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Self-directed violence (SDV), comprising both suicide and self-injury, presents a continued public health challenge for correctional institutions. In fact, correctional settings are one of four primary targets for the reduction of SDV by leading professional organizations. This article presents a public health solution to SDV in correctional settings, namely the Core Competency Model for Corrections (CCM for Corrections), an educational program for correctional mental health providers. Grounded in the general CCM of Suicide Prevention, we proffer an evidence-based sample curriculum covering 10 SDV prevention competencies in correctional settings. These competencies address both clinical care (e.g., enacting evidence-based treatment plans, using best practice documentation standards) and provider-focused (e.g., managing personal attitudes about SDV and incarcerated persons, engaging in self-care and debriefing) skills. We further espouse the underlying social-cognitive theory of CCM for Corrections toward the goal of identifying mechanisms of action for improved SDV prevention skills. Finally, we highlight considerations in the initial design and testing of CCM for Corrections. These recommendations address (a) utilization of a community-academic partnership approach and corrections SDV advisory panel, (b) selection of an in-person or online training modality, and (c) measurement of sample educational program outcomes. The CCM for Corrections represents a promising approach to SDV reduction and management in correctional settings ripe for collaborative pilot testing. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Naphthenic acids comprise one of the most toxic compounds of the produced water released from offshore oil platforms. Therefore, developing and applying faster, simpler, and more efficient analytical methods for analyzing naphthenic acids are urgently needed. Electromembrane extraction (EME) uses the electrokinetic migration of target ions through a porous membrane. Herein, the EME method was applied to extract naphthenic acids from produced water. The EME method was optimized, and the optimal conditions encompassed decanol as the organic solvent, the sample with pH 10.0, 5 min of extraction at 200 V, and the ratio 4:1 (borate buffer/matrix, v/v). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy confirmed charged species' migration from produced water through the EME. Subsequently, all extracts were analyzed by ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometry. The EME efficiency was assessed by comparing the extraction results to the liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) method results. Analytical results showed good linearity for both solvent and matrix curves (

BackgroundVeterans who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and related identities (LGBTQ+) have faced discrimination that puts them at increased risk for depression, anxiety, and suicide. Upstream interventions like the PRIDE in All Who Served program can improve internalized prejudice, suicide attempt likelihood, symptoms of depression, and symptoms of anxiety by addressing minority stress, facilitating social connection, and promoting engagement with the healthcare system. Yet, little is known about who benefits most from these types of services.MethodsSixty-six US military veterans (Mean age = 47.06, SD = 13.74) provided outcome surveys before and after a 10-week health promotion group for LGBTQ+ individuals at one of 10 Veterans Health Administration (VA) Medical Centers. Coping self-efficacy and key demographic factors were examined as moderators of treatment outcomes.ResultsCoping self-efficacy moderated effects across treatment outcomes with those lower in coping self-efficacy beliefs reporting the greatest benefit of the intervention. Reduction in anxiety symptoms was moderated only by problem-solving coping self-efficacy, while suicide attempt likelihood was moderated only by social support. Reduction of internalized prejudice and depression symptoms were moderated by both problem-solving and social support coping self-efficacy, while thought-stopping (a frequent target of traditional cognitive therapies) only moderated internalized prejudice, but not clinical symptom indicators. Most demographic factors (e.g., age, race, gender) did not impact treatment outcomes; however, sexual orientation was significant such that those who identified as bisexual, queer, or something else (e.g., pansexual) had greater reductions in internalized prejudice than their single gender-attracted peers.ConclusionIndividual differences like coping self-efficacy and sexual orientation are rarely considered in clinical care settings when shaping policy or implementing tailored programs. Understanding implications for who is most likely to improve could inform program refinement and implementation of affirming interventions for minoritized people.

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) military veterans have endured a history of discriminatory policies and hetero- and cis-sexist-related military culture that can negatively impact identity and mental health. The present pilot evaluation examined measure characteristics of the Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Identity Scale (LGBIS) and lesbian, gay, and bisexual positive identity measure (LGB-PIM) in a clinical sample of SGM military veterans in order to assess the potential use of these instruments in understanding identity and mental health in the context of program implementation. A cross-sectional pilot survey of 83 SGM veterans was conducted in 10 veterans affairs sites. Self-report data were collected as part of a quality improvement project across 2018 and 2019. Results showed that the sample was characterized by low internalized prejudice and identity uncertainty, as well as generally high positive aspects of identity (e.g., identity affirmation, authenticity, social justice beliefs). LGB-PIM subscale internal consistency values were acceptable (α range = .89-.92), whereas LGBIS subscale values varied (α range = .51-.87). Acceptance concerns, identity uncertainty, and social justice beliefs distinguished mental health symptom severity levels. Higher identity uncertainty and social justice beliefs were associated with worse symptoms of depression, anxiety, and suicide risk. Preliminary results support further application and study of the LGB-PIM and some LGBIS subscales as possible tools in program development and improvement within military veteran samples. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

The 988 telephone number was established by the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020 and implemented in July 2022 as a more accessible way to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Current financial and training resources, however, are insufficient to ensure effective implementation.To better understand the state of the literature on crisis support lines in light of the 988 transition, the authors summarized research on suicidal and nonsuicidal outcomes of callers, research on other types of crisis support services, and the benefits of text- and chat-based crisis lines.Overall, existing evidence for the effectiveness of crisis lines has been weak and has primarily focused on short-term improvements in user distress and on user satisfaction. In addition, research on crisis lines specifically targeted to marginalized populations (e.g., sexual minority groups) and on text- or chat-based crisis lines is lacking.The policy-focused recommendations derived from this review include the need for additional research on crisis lines, design and evaluation of culturally tailored training for volunteers and staff, and ethical oversight of private data collected from crisis services. Scaling up state-level planning and comprehensive crisis systems is necessary to successfully implement 988 and to fill current training and research gaps.

