Exposure to Smartphones and Tablets, Physical Activity and Sleep in Children From 5 to 10 Years Old: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to verify the association between smartphone/tablet exposure and physical activity and sleep in children from 5 to 10 years old. Data Source: This study followed the guidelines of PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) and included studies that met eligibility criteria based on the "PECO" strategy: participants (children from 5 to 10 years old), exposure (smartphone and tablet use), and outcome (physical activity and sleep). STUDY INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA: The inclusion criteria were observational studies published in indexed scientific journals and written in Portuguese, English, and Spanish that verified the association of exposure to smartphones/tablets with physical activity and sleep in children aged 5 to 10 years of both sexes. Studies were considered eligible only if they met the previous criteria. Data Extraction: The search was conducted in January 2023 on databases from electronic journals without the restriction of the period. To meta-analyze were extracted and grouped using models of fixed and random effects, the coefficients Odds Ratio (OR), Beta (ß), Standard Error (SE), and Confidence Intervals of 95% (95%CI). Data Synthesis: 2396 potentially relevant papers were identified, and 17 met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: It can be verified that there was an inverse association between smartphones with physical activity and sleep. Studies indicate that for every additional hour of smartphone and tablet use, sleep can be expected to decrease by an average of 11 minutes (ß = - 0.11; 95%CI = -0.13; -0.09). Children using smartphones and tablets were 1.79 times (OR = 1.79; 95%CI = 1.72-1.86) more likely to have shorter sleep duration and 1.53 times (OR = 1.53; 95%CI = 1.41-1.65) more likely to have worse sleep quality. Children with shorter smartphone and tablet usage were 1.19 times more likely to be active (OR = 1.19; 95% CI = 1.03-1.37). CONCLUSION: Children of 5 to 10 years who are more often exposed to smartphones and tablets are prone to have worse quality and quantity of sleep, as well as less practice of physical activity. Health promotion actions can be encouraged based on the results, aiming to reduce the use time of these devices and improve children's health and quality of life.

Killing of Plasmodium Sporozoites by Basic Amphipathic α-Helical Fusion Peptides.

Membranolytic molecules constitute the first line of innate immune defense against pathogenic microorganisms. Plasmodium sporozoites are potentially exposed to these cytotoxic molecules in the hemolymph and salivary glands of mosquitoes, as well as in the skin, blood, and liver of the mammalian host. Here, we show that sporozoites are resistant to bacteriolytic concentration of cecropin B, a cationic amphipathic antimicrobial insect peptide. Intriguingly, anti-tumoral cell-penetrating peptides derived from the anti-apoptotic protein AAC11 killed P. berghei and P. falciparum sporozoites. Using dynamic imaging, we demonstrated that the most cytotoxic peptide, called RT39, did not significantly inhibit the sporozoite motility until the occurrence of a fast permeabilization of the parasite membrane by the peptide. Concomitantly, the cytosolic fluorescent protein constitutively expressed by sporozoites leaked from the treated parasite body while To-Pro 3 and FITC-labeled RT39 internalized, respectively, binding to the nucleic acids and membranes of sporozoites. This led to an increase in the parasite granularity as assessed by flow cytometry. Most permeabilization events started at the parasite's posterior end, resulting in the appearance of a fluorescent dot in the anterior part of sporozoites. Understanding and exploiting the susceptibility of sporozoites and other plasmodial stages to membranolytic molecules might foster strategies to eliminate the parasite and block its transmission.

Biochemical Markers for Liver Injury in Zebrafish Larvae.

Liver plays a crucial role in detoxification processes and metabolism of xenobiotics, and therefore, it is a target organ of toxicity of different classes of chemicals. In this context, some key enzymes present in liver are considered to be good biochemical markers of hepatic damage and can have their activities determined via spectrophotometry. Aspartate and alanine aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, and glutathione peroxidase are enzymes that have activities often changed in response to hepatotoxic compounds and can be accessed through the larval period of zebrafish (Danio rerio). In this chapter, we described methodologies for analyses of these five biomarkers in pooled zebrafish larvae through spectrophotometry.

