Gratitude as an antidote to materialism in young consumers.

Introduction: Materialism has consistently been associated with mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety, and with a decline in overall wellbeing. This article seeks to deepen the understanding of whether or not the level of materialism is reduced when a sense of gratitude is instilled and, if so, how. Methods: After a thorough literature review, two empirical studies are presented. Study 1 has a quasi-experimental design and a sample of adolescent individuals in a major city in Brazil. Study 2 takes the form of a survey, completed by parents, in the same city. Results: Study 1 demonstrates that a gratitude-based intervention can reduce the subjects' belief that material wealth brings happiness and signifies success. Study 2 suggests that parents who express gratitude have a perception of raising less materialistic children. Discussion: These conclusions add to the theory and practice of consumer psychology and responsible consumption, particularly in relation to the behavior of young people, pointing toward ways to reduce excessive consumption through a simple and easily applied intervention: the stimulus of gratitude.

The effectiveness of ibandronate in reducing the risk of nonvertebral fractures in women with osteoporosis: systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

BACKGROUND: Ibandronate is effective in reducing the risk of vertebral fractures, but experimental evidence offers conflicting results regarding nonvertebral fractures. Real-world evidence has been published evaluating the anti-nonvertebral fracture effect of ibandronate. AIM: This meta-analysis of observational studies assessed the effectiveness of ibandronate in reducing the risk of nonvertebral fractures in women with osteoporosis. METHOD: Pubmed/Embase databases were searched for observational studies. Risks of nonvertebral fractures and hip fractures were the outcomes. Meta-analyses were performed pooling rate ratios (RRs), using random-effects models. Data were reanalysed in sensitivity analyses considering Knapp-Hartung method and Bayesian random-effects. RESULTS: Six cohort studies were included. Overall, once-monthly 150 mg oral ibandronate reduced the risk of nonvertebral fractures (RR 0.84; 95% CI 0.76-0.94). Similar results were obtained when the comparison was restricted to once-monthly 150 mg risedronate, but no differences were found when the comparator was other oral bisphosphonates (weekly alendronate/risedronate). Ibandronate didn't significantly change the risk of hip fractures (RR 1.25; 95% CI 0.89-1.76). The risk of hip fracture was comparable between once monthly, 150 mg oral ibandronate and other oral bisphosphonates. Intravenous ibandronate was not effective in reducing hip fractures comparing to intravenous zoledronate. The low number of studies diminished the robustness of sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that once-monthly 150 mg oral ibandronate may be as effective as other oral bisphosphonates in reducing the risk of nonvertebral fractures. However, uncertainty associated to the small number of included studies, which are characterized by heterogeneous demographics and methodologies, precluded definitive conclusions.

Biofouling potential of surface-enhanced Raman scattering-based seawater quality sensors by Ulva spp.

This study investigated the biofouling potential of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based sensor materials in the context of marine environments. Uncoated and monolithic commercial gold (Au) silicon nanopillar array SERS substrates, Au-coated carbon black nanoparticle (AuCB NP) substrates, uncoated and Au sputter-coated in-house SERS, and uncoated and Au sputter-coated glass controls were tested for biofouling potential using Ulva spp. as model biofouling organisms. The mean percentages of Ulva spp. zoospores that adhered per mm2 (×103) on the uncoated and coated Au silicon nanopillar array, AuCB NP, uncoated and Au sputter-coated in-house, and uncoated and Au sputter-coated glass substrates were 10.28%, 5.45%, 10.49%, 3.25%, 24.84%, 12.86% and 7.78%, respectively. Results indicated that surface properties such as hydrophobicity, roughness, Au sputter-coating and the presence of micro-refuges on nano- and microstructured substrates were critical to the biofouling formation.

