Federal University of Technology of Paraná

Resumo O propósito do presente artigo é propor uma metodologia para caracterização da (In)Sustentabilidade Financeira de municípios brasileiros − materializada por meio do Índice de Sustentabilidade Financeira Municipal (ISFM) − em contraponto à metodologia sugerida pela Proposta de Emenda à Constituição (PEC) no 188, que traz como pauta a incorporação de pequenos municípios considerados insustentáveis. Como métodos utilizou-se pesquisa quantitativa, aplicada, descritiva e explicativa, do tipo bibliográfica e documental, além de estatística descritiva e correlação/regressão linear. Os resultados demonstram que o ISFM possui maior robustez comparado à metodologia proposta pela PEC. O Índice foi aplicado aos 5.570 municípios brasileiros e a média nacional resultou em 56%. A maior parcela dos municípios brasileiros se classificou como “Sustentável” e as análises estatísticas demonstraram, significativamente, a existência de correlação positiva entre as variáveis ISFM e Desenvolvimento Local. As contribuições do trabalho se voltam para a produção de pesquisa sobre a temática, ainda incipiente nacionalmente.

Microcystins are cyanotoxins that can be produced by cyanobacteria species such as Microcystis aeruginosa. Due to the presence of microcystins in water bodies and aquatic organisms, it needs to be monitored. Furthermore, additional studies are required in the implementation of alternative and sustainable water treatment methods. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of Myriophyllum aquaticum to prevent the harmful effects induced by M. aeruginosa aqueous extract in Rhamdia. quelen usingbiomarkers and to assess whether the plant can be suitable for phytoremediation in aquatic ecosystems. In the first experiment, R. quelen was exposed to 1 and 10 μg.L–1 of microcystins through an aqueous extract dissolved in the bioassay’s water. Second, tanks containing the same test concentrations of microcystins were treated by phytoremediation using M. aquaticum at 10 g.L–1, for 7 days. After that, treated water was used in a new bioassay with fish exposure. The results showed that phytoremediation decreased the microcystin concentration in water, and different biomarker analyses demonstrated that M. aquaticum treatment prevented DNA damage, hematological alterations, and tissue damage in R. quelen. The phytoremediation with M. aquaticum can be a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to water treatment, highlighting its role in enhancing water quality and supporting biodiversity conservation. These results support the importance of adopting more restrictive legal limits for cyanotoxins in water to protect native aquatic species and promote sustainable water resource management.

A method for Hg determination in edible oils based on reversed-phase dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction and cold vapor generation coupled to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was developed. The operational parameters were 5 g of edible oil, 0.5 mL of n-propanol, and 0.5 mL of 6 mol L⁻¹ HCl used as dispersant and extractant solvents, respectively, heating (10 min at 80 °C), stirring (60 s), and centrifugation (5 min). No statistical difference (t-test, 95% confidence level) was observed for the accuracy assessment using a certified reference material. Moreover, recovery experiments were performed by addition of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 µg g⁻¹ of Hg, and recoveries were close to 100%. A low limit of quantification (0.35 ng g⁻¹) and relative standard deviation (7%) were obtained. Finally, the proposed method presented several advantages, including high throughput, easy-to-use instrumentation for sample preparation, high pre-concentration factor, low consumption of reagents, and low waste generation. Graphical Abstract

Nanophytoremediation, integrating nanotechnology into phytoremediation, is emerging as a promising approach for addressing environmental contamination. While sustainable and cost-effective, traditional phytoremediation faces limitations such as slow remediation rates, contaminant bioavailability issues, and plant toxicity under high contaminant loads. This review explores how nanotechnology can overcome these challenges by leveraging the unique properties of nanoparticles (NPs) to enhance phytoremediation efficiency. NPs such as metal oxides, carbon-based, and magnetic NPs improve contaminant uptake, promote plant resilience, and accelerate degradation processes. Furthermore, smart and functionalized NPs offer precise pollutant targeting and controlled release of growth-promoting substances, optimizing plant growth and remediation potential. The review highlights the synergies between NPs and phytoremediation, focusing on pollutant bioavailability, plant stress tolerance, and enhanced degradation mechanisms. The potential for green synthesis and biodegradable NPs also underscores the sustainability of this approach. However, concerns about NP persistence, ecological risks, and human health impacts necessitate further research and regulatory oversight. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current advancements in nanophytoremediation, emphasizing the need for long-term monitoring and safety protocols. The novelty of this review lies in its systematic examination of the role of NPs in overcoming the critical limitations of phytoremediation, offering insights into future applications and the potential to revolutionize environmental cleanup efforts.

