Supplemental vibrissal extensions as an alternative to improve the tactile sensitivity of blind dogs - a preliminary approach investigation.

OBJECTIVE: This preliminary study suggests a way to artificially extend vibrissae of blind dogs to assist ambulation and avoiding facial contact with obstacles. PROCEDURES: Fourteen irreversibly blind dogs had 5-6 mystacial vibrissae on each side of the face supplementally extended by attaching carefully chosen adult pig hairs to them and were subjected to a maze test before and after the procedure. In three of these dogs the test was repeated one more time after all the extensions had fallen off. Collision counts and course times with and without extensions were analyzed and compared. A p-value > 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Median number of collisions was significantly higher post-extensions (5 IQR 2.25) and after extensions had fallen off (4 IQR 7.50) compared to pre-extensions (1 IQR 1), p = 0.021. Median times were significantly higher pre-extension (25.6 IQR 8.98) and after the extensions had fallen off, compared to the post-extension performance (22.8 IQR 8.55), p = 0.04. CONCLUSION: Vibrissae play an important role in the tactile perception of blind dogs, and our preliminary results suggest that extending this sensory organ possibly improves obstacle location and their quality of life.

Neurological and neuropsychiatric manifestations of post-COVID-19 condition in South America: a systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: The post-COVID-19 condition is a major modern challenge in medicine and has a high global impact on the health of the population. OBJECTIVE: To determine the main neurological and neuropsychiatric manifestations after acute COVID-19 infection in South American countries. METHODS: This is a systematic review study, registered on the PROSPERO platform following the PRISMA model. 4131 articles were found with the search strategies used. Neurological and neuropsychiatric manifestations were investigated in individuals three months or more after acute COVID-19 infection, and older than 18 years, including studies conducted in South American countries published between 2020 and 2022. RESULTS: Six studies (four from Brazil and two from Ecuador) were analyzed. Regarding the type of study: three were cohorts, two were case reports, and one was cross-sectional. The main outcomes found were new pain (65.5%) and new chronic pain (19.6%), new headache (39.1%), daily chronic headache (13%), paresthesia (62%), in addition to neuropsychiatric diseases, such as generalized anxiety disorder (15.1%), post-traumatic stress syndrome (13.4%), depression and anxiety (13.5%), suicidal ideation (10.1%), and several cognitive disorders. CONCLUSION: Neurological and neuropsychiatric manifestations related to depression and anxiety, and cognition disorders are reported during the post-COVID-19 condition in South America. Symptoms associated with chronic pain appear to be associated with the condition. More studies on post-COVID-19 conditions are needed in the South America region.

ANTECEDENTES: A condição pós-COVID-19 é um grande desafio moderno na medicina e tem alto impacto global na saúde da população. OBJETIVO: Determinar as principais manifestações neurológicas e neuropsiquiátricas após a infecção aguda da COVID-19 nos países da América do Sul. MéTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo de revisão sistemática, registrado na plataforma PROSPERO seguindo o modelo PRISMA. Foram encontrados 4131 artigos com as estratégias de buscas empregadas. Investigaram-se manifestações neurológicas e neuropsiquiátricas em indivíduos com três meses ou mais desde a infecção aguda por COVID-19, maiores de 18 anos, incluindo estudos realizados em países da América do Sul publicados entre 2020 e 2022. RESULTADOS: Foram analisados seis estudos (quatro do Brasil e dois do Equador). Em relação ao tipo de estudo: três eram coortes, dois relatos de casos e um transversal. Os principais desfechos encontrados foram em relação à dor nova (65,5%) e dor crônica nova (19,6%), cefaleia nova (39,1%), cefaleia crônica diária (13%), parestesia (62%), além de doenças neuropsiquiátricas como transtorno de ansiedade generalizada (15,1%), síndrome do estresse pós-traumático (13,4%), depressão e ansiedade (13,5%), ideação suicida (10,1%) e diversos distúrbios cognitivos. CONCLUSãO: Manifestações neurológicas e neuropsiquiátricas relacionadas à depressão e ansiedade e distúrbios de cognição são relatados durante a condição pós-COVID-19 na América do Sul. Os sintomas associados a quadros de dor crônica parecem estar associados à condição. Mais estudos sobre condições pós COVID-19 são necessários na região da América do Sul.

Proteomics of serum-derived extracellular vesicles are associated with the severity and different clinical profiles of patients with COVID-19: An exploratory secondary analysis.

