Functional performance assessment scale for children and adolescents with cancer: cross-cultural study.

OBJECTIVES: to describe the methodological process of cross-cultural adaptation of the PlayPerformance Scale for Children to Brazilian Portuguese. METHODS: methodological study of translation and cross-cultural adaptation in six stages: translation, synthesis of translations, back-translation, evaluation by a committee of judges, evaluation by expert nurses, and pretest. The agreement and representativeness of the items were assessed using the content validity index. A minimum value of 80% agreement was considered. RESULTS: all stages of the translation and cross-cultural adaptation process were satisfactory. In the evaluation performed by the committee of judges, all items obtained agreement above 80%. Fifteen pediatric nurses conducted the content validation, suggesting necessary modifications for understanding and application. Thirty children and adolescents with cancer were assessed with the scale for the pre-test. CONCLUSIONS: the scale was cross-culturally adapted to Brazilian Portuguese. The need for psychometric testing in a consistent sample is emphasized.

Gene - maltreatment interplay in adult ADHD symptoms: main role of a gene-environment correlation effect in a Brazilian population longitudinal study.

Childhood maltreatment correlates with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in previous research. The interaction between ADHD genetic predisposition and maltreatment's impact on ADHD symptom risk remains unclear. We aimed to elucidate this relationship by examining the interplay between a polygenic score for ADHD (ADHD-PGS) and childhood maltreatment in predicting ADHD symptoms during young adulthood. Using data from the 2004 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohort comprising 4231 participants, we analyzed gene-environment interaction (GxE) and correlation (rGE). We further explored rGE mechanisms through mediation models. ADHD symptoms were assessed at age 18 via self-report (Adult Self Report Scale - ASRS) and mother-reports (Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire - SDQ). The ADHD-PGS was derived from published ADHD GWAS meta-analysis. Physical and psychological child maltreatment was gauged using the Parent-Child Conflict Tactics Scale (CTSPC) at ages 6 and 11, with a mean score utilized as a variable. The ADHD-PGS exhibited associations with ADHD symptoms on both ASRS (ß = 0.53; 95% CI: 0.03; 1.03, p = 0.036), and SDQ (ß = 0.20; 95% CI: 0.08; 0.32, p = 0.001) scales. The total mean maltreatment score was associated with ADHD symptoms using both scales [(ßASRS = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.26;0.77) and (ßSDQ = 0.24; 95% CI: 0.18;0.29)]. The ADHD-PGS was associated with total mean maltreatment scores (ß = 0.09; 95% CI: 0.01; 0.17; p = 0.030). Approximately 47% of the total effect of ADHD-PGS on maltreatment was mediated by ADHD symptoms at age 6. No evidence supported gene-environment interaction in predicting ADHD symptoms. Our findings underscore the significant roles of genetics and childhood maltreatment as predictors for ADHD symptoms in adulthood, while also indicating a potential evocative mechanism through gene-environment correlation.

Children's satisfaction with nursing care during hospitalization: A cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: To assess hospitalized children's satisfaction with nursing care. DESIGN AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study using the "Children Care Quality at Hospital" questionnaire. 61 children admitted to the Pediatrics Department of a hospital in the Northern Region of Portugal were enrolled. RESULTS: The ranged age of the participants was 6 to 15 (10,61 ± 2,66 years), and most were male (52.46%; n = 32). The mean score in the three domains was 128 (77.11%), reflecting children's high satisfaction with the nursing care provided during hospitalization. The domain most valued was Nurse Characteristics, while the least valued was Nursing Environment. CONCLUSION: Results provide essential input for the dimensions to be considered when planning nursing care for children, managing care, and the physical environment in the wards. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: These results highlight the need to hear children's voices. This must encourage nurses to reflect on how children evaluate nursing care and, by doing so, to increase the quality of nursing care provided in Pediatrics settings.

How much or how often? Examining the screening properties of the DSM cross-cutting symptom measure in a youth population-based sample.