2,4-D Herbicide-Induced Hepatotoxicity: Unveiling Disrupted Liver Functions and Associated Biomarkers.

2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is a widely used herbicide worldwide and is frequently found in water samples. This knowledge has prompted studies on its effects on non-target organisms, revealing significant alterations to liver structure and function. In this review, we evaluated the literature on the hepatotoxicity of 2,4-D, focusing on morphological damages, toxicity biomarkers and affected liver functions. Searches were conducted on PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus and 83 articles were selected after curation. Among these studies, 72% used in vivo models and 30% used in vitro models. Additionally, 48% used the active ingredient, and 35% used commercial formulations in exposure experiments. The most affected biomarkers were related to a decrease in antioxidant capacity through alterations in the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase and the levels of malondialdehyde. Changes in energy metabolism, lipids, liver function, and xenobiotic metabolism were also identified. Furthermore, studies about the effects of 2,4-D in mixtures with other pesticides were found, as well as hepatoprotection trials. The reviewed data indicate the essential role of reduction in antioxidant capacity and oxidative stress in 2,4-D-induced hepatotoxicity. However, the mechanism of action of the herbicide is still not fully understood and further research in this area is necessary.

How the Adequate Choice of Plant Species Favors the Restoration Process in Areas Susceptible to Extreme Frost Events.

This work aimed to evaluate the impacts caused by extreme frost events in an ecological restoration area. We grouped the species in three ways: (1) type of trichome coverage; (2) shape of the seedling crown; and (3) functional groups according to the degree of damage caused by frost. The variables of the restored area and species characteristics were selected to be subjected to linear generalization analysis models (GLMs). A total of 104 individuals from seven species were sampled. The most affected species were Guazuma ulmifolia Lam. (98% of leaves affected), followed by Cecropia pachystachia Trécul and Hymenea courbaril L. (both 97%), Inga vera Willd. (84%), and Senegalia polyphylla (DC.) Britton & Rose with 75%. Tapirira guianensis Aubl. was considered an intermediate species, with 62% of the crown affected. Only Solanum granulosoleprosum Dunal was classified as slightly affected, with only 1.5% of leaves affected. With the GLM analysis, it was verified that the interaction between the variables of leaf thickness (Χ² = 37.1, df = 1, p < 0.001), trichome coverage (Χ² = 650.5, df = 2, p < 0.001), and leaf structure culture (Χ² = 54.0, df = 2, p < 0.001) resulted in a model with high predictive power (AIC = 927,244, BIC = 940,735, Χ² = 6947, R² = 0.74, p < 0.001). Frost-affected crown cover was best explained by the interaction between the three functional attributes (74%). We found that there is a tendency for thicker leaves completely covered in trichomes to be less affected by the impact of frost and that the coverage of the affected crown was greatly influenced by the coverage of trichomes. Seedlings with leaves completely covered in trichomes, thicker leaves, and a funneled or more open crown structure are those that are most likely to resist frost events. The success of ecological restoration in areas susceptible to extreme events such as frost can be predicted based on the functional attributes of the chosen species. This can contribute to a better selection of species to be used to restore degraded areas.

Molecularly imprinted polymers in online extraction liquid chromatography methods: Current advances and recent applications.

