Resumen en Inglés:

Abstract Microplastic contamination of biological matrices is a pressing concern in environmental and biomedical research. While their presence has been confirmed in human blood, placentas, lungs, and other tissues, accurate identification remains an analytical challenge. Obstacles include the small size and heterogeneous composition of microplastics, as well as spectral interference from complex organic matter. This review systematically analyzes—following PRISMA 2020 guidelines—the current state of microplastic detection in human tissues, evaluating 218 studies (2000-2024). We focus on the primary techniques: Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy, and Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). Our analysis confirms FTIR as the most widely employed technique, followed by Raman and Py-GC/MS, with each method exhibiting distinct advantages and limitations in sensitivity, specificity, and sample preparation requirements. A critical finding is the widespread lack of robust quality assurance; notably, few studies consistently implemented blank controls and spike-recovery experiments, thereby compromising the reproducibility and reliability of data. In response, we propose a consolidated framework of best practices for sample handling, contamination control, and analytical validation. This review underscores the urgent need for standardized, validated protocols to refine analytical techniques, ensure consistent results, and ultimately support accurate risk assessment of human exposure to microplastics.

Resumen en Inglés:

Abstract Burns are complex traumatic injuries that require specialized care. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of a hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel associated with silver (HA+Ag) on partial-thickness burn wounds in mice, through macroscopic, morphometric, microscopic, and molecular analyses. Seventy-two BALB/c mice were divided into four groups: Control (saline), SSD (1.0% silver sulfadiazine cream), HA (1.0% hyaluronic acid hydrogel), and HA+Ag (1.0% hyaluronic acid hydrogel + 0.5% silver). At 7 days after injury (DAI), the HA+Ag group showed significantly greater wound contraction compared to the Control. Microscopic analysis revealed increased angiogenesis and fibroblast presence in the HA and HA+Ag groups, suggesting enhanced granulation tissue formation. No significant differences were observed in collagen fiber deposition. Gene expression analysis at 7 DAI showed higher levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-10 in the Control group, indicating a more intense inflammatory response in untreated animals. These differences were transient and were no longer observed at later time points. Therefore, the findings suggest that HA-based hydrogels, particularly when combined with silver, promote wound healing during the initial phase and represent a promising therapeutic alternative for partial-thickness burns.

Resumen en Inglés:

Abstract Giardia lamblia infection alters gut physiology and microbiota interactions, but the impact of prebiotic supplementation in this context remains unclear. This study investigated how fructooligosaccharide (FOS) treatment affects microbial fermentation, intestinal function, inflammation, and hepatic bile acid synthesis in G. lamblia-infected gerbils. Gerbils were divided into four groups: uninfected control, infected control, uninfected and FOS-treated, and infected and FOS-treated. Cecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), intestinal disaccharidase activities, serum and intestinal cytokines, and hepatic expression of Cyp7a1 and Cyp8b1 were analysed. Giardia infection increased cecal acetate, reduced butyrate, elevated serum TNF-α, and increased hepatic Cyp7a1 expression. FOS supplementation increased cecal propionate and other SCFAs and elevated IL-10 levels in serum and intestinal tissue. Notably, FOS reduced intestinal maltase activity regardless of infection status, without affecting lactase activity. Together, these data indicate that giardiasis alters microbial fermentation and inflammatory responses, whereas FOS supplementation primarily promotes a more regulatory immune profile, characterized by increased IL-10 levels, alongside shifts in microbial fermentation, without directly modifying hepatic bile acid–related gene expression. These findings highlight complex diet–microbiota–host interactions during intestinal parasitic infection and support further mechanistic studies.

