Exposure of adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) to SARS-CoV-2 at predicted environmentally relevant concentrations: Outspreading warns about ecotoxicological risks to freshwater fish.

While the multifaceted social, economic, and public health impacts associated with the COVID-19 pandemic are known, little is known about its effects on non-target aquatic ecosystems and organisms. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the potential ecotoxicity of SARS-CoV-2 lysate protein (SARS.CoV2/SP02.2020.HIAE.Br) in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) at predicted environmentally relevant concentrations (0.742 and 2.226 pg/L), by 30 days. Although our data did not show locomotor alterations or anxiety-like or/and anxiolytic-like behavior, we noticed that exposure to SARS-CoV-2 negatively affected habituation memory and social aggregation of animals in response to a potential aquatic predator (Geophagus brasiliensis). An increased frequency of erythrocyte nuclear abnormalities was also observed in animals exposed to SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, our data suggest that such changes were associated with a redox imbalance [↑ROS (reactive oxygen species), ↑H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide), ↓SOD (superoxide dismutase), and ↓CAT (catalase)], cholinesterasic effect [↑AChE (acetylcholinesterase) activity], as well as the induction of an inflammatory immune response [↑NO (nitric oxide), ↑IFN-γ (interferon-gamma), and ↓IL-10 (interleukin-10)]. For some biomarkers, we noticed that the response of the animals to the treatments was not concentration-dependent. However, principal component analysis (PCA) and the "Integrated Biomarker Response" index (IBRv2) indicated a more prominent ecotoxicity of SARS-CoV-2 at 2.226 pg/L. Therefore, our study advances knowledge about the ecotoxicological potential of SARS-CoV-2 and reinforces the presumption that the COVID-19 pandemic has negative implications beyond its economic, social, and public health impacts.

Plant-ZnO nanoparticles interaction: An approach to improve guinea grass (Panicum maximum) productivity and evaluation of the impacts of its ingestion by freshwater teleost fish.

We aimed to evaluate the possible effects of the application of zinc oxide nanoparticles [ZnO NPs; 68.96 ± 33.71 nm; at 100 and 500 mg/kg in a soil mixture of the Typic Dystrophic Red Latosol type and sand (2:1 ratio)] in the cultivation of Panicum maximum (until 125 days), using different biomarkers in addition to evaluating the uptake of Zn by the plants. Furthermore, we assessed the possible transfer of ZnO NPs from P. maximum leaves to zebrafish and their potential. Plants cultivated in substrates with ZnO NPs at 500 mg/kg showed reduced germination rate and growth. However, at 100 mg/kg, plants showed higher biomass and productivity, associated with higher Zn uptake, without inducing oxidative and nitrosative stress. Zinc content in zebrafish was not associated with ingesting leaves of P. maximum cultivated in substrate containing ZnCl2 or ZnO NPs or with genotoxic, mutagenic, and biochemical effects. In conclusion, ZnO NPs (at 100 mg/kg) are promising in the cultivation of P. maximum, and their ingestion by zebrafish did not cause changes in the evaluated biomarkers. However, we recommend that studies with other animal models be conducted to comprehensively assess the ecotoxicological hazard associated with applying ZnO NPs in soil.

Potential ecotoxicity of substrate-enriched zinc oxide nanoparticles to Physalaemus cuvieri tadpoles.

Although the ecotoxicological effects of ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have already been reported in different taxa, little is known about their impacts on amphibians. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the potential effects of exposure of Physalaemus cuvieri tadpoles to substrates enriched with ZnO NPs (and with its ionic counterpart, Zn+2, ZnCl2 - both at 100 mg/kg) previously used in the cultivation of Panicum maximum (Guinea grass). We showed that although exposure for 21 days did not impact the survival, growth, and development of tadpoles, we noted an increase in the frequency of erythrocyte nuclear abnormalities in the "ZnCl2" and "ZnONP" groups, which was associated with suppression of antioxidant activity in the animals (inferred by SOD and CAT activity and DPPH free radical scavenging capacity). In the tadpoles of the "ZnONP" group, we also noticed a reduction in creatinine and bilirubin levels, alpha-amylase activity, and an increase in alkaline phosphatase activity. But the treatments did not alter the activity of the enzymes lactate dehydrogenase and gamma-glutamyl-transferase and total protein and carbohydrate levels. On the other hand, we report a cholinesterase and hypotriglyceridemic effect in the "ZnCl2" and "ZnONP" groups. Zn bioaccumulation in animals, from ZnO NPs, from Zn+2 released from them, or both, has been associated with causing these changes. Finally, principal component analysis (PCA) and the values of the "Integrated Biomarker Response" index revealed that the exposure of animals to substrates enriched with ZnO NPs caused more pronounced effects than those attributed to its ionic counterpart. Therefore, our study reinforces the need to consider the environmental risks of using these nanomaterials for agricultural purposes for amphibians.