BACKGROUND: One of the primary objectives in green analytical practices is the seamless integration of extraction and separation steps, resulting in the augmentation of both analytical throughput and method performance. Consequently, the exploration of prospective sorbent materials has drawn significant attention in the scientific community, particularly concerning the potential for online procedures. Employing the optimal sorbent material within an automated analytical approach holds the promise of elevating the precision of the analytical evaluation. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) excel in specific analyte interaction within complex matrices. However, MIPs' full potential was not widely exploring especially for online analytical methodologies. RESULTS: Here is presented a comprehensive overview of the current applications of MIPs as sorbent materials within integrated and automated separation methodologies applied to diverse matrices including biological, food, and environmental samples. Notably, their primary advantage, as evidenced in the literature, lies in their exceptional selectivity for the target analyte discussed according to the adopted synthesis protocol. Furthermore, the literature discussed here illustrates the versatility of MIPs in terms of modification with one or more phases which are so-called hybrid materials, such as molecularly imprinted monoliths (MIM), the molecularly imprinted ionic liquid polymer (IL-MIP), and restricted access to molecularly imprinted polymer (RAMIP). The reported advantages enhance their applicability in integrated and automated separation procedures, especially to the column switching methods, across a broader spectrum of applications. SIGNIFICANCE: This revision aims to demonstrate the MIP's potential as a sorbent phase in integrated and automated methods, this comprehensive overview of MIP polymers in integrated and automated separation methodologies can be used as a valuable guide, inspiring new research on developing novel horizons for MIP applications to have their potential emphasized in analytical science and enhanced to the great analytical methods achievement.

Chemical Composition, In Vitro Antitumor Effect, and Toxicity in Zebrafish of the Essential Oil from Conyza bonariensis (L.) Cronquist (Asteraceae).

The essential oil from Conyza bonariensis (Asteraceae) aerial parts (CBEO) was extracted by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger-type apparatus and was characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The antitumor potential was evaluated against human tumor cell lines (melanoma, cervical, colorectal, and leukemias), as well as non-tumor keratinocyte lines using the MTT assay. The effect of CBEO on the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) was evaluated by DCFH-DA assay, and a protection assay using the antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) was also performed. Moreover, the CBEO toxicity in the zebrafish model was assessed. The majority of the CBEO compound was (Z)-2-lachnophyllum ester (57.24%). The CBEO exhibited selectivity towards SK-MEL-28 melanoma cells (half maximal inhibitory concentration, IC50 = 18.65 ± 1.16 µg/mL), and induced a significant increase in ROS production. In addition, the CBEO's cytotoxicity against SK-MEL-28 cells was reduced after pretreatment with NAC. Furthermore, after 96 h of exposure, 1.5 µg/mL CBEO induced death of all zebrafish embryos. Non-lethal effects were observed after exposure to 0.50-1.25 µg/mL CBEO. Additionally, significant alterations in the activity of enzymes associated with oxidative stress in zebrafish larvae were observed. These results provide evidence that CBEO has a significant in vitro antimelanoma effect by increasing ROS production and moderate embryotoxicity in zebrafish.

A Grid-based Method for Removing Overlaps of Dimensionality Reduction Scatterplot Layouts.

Dimensionality Reduction (DR) scatterplot layouts have become a ubiquitous visualization tool for analyzing multidimensional datasets. Despite their popularity, such scatterplots suffer from occlusion, especially when informative glyphs are used to represent data instances, potentially obfuscating critical information for the analysis under execution. Different strategies have been devised to address this issue, either producing overlap-free layouts that lack the powerful capabilities of contemporary DR techniques in uncovering interesting data patterns or eliminating overlaps as a post-processing strategy. Despite the good results of post-processing techniques, most of the best methods typically expand or distort the scatterplot area, thus reducing glyphs' size (sometimes) to unreadable dimensions, defeating the purpose of removing overlaps. This paper presents Distance Grid (DGrid), a novel post-processing strategy to remove overlaps from DR layouts that faithfully preserves the original layout's characteristics and bounds the minimum glyph sizes. We show that DGrid surpasses the state-of-the-art in overlap removal (through an extensive comparative evaluation considering multiple different metrics) while also being one of the fastest techniques, especially for large datasets. A user study with 51 participants also shows that DGrid is consistently ranked among the top techniques for preserving the original scatterplots' visual characteristics and the aesthetics of the final results.