BACKGROUND AIMS: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is characterized by a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations with the potential to progress to multiple organ dysfunction in severe cases. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) carry a range of biological cargoes, which may be used as biomarkers of disease state. METHODS: An exploratory secondary analysis of the SARITA-2 and SARITA-1 datasets (randomized clinical trials on patients with mild and moderate/severe COVID-19) was performed. Serum-derived EVs were used for proteomic analysis to identify enriched biological processes and key proteins, thus providing insights into differences in disease severity. Serum-derived EVs were separated from patients with COVID-19 by size exclusion chromatography and nanoparticle tracking analysis was used to determine particle concentration and diameter. Liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was performed to identify and quantify protein signatures. Bioinformatics and multivariate statistical analysis were applied to distinguish candidate proteins associated with disease severity (mild versus moderate/severe COVID-19). RESULTS: No differences were observed in terms of the concentration and diameter of enriched EVs between mild (n = 14) and moderate/severe (n = 30) COVID-19. A total of 414 proteins were found to be present in EVs, of which 360 were shared while 48 were uniquely present in severe/moderate compared to mild COVID-19. The main biological signatures in moderate/severe COVID-19 were associated with platelet degranulation, exocytosis, complement activation, immune effector activation, and humoral immune response. Von Willebrand factor, serum amyloid A-2 protein, histone H4 and H2A type 2-C, and fibrinogen ß-chain were the most differentially expressed proteins between severity groups. CONCLUSION: Exploratory proteomic analysis of serum-derived EVs from patients with COVID-19 detected key proteins related to immune response and activation of coagulation and complement pathways, which are associated with disease severity. Our data suggest that EV proteins may be relevant biomarkers of disease state and prognosis.

The use of integrative tools and multiple models for aquatic environmental quality assessment: a case study of the Mirim Lagoon, Southern Brazil.

This study performed toxicity assays with microalgae, microcrustaceans, and fish as well as evaluated biochemical and behavioral biomarkers in fish and microcrustaceans to assess the quality of the surface water of Mirim Lagoon, which belongs to one of the largest hydrographic basins in the world, located in southern Brazil. Three distinct sampling periods were chosen (January, March, and June 2022) based on the rice plantation dynamics which is the main activity surrounding the lagoon. In January, the plantation is irrigated; in March, the water is drained into the Mirim Lagoon, and July is the off-season. Concerning toxicity tests, there was significant inhibition in microalgae growth when exposed to water collected in March, but no mortality was observed for Ceriodaphia dubia, Daphnia magna, and Danio rerio. Regarding biomarkers, behavioral variables contributed more to the higher values of the Integrated Biomarker Response (IBR) index for both D. magna and D. rerio, in March. The Redundancy Analysis (RDA) indicated a correlation between the biomarkers for both organisms and abiotic parameters, mainly nutrients (total phosphorus and total nitrogen), thermotolerant coliforms, total solids, and turbidity. Spatially, there was no difference during monitoring, but the most significant ecotoxicological effects were observed in March. Multivariate analysis and the IBR index proved to be useful tools for monitoring of water bodies such as Mirim Lagoon.

Inclusion of exogenous enzymes in feedlot cattle diets: Impacts on physiology, rumen fermentation, digestibility and fatty acid profile in rumen and meat.

The objective of this study was to evaluate if the inclusion of a blend composed of exogenous enzymes (amylase, protease, cellulase, xylanase and beta glucanase) in the individual and combined form in the feedlot steers diet has benefits on the physiology, rumen fermentation, digestibility and fatty acid profile in rumen and meat. The experiment used 24 animals, divided into 4 treatments, described as: T1-CON, T2-BLEND (0.5 g mixture of enzyme), T3-AMIL (0.5 g alpha-amylase), T4-BLEND+AMIL (0.5 g enzyme blend+ 0.5 g amylase). The concentration of mineral matter was higher in the meat of cattle of T4-BLEND+AMIL. A higher proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids was observed in the T3-AMIL group when compared to the others. The percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids was higher in the T2-BLEND and T4-BLEND+AMIL compared to the T1-CON. The combination of exogenous enzymes in the diet positively modulate nutritional biomarkers, in addition to benefits in the lipid and oxidative profile meat.

Neurological and neuropsychiatric manifestations of post-COVID-19 condition in South America: a systematic review of the literature / Manifestações neurológicas e neuropsiquiátricas da condição pós-COVID-19 na América do Sul: revisão sistemática da literatura

