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The present investigation has evaluated the use of effluents from a secondary municipal wastewater treatment plant for biomass production and potential of the biomass for biodiesel production. Cultivations of Chlorella vulgaris using wastewater, wastewater with supplementation, and WC medium were carried out. Effect of wastewater collected in different months on biomass productivity (BP) and lipid composition was studied. Methods based on NMR and GC-MS techniques were applied for determining the composition of the lipids and their fatty acid profile including poly unsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Lipids extracted are comprised of both neutral (tri acyl glycerides, TAG; free fatty acids, FFA) and polar (glyco glycero/phospho) lipids. The TAG content of the extracted lipids was determined in the range of 22.5-41.3% w/w. The NMR and GC-MS compositional results of microalgal lipids of biomasses cultivated in wastewater without nutrient supplementation, collected in different months, showed potential for biodiesel production. The fatty acid profiles of neutral and polar lipids, which are mainly comprised of saturated and unsaturated long alkyl chain (C16-C22) fatty acids, are potential sources for the biodiesel and food industry. The concentration of nitrates (45-78 mg L-1) in wastewater without supplementation, collected in different months, was found to be optimum to enable cultivation of biomasses with reasonably good BP of 21.5-28.1 mg L-1 day-1. Similar results have been obtained in the present work as well as reported in the literature in the case of WC medium (nitrate, 69 mg L-1) with BP of 25.5-28.2 mg L-1 day-1, thus highlighted the significance of the presented work.

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At the end of 2019, the world witnessed the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. As an aggressive viral infection, the entire world remained attentive to new discoveries about the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its effects in the human body. The search for new antivirals capable of preventing and/or controlling the infection became one of the main goals of research during this time. New biocompounds from marine sources, especially microalgae and cyanobacteria, with pharmacological benefits, such as anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory and antiviral attracted particular interest. Polysaccharides (PS) and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), especially those containing sulfated groups in their structure, have potential antiviral activity against several types of viruses including HIV-1, herpes simplex virus type 1, and SARS-CoV-2. We review the main characteristics of PS and EPS with antiviral activity, the mechanisms of action, and the different extraction methodologies from microalgae and cyanobacteria biomass.

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In this study, samples of bromeliad Tillandsia usneoides (n = 70) were transplanted and exposed for 15 and 45 days in 35 outdoor residential areas in Brumadinho (Minas Gerais state, Brazil) after one of the most severe mining dam collapses in the world. Trace elements aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn) were quantified by atomic absorption spectrometry. Scanning electron microscope generated surface images of T. usneoides fragments and particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10 and PM > 10). Aluminum, Fe and Mn stood out from the other elements reflecting the regional geological background. Median concentrations in mg kg-1 increased (p < 0.05) between 15 and 45 days for Cr (0.75), Cu (1.23), Fe (474) and Mn (38.1), while Hg (0.18) was higher at 15 days. The exposed-to-control ratio revealed that As and Hg increased 18.1 and 9.4-fold, respectively, not showing a pattern associated only with the most impacted sites. The PM analysis points to a possible influence of the prevailing west wind on the increase of total particles, PM2.5 and PM10 in transplant sites located to the east. Brazilian public health dataset revealed increase in cases of some cardiovascular and respiratory diseases/symptoms in Brumadinho in the year of the dam collapse (1.38 cases per 1000 inhabitants), while Belo Horizonte capital and its metropolitan region recorded 0.97 and 0.37 cases, respectively. Although many studies have been carried out to assess the consequences of the tailings dam failure, until now atmospheric pollution had not yet been evaluated. Furthermore, based on our exploratory analysis of human health dataset, epidemiological studies are required to verify possible risk factors associated with the increase in hospital admissions in the study area.

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In anaerobic digestion of agro-industrial effluents and livestock wastes, concentrations of ammoniacal nitrogen above 800 mg L-1 are reported to lead to the eutrophication of water bodies. Through the metabolic versatility of microalgae, this nitrogen source can be used and removed, producing carotenoids, phycobiliproteins, polyhydroxyalkanoates, and fatty acids of industrial interest. The challenge of making it feasible is the toxicity of ammoniacal nitrogen to microalgae. Therefore, three strategies were evaluated. The first one was to find species of cyanobacteria with high ammoniacal nitrogen removal efficiency comparing Arthrospira platensis, Synechocystis D202, and Spirulina labyrinthiformis cultivations. The most promising species was cultivated in the second strategy, where cell acclimatization and increasing of the inoculum were evaluated. The cultivation condition that culminated in the best efficiency of ammoniacal nitrogen removal was combined with the third strategy, which consisted of conducting the fed-batch bioprocess. In the batch mode, ammoniacal nitrogen was supplied only once in one fed and was present in high initial concentrations. In fed-batch, multiple feedings with low concentrations of ammoniacal nitrogen were used to decrease the inhibitory effect of ammoniacal nitrogen. Arthrospira platensis showed high potential for ammoniacal nitrogen removal. Using the highest initial cell concentration of Arthrospira platensis cultivated by fed-batch, an increase in the consumption of NH3 to 165.1 ± 1.8 mg L-1 and an ammoniacal nitrogen removal efficiency close to 90% were observed. Under this condition, 180.52 ± 11.67 mg g-1 of phycocyanin was attained. Also, the fed-batch cultivations have the potential to reduce the biomass cost production by 33% in comparison to batch experiments.

