90 min infusion for three consecutive days, leucovorin 20 mg/m2/day as a bolus for four consecutive days, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) 370 mg/m2/day as a bolus for four consecutive days, and paclitaxel 60 mg/m2 as a 1-h infusion on Days 1, 8, and 15, repeated every 3-4 weeks (twelve cycles to 6 patients). RESULTS: The main toxicities were grade 1 neuropathy, mucositis, and fatigue. There were four episodes of severe toxicities (grade ≥3). There was one early death, and 2 patients were discontinued due to hematological toxicity. Other side effects included neutropenia, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. CONCLUSION: Induction therapy with cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, and paclitaxel in head and neck cancer is not feasible because of severe toxicity.

First Isolation and Genome Sequence Analysis of West Nile Virus in Mosquitoes in Brazil.

West Nile virus is a flavivirus transmitted by mosquitoes, mainly of the genus Culex. In Brazil, serological studies have already indicated the circulation of the virus since 2003, with the first human case detected in 2014. The objective of the present paper is to report the first isolation of WNV in a Culex (Melanoconion) mosquito. Arthropods were collected by protected human attraction and CDC light bait, and taxonomically identified and analyzed by viral isolation, complement fixation and genomic sequencing tests. WNV was isolated from samples of Culex (Melanoconion) mosquitoes, and the sequencing analysis demonstrated that the isolated strain belonged to lineage 1a. The finding of the present study presents the first evidence of the isolation and genome sequencing of WNV in arthropods in Brazil.

Experimental Yellow Fever in Squirrel Monkey: Characterization of Liver In Situ Immune Response.

Non-human primates contribute to the spread of yellow fever virus (YFV) and the establishment of transmission cycles in endemic areas, such as Brazil. This study aims to investigate virological, histopathological and immunohistochemical findings in livers of squirrel monkeys (Saimiri spp.) infected with the YFV. Viremia occurred 1-30 days post infection (dpi) and the virus showed a predilection for the middle zone (Z2). The livers were jaundiced with subcapsular and hemorrhagic multifocal petechiae. Apoptosis, lytic and coagulative necrosis, steatosis and cellular edema were also observed. The immune response was characterized by the expression of S100, CD11b, CD57, CD4 and CD20; endothelial markers; stress and cell death; pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines, as well as Treg (IL-35) and IL-17 throughout the experimental period. Lesions during the severe phase of the disease were associated with excessive production of apoptotic pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IFN-γ and TNF-α, released by inflammatory response cells (CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes) and associated with high expression of molecules of adhesion in the inflammatory foci observed in Z2. Immunostaining of the local endothelium in vascular cells and the bile duct was intense, suggesting a fundamental role in liver damage and in the pathogenesis of the disease.

Co-infection of Peruvian horse sickness virus and West Nile virus associated with neurological diseases in horses from Brazil.

In 2018, during the surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in horses with neurological clinical signs in the state of Espírito Santo (Brazil), 19 animals were investigated, and 52 biological samples were collected for WNV diagnostic. One brain sample was positive for WNV by RT-qPCR and the virus was isolated in C6/36 cell culture and sequenced. We obtained a nearly complete genome of WNV co-infected with Peruvian horse sickness virus (PHSV) in the cell culture. After confirmation of PHSV by next-generation sequencing, a new PHSV RT-qPCR protocol was developed, which was used to detect another horse positive only for PHSV. This assay provides a simple and direct method for easy identification of PHSV from biological samples from horses and may become a useful tool in the epidemiological surveillance of this virus. It is the first case of PHSV in Brazil, and only the third country overall to report, 23 years after the first confirmed notification in Peru. Moreover, it is the first reported co-infection of PHSV and WNV in a horse with neurological signs, confirmed by RT-qPCR.

Arboviruses in Free-Ranging Birds and Hematophagous Arthropods (Diptera, Nematocera) from Forest Remnants and Urbanized Areas of an Environmental Protection Area in the Amazon Biome.

