The fungicide cymoxanil impairs respiration in Saccharomyces cerevisiae via cytochrome c oxidase inhibition.

Cymoxanil (CYM) is a widely used synthetic acetamide fungicide, but its biochemical mode of action remains elusive. Since CYM inhibits cell growth, biomass production, and respiration in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we used this model to characterize the effect of CYM on mitochondria. We found it inhibits oxygen consumption in both whole cells and isolated mitochondria, specifically inhibiting cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) activity during oxidative phosphorylation. Based on molecular docking, we propose that CYM blocks the interaction of cytochrome c with CcO, hampering electron transfer and inhibiting CcO catalytic activity. Although other targets cannot be excluded, our data offer valuable insights into the mode of action of CYM that will be instrumental in driving informed management of the use of this fungicide.

Contact tracing management of a measles case in a paediatric hospital: experience of the local public health unit, Portugal, January 2024.

In January 2024, a child was diagnosed with measles in a paediatric hospital in Lisbon. Of 123 contacts, 39 (32%) were not fully immunised, presenting a risk for a potential outbreak. The public health unit initiated control measures and identified challenges during the response, such as the lack of interoperability between information systems and accessing vaccination records. The lessons learned prompted changes to national contact tracing procedures for measles, further strengthening Portugal's preparedness.

Toxicity of butylone and its enantiomers to Daphnia magna and its degradation/toxicity potential using advanced oxidation technologies.

Butylone (BTL) is a chiral synthetic cathinone available as a racemate and reported as contaminant in wastewater effluents. However, there are no studies on its impact on ecosystems and possible enantioselectivity in ecotoxicity. This work aimed to evaluate: (i) the possible ecotoxicity of BTL as racemate or its isolated (R)- and (S)- enantiomers using Daphnia magna; and (ii) the efficiency of advanced oxidation technologies (AOTs) in the removal of BTL and reduction of toxic effects caused by wastewaters. Enantiomers of BTL were obtained by liquid chromatography (LC) using a chiral semi-preparative column. Enantiomeric purity of each enantiomer was > 97 %. For toxicity assessment, a 9-day sub-chronic assay was performed with the racemate (at 0.10, 1.0 or 10 µg L-1) or each enantiomer (at 0.10 or 1.0 µg L-1). Changes in morphophysiological, behavioural, biochemical and reproductive endpoints were observed, which were dependent on the form of the substance and life stage of the organism (juvenile or adult). Removal rates of BTL in spiked wastewater (10 µg L-1) treated with different AOTs (ultraviolet, UV; ozonation, O3; and UV/O3) were similar and lower than 29 %. The 48 h D. magna acute toxicity assays demonstrated a reduction in the toxicity of the treated spiked effluents, but no differences were found amongst AOTs treatments. These results warn for the contamination and negative impact of BTL on ecosystems and highlight the need for efficient removal processes.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes in COVID-19 in kidney transplant recipients: a propensity score matched cohort study.

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially those on dialysis or who have received a kidney transplant (KT), are considered more vulnerable to severe COVID-19. This susceptibility is attributed to advanced age, a higher frequency of comorbidities, and the chronic immunosuppressed state, which may exacerbate their susceptibility to severe outcomes. Therefore, our study aimed to compare the clinical characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 in KT patients with those on chronic dialysis and non-CKD patients in a propensity score-matched cohort study. This multicentric retrospective cohort included adult COVID-19 laboratory-confirmed patients admitted from March/2020 to July/2022, from 43 Brazilian hospitals. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Propensity score analysis matched KT recipients with controls - patients on chronic dialysis and those without CKD (within 0.25 standard deviations of the logit of the propensity score) - according to age, sex, number of comorbidities, and admission year. This study included 555 patients: 163 KT, 146 on chronic dialysis, and 249 non-CKD patients (median age 57 years, 55.2% women). With regards to clinical outcomes, chronic dialysis patients had a higher prevalence of acute heart failure, compared to KT recipients, furthermore, both groups presented high in-hospital mortality, 34.0 and 28.1%, for KT and chronic dialysis patients, respectively. When comparing KT and non-CKD patients, the first group had a higher incidence of in-hospital dialysis (26.4% vs. 8.8%, p < 0.001), septic shock (24.1% vs. 12.0%, p = 0.002), and mortality (32.5% vs. 23.3%, p = 0.039), in addition to longer time spent in the intensive care unit (ICU). In this study, chronic dialysis patients presented a higher prevalence of acute heart failure, compared to KT recipients, whereas KT patients had a higher frequency of complications than those without CKD, including septic shock, dialysis during hospitalization, and in-hospital mortality as well as longer time spent in the ICU.