Ibandronate in the Prevention of Vertebral and Nonvertebral Osteoporotic Fractures: A Systematic Review of Experimental and Observational Studies.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate ibandronate clinical effectiveness in the prevention of osteoporosis-related vertebral fractures (VFs) and nonvertebral fractures (NVFs) in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. METHODS: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination's guidance and reporting in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis statement 2020. A literature search was performed in PubMed and EMBASE since their inception until February 7, 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), meta-analysis, experimental, and observational studies evaluating adult patients treated with ibandronate and assessed to osteoporotic fractures prevention were included. The risk of bias was assessed according to study design. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Eight references from 4 RCTs, 7 meta-analyses, and 6 observational studies were included. In RCTs, oral ibandronate was superior to placebo in the prevention of VF. However, the doses were lower than those approved. The meta-analyses confirmed these results and showed that adequate doses of oral ibandronate reduce the risk of NVF compared with insufficient doses. In observational studies, oral ibandronate (in approved doses) reduced the risk of VF compared with no treatment or risedronate or alendronate and the risk of NVF versus risedronate or alendronate; the risk of hip fractures was similar between ibandronate and other oral bisphosphonates. CONCLUSIONS: There is strong evidence that ibandronate reduces the risk of VF in postmenopausal osteoporosis. The available evidence further suggests that ibandronate may reduce the risk of NVF versus insufficient doses of ibandronate, as well as risedronate or alendronate.

Educação (remota) on-line e Covid-19: experiência de professores na educação médica mediada por metodologias ativas / Online (remote) education and Covid-19: teachers' experience in medical education mediated by active methodologies

Resumo: Introdução: Em 2020, a fim de conter a progressão da pandemia do coronavírus, determinou-se o distanciamento social por redução da interação entre as pessoas. As instituições de ensino foram fechadas, e adotou-se o ensino-aprendizagem a distância aplicado por tecnologias digitais para a continuidade do estudo. O fechamento de uma universidade comunitária em Santa Catarina, no curso de Medicina, implicou uma situação disruptiva quanto ao formato de ensino, visto que se utilizam metodologias ativas que não haviam sido aplicadas digitalmente até o momento. Dessa circunstância, pergunta-se como o corpo docente percebe e vivencia essa nova realidade. Objetivo: Pretendeu-se conhecer a experiência de professores do primeiro ao quarto ano de graduação médica com metodologias ativas durante as atividades do ensino remoto no advento da pandemia do coronavírus para entender as repercussões na aprendizagem. Método: Trata-se de uma pesquisa de campo, com objetivo exploratório e abordagem quanti-qualitativa. O trabalho passou por apreciação do Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa. Os participantes foram contatados eletronicamente para responder, na plataforma Google Forms, a um questionário dividido em duas etapas com perguntas objetivas e descritivas relativas à vivência deles no ensino remoto. A exploração de dados ocorreu por estatísticas, análise temática de conteúdo e análise de correlação, confrontando-se os resultados com o referencial teórico. Resultado: Responderam à pesquisa 29 professores. A maioria deles se sentiu ao menos parcialmente preparada para atuar no ensino remoto, e orientações e busca por auxílio não se correlacionaram com o preparo. Facilidades e fragilidades relacionadas à tecnologia foram observadas. Computador, celular e Google Meet foram os recursos mais utilizados. Materiais do presencial necessitaram de adaptações, não sendo satisfatórias em alguns casos. As atividades pedagógicas foram cumpridas dentro do proposto, entretanto, para dois terços dos docentes, houve prejuízo na qualidade do ensino, e metade deles mudou de conduta para mediação de aulas virtuais. Conclusão: A passagem para o ensino digital foi um desafio para professores. A aprendizagem foi comprometida, porém observaram-se benefícios e potencialidades. Como há um processo de mudança na sociedade com o propósito de consolidar a educação digital, são essenciais as devidas capacitações para apoiar esse processo em metodologias ativas.

