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ObjectiveWe sought to evaluate the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on perinatal outcomes while accounting for maternal depression or perceived stress and to describe COVID-specific stressors, including changes in prenatal care, across specific time periods of the pandemic.Study designData of dyads from 41 cohorts from the National Institutes of Health Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes Program (N = 2,983) were used to compare birth outcomes before and during the pandemic (n = 2,355), and a partially overlapping sample (n = 1,490) responded to a COVID-19 questionnaire. Psychosocial stress was defined using prenatal screening for depression and perceived stress. Propensity-score matching and general estimating equations with robust variance estimation were used to estimate the pandemic's effect on birth outcomes.ResultsSymptoms of depression and perceived stress during pregnancy were similar prior to and during the pandemic, with nearly 40% of participants reporting mild to severe stress, and 24% reporting mild depression to severe depression. Gestations were shorter during the pandemic (B =  - 0.33 weeks, p = 0.025), and depression was significantly associated with shortened gestation (B =  - 0.02 weeks, p = 0.015) after adjustment. Birth weights were similar (B =  - 28.14 g, p = 0.568), but infants born during the pandemic had slightly larger birth weights for gestational age at delivery than those born before the pandemic (B = 0.15 z-score units, p = 0.041). More women who gave birth early in the pandemic reported being moderately or extremely distressed about changes to their prenatal care and delivery (45%) compared with those who delivered later in the pandemic. A majority (72%) reported somewhat to extremely negative views of the impact of COVID-19 on their life.ConclusionIn this national cohort, we detected no effect of COVID-19 on prenatal depression or perceived stress. However, experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic in pregnancy was associated with decreases in gestational age at birth, as well as distress about changes in prenatal care early in the pandemic.Key points· COVID-19 was associated with shortened gestations.. · Depression was associated with shortened gestations.. · However, stress during the pandemic remained unchanged.. · Most women reported negative impacts of the pandemic..

Southern hemisphere blue (Balaenoptera musculus intermedia) and fin (Balaenoptera physalus) whales are the largest predators in the Southern Ocean, with similarities in morphology and distribution. Yet, understanding of their life history and foraging is limited due to current low abundances and limited ecological data. To address these gaps, historic Antarctic blue (n = 5) and fin (n = 5) whale baleen plates, collected in 1947-1948 and recently rediscovered in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, were analyzed for bulk (δ13C and δ15N) stable isotopes. Regular oscillations in isotopic ratios, interpreted as annual cycles, revealed that baleen plates contain approximately 6 years (14.35 ± 1.20 cm year-1) of life history data in blue whales and 4 years (16.52 ± 1.86 cm year-1) in fin whales. Isotopic results suggest that: (1) while in the Southern Ocean, blue and fin whales likely fed at the same trophic level but demonstrated niche differentiation; (2) fin whales appear to have had more regular annual migrations; and (3) fin whales may have migrated to ecologically distinct sub-Antarctic waters annually while some blue whales may have resided year-round in the Southern Ocean. These results reveal differences in ecological niche and life history strategies between Antarctic blue and fin whales during a time period when their populations were more abundant than today, and before major human-driven climatic changes occurred in the Southern Ocean.

The assessment of test anxiety has received increasing attention in educational research due to the potential negative effects of anxiety on student performance. Traditionally, test anxiety scales have been developed for mathematics, but few studies have focused on physics. In this study, we validated two test anxiety scales for undergraduate physics courses: the Test Anxiety Inventory for Physics (TAIP) and the Abbreviated Test Anxiety Inventory for Physics scale (ATAIP), which were adapted from existing instruments. A convenience sample of 361 engineering students enrolled in a first-semester introductory physics course participated in the study. Confirmatory factor analysis and Rasch analysis were used to establish the construct validity of both scales. Convergent validity for the TAIP scale was established by examining its correlation with a scale adapted from the math anxiety scale. Criterion-related validity for both TAIP and ATAIP was established by analyzing the relationship between students' Rasch scores on the two scales and their performance on two conceptual tests. Finally, measurement invariance of TAIP and ATAIP scales was established using both multigroup and differential item functioning analyses to reliably investigate gender differences in the corresponding Rasch measures. The study confirms a robust four-factor structure of the TAIP. The four subscales, Worry, Emotionality, Interference, and Lack of Confidence, demonstrate good reliability (McDonald's [lower-case omega] ¼ 0.78; 0.86; 0.87; 87, respectively). Rash analysis also confirms that, for each subscale, the rating scale functioning was consistent with the item difficulty and person measures. The TAIP also demonstrates adequate convergent and criterion-related validity, as well as measurement invariance with respect to gender. The ATAIP also demonstrates good reliability (McDonald's [lower-case omega] ¼ 0.84), a well-functioning rating scale, and sufficient criterion-related validity. Additionally, it exhibits measurement invariance with respect to gender. Overall, the study supports that both the TAIP and ATAIP scales are reliable instruments for measuring students' test anxiety in an undergraduate physics course. Implications for physics instruction at the university introductory level are briefly discussed.

