Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina

The expansion of urbanization has led to significant adverse environmental effects, including the disposal of domestic sewage without treatment in water bodies. This impact contributes to the deterioration of water quality and poses serious risks to human health and the environment. In this context, effective and sustainable methods to mitigate the impacts should be explored, such as the use of plants capable of removing or degrading contaminants from water. The present study aimed to assess the phytoremediation potential of two free-floating aquatic macrophytes (Eichhornia crassipes and Pistia stratiotes) systems for enhancing the water quality collected from two polluted urban streams. The trials were performed in 25-L experimental units for seven days under ambient conditions. The water quality variables after the exposure period were compared to those at the beginning of the experiment to assess the potential improvements due to the presence of macrophytes. The systems with E. crassipes exhibited good performance in water samples from both streams, with reductions reaching 29.2% in dissolved solids, 36.8% in electrical conductivity, 44% in biochemical oxygen demand, 57% in nitrogen, and 45% in phosphorus. The systems with P. stratiotes also exhibited satisfactory outcomes, including 90 and 76.2% reductions in phosphorus levels of Santa Rita Stream and Galinha Stream, respectively, and 54% turbidity, and 38% biochemical oxygen demand in both streams. These findings highlight the potential of the two plant species for phytoremediation of polluted waters, considering their performance on short-term exposure. Therefore, this approach consists of a sustainable alternative by utilizing natural elements for environmental restoration, and the outcomes can contribute to future applications of phytoremediation techniques in developing countries.

Resumo Introdução: Pesquisa multicêntrica em centros de diálise brasileiros são escassas. Descrevemos as fases de recrutamento e implementação do estudo SARC-HD, visando investigar a sarcopenia e seu impacto em desfechos clínicos adversos. Métodos: O SARC-HD é um estudo de coorte realizado com pacientes em hemodiálise no Brasil. A fase de recrutamento foi considerada o período entre convite ao centro e início da inclusão de pacientes, enquanto a fase de implementação durou a partir de então até a conclusão do recrutamento e coleta de dados basais. Após a implementação, um questionário estruturado foi distribuído para coletar feedback dos principais pesquisadores. Resultados: 21 centros de três regiões brasileiras consentiram em participar, com duas desistências. Dez pesquisadores principais supervisionaram 19 locais. Nove centros (47%) eram totalmente financiados por planos de saúde. 1525 pacientes foram avaliados para elegibilidade e 1008 foram incluídos, com taxa de recrutamento de 66,1%. Recrutamento e coleta de dados basais levaram 12 semanas [intervalo interquartil: 5–15]. A análise qualitativa de conteúdo identificou barreiras como falta de infraestrutura e logística para pesquisa. Os facilitadores incluíram gestão e organização do comitê gestor. Os desafios da coleta de dados foram relatados principalmente quanto à avaliação global subjetiva de 7 pontos e o questionário internacional de atividade física. O principal desafio para a fase de manutenção será a falta de informações padronizadas nos prontuários eletrônicos. Conclusões: As fases de recrutamento e implementação do estudo multicêntrico SARC-HD foram viáveis. Barreiras e facilitadores identificados pelos pesquisadores principais podem auxiliar futuras iniciativas multicêntricas a integrar tarefas relacionadas à pesquisa na rotina clínica, facilitando experiências bem-sucedidas.

Introduction: Multicenter research initiatives in Brazilian dialysis centers are scarce. We described the recruitment and implementation phases of the SARC-HD study, aimed at investigating sarcopenia and its impact on adverse clinical outcomes. Methods: The SARC-HD is a cohort study being conducted with patients on hemodialysis in Brazil. The recruitment phase was defined as the period from the invitation to the center until the start of patient enrollment, whereas the implementation phase lasted from then until the completion of enrollment and baseline data collection. Upon implementation, a structured questionnaire was distributed to collect feedback from principal investigators. Results: 21 centers from three Brazilian regions consented to participate, with two dropping out. Ten principal investigators oversaw the 19 sites. Nine centers (47%) were funded entirely by health insurance companies. A total of 1525 patients were screened for eligibility and 1008 were enrolled, with a 66.1% recruitment rate. Recruitment and baseline data collection took 12 [interquartile range: 5–15] weeks. Qualitative content analysis identified barriers such as a lack of infrastructure and logistics for research. Facilitators included the management and organization of the steering committee. Data collection challenges were mainly reported with the subjective 7-point global assessment and the international physical activity questionnaire. The main challenge for the ongoing maintenance phase will be the lack of standardized information in electronic health records. Conclusions: The recruitment and implementation phases of the multicenter SARC-HD study were feasible. Barriers and facilitators identified by principal investigators may help future multicenter initiatives to integrate research-related tasks into clinical routine, facilitating successful experiences.

