The spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through multiple reservoirs is a global concern. Wastewater is a critical AMR dissemination source, so this study aimed to assess the persistence of ...resistance genetic markers in wastewater using a culture-independent approach. Raw and treated wastewater samples (n = 121) from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), a human hospital, a veterinary hospital, and a pig farm were monthly collected and concentrated by filtration. DNA was extracted directly from filter membranes, and PCR was used in the qualitative search of 32 antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). Selected genes (bla
, bla
, qnrB, and mcr-1) were enumerated by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Twenty-six ARGs were detected in the qualitative ARGs search, while quantitative data showed a low variation of the ARG's relative abundance (RA) throughout the months, especially at the human hospital and the WWTP. At the WWTP, despite significantly reducing the absolute number of gene copies/L after each treatment stage (p < 0.05), slight increases (p > 0.05) in the RAs of genes bla
, qnrB, and mcr-1 were observed in reused water (tertiary treatment) when compared with secondary effluent. Although the increase is not statistically significant, it is worth noting that there was some level of ARGs concentration after the disinfection process. No significant absolute or relative after-treatment quantification reductions were observed for any ARGs at the veterinary hospital or the pig farm. The spread of ARGs through sewage needs to be continuously addressed, because their release into natural environments may pose potential risks of exposure to resistant bacteria and impact local ecosystems.
Pedaling asymmetry is claimed as a factor of influence on injury and performance. However, the evidence is still controversial. Most previous studies determined peak torque asymmetries, which in our ...understanding does not consider the pattern of movement like torque profiles. Here we demonstrate that asymmetries in pedaling torque at different exercise intensities can be better described when the torque profiles are considered using functional analysis of variance than when only the peak values are analyzed. We compared peak torques and torque curves recorded while cyclists pedaled at submaximal intensities of 60%, 80%, and 95% of the maximal power output and compared data between the preferred and non-preferred legs. ANOVA showed symmetry or rather no difference in the amount of peak torque between legs, regardless of pedaling intensity. FANOVA, on the other hand, revealed significant asymmetries between legs, regardless of cycling intensity, apparently for different sections of the cycle, however, not for peak torque, either. We conclude that pedaling asymmetry cannot be quantified solely by peak torques and considering the analysis of the entire movement cycle can more accurately reflect the biomechanical movement pattern. Therefore, FANOVA data analysis could be an alternative to identify asymmetries. A novel approach as described here might be useful when combining kinetics assessment with other approaches like EMG and kinematics and help to better understand the role of pedaling asymmetries for performance and injury risks.
Abstract
Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) becomes an interesting epidemiological approach to monitoring the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 broadly and non-invasively. Herein, we employ for the first ...time WBE, associated or not with the PEG 8000 precipitation method, for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in samples of raw or treated wastewater from 22 municipal wastewater treatment stations (WWTPs) located in Salvador, the fourth most populous city in Brazil. Our results demonstrate the success of the application of WBE for detecting SARS-CoV-2 in both types of evaluated samples, regardless of the usage of PEG 8000 concentration procedure. Further, an increase in SARS-CoV-2 positivity rate was observed in samples collected in months that presented the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases (May/2021, June/2021 and January/2022). While PEG 8000 concentration step was found to significantly increase the positivity rate in treated wastewater samples (
p
< 0.005), a strong positive correlation (r: 0.84;
p
< 0.002) between non-concentrated raw wastewater samples with the number of new cases of COVID-19 (April/2021–February/2022) was observed. In general, the present results reinforce the efficiency of WBE approach to monitoring the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in either low- or high-capacity WWTPs. The successful usage of WBE even in raw wastewater samples makes it an interesting low-cost tool for epidemiological surveillance.
Purpose
Living with diabetes can be challenging, particularly when it comes to dealing with psychological distress and requiring self-care directives. Patients may feel frustrated, angry, ...overwhelmed, and discouraged. This study aimed to investigate the diabetes-related distress and quality of life among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
Methods
A cross-sectional study carried out at the Clinical Research Centre at the University of Campinas, Brazil, between September 2020 and April 2021. Patients answered data regarding demographic and clinical variables, the Brazilian version of the Diabetes Distress Scale and the Diabetes Quality of Life (QOL) Measure by telephone contact. The data were managed using the RedCap System. For statistical analysis of the data, the Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis tests were applied for comparisons, and the Chi-square test for associations. The correlations were evaluated using the Spearman correlation coefficient.
Results
Out of the 302 participants we recruited, 50.33% exhibited significant diabetes-related distress. Those with elevated diabetes-related distress scores had shorter education levels (
p
< 0.05), lower HbA1c levels (
p
< 0.05), and lower total scores in Diabetes QOL Measure (
p
< 0.0001), particularly in the QOL impact (
p
< 0.0001), social/vocational worry (
p
< 0.05), and diabetes worry (
p
< 0.0001) subscales compared to the group with the lowest diabetes-related distress.
