How soon do metabolic alterations and oxidative distress precede the reduction of muscle mass and strength in Wistar rats in aging process?

Here we investigate metabolic changes, the antioxidant system and the accumulation of oxidative damage in muscles with different fiber types during the aging process in Wistar rats and try to map how sooner the changes occur. To do so, 30 male Wistar rats were submitted to behavioral evaluation to determine voluntary strength in the 11, 15, and 19 month old rats, measuring the energy metabolism, antioxidant system, oxidative damage and structure in the soleus and extensor digitorum longus muscles. We detected structural and metabolic changes in both muscles, especially in the EDL of 15 month old rats and in the soleus of 19 month old rats. In the 15 month old rats, there was a reduction in the cross-sectional area of the fibers, and a reduction in the proportion of type I fibers, accompanied by an increase in fiber density and the amount of type IIA fibers. This change in the fiber profile was followed by an increase in the activity of anaerobic metabolism enzymes, suggesting a reduction in the oxidative capacity of the muscle. In addition, there was an increase in the rate of lipid peroxidation, accompanied by a reduced antioxidant capacity. In the 19 month old rats, these disturbances got stronger. In summary, the present study demonstrated that before functional disturbances, there was an accumulation of oxidative damage and structural changes in the skeletal muscle beginning at 15 months old in the EDL and the soleus only in the biochemical parameters. Therefore, the metabolic alterations occurred at 15 months old and not before.

Hotspots of soil pollution: Possible glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid risks on terrestrial ecosystems and human health.

The study presents a literature review of glyphosate (GLY) occurrence and its breakdown product, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), in soils worldwide, but with a specific focus on South America. In addition, an ecological risk approach based on the ecotoxicological endpoints for key soil biota (e.g., collembolans, and earthworms) assessed the impact of GLY and AMPA on these organisms. A generic probabilistic model for human health risk was also calculated for the different world regions. For what reports the risk for edaphic species and the level of pollution under the worst-case scenario, the South American continent was identified as the region of most concern. Nonetheless, other areas may also be in danger, but no risk could be calculated due to the lack of data. Since tropical countries are the top food exporters worldwide, the results obtained in this study must be carefully examined for their implications on a global scale. Some of the factors behind the high levels of these two chemicals in soils are debated (e.g., permissive protection policies, the extensive use of genetically modified crops), and some possible guidelines are presented that include, for example, further environmental characterisation and management of pesticide residues. The present review integrates data that can be used as a base by policymakers and decision-makers to develop and implement environmental policies.

Correction: A hidden deadly venomous insect: First eco-epidemiological assessment and risk mapping of lonomism in Argentina.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009542.].

Influence of landscape ecology and physiological implications in bats from different trophic guilds.

Bats may serve as bioindicators of human impact on landscape ecology. This study aimed to evaluate the health condition of bats from different food guilds captured in two areas with different land use profiles in Brazil and to compare data on the oxidant-antioxidant balance and histopathological changes due to different anthropogenic pressures. Bats were collected from a protected area in Serra do Cipó National Park (SCNP), MG, Brazil, and an area with intense agricultural activity in the municipality of Uberaba (UB), MG, Brazil. Despite the differences in land use and occupation between the studied areas, bats showed similar responses. However, the trophic guilds were affected differently. Frugivorous bats in both areas showed lower activities of the enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) and concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) than other guilds, which can be explained by the greater intake of antioxidants from the diet in addition to the lower production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Histopathological analysis of the livers revealed that the animals had a similar prevalence in the two areas, with some differences related to guilds. Compared with other bats, hematophagous bats from SCNP had a higher prevalence of steatosis and, together with frugivorous bats from Uberaba, had higher frequencies of ballooning degeneration, suggesting that these animals are subjected to anthropogenic factors capable of inducing disturbances in hepatic metabolism. Hematophagous bats from Uberaba had a higher prevalence of portal inflammation, while insectivorous bats from Uberaba had a higher prevalence of lobular and portal inflammation. The profiles of use and occupation of the areas are different; Uberaba bats seem to face worse conditions because they show more liver damage owing to lipoperoxidation.