Abstract Do all birds' sex chromosomes follow the same canonical one-way direction of evolution? We combined cytogenetic and genomic approaches to analyze the process of the W chromosomal differentiation in two selected Passeriform species, named the Pale-breasted Thrush Turdus leucomelas and the Rufous-bellied thrush T. rufiventris. We characterized the full catalog of satellite DNAs (satellitome) of T. leucomelas, and the 10 TleSatDNA classes obtained together with 16 microsatellite motifs were in situ mapped in both species. Additionally, using Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH) assays, we investigated their intragenomic variations. The W chromosomes of both species did not accumulate higher amounts of both heterochromatin and repetitive sequences. However, while T. leucomelas showed a heterochromatin-poor W chromosome with a very complex evolutionary history, T. rufiventris showed a small and partially heterochromatic W chromosome that represents a differentiated version of its original autosomal complement (Z chromosome). The combined approach of CGH and sequential satDNA mapping suggest the occurrence of a former W-autosomal translocation event in T. leucomelas, which had an impact on the W chromosome in terms of sequence gains and losses. At the same time, an autosome, which is present in both males and females in a polymorphic state, lost sequences and integrated previously W-specific ones. This putative W-autosomal translocation, however, did not result in the emergence of a multiple-sex chromosome system. Instead, the generation of a neo-W chromosome suggests an unexpected evolutionary trajectory that deviates from the standard canonical model of sex chromosome evolution.

Abstract Multiple sex chromosomes usually arise from chromosomal rearrangements which involve ancestral sex chromosomes. There is a fundamental condition to be met for their long-term fixation: the meiosis must function, leading to the stability of the emerged system, mainly concerning the segregation of the sex multivalent. Here, we sought to analyze the degree of differentiation and meiotic pairing properties in the selected fish multiple sex chromosome system present in the wolf-fish Hoplias malabaricus (HMA). This species complex encompasses seven known karyotype forms (karyomorphs) where the karyomorph C (HMA-C) exhibits a nascent XY sex chromosomes from which the multiple X1X2Y system evolved in karyomorph HMA-D via a Y-autosome fusion. We combined genomic and cytogenetic approaches to analyze the satellite DNA (satDNA) content in the genome of HMA-D karyomorph and to investigate its potential contribution to X1X2Y sex chromosome differentiation. We revealed 56 satDNA monomers of which the majority was AT-rich and with repeat units longer than 100 bp. Seven out of 18 satDNA families chosen for chromosomal mapping by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) formed detectable accumulation in at least one of the three sex chromosomes (X1, X2 and neo-Y). Nine satDNA monomers showed only two hybridization signals limited to HMA-D autosomes, and the two remaining ones provided no visible FISH signals. Out of seven satDNAs located on the HMA-D sex chromosomes, five mapped also to XY chromosomes of HMA-C. We showed that after the autosome-Y fusion event, the neo-Y chromosome has not substantially accumulated or eliminated satDNA sequences except for minor changes in the centromere-proximal region. Finally, based on the obtained FISHpatterns, we speculate on the possible contribution of satDNA to sex trivalent pairing and segregation.

Abstract Background Nutrition exerts a fundamental role in the prevention of obesity (OB). The aim of this study was to assess the extent to which well recognized risk factors for early OB can be associated to overweight (OW) or OB under a standardized nutritional approach and surveillance in toddlers. Methods The eligible population was represented by 676 toddlers aged 24–36 months, assigned to 18 primary care pediatricians trained on nutritional issues who shared a standardized nutritional approach. Six-hundred-twenty-nine children (333 boys), mean age 27.8 ± 4.2 months were effectively included in this observational study. Parents received nutritional advice with particular emphasis to proteins and sugar composition supported by leaflets and reinforced at each visit. Body mass index was assessed at the age of 24–36 months. The following individual and family risk factors were considered: gestational age, birth weight, eutocic/caesarean delivery, milk feeding history, household smoking or antibiotics exposure, parents’ weight, height and educational level. Prevalence of OW/OB was compared to a group of 742 toddlers (373 boys) under usual care. Results Under a standardized nutritional counselling, 28.1% toddlers were classified as OW/OB compared to 36.9% toddlers under usual care (p = 0.005). In unadjusted models, parental OW/OB was significantly associated to OW/OB in toddlers (p