The chemical characteristics of lignocellulosic biomass determine its suitability as an energy source, affecting its combustibility, flame stability, and overall energy efficiency. Therefore, this study assessed the correlation between the chemical characteristics and higher heating value (HHV) in Eucalyptus biomass components (wood, bark, branches, and leaves) of three species (E. benthamii, E. dunnii, and E. saligna). The results revealed varying chemical compositions among the components and species, which impacted the HHV differently. Notably, volatile materials positively influenced the HHV, whereas excessive ash content negatively affected the energy potential. Positive correlations with HHV were observed for the total extractives content in the bark, total lignin content in the leaves, volatile materials content in the bark, leaves, and stem, and fixed carbon content in the stem. Conversely, the holocellulose content reduced the bark HHV. Volatile materials, except in the branches, efficiently increased the HHV. None of the chemical characteristics had a significant impact on the branches HHV.

Microalgae are often used in different industrial sectors and can be used as indicators of aquatic environmental health. An essential step for cultivating microalgae is assessing the cell density, which is traditionally performed through cell counting by optical microscopy (OM). However, this method has limitations, mainly in terms of runtime and low reproducibility. Assessing the optical density (OD) by spectrophotometry was investigated as an affordable alternative. The OD of the green microalgae Desmodesmus subspicatus and Tetraselmis sp. was detected at 680 nm. The correlation between the cell density and OD was suitable for both microalgae and the accuracy was comparable to traditional OM counting. In toxicological tests, the OD technique allowed the monitoring of microalgal growth in the presence of the chemicals K2Cr2O7, KCl and sodium dodecyl sulfate. This study sheds some light on this well-known technique, which is an important contribution since few articles have explored its potentialities and fragilities. Graphical Abstract

Ephydrini comprises 118 species (plus seven nomina dubia species) that are distributed in all biogeographical regions except Antarctica. The tribe currently includes 13 genera, of which three (Calocoenia Mathis, Ephydra Fallén, Paracoenia Cresson) include subgenera. The subgenus Ephydra and three other genera (Neoephydra Mathis, Notiocoenia Mathis, Setacera Cresson) include species groups. Representatives of all these groupings (genera, subgenera, and in most cases also species groups) are included in the phylogenetic analysis and taxonomic treatment. To test the monophyly of Ephydrini and to understand phylogenetic relationships among genera, a cladistic analysis was performed using equal and implicit character weightings based on the morphology of adult males and females. Species of all 13 genera of Ephydrini from different geographical regions were included to account for morphological and phylogenetic diversity. Also included in the analysis are species of the other tribes of the subfamily Ephydrinae to provide greater perspective on the phylogenetic position of Ephydrini within the subfamily and to serve as outgroups. In our analyses, cladograms from both equal weighting and implied weighting resulted in cladograms of 261 steps in length. The tribes Ephydrini, Dagini, and Scatellini were recovered as monophyletic lineages. The tribe Dagini is the sister lineage to the node giving rise to the tribes Scatellini and Ephydrini, and the latter two tribes were recovered as sister groups. Within Ephydrini, the implied weighting cladogram provided higher resolution among terminal taxa with the same number of steps and is thus our preferred cladogram. In this cladogram, all currently valid genera, including subgenera and species groups, were recovered as monophyletic lineages. Thus, no taxonomic changes are needed at the genus-group level. In the taxonomic section, the tribe Ephydrini is characterized, as are all included genera within the tribe. In addition, keys to all genera, subgenera, and species groups are provided to facilitate their identification.

The objective of this study was the characterization of commercial cultivars, differentiating lines/cultivars of Phytophthora sojae carrying Rps (resistance Phytophthora Sojae) genes, inoculated with different pathotypes. Thirty‐one differentiating soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) lines/cultivars carrying Rps genes and six commercial cultivars were evaluated for virulence pattern to PS2.4, PS14.4, PS36.1, PS34.1, and CMES1608 pathotypes. Inoculations were performed using the toothpick technique, with reaction evaluation about 15 days after infection, where the number of healthy, infected, and dead seedlings was quantified. There was a difference in resistance for the pathotypes, and the most virulent were PS34.1 and PS36.1. The Rps1k, Rps11, and Rp12 genes deserve to be highlighted by resistance to the PS34.1 pathotype and the Rps1k, Rps11, Rp12, and Rps8 genes to the PS36.1 pathotype. The line L77‐1863 (Rps1b) showed resistance to the PS2.4 and PS14.4 pathotypes. The characterization of the genotypes allowed the updating of information about them and the identification of new possibilities of resistance sources.