Abstract: Introduction: In 2020, aiming to contain the progression of the Coronavirus pandemic, social distancing was determined by reducing interactions between people. The educational institutions were closed and distance teaching-learning was applied using digital technologies for study continuity. The closing of a community university in Santa Catarina, in the medical course, implied in a disruptive situation regarding the teaching format, since they use active methodologies and these had not been applied digitally up to that moment. From these circumstances, one asks how the faculty perceives and experiences this new reality. Objective: This study aimed to understand the experiences of educators teaching from the first to the fourth year of medical school using active methodologies during the remote education activities at the emergence of the Coronavirus pandemic aiming at understanding the impacts on learning. Method: This is a field research with an exploratory objective and a quantitative-qualitative approach. This study has been analyzed by the Research Ethics Committee. The participants were contacted by electronics means and were invited to answer a two-step questionnaire using the Google Forms platform, containing objective and descriptive questions regarding their experience with remote teaching. Data analysis was performed by statistics, by thematic content analysis and by correlation analysis, and the findings were compared using the theoretical reference. Result: Twenty-nine teachers answered the survey. Most of them felt, at least, partially prepared to work in the remote education and guidance and requests for help were not related to the preparation. Facilities and weaknesses related to the technology were observed. Computers, cell phones and Google Meet were the recourses most often used. Adaptations for the materials used in face-to-face classes were necessary, but in some cases, they were not satisfactory. The pedagogical activities were accomplished within the proposed ones, but two-thirds of the teachers believed there were losses related to study quality and half of them adjusted their behavior to virtual class mediation. Conclusion: The transition to the digital teaching format constituted a challenge for the teachers. The learning process was compromised; however, benefits and potentials were observed. A change is occurring in society and digital teaching is being solidified and training is essential to support this process in active methodologies.

Plasmon-Tuned Particles for the Amplification of Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering from Analytes.

Inelastic scattering from molecules because of vibrational modes produces unique Raman shifts, allowing these analytes to be detected with high specificity. Because Raman scattering is weak, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has been used as a label-free technique for the detection of a variety of analytes at low concentrations. Using simple solution-based colloidal processing techniques, we have fabricated gold-coated carbon-black nanoparticles that show enhanced Raman activity. By varying the fabrication conditions, we create particles of different surface morphologies, allowing control over the peak wavelength for localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). By matching the LSPR wavelength to the incident laser wavelength, we get the highest signal from two model analytes, 4-nitrobenzenethiol (4-NBT) and Congo Red (CR). Our straightforward room-temperature-solution-based approach for making tunable SERS-active particles expands the range of incident radiation wavelengths that can be used for the detection of analytes using Raman scattering.

Morin exhibits leukemic cellular apoptosis through caspase pathway.

The present study investigated the possibility of apoptosis-inducing activity in human leukemia U-937 and THP-1 cells by the flavonoid morin. The treatments were evaluated by using the MTT and LDH assays; analysis of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) was evaluated by flow cytometry, cell death by apoptosis was confirmed by fluorescence microscopy and by assessing the activity of caspases-3 and -6. The data indicated that the flavonoid morin has promoted a decrease in cell viability in a concentration-dependent way for both of the cancerous cell lines. An increase in the percentage of cell death caused by apoptosis was associated to a potential alteration in the mitochondrial membrane (ΔΨm) suggesting the involvement of cell death in intrinsic apoptotic pathways. Activation of caspases-3 and -6 confirmed the presence of apoptotic activity from morin. The results reinforce the antileukemic potential of flavonol morin.

Exploring the potential of chitosan-based particles as delivery-carriers for promising antimicrobial glycolipid biosurfactants.

Driven by the need to find alternatives to control Staphylococcus aureus infections, this work describes the development of chitosan-based particulate systems as carriers for antimicrobial glycolipids. By using a simple ionic gelation method stable nanoparticles were obtained showing an encapsulation efficiency of 41.1 ± 8.8 % and 74.2 ± 1.3 % and an average size of 210.0 ± 15.7 nm and 329.6 ± 8.0 nm for sophorolipids and rhamnolipids chitosan-nanoparticles, respectively. Glycolipids incorporation and particle size was correspondingly corroborated by FTIR-ATR and TEM analysis. Rhamnolipids chitosan nanoparticles (RLs-CSp) presented the highest antimicrobial effect towards S. aureus (ATCC 25923) exhibiting a minimal inhibitory concentration of 130 µg/mL and a biofilm inhibition ability of 99 %. Additionally, RLs-CSp did not interfere with human dermal fibroblasts (AG22719) viability and proliferation under the tested conditions. The results revealed that the RLs-CSp were able to inhibit bacterial growth showing adequate cytocompatibility and might become, after additional studies, a valuable approach to prevent S. aureus related infections.