Advancing functional ecology depends fundamentally on the availability of data on reproductive traits, including those from tropical plants, which have been historically underrepresented in global trait databases. Although some valuable databases have been created recently, they are mainly restricted to temperate areas and vegetative traits such as leaf and wood traits. Here, we present Rock n' Seeds, a database of seed functional traits and germination experiments from Brazilian rock outcrop vegetation, recognized as outstanding centers of diversity and endemism. Data were compiled through a systematic literature search, resulting in 103 publications from which seed functional traits were extracted. The database includes information on 16 functional traits for 383 taxa from 148 genera, 50 families, and 25 orders. These 16 traits include two dispersal, six production, four morphological, two biophysical, and two germination traits-the major axes of the seed ecological spectrum. The database also provides raw data for 48 germination experiments, for a total of 10,187 records for 281 taxa. Germination experiments in the database assessed the effect of a wide range of abiotic and biotic factors on germination and different dormancy-breaking treatments. Notably, 8255 of these records include daily germination counts. This input will facilitate synthesizing germination data and using this database for a myriad of ecological questions. Given the variety of seed traits and the extensive germination information made available by this database, we expect it to be a valuable resource advancing comparative functional ecology and guiding seed-based restoration and biodiversity conservation in tropical megadiverse ecosystems. There are no copyright restrictions on the data; please cite this paper when using the current data in publications; also the authors would appreciate notification of how the data are used in publications.O avanço da ecologia funcional depende fundamentalmente da disponibilidade de dados sobre traços reprodutivos, incluindo dados de plantas tropicais, que têm sido historicamente subrepresentados em bancos de dados de traços funcionais globais. Embora alguns bancos de dados valiosos tenham sido criados recentemente, eles são restritos principalmente a áreas temperadas e a traços vegetativos, como traços de folhas e madeira. Neste artigo apresentamos Rock n’ Seeds, um banco de dados de traços funcionais de sementes e experimentos de germinação de vegetações associadas a afloramentos rochosos do Brasil, os quais são reconhecidos como centros notáveis de diversidade e endemismo. Os dados foram compilados através de uma revisão sistemática na literatura, resultando em 103 publicações das quais foram extraídos os traços funcionais das sementes. O banco de dados inclui informações de 16 traços funcionais para 383 taxa de 148 gêneros, 50 famílias e 25 ordens. Estes dezesseis traços incluem dois traços de dispersão, seis de produção, quatro morfológicos, dois biofísicos e dois germinativos; os eixos principais do espectro ecológico da semente. O banco de dados também fornece os dados brutos para 48 experimentos de germinação para um total de 10.187 registros para 281 taxa. Os experimentos de germinação no banco de dados avaliaram o efeito de uma ampla gama de fatores abióticos e bióticos sobre a germinação e diferentes tratamentos de quebra de dormência. Particularmente, 8.255 desses registros incluem a contagem diária da germinação. Estas informações facilitarão a síntese de dados de germinação e a utilização deste banco de dados para uma grande variedade de questões ecológicas. Dada a variedade de traços das sementes e as amplas informações sobre germinação disponibilizadas por este banco de dados, esperamos que ele seja um recurso valioso para o avanço da ecologia funcional comparativa e para orientar a restauração baseada em sementes e a conservação da biodiversidade em ecossistemas tropicais megadiversos. Não há restrições de direitos autorais sobre os dados; favor citar este artigo ao utilizar os dados nas publicações e os autores agradeceriam uma notificação de como os dados são utilizados nas publicações.El avance de la ecología funcional depende fundamentalmente de la disponibilidad de datos sobre rasgos reproductivos-incluyendo los de las plantas tropicales-los cuales han estado poco representados en las bases de datos globales de rasgos. Aunque recientemente se han creado algunas bases de datos valiosas, estas se encuentran restringidas principalmente a las zonas templadas y a los rasgos vegetativos, como los de las hojas y la madera. En este artículo presentamos Rock n' Seeds, una base de datos de rasgos funcionales de semillas y experimentos de germinación de la vegetación asociada a afloramientos rocosos de Brasil, los cuales son destacados centros de diversidad y endemismo. Los datos se recopilaron mediante una búsqueda bibliográfica sistemática, que dio como resultado 103 publicaciones de las que se extrajeron los rasgos funcionales de las semillas. La base de datos incluye información de dieciséis rasgos funcionales para 383 taxones de 148 géneros, 50 familias y 25 órdenes. Estos rasgos incluyen dos rasgos de dispersión, seis de producción, cuatro morfológicos, dos biofísicos y dos de germinación; siendo estos los principales ejes del espectro ecológico de las semillas. La base de datos también proporciona los datos brutos de 48 experimentos de germinación, para un total de 10.187 registros de 281 taxones. Dichos experimentos de germinación evaluaron el efecto de una amplia gama de factores abióticos y bióticos sobre la germinación y de diferentes tratamientos para romper la dormancia. En particular, 8.255 de estos registros cuentan con conteos diarios de germinación. Esto facilitará la síntesis de los datos de germinación y el uso de esta base de datos para una gran diversidad de preguntas ecológicas. Dada la variedad de rasgos de las semillas y la amplia información sobre germinación que ofrece esta base de datos, esperamos que sea un recurso valioso para el avance de la ecología funcional comparativa y para orientar la restauración basada en semillas y la conservación de la biodiversidad en ecosistemas tropicales megadiversos. No hay restricciones de derechos de autor sobre los datos; se solicita citar este documento cuando se utilicen los datos en publicaciones y los autores agradecerán ser notificados sobre cómo se utilizan los datos en las publicaciones.