This study evaluated the association between prenatal depression and offspring autism-related traits. The sample comprised 33 prenatal/pediatric cohorts participating in the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes program who contributed information on prenatal depression and autism-related traits. Autism-related traits were assessed continuously and at the diagnostic cut-off using the Social Responsiveness Scale for children up to 12 years of age. Main analyses included 3994 parent-child pairs with prenatal depression diagnoses data; secondary analyses included 1730 parent-child pairs with depression severity data. After confounder adjustment, we observed an increase in autism-related traits among children of individuals with prenatal depression compared to those without (adjusted β = 1.31 95% CI: 0.65, 1.98). Analyses stratified by child sex documented a similar significant association among boys (aβ = 1.34 95%CI: 0.36, 2.32) and girls (aβ = 1.26 95% CI: 0.37, 2.15). Prenatal depression was also associated with increased odds of moderate to severe autism-related traits (adjusted odds ratio: 1.64, 95%CI: 1.09, 2.46), the screening threshold considered high risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. Findings highlight the importance of prenatal depression screening and preventive interventions for children of pregnant individuals with depression to support healthy development. Future research is needed to clarify whether these findings reflect overlap in genetic risk for depression and ASD-related traits or another mechanism.

As known in forensics, heat stroke deaths diagnosis is made by exclusion. In fact, in heat-related deaths, the gross and histologic postmortem findings are not pathognomonic, and biochemical investigations are not specific. Therefore, in such cases, a detailed examination of the circumstantial data and autopsied findings is necessary to exclude other possible causes of death. A case of fatal heat stroke of an elderly woman is reported. This case was diagnosed by examining the above elements in combination with immunohistochemical detection of heat shock proteins (HSPs). We then performed a narrative review of the literature on the subject to compare our case with similar ones. In view of the diagnostic complexity of heat-related deaths, we consider it essential to outline the state of the art on this topic. Our results may be a useful tool to orient forensic investigations into these types of deaths.

Abstract In this work, we demonstrate that a simple argentometric titration is a scalable, fast, green and robust approach for producing AgCl/antibiotic hybrid antimicrobial materials. We titrated AgNO3 into tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) aqueous solution, thus forming AgCl/TCH in a one-step procedure. Furthermore, we investigated the one-pot synthesis of triply synergistic super-nanoantimicrobials, combining an inorganic source of Ag+ ions (AgCl), a disinfecting agent (benzyl-dimethyl-hexadecyl-ammonium chloride, BAC) and a molecular antibiotic (tetracycline hydrochloride, TCH). Conventional antimicrobial tests, industrial biofilm detection protocols, and in situ IR-ATR microbial biofilm monitoring, have been adapted to understand the performance of the synthesized super-nanoantimicrobial. The resulting hybrid AgCl/BAC/TCH nanoantimicrobials are found to be synergistically active in eradicating Salmonella enterica and Lentilactobacillus parabuchneri bacteria and biofilms. This study paves the way for the development of a new class of super-efficient nanoantimicrobials that combine relatively low amounts of multiple active species into a single (nano)formulation, thus preventing the development of antimicrobial resistance towards a single active principle.

We report the fabrication of a novel spinel-type Pd₀.₁Cu₀.₉Co₂O₄ nano-flake material designed for Mizoroki-Heck and Suzuki coupling-cum-transesterification reactions. The Pd₀.₁Cu₀.₉Co₂O₄ material was synthesized using a simple co-precipitation method, and its crystalline phase and morphology were characterized through powder XRD, UV-Vis, FESEM, and EDX studies. This material demonstrated excellent catalytic activity in Mizoroki-Heck and Suzuki cross-coupling reactions, performed in the presence of a mild base (K₂CO₃), ethanol as the solvent, and microwave irradiation under ligand-free conditions. Notably, the Heck coupling of acrylic esters proceeded concurrently with transesterification using various alcohols as solvents. The catalyst exhibited remarkable stability under reaction conditions and could be recycled and reused up to ten times while maintaining its catalytic integrity.