Epidemiological characterization of lonomism in South America.

Lonomism is the envenomation caused by accidental contact with Lonomia caterpillars, and this is a public health priority in South America since it is relatively common but remains underestimated. This study presents an updated and integrative analysis of reliable global data from 1960 to 2020 on the epidemiology of this envenomation in the whole continent. A total of 13,186 notifications were recorded for South America: 13,056 (99.01%) in Brazil, 49 (0.37%) in Argentina, 43 (0.33%) in Colombia, 29 (0.22%) in Venezuela, 6 (0.05%) in Peru and 3 (0.02%) in French Guiana. The number of new locations reporting accidents has increased since the first formally notifications at the middle of the last century. Most of these locations are situated in Brazil, the pioneer in deeply researching the Lonomia genus and its impacts in public health. Most victims were males, in the economically productive age group, and accidental contact occurred more frequently in the upper limbs while doing activities outdoors in urban/rural areas. Regarding the determinants of clinical outcome, countries where patients received delayed medical care were associated with a higher number of moderate and/or severe cases, as well as a higher chance of progressing to death. Additionally, the longer the delay for accessing medical care, the higher the risk of developing systemic complications, thereby increasing the need for specific treatment. Our study also shows that accidents globally occurred more frequently in the summer months and in the beginning of autumn. Although having identified several shortcomings in the documents selected and verified that notifications are strongly biased by public policies adopted by each South American country, this study provides the first comprehensive assessment of lonomism in South America, demonstrating the increase in the number of accidents, and their expansion to other areas of the continent over time. Our findings will undoubtedly help guide the appropriate allocation of resources and implementation of prevention strategies and define priority criteria for epidemiological surveillance of this neglected tropical disease.

Development of a histopathological index for skeletal muscle analysis in Rattus norvegicus (Rodentia: Muridae).

Skeletal muscle histopathological changes induced or caused by pathologies in animal models, can impair functionality, being the main focus of therapeutic studies. This study aimed to propose a histopathological index to assess, in a quantitative manner, skeletal muscle changes induced by experimental protocols for Rodentia's models. For the development, evaluation of fit and parsimony, replicability, and sensitivity index, Wistar rats from experiments with the same experimental design, but with different variation factors, were used to achieve different levels of damage. The anterior tibial muscle of these animals was collected, processed histologically, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The adjustment and parsimony of the index were availed through Confirmatory Factor Analysis, reproducibility for evaluation of three people trained through the Intra-Class Correlation, and the discrimination capacity through a one-way ANOVA Test. We pointed out the adjustment for the proposed index while the ICC showed high reproducibility (n = 56; k = 3; ICC = 0.9790) and differences in the extent of damage between groups, following the hierarchical association promoted by experimental model stresses. The results show that the proposed index has a good fit and parsimony (χ2 = 426.34; p < 0.0001), in addition to being easily replicable by other researchers who know the morphology of muscle tissue and its morphological changes. It is worth mentioning that the development of tools that facilitate histopathological analysis, and that can quantitatively express the findings, are of great importance for the studies of regenerative science, reinforcing the relevance of this study.

Cyantraniliprole impairs reproductive parameters by inducing oxidative stress in adult female wistar rats.

Cyantraniliprole is a synthetic insecticide used to control pests of up to 23 different types of crops. It is able to modulate ryanodine-like calcium channels, which are widely found in the organism of insects and mammals. The objective of this research was to verify the possible reproductive effects of adult female Wistar rats exposure to cyantraniliprole. Animals (67 days old) were exposed to the chemical at doses of 10 or 150 mg/kg/day, orally, for 28 consecutive days (control animals received only the vehicle). Vaginal secretions were collected during the exposure period to assess the regularity of the estrous cycle; the liver, kidneys, pituitary gland, adrenal gland, uterus, and ovaries were collected and weighed; reproductive organs were assessed for histopathological evaluation and for biochemical markers of oxidative stress and progesterone plasma level was measured. Both doses caused negative changes in the morphology and redox system of the uterus and ovaries. Animals exposed to 10 mg/kg also exhibited higher level of plasma progesterone, elevated levels of lipid peroxidation in reproductive organs, increased superoxide dismutase activity in the uterus and glutathione peroxidase activity on the ovary, while the 150 mg/kg group exhibited an increment in estrous cycle length and diminished uterine glandular epithelium. Based on these results, we conclude that cyantraniliprole may have acted as an endocrine disruptor, and its effects are mediated by oxidative stress.

