Determination of the Toxic Potential of the Formation of Oil-Suspended Particulate Matter Aggregates (OSA) in a Simulated Microscale Experiment

The aggregation of suspended particulate matter (SPM) and oil droplets in environments with specific hydrodynamic energy can lead to the formation of Oil-SPM Aggregates (OSA). A laboratory simulation was conducted in order to examine the possible toxic potential of OSA formation using three different concentrations of particulate material (50, 200, 300 mg/L) in a microscale experiment. The procedure was performed through toxicological testing of acute exposure to determine the LC50 (lethal concentration 50%) using the microcrustacean Artemia salina as a test organism. Serial dilutions were made from surface and bottom samples in order to characterize different toxicity. The concentration that showed the highest potential toxicity was 200 mg/L, having the same values for surface and bottom (LC50 7.91%), whereas the concentration with the least toxic potential was 300 mg/L (LC50 31.5%) for surface samples. Negative correlation was found between redox potential and the hydrogenionic potential (only for samples with 200 mg/L of sediment), and positive correlation was found between toxicity factors (percent dilution and mortality) and the other monitored parameters

Preferential hyperacuity perimeter in the study of diabetic macular edema

Introdução – A diabetes é uma das maiores epidemias do último século. Mais de 250 milhões de pessoas, em todo o mundo, sofrem de diabetes. Das complicações derivadas da diabetes são as principais causas de cegueira, de insuficiência renal e de amputação de membros inferiores, derivando estes, predominantemente, da disfunção vascular. Quando surge perda de pericitos na parede vascular ocorrem uma série de alterações da microcirculação que levam ao aparecimento de microaneurismas e outras alterações vasculares que possibilitam a passagem de componentes sanguíneos para o tecido retiniano adjacente que, em situação de normalidade, não ocorreriam, sendo esta uma das causas do edema macular exsudativo diabético. A perimetria de hiperacuidade preferencial (PHP) é um teste psicofísico que pretende detetar metamorfopsias na Degenerescência Macular ligada à Idade (DMI). Uma vez que o edema macular diabético (EMD) se destaca como uma das principais causas de deficiência visual e baixa visão, pretende-se verificar a eficácia do PHP no estudo do edema macular diabético, respondendo à seguinte questão: “Qual a capacidade do perímetro de hiperacuidade preferencial em detetar metamorfopsias em pacientes com edema macular diabético?“ Metodologia – Estudo quantitativo, do tipo descritivo e correlacional. Selecionou-se uma amostra de 33 pacientes, onde se analisou um total de 60 olhos. Resultados – A sensibilidade do PHP na deteção de metamorfopsias associadas ao EMD na tomografia de coerência ótica (OCT) foi de 70,6%, a especificidade foi de 11,5% e a eficiência global do teste de 45%. Comparando os resultados encontrados no PHP e no OCT, constatou-se a existência de uma correlação inversa fraca (Phi = -0,215). Conclusões – Este novo método de diagnóstico revela-se sensível, contudo pouco específico e eficaz na deteção de metamorfopsias consequentes da existência de EMD. - ABSTRACT - Introduction – Preferential hyperacuity perimeter (PHP) is a new psychophysical test, which principle is based on the detection of metamorphopsia in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It is intended to verify its effectiveness in the study of diabetic macular edema (DME). When there is loss of pericytes in the vascular wall occur a number of microcirculatory changes that lead to the appearance of microaneurysms and other vascular changes that allow the passage of blood components to the surrounding retinal tissue than in normal situation does not occur, this being one of the causes exudative diabetic macular edema. Methodology – It was performed a quantitative study, using descriptive and correlational analysis. A sample of 33 patients was selected, and 60 eyes were analyzed. Results – The sensitivity of PHP on the detection of metamorphopsia associated to EMD was 70.6%, the specificity was 11.5% and the global efficiency of the test was 45%. It was found a weak negative correlation (Phi= -0.215) between the PHP and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Conclusions – This new method of diagnosis was sensitive, but not very specific and effective on the detection of metamorphopsia, due to the DME

VARIABILIDADE SAZONAL DA QUALIDADE DE ÁGUA EM LAGOAS URBANAS NO NORDESTE DO BRASIL: Seazonal variability of water quality in urbans lagoons in Northeast Brazil

