Factors associated with HIV viral load control in the early postpartum period - a Canadian prospective cohort study.

Despite success in managing HIV during pregnancy, challenges remain around sustained adherence with antiretroviral therapy (ART), and the suboptimal viral load (VL) suppression during the postpartum period. The objective of this study was to compare VL levels at delivery and during the postpartum period and assess factors associated with lack of viral suppression during the postpartum period in Canada. We combined data from two Canadian prospective cohorts, which included 286 HIV-positive women (352 pregnancies) who delivered between 2012 and 2020. Delivery VL, postpartum VL, and potential factors associated with an undetectable VL (<50 copies/mL), 2-18 weeks after delivery were assessed. To account for the correlation between multiple pregnancies from the same woman, generalized estimating equations were used to assess bivariate associations. Ninety-nine per cent of pregnant women were on ART during pregnancy compared to 93% during the postpartum period. Of those with available VL results (n = 214 pregnancies), 94% of women achieved an undetectable VL at delivery compared to 87% during the postpartum period. The postpartum period is a challenging time for ART use and VL control. Qualitative studies are needed to better understand these challenges and guide us in designing adequate interventions.

Desafios e perspectivas na atuação de estomaterapeutas durante a pandemia de COVID-19 / Challenges and perspectives in the work of stomatherapists during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objetivo: Analisar os desafios e perspectivas na atuação de estomaterapeutas durante a pandemia de COVID-19.Métodos: Pesquisa descritiva de abordagem qualitativa, por meio de entrevista semiestruturada com oito estomaterapeutas, selecionadas pela técnica snowball. Utilizou-se a Análise de Conteúdo, da qual emergiram três categorias: Desafios na atuação de estomaterapeutas durantea pandemia da COVID-19; Estratégias para viabilizar a assistência remota e presencial na estomaterapia; e Impacto da pandemia no cuidado de estomaterapia. Resultados: Os principais desafios citados foram: fechamento de ambulatórios e agravamento do quadro de saúde dos pacientes. As estratégias incluíram: adaptação da metodologia dos atendimentos, utilização de precauções-padrão e comunicação remota. Dentre as perspectivas futuras, destacam-se o crescimento da especialidade e valorização por outros profissionais da saúde. Conclusão: Houve diversos desafios na atuação de estomaterapeutas na pandemia, contornados, sobretudo, com a diversificação de estratégias assistenciais e modificações nos atendimentos. No entanto, destaca-se como perspectiva futura o aumento da visibilidade da especialidade. Descritores: Enfermagem; Estomaterapia; COVID-19

Objective: To analyze the challenges and perspectives in the work of stomatherapists during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Descriptive research with a qualitative approach, through semi-structured interviews with eight stomatherapists, selected by the snowball technique. Content Analysis was used, emerging three categories: Challenges in the work of stomatherapists during the COVID-19 pandemic; Strategies to enable remote and face-to-face assistance in stomatherapy; and Impact of the pandemic on stomatherapy care. Results: The main challenges mentioned were: closure of outpatient clinics and worsening of the patients' health situation. The strategies included: adaptation of the care methodology, use of standard precautions and remote communication. Among the future perspectives, the growth of the specialty and appreciation by other health professionals stand out. Conclusion: There were several challenges in the work of stomatherapists in the pandemic, circumvented, above all, with the diversification of care strategies and modifications in care. However, the increased visibility of the specialty stands out as a future perspective. Descriptors:Nursing; Enterostomal Therapy; COVID-19.

W-doped Lanthanum Molybdenum Oxide/Lithium-Sodium-Potassium Carbonate Composite Membranes for Carbon Dioxide Permeation.

Single-phase tungsten-doped lanthanum molybdenum oxide (La2MoWO9) ceramic powders were synthesized using the complex polymerization technique. Porous ceramic pellets were obtained by thermally removing graphite, which served as a pore former. The porous pellets were then impregnated with molten eutectic lithium-sodium-potassium carbonates. The energy dispersive X-ray analysis and scanning electron microscopy (FEG-SEM) images of the external and fracture surfaces of the La2MoWO9-(Li,Na,K)2CO3 composite dual-phase membrane revealed the percolation of the carbonate mixture through the pores. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements conducted at temperatures below and above the melting point of the eutectic carbonate composition demonstrated the contributions of oxygen and carbonate ions to the ionic conductivity of the dual membrane. The electrical conductivity of the carbonate ions within the membrane was continuously monitored for over 1300 h with negligible degradation, implying that the membrane could be used for long-term monitoring of CO2 without aging effects. A comparison of FEG-SEM images taken before and after this endurance test suggested minimal fouling, indicating that the membrane could potentially replace similar zirconia- and ceria-based composite membranes.