Abstract Background The post-COVID-19 condition is a major modern challenge in medicine and has a high global impact on the health of the population. Objective To determine the main neurological and neuropsychiatric manifestations after acute COVID-19 infection in South American countries. Methods This is a systematic review study, registered on the PROSPERO platform following the PRISMA model. 4131 articles were found with the search strategies used. Neurological and neuropsychiatric manifestations were investigated in individuals three months or more after acute COVID-19 infection, and older than 18 years, including studies conducted in South American countries published between 2020 and 2022. Results Six studies (four from Brazil and two from Ecuador) were analyzed. Regarding the type of study: three were cohorts, two were case reports, and one was cross-sectional. The main outcomes found were new pain (65.5%) and new chronic pain (19.6%), new headache (39.1%), daily chronic headache (13%), paresthesia (62%), in addition to neuropsychiatric diseases, such as generalized anxiety disorder (15.1%), post-traumatic stress syndrome (13.4%), depression and anxiety (13.5%), suicidal ideation (10.1%), and several cognitive disorders. Conclusion Neurological and neuropsychiatric manifestations related to depression and anxiety, and cognition disorders are reported during the post-COVID-19 condition in South America. Symptoms associated with chronic pain appear to be associated with the condition. More studies on post-COVID-19 conditions are needed in the South America region.

Resumo Antecedentes A condição pós-COVID-19 é um grande desafio moderno na medicina e tem alto impacto global na saúde da população. Objetivo Determinar as principais manifestações neurológicas e neuropsiquiátricas após a infecção aguda da COVID-19 nos países da América do Sul. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo de revisão sistemática, registrado na plataforma PROSPERO seguindo o modelo PRISMA. Foram encontrados 4131 artigos com as estratégias de buscas empregadas. Investigaram-se manifestações neurológicas e neuropsiquiátricas em indivíduos com três meses ou mais desde a infecção aguda por COVID-19, maiores de 18 anos, incluindo estudos realizados em países da América do Sul publicados entre 2020 e 2022. Resultados Foram analisados seis estudos (quatro do Brasil e dois do Equador). Em relação ao tipo de estudo: três eram coortes, dois relatos de casos e um transversal. Os principais desfechos encontrados foram em relação à dor nova (65,5%) e dor crônica nova (19,6%), cefaleia nova (39,1%), cefaleia crônica diária (13%), parestesia (62%), além de doenças neuropsiquiátricas como transtorno de ansiedade generalizada (15,1%), síndrome do estresse pós-traumático (13,4%), depressão e ansiedade (13,5%), ideação suicida (10,1%) e diversos distúrbios cognitivos. Conclusão Manifestações neurológicas e neuropsiquiátricas relacionadas à depressão e ansiedade e distúrbios de cognição são relatados durante a condição pós-COVID-19 na América do Sul. Os sintomas associados a quadros de dor crônica parecem estar associados à condição. Mais estudos sobre condições pós COVID-19 são necessários na região da América do Sul.

Effects of the Pesticide Carbofuran on Two Species of Chlorophyceae (Desmodesmus communis and Pseudopediastrum boryanum) and Their Pesticide Bioremediation Ability.

Carbofuran is one of the most toxic broad-spectrum pesticides. We evaluated the effects of carbofuran on two species of microalgae, Pseudopediastrum boryanum and Desmodesmus communis, through measurements of cell viability, biomass, chlorophyll content, and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The ability of these algae to remove carbofuran dissolved in the media was also determined. For the evaluations, both microalgae species were exposed to carbofuran (FURADAN 350 SC®) at concentrations of 100, 1000, and 10,000 µg L-1 for 7 days. Algae cell viability and chlorophyll-a concentration were not affected by the presence of carbofuran. Both species grew when exposed to the pesticide; however, the microalgae D. communis grew less than its respective control when exposed to the highest concentration (10,000 µg L-1 of carbofuran), indicating an adverse effect of the pesticide on this species. A significant increase in ROS production was observed in D. communis and P. boryanum when exposed to the highest concentration tested. The microalgae P. boryanum completely removed carbofuran in the media within 2 days, regardless of the concentration, whereas D. communis achieved the same result only after 5 days of exposure. Growth inhibition was observed only until the disappearance of carbofuran from the media. The present study suggests the use of microalgae, mainly P. boryanum, as potential tools for the remediation of environments contaminated by carbofuran because of their resistance to the insecticide and their ability to remove it rapidly from water. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:926-937. © 2023 SETAC.

Describing Trends in Maternal Mortality in the State of São Paulo, Brazil, from 2009 to 2019.

BACKGROUND: Maternal mortality is a significant public health concern, with varying impacts across different regions in Brazil, particularly affecting women from lower-income social classes with limited access to social resources. The aim of this study is to describe the trends in maternal mortality in São Paulo, Brazil, from 2009 to 2019. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study employed an ecological approach utilizing a time-series design to examine maternal deaths. Secondary data from the Mortality Information System (SIM) and the Live Births Information System (SINASC) from 2009 to 2019 were utilized. The analysis included all maternal deaths among women aged 10 to 49 years residing in the state of São Paulo. Time-series data for maternal mortality ratios were constructed for the seven regions within São Paulo State. Joinpoint regression analysis was applied to characterize the maternal mortality ratio. The study estimated the annual percentage variation, the average annual percentage variation, and their respective 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: In São Paulo, a total of 3075 maternal deaths were reported, resulting in a mortality ratio of 45.9 deaths per 100,000 live births. The leading causes of maternal death were eclampsia (7.13%), gestational hypertension (6.09%), and postpartum hemorrhage (5.89%). The analysis of the annual percentage change in the maternal mortality ratio for São Paulo State and its six clusters showed stationarity. CONCLUSIONS: The assessment of the maternal mortality ratio in the state of São Paulo, Greater São Paulo, and Baixada Santista revealed an increase in the maternal death ratio over the studied period.

