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Brazil has suffered severe consequences from the Covid-19 pandemic, currently ranking second globally in terms of total fatalities, with more than 682,000 lives lost. This article critically outlines how a ‘health security’ framework overlooks processes of intersectionality and the varying impacts of the virus on different segments of society, or what we term health insecurity. We organize our analysis around three aspects of the pandemic that have become salient in Brazilian society, namely access to healthcare, disposable workers, and exposure to the virus, and delineate the intersectional impact of gendered inequality, neoliberal ideologies, and racial hierarchies within these three themes. Our methodology employs media and scholarly interpretations of Covid-19, and other secondary empirical and statistical data, to outline the virus’s impacts on differently positioned bodies throughout Brazilian society. Our main findings reveal that during the pandemic, women’s labor and health concerns have been undervalued, exploitative working conditions have been exacerbated, and Afro-Brazilians have been put in situations of higher exposure to the virus in both public and private spaces. This article underscores the need to better examine how public health, systems of oppression and exclusion, and (in)security overlap with each other.

La nanocelulosa se ha convertido en un biopolímero importante para la obtención de empaques, fibra dietética y aditivos alimentarios, entre otros productos. En este trabajo, la nanocelulosa fue aislada a partir de sargazo a través de un proceso innovador de pasos sucesivos en un solo recipiente. El material obtenido fue caracterizado por FTIR, RMN, espectrofotometría UV Vis, microscopía de barrido láser y microscopía electrónica de barrido demostrando la presencia de nanoláminas de celulosa compuestas de nanofibras de celulosa con un espesor de 2100 nm. Finalmente, se preparó un film transparente el cual presentó una transmitancia del 81%.

Invasive infections caused by filamentous fungi have increased considerably due to the alteration of the host's immune response. Recently, Aspergillus terreus is considered an emerging pathogen and has shown resistance to amphotericin B treatment, resulting in high mortality. The development of fungal biofilm is a virulence factor, and it has been described in some cases of invasive aspergillosis. In addition, although the general composition of fungal biofilms is known, findings related to biofilms of a lipid nature are rarely reported. In this study, we present the identification of a clinical strain of A. terreus by microbiological and molecular tools, also its in vitro biofilm development capacity: i) Biofilm formation was quantified by Crystal Violet (CV) and reduction of tetrazolium salts assays (MTT), and simultaneously the stages of biofilm development were described by Scanning Electron Microscopy in High Resolution (SEM-HR). ii) Characterization of the organizational structure of the biofilm was performed by SEM-HR. The hyphal networks developed on the surface, the abundant air channels created between the ECM (extracellular matrix) and the hyphae fused in anastomosis were described. Also, the presence of microhyphae is reported. iii) The chemical composition of the ECM was analyzed by SEM-HR and CLSM (Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy). Proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids and a relevant presence of lipid components were identified. Some structures of apparent waxy appearance were highlighted by SEM-HR and backscatter-electron diffraction, for which CLSM was previously performed. To our knowledge, this work is the first description of a lipid-type biofilm in filamentous fungi, specifically of the species A. terreus from a clinical isolate.

Resumen Introduccion Las infecciones neonatales por Candida spp. son eventos graves por su morbimortalidad, sin embargo, en paises en vias de desarrollo la informacion epidemiologica es insuficiente. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir la incidencia y los factores asociados a la infeccion invasiva por Candida spp. en una unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatales de Mexico. Metodos Estudio de casos y controles anidado en una cohorte y apareado por el peso al nacer. Se estimo la incidencia de infeccion neonatal invasiva por Candida spp., y para el analisis bivariado de los factores estudiados se uso la prueba de McNemar para contraste de hipotesis y analisis multivariado con regresion logistica. Resultados La incidencia de la infeccion fue de 2,27 eventos/1.000 RN vivos. Las especies identificadas fueron C. albicans 35,3% (n: 30), C. parapsilosis 30,6% (n: 26), C. glabrata 31,8% (n: 27) y 2 eventos con C. lipolytica. Los factores asociados a mayor riesgo fueron la ventilacion mecanica (OR: 3,04; IC 95%: 1,13-8,14), los antibioticos sistemicos (OR: 7,48; IC 95%: 1,30-42,9), el numero de esquemas antimicrobianos (OR: 2,02; IC 95%: 1,01-4,03) y los dias con nutricion parenteral total (OR: 1,14; IC 95%: 1,04-1,25) o con cateter venoso central (OR: 1,11; IC 95%: 1,02-1,20). La profilaxis con fluconazol disminuyo el riesgo (OR: 0,32; IC 95%: 0,12-0,84). Conclusiones Las intervenciones invasivas (cateter central, ventilacion mecanica y nutricion parenteral) y el uso de antimicrobianos incrementan el riesgo de infeccion neonatal por Candida spp., mientras que el fluconazol profilactico es protector.