Food readjustment plus exercise training improves cardiovascular autonomic control and baroreflex sensitivity in high-fat diet-fed ovariectomized mice.

Despite consensus on the benefits of food readjustment and/or moderate-intensity continuous exercise in the treatment of cardiometabolic risk factors, there is little evidence of the association between these two cardiovascular risk management strategies after menopause. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of food readjustment and/or exercise training on metabolic, hemodynamic, autonomic, and inflammatory parameters in a model of loss of ovarian function with diet-induced obesity. Forty C57BL/6J ovariectomized mice were divided into the following groups: high-fat diet-fed - 60% lipids throughout the protocol (HF), food readjustment - 60% lipids for 5 weeks, readjusted to 10% for the next 5 weeks (FR), high-fat diet-fed undergoing moderate-intensity exercise training (HFT), and food readjustment associated with moderate-intensity exercise training (FRT). Blood glucose evaluations and oral glucose tolerance tests were performed. Blood pressure was assessed by direct intra-arterial measurement. Baroreflex sensitivity was tested using heart rate phenylephrine and sodium nitroprusside induced blood pressure changes. Cardiovascular autonomic modulation was evaluated in time and frequency domains. Inflammatory profile was evaluated by IL-6, IL-10 cytokines, and TNF-alpha measurements. Only the exercise training associated with food readjustment strategy induced improved functional capacity, body composition, metabolic parameters, inflammatory profile, and resting bradycardia, while positively changing cardiovascular autonomic modulation and increasing baroreflex sensitivity. Our findings demonstrate that the association of these strategies seems to be effective in the management of cardiometabolic risk in a model of loss of ovarian function with diet-induced obesity.

Design and Validation of an Experimental Setup for Evaluation of Gas Permeation in Ceramic Membranes.

An experimental setup for the evaluation of permeation of gaseous species with the possibility of simultaneously collecting electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data in disk-shaped ceramic membranes was designed and assembled. It consists of an alumina sample holder with thermocouple tips and platinum electrodes located close to both sides of the sample. Water-cooled inlet and outlet gas connections allowed for the insertion of the sample chamber into a programmable split tubular furnace. Gas permeation through a ceramic membrane can be monitored with mass flow controllers, a mass spectrometer, and an electrochemical impedance analyzer. For testing and data validation, ceramic composite membranes were prepared with the infiltration of molten eutectic compositions of alkali salts (lithium, sodium, and potassium carbonates) into porous gadolinia-doped ceria. Values of the alkali salt melting points and the permeation rates of carbon dioxide, in agreement with reported data, were successfully collected.

Prescribing patterns of antiretroviral treatments during pregnancy for women living with HIV in Canada 2004-2020: A surveillance study.

BACKGROUND: While treatment guidelines for HIV in adults have evolved rapidly with the advent of new antiretroviral (ARV) treatment, those for the prevention of vertical HIV transmission in pregnancy have evolved more slowly due to safety and efficacy concerns. Here we describe Canadian prescribing patterns for ARV treatments during pregnancy and compare them to perinatal HIV prescribing guidelines of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), that are commonly used in Canada and include recommendations for newly commercialized therapies. METHODS: The Canadian Perinatal HIV Surveillance Program (CPHSP) captures annual medical data on mothers living with HIV and their infants from 23 sites across Canada. Women from this cohort who received an ARV treatment during pregnancy and who gave birth between 2004 and 2020 were included in the study. ARV treatments were designated as 'preferred/alternative' as per HHS HIV perinatal guidelines, or 'other than preferred/alternative'. RESULTS: We identified 3673 pregnancies from 2720 women. The proportion of women that conceived while on ARV treatment increased from 29% in 2003 to 90% in 2020. Other than preferred/alternative ARV treatments were received in 1112 (30%) of pregnancies and this was significantly associated with having initiated ARV treatment before conception. CONCLUSION: In Canada during the study period, a high number of women were prescribed an other than preferred/alternative ARV treatment during pregnancy. Further optimization of ARV treatment in women of childbearing age living with HIV is warranted.