Background Chagas disease (CD) is still an important public health issue in Latin America. This study aims to analyse the association between socio-epidemiological factors and comorbidities with clinical manifestations of CD. Methods We performed a cross-sectional study of 985 adult patients (65±11 y; 59.5% women) with CD. Data collection was based on questionnaires and medical records review. CD clinical forms (indeterminate, digestive, cardiac and cardiodigestive) and the stages of the cardiac form were classified according to the II Brazilian Consensus on CD. Statistical analyses were based on univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Results Older age and Brazilian birth state (Minas Gerais and Bahia) were associated with a greater likelihood of the cardiac form of CD. A greater likelihood of the digestive form was seen in men and those of older age. Patients with arterial hypertension and diabetes were less likely to have the digestive form. Men had a greater likelihood of having a more severe cardiac presentation. Those from Minas Gerais and Bahia states had a greater likelihood of having stage B1 or B2. Conclusions The results reinforce the aging of the CD population living in urban areas in Brazil, the high prevalence of comorbidities and that epidemiology, sex and the presence of comorbidities may be related to the clinical form of CD.

Purpose: The current study explored how sexual orientation and gender identity interact with race/ethnicity to predict self-reported lifetime and current diagnosis of asthma. Method: Using the 2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey, we conducted logistic regression analyses, weighted for complex samples, stratified by sexual orientation and gender identity and controlling for race/ethnicity, age, smoking, population density, and body mass index (BMI). Results: Analyses showed significantly higher adjusted odds of lifetime asthma among sexual minority men (gay: AOR = 1.52 [1.21, 1.92]; bisexual: AOR = 1.31 [1.03, 1.65]), sexual minority women (gay/lesbian: AOR = 1.64 [1.21, 2.24]; bisexual: AOR = 1.67 [1.41, 1.98]; other minority sexual orientation: AOR = 1.37 [1.07, 1.75]), and transgender individuals (transgender men: AOR = 2.84 [1.38, 5.81]; gender nonconforming: AOR = 2.13 [1.30, 3.46]), and higher odds of current asthma among sexual minority men (bisexual: AOR = 1.57 [1.01, 2.43]; other minority sexual orientation: AOR = 1.89 [1.04, 3.44]). Sexual minority men of color (AOR = 1.92 [1.07, 3.46]) had significantly higher adjusted odds of current asthma, whereas transgender individuals of color (AOR = .19 [.06, .67]) were significantly less likely to currently have asthma. Conclusions: Sexual minority men of color might be particularly vulnerable to chronic asthma, though future research should examine asthma risks of sexual and gender minorities (SGM) of specific marginalized racial/ethnic groups. Future responses to SGM asthma inequities should include public health campaigns, low-cost screening and treatment targeting SGM individuals, and policies improving air quality in urban areas.

In this work, an analytical electrochemical method was developed using a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) for the determination of amiloride (AMI). To study the electrochemical behavior of AMI, the cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry techniques were used, adding a AMI solution in 0.1 mol L−1 BR buffer solution (pH 2.0) to the electrochemical cell. A reversible AMI oxi-reduction process was revealed in the scan rate of + 0.4 to − 0.1 V. The DPV parameters optimized were the scan rate (10 mV s−1) and amplitude (70 mV). After parameters optimization, the linear working range was from 9.90 to 90.9 μmol L−1, with detection limit of 5.19 μmol L−1 and quantification limit of 17.3 μmol L−1. The validity of the electroanalytical method for the determination of AMI in biological fluids (urine and serum) was demonstrated. The proposed method is advantageous due to its good sensitivity, speed, simplicity, precision, and accuracy towards AMI quantification.