Pregnancy and lactation after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass worsen nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in obese rats and lead to differential programming of hepatic de novo lipogenesis in offspring.

Maternal obesity increases the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in offspring. The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYBG) is effective for achieving weight loss and ameliorates NAFLD. To determine whether these benefits are maintained after pregnancy and/or lactation, and whether they modulate hepatic morphofunction in the next generation, we evaluated hepatic lipid metabolism in Western diet (WD)-obese female rats that underwent RYGB and in their F1 offspring at adulthood. Female Wistar rats consumed a WD from 21 to 130 days of age, before being submitted to RYGB (WD-RYGB-F0) or SHAM (WD-SHAM-F0) operations. After 5 weeks, these females were mated with control male breeders, and the male and female F1 offspring were identified as WD-RYGB-F1 and WD-SHAM-F1. WD-RYGB-F0 dams exhibited lower serum lipids levels, but severe hepatic steatosis and pathological features of advanced liver injury. The hepatic proteins involved in lipogenesis were reduced in WD-RYGB-F0, as were the genes related to ß-oxidation and bile acids (BAs). Although the female and male WD-RYGB-F1 groups did not exhibit hepatic steatosis, the livers of female WD-RYGB-F1 demonstrated higher amounts of lipogenic genes and proteins, while male WD-RYGB-F1 presented a similar downregulation of lipogenic factors to that seen in WD-RYGB-F0 dams. In contrast, maternal and offspring groups of both sexes displayed reductions in the expressions of genes involved in BAs physiology and gluconeogenesis. As such, RYGB aggravates NAFLD after pregnancy and lactation and induces a gender-dependent differential expression of the hepatic lipogenesis pathway in offspring, indicating that female WD-RYGB-F1 may be an increased risk of developing NAFLD.

Land use as an effective factor on the occurrence of chromosomal diseases in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The occurrence of chromosomal diseases is a worldwide health problem. The use of agrochemicals, urbanization processes, and solar radiation can be predictive factors of the elevated risk of congenital malformations. In this sense, predicting the geographical potential of the distribution of chromosomal diseases has high relevance for public health. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to describe chromosomal prevalence in Brazil regions, from 2005 to 2015, to model a potential distribution of chromosomal disease occurrence probability associated with land use. METHODS: We used chromosomal prevalence to model a potential distribution of chromosomal diseases using machine learning algorithms. As the predictors of the models, we used the variables global forest canopy height, distance from the built-up area, and solar radiation. We characterized the predictive areas as potential occurrence of chromosomal diseases by land use and occupation. RESULTS: Georeferenced data of 43,672 karyotypes detected 7,237 cases of chromosomal diseases and used 5,362 to build the models. The models generated were accurate (TSS>0.5). DISCUSSION: The areas with greater occurrence of chromosomal diseases present a significant association with pasture areas, crops and agroforestry systems, and urbanized areas. This research is the first Brazilian study with this approach that seems promising in predicting the potential distribution of chromosomal diseases. Therefore, it can be an excellent management tool in public health.

COVID-19 pandemic and mental health of a sample of Brazilian caregivers of people with dementia / Pandemia de COVID-19 e saúde mental de uma amostra de cuidadores brasileiros de pessoas com demência

ABSTRACT Social distancing policies adopted in the COVID-19 pandemic generated a negative psychological impact on the general population and can affect caregivers of people with dementia more severely. Objective: This study screened for indications of mental health problems among informal caregivers of people with dementia. Main changes in the people's routine and behavior resulting from the social isolation measures adopted due to the pandemic were also investigated. Method: Thirty-five informal caregivers of people with dementia from a medium-sized Brazilian city responded to a telephone interview. Results: Risks for mental health problems were found in 31.4% of the sample. These participants stated that they found it very difficult to deal with routine care changes during the pandemic. The variables related to the caregiver's characteristics and those related to changes in routine significantly affected the caregiver's mental health scores. Discussion: Indices of mental disorders in the studied sample did not differ from the prevalence of mental health problems in the general population during COVID-19 pandemic; however, participants reported worsening symptoms such as nervousness, sadness, and sleep during quarantine. Conclusions: Results show the complexity of this topic and the need for individual care for this group, especially in situations like the COVID-19 pandemic.