Aims/hypothesis COMBINE 2 assessed the efficacy and safety of once-weekly IcoSema (a combination therapy of basal insulin icodec and semaglutide) vs once-weekly semaglutide (a glucagon-like peptide-1 analogue) 1.0 mg in individuals with type 2 diabetes inadequately managed with GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) therapy, with or without additional oral glucose-lowering medications. Methods This 52 week, randomised, multicentre, open-label, parallel group, Phase IIIa trial was conducted across 121 sites in 13 countries/regions. Adults with type 2 diabetes (HbA1c 53.0–85.8 mmol/mol [7.0–10.0%]) receiving GLP-1 RA therapy with or without additional oral glucose-lowering medications were randomly assigned 1:1 to once-weekly IcoSema or once-weekly semaglutide 1.0 mg. The primary endpoint was change in HbA1c from baseline to week 52; superiority of IcoSema to semaglutide 1.0 mg was assessed. Secondary endpoints included change in fasting plasma glucose and body weight (baseline to week 52), and combined clinically significant (level 2; <3.0 mmol/l) or severe (level 3; associated with severe cognitive impairment requiring external assistance for recovery) hypoglycaemia (baseline to week 57). Results Overall, 683 participants were randomised using a Randomisation and Trial Supply Management system to IcoSema (n=342) or semaglutide 1.0 mg (n=341). Mean ± SD baseline characteristics were as follows: HbA1c 64.0±8.2 mmol/mol (8.0±0.7%); diabetes duration 12.6±6.9 years; and BMI 31.1±4.7 kg/m². From baseline to week 52, mean change in HbA1c was −14.7 mmol/mol (−1.35%-points) in the IcoSema group and −9.88 mmol/mol (−0.90%-points) in the semaglutide group; the estimated treatment difference (ETD) was –4.85 (95% CI −6.13, −3.57) mmol/mol (−0.44 [95% CI −0.56, −0.33]%-points), confirming superiority of IcoSema to semaglutide (p<0.0001). The estimated mean change in fasting plasma glucose from baseline to week 52 was statistically significantly reduced with IcoSema vs semaglutide (−2.48 mmol/l vs −1.43 mmol/l, respectively; ETD −1.05 [95% CI −1.36, −0.75] mmol; p<0.0001). Mean change in body weight from baseline to week 52 was statistically significantly different between groups: +0.84 kg for IcoSema vs −3.70 kg for semaglutide (ETD 4.54 kg [95% CI 3.84, 5.23]; p<0.0001). There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of combined clinically significant or severe hypoglycaemia between IcoSema and semaglutide (0.042 vs 0.036 episodes per person-year of exposure; estimated rate ratio 1.20 [95% CI 0.53, 2.69]; p=0.66). The proportion of participants experiencing gastrointestinal adverse events was similar between treatment groups (IcoSema 31.4%; semaglutide 34.4%). Conclusions/interpretation In people living with type 2 diabetes inadequately managed with GLP-1 RA therapy, with or without additional oral glucose-lowering medications, switching to once-weekly IcoSema in comparison with once-weekly semaglutide 1.0 mg demonstrated superiority in HbA1c reduction, similar rates of clinically significant or severe hypoglycaemia, and similar frequency of gastrointestinal adverse events. However, weight change from baseline to week 52 was statistically significantly in favour of semaglutide 1.0 mg. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05259033 Funding This trial was funded by Novo Nordisk Graphical Abstract

Objective: To investigate the presence of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and gallbladder abnormalities in a sample of people with Down syndrome in Brazil. Methods: This is a retrospective study using medical charts involving Down syndrome patients, diagnosed by karyotype, aged over 5 years, who underwent abdominal ultrasound and were monitored by the same professional in a clinic in Curitiba, Brazil. Data spanned January 1995 to September 2023; all cases with no use of alcohol or hepatotoxic medications. Results: A total of 124 patients were evaluated, 64 (51.6%) being females. Ages varied between 5 and 30 years (average of 13.2±5.7 years). Body mass index ranged from 14.08 to 44.98 kg/m², with 27 (21.7%) patients being overweight and 42 (33.8%) obese. The frequency of increased total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations was significantly higher in children. No age or sex differences were seen in low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Alanine transferase (ALT) and aspartate transferase (AST) levels were within normal ranges and showed no differences concerning sex or age. Four patients (3.2%) had diagnosis of MAFLD. The prevalence of gallstone varied widely in terms of the number and size of stones among patients, affecting 11 (8.9%) of them, with no significant difference in age or sex. Conclusions: MAFLD was found in 3.2% of the individuals, while gallstone disease was identified in 8.9% of the cases studied. Moreover, we noted a significant presence of risk factors associated with MAFLD, with dyslipidemia being the predominant factor. Keywords: Down syndrome; Liver; Steatosis, Risk factors