Black same-gender loving men (BSGLM) represent a population with understudied lived experiences as both racial and sexual minority individuals. Most existing research among BSGLM focuses on sexual health outcomes in the context of minority stress, without consideration of the full experiences of BSGLM or strengths-based approaches. The present study aimed to address this gap in the literature by examining self-love among BSGLM using a phenomenological qualitative approach.Adult BSGLM in the U.S. (Three major themes related to self-love among BSGLM emerged: (a) Freedom of identity, meaning participants' ability to construct an identity outside of societal expectations; (b) Community connection and pride, or participants' connection to and pride derived from the BSGLM community; and (c) Adversarial growth and resilience, or ways that adversity related to BSGLM identity generated personal growth.Current findings may have clinical implications. Using narrative therapy approach, facilitating connectedness to the BSGLM community, and implementing gratitude interventions in therapeutic settings may enhance self-love and positive self-regard among BSGLM. Future research should continue to give voice to the full lived experience of BSGLM. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

A voltammetric sensor based on the electropolymerization of cobalt-poly(methionine) (Co-poly(Met)) on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was developed and applied for the determination of estriol by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) for the first time. The electrochemical properties of the Co-poly(Met)/GCE were analysed by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were used to characterize the polymers on the GCE surface. The deposition of the Co-poly(Met) film on the GCE surface enhanced the sensor electronic transfer. CV studies revealed that estriol exhibits an irreversible oxidation peak at +0.58 V for the Co-poly(Met)/GCE (vs. Ag/AgCl reference electrode) in 0.10 mol/L Britton-Robinson buffer solution (pH = 7.0). Different voltammetric scan rates (10–200 mV/s) suggested that the estriol oxidation on the Co-poly(Met)/GCE surface is controlled by adsorption and diffusion processes. Based on the optimized DPV conditions, the linear responses for estriol quantification were from 0.596 μmol/L to 4.76 μmol/L (R2 = 0.996) and from 5.66 μmol/L to 9.90 μmol/L (R2 = 0.994) with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.0340 μmol/L and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.113 μmol/L. The DPV-Co-poly(Met)/GCE method provided good intra-day and inter-day repeatability with RSD values lower than 5%. Also, no interference of real sample matrices was observed on the estriol voltammetric response, making the DPV-Co-poly(Met)/GCE highly selective for estriol. The accuracy test showed that the estriol recovery was in the ranges 96.7%–103% and 98.7%–102% for pharmaceutical tablets and human urine, respectively. The estriol quantification in pharmaceutical tablets performed by the Co-poly(Met)/GCE-assisted DPV method was comparable to the official analytical protocols. Keywords: Estriol, Electroanalysis, Differential pulse voltammetry, Cobalt-poly(methionine) film-modified glassy carbon electrode

Additional file 9: File format: Microsoft Word .docx file. Title: Evidence of differential gene expression between those with and without Alzheimer's disease for 3q13.11 candidate genes. Description: Data are stored in the Synapse repository, Synapse ID: syn11914606, https://www.synapse.org/#!Synapse:syn11914606 , file meta.anlz.ad_cntrl.tsv, which included no values for CCDC54 or HHLA2. Legend: z.fixed = Z statistic for the fixed effects model, p.fixed = p-value for fixed effect model, z.random = Z statistic for the random effects model, p.random = p-value for the random effects model, fdr.fixed = false discovery rate from the fixed effects model, fdr.random = false discovery rate from random effects model. Results reaching the significance level of fdr.random < 0.05 are highlighted in bold.

Supplemental material, sj-pdf-1-jbr-10.1177_07487304211030420 for Compared Heritability of Chronotype Instruments in a Single Population Sample by Mario A. Leocadio-Miguel, Francieli S. Ruiz, Sabrina S. Ahmed, Tâmara P. Taporoski, Andréa R. V. R. Horimoto, Felipe Beijamini, Mario Pedrazzoli, Kristen L. Knutson, Alexandre C. Pereira and Malcolm von Schantz in Journal of Biological Rhythms

Additional file 2: File format: Microsoft Word .docx file. Title: Linkage disequilibrium blocks within regions with either genome-wide significant or suggestive evidence for association between local ancestry and Alzheimer’s disease. Description: Regions reaching at least suggestive evidence of association with Alzheimer’s disease are defined and the evidence for that association is summarized. Abbreviations: Chr = chromosome, Position = physical positions based on GRCh37/hg19 map, SNP = single nucleotide polymorphism, Effect size (95%CI): odds ratio for AD followed by the 95% confidence interval.

Additional file 8: File format: Microsoft Word .docx file. Title: Significant cis expression quantitative loci (eQTLs) for candidate genes within 3q13.11 region of interest. Description: Evidence that genotypes at a marker are associated with gene expression values. Results are filtered to only include those with false discovery rate < 0.05. Data are stored in the Synapse repository, Synapse ID: syn17015233, https://www.synapse.org/#!Synapse:syn17015233 . Legend: Chr = chromosome, Position = GRCh37 position of the variant on chromosome 3, Z = Z statistic, FDR = false discovery rate, β = estimated effect size, A1 = allele 1, A2 = allele 2, A2freq = observed frequency of the A2 allele, Aup = allele associated with increased expression of the gene.