The rapid and disorderly urbanization in the Amazon has resulted in the insertion of forest fragments into cities, causing the circulation of arboviruses, which can involve hematophagous arthropods and free-ranging birds in the transmission cycles in urban environments. This study aimed to evaluate the circulation of arboviruses in free-ranging birds and hematophagous arthropods captured in an Environmental Protection Area in the Belem metropolitan area, Brazil. Birds were captured using mist nets, and hematophagous arthropods were collected using a human protected attraction technique and light traps. The birds' sera were subjected to a hemagglutination inhibition test to detect antibodies against 29 arbovirus antigens. Arthropod macerates were inoculated into C6/36 and VERO cell cultures to attempt viral isolation and were tested using indirect immunofluorescence, subsequent genetic sequencing and submitted for phylogenetic analysis. Four bird sera were positive for arbovirus, and one batch of Psorophora ferox was positive for Flavivirus on viral isolation and indirect immunofluorescence. In addition, the Ilheus virus was detected in the sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. The presence of antibodies in sera from free-ranging birds and the isolation of Ilheus virus in Psorophora ferox indicate the circulation of arboviruses in forest remnants in the urban center of Belem.

Serum Soluble Mediator Profiles and Networks During Acute Infection With Distinct DENV Serotypes.

A panoramic analysis of chemokines, pro-inflammatory/regulatory cytokines, and growth factors was performed in serum samples from patients with acute DENV infection (n=317) by a high-throughput microbeads array. Most soluble mediators analyzed were increased in DENV patients regardless of the DENV serotype. The substantial increase (≥10-fold) of CXCL10, IL-6, and IFN-γ, and decreased levels of PDGF (<0.4-fold) was universally identified in all DENV serotypes. Of note, increased levels of CXCL8, CCL4, and IL-12 (≥3-9-fold) were selectively observed in DENV2 as compared to DENV1 and DENV4. Heatmap and biomarker signatures further illustrated the massive release of soluble mediators observed in DENV patients, confirming the marked increase of several soluble mediators in DENV2. Integrative correlation matrices and networks showed that DENV infection exhibited higher connectivity among soluble mediators. Of note, DENV2 displayed a more complex network, with higher connectivity involving a higher number of soluble mediators. The timeline kinetics (Day 0-1, D2, D3, D4-6) analysis additionally demonstrated differences among DENV serotypes. While DENV1 triggers a progressive increase of soluble mediators towards D3 and with a decline at D4-6, DENV2 and DENV4 develop with a progressive increase towards D4-6 with an early plateau observed in DENV4. Overall, our results provided a comprehensive overview of the immune response elicited by DENV infection, revealing that infection with distinct DENV serotypes causes distinct profiles, rhythms, and dynamic network connectivity of soluble mediators. Altogether, these findings may provide novel insights to understand the pathogenesis of acute infection with distinct DENV serotypes.

Reporter Virus Neutralization Test Evaluation for Dengue and Zika Virus Diagnosis in Flavivirus Endemic Area.

Reporter virus neutralization test (RVNT) has been used as an alternative to the more laborious and time-demanding conventional PRNT assay for both DENV and ZIKV. However, few studies have investigated how these techniques would perform in epidemic areas with the circulation of multiple flavivirus. Here, we evaluate the performance of ZIKV and DENV Rluc RVNT and ZIKV mCh RVNT assays in comparison to the conventional PRNT assay against patient sera collected before and during ZIKV outbreak in Brazil. These samples were categorized into groups based on (1) acute and convalescent samples according to the time of disease, and (2) laboratorial diagnostic results (DENV and ZIKV RT-PCR and IgM-capture ELISA). Our results showed that DENV Rluc assay presented 100% and 78.3% sensitivity and specificity, respectively, with 93.3% accuracy, a similar performance to the traditional PRNT. ZIKV RVNT90, on the other hand, showed much better ZIKV antibody detection performance (around nine-fold higher) when compared to PRNT, with 88% clinical sensitivity. Specificity values were on average 76.8%. Even with these results, however, ZIKV RVNT90 alone was not able to reach a final diagnostic conclusion for secondary infection in human samples due to flavivirus cross reaction. As such, in regions where the flavivirus differential diagnosis represents a challenge, we suggest the establishment of a RVNT panel including other flaviviruses circulating in the region, associated with the other serological techniques such as IgM ELISA and the investigation of seroconversion, in order to help define an accurate diagnostic conclusion using serology.

Chikungunya virus Detection in Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus during an Outbreak in the Amazon Region.