Relationship between raltegravir trough plasma concentration and virologic response and the impact of therapeutic drug monitoring during pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Limited data is available on raltegravir (RAL) pharmacokinetics during pregnancy and the value of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) in pregnancy is unknown. This study aims to describe RAL trough plasma concentrations (Ctrough) during pregnancy and review the impact of RAL TDM on outcomes. METHODS: Women from the prospective mother-infant HIV cohort of Mother and Children's Infectious Diseases Center who received RAL during their pregnancy between 2011-2020 were included. TDM reports were reviewed and Ctrough values estimated when possible, using historical RAL half-lives. RESULTS: We included 76 pregnant women of which 47 underwent TDM. We observed a significant association between virological response and Ctrough (p-value .034) with an increase of 0.1 mg/L corresponding to a 2.96 reduction in the risk of having a detectable viral load. The results indicated that in pregnant women a RAL Ctrough threshold of 0.04 mg/L has a higher specificity (75%) as compared to our current Ctrough target value of 0.02 mg/L (25%) and an acceptable sensitivity (77%). No significant differences were observed between Ctrough at each trimester. When comparing pregnancies with and without TDM, no statistically significant differences were observed in the virologic response during pregnancy and at delivery, or with the need for triple antiretroviral prophylaxis in newborns. CONCLUSIONS: An association between RAL Ctrough and viral load was observed and achieving a RAL Ctrough of 0.04 mg/L or greater is a predictor of virologic response in pregnant women. The impact of TDM in pregnancy, however, could not be demonstrated.

Relato de intervenções educativas desenvolvidas durante estágio supervisionado de enfermagem na atenção básica / Report of educational interventions developed during supervised nursing internship in primary care

Objetivo:Relatar intervenções educativas desenvolvidas durante estágio supervisionado de enfermagem na Atenção Básica.Métodos:Trata-se de um relato de experiência de ações,durante o estágio curricular obrigatório do curso de enfermagem de uma universidade federal brasileira,no período de marçoa maio de 2022.Resultados:Foi realizado o reconhecimento inicial da unidade e, em seguida, foi inseridoem um plano de estágio atividades de educação em saúde, humanização e acolhimento. Assim, foram produzidos dez materiais educativos: cuidados íntimosmasculinos e femininos, prevenção de infecções sexualmente transmissíveis, combate ao Aedes aegypti, tuberculose, hanseníase, hipertensão, diabetes, alimentação infantil e saúde mental, junto a um suporte de parede personalizado para alocá-los e um painelinfantil decorativo para o consultório de enfermagem. Houve ainda distribuição de barras de doce para clientes após a realização de exames na sala de coleta do serviço. Conclusão:Aexperiência permitiu a aproximação da rotina dos profissionais na AtençãoBásica e participação das etapas relacionadas ao cuidado e gerenciamento em enfermagem. O estágio contribuiu para o desenvolvimento da autonomia e construção de identidade acadêmica da discente, agregandonovos aprendizados para os profissionais e beneficiandodiretamente a comunidade, mediante as intervenções de educação em saúde, humanização e acolhimento.

Objective: To report educational interventions developed during a supervised nursing internship in Primary Care. Methods:This is an experience report of actions, during the mandatory curricular internship of a nursing course at a Brazilian federal university, from March to May 2022. Results: The initial recognition of the unit was carried out and, then, health education, humanization and reception activities were includedin an internship plan. Thus, ten educational materials were produced: male and female intimate care, sexually transmitted infection prevention, fight against Aedes aegypti, tuberculosis, leprosy, hypertension, diabetes, child nutrition and mental health, along with a personalized wall bracket to place them and a decorative children's panel for the nursing office. There was also distribution of candy bars to clients after carrying out tests in the service's collection room.Conclusion: The experience allowed approaching the routine of professionals in Primary Care and participation in the steps related to care and management in nursing. The internship contributed to the development of autonomy and construction of students' academic identity, adding new learning for professionals and directly benefiting the community, through interventions in health education, humanization and reception

Discovery and Structure-Activity Relationship Studies of Novel Adenosine A1 Receptor-Selective Agonists.

A series of benzyloxy and phenoxy derivatives of the adenosine receptor agonists N6-cyclopentyl adenosine (CPA) and N6-cyclopentyl 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (CP-NECA) were synthesized, and their potency and selectivity were assessed. We observed that the most potent were the compounds with a halogen in the meta position on the aromatic ring of the benzyloxy- or phenoxycyclopentyl substituent. In general, the NECA-based compounds displayed greater A1R selectivity than the adenosine-based compounds, with N6-2-(3-bromobenzyloxy)cyclopentyl-NECA and N6-2-(3-methoxyphenoxy)cyclopentyl-NECA showing ∼1500-fold improved A1R selectivity compared to NECA. In addition, we quantified the compounds' affinity and kinetics of binding at both human and rat A1R using a NanoBRET binding assay and found that the halogen substituent in the benzyloxy- or phenoxycyclopentyl moiety seems to confer high affinity for the A1R. Molecular modeling studies suggested a hydrophobic subpocket as contributing to the A1R selectivity displayed. We believe that the identified selective potent A1R agonists are valuable tool compounds for adenosine receptor research.