BACKGROUND: The DSM Level 1 Cross-Cutting Symptom Measure (DSM-XC) allows for assessing multiple psychopathological domains. However, its capability to screen for mental disorders in a population-based sample and the impact of adverbial framings (intensity and frequency) on its performance are unknown. METHODS: The study was based on cross-sectional data from the 1993 Pelotas birth cohort in Brazil. Participants with completed DSM-XC and structured diagnostic interviews (n = 3578, aged 22, 53.6% females) were included. Sensitivity, specificity, positive (LR+), and negative (LR-) likelihood ratios for each of the 13 DSM-XC domains were estimated for detecting five internalizing disorders (bipolar, generalized anxiety, major depressive, post-traumatic stress, and social anxiety disorders) and three externalizing disorders (antisocial personality, attention-deficit/hyperactivity, and alcohol use disorders). Sensitivities and specificities >0.75, LR+ > 2 and LR- < 0.5 were considered meaningful. Values were calculated for the DSM-XC's original scoring and for adverbial framings. RESULTS: Several DSM-XC domains demonstrated meaningful screening properties. The anxiety domain exhibited acceptable sensitivity and LR- values for all internalizing disorders. The suicidal ideation, psychosis, memory, repetitive thoughts and behaviors, and dissociation domains displayed acceptable specificity for all disorders. Domains also yielded small but meaningful LR+ values for internalizing disorders. However, LR+ and LR- values were not generally meaningful for externalizing disorders. Frequency-framed questions improved screening properties. CONCLUSIONS: The DSM-XC domains showed transdiagnostic screening properties, providing small but meaningful changes in the likelihood of internalizing disorders in the community, which can be improved by asking frequency of symptoms compared to intensity. The DSM-XC is currently lacking meaningful domains for externalizing disorders.

Intervenções de enfermagem à pessoa com compromisso da deglutição pós-extubação: uma scoping review / Nursing interventions for people with post-extubation swallowing impairment: a scoping review

O compromisso da deglutição pós-extubação (CDPE) acarreta um conjunto de complicações que impactam negativamente a reabilitação destes doentes. No entanto, a evidência de intervenções para a abordagem terapêutica ao CDPE é limitada. Por conseguinte, identificar as intervenções relevantes neste contexto é imprescindível para a construção de programas de reabilitação baseados em evidência. Objetivo: Mapear as intervenções direcionadas à pessoa com CDPE. Métodos: Trata-se de uma scoping review, orientada pela metodologia proposta pelo Joanna Briggs Institute. Dois revisores pesquisaram a MEDLINE (via PubMed), a Biblioteca Cochrane, a Scielo, a Science Direct e a CINAHL em outubro de 2023. Foi efetuada uma pesquisa adicional de literatura cinzenta. A extração de dados foi guiada pelos critérios de inclusão: adultos submetidos a ventilação mecânica invasiva por mais de 48 horas e diagnóstico de compromisso da deglutição (população), CDPE (conceito) e unidades de cuidados intensivos (contexto). Os resultados são apresentados de acordo com o tipo de intervenção: estratégias compensatórias e reabilitação. Resultados: Identificados 1891 registos, acrescidos de 59 registos encontrados na literatura cinzenta. Após triagem e seleção, foram incluídos 14 artigos para análise. Os exercícios de fortalecimento muscular e os ajustamentos posturais são as estratégias de reabilitação e compensação mais frequentemente referenciadas. Conclusão: Estes resultados poderão contribuir para enformar o processo de tomada de decisão dos enfermeiros especialistas em enfermagem de reabilitação na construção de intervenções dirigidas à pessoa com CDPE. A relevância dada ao CDPE é recente, assim como a investigação desenvolvida neste domínio, o que foi corroborado por estes resultados.

Post-extubation swallowing impairment (PESI) entails several complications that negatively impact the rehabilitation of intensive care patients. However, the evidence on interventions for the therapeutic approach to PESI is limited. Therefore, identifying relevant interventions in this context is essential for developing evidence-based rehabilitation programs. Aim: To map interventions for patients with post-extubation swallowing impairment. Methods: This is a scoping review guided by the methodology proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Two reviewers searched MEDLINE (via PubMed), the Cochrane Library, Scielo, Science Direct, and CINAHL in October 2023. An additional grey literature search was conducted. Data extraction was guided by the inclusion criteria: adults undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation for more than 48 hours (population), PESI (concept), and intensive care units (context). The results are presented according to the type of intervention: compensatory strategies and rehabilitation. Results: 1891 records were identified, and 59 were found in the gray literature. After screening and selection, 14 articles were included for analysis. Muscle strengthening exercises and postural adjustments were the most frequently mentioned rehabilitation and compensation strategies. Conclusion: These results may contribute to informing the decision-making process of rehabilitation nurses when designing interventions for patients with PESI. The relevance given to PESI is recent, as is the research carried out in this field, which was corroborated by these results.