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) was first reported in Brazil in 2014 and, after it spread countrywide, an outbreak of febrile illness with reports of arthralgia happened in the municipality of Xinguara, Pará, Brazil in 2017, indicating the virus' circulation. Here, we aimed to investigate CHIKV in mosquito vectors collected during an active surveillance of virus isolation in cell culture by using molecular detection and viral genome sequencing. A total of 492 Aedes, Culex and Mansonia mosquitoes were collected and separated in 36 pools according to the species and sex, and 22.2% (8/36) were positive. CHIKV was indentified in pools of Ae. aegypti females (n = 5), an Ae. aegypti male (n = 1) and in Culex quinquefasciatus females (n = 2). However, as the mosquitoes' whole bodies were macerated and used for detection, one cannot suggest the role of the latter in the viral transmission. Despite this, vector competence studies must be carried out in the different species to investigate long-term adaptations. Viral genome sequencing has characterized the East-Central-South-African (ECSA) genotype in all positive pools analyzed, corroborating previous reports for the Amazon region.

Analysis of the hemostatic therapy in liver transplantation guided by rotational thromboelastometry or conventional laboratory tests.

BACKGROUND: Coagulopathy is quite common in chronic liver disease patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Diagnosis of intraoperative bleeding disorders is based on conventional laboratory tests (CLTs), and thus, the patients are frequently exposed to unnecessary transfusions of blood products. The present study aimed to analyze the intraoperative administration of blood products in patients undergoing OLT, using rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) or CLTs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cohort comprising 153 patients undergoing OLT, of whom 82 were evaluated with ROTEM and 71 by CLTs. Both groups were analyzed intraoperatively: the transfusion of blood products. RESULTS: The incidence of patients transfused with cryoprecipitate (CRYO) and/or fibrinogen concentrate (54.9 vs. 19.7%; P < 0.001) and prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) (32.9 vs. 9.9%; P = 0.008) increased significantly in the ROTEM group than in CLT group, respectively. The amount of transfused patient with CRYO (7.6 vs. 1.2; P < 0.001), fibrinogen concentrate (0.8 vs. 0.2; P = 0.004) and PCC (1.4 vs. 0.2; P = 0.002) increased significantly in the ROTEM group than in the CLT group, respectively. In the analysis of fresh-frozen plasma (FFP), the incidence of transfused patients was significantly higher in the CLT group than in the ROTEM group (46.5 vs. 30.5%; P = 0.047, respectively), with a moderate correlation with red blood cells transfusion (r = 0.67, P < 0.001). The incidence of patients receiving antifibrinolytics was significantly higher in the CLT group than in the ROTEM group (85.9 vs. 47.6%; P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Transfusion protocol-based thromboelastometry was able to guide administration of hemostatic factors and reduced administration of FFP and antifibrinolytics.

Prevalence and trends of mental disorders requiring inpatient care in the city of Porto Alegre: a citywide study including all inpatient admissions due to mental disorders in the public system from 2013-2017 / Prevalência e tendências temporais de transtornos mentais necessitando de tratamento de internação na cidade de Porto Alegre: um estudo de toda a cidade incluindo todas as internações por motivo de saúde mental no sistema público de 2013-2017

Abstract Objectives To investigate the 5-year prevalence of patients admitted to public inpatient care units due to a mental disorder, stratifying them by age group and diagnosis, and to assess trends of admissions over this time period in Porto Alegre. Methods All admissions to the public mental health care system regulated by the city-owned electronic system Administração Geral dos Hospitais (AGHOS) were included in the analysis. The total population size was obtained by estimations of Fundação de Economia e Estatística (FEE). General information about 5-year prevalence of inpatient admissions, time-series trends e prevalence by age groups and diagnosis were presented. Results There were 32,608 admissions over the 5-year period analyzed. The overall prevalence of patients was 1.62% among the total population, 0.01% among children, 1.12% among adolescents, 2.28% among adults and 0.93% among the elderly. The most common diagnosis was drug-related, followed by mood, alcohol-related and psychotic disorders. There was a linear trend showing an increase in the number of admissions from 2013 to the midst of 2014, which dropped in 2015. Conclusions Admissions due to mental disorders are relatively common, mainly among adults and related to drug use and mood disorders. Time trends varied slightly over the 5 years. Prevalence rates in real-world settings might be useful for policymakers interested in planning the public mental health system in large Brazilian cities.