Production of methylcellulose films functionalized with poly-ε-caprolactone nanocapsules entrapped ß-carotene for food packaging application.

Nowadays, there is a worldwide demand in the production of innovative packaging that release active compounds to increase the shelf life of perishable food products. Therefore, this study produced methylcellulose films functionalized with poly-ε-caprolactone nanocapsules entrapped ß-carotene. The nanoparticles were produced by the nanoprecipitation method, and 10, 30, and 50 % of nanoparticles colloidal solution was added in the methylcellulose filmogenic solution. The films were characterized by the mechanical, physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity, and release of ß-carotene from the polymeric matrix to a food simulant. The results demonstrated satisfactory mechanical properties; however, the addition of nanoparticles decreased the Young's Modulus and increased the elongation at break. Regarding light transmission, the incorporation of ß-carotene nanoparticles promoted a decrease in the percentage of ultraviolet ray's transmittance through the film matrix, as well as visible light. The incorporation of nanoparticles improved the antioxidant activity of the films, which was proportional to the concentration of ß-carotene used in the formulation. The release of ß-carotene reached a maximum value of 10.93 µg g-1 film containing 70 % nanoparticles, which was a desired profile for food application. Finally, the methylcellulose films functionalized with poly-ε-caprolactone nanocapsules can release ß-carotene, and therefore, can be considered as a novel nanomaterial for food conservation, with a potential to increase the shelf life of perishable food products.

Selective activation of Gαob by an adenosine A1 receptor agonist elicits analgesia without cardiorespiratory depression.

The development of therapeutic agonists for G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) is hampered by the propensity of GPCRs to couple to multiple intracellular signalling pathways. This promiscuous coupling leads to numerous downstream cellular effects, some of which are therapeutically undesirable. This is especially the case for adenosine A1 receptors (A1Rs) whose clinical potential is undermined by the sedation and cardiorespiratory depression caused by conventional agonists. We have discovered that the A1R-selective agonist, benzyloxy-cyclopentyladenosine (BnOCPA), is a potent and powerful analgesic but does not cause sedation, bradycardia, hypotension or respiratory depression. This unprecedented discrimination between native A1Rs arises from BnOCPA's unique and exquisitely selective activation of Gob among the six Gαi/o subtypes, and in the absence of ß-arrestin recruitment. BnOCPA thus demonstrates a highly-specific Gα-selective activation of the native A1R, sheds new light on GPCR signalling, and reveals new possibilities for the development of novel therapeutics based on the far-reaching concept of selective Gα agonism.

Utilização de Podcast para Educação em Estomaterapia Durante a Pandemia de Covid-19 / Podcasting for Education in Enterostomal Therapy During the Covid-19 Pandemic / Uso de Podcasts para la Educación Sobre Estomaterapia Durante la Pandemia Covid-19

Objetivo:Descrever a experiência de acadêmicas de Enfermagem a respeito da utilização de podcast para educação em estomaterapia durante a pandemia de Covid-19. Método: Relato de experiência acerca de atividade de educação em saúde realizada entre junho e outubro de 2021, que descreve a criação de um canal de podcaste a divulgação de conteúdos em estomaterapia. Resultados: Foram realizados 16 episódios abordando as três áreas de estudo da estomaterapia, um introdutório, oito sobre feridas, quatro sobre estomias e três sobre incontinências. Conclusão: Com a utilização do podcast para disseminar conteúdos em estomaterapia, observaram-se a praticidade e o custo-benefício da tecnologia para implementar educação em saúde a distância.