Influence of Restorative Material on the Distribution of Loads to the Bone in Hybrid Abutment Crowns-In Vitro Study.

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the load transmitted to the peri-implant bone by seven different restorative materials in single-unit rehabilitations with morse taper implants using a strain gauge. Materials: In a polyurethane block that simulated type III bone, a morse taper platform implant was installed (3.5 × 11 mm) in the center and 1 mm below the test base surface, and four strain gauges were installed around the implant, simulating the mesial, distal, buccal and lingual positions. Seven similar hybrid abutment crowns were crafted to simulate a lower premolar using different materials: 1-PMMA; 2-glass ceramic over resin matrix; 3-PEEK + lithium disilicate; 4-metal-ceramic; 5-lithium disilicate; 6-zirconia + feldspathic; 7-monolithic zirconia. All groups underwent axial and oblique loads (45 degrees) of 150 N from a universal testing machine. Five measurements (n = 5) were performed with each material and for each load type; the microdeformation data underwent statistical analysis. The data were obtained in microdeformation (µÎµ), and the significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the evaluation among the materials under either the axial load or the oblique load at 45 degrees. In turn, in the comparison between axial load and oblique load, there was a difference in load for all materials. Conclusion: The restorative material did not influence the load transmitted to the bone. Furthermore, the load transmitted to the bone was greater when it occurred obliquely at 45° regardless of the material used. In conclusion, it appeared that the different elastic modulus of each material did not influence the load transmission to the peri-implant bone.

Detection of Failures in Metal Oxide Surge Arresters Using Frequency Response Analysis.

This work presents an innovative application of Frequency Response Analysis (FRA) in order to detect early degradation of Metal Oxide Surge Arresters (MOSAs). This technique has been widely used in power transformers, but has never been applied to MOSAs. It consists in comparisons of spectra, measured at different instants of the lifetime of the arrester. Differences between these spectra are an indicator that some electrical properties of the arrester have changed. An incremental deterioration test has been performed on arrester samples (with controlled circulation of leakage current, which increases the energy dissipation over the device), and the FRA spectra correctly identified the progression of damage. Although preliminary, the FRA results seemed promising, and it is expected that this technology could be used as another diagnostic tool for arresters.

Desorption electrospray ionization and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization as imaging approaches for biological samples analysis.

The imaging of biological tissues can offer valuable information about the sample composition, which improves the understanding of analyte distribution in such complex samples. Different approaches using mass spectrometry imaging (MSI), also known as imaging mass spectrometry (IMS), enabled the visualization of the distribution of numerous metabolites, drugs, lipids, and glycans in biological samples. The high sensitivity and multiple analyte evaluation/visualization in a single sample provided by MSI methods lead to various advantages and overcome drawbacks of classical microscopy techniques. In this context, the application of MSI methods, such as desorption electrospray ionization-MSI (DESI-MSI) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-MSI (MALDI-MSI), has significantly contributed to this field. This review discusses the evaluation of exogenous and endogenous molecules in biological samples using DESI and MALDI imaging. It offers rare technical insights not commonly found in the literature (scanning speed and geometric parameters), making it a comprehensive guide for applying these techniques step-by-step. Furthermore, we provide an in-depth discussion of recent research findings on using these methods to study biological tissues.

A Remote Monitoring Platform for the Management of Lower Limb Vascular Diseases.

This short paper describes a remote monitoring platform proposed in the Inno4health project. The platform aims to guide patients and clinicians during the treatment of lower limb vascular disorders, namely, to correct abnormal foot pressure and temperature to prevent diabetic foot ulcers and to monitor interface pressure, leg position and elevation for venous ulcers patients.

The Flow of Trust: A Visualization Framework to Externalize, Explore, and Explain Trust in ML Applications.