Home- vs gym-based exercise delivery modes of two multicomponent intensity training regimes on cardiorespiratory fitness and arterial stiffness in adults with intellectual and developmental disability during the COVID-19 pandemic - a randomized controlled trial.

Background: We compared the effects of home- vs gym-based delivery modes of two 8-week supervised multicomponent intensity training regimes on cardiorespiratory fitness and arterial stiffness in 17 adults with intellectual and developmental disability during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Participants were assigned to sprint interval training or continuous aerobic training, both incorporating resistance training. The intervention started with 8-weeks of online training (M1-M2), 1-month of detraining, plus 8-weeks of gym-based training (M3-M4). Results: Peak oxygen uptake decreased from M1-M2 and increased from M2-M4. Central arterial stiffness decreased between M1-M2, and M1-M4, along with peripheral arterial stiffness. Central systolic blood pressure decreased from M1-M2 only with sprint interval training. Conclusion: Home-based training minimized the negative impact of the lockdown on central arterial stiffness and central blood pressure, but it did not match the benefits on cardiorespiratory fitness and peripheral arterial stiffness of a gym-based intervention, irrespective of the multicomponent intensity training regime. Registered in ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05701943.

A review of research advances on disinfection strategies for biofilm control in drinking water distribution systems.

The presence of biofilms in drinking water distribution systems (DWDS) is responsible for water quality deterioration and a possible source of public health risks. Different factors impact the biological stability of drinking water (DW) in the distribution networks, such as the presence and concentration of nutrients, water temperature, pipe material composition, hydrodynamic conditions, and levels of disinfectant residual. This review aimed to evaluate the current state of knowledge on strategies for DW biofilm disinfection through a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the literature published over the last decade. A systematic review method was performed on the 562 journal articles identified through database searching on Web of Science and Scopus, with 85 studies selected for detailed analysis. A variety of disinfectants were identified for DW biofilm control such as chlorine, chloramine, UV irradiation, hydrogen peroxide, chlorine dioxide, ozone, and others at a lower frequency, namely, electrolyzed water, bacteriophages, silver ions, and nanoparticles. The disinfectants can impact the microbial communities within biofilms, reduce the number of culturable cells and biofilm biomass, as well as interfere with the biofilm matrix components. The maintenance of an effective residual concentration in the water guarantees long-term prevention of biofilm formation and improves the inactivation of detached biofilm-associated opportunistic pathogens. Additionally, strategies based on multi-barrier processes by optimization of primary and secondary disinfection combined with other water treatment methods improve the control of opportunistic pathogens, reduce the chlorine-tolerance of biofilm-embedded cells, as well as decrease the corrosion rate in metal-based pipelines. Most of the studies used benchtop laboratory devices for biofilm research. Even though these devices mimic the conditions found in real DWDS, future investigations on strategies for DW biofilm control should include the validity of the promising strategies against biofilms formed in real DW networks.

Evaluation of genomic factors and early childhood stimulation on intelligence in children from a Brazilian birth cohort: The primary role of independent factors.

BACKGROUND: Childhood cognitive abilities are a predictor of health outcomes and adult income potential. Identifying factors associated with childhood intelligence and their interactions is essential in behavioral research. We assessed the impact of genetic variants and early child stimulation (ECS) on child intelligence and examined their possible interaction as potential modifiers of IQ in a population-based longitudinal study. METHODS: Participants of the 2004 Pelotas Birth Cohort study (N = 4231) underwent intelligent quotient (IQ) by WISC-III assessment at 6 years of age. At 24 and 48-months, mothers answered five ECS marker questions, whose sum was used to create a score. The polygenic score for intelligence (IQ-PGS) was constructed from the GWAS-weighted estimate of cognition. Association was assessed using multiple linear regression models adjusted for maternal, family, and child confounding variables. To explore the possible influence of skin color and ethnoracial classification, the regression models were stratified according to the skin color variable, as a sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: In the adjusted analysis, IQ-PGS (ß = 0.79, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.26;1.31) as well as ECS (ß = 2.34; 95% CI: 1.76;2.92) were associated with IQ in this sample. The association between IQ-PGS and IQ was significant only in the white Brazilian group in the sensitivity analysis. However, there was no interaction between IQ-PGS and ECS on IQ (p(IQ-PGS x ECS) = 0.46). CONCLUSIONS: ECS did not modify the impact of genetic potential on intellectual development during childhood, suggesting that genetic factors and ECS exert independent effects on the IQ levels of children.