Objective:To describe the experience of nursing academics on the use of podcast for education in enterostomal therapy during the pandemic of COVID-19. Method: Experience report on health education activity held between June and October 2021, which describes the creation of a podcast channel and disclosure of contents in stomatherapy. Results: Sixteen episodes approached the three stomatherapy study areas, one containing the introduction, eight on wounds, four on ostomies and three on incontinences. Conclusion: Through the use of the podcast to disseminate contents in stomach therapy, the practicality and cost-benefit of technology to implement distance health education were observed

Objetivo:describir la experiencia de los académicos de enfermería sobre el uso del podcast por la educación en estómago durante la pandemia de covid-19. Método: Informe de experiencia en la actividad de educación para la salud celebrada entre junio y octubre de 2021, que describe la creación de un canal de podcast y divulgación de contenidos en estomatherapia. Resultados: 16 Episodios se acercaron a las tres áreas de estudio de estomaterapia, siendo una introducción, ocho en heridas, cuatro en Stomias y tres en incontinencias. Conclusión: Desde el uso del podcast para difundir contenidos en la terapia estomacal, se observó que la practicidad y el costo-beneficio de la tecnología implementaran la educación a distancia

Orobanchaceae Vent. from Serra de São José and Serra do Lenheiro, Minas Gerais State, Brazil / Orobanchaceae Vent. da Serra de São José e Serra do Lenheiro, Estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil

We present the taxonomic treatment for the Orobanchaceae family from Serra de São José and from Serra do Lenheiro, in Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Six species and four genera were recorded. Identification key, morphological descriptions, photos and comments on geographic distribution, ecology and taxonomy of the species are provided.

Nós apresentamos o tratamento taxonômico para a família Orobanchaceae da Serra de São José e da Serra do Lenheiro, no Estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Seis espécies e quatro gêneros foram registrados. Chave de identificação, descrições morfológicas, fotos e comentários sobre a distribuição geográfica, ecologia e taxonomia das espécies são apresentados.

Structure-based identification of dual ligands at the A2AR and PDE10A with anti-proliferative effects in lung cancer cell-lines.

Enhanced/prolonged cAMP signalling has been suggested as a suppressor of cancer proliferation. Interestingly, two key modulators that elevate cAMP, the A2A receptor (A2AR) and phosphodiesterase 10A (PDE10A), are differentially co-expressed in various types of non-small lung cancer (NSCLC) cell-lines. Thus, finding dual-target compounds, which are simultaneously agonists at the A2AR whilst also inhibiting PDE10A, could be a novel anti-proliferative approach. Using ligand- and structure-based modelling combined with MD simulations (which identified Val84 displacement as a novel conformational descriptor of A2AR activation), a series of known PDE10A inhibitors were shown to dock to the orthosteric site of the A2AR. Subsequent in-vitro analysis confirmed that these compounds bind to the A2AR and exhibit dual-activity at both the A2AR and PDE10A. Furthermore, many of the compounds exhibited promising anti-proliferative effects upon NSCLC cell-lines, which directly correlated with the expression of both PDE10A and the A2AR. Thus, we propose a structure-based methodology, which has been validated in in-vitro binding and functional assays, and demonstrated a promising therapeutic value.

Captação de recursos para pesquisas e o terceiro setor: o que os docentes sabem? / Research fundraising and third sector organizations: what do the professors know?

Resumo: Introdução: O crescimento socioeconômico de um país acontece por meio do desenvolvimento de ciência e tecnologia, e, por isso, a parceria com o terceiro setor é positiva ao auxiliar o financiamento de projetos científicos. Objetivos: Assim, o presente estudo objetiva avaliar as formas de captação de recursos mais utilizadas pelos docentes de Medicina para a execução de seus estudos científicos e verificar se há o reconhecimento do terceiro setor como opção para tal obtenção. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal analítico com abordagem quali-quantitativa, construído por meio do uso de um formulário individual aplicado aos docentes do curso médico de cinco instituições do ensino superior do Norte/Nordeste do Brasil. Os dados obtidos foram analisados por estatísticas descritiva e analítica. Resultados: Participaram 138 professores, de ambos os sexos, com idade média ± 43,2 anos. A pesquisa mais comumente desenvolvida pelos docentes foi a básica (56,1%); 68,8% utilizaram recursos próprios para o desenvolvimento de seus estudos; 18,8% obtiveram recursos de entidades de apoio à pesquisa; 75,4% conheciam alguma fundação de amparo à pesquisa, e as mais citadas foram a Fapespa (26,9%) e o CNPq (26,9%); 13,8% relataram conhecer sites e empresas multinacionais que fomentam projetos de pesquisas, mas somente 2,2% submeteram sua iniciativa às chamadas públicas em instituições internacionais para captação; quando perguntados sobre o terceiro setor, seus fundamentos e atores definidos pela legislação, o estudo apontou uma falta de conhecimento, com 100% de inadequação nas respostas sobre tais entidades; quanto à parceria entre o terceiro setor e o Estado, 83,3% sinalizaram desconhecimento;100% dos entrevistados desconhecem os critérios para uma entidade integrar tal setor, ao mesmo tempo que 76,8% afirmaram que a falta de orientação dos conceitos do ramo não é entrave para a captação de recursos às pesquisas. Conclusão: A maioria dos docentes utilizava recursos próprios para a realização de seus projetos, seguidos pelo uso de recursos públicos. Ademais, grande parte dos profissionais não reconheceu o terceiro setor como fonte patrocinadora, carecendo de informações que lhes possibilitassem desenvolver atividades de forma ampla e com as diversas oportunidades existentes, oferecidas por entidades desse setor.