We present a conceptual framework for the development of visual interactive techniques to formalize and externalize trust in machine learning (ML) workflows. Currently, trust in ML applications is an implicit process that takes place in the user's mind. As such, there is no method of feedback or communication of trust that can be acted upon. Our framework will be instrumental in developing interactive visualization approaches that will help users to efficiently and effectively build and communicate trust in ways that fit each of the ML process stages. We formulate several research questions and directions that include: 1) a typology/taxonomy of trust objects, trust issues, and possible reasons for (mis)trust; 2) formalisms to represent trust in machine-readable form; 3) means by which users can express their state of trust by interacting with a computer system (e.g., text, drawing, marking); 4) ways in which a system can facilitate users' expression and communication of the state of trust; and 5) creation of visual interactive techniques for representation and exploration of trust over all stages of an ML pipeline.

Marker events associated with adherence to HIV/AIDS treatment in a cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze how clinical and social events may impact adherence to antiretroviral treatment for HIV. METHODS: This is a historical cohort study with 528 patients who underwent treatment for HIV in a specialized care service in Alvorada, RS. A total of 3429 queries executed between the years 2004 and 2017 were analyzed. For each visit, data on treatment characteristics and the patients' clinical picture were collected. Adherence, as measured by patients' self-report, was the endpoint of the study. The logistic regression model via generalized estimating equations was used for estimating the associations. RESULTS: 67.8% of the patients analyzed have up to 8 years of education and 24.8% have a history of crack and/or cocaine use. Among men, being asymptomatic [odds ratio (OR) = 1.43; 95%CI 1.05-1.93], having more than 8 years of education (OR= 2.32; 95%CI 1.27-4.23), and never having used crack (RC = 2.35; 95%CI 1.20-4.57) were associated with adherence. For women, being older than 24 years (CR = 1.82; 95%CI 1.09-3.02), never having used cocaine (CR = 2.54; 95%CI 1.32-4.88) and being pregnant (RC = 3.28; 95%CI 1.83-5.89) increased the odds of adherence. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to defined sociodemographic characteristics, one-off events that may occur in the trajectory of patients on long treatment, such as starting a new pregnancy and not having symptoms, can impact patients' chances of treatment adherence.

A review on the ecotoxicity of macrocyclic lactones and benzimidazoles on aquatic organisms.

Despite its wide production and several applications, veterinary antiparasitics from macrocyclic lactones and benzimidazole classes have not received much scientific attention concerning their environmental risks. Thus, we aimed to provide insights into the state of the environmental research on macrocyclic lactone and benzimidazole parasiticides, emphasizing their toxicity to non-target aquatic organisms. We searched for relevant information on these pharmaceutical classes on PubMed and Web of Science. Our search yielded a total of 45 research articles. Most articles corresponded to toxicity testing (n = 29), followed by environmental fate (n = 14) and other issues (n = 2) of selected parasiticides. Macrocyclic lactones were the most studied chemical group (65% of studies). Studies were conducted mainly with invertebrate taxa (70%), with crustaceans being the most predominant group (n = 27; 51%). Daphnia magna was the most used species (n = 8; 15%). Besides, it also proved to be the most sensitive organism, yielding the lowest toxicity measure (EC50 0.25 µg/L for decreased mobility after 48 h-abamectin exposure) reported. Moreover, most studies were performed in laboratory settings, tracking a limited number of endpoints (acute mortality, immobility, and community disturbance). We posit that macrocyclic lactones and benzimidazoles warrant coordinated action to understand their environmental risks.

Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Insertion Torque and Implant Stability of Two Different Implant Macrogeometries in the Initial Periods of Osseointegration.