Family history of thyroid disease (FHTD) constitutes a possible risk factor for congenital hypothyroidism (CH) in the general population; however, FHTD possible relationship with CH in subjects with Down syndrome (DS) has not yet been explored.To determine whether FHTD is associated with an increased incidence of CH in neonates with DS.Hospital-based case-control study in 220 neonates with DS. Thyroid function tests of 37 infants with DS and positive FHTD (cases) were compared with those of 183 newborns with DS without FHTD (control group). Data were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression analysis and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with their respective 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.Nine newborns with DS in our sample had CH (4.1 %). In the multivariate analysis, FHTD showed an association with CH in neonates with DS (aOR = 8.3, 95 % CI: 2.0-34.3), particularly in males (aOR = 9.0, 95 % CI: 1.6-49.6). In contrast, newborns with DS without FHTD were less likely to suffer from CH (aOR = 0.4, 95 % CI: 0.1-0.8).Newborns with DS and FHTD have an eight-fold higher risk for CH, particularly when the index case is male. FHTD detailed evaluation can be an easy and accessible strategy to identify those newborns with DS at higher risk for CH.La historia familiar de enfermedad tiroidea (HFET) como factor de riesgo para hipotiroidismo congénito (HC), en síndrome de Down (SD) aún no ha sido explorada.Determinar si la HFET está asociada a mayor riesgo de HC en neonatos con SD.Estudio de casos y controles en 220 neonatos con SD. Se compararon las pruebas de función tiroidea (PFT) de 37 con SD e HFET (casos), frente a las PFT de 183 recién nacidos con SD sin HFET (grupo de referencia). Se realizó análisis de regresión logística multivariante y se calculó la razón de momios (RM) y sus respectivos intervalos de confianza del 95 % (IC 95 %).Nueve casos HC (4.1 %). El HC mostró asociación con la HFET (RMa = 8.3, IC 95 %: 2.0-34.3), particularmente en los varones (RMa = 9.0, IC 95 %: 1.6-49.6). La ausencia de HFET tuvo una RM de protección para HC (RMa = 0.4, IC 95 %: 0.1-0.8).La HFET puede es una estrategia fácil y accesible para identificar pacientes con SD con mayor riesgo de HC.

Emerging work suggests that Blacks, Asians, and Latinos sometimes share a strong sense of solidarity as people of color (PoC), which unifies their political opinions on issues that strongly implicate some of these racial groups (e.g., Black Lives Matter). Yet much uncertainty remains about whether other non-White groups, beyond these traditional three, are compelled to engage in politics as PoC via this same mechanism. We investigate this with two studies focused on Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) individuals: a minoritized group with deep U.S. roots, but sparse theoretical and empirical attention in political science. Study 1 draws on in-depth interviews with MENA adults ( N=20), who suggest that, insofar as they sense solidarity with other people of color, it is because they feel racially marginalized as foreigners. Study 2 builds on this insight with a pre-registered experiment on MENA adults ( N=514), which randomly assigned them to read an article about Latinos, who are also marginalized as foreign (vs. control article). We find that exposure to treatment reliably heightens MENAs’ expression of solidarity with other PoC, which then significantly boosts support for flexible policies toward undocumented immigrants (which implicate Latinos, but not MENAs) and reduces belief in negative stereotypes of Latinos.

El presente trabajo se desarrolló con el objetivo de evaluar los indicadores de sostenibilidad en dos vaquerías (A y B) de la provincia Mayabeque, Cuba. Se realizó un diagnóstico agroecológico con participación estudiantil mediante un enfoque en sistema para identificar y jerarquizar los problemas durante el periodo poco lluvioso. En la vaquería A, se ejecutó un proyecto de producción animal sostenible, mientras que en la B se mantuvo el sistema tradicional de producción. Se evaluó la sostenibilidad de las bases agroecológicas mediante la ponderación de 13 indicadores en función del potencial promedio de las vaquerías y de las técnicas participativas empleadas. Estas se seleccionaron bajo la experiencia internacional y adaptada a las condiciones de Cuba. El trabajo comprendió la identificación y modelación de sistemas, análisis de procesos y de indicadores productivos, ecológicos y socioeconómicos. Entre las herramientas que se utilizaron se encuentran la búsqueda de información secundaria, la observación participativa, encuestas, entrevistas semiestructuradas y talleres. Se utilizó la matriz de Vester para la jerarquización de problemas y la construcción del árbol causal y se interpretaron mediante el empleo del gráfico radar de Funes de 1997. Se logró un análisis integral de las dimensiones fundamentales en las unidades que influyen en la sostenibilidad y con beneficio de la aplicación de medidas agroecológicas en la transformación de ecosistemas ganaderos hacia sistemas de producción sostenibles. Se reveló que la alimentación se identificó como el problema central, de los ocho que clasificaron como causas de los 14 problemas jerarquizados. Se concluye que el enfoque en sistema facilito la identificación de las interacciones entre subsistemas y el análisis de los procesos productivos y socioeconómicos.

XPS appears to be an excellent probe for exploring the coordination chemistry in metal acetates.