Shedding light on the toxicity of SARS-CoV-2-derived peptide in non-target COVID-19 organisms: A study involving inbred and outbred mice.

Despite advances in research on the vaccine and therapeutic strategies of COVID-19, little attention has been paid to the possible (eco)toxicological impacts of the dispersion of SARS-CoV-2 particles in natural environments. Thus, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the behavioral and biochemical consequences of the short exposure of outbred and inbred mice (male Swiss and C57Bl/6 J mice, respectively) to PSPD-2002 (peptide fragments of the Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2) synthesized in the laboratory. Our data demonstrated that after 24 h of intraperitoneal administration of PSPD-2002 (at 580 µg/kg) the animals did not present alterations in their locomotor, anxiolytic-like, or anxiety-like behavior (in the open field test), nor antidepressant-like or depressive behavior in the forced swimming test. However, the C57Bl/6 J mice exposed to PSPD-2002 showed memory deficit in the novel object recognition task, which was associated with higher production of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, as well as the increased suppression of acetylcholinesterase brain activity, compared to Swiss mice also exposed to peptide fragments. In Swiss mice the reduction in the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase in the brain was not associated with increased oxidative stress biomarkers (hydrogen peroxide), suggesting that other antioxidant mechanisms may have been activated by exposure to PSPD-2002 to maintain the animals' brain redox homeostasis. Finally, the results of all biomarkers evaluated were applied into the "Integrated Biomarker Response Index" (IBRv2) and the principal component analysis (PCA), and greater sensitivity of C57Bl/6 J mice to PSPD-2002 was revealed. Therefore, our study provides pioneering evidence of mammalian exposure-induced toxicity (non-target SARS-CoV-2 infection) to PSPD-2002, as well as "sheds light" on the influence of genetic profile on susceptibility/resistance to the effects of viral peptide fragments.

Propiedades psicométricas del “Cuestionario general de búsqueda de ayuda” en universitarios / [Psychometric properties of the "General help-seeking questionnaire" in university students]

Los estudiantes universitarios presentan una alta prevalencia de trastornos mentales y bajos niveles de búsqueda de ayuda por problemas psicológicos. En Chile no existen instrumentos válidos y fiables que permitan medir la intención de buscar ayuda en este grupo. El objetivo de este estudio es examinar las propiedades psicométricas del “Cuestionario general de búsqueda de ayuda, versión viñeta” (GHSQ-V) en estudiantes universitarios del sur de Chile. Los resultados indican que el GHSQ-V es un instrumento válido, con una estructura bifactorial que refleja la existencia de dos dimensiones de fuentes de ayuda (formal e informal), frente a cinco problemas de salud mental prevalentes en universitarios. Pese a que se observó cierta variabilidad entre subescalas, se encontraron adecuados niveles de consistencia interna y validez convergente. El presente estudio reafirma la relevancia de la adecuada medición de la intención de búsqueda de ayuda en estudiantes universitarios, lo que contribuye a la comprensión de un proceso altamente relevante para el tratamiento de los problemas de salud mental en este grupo.