RESUMO As medidas de isolamento social adotadas na pandemia de COVID-19 geraram um impacto psicológico negativo na população em geral e podem afetar mais duramente cuidadores de pessoas com demência. Objetivos: Esta pesquisa rastreou indicativos de problemas de saúde mental entre cuidadores informais de pacientes com demência. As principais modificações de rotina e comportamento dos pacientes decorrentes das medidas de isolamento social adotadas em função da pandemia também foram investigadas. Métodos: Trinta e cinco cuidadoras informais de pessoas com demência de uma cidade brasileira de médio porte responderam a uma entrevista por telefone. Resultados: Riscos de problemas de saúde mental foram encontrados em 31,4% da amostra. Esses participantes afirmaram encontrar muitas dificuldades para lidar com as mudanças de rotina de cuidados durante a pandemia. As variáveis relativas às características do cuidador e as relativas às alterações de rotina afetaram significativamente os escores de saúde mental do cuidador. Discussão: Os índices de indicadores de risco para problemas mentais na amostra não diferiram da população em geral durante a pandemia de COVID-19, mas os participantes relataram piora de sintomas como nervosismo, tristeza e sono durante a quarentena. Conclusões: Os resultados apresentados mostram a complexidade do tema e a necessidade de cuidados especiais para cuidadores de pessoas com demência, especialmente em situações como a pandemia de COVID-19.

Rede Mãe Paranaense: análise do índice de implementação em regionais de saúde / Rede Mãe Paranaense: analysis of the implementation index in the regional healthcare network

Resumo Introdução A avaliação de programas pode nortear a tomada de decisão de gestores. Objetivo Analisar o Índice de Implementação (II) da Rede Mãe Paranaense (RMP). Método Pesquisa quantitativa retrospectiva realizada em três Regionais de Saúde (RS) do Paraná, Brasil, totalizando 55 municípios. Construíram-se indicadores de avaliação antes (2010-2011) e depois (2012-2013) da implementação da Rede. Estabeleceram-se cinco domínios com variáveis coletadas no Sisprenatal, Sinasc, SI-PNI, SIM e informações nas RS. Para cada domínio, avaliou-se a influência das variáveis do II (adequado e inadequado). Utilizou-se do programa XLStat2014® e aplicaram-se os testes de Shapiro-Wilk, regressão logística, análise da variância fatorial e Monte Carlo, com nível de significância p < 0,05. Resultados O II antes (2010-2011) e depois (2012-2013) da RMP, nas três RS, apresentou diferença estatística significativa (F6,156 = 129,14; p = 0,000). Em 2010, todas as RS foram estatisticamente semelhantes (p > 0,05), demonstrando equivalência nos municípios; em 2010-2011, o II da 10ª RS foi maior que da 9ª RS; em 2011-2012, os valores da 10ª e da 17ª RS foram estatisticamente superiores aos da 9ª RS (p < 0,05); em 2012-2013, a 10ª RS apresentou elevado crescimento, semelhante ao da 17ª RS (p > 0,05) e superior ao da 9ª RS (p < 0,05). Conclusão O II para avaliar o desempenho da Rede nas três RS se mostrou adequado à avaliação dos indicadores.