Câncer de próstata em homens atendidos em uma unidade de alta complexidade em saúde: perfil epidemiológico / Prostate cancer in men treated at a high-complexity healthcare unit: epidemiological profile / Cáncer de próstata en hombres atendidos en una unidad de salud de alta complejidad: perfil epidemiológico

Objetivo: caracterizar o perfil epidemiológico do câncer de próstata em homens atendidos em uma unidade de alta complexidade em saúde na Bahia, Brasil. Método: Estudo descritivo, transversal, quantitativo, realizado em uma unidade de alta complexidade de referência em um município da Bahia, Brasil. Realizou-se busca exploratória de dados primários coletados em prontuários de pacientes com câncer que que estavam iniciando e/ou em tratamento, entre janeiro de 2013 a dezembro de 2015. A amostra foi composta de 662 registros, os quais foram submetidos à análise estatística. Resultados: Mais de 60% dos pacientes residiam na área urbana, cerca de 90% são atendidos pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). O câncer de próstata obteve maior prevalência em homens com idade acima de 60 anos, principalmente na faixa etária 70-79 anos. A análise histológica da biópsia indicou que a maioria dos pacientes já se encontravam na escala G2, classificado como médio risco, havendo a possibilidade de avançar para o escore G3 - alto risco. Conclusão: O perfil epidemiológico indicou prevalência elevada para o câncer de próstata, com recorte etário avançado, perfil histológico relevante para a vigilância dos pacientes e expressiva cobertura de atenção à saúde na esfera pública

Objective: to characterize the epidemiological profile of prostate cancer in men treated at a high-complexity healthcare unit in Bahia, Brazil. Method: Descriptive, cross-sectional, quantitative study, carried out in a high-complexity reference unit in a municipality in Bahia, Brazil. An exploratory search of primary data collected from medical records of cancer patients who were starting and/or undergoing treatment was carried out between January 2013 and December 2015. The sample consisted of 662 records, which were submitted to statistical analysis. Results: More than 60% of patients lived in urban areas, about 90% are assisted by the Unified Health System (SUS). Prostate cancer was more prevalent in men over 60 years of age, especially in the 70-79 age group. The histological analysis of the biopsy indicated that most patients were already in the G2 scale, classified as medium risk, with the possibility of advancing to the G3 score - high risk. Conclusion: The epidemiological profile indicated a high prevalence of prostate cancer, with an advanced age range, relevant histological profile for patient surveillance and significant coverage of health care in the public sphere.

Objetivo: caracterizar el perfil epidemiológico del cáncer de próstata en hombres atendidos en una unidad de salud de alta complejidad en Bahía, Brasil. Método: estudio descriptivo, transversal, cuantitativo, realizado en una unidad de referencia de alta complejidad en un municipio de Bahía, Brasil. Entre enero de 2013 y diciembre de 2015 se realizó una búsqueda exploratoria de datos primarios recolectados de historias clínicas de pacientes oncológicos que estaban iniciando y / o en tratamiento. La muestra estuvo conformada por 662 registros, que fueron sometidos a análisis estadístico. Resultados: Más del 60% de los pacientes vivían en áreas urbanas, alrededor del 90% son atendidos por el Sistema Único de Salud (SUS). El cáncer de próstata fue más prevalente en hombres mayores de 60 años, especialmente en el grupo de edad de 70 a 79 años. El análisis histológico de la biopsia indicó que la mayoría de los pacientes ya se encontraban en la escala G2, clasificada como riesgo medio, con posibilidad de avanzar a la puntuación G3 - riesgo alto. Conclusión: El perfil epidemiológico indicó una alta prevalencia de cáncer de próstata, con rango de edad avanzado, perfil histológico relevante para la vigilancia del paciente y cobertura significativa de atención de salud en la esfera pública.

Apicoectomy of Perforated Root Canal Using Bioceramic Cement and Photodynamic Therapy.