University students show a high prevalence of mental disorders and low levels of help-seeking for psychological problems. In Chile there are no valid and reliable measures of help-seeking intentions for this group. The aim of this study is to examine the psychometric properties of the General Help Seeking Questionnaire, vignette version (GHSQ-V) in a sample of university students from southern Chile. Results indicate that the GHSQ-V is a valid instrument, with a two-factor structure that reflects the existence of two dimensions of help-seeking sources (formal and informal), for five mental health problems that are prevalent among university students. Adequate levels of internal consistency and evidence of convergent validity were shown, although variability was found between subscales. The current study confirms the importance of an accurate measurement of help seeking intentions in university students, for a better understanding of a highly relevant process for the treatment of mental health problems in this group.

Toxicological impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the health of the neotropical fish, Poecilia reticulata.

There have been significant impacts of the current COVID-19 pandemic on society including high health and economic costs. However, little is known about the potential ecological risks of this virus despite its presence in freshwater systems. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the exposure of Poecilia reticulata juveniles to two peptides derived from Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, which was synthesized in the laboratory (named PSPD-2002 and PSPD-2003). For this, the animals were exposed for 35 days to the peptides at a concentration of 40 µg/L and different toxicity biomarkers were assessed. Our data indicated that the peptides were able to induce anxiety-like behavior in the open field test and increased acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. The biometric evaluation also revealed that the animals exposed to the peptides displayed alterations in the pattern of growth/development. Furthermore, the increased activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzymes were accompanied by increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which suggests a redox imbalance induced by SARS-CoV-2 spike protein peptides. Moreover, molecular docking analysis suggested a strong interaction of the peptides with the enzymes AChE, SOD and CAT, allowing us to infer that the observed effects are related to the direct action of the peptides on the functionality of these enzymes. Consequently, our study provided evidence that the presence of SARS-CoV-2 viral particles in the freshwater ecosystems offer a health risk to fish and other aquatic organisms.

Real-time data analysis in health monitoring systems: A comprehensive systematic literature review.

Health monitoring systems (HMSs) capture physiological measurements through biosensors (sensing), obtain significant properties and measures from the output signal (perceiving), use algorithms for data analysis (reasoning), and trigger warnings or alarms (acting) when an emergency occurs. These systems have the potential to enhance health care delivery in different application domains, showing promising benefits for health diagnosis, early symptom detection, disease prediction, among others. However, the implementation of HMS presents challenges for sensing, perceiving, reasoning, and acting based on monitored data, mainly when data processing should be performed in real time. Thus, the quality of these diagnoses relies heavily on the data and data analysis methods applied. Data mining techniques have been broadly investigated in health systems; however, it is not clear what real-time data analysis techniques are best suited for each context. This work carries out a search in five scientific electronic databases to identify recent studies that investigated HMS using real-time data analysis techniques. Thirty-six research studies were selected after screening 2,822 works. Applied data analysis methods, application domains, utilized sensors, physiological parameters, extracted features, claimed benefits, limitations, datasets used, and published results were described, compared and analyzed. The findings indicate that machine learning methods are trending in such studies. There is no universal solution for all health domains; however, support vector machines are a predominant method. Among the application domains, cardiovascular disease is the most investigated. Most reviewed studies reported improvements in performing data mining tasks or operational modes of solutions. Although studies tested algorithms and presented promising results, those are particular for each experiment. This review gives a comprehensive overview of HMS real-time data analysis and points to directions for future research.

Can spike fragments of SARS-CoV-2 induce genomic instability and DNA damage in the guppy, Poecilia reticulate? An unexpected effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The identification of SARS-CoV-2 particles in wastewater and freshwater ecosystems has raised concerns about its possible impacts on non-target aquatic organisms. In this particular, our knowledge of such impacts is still limited, and little attention has been given to this issue. Hence, in our study, we aimed to evaluate the possible induction of mutagenic (via micronucleus test) and genotoxic (via single cell gel electrophoresis assay, comet assay) effects in Poecilia reticulata adults exposed to fragments of the Spike protein of the new coronavirus at the level of 40 µg/L, denominated PSPD-2002. As a result, after 10 days of exposure, we have found that animals exposed to the peptides demonstrated an increase in the frequency of erythrocytic nuclear alteration (ENA) and all parameters assessed in the comet assay (length tail, %DNA in tail and Olive tail moment), suggesting that PSPD-2002 peptides were able to cause genomic instability and erythrocyte DNA damage. Besides, these effects were significantly correlated with the increase in lipid peroxidation processes [inferred by the high levels of malondialdehyde (MDA)] reported in the brain and liver of P. reticulata and with the reduction of the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity. Thus, our study constitutes a new insight and promising investigation into the toxicity associated with the dispersal of SARS-CoV-2 peptide fragments in freshwater environments.