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL CONNECTIONS BETWEEN SCREENS AND MOVEMENT, SEDENTARY BEHAVIOR, PHYSICAL (IN)ACTIVITY AND HEALTH HABITS / CONEXIONES EPIDEMIOLÓGICAS ENTRE PANTALLAS Y MOVIMIENTO, COMPORTAMIENTO SEDENTARIO, (IN)ACTIVIDAD FÍSICA Y HÁBITOS DE SALUD / CONEXÕES EPIDEMIOLÓGICAS ENTRE TELAS E MOVIMENTO, COMPORTAMENTO SEDENTÁRIO, (IN)ATIVIDADE FÍSICA E HÁBITOS DE SAÚDE

This study analyzed physical activity patterns, sedentary behaviors and exposure to screens in students from four school units in Rio de Janeiro. The objective was to provide insights for the development of health promotion strategies through physical activities and sports (AFES). Using the IPAQ questionnaire, data were collected from 1668 students, with an average age of approximately 13.8 years from all grades of primary and secondary education. Statistical tests were used for analysis. The results indicated that students walked, on average, more than 10 minutes per day on 4 days (male) and 3 days (female), with 75 minutes (male) and 69 minutes (female) of daily walking, respectively. The average of moderate activities was 91 minutes per day, while vigorous activities totaled, on average, 126 minutes (male) and 71 minutes (female). Significant sex differences were observed in daily walking, moderate and vigorous activities, and weekly inactivity time. Variations were also identified between school units, indicating differences in the application of AFES. The positive and significant correlation between the total number of days and the time of vigorous activities (ρ = 0.65; p ≤ 0.05) highlights the importance of different strategies. With regard to inactivity and exposure to screens, the average time during the week was 574 minutes, while on weekends it was 510 minutes. These results contribute to direct health promotion policies, emphasizing the need for personalized approaches for students in Rio de Janeiro.

Este estudio analizó patrones de actividad física, conductas sedentarias y exposición a pantallas en estudiantes de cuatro unidades escolares de Río de Janeiro. El objetivo fue proporcionar conocimientos para el desarrollo de estrategias de promoción de la salud a través de actividades físicas y deportivas (AFES). Utilizando el cuestionario IPAQ, se recogieron datos de 1668 estudiantes, con una edad promedio de aproximadamente 13,8 años, de todos los grados de educación primaria y secundaria. Se utilizaron pruebas estadísticas para el análisis. Los resultados indicaron que los estudiantes caminaron, en promedio, más de 10 minutos por día durante 4 días (hombres) y 3 días (mujeres), con 75 minutos (hombres) y 69 minutos (mujeres) de caminata diaria, respectivamente. El promedio de actividades moderadas fue de 91 minutos por día, mientras que las actividades vigorosas sumaron, en promedio, 126 minutos (hombres) y 71 minutos (mujeres). Se observaron diferencias de sexo significativas en la caminata diaria, las actividades moderadas y vigorosas y el tiempo de inactividad semanal. También se identificaron variaciones entre unidades escolares, lo que indica diferencias en la aplicación de AFES. La correlación positiva y significativa entre el número total de días y el tiempo de actividades vigorosas (ρ = 0,65; p ≤ 0,05) resalta la importancia de diferentes estrategias. En cuanto a la inactividad y exposición a pantallas, el tiempo medio entre semana fue de 574 minutos, mientras que los fines de semana fue de 510 minutos. Estos resultados contribuyen a políticas directas de promoción de la salud, enfatizando la necesidad de enfoques personalizados para los estudiantes de Río de Janeiro.