Objective To analyse vaccination coverage and factors associated with incomplete polio vaccination in a cohort of children born in 2017-2018, in state capitals and interior region municipalities of Northeast Brazil. Methods Household survey of children aged ≤24 months conducted between 2020 and 2022. Vaccination coverage and dropout rates were estimated, as well as factors associated with incomplete vaccination, analyzed by calculating odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Results : Among 12,137 children, vaccination coverage (4 doses) was 80.9% (95%CI 78.4;83.1); 8.4% were not vaccinated. Not having a vaccination card (OR=18.06; 95%CI 10.01;32.61) and use of private services (OR=1.46; 95%CI 1.23;1.74) were associated with incomplete vaccination. Higher dropout rates were found for the booster dose, especially in the highest stratum. Conclusion Low vaccination coverage, poor dose follow-up and high dropout rates were found for polio vaccines in the areas studied.

Background Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) is characterized by cognitive complaints in cognitively unimpaired (CU) individuals. Its condition displays considerable heterogeneity etiologies, including neurodegenerative diseases. Our aim is to compare the memory complaints between patients with SCD and their informants in the BRASCODE cohort. Method The BRASCODE cohort includes CU individuals aged >65 presenting memory complaints and at least one SCD‐plus criteria. The MCS was held separately with both participants and informants. Additionally, baseline sociodemographic and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) data were held. Participants and informant’s concordance regarding patients' memory complaints was assessed using the MCS scale. If both answers were ≥ 7, there was concordance. The continuous variables were described as median (interquartile range, IQR) and categorical variables as frequencies. Scores of the MCS scale ranges from 0 to 14, with scores ≥ 7 indicating complaint; and were compared using Spearman’s rho and Mann‐Whitney test. Result Data were collected between March‐2022 and December‐2023. 143 SCD patients were included (mean age = 69; 72.2% female). The median MCS‐patient and MCS‐informant was 8 and 5, respectively. The patients have a median of 3 SCD‐plus criteria, most with complaints at age ≥ 60 and with concerns regarding memory. The SCD‐patient scale correlated negatively with patient age (rho = ‐0.244; p = 0.003) and positively with informant’s SCD scale (rho = 0.305; p = 0.0002), but not with patient education nor with MMSE results. Most participants (86, 60.1%) and their informants' perceptions disagree about patients' memory decline. The participants in the group with concordant MCS scores had lower education (11 vs 16) and were more balanced in relation to sex (32 [56.1], 71 [82.6]) than the group with discordante responses. The patients' age and MCS were not different between the groups. Conclusion The baseline results show that most dyads disagreed regarding participants' memory decline. In addition, the presence of informant perception of decline may be a risk factor for a future cognitive decline. The AD biomarkers analysis as well as one and two‐year follow‐ups may yield valuable insights into the correlation between patients' and informants' reported complaints.

In this study, anthocyanins from black beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were extracted using the pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) method. Six anthocyanins were identified by LC–ESI–QTOF–MS/MS/MS. The crude extract was partially purified using a macroporous resin, and the levels of anthocyanins were 2-fold higher than those in crude extracts. This process also led to a significant enhancement in the in vitro antioxidant activity, with a 3.7-fold increase in the DPPH assay and a 3.0-fold increase in the ABTS assay. Additionally, the purified extracts showed superior performance in inhibiting the α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. These values are five times higher for α-amylase and six times higher for α-glucosidase compared to the crude extracts. Crude and partially purified extracts did not show cytotoxicity in normal L929 fibroblast cells at a concentration of 500 μg mL–1. Furthermore, in this concentration, the purified extracts revealed strong antitumor activity in all cell lines tested (A549, GL261, and C6), with final cell viability below 10% in all cases. Overall, black bean hull extract demonstrated great biological potential, especially in the partially purified one.