Abstract Background Program evaluation can guide managers' decision-making. Objective Analyze the Implementation Index of the Rede Mãe Paranaense healthcare network. Method Retrospective, quantitative study conducted in three Health Regionals (HRs) in the state of Paraná, Brazil, including 55 municipalities. Evaluation indicators were built before (2010-2011) and after (2012-2013) the implementation of the network. Five domains were established, with variables collected from SISPRENATAL, SINASC, SI-PNI, SIM, and information from HR. For each domain, the influence of the Implementation Index (II) variables (adequate vs. inadequate) was evaluated. The XLSTAT2014® software was used and the Shapiro-Wilk and Monte Carlo tests, Logistic Regression Analysis, and Factorial Analysis of Variance were applied at a 5% significance level (p<0.05). Results Statistically significant differences (F6.156=129.14; p=0.000) were observed between the II values before (2010-2011) and after (2012-2013) the implementation of the Rede Mãe Paranaense healthcare network in the three HRs. In 2010, all HRs were statistically similar (p>0.05), demonstrating equivalence in the municipalities; from 2010 to 2011, the II of the 10th HR was higher than that of the 9th HR; from 2011 to 2012, the 10th and 17th HRs were statistically superior to the 9th HR (p<0.05); from 2012 to 2013, the 10th HR showed increased growth, similar to that of the 17th HR (p>0.05) and higher than that of the 9th HR (p<0.05). Conclusion The Implementation Index proved to be adequate to evaluate the performance indicators of the Rede Mãe Paranaense healthcare network in the three Health Regionals analyzed.

A hidden deadly venomous insect: First eco-epidemiological assessment and risk mapping of lonomism in Argentina.

BACKGROUND: Envenomation by the South American Lonomia saturniid caterpillars, named lonomism, constitutes an emerging and somewhat neglected public health issue in Argentina and neighboring countries. Considering that there is an intricate relationship between environment and human health in such cases, this study aimed to analyze the eco-epidemiological profile of 40 accidents and 33 occurrences of Lonomia spp. in Misiones (Argentina) between January 2014 and May 2020. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We described the eco-epidemiological variables and characterized the abiotic scenario of such cases. Additionally, we obtained a density map that shows the punctual intensity of Lonomia records throughout Misiones. Most of the accidents occurred in the Department of Guaraní and involved male victims younger than 20 years old. The accidental/occasional occurrence of Lonomia spp. (considering both adult and caterpillar stages together) was significantly higher in the rural area, whereas only adult specimens were found in urban areas. We determined that the presence of this insect in Misiones is positively related to higher temperatures and solar radiation, and larger precipitation and evapotranspiration throughout the year. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: This study represents an initial step towards the global understanding of lonomism as a public health problem in Argentina. It provides a map of the risk level for this envenomation in Misiones, which could help authorities address public health policy efforts to implement sustainable strategies for prevention and response to this threat in Northeastern Argentina and neighboring regions.

Comparison of gluteus medius strength between individuals with obesity and normal-weight individuals: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The hip abductor muscles, primarily the gluteus medius, play an important role in stabilizing the pelvis during gait. Gluteus medius weakness is associated with biomechanical changes and musculoskeletal disorders. Individuals with obesity can have great difficulty maintaining abductor muscular function due to being overweight and possibly experiencing a decrease in muscle mass. However, it is still unclear whether the musculature of person with obesity can compensate for these changes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare gluteus medius strength between individuals with obesity and normal-weight individuals using a digital hand-held dynamometer. METHODS: Twenty-five participants with obesity (BMI > 35 kg/m2) were matched for sex, age, and height with normal-weight individuals. Gluteus medius strength was measured by a single examiner using a belt-stabilized hand-held digital dynamometer placed on the knee of the individuals positioned in lateral decubitus. Three measurements were recorded with rest intervals, and only the highest value measured for each limb was used for analysis. The differences between pairs were calculated, and the normality of the data was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test (p < 0.05). The matrices of the variables were standardized and analysed using principal component analysis (PCA). RESULTS: For the strength variables (Newtons) on both sides, no significant differences were detected between the groups (p > 0.05). However, significant differences were detected in these variables between the groups (p < 0.05) when the measurements were normalized to body weight (Newtons/kilograms). PCA indicated that both the absolute and normalized values of strength are lower in participants with obesity than in normal-weight. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that people with obesity could have the same or less strength (PCA) to move more mass, which may imply a relative weakness that induces functional limitations.