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OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of postural changes in women who had urinary incontinence (UI) with myofascial dysfunction (MD) and women who had UI without MD in the pelvic floor muscles (PFM). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed with 234 women who had UI and were at least 18 years old at the urogynecology outpatient clinic of a tertiary academic hospital. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Overactive Bladder were used to collect urinary data. Standing postural assessment was performed using photogrammetry in anterior, posterior, and right and left lateral views and was analyzed with Postural Assessment Software. MD was defined as pain of any intensity during palpation of the PFM, and the strength of these muscles was evaluated using the Modified Oxford Scale. RESULTS: The prevalence of MD in women with UI was 51.7% (121/234). Women with MD had significantly smaller angles in the horizontal alignment of the pelvis in the right-side view (mean [SD] = -11.9 [6.9] degrees and -9.6 [7.1] degrees), left-side view (-13.6 [6] degrees and -11.5 [6.6] degrees), and vertical alignment of the body in the left-side view (3 [1.5] degrees and 3.4 [1.5] degrees), showing anterior pelvic tilt and posterior displacement of the body. CONCLUSION: Women with UI and MD had greater anterior pelvic tilt and posterior displacement of the body than women without dysfunction. IMPACT: This study informs physical therapists and other health care professionals about the prevalence of MD in the pelvic floor muscles of women with UI and highlights the need to rule out MD, because it appears to be a concomitant impairment in women who self-report UI. During a postural screen, health care professionals should look for anterior pelvic tilt relative to horizon when evaluating posture in women with UI and MD. The findings of postural changes in women with MD and UI may influence the PFM assessment. LAY SUMMARY: Women with involuntary urinary loss, pain, and stiffness in the pelvic area may show changes in posture associated with this condition.

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Introdução: Uma doença altamente infecciosa do trato respiratório, a doença de coronavírus 2019 (COVID-19) pode causar disfunção respiratória, física e psicológica em pacientes. Portanto, a reabilitação pulmonar é crucial para pacientes admitidos e que recebem alta da COVID-19. As sequelas de longo prazo são desconhecidas, mas as evidências de surtos anteriores de CoV demonstram comprometimento da função pulmonar e física, redução da qualidade de vida e sofrimento emocional. Métodos: Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática da literatura realizada através de busca digital em artigos publicados em revistas impressas e eletrônicas, ensaios clínicos, estudos randomizados, revisões sistemáticas, no período compreendido entre os anos de 2003 e 2020. Resultados: Muitos sobreviventes da COVID-19 que necessitam de cuidados críticos podem desenvolver comprometimentos psicológicos, físicos e cognitivos. Conclusão: Existe uma clara necessidade de orientação sobre a reabilitação dos sobreviventes da COVID-19. (AU)

Introduction: A highly infectious disease of the respiratory tract, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can cause respiratory, physical, and psychological dysfunction in patients. Therefore, pulmonary rehabilitation is crucial for patients admitted and discharged from COVID-19. The long-term sequelae of COVID-19 are unknown, but evidence of previous CoV outbreaks demonstrates impaired lung and physical function, reduced quality of life and emotional distress. Methods: This is a systematic review of the literature carried out through digital bibliographic search of scientific articles published in printed and electronic journals, clinical trials, randomized studies, systematic reviews, in the period between the years 2003 and 2020. Results: Many survivors of COVID-19 that require critical care can develop psychological, physical, and cognitive impairments. Conclusion: There is a clear need for guidance on the rehabilitation of COVID-19 survivors. (AU)

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On January 2019, the B1 iron ore tailings' dam collapsed in Brumadinho, Brazil, being one of the worst mining-related disasters, with 270 human deaths (11 of them still missing) and 12.106 m3 of tailings released to the environment. The tailings devastated the Córrego do Feijão brook and reached the adjacent Paraopeba River, the region's main watercourse and a major tributary of the São Francisco basin. Although physicochemical parameters of the river were strongly impacted, and acute toxicological effects have been reported from exposure experiments, contamination of aquatic biota had not yet been assessed. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate contamination by trace elements (As, Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) in sediment, fish and macrophytes along the Paraopeba River, upstream and downstream from the dam failure site, during the dry and wet season. With the exception of Cd and Hg, all elements in sediment samples had lower median concentrations downstream. An inverse pattern was observed for the aquatic biota, with significant higher concentrations of Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn in fishes, and increased concentrations of most elements in macrophytes, indicating an increase in element bioavailability. A significant seasonal variation was observed with increased concentrations of As (dry season) and Pb (wet season) in fish samples, with the same trend occurring in macrophytes. Concentrations of potentially toxic elements in fish samples in wet weight (Cr: 1.80 ± 1.31 mg kg-1, Hg: 0.21 ± 0.11 mg kg-1 and Pb: 0.79 ± 0.80 mg kg-1) were lower than those reported before the disaster. Furthermore, As and Pb concentrations exceeded the safety threshold for fish consumption in 3% and 41% of samples, respectively, representing a matter of concern for public health.