Objectives: The present study compared two implants with different macrogeometries placed in healed alveolar sites, evaluating the insertion torque (ITV) and implant stability quotient (ISQ) values at three different periods. Methods: Seventy patients with a total of 100 dental implants were allocated into two groups (n = 50 per group): DuoCone implants (DC group) that included 28 implants in the maxilla and 22 in the mandible, and Maestro implants (MAE group) that included 26 in the maxilla and 24 in the mandible. The ITV was measured during the implant placement, and the ISQ values were measured immediately at implant placement (baseline) and after 30 and 45 days. Results: The mean and standard deviations of the ITV were statistically significant (p < 0.0001), 56.4 ± 6.41 Ncm for the DC group and 29.3 ± 9.65 Ncm for the MAE group. In the DC group, the ISQs ranged between 61.1 ± 3.78 and 69.8 ± 3.86, while the MAE group presented similar values compared with the other group, ranging between 61.9 ± 3.92 and 72.1 ± 2.37. Conclusions: The value of implant insertion torque did not influence the ISQ values measured immediately after implant placement. However, the ITV influenced the ISQ values measured in the two initial periods of osseointegration, with implants installed with lower torques presenting higher ISQ values.

Palliative therapy for malignant gastric outlet obstruction: how does the endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy compare with surgery and endoscopic stenting? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: The gold-standard procedure to address malignant gastric outlet obstruction (MGOO) is surgical gastrojejunostomy (SGJJ). Two endoscopic alternatives have also been proposed: the endoscopic stenting (ES) and the endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-G). This study aimed to perform a thorough and strict meta-analysis to compare EUS-G with the SGJJ and ES in treating patients with MGOO. Materials and Methods: Studies comparing EUS-G to endoscopic stenting or SGJJ for patients with MGOO were considered eligible. We conducted online searches in primary databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Lilacs, and Central Cochrane) from inception through October 2021. The outcomes were technical and clinical success rates, serious adverse events (SAEs), reintervention due to obstruction, length of hospital stay (LOS), and time to oral intake. Results: We found similar technical success rates between ES and EUS-G but clinical success rates favored the latter. The comparison between EUS-G and SGJJ demonstrated better technical success rates in favor of the surgical approach but similar clinical success rates. EUS-G shortens the LOS by 2.8 days compared with ES and 5.8 days compared with SGJJ. Concerning reintervention due to obstruction, we found similar rates for EUS-G and SGJJ but considerably higher rates for ES compared with EUS-G. As to AEs, we demonstrated equivalent rates comparing EUS-G and SGJJ but significantly higher ones compared with ES. Conclusion: Despite being novel and still under refinement, the EUS-G has good safety and efficacy profiles compared with SGJJ and ES.

Marker events associated with adherence to HIV/AIDS treatment in a cohort study / Eventos marcadores associados à adesão ao tratamento para HIV/aids em um estudo de coorte