Functional performance assessment scale for children and adolescents with cancer: cross-cultural study / Escala de evaluación del rendimiento funcional de niños y adolescentes con cáncer: estudio transcultural / Escala de avaliação do desempenho funcional de crianças e adolescentes com câncer: estudo transcultural

ABSTRACT Objectives: to describe the methodological process of cross-cultural adaptation of the PlayPerformance Scale for Children to Brazilian Portuguese. Methods: methodological study of translation and cross-cultural adaptation in six stages: translation, synthesis of translations, back-translation, evaluation by a committee of judges, evaluation by expert nurses, and pretest. The agreement and representativeness of the items were assessed using the content validity index. A minimum value of 80% agreement was considered. Results: all stages of the translation and cross-cultural adaptation process were satisfactory. In the evaluation performed by the committee of judges, all items obtained agreement above 80%. Fifteen pediatric nurses conducted the content validation, suggesting necessary modifications for understanding and application. Thirty children and adolescents with cancer were assessed with the scale for the pre-test. Conclusions: the scale was cross-culturally adapted to Brazilian Portuguese. The need for psychometric testing in a consistent sample is emphasized.

RESUMEN Objetivos: describir el proceso metodológico de adaptación transcultural de la Escala de Rendimiento de Juego para Niños al portugués brasileño. Métodos: estudio metodológico de traducción y adaptación transcultural en seis etapas: traducción, síntesis de traducciones, retrotraducción, evaluación por un comité de jueces, evaluación por enfermeros especialistas y pretest. La concordancia y representatividad de los ítems se evaluaron mediante el índice de validez de contenido. Se consideró un valor mínimo del 80% de concordancia. Resultados: todas las etapas del proceso de traducción y adaptación transcultural fueron satisfactorias. En la evaluación realizada por el comité de jueces, todos los ítems obtuvieron una concordancia superior al 80%. Quince enfermeros pediatras realizaron la validación de contenido, sugiriendo modificaciones necesarias para la comprensión y aplicación. Treinta niños y adolescentes con cáncer fueron evaluados con la escala para el pretest. Conclusiones: la escala fue adaptada transculturalmente al portugués brasileño. Se destaca la necesidad de realizar pruebas psicométricas en una muestra consistente.

RESUMO Objetivos: descrever o processo metodológico de adaptação transcultural da Play-Performance Scale for Children para o português brasileiro. Métodos: estudo metodológico de tradução e adaptação transcultural em seis etapas: tradução, síntese das traduções, retrotradução, avaliação por um comitê de juízes, avaliação por enfermeiros especialistas e pré-teste. A concordância e a representatividade dos itens foram avaliadas por meio do índice de validade de conteúdo. Considerou-se o valor mínimo de 80% de concordância. Resultados: todas as etapas do processo de tradução e adaptação transcultural foram satisfatórias. Na avaliação realizada pelo comitê de juízes, todos os itens obtiveram concordância superior a 80%. Quinze enfermeiros pediatras realizaram a validação de conteúdo, sugerindo modificações necessárias para o entendimento e aplicação. Trinta crianças e adolescentes com câncer foram avaliados com a escala para o pré-teste. Conclusões: a escala foi adaptada transculturalmente para o português brasileiro. Ressalta-se a necessidade da realização de testes psicométricos em uma amostra consistente.

Unusual Presentation of Lymphangioma Circumscriptum of the Vulva: In Association With Crohn Disease.

