Representação social da Covid-19 para a população de uma cidade de pequeno porte / Social representation of Covid-19 for the population of a small-sized city / Representación social del Covid-19 para la población de un pequeño pueblo

Objetivo: analisar a representação social da Covid-19 para a população geral de uma cidade de pequeno porte do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Método: estudo qualitativo, apoiado na abordagem estrutural das representações sociais. Participaram 100 usuários de serviços de saúde. Os dados foram coletados por questionário sociodemográfico de evocações livres de palavras e roteiro de entrevista semiestruturada. Os dados foram analisados com o auxílio dos softwares Excel, EVOC 2005 e análise de conteúdo temático-categorial para contextualização das evocações respectivamente. Resultados: os termos do possível núcleo central foram: morte, sofrimento, cuidados, ansiedade-angústia e vacina. Na primeira periferia: medo e prevenção. À segunda periferia: informação-desinformação; desgoverno; ter-fé e proteção. A zona de contrate: doença; isolamento-social; dificuldades; catástrofe-mundial; desemprego e pandemia. Considerações finais: marcaram essa representação os impactos psicossociais negativos resultantes da desestruturação da vida e das mortes ocasionadas pela nova doença, no entanto o grupo aderiu as medidas de cuidados de proteção.

Objective: to analyze the social representation of Covid-19 among the general population of a small-sized city in the State of Rio de Janeiro. Method: Qualitative study, based on the structural approach of social representations. One hundred healthcare service users participated. Data were collected through a sociodemographic questionnaire, free word evocation, and a semi-structured interview guide. The data were analyzed using Excel software, EVOC 2005, and thematic-categorical content analysis for contextualization of the evocations, respectively. Results: the terms of the possible central core were: death, suffering, care, anxiety-distress, and vaccine. In the first periphery: fear and prevention. In the second periphery: information-misinformation; mismanagement; having faith and protection. The contrast zone: disease; social isolation; difficulties; global catastrophe; unemployment; and pandemic. Final considerations: this representation was marked by the negative psychosocial impacts resulting from the disruption of life and the deaths caused by the new disease; however, the group adhered to protective care measures.

Objetivo: analizar la representación social del Covid-19 para la población general de una pequeña ciudad del Estado de Río de Janeiro. Método: estudio cualitativo, basado en el enfoque estructural de las representaciones sociales. Participaron 100 usuarios de servicios de salud. Los datos se recolectaron mediante un cuestionario sociodemográfico con evocación libre de palabras y una guía de entrevista semiestructurada. Los datos fueron analizados utilizando lo software Excel y EVOC 2005 y análisis de contenido temático-categórico para contextualizar las evocaciones respectivamente. Resultados: los términos del posible núcleo central eran: muerte, sufrimiento, cuidados, ansiedad-angustia y vacuna. En la primera periferia: miedo y prevención. En la segunda periferia: información-desinformación; desgobierno; tener fe y protección. La zona de contraste: enfermedad; aislamiento-social; dificultades; catástrofe-mundial; desempleo y pandemia. Consideraciones finales: esta representación se caracterizó por los impactos psicosociales negativos derivados de la desestructuración de la vida y de las muertes causada por la nueva enfermedad, sin embargo, el grupo adhirió a las medidas de protección.

Impact of Tricuspid Repair on Surgical Death in Patients Undergoing Mitral Valve Surgery Due to Rheumatic Disease.

Background: Tricuspid valve repair during mitral valve replacement surgery remains a controversial topic. The risk-benefit ratio in some populations remains uncertain, especially in rheumatic heart disease patients. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the impact of concomitant tricuspid repair on surgical mortality in patients undergoing cardiac surgery due to rheumatic mitral valve disease who have moderate to severe functional tricuspid regurgitation. Methods: This is a prospective cohort study from January 1, 2017, to December 30, 2022. All patients over 18 years of age who underwent cardiac surgery to correct rheumatic mitral valve disease with concomitant moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation were included. The primary outcome was a surgical death. In an exploratory analysis, clinical and echocardiographic data were obtained 2 years after the procedure. Results: Of the 144 patients included, 83 (57.6%) underwent tricuspid valve repair. The mean age was 46.2 (±12.3) years with 107 (74.3%) female individuals, the median left ventricular ejection fraction was 61.0% (55-67), and systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) was 55.0 mmHg (46-74), with 45 (31.3%) individuals with right ventricular dysfunction. The total in-hospital mortality was 15 (10.4%) individuals, and there was no difference between the groups submitted or not to tricuspid repair: 10 (12.0%) vs. 5 (7.5%); p = 0.46, respectively. There was an association with one variable independently: the sPAP value, relative risk 1.04 (1.01-1.07), p = 0.01. The estimated cut-off value of sPAP that indicates higher early mortality through the receiver operating characteristic curve (area 0.70, p = 0.012) was 73.5 mmHg. Conclusions: Performing tricuspid repair in individuals who were undergoing cardiac surgery to correct rheumatic mitral valve disease was not associated with increased surgical mortality. Our results suggest the safety of tricuspid repair even in this high-risk population, reinforcing the recommendations in current guidelines.