Thermally induced spin crossover in the Fe(3-hydroxypyridine)2[M(CN)4] series with M = Ni, Pd, and Pt is reported. The role of the distortion of the iron atom coordination environment in the possibility of observing the spin crossover is explored.

As a consequence of industrial mining activity, high volumes of tailings are scattered around Mexico. Frequently, tailings contain heavy metals (HM) which entail threats against all organisms. The aim of this research was to identify plants and root fungal endophytes in polymetallic polluted tailings with the potential to be used in strategies of bioremediation. Four deposits of mine wastes, situated in a semi-arid region near urban and semi-urban populations, and agricultural areas, were studied. The physical and chemical characteristics of substrates, accumulation of HM in plant tissues, root colonization between arbuscular mycorrizal (AMF) and dark septate endophyte (DSE) fungi, and the identification of DSE fungi isolated from the roots of two plant species were studied. Substrates from all four sites exhibited extreme conditions: high levels in sand; low water retention; poor levels in available phosphorus and nitrogen content; and potentially toxic levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and zinc (Zn). The native plants Lupinus campestris, Tagetes lunulata, and Cerdia congestiflora, as well as the exotic Cortaderia selloana and Asphodelus fistulosus, demonstrated a relevant potential role in the phytostabilization and/or phytoextraction of Pb, Cd, and Zn, according to the accumulation of metal in roots and translocation to shoots. Roots of eleven analyzed plant species were differentially co-colonized between AMF and DSE fungi; the presence of arbuscules and microsclerotia suggested an active physiological interaction. Fourteen DSE fungi were isolated from the inner area of roots of T. lunulata and Pennisetum villosum; molecular identification revealed the predominance of Alternaria and other Pleosporales. The use of native DSE fungi could reinforce the establishment of plants for biological reclamation of mine waste in semi-arid climate. Efforts are needed in order to accelerate a vegetation practice of mine wastes under study, which can reduce, in turn, their potential ecotoxicological impact on organisms, human populations, and agricultural areas.

Due to the technological, energetic and economic impact of spray drying in the production of acetylated gelatinized starch from native starch of Manihot esculenta Crantz (Cassava), the objective of this work is to optimize the dynamic profitability indicators considering as optimization criteria the production capacity and the drying air temperature, and establishing the detailed design of the installation under optimum conditions. A composite central experimental design was generated for the indicators Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR) and Discounted Payback Period (DRP). The regression models of the profitability indicators were optimized by ridgeline analysis through the Response Surface Methodology. For the evaluation of the indicators, the economic indexes of the process were determined, after technological selection, material and energy balances and technological design. The optimum economic variant has an NPV of USD 2 862 010, an IRR of 45,51 % and DRP of 3 years and is reached when 3454,45 tcassava/y are processed and the air feed temperature to the spray dryer is 184 °C, but the energy index is not favorable. An option that adequately combines energy, environmental and technical-economic results can be used by processing 3150 tcassava/y with 130 °C in the air feed to the dryer, reaching favorable economic results with NPV of USD 2 767 166, IRR of 37,99 % and DRP of 3,45 years and drastically reducing fuel consumption, although increasing the size of the spray dryer.

Introduction: 32% of children whose parents have mental condition are estimated to be diagnosed with some mental disorder later in life. As a consequence, a need arises to offer preventive psychological interventions aimed at these children. This article presents the results obtained after implementing the Kidstime programme. The aim of this paper is to investigate whether there are significant changes before and after the intervention and to establish participants´ degree of satisfaction with the program. Material and Methods: A design of repeated measures of pre-test and post-test intervention was used. 65 people participated in the program and pre-intervention and post-intervention data were obtained from 40 people through the following questionnaires: Self-Stigma Questionnaire (SSQ), Rosenberg´s self-esteem scale, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), Parenting Practices Inventory (IPC), and strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ). At the end of every workshop, a satisfaction survey was completed by children and adults, getting a total of 173 surveys. Results: Significant pre-post differences were found in the "involvement" and "expression of affection" subscales of the Parenting Patterns Inventory, as well as in children's "prosocial behavior" measured with the SDQ and in patients' self-stigma. There was no difference after intervention on other parameters. Conclusions: Kidstime program have shown to be effective in enhancing parents' emotional support for their children, improving children's prosocial behavior, and reducing patients´ stigma. It is believed that the resilience of children whose parents have mental issues can be fostered through this type of multidisciplinary, psycho-educational, playful intervention, which addresses parenting skills.

International audience; BabyIAXO is a helioscope under construction to search for an emission of the axion particle from the Sun. At the same time it serves as an intermediate stage towards the International Axion Observatory (IAXO). An integral component of this experiment is a low background X-ray detector with a high efficiency in the 1–10 keV energy range. Micromegas detectors are considered as baseline technology for BabyIAXO thanks to the relatively high efficiency and very low background level. Other detector technologies developed to reach better energy resolution while maintaining high efficiency and low background level are also under study. In this paper, we review the BabyIAXO design and present the analysis of data taken with the prototype of an IAXO Micromegas detector. A background level of 8.8×10−7counts keV−1cm−2s−1 was reached.