Calibration and validation of a dynamic water model in agricultural scenarios

A dynamic aquatic model (DynA model) was previously developed to predict the fate of a chemical in aquatic scenarios characterized by daily or periodic changes in several input parameters. DynA model is here calibrated with data obtained from the literature in specific unsteady state scenarios, such as those of rice fields. The results obtained for two herbicides (cinosulfuron and pretilachlor) in rice paddy scenarios revealed the capability of the model to accurately predict water and sediment concentrations, as shown by some statistical indicators. Modelling efficiency (EF) values of 0.86–0.99 for the water compartment and of 0.77–0.84 for sediment show the good agreement between predicted and measured concentrations. An ‘‘external validation’’ was performed using measured data for a different herbicide (molinate) applied in a Portuguese paddy rice scenario. A sensitivity analysis for this volatile chemical revealed the influence of some climatic parameters (e.g. temperature) to the model outcomes, such as water and sediment concentrations. This confirmed the capability of DynA model as an efficient tool for the pesticide risk assessment in dynamic scenario

Entre "clínica" e "comunidade"

Este escrito surge del intercambio de un grupo de psicólogas e investigadoras acerca de sus prácticas de salud/salud mental en el primer nivel de atención. Dicho diálogo permitió identificar allí diversas tensiones que obstaculizan el desarrollo de estrategias integrales de salud mental. El objetivo de este trabajo es indagar en las tensiones identificadas, desarrollando y articulando algunos ejes explicativos, con el propósito de visibilizar y desnaturalizar ciertas lógicas de las prácticas institucionales en el quehacer cotidiano. Metodológicamente, el texto articula pequeños relatos de la propia experiencia con desarrollos conceptuales organizados en cinco apartados. Se caracteriza el atravesamiento del modelo biomédico de atención, la construcción histórica de la identidad profesional del psicólogo/a y las implicancias de la feminización de los cuidados en salud, entre otros. Se incluye un breve desarrollo proveniente del enfoque decolonial de la salud y se arriba a reflexiones finales, como aporte conceptual al abordaje de esta complejidad.This paper arises from the interchange of a group of psychologists and researchers about their practices of health/mental health in the first level of attention. Such dialog made possible to identify tensions which hinder the development of integral strategies in mental health. The objective of this work is to investigate in the tensions identified, developing and articulating some explanatory axes, with the purpose of visualice and denaturalize certain institutional logics in in daily practices. Methodologically, the text articulates little narratives of our experience with conceptual developments organized in five sections. It is characterized the crossing of the biomedical care model, the historical construction of the  psychologist professional identity and the implications of the health care feminization, among others. A brief development from the decolonial approach of health is included, arriving to final reflections, as a conceptual contribution to addressing this complexity.Este artigo surge da troca de um grupo de psicólogas e pesquisadoras sobre suas práticas de saúde / saúde mental na atenção básica. Esse diálogo permitiu a identificação de várias tensões que impedem o desenvolvimento de estratégias de atenção integral em saúde mental. O objetivo deste trabalho é conseguir uma caracterização das tensões identificadas, desenvolvendo e articulando alguns eixos explicativos, a fim de visualizar e desnaturalizar certas práticas institucionais identificadas no cotidiano do processo de trabalho. Metodologicamente, o texto articula narrativas da própria experiência com os desenvolvimentos conceituais organizados em cinco seções. Refletimos sobre o modelo biomédico na atenção, a construção histórica da identidade profissional do psicólogo e as implicações da feminização do cuidado em saúde na atenção básica, entre outros. As reflexões finais incluem um breve desenvolvimento do pensamento social decolonial da saúde, como uma contribuição conceitual na abordagem dessa complexidade

2-Pentadecyl-2-oxazoline ameliorates memory impairment and depression-like behaviour in neuropathic mice: possible role of adrenergic alpha2- and H3 histamine autoreceptors