Este estudo analisou os padrões de atividade física, comportamentos sedentários e exposição a telas em estudantes de quatro unidades escolares no Rio de Janeiro. O objetivo foi fornecer insights para o desenvolvimento de estratégias de promoção da saúde através de atividades físicas e esportes (AFES). Utilizando o questionário IPAQ, foram coletados dados de 1668 estudantes, com idade média de aproximadamente 13.8 anos de todas as séries do ensino fundamental e médio. Testes estatísticos foram empregados para análise. Os resultados indicaram que os estudantes caminharam, em média, mais de 10 minutos por dia em 4 dias (masculino) e 3 dias (feminino), com 75 minutos (masculino) e 69 minutos (feminino) de caminhada diária, respectivamente. A média de atividades moderadas foi de 91 minutos por dia, enquanto as atividades vigorosas totalizaram, em média, 126 minutos (masculino) e 71 minutos (feminino). Diferenças significativas entre sexos foram observadas na caminhada diária, atividades moderadas e vigorosas, além do tempo de inatividade semanal. Variações também foram identificadas entre as unidades escolares, indicando diferenças na aplicação das AFES. A correlação positiva e significativa entre o total de dias e o tempo de atividades vigorosas (ρ = 0.65; p ≤ 0.05) destaca a importância de estratégias diferenciadas. No que diz respeito à inatividade e exposição a telas, a média de tempo durante a semana foi de 574 minutos, enquanto nos finais de semana foi de 510 minutos. Esses resultados contribuem para direcionar políticas de promoção da saúde, enfatizando a necessidade de abordagens personalizadas para estudantes no Rio de Janeiro.

Epidemiological Connections between Screens and Movement: Navigating Sedentary Behavior, Physical (In)Activity and Health Habits in Schoolchildren in Rio de Janeiro / Conexiones epidemiológicas entre pantallas y movimiento: Navegando por el comportamiento sedentario, la (in)actividad física y los hábitos de salud en escolares de Río de Janeiro / Conexões Epidemiológicas entre Telas e Movimento: Navegando por Comportamento Sedentário, (In)Atividade Física e Hábitos de Saúde em Escolares do Rio de Janeiro

The study investigated physical activity habits, sedentary behaviors and exposure to screens in students from four school units in Rio de Janeiro, from a private educational institution, considering WHO guidelines. The research arises in response to the existing gap in understanding these patterns, given the lack of specific studies on schoolchildren in the region. Amid global concern about sedentary lifestyle, understanding specific patterns among students becomes crucial to developing effective strategies. The observational and exploratory study used the IPAQ questionnaire to collect data on physical activity and sports (AFES), as well as sedentary behaviors in 1668 students from four private school units. Statistical analysis, including Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis, sought to understand differences between sexes and school units. The results revealed an average of 4 days of walking of more than 10 minutes for males and 3 days for females. The average number of days performing moderate activities was 3, with males dedicating, on average, 100 minutes, and females 84 minutes. As for vigorous activities, both sexes had an average of 3 days, with males reporting 126 minutes and females 71 minutes. The total time of weekly physical activity was 260 minutes on average, with small variations between genders.With regard to inactivity and exposure to screens, the average time during the week was 574 minutes, while on weekends it was 510 minutes. Significant differences between sexes were evident in daily walking, moderate and vigorous activities, and sitting time during the week. Furthermore, there were variations between school units. The positive and significant correlation between the total number of days and the time of vigorous activities highlights the importance of differentiated strategies. These results provide valuable insights to guide health promotion policies, highlighting the need for personalized and contextualized approaches for this specific population.

El estudio investigó hábitos de actividad física, conductas sedentarias y exposición a pantallas en estudiantes de cuatro unidades escolares de Río de Janeiro, de una institución educativa privada, considerando directrices de la OMS. La investigación surge como respuesta al vacío existente en la comprensión de estos patrones, ante la falta de estudios específicos en escolares de la región. En medio de la preocupación mundial por el estilo de vida sedentario, comprender patrones específicos entre los estudiantes se vuelve crucial para desarrollar estrategias efectivas. El estudio observacional y exploratorio utilizó el cuestionario IPAQ para recolectar datos sobre actividad física y deporte (AFES), así como sobre conductas sedentarias en 1668 estudiantes de cuatro unidades escolares privadas. Los análisis estadísticos, incluidos Mann-Whitney y Kruskal-Wallis, buscaron comprender las diferencias entre sexos y unidades escolares. Los resultados revelaron una media de 4 días de caminata de más de 10 minutos para los hombres y de 3 días para las mujeres. La media de días realizando actividades moderadas fue de 3, dedicando los hombres una media de 100 minutos y las mujeres 84 minutos. En cuanto a las actividades vigorosas, ambos sexos tuvieron un promedio de 3 días, siendo los hombres 126 minutos y las mujeres 71 minutos. El tiempo total de actividad física semanal fue de 260 minutos en promedio, con pequeñas variaciones entre géneros. En cuanto a la inactividad y exposición a pantallas, el tiempo medio entre semana fue de 574 minutos, mientras que los fines de semana fue de 510 minutos. Se evidenciaron diferencias significativas entre sexos en la caminata diaria, las actividades moderadas y vigorosas y el tiempo sentado durante la semana. Además, hubo variaciones entre las unidades escolares. La correlación positiva y significativa entre el número total de días y el tiempo de actividades vigorosas resalta laimportancia de las estrategias diferenciadas. Estos resultados proporcionan información valiosa para orientar las políticas de promoción de la salud, destacando la necesidad de enfoques personalizados y contextualizados para esta población específica.