ABSTRACT: Lymphangioma circumscriptum (LC) is a rare benign condition, with marked dilation of surface lymphatic vessels in the deep and subcutaneous layers. Vulvar LC can become a highly disabling condition with vulvar discomfort, itching, burning and lymph seeping being the dominant symptoms. Biopsy is mandatory for the diagnosis. There is no consensus on the standard treatment for vulvar LC and recurrence is frequent. In complex cases with wide disease location, combination of different treatment options, such as abrasive methods and surgery, may lead to the best clinical and aesthetical result, with extended disease-free periods. We present a patient with a long history of Crohn disease with multiple pelvic surgeries who developed an extensive vulvar LC.

A procedure to harmonize the hydrodynamic force during microbial cultivation in shaking flasks.

Shake flask cultivation is a routine technique in microbiology and biotechnology laboratories where cell growth can be affected by the hydrodynamic conditions, which depend on the agitation velocity, shaking diameter, and shake flask size. Liquid agitation is implemented inherently to increase aeration, substrate transfer to the cells, and prevent sedimentation, disregarding the role of hydrodynamics in microbial growth and metabolism. Here, we present a simple approach to help standardize the hydrodynamic forces in orbital shakers to increase the experimental accuracy and reproducibility and give students a better knowledge of the significance of the agitation process in microbial growth.

Projeto de melhoria contínua no cuidado à pessoa com difagia para promover a implementação de evidências / Continuous improvement project to promote evidence-based care to patients with dysphagia / Proyecto de mejora continua dirigido al cuidado de la persona con disfagia para promover la implementación de evidencias

Resumo Enquadramento: Existe evidência de que a sistematização da abordagem terapêutica à pessoa com deglutição comprometida após o acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) tem um impacte significativo na redução de complicações. Objetivo: Conceber e implementar uma intervenção multimodal para a implementação da evidência, na sistematização da abordagem à pessoa com deglutição comprometida. Metodologia: Projeto de melhoria contínua da qualidade dos cuidados de enfermagem desenvolvido num serviço de internamento de reabilitação, em cinco fases: análise do modelo em uso, construção da intervenção, implementação, avaliação e partilha dos resultados. Para a recolha de dados utilizaram-se a análise à documentação, a auditoria e grupos focais. Resultados: Verificou-se um incremento de 39,59% nos focos de enfermagem identificados e de 45,33% de intervenções, assim como a transposição para a prática da evidência ao nível da avaliação, da sistematização das práticas, acompanhamento durante as refeições e higiene oral. Conclusão: Este projeto contribuiu para a transposição do conhecimento para a prática, nomeadamente para o sucesso do plano terapêutico da pessoa alvo dos cuidados, concretamente no âmbito da deglutição comprometida.

Abstract Background: Evidence shows that systematizing the therapeutic approach to patients with post-stroke dysphagia reduces complications significantly. Objective: To design and implement a multimodal intervention to systematize an evidence-based approach to patients with dysphagia. Methodology: A continuous quality improvement project for nursing care was implemented in a rehabilitation inpatient unit in five phases: analysis of the model in use, design of the intervention, implementation, assessment, and dissemination of results. Data were collected through documentary analysis, audits, and focus groups. Results: There was an increase of 39.59% in the identified nursing foci and 45.33% in interventions. The translation of evidence into practice was also observed at the level of assessment, systematization of practices, and monitoring during meals and oral hygiene. Conclusion: This Project contributed to translating knowledge into practice, particularly concerning the success of the therapeutic plan, specifically in terms of dysphagia, for patients being cared for.

Resumen Marco contextual: Está demostrado que la sistematización del enfoque terapéutico de las personas con trastorno de la deglución tras un accidente cerebrovascular (ACV) tiene un impacto significativo en la reducción de las complicaciones. Objetivo: Diseñar e implementar una intervención multimodal para aplicar la evidencia en la sistematización del enfoque de la persona con trastorno de la deglución. Metodología: Proyecto de mejora continua de la calidad de los cuidados de enfermería desarrollado en una unidad hospitalaria de rehabilitación, en cinco fases: análisis del modelo en uso, diseño de la intervención, implementación, evaluación y puesta en común de los resultados. Los datos se recogieron mediante análisis de documentos, auditorías y grupos de discusión. Resultados: Se observa un incremento del 39,59% en los focos de enfermería identificados y del 45,33% en las intervenciones, así como la transposición a la práctica de la evidencia a nivel de la evaluación, la sistematización de las prácticas, el seguimiento durante las comidas y la higiene bucodental. Conclusión: Este proyecto contribuyó a la transposición de los conocimientos a la práctica, es decir, al éxito del plan terapéutico para la persona atendida, concretamente en el contexto del trastorno de la deglución.