In Brazil, Visceral Leishmaniases is caused by Leishmania infantum, and domestic dogs are the main reservoirs in its urban transmission cycle. As an alternative to euthanizing dogs, miltefosine has been used to treat canine visceral leishmaniasis since 2016. In this study, we have assessed the efficacy of miltefosine for treating canine visceral leishmaniasis in a new endemic area through follow-up of naturally infected dogs was evaluated. The clinical, parasitological, and histopathological characteristics of 21 dogs naturally infected with L. infantum were assessed at three time points: on the day before initiating miltefosine treatment (T0), immediately after treatment completion (T1), and 6 months after treatment completion (T2). Three dogs were treated exclusively with miltefosine, while eighteen received combination therapy with miltefosine with other treatments such as allopurinol, domperidone and immunotherapy. Skin biopsies were obtained from the abdomen to assess inflammatory responses and to quantify parasite loads using qPCR. The parasites were isolated using aspirates acquired from popliteal lymph nodes. Molecular and parasitological analyses confirmed the presence of L. infantum in all dogs, validating the effectiveness of skin and lymph node samples for diagnosis. The clinical conditions of the infected animals were improved and the skin parasite load decreased after treatment, even when distinct combination therapies were performed. The histopathological assessment revealed a miltefosine-induced reduction in the inflammatory response and a decrease in amastigotes number. Furthermore, a positive correlation was established between the reduction in parasite load and the enhancement of clinical scoring, as well as a reduction in the skin inflammatory response. Our findings suggest that miltefosine-based combination therapies reduce skin parasite load and improve clinical outcomes, while the dogs treated with miltefosine alone showed increased parasitic load and worsened clinical staging at T2. Considering this data belonging to a recent transmission area, treatment strategy suggests effective in controlling canine visceral leishmaniasis.

Introduction. Ocular fungal infections are pathologies of slow progression, occurring mainly in the cornea, but can also affect the entire structure of the eyeball. The main aetiological agents are species of the genera Candida and Fusarium . Both diagnosis and treatment require speed and effectiveness. However, the currently available therapy basically consists of the use of azoles and polyenes, known for their low penetration into the ocular tissue and the associated toxicity. Hypothesis. Thus, new strategies to combat these infections are needed, such as the development of new antifungals or the use of associations. Aim. Thus, the compound PH151, derived from a promising class of 8-hydroxyquinolines, and natamycin, amphotericin B (AMB) and voriconazole (VRC), the main antifungals used in ocular antifungal therapy, were considered against Candida spp. and Fusarium spp. Methodology. The MICs of compound PH151 ranged from 1.0 to 16.0 µg ml ⁻¹ , according to CLSI protocols. Results. The association of PH151 with AMB and VRC showed a synergistic effect for more than 50% of the strains tested. Conclusion. Both the compound alone and its association (VRC-AMB-PH151) demonstrated promising potential as an antifungal agent in ocular infections, since the evaluated ocular toxicity profile was positive and the compounds presented low toxicity.

Mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti, pose significant public health risks by transmitting diseases like dengue, zika and chikungunya. Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (BTI) is a crucial larvicide targeting mosquitoes while sparing other organisms and the environment. This study evaluated the effects of sublethal BTI doses on Ae. aegypti larvae regarding mortality, development, adult emergence and size, using a wide-area spray application in an urban neighbourhood. Laboratory experiments with four BTI concentrations (0, 0.008, 0.02 and 0.04 ppm) assessed compensatory and over compensatory responses. The spray achieved over 90% larval mortality within 48 h, but accumulating sublethal doses could trigger compensatory and over compensatory effects, enhancing the fitness of survivors. A dose–response relationship was evident, with higher BTI concentrations leading to increased mortality, reduced longevity and fewer pupae. BTI exposure also skewed the sex ratio towards males and altered adult sizes, potentially affecting population dynamics and vectorial capacity. These findings highlight the effectiveness of BTI in Ae. aegypti control and the importance of understanding compensation, overcompensation and density-dependent effects. While wide-area BTI applications can reach inaccessible breeding sites and offer potent mosquito control, careful consideration of ecological and evolutionary consequences is crucial.

Macauba is an underexplored palm with significant potential for food‐grade vegetable oil production. Its fruits yield two distinct sources of oil, the pulp and the kernel, each with its unique composition, emerging as a potential vegetable oil source with high competitiveness with well‐established conventional oil sources. Besides the oil, macauba fruits are rich in essential nutrients, including proteins, minerals, vitamins, dietary fiber, and phytochemicals, with outstanding health benefits. Macauba processing generates valuable co‐products, including the epicarp, pulp and kernel cakes, and endocarp, which have considerable potential for enhancing the macauba production chain. This review explores the nutritional and phytochemical profile of macauba, its health benefits, and the potential for exploiting its co‐products. Innovative extraction methods and a comprehensive strategy for producing multiple products from macauba co‐products are also highlighted as opportunities to achieve sustainable development goals and a circular economy in macauba fruit processing.