O estudo investigou os hábitos de atividade física, comportamentos sedentários e exposição a telas em estudantes de quatro unidades escolares no Rio de Janeiro, de uma instituição de ensino privada, considerando as diretrizes da OMS. A pesquisa surge em resposta à lacuna existente na compreensão desses padrões, dada a falta de estudos específicos sobre escolares na região. Em meio à preocupação global com o sedentarismo, a compreensão dos padrões específicos entre estudantes torna-se crucial para desenvolver estratégias eficazes. O estudo, observacional e exploratório, utilizou o questionário IPAQ para coletar dados sobre atividade física e esportivas (AFES), bem como comportamentos sedentários em 1668 estudantes de quatro unidades escolares privadas. A análise estatística, incluindo Mann-Whitney e Kruskal-Wallis, buscou entender as diferenças entre sexos e unidades escolares. Os resultados revelaram uma média de 4 dias de caminhada de mais de 10 minutos para o sexo masculino e 3 dias para o feminino. A média de dias realizando atividades moderadas foi de 3, com o sexo masculino dedicando, em média, 100 minutos, e o feminino 84 minutos. Quanto às atividades vigorosas, ambos os sexos tiveram média de 3 dias, com o sexo masculino relatando 126 minutos e o feminino 71 minutos. O tempo total de atividade física semanal foi de 260 minutos em média, com pequenas variações entre sexos. No que diz respeito à inatividade e exposição a telas, a média de tempo durante a semana foi de 574 minutos, enquanto nos finais de semana foi de 510 minutos. As diferenças significativas entre sexos foram evidenciadas na caminhada diária, atividades moderadas e vigorosas, e tempo sentado durante a semana. Além disso, houve variações entre as unidades escolares. A correlação positiva e significativa entre o total de dias e o tempo de atividades vigorosas destaca a importância de estratégias diferenciadas. Esses resultados proporcionam insights valiosos para orientar políticas de promoção da saúde, destacando a necessidade de abordagens personalizadas e contextualizadas para essa população específica. 

Current trends and mismatches on fungicide use and assessment of the ecological effects in freshwater ecosystems.

Despite increasing evidence of off-site ecological impacts of pesticides and policy efforts worldwide, pesticide use is still far from being ecologically sustainable. Fungicides are among the most sold classes of pesticides and are crucial to ensure global food supply and security. This study aimed to identify potential gaps of knowledge and mismatches between research and usage data of fungicides by: (i) systematizing the current trends in global sales of fungicides, focusing on the European context in particular (where they are proportionally important); (ii) reviewing the scientific literature on the impacts of synthetic fungicides on non-target freshwater organisms. Sales data revealed important global and regional asymmetries in the relative importance of fungicides and the preferred active ingredients. The literature review on the ecological effects of fungicides disclosed a mismatch between the most studied and the most sold substances, as well as a bias towards the use of single species assays with standard test organisms. To ensure a proper evaluation, risk scenarios should focus on a regional scale, and research agendas must highlight sensitive aquatic ecorreceptors and improve the crosstalk between analytical and sales data.

Influence of Aging Time on Filtration Performance of P84 Filter Media with Seam.