Conclusion
Elevated diabetes-related stress scores significantly affect patients’ QOL. Therefore, early screening of individuals at risk for this condition, using well-coordinated protocols, could mitigate adverse QOL effects and enhance their overall experience during disease management.
Milk is considered one of the basic raw materials of animal origin; it must present hygienic quality and physical–chemical properties suitable for processing and human consumption. Thus, the ...ingestion of milk
in natura
when not properly treated can be characterized as an opportunistic route of transmission of possible microbial pathogens, which can offer risks to public health. The present study aimed the yeast identification, to analyze the thermo-resistance of yeasts isolated from fresh milk, and to trace the susceptibility profile of the isolates to antifungal agents. For this, 23 samples of fresh milk type B, collected by manual or mechanical milking, were stored in collective refrigeration tanks of farms located in the Metropolitan Region of Natal and nearby, State of Rio Grande do Norte (RN), Brazil. Twenty samples of fresh milk commercially traded in the city of Ceará-Mirim RN were also analyzed. The yeasts were quantified by count of colony-forming units (CFU). All isolated species were treated by slow pasteurization (62–64 °C for 30 min) and fast (72–75 °C for 20 s), as well as by boiling (100 °C). Fifty yeast strains were obtained, and the species were identified as
Candida tropicalis
(28%),
Candida parapsilosis
(14%),
Candida albicans
(12%),
Candida glabrata
(10%),
Candida krusei
(10%),
Kluyveromyces marxianus
(10%),
Candida guilliermondii
(8%),
Candida rugosa
(2%),
Candida orthopsilosis
(2%),
Pichia manshurica
(2%), and
Kodamaea ohmeri
(2%). Five isolates showed resistance to the antifungal agents tested. Among all the isolates submitted to heat treatment, 80% were resistant to fast pasteurization and 60% to boiling, but none of them resisted the slow pasteurization. The milk collected through mechanical milking and stored in collective cooling tanks, presented higher rates of yeast contamination, compared to milk samples collected by manual milking and kept under the same storage conditions.
Endothelial barrier (EB) disruption contributes to acute lung injury in COVID-19, and levels of both VEGF-A and Ang-2, which are mediators of EB integrity, have been associated with COVID-19 ...severity. Here we explored the participation of additional mediators of barrier integrity in this process, as well as the potential of serum from COVID-19 patients to induce EB disruption in cell monolayers. In a cohort from a clinical trial consisting of thirty patients with COVID-19 that required hospital admission due to hypoxia we demonstrate that i) levels of soluble Tie2 were increase, and of soluble VE-cadherin were decreased when compared to healthy individuals; ii) sera from these patients induce barrier disruption in monolayers of endothelial cells; and iii) that the magnitude of this effect is proportional to disease severity and to circulating levels of VEGF-A and Ang-2. Our study confirms and extends previous findings on the pathogenesis of acute lung injury in COVID-19, reinforcing the concept that EB is a relevant component of this disease. Our results pave the way for future studies that can refine our understanding of the pathogenesis of acute lung injury in viral respiratory disorders, and contribute to the identification of new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for these conditions.
The aim was to evaluate the recovery of bullfrog homeostasis after biometry, a routine management. An experiment in a completely randomized design was conducted with six treatments and 10 ...repetitions: the bullfrog being the experimental unit. Five treatments consisted of evaluating the bullfrog recovery times after biometry (0 - immediately after biometry, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h) and a control (animals in the pen before biometry). Sixty bullfrogs (285.33 ± 10.00 g) were subjected to a 12-h fasting. Subsequently, 50 animals underwent biometry and 10 were used for blood collection before biometry (control). A significant increase was observed in all variables analyzed for animals subjected to density stress, except for total proteins, globulin, and hemoglobin. There was a significant increase in blood glucose and erythrocyte numbers in the subjects immediately after biometry. Plasma proteins and globulin had no significant difference in any of the groups that underwent biometry. Lactate, albumin, and triglycerides levels were significantly elevated in animals shortly after biometry and remained elevated until 12 h after management. The results showed that 24 h after biometry stress, all the analyzed variables were already at similar levels as to the levels of control group animals.
ABSTRACT Objective To compare the effects of fermented kefir on the nutritional, physiological, and biochemical parameters of rats. Methods Grains of milk kefir (whole and skimmed) and water kefir ...(brown sugar) were used. The chemical composition analysis was performed on substrates and fermented beverages. The rats were evaluated for weight gain, body mass index, as well as their food, water, kefir, and calorie intake. We also evaluated their energy efficiency coefficient, weight of organs, in addition to their serum, and hepatic biochemistry. Results Fermentation increased the acid content index owing to degradation of lactose and brown sugar. The animals consumed more kefir, reducing the intake of chow and water. Kefir did not alter body and organ weight, while improving the lipid profile. Conclusion Water kefir with brown sugar was more effective in improving the lipid profile.