The Pituaçú, Abaeté, Tororó and Paixão lagoons, in the city of Salvador-BA (Brazil) have in common the insertion of a lentic ecosystem in the urban environment of a developing city. This research describes the pattern of seasonal variation of non-conservative and biological physical-chemical parameters during the years 2017 and 2018 in 16 points spatially distributed in the four lagoons during the rainy season (from April to July) and dry season (August to November). Water quality was determined in accordance with the Water Quality Index (WQI) and application of the Trophic State Index (TSI), in addition to the CONAMA ordinancy 357/2005. The results showed that the four monitored lagoons exhibit some parameters outside the conformities established by CONAMA ordinances, in addition they are strongly eutrophic, but in a contrasting way, with good quality ratings considering their use, with the exception of Lagoa de Pituaçú. It is concluded that systematic assessments should be considered more frequently with the aim of collecting greater and more accurate information on the quality conditions of these ecosystems, and studying their quality changes as a reflection of the urban condition on their conservation.As Lagoas de Pituaçú, Abaeté, Tororó e Paixão, no município de Salvador-BA (Brasil) apresentam em comum a inserção de um ecossistema lêntico no meio urbano de uma cidade em desenvolvimento. Esta pesquisa descreve o padrão de variação sazonal de parâmetros físico-químicos não conservativos e biológicos durante os anos de 2017 e 2018 em 16 pontos distribuídos espacialmente nas quatro lagoas durante o período chuvoso (compreendido entre os meses de abril a julho) e seco (de agosto a novembro). A qualidade da água foi determinada em acordo com o índice de Qualidade da Água (IQA) e aplicação do Índice de Estado Trófico (IET), além das classes de Resolução CONAMA 357/2005. Os resultados evidenciaram que as quatro lagoas monitoradas exibem alguns parâmetros fora das conformidades estabelecidas pelo CONAMA, além disso apresentam-se fortemente eutrofizadas, mas de forma contrastante, com boas classificações de qualidade considerando seu uso, com exceção da Lagoa de Pituaçú. Conclui-se que avaliações sistemáticas devem ser consideradas com maior frequência com o objetivo de colher maiores e mais precisas informações sobre as condições de qualidade destes ecossistemas, e estudar suas alterações de qualidade como reflexo do condicionante urbano sobre sua conservação

Proteolytic potential of enzymes produced by candida parapsilosis and rhodotorula. Mucilaginosa isolated from liquid whey

The search for yeast with proteolytic activity that can be explored in technology and product innovation was the objective of this study to isolate and identify strains present in liquid whey and evaluate the proteolytic activity of isolates. From the isolated strains were selected for molecular identification, those with proteolytic activity. Verification of proteolytic activity was performed on milk agar and visualized by a translucent halo. Four strains belonging to two yeast species were identified as protease producers. Whey is promising in microbial sources of biotechnological interest and C. parapsilosis (ES01) and R. mucilaginosa (ES04) strains were good protease producers in commercial agar-like milk agar. These results indicate the proteolytic potentiality of strains isolated from whey.Fil: Monte, Aline Marques. Universidade Federal Do Piaui.; BrasilFil: Matos da Silva, Ana Karoline. Universidade Federal Do Piaui.; BrasilFil: Dourado Rodrigues, Aline Maria. Universidade Federal Do Piaui.; BrasilFil: Muratori Costa, Luciana. Universidade Federal Do Piaui.; BrasilFil: Sousa Santos, André Luis. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Gomes Abreu Bacelar, Rafael. Universidade Federal Do Piaui.; BrasilFil: de Sousa Ramos, Lívia. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Folmer Correa, Ana Paula. Universidade Federal de Roraima; BrasilFil: Brandelli, Adriano. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; BrasilFil: Pereyra, Carina Maricel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Fisicoquímicas y Naturales. Departamento de Microbiología e Inmunología; ArgentinaFil: Sanches Muratori, Maria C.. Universidade Federal Do Piaui.; Brasi

Preferential hyperacuity perimeter in the study of diabetic macular edema

Introduction – Preferential hyperacuity perimeter (PHP) is a new psychophysical test, which principle is based on the detection of metamorphopsia in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It is intended to verify its effectiveness in the study of diabetic macular edema (DME). When there is loss of pericytes in the vascular wall occur a number of microcirculatory changes that lead to the appearance of microaneurysms and other vascular changes that allow the passage of blood components to the surrounding retinal tissue than in normal situation does not occur, this being one of the causes exudative diabetic macular edema. Methodology – It was performed a quantitative study, using descriptive and correlational analysis. A sample of 33 patients was selected, and 60 eyes were analyzed. Results – The sensitivity of PHP on the detection of metamorphopsia associated to EMD was 70.6%, the specificity was 11.5% and the global efficiency of the test was 45%. It was found a weak negative correlation (Phi= -0.215) between thePHP and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Conclusions – This new method of diagnosis was sensitive, but not very specific and effective on the detection of metamorphopsia, due to the DME