Resumo Objetivos Investigar a prevalência de 5 anos de pacientes internados no sistema público de saúde por motivo de saúde mental, estratificando-os por grupo etário e diagnóstico, e avaliar tendências temporais nas admissões nesse período em Porto Alegre. Métodos Todas as admissões no sistema público de saúde mental reguladas pelo sistema eletrônico da cidade, denominado Administração Geral dos Hospitais (AGHOS), foram incluídos na análise. A população total foi obtida a partir de estimativas da Fundação de Economia e Estatística (FEE). Informações gerais sobre a prevalência de 5 anos de admissões, tendências das séries temporais e prevalência por grupo etário e por diagnóstico foram apresentadas. Resultados Ocorreram 32.608 admissões no período de 5 anos analisado. A prevalência global de pacientes foi de 1,62% na população total, 0,01% em crianças, 1,12% em adolescentes, 2,28% em adultos e 0,93% em idosos. Os diagnósticos mais comuns foram relacionados ao uso de drogas, seguidos de transtornos de humor, relacionados ao álcool e transtornos psicóticos. Houve uma tendência linear mostrando um aumento no número de admissões de 2013 a meados de 2014, que caíram em 2015. Conclusões Admissões por transtornos mentais são relativamente comuns, principalmente entre adultos e relacionados ao uso de drogas e transtornos de humor. Tendências lineares variaram levemente nos últimos 5 anos. Estimativas de prevalência no mundo real podem ser úteis para formuladores de políticas interessados em planejar o sistema público de saúde mental em grandes cidades brasileiras.

Hummers' and Brodie's graphene oxides as photocatalysts for phenol degradation.

Undoped metal-free graphene oxide (GO) materials prepared by either a modified Hummers' (GO-H) or a Brodie's (GO-B) method were tested as photocatalysts in aqueous solution for the oxidative conversion of phenol. In the dark, the adsorptive capacity of GO-B towards phenol (~35%) was higher than that of GO-H (~15%). Upon near-UV/Vis irradiation, GO-H was able to remove 21% of phenol after 180 min, mostly through adsorption. On the other hand, by using less energetic visible irradiation, GO-B removed as much as 95% in just 90 min. By thorough characterization of the prepared materials (SEM, HRTEM, TGA, TPD, Raman, XRD, XPS and photoluminescence) the observed performances could be explained in terms of their different surface chemistries. The GO-B presents the lower concentration of oxygen functional groups (in particular carbonyl groups as revealed by XPS) and it has a considerably higher photocatalytic activity compared to GO-H. Photoluminescence (PL) of liquid dispersions and XRD analysis of powders showed lower PL intensity and smaller interlayer distance for GO-B relative to GO-H, respectively: this suggests lower electron-hole recombination and enhanced electron transfer in GO-B, in support of its boosted photocatalytic activity. Reusability tests showed no efficiency loss after a second usage cycle and over three runs under visible irradiation, which was in line with the similarity of the XPS spectra of the fresh and used GO-B materials. Moreover, scavenging studies revealed that holes and hydroxyl radicals were the main reactive species in play during the photocatalytic process. The obtained results, establish for the first time, that GO prepared by Brodie's method is an active and stable undoped metal-free photocatalyst for phenol degradation in aqueous solutions, opening new paths for the application of more sustainable and metal-free materials for water treatment solutions.

Prevalence and trends of mental disorders requiring inpatient care in the city of Porto Alegre: a citywide study including all inpatient admissions due to mental disorders in the public system from 2013-2017.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the 5-year prevalence of patients admitted to public inpatient care units due to a mental disorder, stratifying them by age group and diagnosis, and to assess trends of admissions over this time period in Porto Alegre. METHODS: All admissions to the public mental health care system regulated by the city-owned electronic system Administração Geral dos Hospitais (AGHOS) were included in the analysis. The total population size was obtained by estimations of Fundação de Economia e Estatística (FEE). General information about 5-year prevalence of inpatient admissions, time-series trends e prevalence by age groups and diagnosis were presented. RESULTS: There were 32,608 admissions over the 5-year period analyzed. The overall prevalence of patients was 1.62% among the total population, 0.01% among children, 1.12% among adolescents, 2.28% among adults and 0.93% among the elderly. The most common diagnosis was drug-related, followed by mood, alcohol-related and psychotic disorders. There was a linear trend showing an increase in the number of admissions from 2013 to the midst of 2014, which dropped in 2015. CONCLUSIONS: Admissions due to mental disorders are relatively common, mainly among adults and related to drug use and mood disorders. Time trends varied slightly over the 5 years. Prevalence rates in real-world settings might be useful for policymakers interested in planning the public mental health system in large Brazilian cities.