Glyphosate is Harmful to Early Life Stages of the Viviparous Fish Jenynsia Multidentata: Biochemical and Locomotor Effects.

Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide worldwide due to its efficacy in weed control in agriculture. This herbicide has been consistently detected in the aquatic environment, causing harmful consequences to nontarget organisms residing in agricultural regions. In this study, we assessed the effects of environmentally relevant concentrations of glyphosate (30-100 µg/L) on the early life stages of the viviparous fish Jenynsia multidentata through biochemical and locomotor endpoints. At 96 h of exposure, 30 and 65 µg/L glyphosate caused an increase in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, and 65 µg/L glyphosate also augmented the levels of lipid peroxidation. Glyphosate at 100 µg/L did not alter the activity of acetylcholinesterase or the levels of lipid peroxidation, but it stimulated the activity of the cellular detoxification enzyme glutathione S-transferase. In addition, all concentrations affected the swimming of the fish. Under light conditions, glyphosate caused hypolocomotion at all concentrations tested, whereas under dark conditions, this was observed at 30 and 100 µg/L. Hyperlocomotion was observed at 65 µg/L glyphosate. These findings are alarming for the health of fish, such as J. multidentata that inhabit streams that pass through agricultural areas, especially for the early life stages of these fish. Research studying the effects of pollutants on native species is relevant to improve regulation that protects aquatic ecosystems.

A specific combination of laboratory data is associated with overweight lungs in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia at hospital admission: secondary cross-sectional analysis of a randomized clinical trial.

Background: Lung weight may be measured with quantitative chest computed tomography (CT) in patients with COVID-19 to characterize the severity of pulmonary edema and assess prognosis. However, this quantitative analysis is often not accessible, which led to the hypothesis that specific laboratory data may help identify overweight lungs. Methods: This cross-sectional study was a secondary analysis of data from SARITA2, a randomized clinical trial comparing nitazoxanide and placebo in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Adult patients (≥18 years) requiring supplemental oxygen due to COVID-19 pneumonia were enrolled between April 20 and October 15, 2020, in 19 hospitals in Brazil. The weight of the lungs as well as laboratory data [hemoglobin, leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, C-reactive protein, D-dimer, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and ferritin] and 47 additional specific blood biomarkers were assessed. Results: Ninety-three patients were included in the study: 46 patients presented with underweight lungs (defined by ≤0% of excess lung weight) and 47 patients presented with overweight lungs (>0% of excess lung weight). Leukocytes, neutrophils, D-dimer, and LDH were higher in patients with overweight lungs. Among the 47 blood biomarkers investigated, interferon alpha 2 protein was higher and leukocyte inhibitory factor was lower in patients with overweight lungs. According to CombiROC analysis, the combinations of D-dimer/LDH/leukocytes, D-dimer/LDH/neutrophils, and D-dimer/LDH/leukocytes/neutrophils achieved the highest area under the curve with the best accuracy to detect overweight lungs. Conclusion: The combinations of these specific laboratory data: D-dimer/LDH/leukocytes or D-dimer/LDH/neutrophils or D-dimer/LDH/leukocytes/neutrophils were the best predictors of overweight lungs in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia at hospital admission. Clinical trial registration: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (REBEC) number RBR-88bs9x and ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT04561219.

Trends in mortality from Alzheimer's disease in Brazil, 2000-2019.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze trends in mortality rates due to Alzheimer's disease in Brazil and its macro-regions by age and sex, from 2000 to 2019. METHODS: this was a time-series study on mortality from Alzheimer's disease in Brazil and its macro-regions by age and sex; data were obtained from the Mortality Information System; a Prais-Winsten model was used to analyze trends. RESULTS: there were 211,658 deaths in the period analyzed, with an increasing trend in Alzheimer's disease mortality in Brazil in elderly people aged 60-69 years (APC = 4.3; 95%CI 2.9;5.9), 70-79 years (APC = 8.1; 95%CI 4.8;11.5) and ≥ 80 years (APC = 11.3; 95%CI 8.1;14.6) and in all macro-regions, age groups and sexes. CONCLUSION: Brazil and all its macro-regions showed a rising trend in Alzheimer's disease mortality rates, following the global trend.