Perimetria de hiperacuidade preferencial no estudo do edema macular diabético

Introdução – A diabetes é uma das maiores epidemias do último século. Mais de 250 milhões de pessoas, em todo o mundo, sofrem de diabetes. Das complicações derivadas da diabetes são as principais causas de cegueira, de insuficiência renal e de amputação de membros inferiores, derivando estes, predominantemente, da disfunção vascular. Quando surge perda de pericitos na parede vascular ocorrem uma série de alterações da microcirculação que levam ao aparecimento de microaneurismas e outras alterações vasculares que possibilitam a passagem de componentes sanguíneos para o tecido retiniano adjacente que, em situação de normalidade, não ocorreriam, sendo esta uma das causas do edema macular exsudativo diabético. A perimetria de hiperacuidade preferencial (PHP) é um teste psicofísico que pretende detetar metamorfopsias na Degenerescência Macular ligada à Idade (DMI). Uma vez que o edema macular diabético (EMD) se destaca como uma das principais causas de deficiência visual e baixa visão, pretende-se verificar a eficácia do PHP no estudo do edema macular diabético, respondendo à seguinte questão: “Qual a capacidade do perímetro de hiperacuidade preferencial em detetar metamorfopsias em pacientes com edema macular diabético?“ Metodologia – Estudo quantitativo, do tipo descritivo e correlacional. Selecionou-se uma amostra de 33 pacientes, onde se analisou um total de 60 olhos. Resultados – A sensibilidade do PHP na deteção de metamorfopsias associadas ao EMD na tomografia de coerência ótica (OCT) foi de 70,6%, a especificidade foi de 11,5% e a eficiência global do teste de 45%. Comparando os resultados encontrados no PHP e no OCT, constatou-se a existência de uma correlação inversa fraca (Phi = -0,215). Conclusões – Este novo método de diagnóstico revela-se sensível, contudo pouco específico e eficaz na deteção de metamorfopsias consequentes da existência de EMD

Survey of intestinal parasites among primary school children inhabitants of different rural communities in Rio Grande do Sul State

Um trabalho de extensão comunitária foi realizado em três assentamentos de colonos sem terra, Fazenda de São Pedro, Charqueadas e Capela de Santana, nas proximidades de Porto Alegre, RS. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi determinar o índice de infecção de parasitas intestinais nas crianças residentes nessas comunidades rurais. Este estudo, executado em 140 crianças, de zero a 14 anos revelou que 45% (63) estavam infectadas por uma ou mais espécies de enteroparasitas. O maior percentual obtido para protozoários foi de 15,7% (22) para Giardia lamblia e entre os helmintos, ancilostomídeos com 15,7% (22) e Strongyloides stercoralis e Hymenolepis nana com 7,9% (11) respectivamente.An integrated programma and a survey of intestinal parasites were carried out in three rural communities inhabitants of Fazenda de São Pedro, Charqueadas and Capela de Santana near Porto Alegre, RS. In order to determine the infection rate of intestinal parasites in primary school children from these communities a total of 140 stools specimens were collected and screened for the presence of intestinal protozoa and helminths. One or more parasites were demonstrated in 45% (63) of the students population. The most common intestinal parasites in this study were Giardia lamblia and hookworms, 15.7% (22). Other intestinal helminths found less frequently were Strongyloides stercoralis and Hymenolepis nana both with 7.85% (11)

Estimation of genetic parameters for reproductive traits evaluated by ultrasonography in Senepol heifers

Studies on reproductive tract score (RTS) and antral follicle count (AFC) in Senepol cattle are limited. These traits are essential as they are linked to the reproductive ability and reproductive performance of animals. Understanding the heritability and genetic correlation of these traits is crucial for guiding selection programs and selecting animals with greater reproductive efficiency and higher production potential. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the genetic parameters of weight, RTS, and AFC in Senepol cattle using transrectal ultrasonography. Reproductive data were collected from 850 female Senepol cattle aged 10-16 months. At the time of evaluation, the following were measured: RTS traits (scores from 1 to 5), AFC (0 to 100), and female weight (kg). Variance and covariance components, genetic heritability, and correlations were estimated by univariate and bivariate analyses using the bull model. Heritability estimates were moderate for AFC (0.52) and weight (0.46), and low for RTS (0.12). The genetic correlation between RTS and AFC was almost zero (-0.05). The estimated genetic correlation between weight and AFC was -0.41, while the correlation between weight and RTS was 0.48. Selective breeding of AFC and RTS can enhance the reproductive efficiency of the herd and result in animals with earlier pubertal age and increased fertility

“FATORES PREDITORES DE SUCESSO NA EXTUBAÇÃO OROTRAQUEAL DE INDIVÍDUOS INTERNADOS EM UTI PEDIÁTRICA COM ÊNFASE EM CARDIOLOGIA"