Although the area with the seam is approximately 4% of the total area of an industrial filter bag, a more extensive investigation of the influence of this region on surface filtration is necessary since the small seam holes can be a conduit for the passage of fine particles even after a certain time of use of the filter bag. Therefore, this work aimed to assess the influence of aging time on the filtration performance of P84 filter bags (samples without and with seam) used in an industrial bag filter, regarding tensile mechanical properties, air permeability, fractional separation efficiency, and filtration cycles. The particulate matter applied (sinter dust) to evaluate the efficiency and to perform the cycles was collected in the hoppers of an industrial bag filter installed in the primary dedusting system of a sinter plant in the steel industry. The results showed that the filter bag aged for 10 months presented a fractional separation efficiency of almost 100%, even for the samples with a seam, suggesting that the seam holes were sealed by the powder in the industrial installation. As for the tensile mechanical properties, the tests showed that the aging of the filter bag caused a reduction in the tensile strength of the filter medium. With respect to air permeability and filtration cycles, the longer the aging time of the filter bag, the more similar was the filtration performance of the samples without and with seam.

Novel yeast-based biosensor for environmental monitoring of tebuconazole.

Due to increasing demand for high and stable crop production, human populations are highly dependent on pesticide use for growing and storing food. Environmental monitoring of these agrochemicals is therefore of utmost importance, because of their collateral effects on ecosystem and human health. Even though most current-use analytical methods achieve low detection limits, they require procedures that are too complex and costly for routine monitoring. As such, there has been an increased interest in biosensors as alternative or complementary tools to streamline detection and quantification of environmental contaminants. In this work, we developed a biosensor for environmental monitoring of tebuconazole (TEB), a common agrochemical fungicide. For that purpose, we engineered S. cerevisiae cells with a reporter gene downstream of specific promoters that are expressed after exposure to TEB and characterized the sensitivity and specificity of this model system. After optimization, we found that this easy-to-use biosensor consistently detects TEB at concentrations above 5 µg L-1 and does not respond to realistic environmental concentrations of other tested azoles, suggesting it is specific. We propose the use of this system as a complementary tool in environmental monitoring programs, namely, in high throughput scenarios requiring screening of numerous samples. KEY POINTS: • A yeast-based biosensor was developed for environmental monitoring of tebuconazole. •The biosensor offers a rapid and easy method for tebuconazole detection ≥ 5 µg L-1. •The biosensor is specific to tebuconazole at environmentally relevant concentrations.

Suturing with or without surgical glue is superior to surgical glue alone for sealing ex vivo swine gallbladders.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of various sealing techniques in cholecystotomies under maximum intraluminal pressure stress using an ex vivo swine model. SAMPLE: 30 gallbladders from different animals were used. METHODS: The experiment was conducted ex vivo, with the formation of 3 groups, each comprising 10 samples. Group 1 utilized a traditional single-layer Cushing suture made from polydioxanone material. Group 2 employed a single layer of Cushing suture, also made from polydioxanone material, but in conjunction with surgical glue (n-butyl cyanoacrylate). Group 3 relied solely on the use of surgical glue (n-butyl cyanoacrylate) for sealing the edges of the surgical wound. The intraluminal pressure was gauged with a pressure transducer. RESULTS: The maximum intraluminal pressures (mean ± SD) sustained in G1, G2, and G3 were, respectively, 48.70 ± 21.32 mm Hg, 110.90 ± 37.52 mm Hg, and 10.9 ± 4.07 mm Hg. Comparisons between groups showed that G2 supported significantly higher pressures (56.1% higher) than G1 (P < .001) and G3 (90.2% higher; P < .001). When G1 was compared with G3, a significantly higher pressure (77.6%) was also observed (P < .01). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The study's conclusions demonstrated the safest suture techniques for the gallbladder and provided advice regarding the use of surgical glue.

Impact of cluster set resistance training on strength, functional capacity, metabolic and inflammatory state in older hemodialysis subjects: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Hemodialysis-associated neuromuscular dysfunction appears to be counteracted by resistance training (RT) in older patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of cluster-set RT protocol on anthropometric parameters, functional capacities, and biochemical variables in older patients with CKD. METHODS AND RESULTS: Seventy-eight older patients (age: 57.55 ± 4.06 years) with CKD undergoing maintenance hemodialysis participated, and were randomly divided into control group (CG, N = 26), traditional RT (RT, N = 26) and cluster-set RT (RT-CS, N = 26) groups. Participants completed 24 weeks of RT three times per week, 1 h and 30 min before the hemodialysis session. Patients from the RT-CS group displayed increased adherence as compared to the RT group (66.35 % versus 61.73 %, p < 0.0001). There was an improvement of all anthropometric variables, handgrip strength, timed up and-go (TUG) and six-minute walking test (6MWT) following both training protocols when compared to control group and pre-intervention values. Fasting blood glucose decreased for both RT and RT-CS groups as compared with pre-intervention, without differences between training protocols and CG. Glycated hemoglobin, inflammatory cytokines, and triglycerides decreased in RT and RT-CS groups as compared with pre-intervention and CG, without differences between them. Furthermore, the RT-CS protocol resulted in a greater number of people who were responsive to training when compared to traditional training. CONCLUSIONS: RT-CS is a clinically valuable tool to improve anthropometric parameters, handgrip strength, TUG, 6MWT, fasting blood glucose, and cytokines in CKD older patients.