The effects of inflammation on connexin 43 in chronic Chagas disease cardiomyopathy.

Background: Cardiac arrhythmias are the main cause of sudden death due to Chronic Chagasic Cardiomyopathy (CCC). Here we investigated alterations in connexin 43 (Cx43) expression and phosphorylation in cardiomyocytes as well as associations with cardiac arrhythmias in CCC. Methods: C57Bl/6 mice infected with Trypanosoma cruzi underwent cardiac evaluations at 6 and 12 months after infection via treadmill testing and EKG. Histopathology, cytokine gene expression, and distribution of total Cx43 and its phosphorylated forms Cx43S368 and Cx43S325/328/330 were investigated. Human heart samples obtained from subjects with CCC were submitted to immunofluorescence analysis. In vitro simulation of a pro-inflammatory microenvironment (IL-1ß, TNF, and IFN-γ) was performed in H9c2 cells and iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes to evaluate Cx43 distribution, action potential duration, and Lucifer Yellow dye transfer. Results: Mice chronically infected with T. cruzi exhibited impaired cardiac function associated with increased inflammation, fibrosis and upregulated IL-1ß, TNF, and IFN-γ gene expression. Confocal microscopy revealed altered total Cx43, Cx43S368 and Cx43S325/328/330 localization and phosphorylation patterns in CCC, with dispersed staining outside the intercalated disc areas, i.e., in lateral membranes and the cytoplasm. Reduced co-localization of total Cx43 and N-cadherin was observed in the intercalated discs of CCC mouse hearts compared to controls. Similar results were obtained in human CCC heart samples, which showed Cx43 distribution outside the intercalated discs. Stimulation of human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes or H9c2 cells with IL-1ß, TNF, and IFN-γ induced alterations in Cx43 localization, reduced action potential duration and dye transfer between adjacent cells. Conclusion: Heart inflammation in CCC affects the distribution and phosphorylation pattern of Cx43, which may contribute to the generation of conduction disturbances in Chagas disease.

The use of the micronucleus test and comet assay in wild rodents: a historical review and future perspectives.

Rodents are considered good models for investigating genotoxic damage and mutagenic alterations caused by xenobiotic agents, due to their occupation of a wide variety of habitats. However, relatively few in situ studies have focused on DNA damage in wild rodents associated with environmental exposure. In this review, we investigate trends in the application of the micronucleus test and comet assay in in situ studies of wild rodents. A total of 33 papers were identified, distributed across 14 different countries. Brazil and Spain had the most published studies (six each), followed by Bulgaria (n = 5), Mexico (n = 4) and Italy (n = 3). Only 24 of the 2,652 recognized rodent species have been the subject of in situ studies, which have most frequently focus on species of the genus Mus. The protocols used for the micronucleus test and comet assay varied widely, although blood and bone marrow were the primary types of tissue used. Given the paucity of studies on wild rodents, we recommend further research, particularly focusing on the use of this group as bioindicators of environmental quality and the standardization of protocols.