IntroductionThe contribution of Cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1) in mitochondrial energy transduction mechanisms and mitochondrial activities awaits deeper investigations. Our study aims to assess the impact of CB1 absence on the mitochondrial compartment in the liver, focusing on both functional aspects and remodeling processes.MethodsWe used CB1−/− and CB1+/+ male mice. Cytochrome C Oxidase activity was determined polarographically. The expression and the activities of separated mitochondrial complexes and supercomplexes were performed by using Blue-Native Page, Western blotting and histochemical staining for in-gel activity. Key players of Mitochondrial Quality Control processes were measured using RT-qPCR and Western blotting. Liver fine sub-cellular ultrastructural features were analyzed by TEM analysis.Results and discussionIn the absence of CB1, several changes in the liver occur, including increased oxidative capacity, reduced complex I activity, enhanced complex IV activity, general upregulation of respiratory supercomplexes, as well as higher levels of oxidative stress. The mitochondria and cellular metabolism may be affected by these changes, increasing the risk of ROS-related damage. CB1−/− mice show upregulation of mitochondrial fusion, fission and biogenesis processes which suggests a dynamic response to the absence of CB1. Furthermore, oxidative stress disturbs mitochondrial proteostasis, initiating the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt). We noted heightened levels of pivotal enzymes responsible for maintaining mitochondrial integrity, along with heightened expression of molecular chaperones and transcription factors associated with cellular stress reactions. Additionally, our discoveries demonstrate a synchronized reaction to cellular stress, involving both UPRmt and UPRER pathways.

Cardiac involvement strongly impacts prognosis in patients with Anderson–Fabry disease (AFD). All cardiac structures, such as the left ventricle and the left atrium, the aorta, the right sections, and the heart valves can be affected by morphological and functional abnormalities. Standard echocardiography has a crucial role in the characterization of AFD cardiomyopathy. Being a diffuse, non-invasive, easily reproducible, and inexpensive investigation, echocardiography represents the most appropriate tool for screening AFD cardiomyopathy. Furthermore, echocardiographic evaluation is the essential imaging method to support the physician also in the follow-up and risk stratification of AFD patients. Therefore, echocardiography is useful in all stages of the disease, both to reveal the first signs of cardiac involvement and to guarantee timely treatment in the preclinical stage and to estimate the extent of cardiac involvement, define possible complications, and evaluate the response to treatment in patients with established cardiomyopathy. The latest advanced echocardiographic techniques, such as speckle-tracking analysis, are offering new insights into the early detection of AFD cardiac involvement, thus suggesting a promising role for echocardiography in selecting appropriate candidates for treatment. In this review, we will examine the role of standard echocardiography in AFD, focusing on its use in screening for cardiac involvement, detailed characterization of AFD cardiomyopathy, and risk stratification of AFD patients.

Objetivos: Avaliar o princípio da Economicidade na implantação de Postos Avançados de Coleta Externa (PACE), no âmbito da Fundação Hemominas, buscando a minimização dos gastos públicos, sem comprometimento dos padrões de qualidade estabelecidos pela legislação. Material e métodos: Análise descritiva de documentos técnicos e práticas de implantação dos PACE em todo o território do estado de Minas Gerais, observando as atividades e rotinas dos PACE implantados (Araguari, Barbacena, Bom Despacho, Formiga, Itabira, Itajubá, Conselheiro Lafaiete, Lavras, Leopoldina, Muriaé, Nova Lima, Pará de Minas, Patrocínio, São Sebastião do Paraíso, Varginha, Viçosa e Paracatu). Resultados: : A implantação dos PACE iniciou no ano de 2009 com a inauguração do PACE de Lavras, desde então a Fundação juntamente com outros municípios implantou em mais 16 (dezesseis) municípios, totalizando 17 (dezessete) PACE implantados em todo o território de Minas Gerais. Em se tratando de um processo de cooperação mútua, sendo viabilizado a partir do estabelecimento de parceria entre a Hemominas e municípios, a implantação destes Postos de Coletas Externas, tem possibilitado a ampliação do número de candidatos à doação de sangue pela proximidade, segurança e conforto proporcionado ao doador de sangue, bem como a redução do custo e risco de deslocamento do doador para o município que conta com uma das Unidades da Fundação Hemominas. Discussão: A Economicidade é um dos princípios fundamentais da Administração Pública, buscando garantir que os recursos sejam empregados da melhor maneira possível para maximizar os benefícios para a sociedade. Desta forma, a implantação de um PACE desempenha um papel imprescindível no sistema de saúde por várias razões: 1) Acessibilidade : Ao estabelecer PACE, mais pessoas têm acesso para doação de sangue, permitindo que possam doar sangue sem precisar viajar longas distâncias. Além disso, facilita a doação de sangue para aqueles que vivem em áreas rurais ou regiões afastadas dos grandes centros urbanos. 2) Redução de Deslocamentos: Os PACE podem reduzir a necessidade de que os doadores percorram grandes distâncias para doar sangue, tornando o processo mais favorável e encorajando o doador a realizar mais doações. 3) Melhor Logística e Distribuição dos Hemocomponentes : a implantação de uma rede de PACE facilita a coleta e a distribuição do sangue de forma mais eficiente. Ajuda a manter os estoques de sangue em níveis adequados, especialmente em emergências e períodos de alta demanda. 4) Capacidade de Resposta : Em situações de emergência ou desastres, PACE podem agir rapidamente para mobilizar doadores e assegurar que os hospitais tenham sangue suficiente para atender às necessidades urgentes. 5) Inclusão Social: Ao estabelecer PACE em diversas regiões, inclusive as mais desfavorecidas, promove-se a inclusão social e a equidade no acesso aos serviços de saúde. 6) Parceria e Colaboração: A colaboração entre municípios e estado pode otimizar recursos, como equipamentos e pessoal, além de melhorar a infraestrutura disponível. Conclusão: A Fundação Hemominas se destaca na implantação de PACE, mostrando ser uma prática eficaz, desde o estudo de viabilidade até a implantação do Posto no município. Com ampla experiência de implantação de Postos Avançados de Coletas Externas como uma metodologia efetiva e exitosa, compartilhar esta prática pode servir de referência para outras instituições de saúde pública, que abordam desafios semelhantes aos da Fundação Hemominas no que se refere a gestão e sustentabilidade.