Root perforation is a common endodontic accident. Its management depends mainly on root canal disinfection and sealing the perforation area by preventing any communication with the periodontium to prevent recontamination. A patient was referred to treat root perforation due to a previous treatment of tooth #22. The diagnosis was symptomatic periapical periodontitis, and the treatment plan was to retreat the root canal of #22 and make a surgical intervention (apicoectomy) associated with antimicrobial photodynamic therapy as a complementary technique. Five mineral oxides (5MO) cement was used as a root-end filling material. The procedures were performed in two sessions and controlled in two visits (after 30 days and 12 months). A bone neoformation was observed at the periapical area of tooth #22. 5MO bioceramic cement was effective in inducing the repair of the periapical lesion and had the ability to seal the exposed periapical area of the tooth. Its success depended mainly on root canal and surgical site disinfection.

Exclusión digital de las comunidades de personas con discapacidad en Brasil / Digital exclusion of disabled people's communities in Brazil

La tecnología digital en la Sociedad de la Información ha perpetuado los fenómenos de exclusión social antiguos, que los traduce en lo que hoy se conoce como la Brecha Digital, la cual ataca con especial rigor a las comunidades de personas con discapacidad. En este artículo se revisa la evolución de la accesibilidad y la inclusión digital informacional de estas comunidades, tomando el caso de Brasil para ilustrar la historia de sus luchas por la equidad y la autonomía, así como los desafíos que enfrentan en esta área. Partiendo de la teoría crítica aplicada a la tecnología, se usó el análisis de dominio, en el que se combina un estudio de la literatura y las fuentes como revisión bibliográfica integradora, con un estudio histórico. Se evidencian las múltiples barreras culturales y jurídicas, históricas y presentes que convergen en las limitaciones actuales de acceso libre al conocimiento científico, al software de código abierto, en la falta de estímulo al desarrollo de la tecnología asistiva, y en el desfase en las pautas de accesibilidad al contenido Web del Consorcio 3W. Se identifican las principales barreras para la accesibilidad y la inclusión digital. Los problemas de la brecha digital y la accesibilidad Web son tan técnicos como culturales, económicos y políticos. En la medida en que no se perciba a las comunidades de personas con discapacidad como minorías políticas en busca de equidad, empoderamiento y autonomía, el discurso asistencialista y los preconceptos seguirán excluyendo digitalmente estas poblaciones. Transformar esa narrativa es posible con más trabajos de investigación que, de forma crítica, fundamenten las visiones alternativas sobre esta situación(AU)

The digital technology pervading information society has perpetuated long-standing social exclusion problems, transforming them into what is now known as the digital gap, which particularly affects disabled people's communities. The present paper reviews the evolution of information accessibility and digital inclusion in these communities, using the Brazil case to illustrate the history of their struggle for equity and autonomy, as well as the challenges they face in this field. Starting from the critical theory applied to technology, a domain analysis was conducted which combined examination of the literature and an integrating bibliographic search with a historical approach. Evidence was found of a large number of cultural and legal hurdles, both historical and present, which converge in the current limitations to free access to scientific knowledge and open code software, lack of stimulus to assistive technology development, and a phase lag in the guidelines for accessibility to the web content of the W3 Consortium. Identification was made of the main hurdles in accessibility and digital inclusion. Problems related to the digital gap and web accessibility are technical as well as cultural, economic and political. As long as disabled people's communities are not perceived as political minorities in search for equity, empowerment and autonomy, assistentialist discourse and preconceptions will continue to digitally exclude those populations. The transformation of that narrative is possible through more research work critically substantiating the alternative views about this situation(AU)

Population status of Boswellia papyrifera woodland and prioritizing its conservation interventions using multi-criteria decision model in northern Ethiopia.