Genetic Mutations and Mitochondrial Redox Signaling as Modulating Factors in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: A Scoping Review.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a heart condition characterized by cellular and metabolic dysfunction, with mitochondrial dysfunction playing a crucial role. Although the direct relationship between genetic mutations and mitochondrial dysfunction remains unclear, targeting mitochondrial dysfunction presents promising opportunities for treatment, as there are currently no effective treatments available for HCM. This review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. Searches were conducted in databases such as PubMed, Embase, and Scopus up to September 2023 using "MESH terms". Bibliographic references from pertinent articles were also included. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is influenced by ionic homeostasis, cardiac tissue remodeling, metabolic balance, genetic mutations, reactive oxygen species regulation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. The latter is a common factor regardless of the cause and is linked to intracellular calcium handling, energetic and oxidative stress, and HCM-induced hypertrophy. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy treatments focus on symptom management and complication prevention. Targeted therapeutic approaches, such as improving mitochondrial bioenergetics, are being explored. This includes coenzyme Q and elamipretide therapies and metabolic strategies like therapeutic ketosis. Understanding the biomolecular, genetic, and mitochondrial mechanisms underlying HCM is crucial for developing new therapeutic modalities.

Ecotoxicological consequences of urbanization: A multi-biomarker approach to assessing sewage treatment plant effects on free-living birds.

Birds are good bioindicators of disturbance in the environment. They are present in different habitats and trophic levels. In addition, rapid urbanization has led birds to use cities as shelter and for seeking food resources. Sewage treatment plants (STPs) are suitable locations for free-living birds within cities. However, few studies address the impacts of emerging pollutants from sewage treatment plants on wild birds. In this sense, the aim of this study was to analyze the genotoxic, mutagenic, and immunological impacts from metal and pollutant exposure on free-living birds collected at a STP. For comparison, birds were collected in a preserved environment, the Silvania National Forest (FLONA). To achieve this, we used non-destructive biomarkers sensitive to environmental changes. Birds were collected in both environments using mist nets. After collection, birds were weighed, measured, species-identified, and released. Blood was collected for comet assay, micronucleus test, and leukocyte profile, while feathers were collected for metal concentration analysis. Water physicochemical parameters were measured at both sites, and water samples were collected for metal analysis. Our results demonstrated that birds collected at the STP exhibit a higher frequency of genotoxic damage and erythrocyte abnormalities, and increased immune response compared to FLONA birds. Traces of potentially toxic metals, such as Hg and As, were found in the birds feathers from both environments, raising concerns about metal contamination in both environments. Trophic guilds appear to respond similarly to exposure. The parameters and metals found in the water reflect environmental characteristics and may be influencing pollutant availability. Finally, despite the advancement of our findings, studies linking these damages to detrimental effects on behavior and reproduction are encouraged.

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy with methylene blue and its derivatives in animal studies: Systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Infections are complications in the wound healing process, and their treatment can lead to antibiotic overuse and bacterial resistance. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is used to treat infectious diseases caused by fungi, viruses, or bacteria. Methylene blue (MB) and its derivatives are commonly used dyes in antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT-MB). METHODS: This study is a PRISMA systematic review of animal models used to discuss the usefulness and therapeutic parameters of aPDT-MB or its derivatives for treating infected skin wounds. RESULTS: After an extensive literature review, 13 controlled trials totaling 261 animals were selected to evaluate skin infection by leishmaniasis and cutaneous bacterial and fungal infections. All studies found results favoring the use of aPDT-MB. Great variability in parameters was found for radiant exposure from 12 to 360 J/cm2, MB diluted in saline solution or distilled water, irradiation time from 40 to 3600 s, irradiance most commonly at a maximum of 100 mW/cm2, and wavelength used mainly in the 630-670 nm range. CONCLUSION: MB is a safe and promising agent used as a photosensitizer in aPDT for skin-infected lesions. There is great variability in the parameters found. Comparisons concerning concentration, irradiation time, and light intensity need to be performed.

Pathological analysis and etiological assessment of pulmonary lesions and its association with pleurisy in slaughtered pigs.