Toxicity of polystyrene nanoplastics and zinc oxide to mice.

The toxicity of zinc oxide (ZnO NPs) and polystyrene nanoplastics (PS NaPs) has been tested in different animal models; however, knowledge about their impact on mice remains incipient. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the effects of these nanomaterials on Swiss mice after their individual exposure to a binary combination of them. The goal was to investigate whether short exposure (three days) to an environmentally relevant dose (14.6 ng/kg, i.p.) of these pollutants would have neurotoxic, biochemical and genotoxic effects on the modelss. Data in the current study have shown that the individual exposure of these animals has led to cognitive impairment based on the object recognition test, although the exposure experiment did not cause locomotor and anxiogenic or anxiolitic-like behavioral changes in them. This outcome was associated with increased nitric oxide levels, thiobarbituric acid reactive species, reduction in acetylcholinesterase activity and with the accumulation of nanomaterials in their brains. Results recorded for the assessed parameters did not differ between the control group and the groups exposed to the binary combination of pollutants. However, both the individual and the combined exposures caused erythrocyte DNA damages associated with hypercholesterolemic and hypertriglyceridemic conditions due to the presence of nanomaterials. Based on the results, the toxicological potential of ZnO NPs and PS NaPs in the models was confirmed and it encouraged further in-depth investigations about factors explaining the lack of additive or synergistic effect caused by the combined exposure to the assessed pollutants.

Trophic transfer of carbon nanofibers among eisenia fetida, danio rerio and oreochromis niloticus and their toxicity at upper trophic level.

Although the toxicity of carbon-based nanomaterials has already been demonstrated in several studies, their transfer in the food chain and impact on the upper trophic level remain unexplored. Thus, based on the experimental food chain "Eisenia fetida → Danio rerio → Oreochromis niloticus", the current study tested the hypothesis that carbon nanofibers (CNFs) accumulated in animals are transferred to the upper trophic level and cause mutagenic and cytotoxic changes. E. fetida individuals were exposed to CNFs and offered to D. rerio, which were later used to feed O. niloticus. The quantification of total organic carbon provided evidence of CNFs accumulation at all evaluated trophic levels. Such accumulation was associated with higher frequency of erythrocyte nuclear abnormalities such as constricted erythrocyte nuclei, vacuole, blebbed, kidney-shaped and micronucleated erythrocytes in Nile tilapia exposed to CNFs via food chain. The cytotoxic effect was inferred based on the smaller size of the erythrocyte nuclei and on the lower "nuclear/cytoplasmic" area ratio in tilapia exposed to CNFs via food chain. Our study provided pioneering evidence about CNFs accumulation at trophic levels of the experimental chain, as well as about the mutagenic and cytotoxic effect of these materials on O. niloticus.

Effects of polystyrene nanoplastics on Ctenopharyngodon idella (grass carp) after individual and combined exposure with zinc oxide nanoparticles.

The toxicity of polystyrene nanoparticles (PS NPs) and ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), in combination is poorly known. Thus, the aim of the current study was to evaluate the effects of PS NPs (760 µg/L) on Ctenopharyngodon idella exposed to it, both in separate and in combination with ZnO NPs (760 µg/L), based on behavioral, biochemical and genotoxic biomarkers. Current data have indicated that PS NPs, for a short exposure period (3 days), both in separate and in combination with nanoparticles, have affected animals' response to the mirror test. On the other hand, all treatments have equally induced C. idella inactivity towards alarm substances and DNA damage. There was increased oxidative stress, mainly in groups exposed to PS NPs (in combination, or not, with nanoparticles); although increased, the evaluated antioxidant levels did not appear to be enough to inhibit the effects of treatment-induced production of free radicals. Together, these results are likely co-responsible for the observed changes. The current study did not observe antagonistic, synergistic or additive effect on animals exposed to the combination between PS NPs and ZnO NPs; however, this outcome should not discourage the performance of similar studies focused on assessing the (eco)toxicity of pollutant mixtures comprising nanomaterials.