Binge alcohol consumption elicits robust sympathoexcitation and excitatory neuronal output. However, the central mechanism that mediates these effects remains elusive. We investigated the effects of ethanol metabolism within the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) on sympathoexcitation, and elucidated the role of acetate in these excitatory responses.In vivoarterial blood pressure, heart rate and sympathetic nerve activity responses to CeA microinjected ethanol or acetate with appropriate inhibitors/antagonists were tracked.In vitrowhole-cell electrophysiology recording responses to acetate in CeA neurons with axon projecting to the rostral ventrolateral medulla (CeA-RVLM) were investigated, and cytosolic calcium responses in primary neuronal cultures were quantified. We demonstrate that in Sprague Dawley rats, local brain metabolism of ethanol in the CeA to acetic acid/acetate elicits sympathoexcitatory responsesin vivothrough activation of NMDA receptor (NMDAR). Alcohol dehydrogenase or aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibition using fomepizole or cyanamide and NMDAR antagonism using AP5 or memantine blunted these effects. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in brain slices containing autonomic CeA-RVLM neurons revealed a dose-dependent increase in neuronal excitability in response to acetate. NMDAR antagonists suppressed the acetate-induced increase in CeA-RVLM neuronal excitability, and memantine suppressed the direct activation of NMDAR-mediated inward currents by acetate in brain slices. We observed that acetate increased cytosolic Ca2+in a time-dependent manner in primary neuronal cell cultures. The acetate enhancement of calcium signaling was abolished by memantine. These findings suggest that within the CeA, ethanol is sympathoexcitatory through local brain metabolism, which generates acetic acid/acetate leading to activation of NMDAR.NEW AND NOTEWORTHYBrain ethanol metabolism to acetic acid (vinegar)/acetate causes activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) in the central nucleus of the amygdala and elicits sympathoexcitatory responses. This excitatory mechanism is opposite to the inhibitory effects of ethanol at NMDAR. Understanding the active compounds that arise from ethanol metabolism, and the molecular mechanisms by which they influence alcohol reward and cardiovascular function, may be beneficial in developing targeted intervention strategies for both alcohol use disorder and its cardiovascular sequelae.Graphical FigureProposed mechanisms for ethanol and acetate induced increases in sympathoexcitation within the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA). Abbreviations: Acetic acid (HOAc), acetate (-OAc), ADH (alcohol dehydrogenase), ALDH (aldehyde dehydrogenase), BBB (blood brain barrier), FOM (fomepizole), CYAN (cyanamide), CYP450 (cytochrome P450), IML (intermediolateral nucleus), RVLM (rostral ventrolateral medulla), SNA (sympathetic nerve activity).

In this paper a novel supramolecular strategy to improve the efficiency of a voltammetric sensor to determine two biologically relevant molecules (epinephrine (EP) and uric acid (UA)) is presented. The strategy is based on the use of a glassy carbon electrode modified with a copper(II) complex ([Cu(H2dimpy)Cl]PF6) adsorbed on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The [Cu(H2dimpy)Cl]PF6/MWCNT composite-supported electrode was characterized by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The electrocatalytic oxidation of EP and UA using the sensor was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and square wave voltammetry. Under optimized conditions, voltammetric peak currents showed a linear response for the EP and UA concentrations in the ranges 0.5-159.2 and 0.2-58.5 µmol L−1, whereas the limits of detection were 0.2 and 0.05 µmol L−1, respectively. The sensor was successfully applied in the selective and simultaneous determination of EP and UA in human urine samples. Thus, our results showed that the supramolecular strategy was successful to build an efficient sensor for simultaneous detection of these molecules in biological samples.

A selective, simple and rapid square wave voltammetry method, based on electropolymerization of l-cysteine (poly(l-Cys)) on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE), was developed in this study for simultaneous determination of ethionamide and pyrazinamide. Electroanalytical and electrochemical properties of the poly(l-Cys)/GCE were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), square wave voltammetry (SWV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM). The cyclic voltammetry studies revealed an remarkable electrocatalytic activity of poly(l-Cys)/GCE on ethionamide and pyrazinamide at pH 1.0. The best potential separation between the reduction peaks of the drugs in a mixed solution was found to be 0.14V. It was also found that pyrazinamide exhibits a reversible wave with Epc and Epa at -404mV and -347mV (versus EAg/AgCl), respectively, while ethionamide presents an irreversible reduction peak at Epc=-536mV. The optimized calibration curves for simultaneous determination of ethionamide and pyrazinamide exhibited good and high linear responses within the concentration range 2.38-248.0µmolL(-1) and 0.476-51.2µmolL(-1), respectively. The limit of detection was found to be 0.531µmolL(-1) for ethionamide and 0.113µmolL(-1) for pyrazinamide. The poly(l-Cys)/GCE-based square wave voltammetry method was successfully used to determine ethionamide and pyrazinamide in human urine and blood serum.