The intensification of pig farming has posed significant challenges in managing and preventing sanitary problems, particularly diseases of the respiratory complex. Monitoring at slaughter is an important control tool and cannot be overstated. Hence, this study aimed at characterizing both macroscopical and microscopical lesions and identifying the Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP), Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (Mhyo), and Pasteurella multocida (PM) associated with pleurisy in swine. For this, a selected slaughterhouse in São Paulo State underwent a thorough examination of carcasses on the slaughter line, followed by lung sampling. The carcasses and lungs underwent macroscopical examination and were classified according to the score of pleurisy and lung samples were allocated into five groups, being: G0: score 0 - no lesions; G1: score 1; G2: score 2; G3: score 3; and G4: score 4. In total, 217 lung fragments were collected, for the histopathological evaluation and detection of the following respiratory pathogens: APP, Mhyo, and PM by qPCR. The results demonstrated that Mhyo and APP were the most prevalent etiological agents (single and co-identification) in lung samples, in different scores of pleurisies, while bronchopneumonia and bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) hyperplasia lesions were the most frequent histopathological findings. Positive correlations were found between the quantification of APP DNA with 1) the score of pleurisy (R=0.254); 2) with the score of lung consolidation in all lung lobes (R=0.181 to R=0.329); and 3) with the score of lung consolidation in the entire lung (R=0.389). The study brings relevant information regarding the main bacterial pathogens associated with pleurisy in pigs and helps with understanding the relationship between the abovementioned pathogens and their impact on the respiratory health of pigs.

Multi-taxon trends and the application of genotoxic biomarkers in the analysis of effluents from sewage treatment plant.

Sewage is a significant source of many contaminants, and the effectiveness of sewage treatment plants (STPs) is fundamental to ensure that the effluents produced by these plants have a minimal impact on aquatic environments and guarantee their long-term sustainability. The present study is based on a global scientometric survey of the published research on the application of genotoxicity biomarkers for the analysis of the effects of the contaminants found in the effluents and residues produced by STPs. The literature search focused on the Web of Science and Scopus databases. Research trends were investigated based on the year of publication of each study, the country in which it was developed, the type(s) of genotoxic assay applied, the model organism(s), the type of study (experimental or field study), the physicochemical parameters analyzed, and the principal findings of the genotoxic assays. A total of 134 papers, published between 1988 and April 2023, were selected for analysis. The studies were conducted in a total of 33 different countries, but primarily in Brazil, China, Germany. These studies employed 16 biomarkers to assess genotoxicity, of which, the micronucleus test was the most used. The studies reported on a number of genotoxic substances, such as pollutants, including pesticides, microplastics, metals, and drugs. The data produced by these studies provide important insights into the genotoxic effect of the xenobiotic agents found in STP effluents, which are capable of damaging the DNA of a range of different organisms.

Fatores associados à depressão e ansiedade em nutricionistas na pandemia por COVID-19 / Factors associated with depression and anxiety in nutritionists in the COVID-19 pandemic

O objetivo foi investigar os fatores associados à depressão e/ou ansiedade em nutricionistas durante a pandemia por COVID-19. Estudo transversal com aplicação das escalas GAD-7 e PHQ-9. Dos 1.018 participantes 60,2% manifestaram rastreio positivo para depressão e/ou ansiedade, com maior força de associação para conflitos muito frequentes nas relações (OR = 11,11; IC95% 6,61;18,67), uso de medicação para dor (OR = 7,42; IC95% 4,67;11,79) e pensar sempre sobre a pandemia (OR = 6,5; IC95% 4,14;10,32). Não estar em tratamento psicoterápico (OR = 0,39; IC95% 0,27;0,560) e não estar em uso de medicamento psicotrópico (OR = 0,40; IC95% 0,26;0,60) foram associados a menores chances de rastreio positivo. O estudo resulta em conhecimento epidemiológico aplicável a ações de vigilância, prevenção e controle da ansiedade e depressão entre nutricionistas.

The objective was to investigate the factors associated with depression and/or anxiety and depression in nutritionists during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cross-sectional study with the application of the GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scales. 1,018 participated, of which 60.2% showed positive screening for depression and/or anxiety, with a greater strength of association for very frequent conflicts in relationships (OR = 11.11; 95%CI 6.61;18.67), use of pain medication (OR = 7.42; 95%CI 4.67;11.79) and always thinking about the pandemic (OR = 6.5; 95%CI 4.14;10.32). Not being under psychotherapeutic treatment (OR = 0.39; 95%CI 0.27;0.560) and not using psychotropic medication (OR = 0.40; 95%CI 0.26;0.60) were associated with lower odds of positive screening. This study results in epidemiological knowledge applicable to surveillance, prevention and control of anxiety and depression among nutritionists.