Boswellia papyrifera woodland provides considerable economic, ecological and socio-cultural benefits in the drylands of Ethiopia. However, its populations are in rapid decline due to human pressure and environmental degradation. As a consequence, the species is now considered being endangered, demanding an urgent conservation intervention to sustain its existence. This study was carried out in the Abergele district, northern Ethiopia, with objectives to characterize the current population structure of B. papyrifera and prioritize its potential conservation intervention alternatives using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) modelling techniques. The woody species related data were collected from 33 sample plots randomly established in the study area. Data related to the potential intervention alternatives and their evaluating criteria were collected from experts, personal experiences and intensive literature reviews, and then validated using stakeholders' focus group discussion. Four candidate alternatives were then considered for the AHP: 1) free grazing with no tapping resting period (FGNTR), 2) free grazing with a rotational tapping (FGRT), 3) area exclosure with medium tapping resting period (AEMTR), and 4) area exclosure with long tapping resting period (AELTR). The results showed that the population structure of B. papyrifera is unstable and is characterized by low density (266 trees ha-1), absence of regeneration and saplings (DBH<10 cm) due to different interrelated disturbances such as overgrazing, over tapping, pests, agricultural expansion and poor managements. The overall priority ranking value of all stakeholders using the AHP techniques also indicated that AEMTR (with overall rank value of 0.352) and AELTR (0.294) as the best alternatives strategies, respectively, for sustainable B. papyrifera woodland conservation. For the success of these strategies, their economic impacts at their early implementation stages (5-10 years) should be minimized by collecting different non-timber forest products from the woodland. Continuous capacity building training on sustainable utilizations and managements of B. papyrifera woodland should also be provided for all relevant stakeholders.

The response of Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 to micro-/nano polyethylene particles - Investigation of a key anthropogenic stressor.

Microplastics or plastic particles less than 5 mm in size are a ubiquitous and damaging pollutant in the marine environment. However, the interactions between these plastic particles and marine microorganisms are just starting to be understood. The objective of this study was to measure the responses of a characteristic marine organism (Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002) to an anthropogenic stressor (polyethelene nanoparticles and microparticles) using molecular techniques. This investigation showed that polyethylene microparticles and nanoparticles have genetic, enzymatic and morphological effects on Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002. An RT-PCR analysis showed increases in the expression of esterase and hydrolase genes at 5 days of exposure to polyethylene nanoparticles and at 10 days of exposure to polyethylene microparticles. A qualitative enzymatic assay also showed esterase activity in nanoparticle exposed samples. Cryo-scanning electron microscopy was used to assess morphological changes in exopolymer formation resulting from exposure to polyethylene microparticles and nanoparticles. The data from this paper suggests that microplastic and nanoplastics could be key microbial stressors and should be investigated in further detail.

Antidiabetic effect of Equisetum giganteum L. extract on alloxan-diabetic rabbit.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Equisetum giganteum has been traditionally used as an anti-diabetic herbal remedy to treat diabetes in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil. AIM OF THE STUDY: Considering the ethonopharmacology and historical importance of E. giganteum, its potential antidiabetic effect was evaluated in alloxan induced diabetic rabbits. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Samples of Equisetum giganteum were collected in the city of Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Butanolic and aqueous extracts were prepared and subsequently evaluated for anti-diabetic properties in vivo using albino male rabbits. At the end of the treatment period, the animals were euthanized, and histopathological analysis were carried out. The following biochemical parameters were studied: glucose, triacylglycerol, cholesterol, albumin, creatinine, glycosylated hemoglobin and lipase. The phytochemical profile of the extracts was studied by liquid chromatography techniques coupled to a UV/VIS detector and high-resolution mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Both aqueous and butanolic extracts were capable of reducing significantly the levels of glucose, cholesterol and triacylglycerol and thus demonstrating their hypolipidemic and hypoglycemiant effects. Furthermore, the extracts prevented the occurrence of hepatic complications during treatment. The phytochemical profile of the extracts was investigated, and the natural products detected were in agreement with those that had been previously described in the literature. CONCLUSION: Based on the significant reductions in biochemical parameters and the histologic evidence for the absence of complications in the liver, pancreas of the treated animals, Equisetum giganteum can be a therapeutically relevant resource in the treatment of diabetes and hyperlipidemia.

Interaction of Cyanobacteria with Nanometer and Micron Sized Polystyrene Particles in Marine and Fresh Water.