RESUMO Objetivo Este estudo tem como objetivo comparar os efeitos dos fermentados de kefir sobre parâmetros nutricionais, fisiológicos e bioquímicos de ratos. Métodos Foram utilizados grãos de kefir de leite (integral e desnatado) e de água (açúcar mascavo). A composição química foi realizada nos substratos e fermentados. Foram avaliados nos ratos: ganho de peso; índice de massa corporal; ingestão de ração, água, kefir e calorias; coeficiente de eficiência energética; peso dos órgãos; e bioquímica sérica e hepática. Resultados A fermentação elevou o índice de compostos ácidos a partir da degradação da lactose e do açúcar mascavo. Os animais consumiram mais kefir, diminuindo a ingestão de ração e água. O kefir não alterou o peso corporal e dos órgãos, melhorando ainda o perfil lipídico. Conclusão O kefir de água com açúcar mascavo foi mais eficaz na melhora do perfil lipídico.
Noni is a fruit with potential medicinal use preventing elevated blood glucose levels in diabetes mellitus. Its effects have been attributed to an antioxidant property in several other diseases. ...However, the effects of noni-chronic supplementation on exercise performance in the presence of diabetes conditions are not known. Thirty-two male Wistar rats were used to verify the effects of chronic noni (Morinda citrifolia L) juice administration on glycemia, triglyceride levels, and its relation to physical performance. In addition, it was verified if chronic noni supplementation is safe for clinical use through kidney morphology analysis. In half of the rats, diabetes mellitus (DM) was induced with STZ. All rats were submitted to an incremental workload running test (IWT) until fatigued so that oxygen consumption and performance indexes (exercise time to fatigue and workload) could be analyzed before noni administration. Then, the control and DM groups received a placebo (saline solution) or noni juice (dilution 2:1) at a dose of 2 mL/kg once a day for 60 days. The result was four groups: control + placebo (CP), control + noni (CN), DM + placebo (DMP), and DM + noni (DMN). Our dose was based on in previous study by Nayak et al. (2011) that observed a significant reduction in glycemia with 2 ml/kg of the noni juice without any toxicity effect cited. Groups were then given a third IWT to verify the effect of the noni juice on exercise performance (exercise time to fatigue, workload, maximal oxygen consumption) and glycemia. Twenty-four hours after the third test, all animals were euthanized and blood and kidneys were removed for posterior analysis. The DM induction with STZ impaired the performance by 39%. Noni administration improved the time to fatigue and workload in DM rats beyond reducing hyperglycemia. These results could be associated with an improved energy efficiency promoted by noni ingestion, since the oxygen consumption was not different between the groups, although the exercise was longer in animals with noni ingestion. Our results provided evidence that chronic noni administration causes kidney damage since increased Bowman's space area in the control rats, suggesting glomerular hyperfiltration at the same magnitude as the non-treated DM group. In conclusion, chronic noni ingestion promoted glycemic control and improved the performance in DM rats but caused kidney toxicity. Keywords: Exercise, fatigue, glucose, Oxygen consumption, Renal toxicity
There is a growing concern regarding the adverse risks exposure to cylindrospermopsin (CYN) might exert on animals and humans. However, data regarding the toxicity of this cyanotoxin to neotropical ...fish species are scarce. Using the fish species
, the influence of CYN concentrations equal to and above the tolerable for drinking water may produce on liver was determined by assessing biomarkers of antioxidant defense mechanisms and correlated to qualitative and semiquantitative histopathological observations. Adult females were exposed to 0.0 (Control); 0.5, 1 and 1.5 μg/L pure CYN for 24 or 96 hr, in triplicate. Subsequently the livers were extracted for biochemical assays and histopathological evaluation. Catalase (CAT) activity was significantly increased only by 1.5 μg/L CYN-treatment, at both exposure times. Glutathione -S-transferase (GST) activity presented a biphasic response for both exposure times. It was markedly decreased after exposure by 0.5 μg/L CYN treatment but significantly elevated by 1.5 μg/L CYN treatment. All CYN treatments produced histopathological alterations, as evidenced by hepatocyte cords degeneration, steatosis, inflammatory infiltration, melanomacrophage centers, vessel congestion, and areas with necrosis. Further, an I
>35 was achieved for all treatments, indicative of the presence of severe histological alterations in
hepatic parenchyma and stroma. Taken together, data demonstrated evidence that CYN-induced hepatotoxicity in
appears to be associated with an imbalance of antioxidant defense mechanisms accompanied by histopathological liver alterations. It is worthy to note that exposure to low environmentally-relevant CYN concentrations might constitute a significant risk to health of aquatic organisms.
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