Perfil do usuário do Sistema Único de Saúde no município de Curitiba, Paraná, com necessidade de tratamento odontológico / Profile of Unified National Health System' users, requiring specialized dental treatment, in Curitiba, Paraná

Objetivo: Delinear o perfil de usuários que aguardam na lista de espera pelo atendimento odontológico especializado em Endodontia em dois Centros de Especialidades Odontológicas (CEO) do município de Curitiba, Paraná. Métodos. Neste estudo transversal foram coletados e classificados dados de 7072 usuários conforme gênero, idade, Distrito Sanitário (DS) em que o atendimento básico foi prestado e data de entrada na lista de espera. Os dados foram submetidos aos testes Qui-quadrado para independência, seguidos do teste de acompanhamento de resíduos ajustados de Marascuilo. Resultados: Dos usuários pesquisados que aguardavam, 63,0% eram mulheres. A faixa etária prevalente foi de 15 a 34 anos (p<0,05). Diferença estatisticamente significativa foi encontrada quanto aos atendimentos nos DS (p<0,05). O DS Matriz teve a menor frequência de inclusão na lista de espera em comparação com os demais; já os DS Bairro Novo (13,5%), Cidade Industrial de Curitiba (13,7%), Boa Vista (14,5%), Boqueirão (14,8%) e Pinheirinho (15,2%) apresentaram as maiores frequências. Por fim, em relação aos atendimentos na série temporal, diferença significativa entre os meses foi identificada (p<0,01). Conclusão: O perfil dos usuários encontrados na lista de espera para atendimento endodôntico em Curitiba, no período analisado, conta com maior prevalência de mulheres, de indivíduos entre 15 a 34 anos, distribuídos de maneira desigual dentre os DS e meses do ano, sendo este último dado resultante de ações da Secretaria Municipal de Saúde.

Objective: The aim of this study was to delineate the profile of users in the waiting list for specialized endodontic dental care in two Dental Specialty Centers (DSC) of the city of Curitiba, Paraná. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data from 7,072 users were collected and classified according to gender, age, Sanitary District (SD), and date of entry in the waiting list. Data were submitted to Chi-square tests for independence, followed by Marascuilo's adjusted residuals test. Results: Of the users on the waiting list surveyed, 63.0% were women. The prevalent age group was 15- to 34 years (p<0.05). Statistical difference was found regarding attendance at the SD (p<0.05). The SD Matriz had the lowest frequency of inclusion in the waiting list compared to the others; SD Bairro Novo (13.5%), Cidade Industrial de Curitiba (13.7%), Boa Vista (14.5%), Boqueirão (14.8%) and Pinheirinho (15.2%) presented the highest frequencies. Finally, regarding the time series attendances, a significant difference between the months was identified (p <0.01). Conclusion: The profile of users found in the waiting list for endodontic care in Curitiba, during the analyzed period, has a higher prevalence of women, between 15 and 34 years old, and unequally distributed among the SD and months of the year, the latter being the result of actions of the Municipal Health Office.

Biochemical predictors for metabolic syndrome in preterm infants according to weight ratio.

OBJECTIVE: Prematurity and low birth weight predispose preterm infants to cardiovascular disease in later life. Is the metabolic profile of these children impacted by the relation between birth weight and gestational age (GA)? This study aimed to evaluate whether the relationship between birth weight and GA of preterm infants has a positive correlation with the metabolic profile from birth to the sixth month of corrected age. METHODS: This is a longitudinal, prospective study with a cohort of 70 preterm and 54 term infants, who were enrolled in the study and shared into two groups: Appropriate for GA (AGA) and Small for GA (SGA), both classified at birth by Fenton and Kim curves. Longitudinal evaluation of anthropometry measures and blood samples of total cholesterol, glucose, triglycerides, and insulin were collected at birth, NICU discharge, and the sixth month of corrected age. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical analysis (ANOVA, Fisher test, Shapiro-Wilk, and Cochran test). The effect size was 0.15, power was 0.92, and confidence interval 95%. RESULTS: No significant statistical differences were observed in relation to biochemical tests between AGA and SGA groups. However, a significant increase in triglyceride results above the reference values for age in the SGA group was observed throughout the follow-up. CONCLUSION: Changes observed in the preterm infant metabolic profile show no correlation with adequacy of birth weight. Preterm lipid profile requires continuous evaluation at follow-up, due to the increased cardiovascular risk in later life.