COVID-19 outcomes in people living with HIV: Peering through the waves.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 patients infected with HIV, and to compare with a paired sample without HIV infection. METHODS: This is a substudy of a Brazilian multicentric cohort that comprised two periods (2020 and 2021). Data was obtained through the retrospective review of medical records. Primary outcomes were admission to the intensive care unit, invasive mechanical ventilation, and death. Patients with HIV and controls were matched for age, sex, number of comorbidities, and hospital of origin using the technique of propensity score matching (up to 4:1). They were compared using the Chi-Square or Fisher's Exact tests for categorical variables and the Wilcoxon for numerical variables. RESULTS: Throughout the study, 17,101 COVID-19 patients were hospitalized, and 130 (0.76%) of those were infected with HIV. The median age was 54 (IQR: 43.0;64.0) years in 2020 and 53 (IQR: 46.0;63.5) years in 2021, with a predominance of females in both periods. People Living with HIV (PLHIV) and their controls showed similar prevalence for admission to the ICU and invasive mechanical ventilation requirement in the two periods, with no significant differences. In 2020, in-hospital mortality was higher in the PLHIV compared to the controls (27.9% vs. 17.7%; p = 0.049), but there was no difference in mortality between groups in 2021 (25.0% vs. 25.1%; p > 0.999). CONCLUSIONS: Our results reiterate that PLHIV were at higher risk of COVID-19 mortality in the early stages of the pandemic, however, this finding did not sustain in 2021, when the mortality rate is similar to the control group.

Enantioselectivity in the Ecotoxicity of Amphetamine Using Daphnia magna as the Aquatic Model Organism: Morphophysiological, Behavioral, Reproductive and Biochemical Parameters.

Amphetamine (AMP) is a chiral psychoactive substance that exhibits enantioselectivity in its pharmacological properties. It has been detected in wastewaters and surface waters and can occur as enantiomeric mixtures, but little is known about its environmental risk and potential enantioselective toxicity to aquatic organisms. Our study aimed to target enantioselectivity in AMP toxicity to the freshwater invertebrate Daphnia magna. Daphnids were subchronically exposed to the racemate (rac-AMP: 0.1, 1.0, and 10 µg/L) and pure enantiomers, (R)-AMP and (S)-AMP (0.1, and 1.0 µg/L, respectively), for 8 days. Morphophysiological, swimming behavior, reproductive and biochemical variables were evaluated during critical life stages (juveniles vs. adults). Some responses were context-dependent and often enantioselective, varying between racemate and enantiomers and across the life stage of the organisms. Overall, rac-AMP stimulated D. magna growth, decreased heart rate and area, affected behavior, and stimulated reproduction. The effect of enantiomers was totally or partially concordant with rac-AMP, except for swimming behavior and reproduction. Enantioselectivity was observed for body size, number of eggs/daphnia, and heart rate (steeper decrease caused by (R)-AMP on day 3). Changes in biochemical parameters were also observed: AMP caused a significant decrease in catalase activity as racemate or pure enantiomers, whereas a decrease in acetylcholinesterase activity was found only for rac-AMP. Evidence for oxidative stress was contradictory, although both enantiomers caused a significant decrease in reactive oxygen species (unlike rac-AMP). Overall, these results show that AMP can interfere in an enantioselective way with aquatic organisms at low concentrations (e.g., 0.1 µg/L), demonstrating the relevance of this kind of study to an accurate environmental risk assessment regarding medium- to long-term exposure to this psychoactive drug. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:1743-1754. © 2023 SETAC.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of anti-thymocyte globulin dosage as a component of graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis.

Rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) has been used in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Allo-HSCT) for graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) prophylaxis. Since the best dose has not been defined yet, this study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of different doses of ATG in Allo-HSCT. Data sources were MEDLINE/PUBMED, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, LILACS, and SciELO. Studies were eligible when comparing doses of ATG. The higher dose was in the intervention group. A total of 22 articles (2002-2022) were included. Higher doses (4-12 mg/kg) of ATG-T reduced the incidence of grade III-IV acute GvHD (RR 0.60; 95%CI 0.42-0.84) and limited chronic GvHD (RR 0.64 95%CI 0.45-0.92) compared with lower doses (2-7.5 mg/kg). Higher doses increased the Epstein-Barr virus (RR 1.90 95% CI 1.49-2.42) and Cytomegalovirus reactivation (RR, 1.30; 95% CI 1.03-1.64). Relapse rates were higher in the higher dose group (RR 1.34, 95% CI 1.07-167). The ATG-T dose ≥7mg/kg versus the lower dose showed a number needed to treat 7.4 for acute GvHD III-IV, with a number to harm of 7.7 for relapse at one year in the higher dose group. A dose lower than 7 mg/kg suggests a better risk-benefit ratio than a higher one. Well-designed RCT is needed to define the best risk-benefit doses. Trial registration: Trial registration number: PROSPERO: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020173449.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of hospital-manifested COVID-19 among Brazilians.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the clinical characteristics and outcomes of admitted patients with the hospital- versus community-manifested COVID-19 and to evaluate the risk factors related to mortality in the first population. METHODS: This retrospective cohort included consecutive adult patients with COVID-19, hospitalized between March and September 2020. The demographic data, clinical characteristics, and outcomes were extracted from medical records. Patients with hospital-manifested COVID-19 (study group) and those with community-manifested COVID-19 (control group) were matched by the propensity score model. Logistic regression models were used to verify the risk factors for mortality in the study group. RESULTS: Among 7,710 hospitalized patients who had COVID-19, 7.2% developed symptoms while admitted for other reasons. Patients with hospital-manifested COVID-19 had a higher prevalence of cancer (19.2% vs 10.8%) and alcoholism (8.8% vs 2.8%) than patients with community-manifested COVID-19 and also had a higher rate of intensive care unit requirement (45.1% vs 35.2%), sepsis (23.8% vs 14.5%), and death (35.8% vs 22.5%) (P <0.05 for all). The factors independently associated with increased mortality in the study group were increasing age, male sex, number of comorbidities, and cancer. CONCLUSION: Hospital-manifested COVID-19 was associated with increased mortality. Increasing age, male sex, number of comorbidities, and cancer were independent predictors of mortality among those with hospital-manifested COVID-19 disease.

Toxicity of the 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine and Its Enantiomers to Daphnia magna after Isolation by Semipreparative Chromatography.

MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is a chiral psychoactive recreational drug sold in illicit markets as racemate. Studies on the impact of MDMA on aquatic organisms are scarce. While enantioselectivity in toxicity in animals and humans has been reported, none is reported on aquatic organisms. This study aimed to investigate the ecotoxicological effects of MDMA and its enantiomers in Daphnia magna. For that, enantiomers (enantiomeric purity > 97%) were separated by liquid chromatography using a homemade semipreparative chiral column. Daphnids were exposed to three concentrations of (R,S)-MDMA (0.1, 1.0 and 10.0 µg L-1) and two concentrations of (R)- and (S)-enantiomers (0.1 and 1.0 µg L-1) over the course of 8 days. Morphophysiological responses were dependent on the substance form and daphnia development stage, and they were overall not affected by the (R)-enantiomer. Changes in swimming behaviour were observed for both the racemate and its enantiomers, but enantioselective effects were not observed. Reproductive or biochemical changes were not observed for enantiomers whereas a significant decrease in acetylcholinesterase and catalase activity was noted at the highest concentration of (R,S)-MDMA (10 µg L-1). Overall, this study showed that sub-chronic exposure to MDMA racemate and its enantiomers can interfere with morphophysiological and swimming behaviour of D. magna. In general, the (R)-enantiomer demonstrated less toxicity than the (S)-enantiomer.