The development of the normal Schirmer tear test results during the dog's first year of life.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between lacrimation and age in a homogeneous group of healthy beagle dogs during the first year of life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Schirmer tear test I (STT I) was performed at an interval of 12-15 days in both eyes of 16 clinically healthy beagle dogs (eight males and eight females) from 94 to 361 days of age. Three different quadratic polynomial regression equations were estimated for the variation in lacrimation: (1) for the entire period (19 observations), (2) for observations 1-4 (days 94-136), and (3) for observations 5-19 (days 150-361). RESULTS: By fitting quadratic regression equations to different phases of tear production during the dog's first year of life, it was possible to see that with each day of life, lacrimation increased 0.08 times (8%). From days 94 to 136, however, lacrimal production fell 1.1 times with each day of life. From day 150 to 361, production increased by 0.02 (2%) each day of life. In addition, there was a positive significant and moderate linear correlation between body weight and STT I values (p = .01). CONCLUSION: In dogs, during the first year of life, STT I data distribution is parabolic in shape. Age significantly affected tear production. STT I decreased at approximately 108-121 days of age and increased thereafter. Body weight was a significant factor for STT I in young dogs. The establishment of this normal pattern of lacrimation is important for both clinical practitioners and laboratory studies.

Biomineralization biomarkers to assess microplastics toxic effects in the freshwater snail Pomacea canaliculata.

Microplastics (MPs) pollution has increased the number of reports on the toxic effects on biota, especially aquatic organisms. Recently, studies highlighted changes in ion transport and concentration, especially Ca2+, in organisms exposed to MPs. For calcifying organisms, such as mollusks, Ca2+ homeostasis is critical for their shells construction. We investigated the effects of polyethylene (PE) MPs at 20 µg/L on biomineralization biomarkers (Ca2+ATPase, carbonic anhydrase, hemolymph [Ca2+], and shell regeneration) of the freshwater gastropod Pomacea canaliculata. Two experimental sets were performed: (1) animals in physiological condition and (2) animals with their shells excised. The results of the first set showed that within 24 h, the hemolymph [Ca2+] decreased, and the Ca2+ATPase activity increased in the mantle edge. For carbonic anhydrase (CA), the activity decreased in the gland and increased in the mantle. By 72 h, the hemolymph [Ca2+] had not changed, whereas both enzymes had increased in both tissues. In the second set, the hemolymph [Ca2+] increased after 72 h, whereas Ca2+ATPase activity decreased in both tissues. For AC, the opposite results were observed. At 120 h, calcium pumping was still reduced and CA values increased in the digestive gland. Additionally, MPs exposure increased the capacity of the gastropods to recover their shells. Based on this, our work provides novel data associating PE microplastic exposures (at 20 µg/L) and their potential to stimulate biomineralization enzymes of P. canaliculata, as well as increase shell regeneration in excised animal; a good prerogative for further investigations on both subjects that still lacks of more robust evidence.

Antimicrobial Spectrum of Activity and Mechanism of Action of Linear Alpha-Helical Peptides Inspired by Shrimp Anti-Lipopolysaccharide Factors.

Shrimp antilipopolysaccharide factors (ALFs) form a multifunctional and diverse family of antimicrobial host defense peptides (AMPs) composed of seven members (groups A to G), which differ in terms of their primary structure and biochemical properties. They are amphipathic peptides with two conserved cysteine residues stabilizing a central ß-hairpin that is understood to be the core region for their biological activities. In this study, we synthetized three linear (cysteine-free) peptides based on the amino acid sequence of the central ß-hairpin of the newly identified shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) ALFs from groups E to G. Unlike whole mature ALFs, the ALF-derived peptides exhibited an α-helix secondary structure. In vitro assays revealed that the synthetic peptides display a broad spectrum of activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi but not against the protozoan parasites Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania (L.) infantum. Remarkably, they displayed synergistic effects and showed the ability to permeabilize bacterial membranes, a mechanism of action of classical AMPs. Having shown low cytotoxicity to THP-1 human cells and being active against clinical multiresistant bacterial isolates, these nature-inspired peptides represent an interesting class of bioactive molecules with biotechnological potential for the development of novel therapeutics in medical sciences.