Purpose To evaluate the nutritional status and behavior of animals fed a cafeteria diet from the onset of lactation after the addition of risperidone. Methods During the lactation period, 14 litters of Wistar rats (dam + 8 pups) were fed one of two diets: control (CTRL; n = 7) or cafeteria (CAF; n = 7). After weaning, the males were placed in individual cages, receiving the same diet as offered to their respective dams. Food and caloric intake, body weight, feed and energy efficiency, and adipose tissue weight were evaluated in the male offspring. In adulthood, they were assigned to receive treatment with saline (CTRL-S, CAF-S) or risperidone (CTRL-R, CAF-R) (n = 21 in each group). They then underwent behavioral testing, which included the elevated plus maze, open field, object recognition, and social interaction tests. Variance analysis (ANOVA) was used, followed by Newman–Keuls when p-values were Results The CAF group exhibited higher caloric intake, weight gain, feed efficiency, and adipose tissue than the CTRL group. The animals in the CAF group exhibited oxidative stress characteristics in the hippocampus, which may have compromised the function of this structure and promoted behavioral changes. The CAF-S group exhibited anxiety, as indicated by the greater number of entrances and time spent in the center of the open field. They also showed greater locomotion through a greater number of quadrants traveled. CAF-S animals also demonstrated memory impairments, assessed using the object recognition test, and decreased social interaction. The CAF-R group demonstrated anxiety and decreased locomotion in the open field. There was a decrease in their interaction with both objects in the object recognition test. The CAF-R group obtained greater sociability in the social interaction test. Such effects may be associated with changes in the serotonergic system of these animals. Conclusion Risperidone administered to animals on a cafeteria diet led to a greater reduction in locomotion, had an anxiogenic effect, caused impaired memory, and improved social interaction.

Inverse Models QTQt

A new voltammetric sensor based on electropolymerization of glycine at glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was developed and applied to determine of pyrazinamide (PZA) by square-wave voltammetry (SWV). The initial cyclic voltammetric studies showed an electrocatalytic activity of poly(Gly)/GCE on redox system of pyrazinamide in 0.1 mol L−1 phosphate buffer solution pH 7.5, with E Pc and E Pa in −0.85 and −0.8 V (versus E Ag/AgCl), respectively. Studies at different scan rates suggest that the redox system of pyrazinamide at poly(Gly)/GCE is a process controlled by diffusion in the interval from 10 to 100 mV s−1. Square-wave voltammetry-optimized conditions showed a linear response of PZA concentrations in the range from 0.47 to 6.15 μmol L−1 (R = 0.998) with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.035 μmol L−1 and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.12 μmol L−1. The developed SWV-poly(Gly)/GCE method provided a good intra-day (RSD = 3.75 %) and inter-day repeatability (RSD = 4.96 %) at 4.06 μmol L−1 PZA (n = 10). No interference of matrix of real samples was observed in the voltammetric response of PZA, and the method was considered to be highly selective for the compound. In the accuracy test, the recovery was found in the range of 98.2 and 104.0 % for human urine samples and pharmaceutical formulation (tablets). The PZA quantification results in pharmaceutical tablets obtained by the proposed SWV-poly(Gly)/GCE method were comparable to those found by official analytical protocols.

Trypanosomatid parasites are causative agents of neglected human diseases. Their lineage diverged early from the common eukaryotic ancestor, and they evolved singular mechanisms of gene expression that are crucial for their survival. Studies on unusual and essential molecular pathways lead to new drug targets. In this respect, assays to analyze transcriptional activity will provide useful information to identify essential and specific factors. However, the current methods are laborious and do not provide global and accurate measures. For this purpose, a previously reported radiolabeling in vitro nascent mRNA methodology was used to establish an alternative fluorescent-based assay that is able to precisely quantify nascent mRNA using both flow cytometry and a high-content image system. The method allowed accurate and global measurements in Trypanosoma brucei, a representative species of trypanosomatid parasites. We obtained data demonstrating that approximately 70% of parasites from a population under normal growth conditions displayed mRNA transcriptional activity, whilst the treatment with α-amanitin (75 µg/ml) inhibited the polymerase II activity. The adaptation of the method also allowed the analyses of the transcriptional activity during the cell cycle. Therefore, the methodology described herein contributes to obtaining precise measurements of transcriptional rates using multiparametric analysis. This alternative method can facilitate investigations of genetic and biochemical processes in trypanosome parasites and consequently provide additional information related to new treatment or prophylaxis strategies involving these important human parasites.

This article describes a study of the influence of parameters of the hydrothermal synthesis on the structural characteristics and photocatalytic activity of the materials synthesized from peroxytitanium complex precursor. The materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM). The active oxidative species produced on the photocatalyst surface were investigated by measuring the fluorescence derived from their reaction with terephthalic acid (TPA). Also, the photocatalytic efficiency of the synthesized materials was assessed by monitoring the degradation of the methylene blue (MB) dye. The morphological characteristics and photocatalytic efficiency of the synthesized materials exhibited greater dependence on temperature than time of synthesis. The photocatalytic results show that the main factor for the effectiveness of the synthesized materials was crystallinity. Furthermore, it was observed that the photodegradation process occurred by the attack of active radicals on the MB molecules and not by the direct oxidation of adsorbed MB molecules on the photocatalyst surface.

Despite photocatalytic degradation is studied generally focusing the catalyst, its interaction with the contaminant molecule plays a fundamental role in the efficiency of that process. Then, we proposed a comparative study about the photodegradation of two well-known dyes, with different acidity/basicity - Methylene Blue (MB) and Rhodamine B (RhB), catalyzed by TiO2 nanoparticles, varying both dye and photocatalyst concentrations. The results showed that the amphoteric character of MB molecules, even in a range of concentration of 5.0-10.0 mg L(-1) , did not imply in pH variation in solution. Therefore, it did not affect the colloidal behavior of TiO2 nanoparticles, independent of the relative dye/catalyst concentration. The acid-base character of RhB influenced the resultant pH of the solution, implicating in different colloidal behavior of the nanoparticles and consequently, in different degradation conditions according to dye concentration. As the isoelectric point of TiO2 is between the pH range of the RhB solutions used in this study, from 1.0 to 7.5 mg L(-1) , the resultant pH was the key factor for degradation conditions, from a well dispersed to an agglomerated suspension.