Effects on communication due to face mask use: an integrative review.

OBJECTIVES: to integrate evidence from studies on auditory perceptual and speech production effects in communication situations with face mask use. METHODS: an integrative literature review, in MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and Embase databases. The guiding question was: what effects on communication (perceptual-auditory and speech production) occur with face mask use? RESULTS: searches in electronic databases resulted in 1,478 studies and filtering resulted in 29 final studies. CONCLUSIONS: mask use has effects on communication, both in perception and speech production, factors that are also related to quality of life, stress and socio-emotional factors. These data can impact on indicators and alerts in favor of adopting strategies to manage mask use, involving speech production and perception when wearing a mask in health services.

Realism-based assessment of the efficacy of potassium peroxymonosulphate on Stenotrophomonas maltophilia biofilm control.

The potential of pentapotassium bis(peroxymonosulphate) bis(sulphate) (OXONE) to control biofilms in drinking water distribution systems (DWDS) was evaluated and compared to chlorine disinfection. Mature biofilms of drinking water (DW)-isolated Stenotrophomonas maltophilia were formed using a simulated DWDS with a rotating cylinder reactor (RCR). After 30 min of exposure, OXONE at 10 × minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) caused a significant 4 log reduction of biofilm culturability in comparison to the unexposed biofilms and a decrease in the number of non-damaged cells below the detection limit (4.8 log cells/cm2). The effects of free chlorine were restricted to approximately 1 log reduction in both biofilm culturability and non-damaged cells. OXONE in synthetic tap water (STW) at 25 ºC was more stable over 40 days than free chlorine in the same conditions. OXONE solution exhibited a disinfectant decrease of about 10% of the initial concentration during the first 9 days, and after this time the values remained stable. Whereas possible reaction of chlorine with inorganic and organic substances in STW contributed to free chlorine depletion of approximately 48% of the initial concentration. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy studies confirmed the presence of singlet oxygen and other free radicals during S. maltophilia disinfection with OXONE. Overall, OXONE constitutes a relevant alternative to conventional DW disinfection for effective biofilm control in DWDS.

Interventions for Caregivers of Heart Disease Patients in Rehabilitation: Scoping Review.

Map the interventions/components directed to the caregivers of heart disease patients in cardiac rehabilitation programs that promote their role and health. METHODS: The Joanna Briggs Institute method was used to guide this scoping review. Two independent reviewers assessed articles for relevance and extracted and synthesized data. Inclusion criteria comprised articles published in English, Spanish, and Portuguese since 1950. The following databases were searched: CINAHL Complete (Via EBSCO), Medline (via PubMed), Scopus, PEDro, and Repositórios Científicos de Acesso Aberto de Portugal (RCAAP). RESULTS: From 351 articles retrieved, 10 were included in the review. The interventions identified directed to the caregiver were: educational interventions and lifestyle changes; physical exercise; psychological interventions/stress management; and a category "Other" with training interventions in basic life support, elaboration of guidelines/recommendations, and training for the role of caregiver. CONCLUSIONS: It was found that most of the related cardiac rehabilitation interventions are aimed at the dyad heart failure patient and their caregivers/family. Including specific interventions targeting caregivers improves the caregiver's health and empowers them. Patient care planning should include interventions specifically aimed at them that result in health gains for caregivers and patients, striving to improve the quality of care. This study was not registered.

Physical Activity and Chronic Stress in Early Life: Findings From the 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort.