Abstract: Introduction: The socio-economic growth of a country is reflected by the development of science and technology. Partnership with the third sector is therefore positive in terms of financial support for scientific projects. Objective: Accordingly, the present study aims to evaluate the most commonly used methods of fundraising by medical professors to conduct their scientific studies and whether there is recognition of the third sector as an option for such fundraising. Method: A cross-sectional analytical study with a qualitative and quantitative approach. The data were collected using an individual form, applied to medical course professors from five different universities in the north of Brazil, and analyzed using descriptive-analytical statistics. Results: The study included 138 professors, of both sexes, with an average age of ± 43.2 years. The type of research most commonly performed by professors was basic (56.1%); 68.8% used their own resources to develop their studies; 18.8% obtained funds from research support entities; 75.4% knew of a research support foundation, primarily FAPESPA (26.9%) and CNPQ (26.9%); 13.8% reported knowledge of websites and multinational companies that promote research projects, but only 2.2% submitted their initiative to public calls for funding from international institutions; when asked about the third sector, its fundamentals and actors defined by legislation, the study indicated a lack of knowledge, with 100% of inadequate answers about such entities; regarding partnership between the third sector and the State, 83.3% signaled ignorance; 100% of the interviewees were unaware of the criteria for an entity to be part of the sector, while 76.8% stated that lack of orientation about the concepts of the area is not an obstacle to raising funds for research. Conclusion: Most professors use their own funds to carry out their projects, followed by the use of public funds. Furthermore, most professionals did not recognize the third sector as a source of sponsorship, lacking information that would allow them to develop broad activities and enjoy the various opportunities offered by entities in this sector.

SAXS signature of the lamellar ordering of ionic domains of perfluorinated sulfonic-acid ionomers by electric and magnetic field-assisted casting.

At present, small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) studies of perfluorinated sulfonic-acid ionomers (PFSAs) are unable to fully determine the true shape of their building blocks, as recent SAXS modelling predicts disk- and rod-like nanoionic domains as being equally possible. This scenario requires evidence-based findings to unravel the real shape of PFSA building blocks. Herein, a SAXS pattern signature for a lamellar nanophase separation of the ionic domains of Nafion is presented, backed by mid and far infrared spectroscopy (MIR and FIR) and wide angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) data of Nafion in different ionic forms, a broad range of ionic phase contents (EW ∼ 859-42 252 g eq-1) and temperatures. The study indicates that the lamellar arrangement of the ionic domains is the most representative morphology that accounts for the physical properties of this ionomer. The lamellar SAXS reflections of Nafion are enhanced in electric and magnetic field-aligned membranes, as confirmed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Electric and magnetic field-assisted casting of Nafion allowed producing nanostructured and anisotropic films with the lamellas stacked perpendicularly to the field vector, which is the direction of interest for several applications. Such nanostructured Nafion membranes are bestowed with advanced optical and proton transport properties, making them promising materials for solar and fuel cells.

Análise da Fadiga Relatada e das Forças Musculares Respiratória e Periférica em indivíduos com Câncer em Tratamento / Analysis of Reported Fatigue and of Respiratory and Peripheral Muscle Strength in Individuals with Cancer Undergoing Treatment / Análisis de la Fatiga Reportada e de las Fuerzas Musculares Respiratoria y Periférica en Individuos con Cáncer Sometidos a Tratamiento