Efeito da infecção por COVID-19 na via auditiva até tronco encefálico / Effect of COVID-19 infection on the auditory pathway to the brainstem / Efecto de la infección por COVID-19en la vía auditiva hacia el tronco del encéfalo

Introdução: A COVID-19 pode afetar o sistema auditivo, justificando a avaliação da audição de indivíduos infectados. Objetivo: analisar a via auditiva até o tronco encefálico de indivíduos acometidos por COVID-19 comparados ao grupo controle. Método: Estudo observacional transversal analítico realizado em uma amostra não probabilística de adultos que tiveram COVID-19, que foram comparados com um grupo controle, sem queixa auditiva. A avaliação consistiu em: medidas de imitância acústica, audiometria tonal liminar (ATL), emissões otoacústicas evocadas por estímulo transiente (EOET) e potencial evocado auditivo de tronco encefálico (PEATE). Resultados: Foram avaliados 77 indivíduos, sendo, 41 participantes do grupo COVID-19 (idade média de 26,3) e 36 do grupo controle (idade média de 25,8). Os limiares auditivos estavam dentro dos padrões da normalidade para todos os indivíduos do grupo COVID-19, sendo significativamente maiores para as frequências de 1000, 2000 e 3000 Hz à direita. A amplitude das EOET foi significativamente menor na banda de frequência de 1500 à direita. Houve correlação significativa e negativa para as frequências de 1000 Hz e 3000 Hz à direita e para as frequências de 1000, 2000 e 3000 Hz à esquerda, entre EOET e ATL. Foi verificado aumento da latência absoluta da onda I, do PEATE, na orelha esquerda. Conclusão: a COVID-19 afetou locais específicos do sistema auditivo. Houve diminuição da acuidade auditiva e do funcionamento das células ciliadas externas da cóclea, bem como aumento do tempo de condução neural do som na porção distal do VII par craniano à esquerda. (AU)

Introduction: COVID-19 can affect the auditory system, justifying the evaluation of the hearing of infected individuals. Objective: to analyze the auditory pathway to the brainstem of individuals affected by COVID-19 compared to the control group. Method: Analytical cross-sectional observational study carried out in a non-probabilistic sample of adults who had COVID-19, who were compared with a control group, without hearing complaints. The evaluation consisted of: acoustic immittance measurements, pure tone audiometry (PTA), transient stimulus-evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) and brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP). Results: 77 individuals were evaluated, 41 participants in the COVID-19 group (average age of 26.3) and 36 in the control group (average age of 25.8). Hearing thresholds were within normal limits for all individuals in the COVID-19 group, being significantly higher for the frequencies of 1000, 2000 and 3000 Hz on the right. TEOAE amplitude was significantly lower in the 1500 frequency band on the right. There was a significant and negative correlation for the frequencies of 1000 Hz and 3000 Hz on the right and for the frequencies of 1000, 2000 and 3000 Hz on the left, between TEOAE and PTA. An increase in the absolute latency of wave I, of the BAEP, was observed in the left ear. Conclusion: COVID-19 affected specific locations in the auditory system. There was a decrease in auditory acuity and the functioning of the outer hair cells of the cochlea, as well as an increase in the neural conduction time of sound in the distal portion of the VII cranial nerve on the left. (AU)

Introducción: COVID-19 puede afectar el sistema auditivo, justificando la evaluación de la audición de individuos infectados. Objetivo: analizar la vía auditiva hacia el tronco encefálico de individuos afectados por COVID-19 en comparación con el grupo control. Método: Estudio observacional analítico transversal realizado en una muestra no probabilística de adultos que padecieron COVID-19, quienes fueron comparados con un grupo control, sin escuchar quejas. La evaluación consistió en: mediciones de inmitancia acústica, audiometría de tonos puros (ATP), otoemisiones acústicas provocadas por estímulos transitorios (OAET) y potenciales evocados auditivos del tronco encefálico (PEATE). Resultados: Se evaluaron 77 individuos, 41 participantes en el grupo COVID-19 (edad promedio de 26,3 años) y 36 en el grupo control (edad promedio de 25,8 años). Los umbrales de audición estaban dentro de los límites normales para todos los individuos del grupo de COVID-19, siendo significativamente más altos para las frecuencias de 1000, 2000 y 3000 Hz de la derecha. La amplitud de OAET fue significativamente menor en la banda de frecuencia de 1500 de la derecha. Hubo correlación significativa y negativa para las frecuencias de 1000 Hz y 3000 Hz a la derecha y para las frecuencias de 1000, 2000 y 3000 Hz a la izquierda, entre OAET y ATP. Se observó un aumento de la latencia absoluta de la onda I, del PEATE, en el oído izquierdo. Conclusión: COVID-19 afectó ubicaciones específicas del sistema auditivo. Hubo una disminución de la agudeza auditiva y del funcionamiento de las células ciliadas externas de la cóclea, así como un aumento del tiempo de conducción neural del sonido en la porción distal del VII par craneal izquierdo. (AU)

Noninvasive Red Laser Intervention before Radiotherapy of Triple-negative Breast Cancer in a Murine Model.