Objetivos: Descrever os processos de Gestão e Organização dos Processos de Trabalho nos Postos Avançados de Coleta Externa (PACE) no âmbito da Fundação Hemominas (FH). Material e métodos: Trata-se de um estudo analítico, descritivo, baseado no relato dos processos de Gestão adotados para funcionamento e organização dos PACE. O PACE tem uma estrutura semelhante a uma Unidade de Coleta da Hemominas, funciona em datas e horários pré-definidos em local fixo, no mínimo duas (2) e no máximo vinte (12) vezes por mês, periodicidade definida no Termo de Cooperação Mútua (TCM) assinado por ambas as partes. A planta física do PACE é aprovada pela Vigilância Sanitária com atividade exclusiva de Coleta Externa (CE), vinculado e supervisionado pela Unidade da Fundação Hemominas de referência, seguindo os protocolos técnicos e administrativos das coletas externas realizadas pela FH. Resultados: A FH implementou 17 PACEs em municípios de Minas Gerais, incluindo Araguari, Bom Despacho, Barbacena, Lafaiete, Formiga, Itabira, Itajubá, Lavras, Leopoldina, Muriaé, Nova Lima, Pará de Minas, Patrocínio, São Sebastião do Paraíso, Paracatu, Varginha e Viçosa. Discussão: O PACE surge através de uma parceria entre a FH e o município solicitante de Minas Gerais que atenda a critérios de elegibilidade (população mínima, distância do centro produtor, número de leitos hospitalares na microrregião, etc). Esta parceria é celebrada através do TCM que estabelece as responsabilidades de cada parte. Em geral, o município é responsável por fornecer o local do PACE, o mobiliário, a equipe e alguns equipamentos. A Fundação Hemominas é responsável pelo fornecimento de equipamentos e insumos específicos da área de hemoterapia, além de capacitar a equipe e supervisionar todas atividades. Ainda sobre o processo de Gestão, foi elaborado um Manual com as diretrizes para implantação e funcionamento dos PACE, com a definição das responsabilidades e fluxos de trabalho de todos os setores da Fundação Hemominas envolvidos nos processos do PACE. O Manual possui orientações técnicas gerais, como a organização do atendimento ao doador inapto sorológico, fluxo de encaminhamento de urgência e notificações de eventos adversos e cita documentos institucionais que devem ser utilizados. O PACE é uma modalidade de CE da FH e segue rigorosamente todos os protocolos de CE utilizados nas outras modalidades. Portanto, todos procedimentos executados na Coleta Externa na Fundação Hemominas seguem os mesmos padrões das coletas internas; Os protocolos e registros gerados em todas Coletas Externas na Fundação Hemominas estão disponíveis para consulta e avaliação durante as inspeções sanitárias nas Unidades responsáveis pelas Coletas Externas ou in loco, na data e local agendados; Todos funcionários que atuam nas Coletas Externas são capacitados, avaliados e seguem o programa periódico de treinamentos da rede; Todos equipamentos utilizados nas Coletas Externas seguem os mesmos planos de Qualificação, Validação, Calibração, Manutenção Preventiva e demais testes executados na rede. Conclusão: Uma forma de ampliar o acesso à doação de sangue é promover a capilarização do atendimento aos doadores através da implantação de Postos Avançados de Coleta Externa (PACE) nos municípios e a FH vem aprimorando cada vez mais essa modalidade de CE através de um processo de gestão bipartite efetivo com foco na melhoria, na promoção da doação voluntária de sangue e atendimento das demandas transfusionais.