Introdução: Nos últimos anos, o tratamento do câncer evoluiu, possibilitando uma maior sobrevida ao paciente, porém os efeitos colaterais, como a diminuição da imunidade e a fadiga, influenciam o sistema respiratório e muscular. Objetivo: Analisar a fadiga e as forças musculares respiratória e periférica em voluntários com câncer em tratamento e em indivíduos saudáveis. Método: Trata-se de um estudo analítico, observacional, transversal e controlado. Os indivíduos foram distribuídos em dois grupos: um grupo de câncer em quimioterapia e/ou em radioterapia (GCA: n=98; homens=35,72%; mulheres=64,28%; idade=58,13±13,26 anos; índice de massa corporal (IMC=26,23±4,04 kg/m2; tempo de diagnóstico de câncer=27,54±9,61 meses) e um grupo controle (GC: n=86; homens=30,23%; mulheres=69,77; idade=59,24±12,87 anos; IMC=26,76±4,04 kg/m2). Para todos os indivíduos, a fadiga relatada foi avaliada, usando-se a subescala de fadiga do questionário The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Fatigue (FACT-F). A avaliação das pressões respiratórias máximas foi realizada por meio da manovacuometria e da força de preensão palmar por intermédio da dinamometria manual. Resultados: O GCA apresentou maior índice de fadiga relatada (p<0,001; f2=0,382), valores inferiores para as variáveis respiratórias (PImax: p<0,001; f2=0,441; PEmax: p<0,001; f2=0,361), força de preensão palmar esquerda (p=0,024 f2=0,182), se comparado ao GC. Conclusão: Voluntários com câncer em quimioterapia e/ou em radioterapia apresentaram maiores níveis de fadiga relatada, com reduções da força muscular respiratória e da força de preensão palmar.

Introduction: In recent years, cancer treatment has evolved, allowing longer survival for the patient, but, side effects such as a decreased immunity and fatigue influence the respiratory and muscular systems. Objective: Analyze fatigue, the respiratory and peripheral muscle strength in individuals with cancer undergoing treatment and in healthy individuals. Method: Analytical, observational, cross-sectional, and controlled study. The individuals were divided into two groups: a cancer group in chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy (GCA: n = 98; men = 35.72%; women = 64.28%; age = 58.13 ± 13.26 years; body mass index (BMI) = 26.23 ± 4.04 kg/m2; time of cancer diagnosis = 27.54 ± 9.61 months) and a control group (CG: n = 86; men = 30.23%; women = 69.77; age = 59.24 ± 12.87 years; BMI= 26.76 ± 4.04 kg/m2). For all the individuals, the reported fatigue was assessed using the fatigue subscale of The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Fatigue (FACT-F) questionnaire. The evaluation of maximal respiratory pressures was performed by manovacuometry and the palmar grip strength by manual dynamometry. Results: The GCA showed the highest reported fatigue index (p<0.001; f2=0.382), lower values for respiratory variables (PImax: p<0.001; f2=0.441; PEmax: p<0.001; f2=0.361), left palmar grip strength (p=0.024; f2=0.182), when compared to the CG. Conclusion: Volunteers with cancer in chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy presented higher levels of reported fatigue, with reductions in respiratory muscle strength and palmar grip strength.

Introducción: En los últimos años, el tratamiento oncológico ha evolucionado, permitiendo una supervivencia más larga para el paciente, pero los efectos secundarios como la disminución de la inmunidad y la fatiga influyen en los sistemas respiratorios y musculares. Objetivo: Analizar la fatiga e las fuerzas musculares respiratoria y periférica en individuos con cáncer sometidos a tratamiento y en individuos sanos. Método: Se trata de un estudio analítico, observacional, transversal y controlado. Los individuos fueran divididos en dos grupos: un grupo de cáncer bajo quimioterapia y/o radioterapia (GCA: no 98; hombres 35,72%; mujeres 64,28%; edad 58,13±13,26 años; indice de masa corporal (IMC) a 26,23±4,04 kg/m2; diagnóstico de cáncer 27,54±9,61 meses) y un grupo de control (CG: no 86; hombres 30,23%; mujeres 69,77; edad de 59,24±12,87 años; IMC 26,76±4,04 kg/m2). Para todos los voluntarios, la fatiga notificada se evaluó utilizando la subescala de fatiga del cuestionario The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Fatigue(FACT-F). La evaluación de las presiones respiratorias máximas se realizó mediante manovacuometría y fuerza de agarre palmar mediante dinamometría manual. Resultados:El GCA tuvo el índice de fatiga notificado más alto (p<0,001; f2=0,382), valores más bajos para las variables respiratorias (PImax: p<0,001; f2= 0,441; PEmax: p<0,001; f2=0,361), fuerza de agarre palmar izquierda (p=0,024; f2=0,182), en comparación con el GC. Conclusión: Voluntarios con cáncer en quimioterapia y/o radioterapia presentaron mayores niveles de fatiga reportados, con reducciones en la fuerza muscular respiratoria y fuerza de agarre palmar.