Neuropathic pain (NP) remains an untreatable disease due to the complex pathophysiology that involves the whole pain neuraxis including the forebrain. Sensory dysfunctions such as allodynia and hyperalgesia are only part of the symptoms associated with neuropathic pain that extend to memory and affectivity deficits. The development of multi-target molecules might be a promising therapeutic strategy against the symptoms associated with NP. 2-pentadecyl-2-oxazoline (PEA-OXA) is a plant-derived agent, which has shown effectiveness against chronic pain and associated neuropsychiatric disorders. The molecular mechanisms by which PEA-OXA exerts its effects are, however, only partially known. In the current study, we show that PEA-OXA, besides being an alpha2 adrenergic receptor antagonist, also acts as a modulator at histamine H3 receptors, and report data on its effects on sensory, affective and cognitive symptoms associated with the spared nerve injury (SNI) model of neuropathic pain in mice. Treatment for 14 days with PEA-OXA after the onset of the symptoms associated with neuropathic pain resulted in the following effects: (i) allodynia was decreased; (ii) affective/cognitive impairment associated with SNI (depression, spatial, and working memories) was counteracted; (iii) long-term potentiation in vivo in the lateral entorhinal cortex-dentate gyrus (perforant pathway, LPP) was ameliorated, (iv) hippocampal glutamate, GABA, histamine, norepinephrine and dopamine level alterations after peripheral nerve injury were reversed, (v) expression level of the TH positive neurons in the Locus Coeruleus were normalized. Thus, a 16-day treatment with PEA-OXA alleviates the sensory, emotional, cognitive, electrophysiological and neurochemical alterations associated with SNI-induced neuropathic pain

Cabbage and fermented vegetables : From death rate heterogeneity in countries to candidates for mitigation strategies of severe COVID-19

Large differences in COVID-19 death rates exist between countries and between regions of the same country. Some very low death rate countries such as Eastern Asia, Central Europe, or the Balkans have a common feature of eating large quantities of fermented foods. Although biases exist when examining ecological studies, fermented vegetables or cabbage have been associated with low death rates in European countries. SARS-CoV-2 binds to its receptor, the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). As a result of SARS-CoV-2 binding, ACE2 downregulation enhances the angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT(1)R) axis associated with oxidative stress. This leads to insulin resistance as well as lung and endothelial damage, two severe outcomes of COVID-19. The nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) is the most potent antioxidant in humans and can block in particular the AT(1)R axis. Cabbage contains precursors of sulforaphane, the most active natural activator of Nrf2. Fermented vegetables contain many lactobacilli, which are also potent Nrf2 activators. Three examples are: kimchi in Korea, westernized foods, and the slum paradox. It is proposed that fermented cabbage is a proof-of-concept of dietary manipulations that may enhance Nrf2-associated antioxidant effects, helpful in mitigating COVID-19 severity.Peer reviewe

Nrf2-interacting nutrients and COVID-19 : time for research to develop adaptation strategies

There are large between- and within-country variations in COVID-19 death rates. Some very low death rate settings such as Eastern Asia, Central Europe, the Balkans and Africa have a common feature of eating large quantities of fermented foods whose intake is associated with the activation of the Nrf2 (Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2) anti-oxidant transcription factor. There are many Nrf2-interacting nutrients (berberine, curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate, genistein, quercetin, resveratrol, sulforaphane) that all act similarly to reduce insulin resistance, endothelial damage, lung injury and cytokine storm. They also act on the same mechanisms (mTOR: Mammalian target of rapamycin, PPAR gamma:Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor, NF kappa B: Nuclear factor kappa B, ERK: Extracellular signal-regulated kinases and eIF2 alpha:Elongation initiation factor 2 alpha). They may as a result be important in mitigating the severity of COVID-19, acting through the endoplasmic reticulum stress or ACE-Angiotensin-II-AT(1)R axis (AT(1)R) pathway. Many Nrf2-interacting nutrients are also interacting with TRPA1 and/or TRPV1. Interestingly, geographical areas with very low COVID-19 mortality are those with the lowest prevalence of obesity (Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia). It is tempting to propose that Nrf2-interacting foods and nutrients can re-balance insulin resistance and have a significant effect on COVID-19 severity. It is therefore possible that the intake of these foods may restore an optimal natural balance for the Nrf2 pathway and may be of interest in the mitigation of COVID-19 severity