Perioperative management of patients undergoing lung transplantation (LTx) is complex and requires close coordination between anesthesiologists, surgeons, perfusionists, and critical care physicians. Thorough preoperative evaluation, careful anesthesia induction, intensive intraoperative monitoring, meticulous titration of anesthetic and vasoactive medications, and clear communication with the surgical and postoperative care team are essential. LTx is now most frequently performed without extracorporeal support, requiring patients with end-stage lung disease to be subjected to extended periods of one-lung ventilation. The decision to implement extracorporeal support is a clinical one, taking into account preoperative information and intraoperative stability. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography plays an important role in hemodynamic management and the early detection and management of complications. Primary graft dysfunction is a common source of morbidity and mortality and requires optimal supportive care by the peri-operative team. Postoperative pain management with epidural block may facilitate recovery after LTx.

Summary Nucleo‐cytoplasmic RNA export is an essential post‐transcriptional step to control gene expression in eukaryotic cells and is poorly understood in apicomplexan parasites. With the exception of UAP56, a component of TREX (Transcription Export) complex, other components of mRNA export machinery are not well conserved in divergent supergroups. Here, we use Toxoplasma gondii as a model system to functionally characterize TgUAP56 and its potential interaction factors. We demonstrate that TgUAP56 is crucial for mRNA export and that functional interference leads to significant accumulation of mRNA in the nucleus. It was necessary to employ bioinformatics and phylogenetic analysis to identify orthologs related to mRNA export, which show a remarkable low level of conservation in T. gondii. We adapted a conditional Cas9/CRISPR system to carry out a genetic screen to verify if these factors were involved in mRNA export in T. gondii. Only the disruption of TgRRM_1330 caused accumulation of mRNA in the nucleus as found with TgUAP56. This protein is potentially a divergent partner of TgUAP56, and provides insight into a divergent mRNA export pathway in apicomplexans.

To date, no begomovirus has been fully characterized from Euphorbia heterophylla, a widely distributed weed, in Brazil. Here, we show the occurrence of a new begomovirus on E. heterophylla plants showing bright yellow mosaic. The bipartite viral genome was cloned from 10 samples, and all clones are almost identical to each other (95.6-98.8% nucleotide sequence identity). The DNA-A sequences shared a maximum nucleotide sequence identity of 87.3% with euphorbia mosaic Peru virus (EuMPV) and thus were classified as belonging to a novel begomovirus species, tentatively named Euphorbia yellow mosaic virus (EuYMV). The EuYMV DNA-B sequences share a maximum nucleotide sequence identity of 56.2% with a euphorbia mosaic virus (EuMV) isolate from Mexico. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that this new virus belongs to a different lineage than EuMV isolates from Central America.

Various strategies for the synthesis of anatase TiO2 nanoparticles and nanocomposites with particular morphologies and stability are currently generating a lot of interest and many research papers. In this study, composites of TiO2/CoFe2O4 in nanometric sizes were prepared by the polymeric precursor method. These materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, surface area through N2 physisorption, Zeta potential, scanning and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The photocatalytic potential of the nanocomposites prepared was assessed by photodegradation of rhodamine B dye and atrazine pesticide under UV light. The materials showed photocatalytic activity due to the presence of TiO2 on their surface, associated with the magnetic activity of CoFe2O4 cores, which is useful for the separation and recovery of the photocatalysts after use in an oxidative process. In rhodamine photodegradation, pure TiO2 showed higher photocatalytic efficiency than the nanocomposites. However, in atrazine photodegradation, the nanocomposites were more effective, being this effect attributed to difference in charge at the surface of pure TiO2 and of nanocomposites, which enables adsorption processes of atrazine molecules on nanocomposites surface, and consequently, their higher photoactivity.

This paper describes the development of nanostructured thin films of TiO2 and Ag:TiO2 with different Ag loading content and with various number of layers by the polymeric precursor method, in order to test them in the photocatalysis of the degradation of textile dyes, using rhodamine B as a standard. Analysis of the films showed that the adopted method could be used to synthesize pure anatase and the silver-decorated phase. Moreover, 0.25% Ag:TiO2 thin film showed enhanced photocatalytic efficiency. The tests with film of different thickness showed that for pure TiO2, the increase in film thickness was the only factor responsible for improving the photocatalytic activity, whereas for the Ag:TiO2 thin films, the increase in photocatalytic activity was related to associate effects: the electron transfer from TiO2 to Ag, reducing the electron–hole recombination, and the increase in film thickness.