 To highlight, from the literature, the repercussions of early extubation performed on children after cardiac surgery. Methods: This is an integrative review. To develop the guiding question, the PICo strategy was applied: P - Child; I - Repercussions of cardiac surgery; Co - Early extubation. Furthermore, the following databases were used: Embase, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and the virtual library Scientific Electronic Library Online and timeless search. N = 6,836 studies were found, and n = 4 articles were selected to compose this review. For orotracheal extubation in pediatric patients, it is strongly recommended to assess their readiness. However, the use of a device or practice that was superior to clinical judgment has not yet been accurately determined. Results: Early extubation after cardiac surgical procedures has gained prominence in recent years, becoming a perioperative care practice capable of reducing the demand for analgesic and sedative medications, given that endotracheal intubation can be considered a harmful stimulant. Final considerations: Therefore, it was possible to understand the repercussions of early extubation after pediatric cardiac surgery, in addition to understanding the concerns related to the safety of this practice, due to the limited evidence of its use in children. Furthermore, there was a lack of studies related to the topic, highlighting the need for new research that addresses the effects of early extubation and its repercussions for pediatric patients.Evidenciar, a partir da literatura, quais as repercussões da extubação precoce realizada na criança após cirurgia cardíaca. Métodos: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa. Para elaborar a questão norteadora, aplicou-se a estratégia PICo: P - Criança; I - Repercussões de cirurgia cardíaca; Co - Extubação precoce. Ainda, utilizou-se as seguintes bases de dados: Embase, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, SCOPUS, Web of Science, e a biblioteca virtual Scientific Electronic Library Online e busca atemporal. Foram encontrados n = 6.836 estudos, sendo selecionado n = 4 artigos para compor esta revisão.Para a extubação orotraqueal em pacientes pediátricos, é fortemente recomendada a avaliação de sua prontidão. No entanto, a utilização de um dispositivo ou prática que fosse superior ao julgamento clínico ainda não foi determinada com exatidão. Resultados: A realização da extubação precoce após o procedimento cirúrgico cardíaco ganhou destaque nos últimos anos, tornando-se uma prática dos cuidados perioperatórios, capaz de reduzir a demanda por medicamentos analgésicos e sedativos, visto que a intubação endotraqueal pode ser considerada um estimulante nocivo. Considerações finais: Logo, foi possível compreender as repercussões da extubação precoce após a cirurgia cardíaca pediátrica, além de entender as preocupações relacionadas à segurança desta prática, devido às evidências limitadas do seu uso para as crianças. Ainda, percebeu-se a escassez de estudos relacionados à temática, ressaltando a necessidade de novas pesquisas que abordem os efeitos da extubação precoce e suas repercussões para o paciente pediátrico

SARS-CoV-2 introductions and early dynamics of the epidemic in Portugal

Genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in Portugal was rapidly implemented by the National Institute of Health in the early stages of the COVID-19 epidemic, in collaboration with more than 50 laboratories distributed nationwide. Methods By applying recent phylodynamic models that allow integration of individual-based travel history, we reconstructed and characterized the spatio-temporal dynamics of SARSCoV-2 introductions and early dissemination in Portugal. Results We detected at least 277 independent SARS-CoV-2 introductions, mostly from European countries (namely the United Kingdom, Spain, France, Italy, and Switzerland), which were consistent with the countries with the highest connectivity with Portugal. Although most introductions were estimated to have occurred during early March 2020, it is likely that SARS-CoV-2 was silently circulating in Portugal throughout February, before the first cases were confirmed. Conclusions Here we conclude that the earlier implementation of measures could have minimized the number of introductions and subsequent virus expansion in Portugal. This study lays the foundation for genomic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in Portugal, and highlights the need for systematic and geographically-representative genomic surveillance.We gratefully acknowledge to Sara Hill and Nuno Faria (University of Oxford) and Joshua Quick and Nick Loman (University of Birmingham) for kindly providing us with the initial sets of Artic Network primers for NGS; Rafael Mamede (MRamirez team, IMM, Lisbon) for developing and sharing a bioinformatics script for sequence curation (https://github.com/rfm-targa/BioinfUtils); Philippe Lemey (KU Leuven) for providing guidance on the implementation of the phylodynamic models; Joshua L. Cherry (National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health) for providing guidance with the subsampling strategies; and all authors, originating and submitting laboratories who have contributed genome data on GISAID (https://www.gisaid.org/) on which part of this research is based. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not reflect the view of the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Health and Human Services, or the United States government. This study is co-funded by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia and Agência de Investigação Clínica e Inovação Biomédica (234_596874175) on behalf of the Research 4 COVID-19 call. Some infrastructural resources used in this study come from the GenomePT project (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-022184), supported by COMPETE 2020 - Operational Programme for Competitiveness and Internationalisation (POCI), Lisboa Portugal Regional Operational Programme (Lisboa2020), Algarve Portugal Regional Operational Programme (CRESC Algarve2020), under the PORTUGAL 2020 Partnership Agreement, through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), and by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio