Search

The ability of "comfort-food" (CF) diet to revert long-term effects of early-life stress (ELS) is less well known. The objective of this study was to verify if the chronic exposure to CF diet in animals submitted to ELS could relief the stress response at behavioral, neuroendocrine, and neurobiochemical levels, via differences in glucocorticoid receptors expression in brain areas involved in the stress response. From the second day of life, litters of Wistar rats and their mothers were submitted to the reduced nesting material protocol (ELS). In adult life, ELS and a control group were exposed chronically to two diet schemes: standard rat chow only or both "CF" diet, containing fat (34%) and sugar (20%) and a diet similar to the standard diet. Anxiety-like behavior, neuroendocrine response stress, leptin, GR, SOCS-3, pSTAT3, and the abdominal fat were evaluated. The anxiety-like behavior results showed that ELS group when exposed to comfort food were not different from the others groups. Chronic exposure to CF diet induced an anxiety-like behavior in the control group. Groups chronically exposed to CF diet had lower levels of corticosterone over time independent of the neonatal group. The ELS group exposed to the "CF" diet had higher levels of hippocampal GR, lower levels of hypothalamic SOCS-3 and greater accumulation of abdominal fat. Chronic CF diet consumption is able to reduce corticosterone levels independent of the neonatal history, but is associated with anxiety-like behavior in animals without previous history of trauma. Metabolic disturbances like increased adiposity and altered SOCS-3 seem to be a result of multiple insults (neonatal trauma followed by chronic CF diet). We highlight that the Control-chow and ELS-chow data were previously published, and are included in this study for comparative analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Treatment of varicocoele is aimed at eliminating the retrograde reflux of venous blood through the internal spermatic veins. The purpose of this investigation was to compare laparoscopic varicocoelectomy (LV) with open high ligation technique in the adolescent population. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 33 adolescents who underwent varicocoelectomy at our paediatric hospital, between May 2004 and September 2008. Patients were divided into two groups depending on the technique: those who had an LV and those submitted to an open varicocoelectomy (OV). We analysed side, age of surgery, follow-up period and the incidence of recurrence/persistence, hydrocoele formation and wound complication. Results: There were 24 patients in the LV group and 9 in the OV group. All varicocoeles were in the left side. Mean age was 12 years in both groups. Mean follow-up time was 32 months for the LV group and 38 months for the OV group (P = 0.49). There was no significant difference in the incidence of hydrocoele in both the groups (25% versus 22%, P = 0.626). There was no recurrence/persistence on the LV group, while in the OV group there were three cases (P = 0.015). Conclusion: LV seems more efficient than open high ligation technique in the treatment of adolescents′ varicocoeles. Larger series are necessary to draw more reliable conclusions.

Abstract Background Native bees of the tribe Meliponini produce a distinct kind of propolis called geopropolis. Although many pharmacological activities of propolis have already been demonstrated, little is known about geopropolis, particularly regarding its antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens. The present study aimed at investigating the antimicrobial activity of M. fasciculata geopropolis against oral pathogens, its effects on S. mutans biofilms, and the chemical contents of the extracts. A gel prepared with a geopropolis extract was also analyzed for its activity on S. mutans and its immunotoxicological potential. Methods Antimicrobial activities of three hydroalcoholic extracts (HAEs) of geopropolis, and hexane and chloroform fractions of one extract, were evaluated using the agar diffusion method and the broth dilution technique. Ethanol (70%, v/v) and chlorhexidine (0.12%, w/w) were used as negative and positive controls, respectively. Total phenol and flavonoid concentrations were assayed by spectrophotometry. Immunotoxicity was evaluated in mice by topical application in the oral cavity followed by quantification of biochemical and immunological parameters, and macro-microscopic analysis of animal organs. Results Two extracts, HAE-2 and HAE-3, showed inhibition zones ranging from 9 to 13 mm in diameter for S. mutans and C. albicans, but presented no activity against L. acidophilus. The MBCs for HAE-2 and HAE-3 against S. mutans were 6.25 mg/mL and 12.5 mg/mL, respectively. HAE-2 was fractionated, and its chloroform fraction had an MBC of 14.57 mg/mL. HAE-2 also exhibited bactericidal effects on S. mutans biofilms after 3 h of treatment. Significant differences (p < 0.05) in total phenol and flavonoid concentrations were observed among the samples. Signs toxic effects were not observed after application of the geopropolis-based gel, but an increase in the production of IL-4 and IL-10, anti-inflammatory cytokines, was detected. Conclusions In summary, geopropolis produced by M. fasciculata can exert antimicrobial action against S. mutans and C. albicans, with significant inhibitory activity against S. mutans biofilms. The extract with the highest flavonoid concentration, HAE-2, presented the highest antimicrobial activity. In addition, a geopropolis-based gel is not toxic in an animal model and displays anti-inflammatory effect.

Abstract Background In conventional PCR, total amplicon yield becomes independent of starting template number as amplification reaches plateau and varies significantly among replicate reactions. This paper describes a strategy for reconfiguring PCR so that the signal intensity of a single fluorescent detection probe after PCR thermal cycling reflects genomic composition. The resulting method corrects for product yield variations among replicate amplification reactions, permits resolution of homozygous and heterozygous genotypes based on endpoint fluorescence signal intensities, and readily identifies imbalanced allele ratios equivalent to those arising from gene/chromosomal duplications. Furthermore, the use of only a single colored probe for genotyping enhances the multiplex detection capacity of the assay. Results Two-Temperature LATE-PCR endpoint genotyping combines Linear-After-The-Exponential (LATE)-PCR (an advanced form of asymmetric PCR that efficiently generates single-stranded DNA) and mismatch-tolerant probes capable of detecting allele-specific targets at high temperature and total single-stranded amplicons at a lower temperature in the same reaction. The method is demonstrated here for genotyping single-nucleotide alleles of the human HEXA gene responsible for Tay-Sachs disease and for genotyping SNP alleles near the human p53 tumor suppressor gene. In each case, the final probe signals were normalized against total single-stranded DNA generated in the same reaction. Normalization reduces the coefficient of variation among replicates from 17.22% to as little as 2.78% and permits endpoint genotyping with >99.7% accuracy. These assays are robust because they are consistent over a wide range of input DNA concentrations and give the same results regardless of how many cycles of linear amplification have elapsed. The method is also sufficiently powerful to distinguish between samples with a 1:1 ratio of two alleles from samples comprised of 2:1 and 1:2 ratios of the same alleles. Conclusion SNP genotyping via Two-Temperature LATE-PCR takes place in a homogeneous closed-tube format and uses a single hybridization probe per SNP site. These assays are convenient, rely on endpoint analysis, improve the options for construction of multiplex assays, and are suitable for SNP genotyping, mutation scanning, and detection of DNA duplication or deletions.

Children spend most of their waking hours sedentary and reducing this behavior has been challenging. Interrupting prolonged episodes of sedentary behavior with active breaks can provide mental and cognitive health benefits. Considering the multifactorial nature of these health aspects, this study aimed to verify the role of body mass index (BMI), cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in the relationship between the break in sedentary time with cognitive and mental health in children. This is a cross-sectional study with 129 children (62 boys), aged between 6 and 11 years (mean 8.73 ± 1.53) from a public school in southern Brazil. For the assessment of fluid intelligence, psychologists applied Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices test. Mental health was measured using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Sedentary breaks were measured using accelerometers, and CRF was determined using the 6-min walk test. Generalized linear regression analyses were used to verify associations of sedentary breaks with fluid intelligence and mental health, according to children's BMI, CRF, and MVPA. All models were adjusted for sex, age, somatic maturation, and total time of accelerometer use. Our results indicated that sedentary breaks were associated with fluid intelligence in overweight/obese ( β  = 0.108; p  = 0.021) and physically inactive children ( β  = 0.083; p  = 0.010). Regarding mental health, no association was identified with sedentary breaks. In conclusion, sedentary breaks should be encouraged for the benefits of fluid intelligence, especially in children who do not meet physical activity recommendations and are overweight.

This study to examine associations between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), 24-hour movement components, and cardiometabolic risk factors in children from southern Brazil, emphasizing the critical variables in these relationships. The sample included 186 schoolchildren (6-11 years, 8.57±1.56). Waist circumference (WC) and CRF were assessed using PROESP-Br protocols, while physical activity (moderate to vigorous - MVPA, and light - LPA) was measured via accelerometers. Sleep and screen time were reported by parents, and fasting blood samples provided data on triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR. Network analysis highlight WC, systolic blood pressure, and MVPA as central variables with significant connectivity. MVPA emerged as central among 24-hour movement behaviors, with CRF playing an intermediary role. Results underscore WC and MVPA's relationship on cardiometabolic health, supporting interventions targeting MVPA to prevent early cardiometabolic risks in children.

Discrimination and stigma are significant barriers to healthcare for the LGBTQIAPN+ community, necessitating a deeper analysis of their sociocultural causes. There is a notable gap in the literature regarding the understanding of socio-discursive representations and their impact on the stigmatization and pathologization of sexual minorities in the context of communicable diseases. This study aims to discuss the understanding of the sociodiscursive aspects of the health-disease process, particularly in stigmatized infectious diseases affecting the LGBTQIAPN+ community. The focus is on examining how news articles, or the set of analyzed texts (corpus), shape these perceptions. We conducted documentary research with a qualitative and discursive approach using news articles retrieved from Google News Ⓡ about diseases affecting the LGBTQIAPN+ population from 2011 to 2022. The analysis was based on critical discourse analysis, processed using MAXQDA and IRAMUTEQ software. The identified representations predominantly align with biomedical ideology, manifesting in a discourse that normalizes and medicalizes (normative-curative discourse), and notable for its pathologizing and stigmatizing nature. Six classes were found: Ethical professional dilemmas facing stigma, infection and contamination of the LGBT+ population, prejudice and discrimination in the form of information, stigma related to sexual behavior/orientation, Vulnerability and stigma related to infectious diseases, and strategies for minimizing health risk/stigma for the LGBT+ public. The most relevant analytical categories were related to infectious diseases and sexual identity. These themes were identified, indicating that media representations reinforce stigma and maintain unequal health practices (verticalization) for the LGBT+ community. Understanding these patterns within a broader historical context is crucial for promoting health education and strategies that challenge internalized prejudice. The need to reformulate cultural norms and develop health information and education policies is urgent. These policies should be led by professionals with a comprehensive and humanized vision, addressing the diverse needs of the LGBT+ population., Competing Interests: Declarations. Conflict of interest: No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors. Ethical Approval: As these are public data under a shared domain, the study was not submitted for ethical approval., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Effective hospital discharge planning is crucial, particularly in educating caregivers on handling medical devices. This education helps manage the patient's signs and symptoms, prevents post-discharge complications, and reduces early readmissions. This study aimed to understand aspects involved in the acquisition of mastery by home caregivers, in handling care of a patient who just underwent gastrostomy, after educational intervention during hospitalization and telemonitoring upon return home., Methods: Qualitative descriptive study. It followed 15 caregivers of people with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. The intervention took place between November 2022 and July 2023 in the neuromusculoskeletal unit of a Brazilian university hospital., Results: The educational intervention had four stages. In stage 1, caregivers felt confused and uncertain about managing PEG. By stage 2, they expressed a desire to be capable of handling care, especially in the event of potential complications, and showed increased awareness and engagement. Stage 3 highlighted the effectiveness of hands-on training with feedback from professionals. In stage 4, during monitoring, several complications were noted, including granuloma formation in the stoma, tube obstruction, and accidental tube loss. However, caregivers demonstrated the ability to handle these situations, indicating the effectiveness of the training and telemonitoring interventions., Conclusions: Nursing professionals should consider various factors when training caregivers in a hospital setting, including providing adequate space, allocating sufficient time for educational interventions, offering both theoretical and practical demonstrations, ensuring effective communication, and taking into account the caregivers' context, as they play a direct role in acquiring a safe and effective skill set.

Background: Auranofin is an approved anti-rheumatic drug that has a broad-range inhibitory action against several microorganisms, including human pathogenic fungi. The auranofin activity against Histoplasma capsulatum, the dimorphic fungus that causes histoplasmosis, has not been properly addressed. Since there are few therapeutic options for this life-threatening systemic mycosis, this study evaluated the effects of auranofin on H. capsulatum growth and expression of virulence factors., Methodology/principal Findings: Minimal inhibitory and fungicidal concentrations (MIC and MFC, respectively) of auranofin against 15 H. capsulatum strains with distinct genetic backgrounds were determined using the yeast form of the fungus and a microdilution protocol. Auranofin activity was also assessed on a macrophage model of infection and on a Tenebrio molitor invertebrate animal model. Expression of virulence-related genes was compared between auranofin treated and untreated H. capsulatum yeast cells using a quantitative PCR assay. Auranofin affected the growth of different strains of H. capsulatum, with MIC and MFC values ranging from 1.25 to 5.0 μM and from 2.5 to >10 μM, respectively. Auranofin was able to kill intracellular H. capsulatum yeast cells and conferred protection against the fungus in the experimental animal model of infection. Moreover, the expression of catalase A, HSP70, superoxide dismutase, thioredoxin reductase, serine proteinase, cytochrome C peroxidase, histone 2B, formamidase, metallopeptidase, Y20 and YPS3 proteins were reduced after six hours of auranofin treatment. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Auranofin is fungicidal against H. capsulatum and reduces the expression of several virulence-related genes, which makes this anti-rheumatic drug a good candidate for new medicines against histoplasmosis., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2024 de Abreu Almeida et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Introduction: Sporotrichosis is a chronic infectious mycosis caused by traumatic implantation of Sporothrix spp., which poses a significant challenge to public health because of its zoonotic nature. It affects humans and other animals, particularly cats. This study investigated epidemiological trends and spatial distribution of feline sporotrichosis in Espírito Santo between 2017 and 2022., Methods: This study collected diagnostic data on sporotrichosis from the Veterinary Pathology Laboratory and Center for Infectious Diseases in Espírito Santo from 2017 to 2022. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA and spatial analyses were performed using ArcGIS software to create maps and identify hotspots. Kernel density estimation and directional mean statistics were applied to visualise the disease concentration and transmission trends., Results: The results showed a significant increase in feline sporotrichosis cases in Espírito Santo from 2017 to 2022, with hotspots identified in urban and densely populated areas. Anchieta, Aracruz and Vila Velha reported the highest numbers of cases. Spatial analysis indicated a spread towards the central and northern coastal regions., Conclusion: This study highlights the growing threat of feline sporotrichosis in Espírito Santo, Brazil, particularly in densely populated urban areas. This underscores the urgent need for comprehensive public health strategies that address urbanisation, human-animal interactions and managing stray cat populations. Effective control measures and enhanced surveillance are crucial to mitigate the spread of this zoonotic disease. Importantly, this study provides valuable insights into the epidemiology of sporotrichosis in Brazil and offers a framework for other regions identified as emerging hotspots that face similar challenges., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

This study aimed to verify whether the combined application of jabuticaba and strawberry extracts at five different concentrations could enhance oxidative stability and microbiological quality of pork burgers over 12 days of storage at 4 °C. The anthocyanins in these extracts were quantified by HPLC-DAD and identified by LC-MS/MS. Pelargonidin-3-glucoside was highlighted as the predominant anthocyanin in jabuticaba extract, while cyanidin-3-glucoside was the main constituent in strawberry extract. The extracts did not exhibit antimicrobial activity but demonstrated significant antioxidant activity. The treatment with the 0.75:0.25 (jabuticaba:strawberry extract) level showed a pH evolution during storage similar to the control (without extract). Additionally, the combination of jabuticaba and strawberry extracts, particularly at the 75:25 levels, indicated lower TBARS values, characterized by the decreased presence of rancid aroma at the end of the storage period. This extract combination level also preserved the burgers' color, evidenced by the lower ΔE values during storage., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The author has no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Considering that school environments are important and have the potential to promote an active lifestyle with direct impacts on physical, motor, cognitive, affective, and psychological aspects, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a physical exercise program in the school context., Methods: A parallel, two-arm experimental research project carried out over 19 weeks, with two non-consecutive weekly classes of 60 min, with the inclusion of PROFIT-BR in the initial 15 min of the class followed by 40 min based on specific physical education skills on indicators of physical fitness in children. Estimates of excess weight and visceral fat will be measured and assessed by body mass index and waist-to-height ratio, respectively, and cardiorespiratory fitness by performance in the six-minute run/walk test. Flexibility will be assessed by the sit and reach test; and muscle strength measured by the number of sit-ups in one minute. The 2 kg medicine ball throw and the horizontal jump will be used to measure upper and lower limb power, respectively, the square test used as a measure of agility, and the 20-meter run test used to measure speed. To analyze the differences between baseline and post-intervention values, repeated measures ANOVA adjusted for somatic maturation will be used. The magnitude of the effect size will be estimated by "partial eta squared". Statistical analyses will be carried out using SPSS version 24.0 software and a 5% probability of error in the analyses will be accepted., Discussion: The main theoretical assumption of the proposal is the cause-and-effect relationship between the regular practice of physical exercise in childhood and adolescence and several parameters of health and motor performance. The elaborated program has a lot of applicability because it was wondering from the perspective of the school, in terms of materials, space, and objectives of physical education., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Understanding the relationship of social network use and addictive behaviors with adolescent psychosocial health is crucial in today's digital age., Aim: To verify the associations between social network use, messaging applications, and the addictive behaviors to social network with psychosocial health in Spanish adolescents., Methods: A cross-sectional study was developed with 632 adolescents, aged 12 to 17 years from the Region of Murcia, Spain. The assessment of social network use (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok) involved evaluating the frequency of use of each social network individually using a single-item scale with five response options. WhatsApp use (i.e., a messaging application) was evaluated in the same manner. The Short Social Networks Addiction Scale-6 Symptoms was employed to assess potential addictive behaviors to social network use. The psychosocial health was assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Generalized linear regression models were conducted, and predictive probabilities of having psychosocial health problems were calculated., Results: The predicted probability of presenting psychosocial health problems in the medium users and high users of social networks was 19.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 13.0 to 27.7), and 16.2% (95% CI 10.2 to 24.6) higher compared to low users, respectively. High usage of Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and Facebook was associated with increased probabilities of psychosocial health problems, with Facebook showing the highest probabilities, at 31.3% (95% CI 14.8 to 54.2) for medium users and 51.9% (95% CI 26.5 to 76.3) for high users. Additionally, adolescents with addictive behaviors to social network use had from 19.0 to 25.2% probabilities of experiencing psychosocial health problems. Finally, the highest probabilities of having psychosocial health problems were identified in adolescents with high addictive behaviors when using social networks (28.9%; 95% CI 19.3 to 40.8%) and the lowest in those with low addictive behaviors (6.8%; 95% CI 3.3 to 13.6%)., Conclusion: Adolescents who use social networks more frequently and exhibit more addictive behaviors related to their use are more likely to experience psychosocial health problems compared to those who do not. Facebook showed the strongest association, followed by Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok. Our data also revealed that adolescents exhibit various signs of addictive behaviors to social network use., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Over the past two decades, zoonotic sporotrichosis transmitted by naturally infected cats has become hyperendemic in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Sporothrix brasiliensis is the main agent involved. However, there are other forms of transmission of sporotrichosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate and associate the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic data and the susceptibility of Sporothrix spp. to antifungal drugs in 43 non-zoonotic sporotrichosis cases. Forty-three clinical strains of Sporothrix were identified by partial sequencing of the calmodulin gene. An antifungal susceptibility test of amphotericin B, terbinafine, itraconazole, posaconazole and isavuconazole was performed according to the broth microdilution method. Most patients were male (55.8%). Regarding the source of infection, 21 patients (48.8%) reported trauma involving plants and/or contact with soil. Sporothrix brasiliensis was the predominant species (n = 39), followed by S. globosa (n = 3) and S. schenckii (n = 1). Sporothrix brasiliensis was associated with all the sources of infection, reinforcing previous data showing the presence of this species in environmental sources, as well as with all the clinical forms, including severe cases. One clinical strain of Sporothrix brasiliensis was classified as a non-wild-type strain for amphotericin B and another for itraconazole. S. schenckii was classified as non-WT for all the antifungals tested. In this context, it is important to emphasize that non-zoonotic sporotrichosis still occurs in the state of Rio de Janeiro, with S. brasiliensis as the main etiological agent, primarily associated with infections acquired after traumatic inoculation with plants and/or soil contact, followed by S. globosa and S. schenckii . In addition, non-WT strains were found, indicating the need to monitor the antifungal susceptibility profile of these species. It is crucial to investigate other natural sources of S. brasiliensis to better understand this fungal pathogen and its environment and host cycle.

Objective: This study tried to examine the association between the frequency of family meals and excess weight using large and representative samples of children and adolescents from 43 countries., Methods: This cross-sectional study used data from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC), which included nationally representative samples of children and adolescents aged 10-17 years, involving a total of 155 451 participants (mean age = 13.6 years; standard deviation [SD] = 1.6; 51.4% girls). Family meal frequency was gauged through the following question: 'How frequently do you and your family typically share meals?' The possible responses were: 'never', 'less often', 'approximately once a week', 'most days' and 'every day'. The body weight and height of the participants were self-reported and utilized to calculate body mass index (BMI). Subsequently, BMI z-scores were computed based on the International Obesity Task Force criteria, and the prevalence of excess weight was defined as +1.31 SD for boys and + 1.24 SD for girls, with obesity defined as +2.29 SD for boys and + 2.19 SD for girls. Generalized linear mixed models were conducted to examine the associations between the frequency of family meals and excess weight or obesity., Results: The lowest predicted probabilities of having excess weight and obesity were observed for those participants who had family meals every day (excess weight: 34.4%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 31.4%-37.5%; obesity: 10.8%, 95% CI 9.0%-13.0%)., Conclusions: A higher frequency of family meals is associated with lower odds of having excess weight and obesity in children and adolescents., (© 2024 The Authors. Pediatric Obesity published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of World Obesity Federation.)

Changes in temperature and the deposition of potential pollutants in the soil, such as heavy metals, may damage plant communities, altering their physiological processes. High temperature may also cause a series of morpho-anatomical, physiological and biochemical changes in plants. However, tolerant plant species tend to restrict these harmful effects. The present study investigates the impact of atmospheric warming on the accumulation capacity of heavy metals (Zn, Ni, Cu) in the roots and leaves of a pioneer species (Croton floribundus) and a non-pioneer species (Esenbeckia leiocarpa) native to the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil. The experimental design involved exposing the plants to two soil treatments: without excess metals (-M) and with excess metals (+M), along with varying thermoperiods of 26 °C day/19 °C night and 32 °C day/20 °C night in growth chambers. Over a 28-day period, we assessed weekly metal content, translocation, growth parameters, a non-enzymatic antioxidant (glutathione) and indicators of cell damage or oxidative stress (chlorophylls a and b, total chlorophyll (a+b), carotenoids, malondialdehyde and conjugated diene hydroperoxide contents). Both species exhibited increased metal accumulation under excess metals, employing distinct translocation strategies. C. floribundus showed high translocation rates of Ni to leaves and E. leiocarpa immobilized Ni in the roots. Atmospheric warming reduced Cu and Ni translocation from roots to leaves in both species. C. floribundus displayed lower physiological damage compared to E. leiocarpa, demonstrating robust growth. We concluded that the pioneer species possessed greater tolerance to oxidative stress induced by temperature and metal-related environmental factors than the non-pioneer species, confirming our hypothesis. In addition, our finding provides valuable insights for conservation and management of ecosystems affected by climatic and pollutant changes., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The growing demand for alternative sources of non-animal proteins has stimulated research in this area. Mushrooms show potential in the innovation of plant-based food products. In this study, the aim was to develop prototype fish fillets analogues from Pleurotus ostreatus mushrooms applying enzymatic treatment (β-glucanase and transglutaminase-TG). A Plackett-Burman 20 experimental design was used to optimize forty variables. Oat flour (OF) exerted a positive effect on the hardness and gumminess texture parameters but a negative effect on cohesiveness and resilience. Soy protein isolate (SPI) exhibited a positive effect on elasticity, gumminess and chewiness, while acacia gum had a negative effect on elasticity, cohesiveness and resilience. After sensory analysis the assay with 1% cassava starch, 5% OF, 5% SPI, 0.1% transglutaminase (240 min/5 °C), 1% coconut oil, 1% soybean oil, 0.2% sodium tripolyphosphate, 0.6% β-glucanase (80 °C/10 min) and without β-glucanase inactivation was found to exhibit greater similarity to fish fillet. The classes hydrocarbons, alcohols and aldehydes are the predominant ones in aromatic profile analysis by chromatography and electronic nose. It is concluded that a mushroom-based analogue of fish fillet can be prepared using enzymatic treatment with TG.

Background: The promotion of daily breakfast consumption and the importance of making appropriate breakfast choices have been underscored as significant public health messages. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between breakfast frequency and life satisfaction in large and representative samples of school-going children and adolescents aged 10-17 years from 42 different countries., Methods: This study used information from the 2017/2018 Health Behavior in School-aged Children study, comprising nationally representative samples of children and adolescents aged 10-17 years who were attending school. The total number of participants from the 42 countries included in the study was 155,451 (51.3% girls). The evaluation of breakfast consumption in this study involved a specific question: "How often do you typically have breakfast (more than a glass of milk or fruit juice)?". To measure life satisfaction, a subjective assessment scale was used in the form of a ladder, visually spanning from 0 to 10. On this scale, the topmost point (10) denotes the highest conceivable quality of life, whereas the bottom point (0) represents the worst imaginable quality of life., Results: After adjusting for several covariates, the lowest estimated marginal mean of life satisfaction was identified in those participants who skipped breakfast (mean [M] = 5.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.5 to 5.8). Conversely, the highest estimated marginal mean of life satisfaction was observed in those who had breakfast every day (M = 6.5, 95% CI 6.3 to 6.6). Overall, a nearly linear relationship between higher frequency of breakfast and greater life satisfaction in children and adolescents was identified (p-for-trend < 0.001). In addition, the highest estimated marginal mean of life satisfaction score was identified in those participants from Portugal who had breakfast every day (M = 7.7; 95% CI 6.9 to 8.5 points). Conversely, the lowest estimated marginal mean of life satisfaction was observed in those participants from Romania who no breakfast (M = 3.5; 95% CI 2.6 to 4.4 points)., Conclusions: There is a nearly linear relationship between higher frequency of breakfast and greater life satisfaction in children and adolescents. Considering the potential health advantages associated with breakfast during this critical age phase, these findings imply the necessity for additional global efforts to promote increased breakfast consumption among children and adolescents., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Little is known about the association between active commuting (i.e., walking or cycling to school) with lifestyle parameters and mental health in youths. The objective of the present study was to investigate the association between mental health problems and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress with lifestyle (i.e., food habits, screen time, physical activity, and sleep quality), active commuting, and gender., Methods: A total of 511 children and adolescents (boys, n = 249; girls, n = 262) aged 10 to 17 years participated in the study. Lifestyle parameters and mental health were evaluated using the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21)., Results: Girls reported higher levels of anxiety ( p = 0.001), depression ( p = 0.001), and stress ( p = 0.001). Mental health problems showed a positive association with gender (girls, β = 3.06, p < 0.001) and a negative association with food habits (β = -0.65, p = 0.019). Anxiety was positively associated with gender (β = 7.88, p < 0.001) and negatively associated with food habits (β = -0.23, p = 0.019). Gender (girls) and food habits were also associated with symptoms of depression (β = 2.29, p < 0.001 and β = -0.27, p = 0.005, respectively). Finally, active commuting was inversely associated with stress (β = -1.24, p = 0.008), and stress was positively linked to gender (β = 2.53, p < 0.001)., Conclusions: Active commuting, lifestyle parameters, and gender were associated with mental health in children and adolescents. Moreover, girls reported higher levels of anxiety, symptoms of depression, and stress.

Results : The study cohort comprised five patients, each presenting with unilateral high axial myopia and classic clinical features of HES, including large angle esotropia, hypotropia, and restricted abduction and supraduction. All patients displayed evident superotemporal globe prolapse on MRI imaging, corresponding to the downward displacement of the LR muscle and medial shift of the SR muscle.Following the surgical procedure, all patients demonstrated significant improvements in both vertical and horizontal deviations, effectively addressing the primary clinical manifestations of HES., Conclusions : In the management of HES, several surgical approaches have been explored, yielding mixed results. Our study, employing the technique of partial muscle splitting and scleral fixation, offers a promising avenue for effectively addressing this challenging condition. By adapting the full loop myopexy technique originally proposed by Yokoyama et al. we achieved satisfactory ocular alignment in all five patients. Notably, this approach mitigates the risk of anterior segment ischemia by preserving the unsecured portions of the SR and LR muscles along with MR retroequatorial myopexy.These findings support the consideration of this surgical technique as a safe and effective option for managing HES, providing both cosmetic and functional improvements to afflicted individuals.

Background: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate if rapid maxillary expansion improves the activity of the masticatory muscles (masseter and temporal) in patients with unilateral posterior crossbite., Material and Methods: Searches were performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and grey literature. A manual search of orthodontic journals was also performed. Randomized clinical trials or longitudinal prospective studies were eligibles. Meta-analyses were conducted using R software with the "Meta" package, applying mean differences with a 95% confidence interval. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale, and evidence certainty was evaluated using GRADE., Results: Nine articles were included. Qualitative analysis showed that RME treatment in patients with unilateral posterior crossbite showed a positive correlation with improvement in masseter and temporalis muscle activity. Meta-analyses indicated a significant difference for all models of muscle activity after treatment with rapid maxillary expansion, except for the temporal muscle in the force exerted on the maximum voluntary clenching on cotton rolls. The studies showed low bias risk, and the evidence certainty for each analysis was generally low to very low., Conclusions: This investigation demonstrated the benefits of R rapid maxillary expansion in treating unilateral posterior crossbite and its potential therapeutic effects on the masticatory muscles. Key words: Rapid maxillary expansion, masticatory muscles, unilateral posterior crossbite, systematic review, meta-analysis., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright: © 2024 Medicina Oral S.L.)

The drugs available to treat sporotrichosis, an important yet neglected fungal infection, are limited. Some Sporothrix spp. strains present reduced susceptibility to these antifungals. Furthermore, some patients may not be indicated to use these drugs, while others may not respond to the therapy. The anthelmintic drug niclosamide is fungicidal against the Sporothrix brasiliensis type strain. This study aimed to evaluate whether niclosamide also has antifungal activity against Sporothrix globosa, Sporothrix schenckii and other S. brasiliensis strains with distinct genotypes and antifungal susceptibility status. Minimal inhibitory and fungicidal concentrations (MIC and MFC, respectively) were determined using the microdilution method according to the CLSI protocol. The checkerboard method was employed to evaluate niclosamide synergism with drugs used in sporotrichosis treatment. Metabolic activity of the strains under niclosamide treatment was evaluated using the resazurin dye. Niclosamide was active against all S. brasiliensis strains (n = 17), but it was ineffective (MIC > 20 µM) for some strains (n = 4) of other pathogenic Sporothrix species. Niclosamide MIC values for Sporothrix spp. were similar for mycelial and yeast-like forms of the strains (P = 0.6604). Niclosamide was fungicidal (MFC/MIC ratio ≤ 2) for most strains studied (89%). Niclosamide activity against S. brasiliensis is independent of the fungal genotype or non-wild-type phenotypes for amphotericin B, itraconazole, or terbinafine. These antifungal drugs presented indifferent interactions with niclosamide. Niclosamide has demonstrated potential for repurposing as a treatment for sporotrichosis, particularly in S. brasiliensis cases, instigating in vivo studies to validate the in vitro findings., (© 2024. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to Sociedade Brasileira de Microbiologia.)

Introduction: The microbial-induced restoration of ferruginous crusts ( canga ), which partially cover iron deposits and host unique ecosystems, is a promising alternative for reducing the environmental impacts of the iron mining industry., Methods: To investigate the potential of microbial action to accelerate the reduction and oxidation of iron in substrates rich in hematite and goethite, four different microbial treatments (water only as a control - W; culture medium only - MO; medium + microbial consortium - MI; medium + microbial consortium + soluble iron - MIC) were periodically applied to induce iron dissolution and subsequent precipitation. Except for W, all the treatments resulted in the formation of biocemented blocks., Results: MO and MI treatments resulted in significant goethite dissolution, followed by precipitation of iron oxyhydroxides and an iron sulfate phase, due to iron oxidation, in addition to the preservation of microfossils. In the MIC treatment, biofilms were identified, but with few mineralogical changes in the iron-rich particles, indicating less iron cycling compared to the MO or MI treatment. Regarding microbial diversity, iron-reducing families, such as Enterobacteriaceae, were found in all microbially treated substrates., Discussion: However, the presence of Bacillaceae indicates the importance of fermentative bacteria in accelerating the dissolution of iron minerals. The acceleration of iron cycling was also promoted by microorganisms that couple nitrate reduction with Fe(II) oxidation. These findings demonstrate a sustainable and streamlined opportunity for restoration in mining areas., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. The author(s) declared that they were an editorial board member of Frontiers, at the time of submission. This had no impact on the peer review process and the final decision., (Copyright © 2024 da Silva, Cardoso, Angelica, Bitencourt, Moreira, Lucheta, Prado, Candela and Gastauer.)

Fertilization with nickel (Ni) can positively affect plant development due to the role of this micronutrient in nitrogen (N) metabolism, namely, through urease and NiFe-hydrogenase. Although the application of Ni is an emerging practice in modern agriculture, its effectiveness strongly depends on the chosen application method, making further research in this area essential. The individual and combined effects of different Ni application methods-seed treatment, leaf spraying and/or soil fertilization-were investigated in soybean plants under different edaphoclimatic conditions (field and greenhouse). Beneficial effects of the Soil, Soil + Leaf and Seed + Leaf treatments were observed, with gains of 7 to 20% in biological nitrogen fixation, 1.5-fold in ureides, 14% in shoot dry weight and yield increases of up to 1161 kg ha -1 . All the Ni application methods resulted in a 1.1-fold increase in the SPAD index, a 1.2-fold increase in photosynthesis, a 1.4-fold increase in nitrogenase, and a 3.9-fold increase in urease activity. Edaphoclimatic conditions exerted a significant influence on the treatments. The integrated approaches, namely, leaf application in conjunction with soil or seed fertilization, were more effective for enhancing yield in soybean cultivation systems. The determination of the ideal method is crucial for ensuring optimal absorption and utilization of this micronutrient and thus a feasible and sustainable management technology. Further research is warranted to establish official guidelines for the application of Ni in agricultural practices., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

This article aims to present growth curves for height, weight, and BMI of 95,000 Brazilian youths aged 6 to 17 years, including the five regions of the country, the Amazon region, and indigenous populations, and compare them with the World Health Organization (WHO) growth references. The final sample consisted of 52,729 boys and 42,731 girls from the "Projeto Esporte Brasil" database. Body mass and height information were used to derive the curves. The generalized additive model for location, scale, and shape was employed. In this study, we present smoothed weight-for-age, height-for-age, and BMI-for-age curves for boys and girls. Differences were observed between the results of the Brazilian curves and the WHO growth references. The developed curves will be valuable for professionals in medicine, public health, nutrition, physical education, and other related fields, regarding the assessment of physical growth in Brazilian children and adolescents and monitoring the nutritional status of this population. Additionally, these curves will facilitate the identification of individuals or subgroups at risk of diseases and delayed growth, with a greater focus on specific country-related factors.

Aim: To determine the prevalence of adolescents who meet muscle-strengthening activities (MSA) recommendation and their associations with anthropometric variables, physical fitness, and lifestyle behaviours in a sample of Spanish adolescents aged 12-17 years., Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using data from The Eating Healthy and Daily Life Activities (EHDLA) Study. Participants reported the days on which they engaged in MSA (≥3 days per week were considered to meet World Health Organization recommendation). Physical fitness was assessed with the ALPHA fitness battery. Additionally, body mass index, waist circumference, skinfolds and body fat percentage were assessed. Lifestyle variables were recreational screen time, sleep time and adherence to the Mediterranean diet. The associations between MSA and outcome variables were tested with linear and logistic regressions., Results: Of the 852 participants, 48% met MSA recommendation. Meeting MSA recommendation was associated with lower adiposity and higher performance in the shuttle run test, maximal oxygen consumption, standing long jump, speed-agility, flexibility, lower screen time (in weekdays) and higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet., Conclusion: Engaging in MSA once or twice a week was linked with more desirable health outcomes than not engaging in such activities. However, meet with MSA recommendation (i.e., at least 3 days per week) reinforced these benefits., (© 2024 The Authors. Acta Paediatrica published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Foundation Acta Paediatrica.)

Objective: To understand the factors associated with the practice of chemsex among MSM in Brazil, especially during the Mpox health crisis, and to design effective prevention and intervention strategies specifically for this population., Design: A cross-sectional and analytical study using an electronic survey, conducted from September to December 2022, during the peak of the Mpox outbreak in Brazil., Sample: A total of 1452 MSM aged 18 and older., Measurements: Data were collected via the REDCap platform through a survey with 46 questions. These addressed demographic data, sexual affiliations, practices, experiences with Mpox, healthcare service usage, and stigma or fear related to Mpox., Results: The prevalence of chemsex was 19.42% (n = 282). Multivariate Poisson modeling indicated a high incidence of chemsex among those diagnosed with Mpox and those involved in high-risk behaviors. The practice of chemsex was six times higher among those diagnosed with Mpox (95% CI: 4.73-9.10). MSM who engage in bugchasing had a prevalence twice that of the main outcome (95% CI: 1.31-3.16)., Conclusion: There is a significant need for targeted interventions for MSM in Brazil, especially given the Mpox outbreak. This study highlights the strong relationships between chemsex, experiences with Mpox, and various sexual behaviors, underscoring the importance of effective public health initiatives., (© 2024 The Authors. Public Health Nursing published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

The study aims to analyze the relationships between changes after multicomponent intervention in sociodemographic indicators, body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness and biochemical markers in overweight/obese adolescents. Quasi-experimental study with 33 overweight/obese adolescents (17 in the intervention group (IG) and 16 in the control group (16)), in which the GI participated in the multicomponent intervention for 24 weeks. Sociodemographic indicators, body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness and biochemical markers were evaluated. Network analysis was performed using JASP software. In GI, the reduction in %BF proved to be the variable with greater connectivity and strength in the network compared to the control network. Changes in %BF were related to changes in ACR, BMI and leptin. It is concluded that the reduction in %BF is the most important variable in network relationships after the intervention, suggesting that the greater the reduction in %BF, the greater the effect on variables such as BMI, ACR and leptina.

Aim: To verify the association between ideal sleep time and physical literacy components while also considering multiple mediators, such as quality of life and obesity, using a sample of adolescents., Methods: This cross-sectional study consisted of 470 adolescents aged 11-17 years from southern Brazil. Sleep time, health-related quality of life, and physical literacy components (i.e., physical education enjoyment, sports participation, sedentary behavior, moderate to vigorous physical activity, sex, and age) were evaluated through self-reported questionnaires. In addition, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference were determined. The theoretical/statistical support of the structural equation model was evaluated according to fit parameters and strength of association., Results: A direct association was observed between more sleep time and lower levels of obesity. The obesity indicators also had a negative association with HqOL, and HqOL had a positive association with physical literacy. The indirect associations indicated that the ideal sleep time was positively associated with HqOL and physical literacy components, considering the negative mediation effect of obesity. The model explains physical literacy in 31% of the variance (R = 0.31)., Conclusion: There was an indirect association between ideal sleep duration and quality of life and between both variables with physical literacy. These relationships occur even considering the negative influence of obesity. Therefore, a child who sleeps adequately has a higher likelihood of being physically active, regardless of obesity, potentially enhancing overall quality of life across various domains., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

To verify the role of the combination of fitness and fatness in the relationship between physical activity (PA) and cardiometabolic risk in children and adolescents. This is a cross-sectional study performed with 2786 children and adolescents (6 to 17 years). Fitness was determined by the cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) six-minute walking and running test. Waist circumference (WC) was considered a fatness indicator. A selfreported questionnaire was used to determine PA practice, whereas the clustered cardiometabolic risk score (cMetS) was calculated by summing z-scores of triglycerides, total cholesterol/HDL-C ratio, systolic blood pressure, glucose, and WC. Considering the combination of CRF (fitness) and WC (fatness), the following phenotypes were created: Fit/Unfat, Fit/Fat, Unfit/Unfat and Unfit/Fat. Moderation analyses were tested using linear regression models. Significant interactions were found between PA and Unfit/Fat category (β = -0.001; p = 0.001) only for adolescents. The interaction observed in the Unfit/Fat phenotype indicated that adolescents who practise PA for 330 minutes per week presented lower cMetS compared to those who do not practise or practise for 60 minutes respectively. The combination of fitness and fatness moderates the relationship between PA and cardiometabolic risk, suggesting that adolescents, particularly those who are less fit and present high adiposity, should be encouraged to engage in regular PA to improve their metabolic health., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © Biology of Sport 2024.)