Microplastics and nanoplastics are emerging pollutants, widespread both in marine and in freshwater environments. Cyanobacteria are also ubiquitous in water and play a vital role in natural ecosystems, using photosynthesis to produce oxygen. Using photography, fluorescence microscopy and cryogenic and scanning electron microscopy (cryo-SEM, SEM) we investigated the physicochemical response of one of the most predominant seawater cyanobacteria (Synechococcus elongatus, PCC 7002) and freshwater cyanobacteria (S. elongatus Nageli PCC 7942) when exposed to 10 µm diameter polystyrene (microPS) and 100 nm diameter polystyrene (nanoPS) particles. Marine and freshwater cyanobacteria formed aggregates with the nanoPS, bound together by extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), and these aggregates sedimented. The aggregates were larger, and the sedimentation was more rapid for the marine system. Aggregate morphologies were qualitatively different for the microPS samples, with the bacteria linking up a small number of particles, all held together by EPS. There was no sedimentation in these samples. The cyanobacteria remained alive after exposure to the particles. The particle size- and salt concentration-dependent response of cyanobacteria to these anthropogenic stressors is an important factor to consider for a proper understanding of the fate of the particles as well as the bacteria.

3-Oxo-ß-sultam as a Sulfonylating Chemotype for Inhibition of Serine Hydrolases and Activity-Based Protein Profiling.

3-Oxo-ß-sultams are four-membered ring ambident electrophiles that can react with nucleophiles either at the carbonyl carbon or at the sulfonyl sulfur atoms, and that have been reported to inhibit serine hydrolases via acylation of the active-site serine residue. We have developed a panel of 3-oxo-ß-sultam inhibitors and show, through crystallographic data, that they are regioselective sulfonylating electrophiles, covalently binding to the catalytic serine of human and porcine elastases through the sulfur atom. Application of 3-oxo-ß-sultam-derived activity-based probes in a human proteome revealed their potential to label disease-related serine hydrolases and proteasome subunits. Activity-based protein profiling applications of 3-oxo-ß-sultams should open up new opportunities to investigate these classes of enzymes in complex proteomes and expand the toolbox of available sulfur-based covalent protein modifiers in chemical biology.

Toxicity of engineered micro- and nanomaterials with antifouling properties to the brine shrimp Artemia salina and embryonic stages of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus.

Antifouling booster biocides are chemicals used in protective paints to tackle the adhesion of fouling organisms to maritime artificial structures. However, they are also known to exert toxic effects on non-target organisms. Recent research developments have highlighted the potential use of engineered micro/nanomaterials (EMNMs) as carriers of antifouling booster biocides in order to control their release and to reduce the harmful effects on living biota. In the present study, we sought to assess the toxicity of two commercially-available booster biocides: (zinc pyrithione (ZnPT) and copper pyrithione (CuPT)); three unloaded engineered micro/nanomaterials (EMNMs); layered double hydroxides (LDH), silica nanocapsules (SiNC), polyurea microcapsules (PU); , and six novel EMNMs (loaded with each of the two biocides). The exposure tests were conducted on the larval stage (nauplii) of the brine shrimp Artemia salina and on two embryonic developmental stages of the European purple sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus. The findings indicate that the unloaded LDH and PU (i.e. both biocide-free EMNMs) have non/low toxic effects on both species. The unloaded SiNC, in contrast, exerted a mild toxic effect on the A. salina nauplii and P. lividus embryos. The free biocides presented different toxicity values, with ZnPT being more toxic than CuPT in the P. lividus assays. LDH-based pyrithiones demonstrated lower toxicity compared to the free forms of the state-of-the-art compounds, and constitute good candidates in terms of their antifouling efficacy.

Napping, functional capacity and satisfaction with life in older adults: A population-based study.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To analyse the association between napping, functional capacity and satisfaction with life in older adult residing in the community. METHOD: A cross-sectional population-based study using data from a health survey conducted in a city of the state of São Paulo. Information on sociodemographic and clinical variables was collected through a questionnaire, as well as the occurrence or not of napping and satisfaction with life. Functional capacity was assessed using the Katz Index and Lawton-Brody Scale. Statistical analysis was performed using the Rao-Scott chi-square test and a hierarchical analysis using stepwise backward multiple Poisson regression. p-Values <0.05 were considered significant. In this paper, we adhere to STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology guidelines. RESULTS: There was predominance of the 60-69 years age group (51.3%) and of females (60.8%). The majority of the older adults (57.5%), of both sexes, reported napping. A higher prevalence of napping was found in the older subjects, the male sex, the subjects without children, those with health problems and those that were partially dependent in instrumental activities of daily living. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that naps are prevalent in older adults. The need to identify the issues that permeate napping is emphasised, in order to promote health in individuals of this age group, before classifying the practice as beneficial or harmful. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: It is essential that health professionals, in their practices, consider the complaints and reports of naps in the elderly, in an attempt to detect and reduce possible consequences in activities of daily living.