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze how clinical and social events may impact adherence to antiretroviral treatment for HIV. METHODS This is a historical cohort study with 528 patients who underwent treatment for HIV in a specialized care service in Alvorada, RS. A total of 3429 queries executed between the years 2004 and 2017 were analyzed. For each visit, data on treatment characteristics and the patients' clinical picture were collected. Adherence, as measured by patients' self-report, was the endpoint of the study. The logistic regression model via generalized estimating equations was used for estimating the associations. RESULTS 67.8% of the patients analyzed have up to 8 years of education and 24.8% have a history of crack and/or cocaine use. Among men, being asymptomatic [odds ratio (OR) = 1.43; 95%CI 1.05-1.93], having more than 8 years of education (OR= 2.32; 95%CI 1.27-4.23), and never having used crack (RC = 2.35; 95%CI 1.20-4.57) were associated with adherence. For women, being older than 24 years (CR = 1.82; 95%CI 1.09-3.02), never having used cocaine (CR = 2.54; 95%CI 1.32-4.88) and being pregnant (RC = 3.28; 95%CI 1.83-5.89) increased the odds of adherence. CONCLUSIONS In addition to defined sociodemographic characteristics, one-off events that may occur in the trajectory of patients on long treatment, such as starting a new pregnancy and not having symptoms, can impact patients' chances of treatment adherence.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Analisar como eventos clínicos e sociais podem impactar na adesão ao tratamento antirretroviral para o HIV. MÉTODOS Trata-se de um estudo de coorte histórica com 528 pacientes que realizaram o tratamento para o HIV em um serviço de assistência especializada em Alvorada, RS. Foram analisadas 3429 consultas executadas entre os anos de 2004 e 2017. Para cada consulta, foram coletados dados de características do tratamento e do quadro clínico dos pacientes. A adesão, aferida pelo autorrelato dos pacientes, foi o desfecho do estudo. O modelo de regressão logística via equações de estimação generalizadas foi utilizado para estimação das associações. RESULTADOS 67,8% dos pacientes analisados possuem até 8 anos de estudos e 24,8% têm histórico de uso de crack e/ou cocaína. Entre os homens, estar assintomático [razão de chances (RC) = 1,43; IC95% 1,05-1,93], possuir mais de 8 anos de estudo (RC = 2,32; IC95% 1,27-4,23) e nunca ter usado crack (RC = 2,35; IC95% 1,20-4,57) estiveram associados à adesão. Para as mulheres, possuir mais de 24 anos (RC = 1,82; IC95% 1,09-3,02), nunca ter usado cocaína (RC = 2,54; IC95% 1,32-4,88) e estar em gestação (RC = 3,28; IC95% 1,83-5,89) aumentaram as chances de adesão. CONCLUSÕES Além de características sociodemográficas definidas, eventos pontuais que podem ocorrer na trajetória de pacientes em tratamentos longos, como início de uma nova gestação e não apresentar sintomas, podem impactar nas chances de adesão dos pacientes ao tratamento.

Electromembrane Extraction of Naphthenic Acids in Produced Water Followed by Ultra-High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry Analysis.

Naphthenic acids comprise one of the most toxic compounds of the produced water released from offshore oil platforms. Therefore, developing and applying faster, simpler, and more efficient analytical methods for analyzing naphthenic acids are urgently needed. Electromembrane extraction (EME) uses the electrokinetic migration of target ions through a porous membrane. Herein, the EME method was applied to extract naphthenic acids from produced water. The EME method was optimized, and the optimal conditions encompassed decanol as the organic solvent, the sample with pH 10.0, 5 min of extraction at 200 V, and the ratio 4:1 (borate buffer/matrix, v/v). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy confirmed charged species' migration from produced water through the EME. Subsequently, all extracts were analyzed by ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometry. The EME efficiency was assessed by comparing the extraction results to the liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) method results. Analytical results showed good linearity for both solvent and matrix curves (R2 > 0.98). Low detection limits ranged from 0.10 to 0.13 µg mL-1 and quantification limits from 0.36 to 0.45 µg mL-1. Precision and accuracy values ranged from -13.3% to 16.5%. These values fit the proposed method, demonstrating that the EME was more efficient than LLE in naphthenic acid extraction. The EME method preferably extracted aromatic compounds with double-bond equivalence from 6 to 8. The EME coupled with ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometry was demonstrated as a promising analytical approach to naphthenic acid extraction as an efficient and more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional extraction methods.

Acute Hemorrhagic Leukoencephalopathy Triggered by COVID-19 Infection.

Background: This study represents an additional case of a rare entity and complication of COVID-19. Purpose: To further describe COVID's association with acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalopathy (AHL), a variant of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. Besides, subsequent neuropsychological evaluation is described. Methods: The present case report describes clinical, laboratory, radiological, and electroencephalographic characteristics of AHL triggered by COVID-19, in addition to outcomes in the neuropsychological findings. Results: Radiologic findings of demyelinating lesions in supratentorial white matter permeated by multiple hemorrhagic foci supported the diagnostic of AHL, reinforced by clinical improvement after corticosteroid therapy. Conclusions: There are few similar cases previously reported, and this case highlights the early diagnosis and prompt treatment looking forward to better outcomes in AHL. Further studies are needed to elucidate the involved pathophysiological mechanisms.