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AIM: To examine the efficacy of Hand-Arm Bimanual Intensive Therapy (HABIT) on daily functioning, unimanual dexterity, and bimanual performance of children with bilateral cerebral palsy (CP) compared with customary care. METHOD: Forty-one children with bilateral CP, aged 4 to 16 years, classified in levels I to III of the Manual Ability Classification System, were randomly assigned to HABIT (90h) (n=21) or to customary care (4.5h) (n=20). Participants' daily functioning (Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory [PEDI], Canadian Occupational Performance Measure [COPM]), unimanual dexterity (Jebsen-Taylor Test of Hand Function, Box and Blocks Test [BBT]), and bimanual performance (Both Hands Assessment) were assessed pre-, post-, and 6 months after the intervention. Linear mixed-effects models were used for inferential analysis. RESULTS: Children participating in HABIT showed greater improvements in daily functioning (COPMperformance : χ 1 2 =9.50, p<0.01; COPMsatisfaction : χ 1 2 =5.07, p<0.05; PEDIfunctional skills : χ 1 2 =6.81, p<0.01; PEDIcaregiver assistance : χ 1 2 =6.23, p<0.05) and in the dexterity of the dominant hand (BBT: χ 1 2 =3.99, p<0.05) compared with children maintaining customary care. Group or time effects did not explain any variance in bimanual performance or in the dexterity of the non-dominant hand. INTERPRETATION: HABIT may be beneficial for children with bilateral CP, with benefits evidenced for daily functioning outcomes. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: Hand-Arm Bimanual Intensive Therapy (HABIT) improved daily functioning of children with bilateral cerebral palsy (CP). Bimanual performance, measured by the Both Hands Assessment, did not change after HABIT in children with bilateral CP. Children with asymmetric and symmetric hand use exhibited similar improvements after HABIT.

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Algae biomass is formed by an extremely complex set of metabolites, and its molecular characterization has been very challenging. We report the characterization of microalgae extracts via traveling wave ion mobility-mass spectrometry (TWIM-MS) by two different analysis strategies. First, the extracts were analyzed by direct infusion electrospray ionization (ESI) with no previous chromatographic separation (DI-ESI-TWIM-MS). Second, the samples were screened for metabolites and lipids using an untargeted high-throughput method that employs ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) using data-independent analysis (DIA) - MSE (UHPLC-HDMSE). Sixteen different microalgae biomasses were evaluated by both strategies. DI-ESI-TWIM-MS was able, via distinct drift times, to set apart different classes of metabolites, with the differences in the profiles of each microalga readily evident. With the UHPLC-HDMSE approach, 1251 different compounds were putatively annotated across 16 samples with 210 classified as lipids. From the normalized abundance for each annotated compound category, a detailed profiling in terms of metabolites, lipids, and lipid classes of each sample was performed. The reported workflow represents a powerful tool to determine the most suitable biotechnological applications for a given alga type and may allow for real-time monitoring of the algae composition distribution as a function of growth conditions, feedstocks, and the like. The determination of collision cross section results in improved confidence in the identification of triacylglycerols in samples, highly applicable to biofuels production. The two analysis strategies explored in this work offer powerful tools for the biomass industry by aiding in the identification of ideal strains and culture conditions for a specific application, saving analysis time and facilitating identification of a large number of constituents at once.

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Esta pesquisa analisa a presença de fatores de risco para quedas em 361 idosos vinculados a um plano de saúde na cidade de São Paulo, SP, estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Os idosos foram divididos em dois grupos: os que nunca apresentaram quedas e os que já haviam caído pelo menos uma vez no último ano. Quando comparados estes dois grupos, apresentaram maior risco os idosos do sexo feminino, viúvos, com dificuldade moderada a grave no Teste Timed Up and Go, com baixa acuidade visual, que fazem uso de medicamentos psicoativos, e com maior idade.

This study analyzes the presence of risk factors for falls in 361 elderly people linked to a health plan in the city of São Paulo, SP, state of São Paulo, Brazil. The elderly were divided into two groups: those who never had falls and those who had already fallen at least once in the last year. When comparing these two groups, the elderly, female, widowed, with moderate to severe difficulty in the Timed Up and Go Test, with low visual acuity, who use psychoactive drugs, and with greater age, were at greater risk.

Esta investigación analiza la presencia de factores de riesgo para caídas en 361 ancianos vinculados a un plan de salud en la ciudad de São Paulo, SP, estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Los ancianos se dividieron en dos grupos: los que nunca presentaron caídas y los que ya habían caído al menos una vez en el último año. Cuando se compararon estos dos grupos, presentaron mayor riesgo a las personas de edad avanzada, viudas, con dificultad moderada a grave en el Test Timed Up and Go, con baja agudeza visual, que hacen uso de medicamentos psicoactivos, y con mayor edad.

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