Accuracy of Foot Pressure Measurement on Predicting the Development of Foot Ulcer in Patients with Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Areas of the foot with diabetic ulcers have been observed to have greater plantar pressures compared to non-ulcerated. Pressures play an essential role in the mechanism of lesion, and their reduction is effective in prevention. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate pedobarography as a predictive tool for ulcer development, since there is still no consensus on this aspect. METHODS: We searched PUBMED (MedLine), EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL and Scielo for cohort studies that measured plantar pressure at baseline and verified ulcer development on follow-up. Pooled effects of accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and relative risk were calculated using the inverse variance method. Risk of bias was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool. RESULTS: Three studies (n = 2000) had enough information on accuracy to be included into a meta-analysis, and 4 (n = 2651) were analyzed using qualitative methods. Pooled sensitivity and specificity were found to be 0.63 (Confidence Interval (CI) 0.58-0.68) and 0.42 (CI 0.27-0.58), respectively. Pooled relative risk was 1.95 (CI 1.09-3.51). Risk of bias was low to uncertain. CONCLUSIONS: Pedobarography in itself appears to have low accuracy in evaluating risk of ulceration. Several methodological heterogeneities were found, and the most optimal cut-off value is yet to be determined.

The microbial profile of rivers and lagoons three years after the impact of the world's largest mining disaster (Fundão dam, Brazil).

The collapse of the Fundão tailings dam (Minas Gerais, Brazil) was the largest environmental disaster in Brazil's history and in the world mining industry. This disaster carried approximately 55 million m3 of iron ore tailings along the rivers and the lagoons of the Doce river basin. Although multiple studies assessed the impact on microbial communities in those rivers and lagoons right after the dam rupture, it is not known whether the microbiome in those environments remains impacted years after the disaster. Assessing the microbiome is very important to evaluate impacts and evaluate the health of the environment, due to the several ecological roles played by microorganisms. Here, we evaluated the impact of the dam failure on water and sediment bacteriome and archaeome by high-throughput next-generation sequencing. Samples were taken from two rivers and six lagoons during the dry and rainy seasons approximately three years post disturbance. The results showed a large number and abundance of microbial groups associated with the presence of heavy metals and mine tailings sediments. Some of these microorganisms were also reported in large abundance in the impacted rivers shortly after the Fundão dam rupture. Among the most abundant microorganisms in the Doce River, we can highlight the bacteria hgcI clade and the archaea Nitrososphera sp. in the water, and the bacteria Anaerolineaceae sp. in the sediment. These results suggest that the microbiome of the rivers and the lagoons in the Doce river basin remains severely impacted by the Fundão tailings dam failure even three years after the disaster. The presence of those microorganisms can also help to assess the occurrence of the Fundão dam sediment in other environments.

Fatores associados à sepse e condições preditoras de óbito para pessoas idosas com doenças respiratórias / Factors associated with sepsis and conditions that predict death for elderly people with respiratory diseases* / Factores asociados a la sepsis y condiciones que predicen la muerte de ancianos con enfermedades respiratorias

Objetivo: analisar os fatores associados à sepse, bem como as condições preditoras do óbito em pessoas idosas, internadas em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva, com diagnóstico inicial de doenças respiratórias agudas não relacionadas à assistência à saúde. Método: estudo epidemiológico de coorte mista, realizado entre setembro de 2019 e setembro de 2020. Os dados foram coletados nos prontuários eletrônicos e verificada associação em análise bivariada e regressão logística. Resultados: das 228 pessoas idosas estudadas, 125 (54,5%) faleceram e observaram-se 204 (89,5%) com sepse. Dispositivos invasivos urinários (RR=1,754; IC 95% 1,360-2,263), presença de sepse segundo o consenso Sepsis-3 (RR=3,55; IC 95% 1,23-10,27) e Covid-19 (RR=1,39; IC 95% 1,08-1,78) foram preditores para o óbito. Conclusão: os fatores associados à sepse entre pacientes de Covid-19 e de outras infecções respiratórias são diferentes. As condições preditoras do óbito para pessoas idosas com infecções respiratórias agudas não relacionadas à assistência à saúde foram: sepse, Covid-19 e dispositivo invasivo urinário.

Objective: to analyze the factors associated with sepsis, as well as the conditions that predict death in elderly people admitted to Intensive Care Units, with an initial diagnosis of acute respiratory diseases not related to health care. Methodology: mixed cohort epidemiological study, carried out between September 2019 and September 2020. Data were collected from electronic medical charts and associations were checked in bivariate analysis and logistic regression. Results: of the studied 228 elderly people, 125 (54.5%) passed away and 204 (89.5%) had sepsis. Urinary invasive devices (RR=1.754; 95% CI 1.360-2.263), presence of sepsis based on the Sepsis-3 consensus (RR=3.55; 95% CI 1.23-10.27) and Covid-19 (RR=1. 39; 95% CI 1.08-1.78) were predictors for death. Conclusion: the factors associated with sepsis among patients with Covid-19 and other respiratory infections are different. The conditions that predict death for elderly people with acute respiratory infections not related to health care were: sepsis, Covid-19 and urinary invasive device.