Efeito do creme de Inga subnuda sobre a cicatrização por segunda intenção de feridas cutâneas / Effect of Inga subnuda cream on second-attempt skin wound healing

Introdução: feridas cutâneas são um problema de saúde humana e animal devido à sua complexidade de tratamento e complicações recorrentes. Novos produtos e tecnologias são constantemente investigados com o objetivo de acelerar o processo cicatricial. Na medicina popular brasileira, tintura da casca de Inga subnuda (ingá) é utilizada no tratamento de feridas cutâneas. Objetivo: avaliar o efeito cicatrizante de uma formulação terapêutica do extrato hidroalcoólico de Inga subnuda em feridas cutâneas de segunda intenção induzidas cirurgicamente em coelhos. Métodos: extrato vegetal foi produzido com 400g da casca moída maceradas em água/etanol 1:1 até exaustão. Creme Lanette 24% foi preparado e a este adicionado extrato de ingá até atingir 1% e 5%. Vinte e quatro coelhos machos, 60 dias, pesando 2,8 kg, foram divididos em quatro grupos com seis animais cada, nos quais foi induzida uma ferida de 1,5 cm x 1,5 cm com bisturi na região dorsal torácica de cada animal. Um grupo de animais foi tratado diariamente com solução salina 0,9%, outro com creme de extrato de ingá 1%, outro com creme de extrato de ingá 5% e, por fim, um grupo tratado com a pomada Fitoscar®. O índice de contração de ferida foi medido no 7º, 10º e 14º dia após incisão cirúrgica. A eutanásia foi realizada após 14 dias de tratamento e as amostras de pele encaminhadas para avaliação estereológica do processo cicatricial, analisando fibroblastos, vasos, células inflamatórias e índice de maturação do colágeno. Resultados: a formulação creme com o extrato de ingá nas concentrações 1% e 5% promoveu a contração da ferida, ativação fibroblástica, neovascularização e maturação do colágeno. Conclusão: a formulação promoveu a aceleração da cicatrização na fase proliferativa, fornecendo evidências científicas do seu uso popular e do seu potencial uso como medicamento fitoterápico.

Introduction: skin wounds are a human and animal health problem due to their therapeutic complexity and recurrent complications. New products and technologies aimed at speeding up the healing process are under permanent investigation. Tincture from Inga subnuda (inga) peel is used in Brazilian folk medicine to treat such wounds. Objective: evaluate the healing effect of a therapeutic formulation of Inga subnuda hydroalcoholic extract on second-attempt skin wounds surgically induced in rabbits. Methods: the plant extract was obtained from 400 g ground peels macerated in water / ethanol 1:1 to their depletion. Lanette 24% cream was prepared and the inga extract added to reach 1% and 5%. Twenty-four male 60-day-old rabbits weighing 2.8 kg were divided into four groups of six animals each. A 1.5 cm x 1.5 cm wound was performed with a scalpel in the dorsal thoracic region of each animal. The SSG group was treated daily with 0.9% saline solution, the IG1% group with 1% inga cream, the IG5% group with 5% inga cream, and the FITG group with Fitoscar® ointment. The wound contraction rate was measured 7, 10 and 14 days after the surgical incision. Euthanasia was performed after 14 days of treatment, and skin samples were submitted for stereological evaluation of the healing process. Analysis was conducted of fibroblasts, vessels, inflammatory cells and the collagen maturation index. Results: the cream formulation of inga extract at 1% and 5% concentrations fostered wound contraction, fibroblast activation, neovascularization and collagen maturation. Conclusion: the formulation sped up healing at the proliferative stage, thus providing scientific evidence of its folk use and its potential as a phytotherapeutic drug.