Exposure to pesticides in bats.

Bats provide a variety of ecological services that are essential to the integrity of ecosystems. Indiscriminate use of pesticides has been a threat to biodiversity, and the exposure of bats to these xenobiotics is a threat to their populations. This study presents a review of articles regarding the exposure of bats to pesticides published in the period from January 1951 to July 2020, addressing the temporal and geographical distribution of research, the studied species, and the most studied classes of pesticides. The research was concentrated in the 1970s and 1980s, mostly in the Northern Hemisphere, mainly in the USA. Of the total species in the world, only 5% of them have been studied, evaluating predominantly insectivorous species of the Family Vespertilionidae. Insecticides, mainly organochlorines, were the most studied pesticides. Most research was observational, with little information available on the effects of pesticides on natural bat populations. Despite the advances in analytical techniques for detecting contaminants, the number of studies is still insufficient compared to the number of active ingredients used. The effects of pesticides on other guilds and tropical species remain poorly studied. Future research should investigate the effects of pesticides, especially in sublethal doses causing chronic exposure. It is crucial to assess the impact of these substances on other food guilds and investigate how natural populations respond to the exposure to mixtures of pesticides found in the environment.

Lonomia envenomation in Brazil: an epidemiological overview for the period 2007-2018.

BACKGROUND: Among the Lepidoptera with medical importance in Brazil, larvae of Lonomia moth (Saturniidae: Hemileucinae) stand out by being the etiological agent of the lonomism, a form of erucism in which the most troubling symptoms include systemic hemorrhage that can lead to death. METHODS: This study provides an epidemiological overview of accident notifications with Lonomia registered by the Brazilian Reportable Disease Information System (SINAN) between 2007 and 2018. The categories of sociodemographic aspects of the victim, accident characteristics, and clinical data (6,636 records) were analysed by the chi-square test for goodness of fit (α=0.05). By the same test, accident frequencies by month, year, and state were also compared. To explore the spatial distribution of notifications and to identify significant space-time and purely spatial clusters, a spatial scan statistic (SaTScan) was used. RESULTS: The epidemiological profile of most of the victims had at least one of the following characteristics: male, >50 y of age, ethnically classified as white, and with a low level of education. Accidents in urban areas were as frequent as in rural areas. A higher frequency of non-work-related accidents was detected. Victims were mostly stung on the upper limbs. Most victims received medical care within the first 3 h after the accident. Most cases were classified as mild, although 12 deaths were reported. The south states of Brazil concentrate the highest frequencies of notifications. Summer was the season with the greatest number of cases, and the majority of the notifications occurred between 2017 and 2018. CONCLUSION: These results provide an overall and current situation assessment of the lonomism in Brazil, and they should enable health authorities to improve the management of this envenomation in states/regions that share the high epidemiological risk of exposure to Lonomia.

COVID-19 pandemic and mental health of a sample of Brazilian caregivers of people with dementia.

Social distancing policies adopted in the COVID-19 pandemic generated a negative psychological impact on the general population and can affect caregivers of people with dementia more severely. Objective: This study screened for indications of mental health problems among informal caregivers of people with dementia. Main changes in the people's routine and behavior resulting from the social isolation measures adopted due to the pandemic were also investigated. Method: Thirty-five informal caregivers of people with dementia from a medium-sized Brazilian city responded to a telephone interview. Results: Risks for mental health problems were found in 31.4% of the sample. These participants stated that they found it very difficult to deal with routine care changes during the pandemic. The variables related to the caregiver's characteristics and those related to changes in routine significantly affected the caregiver's mental health scores. Discussion: Indices of mental disorders in the studied sample did not differ from the prevalence of mental health problems in the general population during COVID-19 pandemic; however, participants reported worsening symptoms such as nervousness, sadness, and sleep during quarantine. Conclusions: Results show the complexity of this topic and the need for individual care for this group, especially in situations like the COVID-19 pandemic.