Role of Vitamin D in Celiac Disease and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Vitamin D (VD) is a pro-hormone that has long been known as a key regulator of calcium homeostasis and bone health in both children and adults. In recent years, studies have shown that VD may exert many extra-skeletal functions, mainly through a relevant modulation of the innate and adaptive immune system. This has suggested that VD could play a fundamental role in conditioning development, clinical course, and treatment of several autoimmune disorders, including celiac disease (CD) and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). The main aim of this review is to evaluate the relationships between VD, CD, and IBDs. Literature analysis showed a potential impact of VD on CD and IBDs can be reasonably assumed based on the well-documented in vitro and in vivo VD activities on the gastrointestinal tract and the immune system. The evidence that VD can preserve intestinal mucosa from chemical and immunological damage and that VD modulation of the immune system functions can contrast the mechanisms that lead to the intestinal modifications characteristic of gastrointestinal autoimmune diseases has suggested that VD could play a role in controlling both the development and the course of CD and IBDs. Administration of VD in already diagnosed CD and IBD cases has not always significantly modified disease course. However, despite these relevant problems, most of the experts recommend monitoring of VD levels in patients with CD and IBDs and administration of supplements in patients with hypovitaminosis

Between "clinical" and "community": tensions in professional practices of health psychologists

Este escrito surge del intercambio de un grupo de psicólogas e investigadoras acerca de sus prácticas de salud/salud mental en el primer nivel de atención. Dicho diálogo permitió identificar allí diversas tensiones que obstaculizan el desarrollo de estrategias integrales de salud mental. El objetivo de este trabajo es indagar en las tensiones identificadas, desarrollando y articulando algunos ejes explicativos, con el propósito de visibilizar y desnaturalizar ciertas lógicas de las prácticas institucionales en el quehacer cotidiano. Metodológicamente, el texto articula pequeños relatos de la propia experiencia con desarrollos conceptuales organizados en cinco apartados. Se caracteriza el atravesamiento del modelo biomédico de atención, la construcción histórica de la identidad profesional del psicólogo/a y las implicancias de la feminización de los cuidados en salud, entre otros. Se incluye un breve desarrollo proveniente del enfoque decolonial de la salud y se arriba a reflexiones finales, como aporte conceptual al abordaje de esta complejidad.Este artigo surge da troca de um grupo de psicólogas e pesquisadoras sobre suas práticas de saúde / saúde mental na atenção básica. Esse diálogo permitiu a identificação de várias tensões que impedem o desenvolvimento de estratégias de atenção integral em saúde mental. O objetivo deste trabalho é conseguir uma caracterização das tensões identificadas, desenvolvendo e articulando alguns eixos explicativos, a fim de visualizar e desnaturalizar certas práticas institucionais identificadas no cotidiano do processo de trabalho. Metodologicamente, o texto articula narrativas da própria experiência com os desenvolvimentos conceituais organizados em cinco seções. Refletimos sobre o modelo biomédico na atenção, a construção histórica da identidade profissional do psicólogo e as implicações da feminização do cuidado em saúde na atenção básica, entre outros. As reflexões finais incluem um breve desenvolvimento do pensamento social decolonial da saúde, como uma contribuição conceitual na abordagem dessa complexidade.This paper arises from the interchange of a group of psychologists and researchers about their practices of health/mental health in the first level of attention. Such dialog made possible to identify tensions which hinder the development of integral strategies in mental health. The objective of this work is to investigate in the tensions identified, developing and articulating some explanatory axes, with the purpose of visualice and denaturalize certain institutional logics in in daily practices. Methodologically, the text articulates little narratives of our experience with conceptual developments organized in five sections. It is characterized the crossing of the biomedical care model, the historical construction of the psychologist professional identity and the implications of the health care feminization, among others. A brief development from the decolonial approach of health is included, arriving to final reflections, as a conceptual contribution to addressing this complexity.Facultad de Psicologí