O adolescente brasileiro e as razões do não uso do preservativo para prevenção do HIV/Aids / The brazilian teenagers and the reasons why they don't use condom to prevent HIV/Aids

Objetivo: identificar as razões que movem o adolescente a não aderência às ações de prevenção e controle do HIV/AIDS. Metodologia: revisão integrativa tendo a seguinte questão norteadora: Por que os adolescentes brasileiros mostram-se indiferentes à adoção do uso do preservativo como medida de prevenção e controle doHIV/AIDS? As bases consultadas foram a Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde(LILACS), da Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) e da Base de Dados de Enfermagem (BDENF). O período de busca foi de 2010 a 2014. Resultados: 539 artigos nas bases MEDLINE(401), LILACS (114) e BDENF (24). A amostra foi de 05 estudos nas bases LILACS (04) e BDENF (01). Emergiram duas categorias “o adolescente e a desigualdade sociocultural” e “o adolescente e a mudança biopsiquica”.Conclusão: as desigualdades sociais se mostraram significantes para a condição de vulnerabilidade na adolescência e o comportamento do adolescente mostrou-se relevante para a exposição aos riscos de contaminação do HIV/AIDS. Destacou-se, a influência das questões de gênero na vivência e nas implicações do relacionamento sexual entre adolescentes.

Objective: Identify the reasons why teenagers don't adhere to prevention and control of HIV/Aids. Methodology: Using the integrative review method, this research was guided by the following question: Why Brazilian teenagers don’t use condom as an effective way to prevent HIV/AIDS? The database consulted was from Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) and Base de Dados de Enfermagem (BDENF). The search period was from 2010 to 2014. Results: 539 articles, MEDLINE (401), LILACS (114) e BDENF (24). The sample consisted of 5 articles from database LILACS (4) and BDENF (1). Two analysis categories emerged: “the teenager and the social and cultural inequalities” and “the teenager and biopsychic changes”. Conclusion: The social inequality appeared as an important reason for the vulnerability during adolescence and adolescent behavior proved to be relevant to their exposure to contamination risks of HIV /AIDS. It is noteworthy that gender issues influence on the experience and implications of sexual intercourseamong teenagers.

Method development by GC-ECD and HS-SPME-GC-MS for beer volatile analysis.

Two methods for the extraction, identification and quantification of the highest occurrence and lowest perception threshold off-flavours in fifteen different samples of Brazilian Pilsner beers were developed. For this purpose, headspace solid phase microextraction in combination with a gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometric detection (HS-SPME-GC-MS) as well as headspace extraction in combination with a gas chromatography coupled to electron capture detection (HS-GC-ECD) were evaluated. The first and the second methods were used for esters and vicinal diketones analysis, respectively. All data were comprehended below the taster's threshold detection limit: ethyl acetate 39.48 ng mL(-1) (RSD mean value 4.2%), isoamyl acetate 3.88 ng mL(-1) (RSD mean value 3.4%), ethyl hexanoate 0.61 ng mL(-1) (RSD mean value 3.1%) and 2,3-butanedione 0.10 ng mL(-1) (RSD mean value 2.9%). The validated method demonstrated to be useful for the analysis of highest incidence beer off-flavours.

ESTRATÉGIAS DE COMBATE AO TABAGISMO NA ATENÇÃO PRIMÁRIA A SAÚDE

O tabagismo é o ato de se consumir cigarros ou outros produtos que contenham tabaco, cuja droga ou princípio ativo é a nicotina. É reconhecido, como uma doença epidêmica que causa dependência física, psicológica e comportamental. O projeto de intervenção trata-se de estratégias de combate ao tabagismo, como, capacitação de profissionais sobre o tema, busca ativa do publico alvo, criação de um grupo de apoio aos pacientes tabagistas, assim como fornecer o tratamento adequado.