This paper presents a comparative study on the electrochemical behavior of the flavonoid rutin on a rigid carbon-polyurethane composite electrode and on a glassy carbon electrode. The electrochemical oxidation reaction of rutin was found to be quasireversible and affected by adsorption on the electrode surface. A square-wave voltammetric method was developed for determination of rutin in green tea infusion samples using the RCPE electrode and data treatment by a deconvolution procedure. The detection limit achieved in buffered solutions was 7.1×10−9 mol L−1 using the RCPE and 1.7×10−8 mol L−1 using the GC electrode the average reproducibility for five determinations being 3.5%.

A simple and sensitive method using first-derivative ultraviolet spectrophotometry (DS-UV) was developed, validated, and compared to the high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for quantification of paclitaxel (PTX) in a liposomal formulation. Different analytical performance parameters such as linearity, accuracy, precision, specificity, detection, and quantification limits were determined according to International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. No interference from the lipid compounds was detected in the HPLC and the DS-UV methods at 246 nm. Linearity determined for paclitaxel concentrations ranging from 6.0 to 24.0 µg mL-1 presented a correlation coefficient higher than 0.999 for both methods. Relative standard deviation (RSD) values lower than 2% for intra- and inter-day precision data could be obtained. Accuracy mean values ranged from 98.9 to 102.0%. Robustness data showed that the PTX content was unaffected by the alteration proposed. Both methods were adequate to quantify the drug in the liposomal formulation. DS-UV proved to be rapid, accurate, selective, sensitive, and, therefore, an attractive tool for routine determination of PTX.

Onychomycosis constitutes up to 50% of all nail disorders. Toenails are generally affected, mostly due to dermatophytes. Terbinafine is the most potent antifungal agent in vitro against dermatophytes. There are few randomised controlled trials using a non-continuous dose of terbinafine. The aim of this open-label pilot study was to reduce the total drug amount, the collateral effects and, specially, the costs; albeit maintaining the same efficacy of the standard regimens. Compare the outcomes of two different intermittent regimens with the same total amount of the medication (42 tablets in 6 months). Forty-one patients were divided into the following groups: terbinafine 250 mg day(-1) , for 7 days, monthly or terbinafine 500 mg day(-1) , once daily, for 7 days, every 2 months, both plus nail abrasion during 6 months. The efficacy was evaluated at months 6, 12 and 18 using the disease free nail criteria. Total cure = group I: eight patients (44.4%) and group II: eight patients (44.4%). Partial cure = group I: five patients (27.8%) and group II: four patients (22.2%). Treatment failure = group I: five patients (27.8%) and group II: three patients (16.7%). Recurrence = group I: zero patients (0.0%) and group II: three patients (16.7%). Two intermittent dosing regimens of terbinafine plus nail abrasion proved to be an alternative statistically effective, safe and with reduced drug costs for dermatophytes toenail onychomycosis.

Antibody responses to malaria invasion ligands and proteins on the merozoite surface have been shown to interfere with red cell invasion and correlate with immunity to malaria. The current study is the first to characterize the antibody responses to EBA-140 and EBA-181, Plasmodium falciparum invasion ligands implicated in the alternative pathways of invasion, in age-matched populations of individuals living in endemic areas in both Brazil and Cameroon. Antibody responses to the proteins screened were different between populations. The African individuals reacted strongly with most fragments of these two EBAs, while the majority of the individuals from Mato Grosso, Brazil, reacted weakly and those from the Amazon had elevated responses to these EBA proteins. When compared with the responses against MSP-1(19) and EBA-175, it appeared that the Brazilian population has a variable ability to recognize P. falciparum invasion ligand proteins and that these responses are distinct from the African population.

OBJECTIVE: To describe an atypical case of Down syndrome presenting with additional clinical manifestations that might be components of Kabuki (Niikawa-Kuroki) syndrome.CLINICAL REPORT: We report the clinical history of a 19-month-old girl with a 47,XX, +21 karyotype, who presented brachycephaly, flat face, long palpebral fissures, eversion of the lateral portion of the lower eyelids, arched eyebrows with sparse lateral regions, long eyelashes, epicanthus, cortical cataract, small ears, protruding tongue, muscular hypotonia, developmental delay, hyperflexibility of joints, brachydactyly, and dermatoglyphic abnormalities.CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of Down syndrome was confirmed cytogenetically. However, the presence of additional anomalies - mainly in the ocular region - suggested that the child might also have the Kabuki syndrome.

No presente artigo narro algumas vivencias como professora de Educacao Especial, acontecidas na Escola Padre Francisco Silva. Desde uma perspectiva de inclusao me questiono sobre as dificuldades encontradas no cotidiano escolar para dar conta da diversidade. Na busca por compreender historicamente o caminho percorrido pelas pessoas portadoras de necessidades especiais, faco um dialogo com Pessoti (1984) quem me oferece elementos para ter uma compreensao maior das dificuldades que ate hoje enfrentamos em relacao a diversidade. Palavras-chave Diversidade; Inclusao; Historia Abstract In the present article I narrate some experiences like professor of Special Education, that occurred in the school Padre Francisco Silva. From an inclusion perspective, I question myself on the difficulties found daily in school to give account of diversity. In the search to understand historically the way crossed by people with special necessities, I make a dialogue with Pessoti (1984) who offers me the elements to have a greater understanding of the difficulties than until today we face in relation to diversity. Keywords Diversity; Inclusion; History