Objetivo: analizar los factores asociados a la sepsis, así como las condiciones que predicen la muerte de ancianos ingresados​​en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos, con diagnóstico inicial de enfermedades respiratorias agudas no relacionadas con la asistencia sanitaria. Metodología: estudio epidemiológico de cohorte mixta, realizado entre septiembre de 2019 y septiembre de 2020. Los datos se recolectaron de historias clínicas electrónicas y se verificaron asociaciones en análisis bivariado y regresión logística. Resultados: de los 228 ancianos estudiados, 125 (54,5%) fallecieron y 204 (89,5%) presentaron sepsis. Dispositivos urinarios invasivos (RR=1,754; IC 95% 1,360-2,263), presencia de sepsis según el consenso Sepsis-3 (RR=3,55; IC 95% 1,23-10,27) y Covid-19 (RR=1,39; 95 %IC 1,08-1,78) fueron predictores de muerte. Conclusión: los factores asociados a la sepsis entre pacientes con Covid-19 y otras infecciones respiratorias son diferentes. Las condiciones que predicen la muerte de ancianos con infecciones respiratorias agudas no relacionadas con la asistencia sanitaria fueron: sepsis, Covid-19 y dispositivo urinario invasivo.

Trend in the incidence rates of accidents with venomous animals in children and adolescents in Brazil (2007-2019) / Tendência das taxas de incidência de acidentes com animais peçonhentos em crianças e adolescentes no Brasil (2007-2019)

ABSTRACT Objective: To estimate the temporal trend of the incidence rates of accidents with venomous animals in children and adolescents in Brazil. Methods: An ecological time-series study was carried out between 2007 and 2019. Data were obtained from the Brazilian Information System on Diseases of Compulsory Declaration (Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação - SINAN). The time series of incidence rates of accidents with venomous animals were stratified by age group (children aged 0 to 9 years and adolescents aged 10 to 19 years), Brazilian macro-regions (North, Northeast, Midwest, Southeast, and South), and type of accident (snake, scorpion, spider, and caterpillar). For trend analysis, the Prais-Winsten model and the Annual Percent Change (APC) were used. Results: The time series of the incidence rate of accidents with venomous animals in children and adolescents from the North, Northeast, Midwest, and Southeast macro-regions and in children from the South region showed an upward trend. The average annual incidence rates were higher in the age group of 10 to 19 years, except for the South macro-region. Accidents with scorpions, snakes, and spiders, in this order, were the most frequent; the trends in the time series stratified by type of animal varied according to the geographic macro-region. Conclusions: There was an upward trend in the incidence rate of accidents with venomous animals in children and adolescents in Brazil, except for adolescents in the South macro-region of the country.

RESUMO Objetivo: Estimar a tendência temporal das taxas de incidência de acidentes com animais peçonhentos em crianças e adolescentes no Brasil. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo ecológico de séries temporais, entre 2007 e 2019. Os dados foram obtidos do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN). As séries temporais das taxas de incidência com animais peçonhentos foram estratificadas por faixa etária (crianças de 0 a 9 anos e adolescentes de 10 a 19 anos), macrorregiões brasileiras (Norte, Nordeste, Centro-Oeste, Sudeste e Sul) e tipo de acidente (serpente, escorpião, aranha e lagarta). Para análise de tendência, foi utilizado o modelo de Prais-Winsten e calculada a variação percentual anual das taxas (Annual Percentage Change — APC). Resultados: As séries históricas da taxa de incidência de acidentes com animais peçonhentos em crianças e adolescentes das macrorregiões Norte, Nordeste, Centro-Oeste e Sudeste e em crianças da macrorregião Sul apresentaram tendência ascendente. As taxas de incidências anuais médias foram maiores na faixa etária de 10 a 19 anos, exceto na macrorregião Sul. Os acidentes com escorpiões, serpentes e aranhas, nesta ordem, foram os mais frequentes; as tendências das séries históricas estratificadas por tipo de animal variaram conforme a macrorregião. Conclusões: Houve tendência ascendente na taxa de incidência de acidentes com animais peçonhentos em crianças e adolescentes no Brasil, exceto nos adolescentes da macrorregião Sul do país.