Radiotherapy is a well-established cancer treatment; it is estimated that approximately 52% of oncology patients will require this treatment modality at least once. However, some tumors, such as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), may present as radioresistant and thus require high doses of ionizing radiation and a prolonged period of treatment, which may result in more severe side effects. Moreover, such tumors show a high incidence of metastases and decreased survival expectancy of the patient. Thus, new strategies for radiosensitizing TNBC are urgently needed. Red light therapy, photobiomodulation, has been used in clinical practice to mitigate the adverse side effects usually associated with radiotherapy. However, no studies have explored its use as a radiosensitizer of TNBC. Here, we used TNBC-bearing mice as a radioresistant cancer model. Red light treatment was applied in three different protocols before a high dose of radiation (60 Gy split in 4 fractions) was administered. We evaluated tumor growth, mouse clinical signs, total blood cell counts, lung metastasis, survival, and levels of glutathione in the blood. Our data showed that the highest laser dose in combination with radiation arrested tumor progression, likely due to inhibition of GSH synthesis. In addition, red light treatment before each fraction of radiation, regardless of the light dose, improved the health status of the animals, prevented anemia, reduced metastases, and improved survival. Collectively, these results indicate that red light treatment in combination with radiation could prove useful in the treatment of TNBC.

Repercussions imposed by the pandemic on the care for children with mental disorders in a pediatric unit.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the perceptions of nurses about the repercussions on the care for children with mental disorders in a pediatric inpatient unit amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD: Qualitative research conducted with 13 nurses in a general pediatrics unit in a large hospital in southern Brazil. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed according to the Thematic Analysis. RESULTS: Respondents perceived repercussions on hospital routines due to the pandemic, such as restriction of recreation activities; enforcement of social distancing; limitation of family visits; mandatory use of personal protective equipment and difficulty in counter-referral of care. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: The results characterized the moment experienced in the unit, providing the institution's managers with tools for the construction and implementation of new practices, making it possible to meet the demands of mental health care for children with mental disorders within the premises of psychosocial care.

Effects of coenzyme Q10 and N-acetylcysteine on experimental poisoning by paracetamol in Wistar rats.

Paracetamol (PAR) is a drug widely used in human and veterinary medicine as an analgesic and antipyretic, often involved in cases of intoxication. The most common clinical signs result from damage to red blood cells and hepatocytes, and this intoxication is considered a model for the induction of acute liver failure. In the present study, the hepatoprotective effects of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) against experimental paracetamol (PAR) poisoning were analysed. Thirty-five adult Wistar rats (Rattus novergicus albinus) were randomly assigned to five groups, and thirty-one of these survived the treatments. Negative control group (CON-) received 1mL of 0.9% NaCl orally (PO). Other groups received 1.2g/kg of PAR (PO). Positive control group (CON+) received only PAR. NAC group received 800 mg/kg intraperitoneally (IP) of NAC 1h after the administration of PAR and at 12 h received 1mL of 0.9% NaCl, IP. The fourth group (CoQ10) received 1h and 12 h after intoxication, CoQ10 (10mg/kg IP). And the fifth group (NAC+CoQ10) received NAC (800mg/kg, IP) and CoQ10 (10mg/kg, IP). After 12 hours, the rats were euthanized and necropsied to collect liver and kidney tissues for histopathological evaluation and electronic microscopy. A single dose of PAR caused severe acute hepatitis. NAC couldn't reverse the liver and kidney damages. The group that received CoQ10 and NAC had moderate liver damage, while the group that received only CoQ10 had lower values of liver enzymes and mild liver and kidney damage. Animals that received treatment with CoQ10 or NAC+CoQ10 presented normal hepatocyte mitochondria and nuclei. Although CoQ10 couldn't reverse PAR organ damage, results indicate promising hepatoprotection in Wistar rats.