Resumen en Inglés:

Abstract The aim of this study is to examine the independent and combined associations of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) with metabolic syndrome (MS) components in older adults. This cross-sectional study included 473 older adults aged ≥60 years, living in the urban area of ​​the municipality of Alcobaça, Brazil, and enrolled in the municipality’s Family Health Strategy. Sociodemographic information, anthropometric measurements, laboratory and behavioral data were collected. The prevalence of MS was 52.8%. Longer time spent in SB was associated with central obesity (OR 2.85; 95% CI: 1.52-5.25) and hypertension (OR 1.86; 95% CI: 1.23-2.85). In the combined analysis, insufficiently active older adults with longer SB time were more likely to have two (OR 3.90; 95% CI: 1.46-10.42) to four (OR 4.18; 95% CI: 1.12-15.62) components. Even sufficiently active older adults with longer SB time had higher odds of central obesity (OR 3.44; 95% CI: 1.51-7.87), hypertension (OR 2.30; 95% CI: 1.30-4.05), and low HDL-c levels (OR 1.84; 95% CI: 1.03-3.28). SB is a determining factor in the prevalence of MS in older adults, with implications for public health policies that promote frequent interruptions of sedentary time and encourage regular PA.

Resumen en Inglés:

Abstract Bioaerosols are airborne particles that may carry microorganisms and are frequently generated during dental procedures. This study aimed to analyze the microbiological profile of isolates found on face shields masks used by dental students during restorations with conventional restorative procedures (CRP) and atraumatic restorative treatment (ART), and to assess the antimicrobial susceptibility of the most frequent isolates. Samples were collected from the face shields of 30 students (15 CRP and 15 ART) using Rodac TSA contact plates after use. Plates were incubated at 36 ± 1 °C for 48 h, colonies counted, and microorganisms identified by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The mean colony count was 35.9 CFU/plate for CRP and 28.6 CFU/plate for ART. In total, 49 microorganisms were isolated, predominantly Staphylococcus spp. (55.1%), including S. epidermidis, S. warneri, S. capitis, and S. saprophyticus. Among the 27 Staphylococcus isolates, non-susceptibility rates were highest for levofloxacin (100%), erythromycin (74.1%), and clindamycin (48.1%), while all were susceptible to chloramphenicol, linezolid, rifampicin, and sulfamethoxazole. Multidrug resistance was observed in 70.4% of isolates. Both procedures posed comparable risks of microbial dispersion through bioaerosol generation, including multidrug-resistant bacteria. These findings reinforce the need for strict biosafety and disinfection measures in dental practice to minimize infection risks.

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Abstract The Atlantic Forest Biome, historically marked by intense human occupation, hosts the majority of Brazil’s population despite covering only a fraction of the national territory. However, available population estimates lack methodological transparency, undermining their application in public policies and conservation strategies. This study aims to rigorously estimate the number of inhabitants living within the limits of the Atlantic Forest Biome, considering two official territorial boundaries: the area defined by the Atlantic Forest Law, 2006 and the domain defined by Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, 2019. Using data from the 2022 Demographic Census and a standardized criterion for municipal inclusion, results indicate that approximately 57% of the Brazilian population resides within the Atlantic Forest Biome. This figure is lower than those reported in the literature but still represents a significant number, considering the biome covers approximately 15% of Brazil’s continental territory. These findings underscore the need for demographic studies based on replicable methods to support planning of policies aimed at conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of the Atlantic Forest.

Resumen en Inglés:

Abstract The Atlantic Forest is one of the most threatened biomes with a complex evolutive history compounded by subunits and local endemism. Despite that, many taxa, such as bees, is still poorly known in some regions, including several protected areas. These gaps in diversity and distribution represent an impediment in the knowledge of these important pollinators. In this context, faunistic surveys are valuable tools to explore regional diversity, to decrease the Linnean and Wallacean shortfalls. For this, we conducted an inventory of bees in the largest Atlantic Forest remnant north of São Francisco River. We collected typical bee fauna of Atlantic Forest as Ariphanarthra Moure and other species typical of Amazonian fauna. We also registered a new species of Meliponini and first specimens of Geotrigona xanthopoda Camargo & Moure outside of Caatinga biome. Our data demonstrated that bees in this portion of Atlantic Forest possesses unique elements, reinforcing its heterogenous composition and, the importance of actions to conserving this area as an environmental refuge. Therefore, it is necessary to reassess current government proposals for the implementation of public infrastructure and private developments in the region, which threaten to irreversibly impact the fauna and flora of this portion of the Atlantic Forest.