Role of Vitamin D in Celiac Disease and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Vitamin D (VD) is a pro-hormone that has long been known as a key regulator of calcium homeostasis and bone health in both children and adults. In recent years, studies have shown that VD may exert many extra-skeletal functions, mainly through a relevant modulation of the innate and adaptive immune system. This has suggested that VD could play a fundamental role in conditioning development, clinical course, and treatment of several autoimmune disorders, including celiac disease (CD) and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). The main aim of this review is to evaluate the relationships between VD, CD, and IBDs. Literature analysis showed a potential impact of VD on CD and IBDs can be reasonably assumed based on the well-documented in vitro and in vivo VD activities on the gastrointestinal tract and the immune system. The evidence that VD can preserve intestinal mucosa from chemical and immunological damage and that VD modulation of the immune system functions can contrast the mechanisms that lead to the intestinal modifications characteristic of gastrointestinal autoimmune diseases has suggested that VD could play a role in controlling both the development and the course of CD and IBDs. Administration of VD in already diagnosed CD and IBD cases has not always significantly modified disease course. However, despite these relevant problems, most of the experts recommend monitoring of VD levels in patients with CD and IBDs and administration of supplements in patients with hypovitaminosis

Role of Vitamin D in Celiac Disease and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Vitamin D (VD) is a pro-hormone that has long been known as a key regulator of calcium homeostasis and bone health in both children and adults. In recent years, studies have shown that VD may exert many extra-skeletal functions, mainly through a relevant modulation of the innate and adaptive immune system. This has suggested that VD could play a fundamental role in conditioning development, clinical course, and treatment of several autoimmune disorders, including celiac disease (CD) and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). The main aim of this review is to evaluate the relationships between VD, CD, and IBDs. Literature analysis showed a potential impact of VD on CD and IBDs can be reasonably assumed based on the well-documented in vitro and in vivo VD activities on the gastrointestinal tract and the immune system. The evidence that VD can preserve intestinal mucosa from chemical and immunological damage and that VD modulation of the immune system functions can contrast the mechanisms that lead to the intestinal modifications characteristic of gastrointestinal autoimmune diseases has suggested that VD could play a role in controlling both the development and the course of CD and IBDs. Administration of VD in already diagnosed CD and IBD cases has not always significantly modified disease course. However, despite these relevant problems, most of the experts recommend monitoring of VD levels in patients with CD and IBDs and administration of supplements in patients with hypovitaminosis

Minori e giovani adulti assuntori di sostanze stupefacenti e autori di reati: un’indagine in un Ser.T. della regione Puglia

The problem of hardship, maladjustment and deviant behaviour for juveniles, who join the criminal justice system from 14 to 18 years old, is on the rise. Thus, the authors’ research target is aimed to explore and propose a recon of the complex world of juvenile and young adults who take drugs, with a special reference to committed crimes. The research has been conducted in Ser.T.s of one the Apulian Region’s health departments. It has been provided with an analytical description of the sample, with a focused attention to familiar environment, to the addiction, to the kind of drugs taken and committed crimes. The prevalence of crimes based on nationality and gender has also been evaluated. Italian Justice Department, today, one of the most efficient criminal systems. It has left behind the so called “closed system”, where the detention was the only solution. It has became a system open to a sharing therapeutic work, whose concern consists of the serenity and reintegration of the child who committed the crime. The work should be based on hearing and integration, especially of young foreigners, help them to make peace with their own history and to develop belong to the new reality