Background: Men's health is influenced by a complex interplay of social, economic, and cultural determinants. Understanding how these aspects affect the health of adult cisgender men in medium and high-complexity healthcare settings is essential for improving healthcare services and promoting better health outcomes., Objective: This study aimed to analyze the health status of adult cisgender men in medium and high-complexity healthcare settings based on social determinants and conditioners., Methods: This study employed a qualitative design involving 45 adult cisgender men receiving care in medium/high complexity services in Bahia, Brazil. Semi-structured interviews were conducted from July 2019 to February 2020, and data were interpreted based on Dahlgren and Whitehead's Model of Social Determinants of Health using deductive thematic analysis., Results: Proximal determinants included biological aspects, preventive behaviors, lifestyle/social life, and aging processes. Intermediate factors included work conditions, access/utilization of healthcare services/medications, and psychosocial factors. Macro determinants involved income distribution, power dynamics, resource allocation, health inequalities/iniquities, morbidity, culture, political decisions, environmental factors, and structural elements., Conclusion: The health status of men in medium/high complexity care was profoundly influenced by structural social determinants. These determinants impacted healthcare attention, service organization, cultural influences, the reproduction of hegemonic masculinity patterns, lifestyle, social support, and socioeconomic conditions necessary to realize the right to health. Nursing practices should conduct comprehensive assessments that extend beyond physical health indicators., Competing Interests: The authors declared no conflict of interest in this study., (© The Author(s) 2024.)

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between vitamin D status and hypertriglyceridemic-waist (HTW) phenotype and cardiometabolic markers in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) living in regions with high solar incidence (10° south)., Methods: An observational, cross-sectional study, with 122 individuals with T2DM, of both sexes, aged between 19 and 59 years, residing in Sergipe/Brazil. Measurements included serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D), glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, LDL-c, HDL-c, triacylglycerols, blood pressure, body mass index, %body fat, and waist circumference. Participants were classified by the presence or absence of the HTW phenotype, according to increased waist circumference and triacylglycerols concentrations. Logistic and linear regression models were applied to verify the association among the concentration of 25(OH)D, HTW phenotype, and lipid profile variables., Results: Triacylglycerols concentrations (p = .013) and %body fat (p = .011) were higher in women with serum 25(OH)D insufficient/deficient than in those with adequate 25(OH)D levels. Individuals with serum 25(OH)D insufficiency/deficiency were 2.595 times more likely to present the HTW phenotype than those with adequate 25(OH)D levels (p = .021). Additionally, a negative association was observed between the concentration of 25(OH)D and total cholesterol (Beta = -0.204, p = .049)., Conclusion: Insufficiency/deficiency of serum 25(OH)D in individuals with T2DM increases the chances of developing the HTW phenotype., (© 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Purpose: The goal of this study was to investigate severe central nervous system infections (CNSI) in adults admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). We analyzed the clinical presentation, causes, and outcomes of these infections, while also identifying factors linked to higher in-hospital mortality rates., Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective multicenter study in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 2012 to 2019. Using a prediction tool, we selected ICU patients suspected of having CNSI and reviewed their medical records. Multivariate analyses identified variables associated with in-hospital mortality., Results: In a cohort of 451 CNSI patients, 69 (15.3%) died after a median 11-day hospitalization (5-25 IQR). The distribution of cases was as follows: 29 (6.4%) had brain abscess, 161 (35.7%) had encephalitis, and 261 (57.8%) had meningitis. Characteristics: median age 41 years (27-53 IQR), 260 (58%) male, and 77 (17%) HIV positive. The independent mortality predictors for encephalitis were AIDS (OR = 4.3, p = 0.01), ECOG functional capacity limitation (OR = 4.0, p < 0.01), ICU admission from ward (OR = 4.0, p < 0.01), mechanical ventilation ≥10 days (OR = 6.1, p = 0.04), SAPS 3 ≥ 55 points (OR = 3.2, p = 0.02). Meningitis: Age > 60 years (OR = 234.2, p = 0.04), delay >3 days for treatment (OR = 2.9, p = 0.04), mechanical ventilation ≥10 days (OR = 254.3, p = 0.04), SOFA >3 points (OR = 2.7, p = 0.03). Brain abscess: No associated factors found in multivariate regression., Conclusions: Patients' overall health, prompt treatment, infection severity, and prolonged respiratory support in the ICU all significantly affect in-hospital mortality rates. Additionally, the implementation of CNSI surveillance with the used prediction tool could enhance public health policies., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare no conflicts of interest in writing this manuscript., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous mycosis caused by pathogenic Sporothrix species. Among them, Sporothrix brasiliensis is the main species associated with endemic regions in South America, especially Brazil. It is highly virulent and can be spread through zoonotic transmission. Molecular epidemiological surveys are needed to determine the extent of genetic variation, to investigate outbreaks, and to identify genotypes associated with antifungal resistance and susceptibility. This study investigated the sequence variation of different constitutive genes and established a novel multilocus sequence typing (MLST) scheme for S. brasiliensis. Specific primers were designed for 16 genes using Primer-BLAST software based on the genome sequences of three S. brasiliensis strains (ATCC MYA-4823, A001 and A005). Ninety-one human, animal, and environmental S. brasiliensis isolates from different Brazilian geographic regions (South, Southeast, Midwest and Northeast) andtwo isolates from Paraguay were sequenced. The loci that presented the highest nucleotide diversity (π) were selected for the MLST scheme. Among the 16 studied genetic loci, four presented increased π value and were able to distinguish all S. brasiliensis isolates into seven distinct haplotypes. The PCR conditions were standardized for four loci. Some of the obtained haplotypes were associated with the geographic origin of the strains. This study presents an important advance in the understanding of this important agent of sporotrichosis in Brazil. It significantly increased the discriminatory power for genotyping of S. brasiliensis isolates, and enabled new contributions to the epidemiological studies of this human and animal pathogen in Brazil and in other countries., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Physical education classes are widely accepted as one of the most effective settings for promoting physical activity and health and have often been used to implement physical activity interventions. The aim of this pilot study was to test a physical education intervention program on physical activity levels and physical fitness in a sample of school-age children., Methods: Participants were a convenience sample of 50 children (34 experimental group and 16 in the comparative group) aged between 6 and 11 years old (Mean = 8.28 years). A 21-week intervention was implemented, consisting of high-intensity and physical fitness-focused exercises, in addition to a once-a-month extra class nutritional education. The following variables were evaluated before and post-intervention: physical fitness, sedentary behavior (SB), light physical activity (LPA), moderate physical activity (MVA), and vigorous physical activity (VPA). Propensity score analyses calculated the average treatment effect on the treated (ATET) within a quasi-experimental framework., Results: Physical fitness variables showed improvements after the intervention, specifically for agility (ATET = -0.67 s; p < 0.001), cardiorespiratory fitness (ATET = 89.27 m; p = 0.045), lower limbs power (ATET = 4.47 centimeters; p = 0.025), and speed (ATET = -1.06 s; p < 0.001). For physical activity and SB levels, there were no improvements after intervention implementation., Conclusion: The intervention program showed preliminary effectiveness to improve physical fitness of children, but not SB nor physical activity., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

This study aims to analyze the repercussions of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on the health of male immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in Brazil. A qualitative study involving 307 adult men living in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic was conducted. Data were collected between August 2021 and March 2022 and interpreted based on the Transcultural Nursing Theory. Cultural care repercussions were identified in various dimensions: technological: changes in daily life and disruptions in routine; religious, philosophical, social, and cultural values: changes stemming from disrupted social bonds, religious practices, and sociocultural isolation; political: experiences of political partisanship, conflicts, government mismanagement, a lack of immigration policies, human rights violations, and xenophobia; educational/economic: challenges arising from economic impoverishment, economic insecurity, unemployment, language difficulties, and challenges in academic and literacy development during the pandemic. The persistence of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil had significant repercussions for the health of migrant men, resulting in a transcultural phenomenon that requires sensitive nursing care. Implications for nursing: the uniqueness of cultural care in nursing and health, as most of the repercussions found were mostly negative, contributed to the increase in social and health vulnerabilities.

Menopause and vitamin D deficiency increase bone reabsorption and bone fracture risk in women in postmenopause, and vitamin D supplementation may improve bone health and decrease bone fracture risk. This study aims to discuss the effect of vitamin D supplementation, isolated or calcium-associated, on remodeling and fracture risk bone in women in postmenopause without osteoporosis. This study was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines (PROSPERO database registration: CRD42022359796). A search was conducted in four databases and gray literature using MeSH and similar terms related to supplements, vitamin D, calcium, remodeling, and fracture bone, without the restriction of language and year of publication. A total of 3460 studies were identified, and nine were selected. Vitamin D supplementation increased 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels ≥10 ng/mL and decreased parathyroid hormone secretion dependent on baseline levels. The doses of 400 IU of vitamin D improved the percentage of carboxylated osteocalcin, whereas 800 to 1000 IU combined with calcium resulted in reduced, improved, or maintained bone mineral density and reduced alkaline phosphatase levels. However, 4000 IU alone or combined with calcium for 6 mo did not improve C-telopeptide and procollagen type 1 peptide levels. Additionally, 15 000 IU/wk increased the cortical area of metacarpal bone, whereas 500 000 IU of vitamin D annually for 5 y did not contribute to reducing the fracture risk and falls. Only one study found a reduction in fracture risk (dose of 800 IU of vitamin D plus 1200 mg of calcium). Thus, the vitamin D supplementation, alone or calcium-associated, improved the status of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and bone remodeling, but it was not possible to assert that it reduced fracture bone risk in postmenopausal women., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Cucumbers have great economic and social importance. Annual worldwide production is approximately 80 million tons (FAOSTAT, 2019), 184 thousand tons of which are produced in Brazil (IBGE, 2020). Leaves with symptoms of anthracnose (necrotic brown or angular spots) were observed on cucumber plants grown in organic systems in September 2021, Pernambuco, Brazil (8°7'45''S, 35°16'167''W). About 40% of the plants fields were infected. Samples were collected and fragments were cut from the margins of the symptomatic tissue. The fragments were superficially disinfected with 70% ethanol (30 s) and 2% sodium hypochlorite (2 min), then washed three times with sterile distilled H2O and dried on sterile filter paper. The fragments were placed on potato dextrose agar (PDA) containing chloramphenicol (50 mg/L) and incubated at 28 ± 2 °C for 3 days. From the fungal isolates obtained, a representative specimen of Colletotrichum spp. was isolated, purified by subculturing from emergent hyphae tips and used for morphological characterization, phylogenetic analysis, and pathogenicity testing. The fungus isolated on PDA formed gray to grayish-black colonies with white aerial mycelia after 7 days. Ascomata were globose to subglobose, 120-200 × 100-150 μm in size (n = 10). Setae formed directly on the hyphae. Asci were 50-70 × 10-12 μm in size, 8-spored, unitunicate, thin-walled, and clavate. Ascospores were 14-22 × 4-5 μm in size (n = 30), hyaline, slightly curved to curved with obtuse to slightly rounded ends. Conidia were hyaline, smooth-walled, aseptate, straight, cylindrical, the apex and base rounded, and 12-15 × 5 μm in size, (n = 30). For molecular identification, the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacers (nrITS), actin (ACT), beta-tubulin (TUB), and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) genes were sequenced (Damm et al. 2019). The sequences obtained were deposited in GenBank (nrITS: OP720945, ACT: OP723523, TUB: OP723525, and GAPDH: OP723524). The sequences from the nrITS region, ACT, TUB2, and GAPDH were highly similar to those from C. plurivorum: nrITS - CBS 125474 (539/539 - 100%; NR&#95;160828); ACT - CBS 125474 (270/271 - 99%; MG600925), TUB2 - CBS 125474 (517/518 - 99%; MG600985); and GAPDH - CBS 125474 (197/197 - 100%; MG600781), respectively. Multilocus phylogenetic analysis was performed using Bayesian inference, which showed that the isolate C. plurivorum FPO04 clustered in the same clade as the ex-type of C. plurivorum (CBS 125474). In the pathogenicity test, leaves of five healthy cucumber plants, previously injured in the middle region with sterile needles, were inoculated with 50 µl of a conidial suspension (1 × 106 spores mL -1) prepared from 7-day-old of colonies of C. plurivorum. Sterile distilled water was used as negative controls. The inoculated plants were maintained in a humid greenhouse chamber for 24 hours. After 7 days, the same anthracnose symptoms seen in the field were observed on the inoculated plants. Control plants remained healthy. Colletotrichum plurivorum was reisolated from symptomatic leaves, fulfilling Koch's postulates. This species has been reported from several crops, including Abelmoschus esculentus (okra) (Damm et al. 2019) and Glycine max (soybeans) (Zaw et al. 2019). To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. plurivorum causing anthracnose on cucumber leaves in Brazil. This report lays the groundwork for future studies to determine management practices for control of this disease in C. sativus.

Hypomagnesemia and unhealthy eating patterns are associated with poor glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study aimed to associate magnesium status and dietary patterns with glycemic control in T2DM individuals. This cross-sectional study included 147 individuals with T2DM, aged between 19 and 59 years, of both sexes, residents in Sergipe/Brazil. The BMI, waist circumference, %body fat, plasma magnesium, serum glucose, insulin, %HbA1c, triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, LDL-c, and HDL-c were analyzed. Eating patterns were identified using a 24-h recall method. Logistic regression models were used to verify the association of magnesium status and dietary patterns with markers of glycemic control by adjusting for sex, age, time of T2DM diagnosis, and BMI. A P value < 0.05 was considered significant. Magnesium deficiency increased the chance of elevated %HbA1c by 5.893-fold (P = 0.041). Three main dietary patterns were identified: mixed (MDP), unhealthy (UDP), and healthy (HDP). UDP also increased the chance of elevated %HbA1c levels (P = 0.034). T2DM individuals' who presented magnesium deficiency had a higher chance of elevated %HbA1c levels (8.312-fold) and those in the lowest quartile (Q) of the UDP (Q1: P = 0.007; Q2: P = 0.043) had a lower chance of elevated %HbA1c levels. However, the lower quartiles of the HDP were associated with a greater chance of alterations in the %HbA1c level (Q1: P = 0.050; Q2: P = 0.044). No association was observed between MDP and the variables studied. Magnesium deficiency and UDP were associated with a higher chance of inadequate glycemic control in T2DM individuals., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Introduction: The presence of post-traumatic stress disorder ( PTSD) symptomatology in firefighters is an ever-pressing issue that requires close attention for adequate interventions. The present study investigated PTSD and global psychopathology prevalence in a sample of highly risk-exposed Portuguese firefighters, collected after the widespread deadly wildfires in 2017 that ravaged the country. Following an action research approach, the aim of this study was to depict this sample and examine the impact of cumulative adverse experiences on their mental health, which is a phenomenon worth attention., Method: From an initial sample of 283 firefighters who manifested interest in participating, a total of 139 firefighters from the Coimbra District, of whom 130 unequivocally experienced a potentially traumatic/adverse event as a firefighter, completed BSI (to obtain indicators on psychopathology), QEPAT (an inventory of adverse events possibly experienced as a firefighter), and PCL-5 (a measure of PTSD symptomatology) through an online survey during the year 2018 by the Regional Medical Organization, as proposed and supervised by the local Centre for Prevention and Treatment of Psychological Trauma (CPTTP)., Results: We found a global prevalence of 8.6% of possible PTSD and 14.4% of possible psychopathology ( n = 139). When considering only firefighters who unequivocally reported a potentially traumatic/adverse event as a firefighter ( n = 130), 9.2% present possible PTSD, and 13.8% present possible global psychopathology. This sample experienced a mean of 28 adverse events during firefighting work. Linear regressions ( n = 118) demonstrated that the perceived severity of the most traumatic event reported and the experience of more adverse events were both related to an increase in PTSD symptomatology. Global psychopathology was associated with PCL-5 scores, with an emphasis on paranoid ideation, hostility, depression, anxiety, and phobic anxiety., Discussion: The severe wildfires of 2017 did not impact PTSD scores in this sample (collected the year after), suggesting that cumulative adverse events are more important than particular episodes. However, the number of reported events was related to PTSD scores. These results can be used to develop interventions that target all firefighters by addressing risk and protective factors. This action research study motivated specialized aid for firefighters involved in this study., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Oliveira, Aires Dias, Duarte, Caldeira, Marques, Rodrigues, Redondo and Castelo-Branco.)