Background Physical exercise is crucial in type 2 diabetes management (T2D), and training in the aquatic environment seems to be a promising alternative due to its physical properties and metabolic, functional, cardiovascular, and neuromuscular benefits. Research on combined training in aquatic and dry-land training environments is scarce, especially in long-term interventions. Thus, this study aims to investigate the effects of combined training in both environments on health outcomes related to the management of T2D patients. Methods This is a randomized, unicentric, single-blinded, comparator clinical trial with two parallel arms. Participants with T2D, of both sexes, aged at 45 to 80 years old, will be randomized into two groups (aquatic combined training (AQUA) and dry-land combined training (LAND)), both performing combined aerobic and resistance training three times a week on alternate days for 24 weeks. Aerobic training will be performed using continuous and pyramidal methods, with linear exercise intensity and duration progression. Intensity will be prescribed by rated effort perception (Borg scale 6 to 20). Resistance training will be performed using exercise for the trunk, upper and lower limbs maximum speed, and target repetition zone in aquatic and dry-land environments, respectively, using multiple sets in a linear dosage progression. Before, at 12 weeks, and after the 24 weeks of training, biochemical analyses, functional capacity, maximum muscle strength, body composition assessments, cardiovascular measures, and the administration of questionnaires to assess mental, cognitive, sleep quality, and quality of life will be conducted. Throughout the 24 weeks, the training load date and acute capillary glucose and blood pressure measurements will also be conducted. The data will be analyzed using the SPSS (29.0) statistical package, using a significance level of 0.05. For intra- and inter-group comparisons, generalized estimating equations will be applied and analyzed by intention-to-treat and per-protocol adopting the Bonferroni post hoc test. Discussion The obtained results may provide insights to enhance understanding of the benefits of the aquatic and dry-land environment on various health outcomes, as well as acute aspects and safety considerations of the training. Moreover, this could support the development of intervention strategies to optimize the T2D management. Trial registration Brazilian Clinical Trial Registry (ReBEC) RBR-10fwqmfy. Registered on April 16, 2024.

The hydrophobic NADES produced with butyric acid and thymol was applied for the first time in the extraction of emerging contaminants in surface water.

This study optimizes the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using seed skin extract of guarana (Paullinia cupana) as a natural stabilizing and reducing agent. Employing a Taguchi design, nine experiments were conducted across three levels for four key factors: reaction temperature, pH, silver nitrate concentration, and guarana seed skin extract concentration to minimize AgNP size. Optimal conditions – pH 11, 5 mM silver nitrate, 50°C reaction temperature, and 1% (m/v) guarana extract – produced quasi-spherical AgNPs with an average size of ∼26 nm. Chemical analysis revealed caffeine as the main organic compound and potassium oxide as the primary inorganic component. UV-vis spectra showed an absorption peak at 438 nm, and X-ray diffraction confirmed typical AgNP peaks. Further analysis identified polyphenols, alkaloids, and flavonoids as reducing and stabilizing agents. A high AgNP concentration (180.0 ± 0.2 ppm) was confirmed through ICP-OES, and AgNPs demonstrated a significant antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 50 μg·mL⁻¹. This study underscores the sustainability of green synthesis as a promising alternative to traditional nanoparticle production methods.

Introduction The complete mesocolic excision (CME) in right-sided hemicolectomy could result in higher lymph node yield and decreased local recurrence. However, this approach could increase intraoperative and postoperative complications. Therefore, our meta-analysis aims to demonstrate the outcomes of CME versus D2 conventional lymphadenectomy in right-side colon cancer. Methods We searched MEDLINE, Cochrane, Central Register of Clinical Trials, and EMBASE for studies published until April 2024. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochran Q test and I ² statistics, with p-values < 0.10 and I ² > 25% considered significant. Statistical analysis was performed using R Software, version 4.1.2. Results Three randomized controlled trials and four observational studies comprising 2,296 patients were included, of whom 1,138 (49.6%) were submitted to the CME and 1,158 (50.4%) to the conventional D2 lymphadenectomy. CME was associated with decreased local recurrence rates (OR 0.07; 95% CI 0.001 to 0.36; p = 0.002). There were no significant differences between groups in overall complications, severe complications, intraoperative complications, blood loss, and 30-day mortality. No difference between groups was observed in distance metastasis and 3-year disease-free survival. Conclusion In this meta-analysis, CME significantly decreases local recurrence rates compared with D2 conventional lymphadenectomy in patients with right-side colon cancer. No significant difference was observed between groups in rates of overall complications, severe complications, intraoperative complications, blood loss, and 30-day mortality.