Genotoxic and mutagenic evaluation in Eisenia foetida annelids exposed to iron ore tailings from the region of Brumadinho, MG, Brazil.

Soils that have a disproportion of metallic elements due to anthropic activities endanger the terrestrial fauna. This study evaluated whether earthworms (Eisenia foetida) exposed to ore tailings from Brumadinho region presented a higher frequency of genotoxic and mutagenic damages than annelids from a reference area (control). The animals were exposed to substrates containing 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% iron mining waste. The results indicated increased DNA damage (p < 0.05), detected by the comet assay at 25% and 50%. There was a three-fold increase in micronuclei in animals on the substrates with the highest concentrations (75% and 100%) [F = 3.095; p = 0.02]. The earthworms lost weight as the percentage of mining waste increased. We concluded that E. foetida presented DNA damage in the contaminated soils of Brumadinho. However, more research is fundamental, once the environmental disaster in Brumadinho was one of the biggest mining catastrophe in Brazil.

Anemia in canine chronic kidney disease is multifactorial and associated with decreased erythroid precursor cells, gastrointestinal bleeding, and systemic inflammation.

OBJECTIVE: Compare erythropoiesis-related factors between different stages of canine chronic kidney disease (CKD). ANIMALS: 8 healthy adult dogs (controls), and 24 dogs with CKD, equally divided into 3 groups based on International Renal Interest Society-CKD Guidelines (stage 2, 3, and 4) were recruited between December 2012 and December 2014. METHODS: The following were assessed in all dogs and then compared between groups: bone marrow cytology, CBC, reticulocyte count, urinalysis, serum biochemistry, blood pressure, occult gastrointestinal bleeding, and serum concentrations of parathyroid hormone (PTH), erythropoietin, interleukin-1ß, interleukin-3, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), and interferon-γ. RESULTS: Erythropoiesis inducing and suppressing factors and the results of the bone marrow cytology of dogs in stage 2 CKD did not differ from the control group. The presence of reticulocytosis in CKD stage 2 suggests that blood loss or erythrocyte destruction might be contributing to developing anemia. Anemia in dogs with progressive CKD was associated with increasing PTH and TNFα and with elevation of the ratio of myeloid to erythroid precursor cells caused by hypoplasia of the erythroid series. The latter was represented mainly by a decrease in the population of polychromatophilic rubricytes and metarubricytes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Increased PTH and TNFα seem to contribute to the reduced percentage of polychromatophilic rubricytes and erythroid population, thereby aggravating the anemia of dogs with advanced CKD. Gastrointestinal blood loss contributes to anemia in all canine CKD stages.

Occurrence of changes in the auditory evoked potentials of smokers: systematic review of the literature. / Ocorrência de alterações nos potenciais evocados auditivos de fumantes: revisão sistemática da literatura.

PURPOSE: To verify the occurrence of abnormal auditory evoked potentials (AEP) tests in adult smokers. RESEARCH STRATEGIES: Systematic review of the literature according to the PRISMA guidelines, to answer the question: "Are there any changes in the AEP results in adult smokers?", PECOS strategy. Research carried out on PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, LIVIVO, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS and Scielo databases. Additional search of gray literature: Google Scholar and ProQuest hand searching of reference lists of the included studies. SELECTION CRITERIA: Cross-sectional studies were selected, without restriction on the year of publication and language. DATA ANALYSIS: First, the titles and abstracts of all the studies were analyzed, followed by the full reading of the eligible studies. RESULTS: 898 articles were collected, after the duplicate studies were removed and after blind analysis by three researchers, 8 studies of the observational type were selected. Most studies have found an association between active smoking and changes in electrophysiological tests. CONCLUSION: Normal hearing adult smokers present alterations in short and long AEP. In the auditory brainstem response, the main altered components were the increase in waves latencies of I and III and in the interpeaks I - III and III - V, as well as a decrease in the amplitude of the waves. In Mismatch Negativity, there was a significant increase in wave amplitude and latency. In the long latency potential, P300, there was an increase in latencies and decreased amplitudes in the components N1 (in Fz) and P3.