COVID-19 outcomes in people living with HIV: Peering through the waves

Abstract Objective To evaluate clinical characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 patients infected with HIV, and to compare with a paired sample without HIV infection. Methods This is a substudy of a Brazilian multicentric cohort that comprised two periods (2020 and 2021). Data was obtained through the retrospective review of medical records. Primary outcomes were admission to the intensive care unit, invasive mechanical ventilation, and death. Patients with HIV and controls were matched for age, sex, number of comorbidities, and hospital of origin using the technique of propensity score matching (up to 4:1). They were compared using the Chi-Square or Fisher's Exact tests for categorical variables and the Wilcoxon for numerical variables. Results Throughout the study, 17,101 COVID-19 patients were hospitalized, and 130 (0.76%) of those were infected with HIV. The median age was 54 (IQR: 43.0;64.0) years in 2020 and 53 (IQR: 46.0;63.5) years in 2021, with a predominance of females in both periods. People Living with HIV (PLHIV) and their controls showed similar prevalence for admission to the ICU and invasive mechanical ventilation requirement in the two periods, with no significant differences. In 2020, in-hospital mortality was higher in the PLHIV compared to the controls (27.9% vs. 17.7%; p = 0.049), but there was no difference in mortality between groups in 2021 (25.0% vs. 25.1%; p > 0.999). Conclusions Our results reiterate that PLHIV were at higher risk of COVID-19 mortality in the early stages of the pandemic, however, this finding did not sustain in 2021, when the mortality rate is similar to the control group.

Acute Effect of the "Zero Point" Method on Muscle Thickness and Muscle Damage in Trained Men.

The "zero point" method allows for lower intensities for an exercise session without impairing the total training volume. This study aimed to compare the effects of the "zero point" versus the traditional method on muscle responses and muscle damage in trained men. Fifteen experienced men (age: 27.7 ± 6.4 years; body mass: 78.4 ± 11.4 kg; height: 174.8 ± 4.9 cm; experience: 5.86 ± 4.7 years; relative bench press strength: 1.38 ± 0.17 kg·kg-1) were subjected to two exercise protocols in a randomized order and separated by a week. The traditional and "zero point" methods were applied in the bench press, with loads of 70% and 50% of one repetition maximum (1RM), respectively, for 10 sets until concentric failure, with 3-min intervals between sets. The zero point method displayed a higher number of repetitions and time under tension than the traditional method, with no difference in the total training volume, echo intensity, algometry, lactate, and myoglobin. For the muscle thickness, no differences between the groups were presented, except for the deltoid muscle thickness, in which a higher post-training volume was observed compared to traditional training. The "zero point" method increases the demand on the deltoid muscles in the bench press exercise, but not on the pectoralis and triceps brachii.

Influence of Alpha-Actinin-3 R577X Polymorphism on Muscle Damage and the Inflammatory Response after an Acute Strength Training Session.

The objective of this study was to verify the influence of the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism on muscle damage and the inflammatory response after an acute strength training (ST) session. Twenty-seven healthy male individuals (age: 25 ± 4.3 years) participated in the study, including 18 RR/RX and 9 XX individuals. The participants were divided into two groups (RR/RX and XX groups) and subjected to an acute ST session, which consisted of a series of leg press, leg extension machine, and seated leg curl machine. The volunteers were instructed to perform the greatest volume of work until concentric muscle failure. Each volunteer's performance was analyzed as the load and total volume of training, and the blood concentrations of C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), interleukin-8 (IL-8), creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), myoglobin, testosterone, and cortisol were measured before the ST session and 30 min and 24 h postsession. The ACTN3 R577X polymorphism effect was observed, with increased concentrations of CCL2 (p < 0.01), IL-8 (p < 0.01), and LDH (p < 0.001) in XX individuals. There was an increase in the concentration of CK in the RR/RX group compared to XX at 24 h after training (p > 0.01). The testosterone/cortisol ratio increased more markedly in the XX group (p < 0.001). Regarding performance, the RR/RX group presented higher load and total volume values in the training exercises when compared to the XX group (p < 0.05). However, the XX group presented higher values of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) than the RR/RX group (p < 0.05). The influence of ACTN3 R577X polymorphism on muscle damage and the inflammatory response was observed after an acute ST session, indicating that the RR/RX genotype shows more muscle damage and a catabolic profile due to a better performance in this activity, while the XX genotype shows more DOMS.