Soil conditioner is class of products used to enhance physics, physicochemical or soil biological activities, being able to recover disturbed or nutritional unbalanced soils. The formulation of a soil conditioner composed by bauxite residue (BR), and organic oil palm wastes, as raw materials, was recently proposed as an innovative strategy for the Brazilian acid soils amendment. Here we show the results of soil conditioner amended soil leaching tests and agronomical performance. The soil conditioners were formulated by BR mixed with decomposed POC (palm oil compost) and non-decomposed POMW (palm oil mill waste) oil palm wastes, in the proportion of 25% BR + 75% POC (T1) and 50% BR + 50% POMW (T2), in addition to the treatment with 100% POMW without BR (T3) and limestone at a dose calculated to raise soil pH to 6.0 (T4). Except for T4, all conditioners were applied to the soil at doses of 40, 80, and 120 t ha -1 for leaching tests. The experimental plots were composed of polyvinyl chloride columns, filled with 5 kg of soil, with bottles adapted with hoses at the bottom to facilitate drainage of the leachate. After leaching tests, the respective columns were used as pots for the cultivation of Brachiaria grass, stage with addition of a control composed by undisturbed soil (T5). The pH of the leachates had changes, but the use of BR associated with POMW was similar to the use of limestone. Of the 65 chemical elements evaluated, only nine were identified in the leachate, being most of them considered as plant nutrients. As for soil pH, limestone was slightly higher (6.6) than treatments that had BR (5.5). Brachiaria grass cultivated in the soil amended with conditioners showed similar results of limestone treated soil for the parameters of plant development and showed fertility improvement., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: High levels of physical fitness established during childhood and adolescence have been associated with positive effects on cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRF), which persist into adulthood. Conversely, a sedentary lifestyle, overweight, and obesity during this period are considered public health problems. These conditions tend to worsen in adulthood, increasing the incidence of chronic diseases, deteriorating CMRF, and consequently leading to higher comorbidity and mortality rates., Objective: To investigate the effect of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and body mass index (BMI) on CMRF in children and adolescents., Methods: The sample consisted of 49 schoolchildren of both sexes aged 10-17 years. Anthropometric assessments, CRF test, muscle strength test, and blood pressure (BP) measurement were conducted. Participants were allocated into groups based on BMI (eutrophic, overweight, obese), and CRF levels (low-fit, normal-fit, and high-fit)., Results: Obese individuals had lower CRF values compared to the eutrophic and overweight groups. The cardiometabolic risk profile (CMRP) was significantly higher in the obese group compared to the eutrophic group but showed no significant difference compared to the overweight group. The hight-fit group had lower CMRP values compared to the low-fit group., Conclusions: Higher BMI and CRF values had negative and positive effects on CMRF and CMRP in schoolchildren, respectively. Overweight or obese schoolchildren with low levels of CRF constitute an unfavourable cardiometabolic risk profile., (© 2023. BioMed Central Ltd., part of Springer Nature.)

Introduction: Investigating the use and adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in MSM is a global health priority in the fight against HIV. Strategies must be capable of increasing usage and reaching not only the population living in the country but also those who immigrate, who face additional vulnerabilities. Based on this, in this observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study, our aim is to analyze the use of PrEP among Brazilian men who have sex with men, whether they are migrants or not. We aim to highlight preventive opportunities and strategies for the global health scenario., Methods: We utilized a sample of Brazilians living in the country and Brazilian immigrants residing in Portugal, one of the main destinations for Brazilians in recent years. To estimate the prevalence ratio (PR) of PrEP use, we employed the Poisson regression model with robust variance estimation using a covariance matrix., Results: A total of 1,117 Brazilian MSM PrEP users participated in this study, with 788 residing in Brazil and 328 in Portugal. Multivariate analysis was conducted in three stages: overall, and for subgroups of residents in Brazil and immigrants in Portugal. We identified four convergent factors that increased the prevalence of PrEP use in Brazilians regardless of migration status: having two or more casual sexual partners per month, engaging in challenging sexual practices as the receptive partner, disclosing serological status on apps, and being single. Among native Brazilians, four unique factors stood out: being in a polyamorous relationship, having sexual relations with unknown casual partners, and having higher levels of education., Discussion: This study highlights the need to implement strategies to strengthen PrEP adherence in Brazil and create international programs that facilitate its usage among populations migrating between these two countries., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Sousa, Lima, Ribeiro, Sousa, Camargo, de Oliveira, Neto, Fronteira and Mendes.)

Purpose: Previous literature has demonstrated the mediating role of adiposity in the association between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and cardiometabolic risk as well as the potential role of CRF in attenuating the adverse consequences associated with excess weight. This study aimed to evaluate the mediating role of CRF and adiposity in the possible association with cardiometabolic risk., Method: Observational 3-year longitudinal study that included 420 children and adolescents (10.50 [2.05] y of age at baseline; 56.2% girls). Body mass index (BMI) was calculated, and CRF was evaluated using field assessments. A clustered cardiometabolic risk score (cMetS) was calculated from glucose, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, and triglycerides z scores. Analyses evaluated the mediating role of BMI in the association between CRF and cMetS as well as whether CRF mediated the association between BMI and cMetS., Results: BMI at baseline was directly associated with the cMetS at follow-up (0.102; 95% confidence interval, 0.020 to 0.181), independently of CRF, whereas CRF was only indirectly associated with cMetS at follow-up through BMI (-0.036; 95% confidence interval, -0.070 to -0.009), meaning that the association between CRF and cMetS was explained via the mediation role of BMI., Conclusions: BMI presented direct association with cMetS, whereas CRF exhibited indirect association with cMetS mediated via BMI.

No study has examined the potential moderating role of recreational substance use in the relationship between the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and academic performance. The aim of this study was to test the potential moderating role of recreational substance use (i.e., alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis) in the association of adherence to the MedDiet with academic performance among adolescents. This cross-sectional study included a sample of 757 adolescents (55.6% girls) aged 12-17 years from the Valle de Ricote (Region of Murcia). The Region of Murcia is an autonomous community of Spain located in the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula, along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Adherence to the MedDiet was assessed by the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for Children and Teenagers (KIDMED). Recreational substance use (i.e., tobacco, alcohol, cannabis) was self-reported by adolescents. Academic performance was assessed by the school records at the end of the academic year. The relationship between adherence to the MedDiet and academic performance was moderated by both tobacco and alcohol use (for grade point average and all school records). In conclusion, higher adherence to the MedDiet was related to greater academic performance in adolescents, but recreational substance use could moderate this association., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a transmembrane protein expressed in normal prostate cells and overexpressed in prostate cancer. Consequently, it is an important tool in the evaluation of prostate cancer, including the staging of high-risk patients and the assessment of biochemical recurrence. Despite the "specific" designation, benign musculoskeletal conditions, such as fractures, osteodegenerative changes, and fibrous dysplasia, can also show PSMA uptake, which can lead to misinterpretation of the imaging findings. Therefore, radiologists must be aware of these potential pitfalls, understand their causes, and fully analyze their morphologic features on unfused computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging scans to correctly interpret the examination. In this pictorial essay, we review the basic characteristics of the 68 Ga-PSMA positron-emission tomography/CT (PET/CT) radiotracer, discuss potential causes of false-positive findings on 68 Ga-PSMA PET/CT in the musculoskeletal system, and illustrate the corresponding imaging findings.

Background: When individuals in the SGM group are diagnosed with cancer and undergo treatment, they experience changes in physical, mental, sexual and spiritual dimensions, which can negatively impact sexual desire, as well as satisfaction and sexual health as a whole. This study aims to examine the existing scientific literature on how healthcare professionals approach sexuality in cancer patients who belong to the SGM group. The SGM group is particularly vulnerable, and the challenges they face in terms of psychosocial and emotional health are further exacerbated by the oncological treatment they receive. Therefore, specialized attention and support are necessary to address their unique needs., Method: To conduct this study, a scoping review was performed following the guidelines established by the Joanna Briggs Institute. By synthesizing the available evidence, this study aims to provide insights and recommendations for healthcare professionals to improve the care and support provided to SGM individuals with cancer. Guiding question: "how do health professionals approach sexuality in cancer patients in a minority group?". The search was carried out in PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, Virtual Health Library, Embase databases and Google Scholar in addition. Specific criteria were used for Evidence source selection, Data mapping, assurance, analysis, and presentation., Results: Fourteen publications were included in this review for the final synthesis, which indicated that the approach to the sexuality of sexual and gender minority groups is based on research whose character is limited in terms of producing care and health care that is congruent in gender and sexuality. The analysis of scientific articles showed that one of the biggest challenges and priorities of health services today is to reduce disparities and promote equity in health for SGM people., Conclusions: This study reveals a significant gap in addressing the sexuality of SGM groups within cancer care. Inadequate research impedes the provision of consistent and inclusive care for SGM individuals, which has a negative impact on their overall wellbeing. Reducing disparities and promoting healthcare equity for SGM individuals must be a top priority for health services., (© 2023. The Author(s).)