Background The proximity between people and their domestic animals with wild animal populations can result in the spread of diseases with a significant impact on public health. Infection by parasites in wildlife is considered an important bioindicator of the current state of ecosystems, and studying the epidemiology of these infections is essential for a better understanding of natural foci. However, research on parasites in southern Brazil, especially in Rio Grande do Sul (RS), is considered incipient. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to identify the parasitic fauna of wild animals in the southern region of RS through fecal parasitological diagnosis. We processed 82 fecal samples from wild animals - including birds, mammals, and reptiles - from cities within the microregion of Pelotas, using the Zinc Sulfate Centrifugal Flotation, Spontaneous Sedimentation and Oocyst Sporulation techniques. Results In 69.5% of the samples (93.1% of mammals, 47% of birds and 50% of reptiles), we found helminth eggs and/or protozoan cysts/oocysts, with strongylid-type eggs being the most frequent parasites (44.11%). Additionally, 64.9% of the positive samples were parasitized by at least one morphogroup with zoonotic agents (Taeniidae, Capillaria, Strongyloides, Spirometra, Lagochilascaris, Sarcocystis, Trichuris, Giardia, Ancilostomid, Physaloptera, Toxocara, Fasciola). We also recorded the first finding of Monocystis spp. in a Southern tamandua (Tamandua tetradactyla). Conclusions Thus, it was observed that the majority of the animals were parasitized and, consequently, susceptible to a wide range of pathogens of medical and veterinary interest, highlighting the importance of these hosts in the spread of parasites, especially those with zoonotic potential. However, the ecology of transmission and the role of these hosts in the life cycles of parasites should be further explored in other studies.

The treatment of syrup, particularly from the candy-coating process, poses a challenge due to their high sugar content and pigmentation, which are resistant to traditional treatment methods. This study explores the application of Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) for the effective degradation of pigments. We investigated the catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) using lime and ferrous ammonium sulfate as promoters to enhance oxidation. A complete 22 factorial design was employed to optimize the conditions for color removal. Results indicate that the presence of hydroxyl radicals, generated via AOPs, significantly improves the removal of pigmentation and mineralization of organic content. Specifically, the optimal concentrations of lime (9.0–13.0 g L⁻1) and hydrogen peroxide (1000–2300 mg L⁻1) led to effective color removal and reduction in total organic carbon. Ferrous ammonium sulfate showed higher efficiency in organic load reduction, while lime excelled in pigmentation removal. The empirical model developed demonstrated a high explanatory power (approximately 98%), validating the effectiveness of the proposed methodology. This methodology is simple, efficient, and suitable for treating effluents with pigmentation, offering a practical solution for industrial applications.

The study of emerging contaminants (ECs) in water resources has garnered significant attention due to their potential risks to human health and the environment. This review examines the contribution from computational approaches, focusing on the application of machine learning (ML) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to understand and optimize experimental applications of ECs adsorption on carbon-based nanomaterials. Condensed matter physics plays a crucial role in this research by investigating the fundamental properties of materials at the atomic and molecular levels, enabling the design and engineering of materials optimized for contaminant removal. We provide a comprehensive discussion of various force fields (FFs) such as AMBER, CHARMM, OPLS, GROMOS, and COMPASS, highlighting their unique features, advantages, and specific applications in modeling molecular interactions. The review also delves into the development and application of reactive potentials like ReaxFF, which facilitate large-scale atomistic simulations of chemical reactions. Additionally, we explore how ML models, including sGDML and SchNet, significantly enhance the potential and refinement of classical models by providing high-level quantum descriptions at reduced computational costs. The integration of ML with MD simulations allows for the accurate parameterization of FFs, offering detailed insights into adsorption mechanisms. Through a qualitative analysis of various ML models applied to the study of ECs on carbon materials, we identify key physical and chemical descriptors influencing adsorption capacities. Despite these advancements, challenges such as the limited diversity of ECs studied and the need for extensive experimental validation persist. This review underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly the contributions of condensed matter physics, in developing innovative materials and strategies to address the environmental challenges posed by emerging contaminants.