OBJETIVO: Verificar a ocorrência de alterações nos exames de potencial evocado (PEA) auditivo em adultos fumantes normo-ouvintes. ESTRATÉGIA DE PESQUISA: Revisão sistemática da literatura de acordo com recomendações do PRISMA, buscando responder à pergunta: "Há alterações nos resultados do exame de PEA em adultos fumantes?", estratégia PECOS. Pesquisa realizada nas bases de dados PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, LIVIVO, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS e Scielo. Busca adicional da literatura cinzenta: Google Scholar e ProQuest e busca manual das referências dos estudos incluídos. CRITÉRIOS DE SELEçÃO: Foram selecionados estudos com delineamento transversal, sem restrição do ano de publicação e idioma. ANÁLISE DOS DADOS: Primeiramente foram analisados os títulos e resumos de todos os estudos encontrados, seguido da leitura na íntegra dos estudos elegíveis. RESULTADOS: Foram obtidos 898 artigos, que após remoção dos duplicados e análise cega por três pesquisadores, foram selecionados oito trabalhos. Grande parte dos estudos encontrou uma associação entre tabagismo ativo e alterações nos testes eletrofisiológicos. CONCLUSÃO: Adultos fumantes normo-ouvintes apresentam alterações nos exames de PEA de curta e longa latência. No potencial evocado auditivo de tronco encefálico, os principais componentes alterados foram o aumento das latências das ondas I e III e nos interpicos I - III e III - V, bem como diminuição da amplitude das ondas. No Mismatch Negativity, houve aumento significativo da amplitude da onda e da latência. No potencial de longa latência, P300, houve aumento das latências e redução das amplitudes nos componentes N1 (em Fz) e P3.

New Insights in Phenothiazinium-Mediated Photodynamic Inactivation of Candida Auris.

In recent years, Candida auris has emerged as a hazardous hospital-acquired pathogen. Its resistance to antifungal treatments makes it challenging, requiring new approaches to manage it effectively. Herein, we aimed to assess the impact of photodynamic inactivation mediated by methylene blue (MB-PDI) or 1,9-dimethyl MB (DMMB-PDI) combined with a red LED against C. auris. To evaluate the photoinactivation of yeasts, we quantified colony-forming units and monitored ROS production. To gain some insights into the differences between MB and DMMB, we assessed lipid peroxidation (LPO) and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). After, we verified the effectiveness of DMMB against biofilms by measuring metabolic activity and biomass, and the structures were analyzed through scanning electron microscopy and optical coherence tomography. We also evaluated the cytotoxicity in mammalian cells. DMMB-PDI successfully eradicated C. auris yeasts at 3 µM regardless of the light dose. In contrast, MB (100 µM) killed cells only when exposed to the highest dose of light. DMMB-PDI promoted higher ROS, LPO and ΔΨm levels than those of MB. Furthermore, DMMB-PDI was able to inhibit biofilm formation and destroy mature biofilms, with no observed toxicity in fibroblasts. We conclude that DMMB-PDI holds great potential to combat the global threat posed by C. auris.

Damage on DNA and hematological parameters of two bat species due to heavy metal exposure in a nickel-mining area in central Brazil.

Exposure to heavy metals in mining zones is a significant threat, which can affect ecosystem services and contribute to the decline of wild bat populations. The present study investigated the impacts caused by mining on two bat species in central Brazil, the nectarivorous Glossophaga soricina and the frugivorous Carollia perspicillata. The bats were collected from a nickel-mining zone (treatment) and a protected area (control). The leukocyte profile of each species was compiled and genotoxicity (comet assay) and mutagenicity (micronucleus test) were determined using the appropriate procedures. Glossophaga soricina presented significantly higher frequencies of eosinophils and monocytes in the mining zone in comparison with the protected area, whereas C. perspicillata presented higher frequencies of lymphocytes in the mining zone, but significantly lower frequencies of monocytes. Concomitantly, G. soricina also presented a higher frequency of DNA damage, although no variation was found in this parameter in C. perspicillata when comparing environments. We also found no significant differences between populations in terms of the frequency of micronuclei and other nuclear abnormalities. Overall, the results of the study indicate that bats are susceptible to immunological disorders and DNA damage in mining zones, with the nectarivorous G. soricina appearing to be relatively more susceptible and thus a potentially effective bioindicator of the impact of contamination in these environments.