Development and Characterization of Poly-ε -caprolactone Nanocapsules Containing β -carotene Using the Nanoprecipitation Method and Optimized by Response Surface Methodology

Abstract Nanoparticles demonstrate an important role in the protection of bioactive compounds from external factors such as temperature, oxygen and light. In this study, poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) nanoparticles entrapped β-carotene was produced using the nanoprecipitation method. Firstly, was evaluated the lipophilic surfactant effect and carrier agent of the active compound in the nanocapsules formulation. After choosing the most stable formulation, the nanocapsules production was optimized using β-carotene, caprylic/capric triglycerides (CCT) and soybean lecithin. Response surface methodology (RSM) was adopted to evaluate the influence of soy lecithin concentration, volume of CCT and β-carotene concentration in the particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index (PDI), encapsulation efficiency and recovery. Formulations containing soy lecithin and CCT demonstrated better stability comparing to the other formulations tested. The nanoparticle formulations presented an optimized particle size below 200 nm, PDI lower than 0.1 and encapsulation efficiency above 95%. Based on the results obtained, the optimum conditions to prepare PCL nanocapsules were 0.2160 mg/mL of β-carotene, 232.42 μL of CCT and 2.59 mg/mL of soy lecithin, suggesting an applicability to promote controlled released of β-carotene in food system.

Removal of soil biota alters soil feedback effects on plant growth and defense chemistry.

We examined how the removal of soil biota affects plant-soil feedback (PSF) and defense chemistry of Jacobaea vulgaris, an outbreak plant species in Europe containing the defense compounds pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). Macrofauna and mesofauna, as well as fungi and bacteria, were removed size selectively from unplanted soil or soil planted with J. vulgaris exposed or not to above- or belowground insect herbivores. Wet-sieved fractions, using 1000-, 20-, 5- and 0.2-µm mesh sizes, were added to sterilized soil and new plants were grown. Sieving treatments were verified by molecular analysis of the inocula. In the feedback phase, plant biomass was lowest in soils with 1000- and 20-µm inocula, and soils conditioned with plants gave more negative feedback than without plants. Remarkably, part of this negative PSF effect remained present in the 0.2-µm inoculum where no bacteria were present. PA concentration and composition of plants with 1000- or 20-µm inocula differed from those with 5- or 0.2-µm inocula, but only if soils had been conditioned by undamaged plants or plants damaged by aboveground herbivores. These effects correlated with leaf hyperspectral reflectance. We conclude that size-selective removal of soil biota altered PSFs, but that these PSFs were also influenced by herbivory during the conditioning phase.

Mapping the Flowering of an Invasive Plant Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Is There Potential for Biocontrol Monitoring?

Invasion by alien species is a worldwide phenomenon with negative consequences at both natural and production areas. Acacia longifolia is an invasive shrub/small tree well known for its negative ecological impacts in several places around the world. The recent introduction of a biocontrol agent (Trichilogaster acaciaelongifoliae), an Australian bud-galling wasp which decreases flowering of A. longifolia, in Portugal, demands the development of a cost-efficient method to monitor its establishment. We tested how unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) can be used to map A. longifolia flowering. Our core assumption is as the population of the biocontrol agent increases, its impacts on the reduction of A. longifolia flowering will be increasingly visible. Additionally, we tested if there is a simple linear correlation between the number of flowers of A. longifolia counted in field and the area covered by flowers in the UAV imagery. UAV imagery was acquired over seven coastal areas including frontal dunes, interior sand dunes and pine forests considering two phenological stages: peak and off-peak flowering season. The number of flowers of A. longifolia was counted, in a minimum of 60 1 m2 quadrats per study area. For each study area, flower presence/absence maps were obtained using supervised Random Forest. The correlation between the number of flowers and the area covered by flowering plants could then be tested. The flowering of A. longifolia was mapped using UAV mounted with RGB and CIR Cannon IXUS/ELPH cameras (Overall Accuracy > 0.96; Cohen's Kappa > 0.85) varying according to habitat type and flowering season. The correlation between the number of flowers counted and the area covered by flowering was weak (r2 between 0.0134 and 0.156). This is probably explained, at least partially, by the high variability of A. longifolia in what regards flowering morphology and distribution. The very high accuracy of our approach to map A. longifolia flowering proved to be cost efficient and replicable, showing great potential for detecting the future decrease in flowering promoted by the biocontrol agent. The attempt to provide a low-cost method to estimate A. longifolia flower productivity using UAV failed, but it provided valuable insights on the future steps.