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the perception of quality of life of patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and investigate whether there is a correlation between patients’ perception and that of their carers. Methods: Cross-sectional analytical observational study. In the first part, socioeconomic, demographic, clinical, and treatment information were collected from patients diagnosed with SMA, regardless of type, sex, or age. SMA type 1 does not sit; SMA type 2 sits; SMA type 3 walks; and SMA type 4 begins in adulthood. In the second part of the study, patients aged between 2 and 25 years and their caregivers responded to the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 questionnaire. Results: Of the 235 families recruited, 167 were eligible to respond to the questionnaire, 115 caregivers and 49 patients were included. The results point to a different perception of quality of life between patients and caregivers. Patients with SMA type 2 perceive more impaired physical and emotional capacity compared to SMA type 3 and 1, respectively. As for caregivers, the perception of quality of life in relation to physical and social capacity and the total score are worse for patients with SMA type 1 compared to other types. Perceptions correlate with emotional capacity in SMA type 2 and the total aspect in SMA type 3. Conclusions: Patients with SMA type 2 had a worse perception of their quality of life than other patients. Perception differed between patients and their caregivers, with the former having a better perception than the latter. Keywords: Child neurology; Family impact; Muscular atrophy spinal; Patient-reported outcomes

This study reports the preparation of hydrogels (HG) made with xanthan gum (XG) and ƙ-carrageenan (KC) polysaccharides containing ketoprofen (KET)-loaded nanoemulsions (NK) and their evaluation in a rheumatoid arthritis (RA) model. The nano-based HGs exhibited nanometric-sized droplets (~ 100 nm), an acidic pH (5.10–6.83), drug content above 85%, a suitable spreadability factor, and pseudoplastic flow behavior. The most promising blend (HGCX 2:1) demonstrated sustained KET release, reaching 81.44 ± 6.11% after 5 h, and superior drug concentration in the skin layers (237.91 ± 41.0 µg/g). The formulation was selected due to its enhanced bioadhesiveness, with the HG-NK formulation showing the highest bioadhesion force and occlusion factor. RA was induced by complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) intraplantar injection into the left hind paw of male and female Swiss mice. Treatments with HGs were applied to the animals’ dorsal region for 7 days. Notably, HG-NK demonstrated remarkable efficacy, reversing mechanical sensitivity in male mice and significantly reducing thermal sensitivity in both genders. Moreover, HG-NK provided a significant reduction in paw edema (52-fold in males, 27-fold in females) and inflammatory markers, such as myeloperoxidase activity (32-fold in males, 14-fold in females) and lipid peroxidation (2.5-fold in males, twofold in females). The formulation also promoted greater permeation of KET across the skin. These findings underscore the significant reduction in inflammatory markers by the HG-NK formulation, highlighting its potent anti-inflammatory effects and potential as a promising therapeutic strategy for managing RA.

Bone abnormalities and injuries provide serious medical issues. Bone has the ability for regeneration; however, its regenerative potential is limited. Tissue engineering has gained significant attention as a potential treatment for bone abnormalities. In this study, poly‐caprolactone (PCL)‐based nanofibers containing various concentrations of poly‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline (PEtOx) and loaded with Dexamethasone (Dex) were prepared and evaluated as multifunctional bioscaffolds for bone regeneration. Various techniques were employed to characterize the feature of the electrospun scaffolds including ¹H‐NMR, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and gel permission chromatography (GPC). The swelling degree, mechanical property, degradation behavior, and drug release profile were also evaluated. The cell viability of the electrospun nanofibers on human adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) were examined by MTT, and osteogenic differentiation potency was studied by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and calcium deposition assessments. According to the findings, a higher PEtOx concentration in the polymer solution reduced the nanofiber diameter while increasing the swelling rate, mass loss amount, and Young's modulus of the produced scaffolds. The release profile of Dex from the electrospun scaffold influenced osteogenic differentiation in stem cells. The scaffold revealed promising features that could be employed for further bone injury studies.

The pioneers of neurology in Japan were professors Hiroshi Kawahara and Kinnosuke Miura. Kawahara published the first description of progressive bulbar palsy and wrote the first neurology textbook in Japan. Miura, on the other hand, published studies about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, in addition to participating in the founding of the Japanese Society of Neurology. The influence of European neurology, particularly French and German, in the figures of Professor Jean-Martin Charcot and Professor Erwin Bälz, was fundamental in the consolidation of neurology in Japan. Resumo Os pioneiros da Neurologia no Japão foram os professores Hiroshi Kawahara e Kinnosuke Miura. Kawahara publicou a primeira descrição de paralisia bulbar progressiva e escreveu o primeiro livro-texto de Neurologia no Japão. Já Miura publicou estudos sobre esclerose lateral amiotrófica, além de participar da fundação da Sociedade Japonesa de Neurologia. A influência da Neurologia europeia, particularmente francesa e alemã, nas figuras dos Professores Jean-Martin Charcot e Erwin Bälz foi fundamental na consolidação da Neurologia no Japão.