BACKGROUND: The association of physical activity through early childhood on children's chronic stress still is unclear. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to test the association of physical activity through early childhood (1-4 y) with chronic stress, measured by hair cortisol at age 4. METHODS: Longitudinal study including children from the 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort. Cortisol at age 4 was measured using a hair sample, which provided cortisol concentration from the past months. Physical activity was measured using accelerometers at 1, 2, and 4 years. Linear regression models were used to assess the association between physical activity and chronic stress. Trajectory models were also applied to examine chronic stress in relation to physical activity patterns throughout early childhood. RESULTS: Children with valid physical activity and hair cortisol data were included in the analyses (N = 1475). Three groups of physical activity trajectories between 1 and 4 years were identified: low, medium, and high. No association between physical activity at 1, 2, and 4 years and chronic stress at age 4 was observed. However, children in the "high" physical activity trajectory presented low cortisol concentration; the magnitude of the regression coefficient was slightly larger in girls (ß = -0.125; 95% confidence interval, -0.326 to 0.074) than boys (ß = -0.051; 95% confidence interval, -0.196 to 0.09). CONCLUSION: There was no clear association between physical activity and chronic stress in early childhood. Trajectories models suggest that higher activity throughout early childhood may positively impact chronic stress; however, more studies are needed to confirm that hypothesis.

Exposure to silver and titanium dioxide nanoparticles at supra-environmental concentrations decreased sperm motility and affected spermatozoa subpopulations in gilthead seabream, Sparus aurata.

Marine pollution by nanoparticles (NPs) can be reprotoxic for fish and disturb successful reproduction of wild populations. In gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), a mild effect on sperm motility was observed after exposure to high concentrations of silver NPs. Considering the great heterogeneity traits within a sperm sample, it is possible that NPs affect spermatozoa accordingly, modulating subpopulation profile. Thus, this work aimed to analyse NP effects in sperm motility in general and considering spermatozoa population structure, using a subpopulation approach. Seabream sperm samples from mature males were exposed for 1 h to increasing concentrations of titanium dioxide (1, 10, 100, 1000 and 10,000 µg L-1) and silver (0.25, 25 and 250 µg L-1) NPs, including Ag NP and Ag+, dissolved in a non-activating medium (0.9 % NaCl). Concentrations chosen include realistic (10-100 and 0.25 µg L-1, respectively, for TiO2 and Ag) and supra-environmental values. The mean particle diameter was determined as 19.34 ± 6.72 and 21.50 ± 8.27 nm in the stock suspension, respectively, for titanium dioxide and silver. After the ex vivo exposure, sperm motility parameters were determined using computer-assisted sperm analysis, and sperm subpopulations were later identified using a two-step cluster analysis. Results revealed a significant reduction in total motility after exposure to the 2 highest concentrations of titanium dioxide NPs, while curvilinear and straight-line velocities were not altered. Exposure to silver NPs (Ag NP and Ag+) lowered significantly total and progressive motilities at all concentrations, while curvilinear and straight-line velocities were significantly lower only at the highest concentration. Sperm subpopulations were also affected by the exposure to both titanium dioxide and silver NPs. In both cases, the highest levels of NPs triggered a decrease in the percentage of fast sperm subpopulations (38.2% in TiO2 1000 µg L-1, 34.8.% in Ag NP 250 µg L-1, and 45.0% in Ag+ 250 µg L-1 vs 53.4% in the control), while an increase on slow sperm subpopulations. A reprotoxic effect was proven for both NPs, but only at supra-environmental concentrations.

Silver nanoparticles and silver ions indistinguishably decrease sperm motility in Pacific oysters (Magallana gigas) after short-term direct exposure.

The present study aimed to evaluate the reprotoxicity of environmental (0.25 µg.L-1) and supra-environmental (25 µg.L-1 and 250 µg.L-1) levels of silver nanoparticles (Ag NP) on the Pacific oyster (Magallana gigas), by determining sperm quality. For that, we evaluated sperm motility, mitochondrial function and oxidative stress. To determine whether the Ag toxicity was related to the NP or its dissociation into Ag ions (Ag+), we tested the same concentrations of Ag+. We observed no dose-dependent responses for Ag NP and Ag+, and both impaired sperm motility indistinctly without affecting mitochondrial function or inducing membrane damage. We hypothesize that the toxicity of Ag NP is mainly due to adhesion to the sperm membrane. Blockade of membrane ion channels may also be a mechanism by which Ag NP and Ag+ induce toxicity. The presence of Ag in the marine ecosystem is of environmental concern as it may affect reproduction in oysters.