Tendência de mortalidade por doença de Alzheimer no Brasil, 2000 a 2019 / Tendencias de mortalidad por enfermedad de Alzheimer en Brasil, 2000 a 2019 / Trends in mortality from Alzheimer's disease in Brazil, 2000-2019

Objetivo: analisar as tendências das taxas de mortalidade por doença de Alzheimer no Brasil e nas suas macrorregiões, por faixa etária e sexo, no período de 2000 a 2019. Métodos: estudo de séries temporais sobre mortalidade por doença de Alzheimer no Brasil e suas macrorregiões por faixa etária e sexo; os dados foram extraídos do Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade (SIM); o modelo de Prais-Winsten foi utilizado para análise das tendências. Resultados: houve 211.658 óbitos no período analisado, com tendência crescente na mortalidade por doença de Alzheimer no país em idosos de 60-69 anos (VPA = 4,3; IC95% 2,9;5,9), 70-79 anos (VPA = 8,1; IC95% 4,8;11,5) e ≥ 80 anos (VPA = 11,3; IC95% 8,1;14,6), e em todas as macrorregiões, faixas etárias e sexo. Conclusão: o Brasil e todas as suas macrorregiões apresentaram tendência crescente nas taxas de mortalidade por doença de Alzheimer, seguindo a tendência mundial.

Objective: to analyze trends in mortality rates due to Alzheimer's disease in Brazil and its macro-regions by age and sex, from 2000 to 2019. Methods: this was a time-series study on mortality from Alzheimer's disease in Brazil and its macro-regions by age and sex; data were obtained from the Mortality Information System; a Prais-Winsten model was used to analyze trends. Results: there were 211,658 deaths in the period analyzed, with an increasing trend in Alzheimer's disease mortality in Brazil in elderly people aged 60-69 years (APC = 4.3; 95%CI 2.9;5.9), 70-79 years (APC = 8.1; 95%CI 4.8;11.5) and ≥ 80 years (APC = 11.3; 95%CI 8.1;14.6) and in all macro-regions, age groups and sexes. Conclusion: Brazil and all its macro-regions showed a rising trend in Alzheimer's disease mortality rates, following the global trend.

Objetivo: analizar las tendencias en las tasas de mortalidad por enfermedad de Alzheimer en Brasil y sus macrorregiones por grupo de edad y sexo, de 2000 a 2019. Métodos: estudio de series temporales de mortalidad por enfermedad de Alzheimer en Brasil y sus macrorregiones por grupo de edad y sexo; los datos se obtuvieron del Sistema de Información sobre Mortalidad del Ministerio de Salud de Brasil; se utilizó el modelo Prais-Winsten para analizar tendencias. Resultados: hubo 211.658 óbitos, con tendencia creciente en la mortalidad por enfermedad de Alzheimer en el país, en adultos mayores de 60-69 años (VPA = 4,3; IC95% 2,9;5,9), 70-79 años (VPA = 8,1; IC95%: 4,8;11,5) y ≥ 80 años (VPA = 11,3; IC95% 8,1;14,6) y en todas las macrorregiones, grupos de edad y sexo. Conclusión: Brasil y todas sus macrorregiones mostraron una tendencia creciente en las tasas de mortalidad por enfermedad de Alzheimer siguiendo la tendencia mundial.

Silver nanoparticles in mouthwashes against infection caused by SARS-CoV-2: a scoping review / Nanopartículas de prata em enxaguatórios bucais para uso em infecções por SARS-CoV-2: uma revisão de escopo

The Silver nanoparticle (AgNPs) have received attention for their antiviral potential against SARS-CoV-2. The objective is to conduct a scope review and map the scientific evidence on the use of AgNPs in mouthwashes as an adjunct in decreasing the viral load in the oral cavity of patients with SARS-CoV-2. A search was performed in the PubMed, Medline, Scielo databases, and a manual search in the reference lists, following the standards of the Joanna Briggs Institute for Scoping Review without restriction of year, language or sample size. Thus, 14 articles were included, where they researched the use of AgNPs with antiviral effect against SARS-CoV-2, mouthwashes for SARS-CoV-2 and AgNPs as mouthwashes. We can suggest that AgNPs are likely antiviral therapies for SARS-CoV-2 and its use in mouthwashes associated with other therapies are promising strands for decreasing viral load and infection by the vírus (AU)

As nanopartículas de prata (AgNPs) têm recebido atenção por seu potencial antiviral no SARS-CoV-2. O objetivo deste trabalho é realizar uma revisão de escopo e mapear as evidências científicas sobre o uso de AgNPs em bochechos como adjuvante na diminuição da carga viral na cavidade oral de pacientes com SARS-CoV-2. Foi realizada busca nas bases de dados PubMed, Medline, Scielo e busca manual nas listas de referências, seguindo os padrões do Joanna Briggs Institute for Scoping Review sem restrição de ano, idioma ou tamanho da amostra. Assim, foram incluídos 14 artigos, onde pesquisaram o uso de AgNPs com efeito antiviral contra SARS-CoV-2, enxaguatórios bucais para SARS-CoV-2 e AgNPs como enxaguatórios bucais, vertentes promissoras para diminuição da carga viral e infecção pelo vírus.(AU)