As medidas de isolamento social adotadas na pandemia de COVID-19 geraram um impacto psicológico negativo na população em geral e podem afetar mais duramente cuidadores de pessoas com demência. Objetivos: Esta pesquisa rastreou indicativos de problemas de saúde mental entre cuidadores informais de pacientes com demência. As principais modificações de rotina e comportamento dos pacientes decorrentes das medidas de isolamento social adotadas em função da pandemia também foram investigadas. Métodos: Trinta e cinco cuidadoras informais de pessoas com demência de uma cidade brasileira de médio porte responderam a uma entrevista por telefone. Resultados: Riscos de problemas de saúde mental foram encontrados em 31,4% da amostra. Esses participantes afirmaram encontrar muitas dificuldades para lidar com as mudanças de rotina de cuidados durante a pandemia. As variáveis relativas às características do cuidador e as relativas às alterações de rotina afetaram significativamente os escores de saúde mental do cuidador. Discussão: Os índices de indicadores de risco para problemas mentais na amostra não diferiram da população em geral durante a pandemia de COVID-19, mas os participantes relataram piora de sintomas como nervosismo, tristeza e sono durante a quarentena. Conclusões: Os resultados apresentados mostram a complexidade do tema e a necessidade de cuidados especiais para cuidadores de pessoas com demência, especialmente em situações como a pandemia de COVID-19.

Extended light period in the maternal circadian cycle impairs the reproductive system of the rat male offspring.

Alterations in the circadian cycle are known to cause physiological disorders in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axes in adult individuals. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate whether exposure of pregnant rats to constant light can alter the reproductive system development of male offspring. The dams were divided into two groups: a light-dark group (LD), in which pregnant rats were exposed to an LD photoperiod (12 h/12 h) and a light-light (LL) group, in which pregnant rats were exposed to a photoperiod of constant light during the gestation period. After birth, offspring from both groups remained in the normal LD photoperiod (12 h/12 h) until adulthood. One male of each litter was selected and, at adulthood (postnatal day (PND) 90), the trunk blood was collected to measure plasma testosterone levels, testes and epididymis for sperm count, oxidative stress and histopathological analyses, and the spermatozoa from the vas deferens to perform the morphological and motility analyses. Results showed that a photoperiod of constant light caused a decrease in testosterone levels, epididymal weight and sperm count in the epididymis, seminiferous tubule diameter, Sertoli cell number, and normal spermatozoa number. Histopathological damage was also observed in the testes, and stereological alterations, in the LL group. In conclusion, exposure to constant light during the gestational period impairs the reproductive system of male offspring in adulthood.

Biochemical predictors for metabolic syndrome in preterm infants according to weight ratio

ABSTRACT Objective Prematurity and low birth weight predispose preterm infants to cardiovascular disease in later life. Is the metabolic profile of these children impacted by the relation between birth weight and gestational age (GA)? This study aimed to evaluate whether the relationship between birth weight and GA of preterm infants has a positive correlation with the metabolic profile from birth to the sixth month of corrected age. Subjects and methods This is a longitudinal, prospective study with a cohort of 70 preterm and 54 term infants, who were enrolled in the study and shared into two groups: Appropriate for GA (AGA) and Small for GA (SGA), both classified at birth by Fenton and Kim curves. Longitudinal evaluation of anthropometry measures and blood samples of total cholesterol, glucose, triglycerides, and insulin were collected at birth, NICU discharge, and the sixth month of corrected age. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical analysis (ANOVA, Fisher test, Shapiro-Wilk, and Cochran test). The effect size was 0.15, power was 0.92, and confidence interval 95%. Results No significant statistical differences were observed in relation to biochemical tests between AGA and SGA groups. However, a significant increase in triglyceride results above the reference values for age in the SGA group was observed throughout the follow-up. Conclusions Changes observed in the preterm infant metabolic profile show no correlation with adequacy of birth weight. Preterm lipid profile requires continuous evaluation at follow-up, due to the increased cardiovascular risk in later life.