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In brief: Congenital ZIKV infection promotes alarming effects on male offspring's reproductive biology. This study showed the presence of the ZIKV antigen in the testis parenchyma, decreased testosterone levels, and sperm abnormalities in male offspring born to infected mothers. Abstract: Infection with ZIKV during pregnancy is associated with fetal developmental problems. Although neurological issues are being explored more in experimental studies, limited research has focused on the reproductive health consequences for offspring born to infected mothers. In this context, this study aimed to assess the impact of ZIKV infection during pregnancy on the testes and sperm of adult male offspring. Female mice were intraperitoneally inoculated with a Brazil strain of ZIKV during the 5.5th day of embryonic gestation. The offspring were evaluated 12 weeks after birth to analyze cellular and molecular changes in the testes and sperm. A novel approach combining variable-angle spectroscopic ellipsometry and machine learning modeling was also introduced for sperm sample analysis. The study revealed the presence of ZIKV protein in the testis parenchyma of adult male offspring born to infected mothers. It was shown that the testes exhibited altered steroidogenesis and inflammatory mediators, in addition to significant issues with spermiogenesis that resulted in sperm with DNA fragmentation, head defects, and protamination failure. Additionally, sperm dielectric properties and artificial intelligence showed potential for rapid identification and classification of sperm samples from infected mice. These findings provide crucial insights into the reproductive risks for men born from ZIKV-infected pregnant women.

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Objectives: To analyze the hypothesis that ureteral obstruction may activate kidney latent tuberculous though qualitative study of Urogenital Tuberculosis patients. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using semistructured interviews in eight patients with Urogenital Tuberculosis. The progression of the disease from the initial symptoms was characterized through the analysis of the clinical and radiological data. The presence of ureteral obstruction prior to the onset of renal tuberculosis was observed in three patients. Results: Patient 1: A 58-year-old female had five episodes of acute left ureteral lithiasis in two years prior to left kidney tuberculosis. Patient 2: A 55-year-old male patient had a 1.2 cm proximal left ureteral stone and in the following six months, the diagnosis of tuberculosis was made in a nonfunctioning left kidney with ureteral thickening and stenosis. Patient 3: A 47-year-old male patient had a 1.2 cm stone in the proximal right ureter and developed urinary tuberculosis with a nonfunctioning right kidney and a contracted bladder. Conclusion: Kidney tuberculosis may appear in the same kidney that had previously suffered stone ureteral obstruction, which may have created local conditions for the activation of latent foci of renal tuberculosis.

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ABSTRACT Background: Children presenting enuresis are more likely to be asthmatics. The association between enuresis and sleep-disordered breathing has already been demonstrated and several studies have shown at least partial improvement of two thirds or more of the cases of enuresis adenoidectomy. Studies have already described associations between enuresis and allergies but do not assess the repercussions of allergy treatment in enuretics. Objective: This study aims to evaluated whether asthma treatment alters the course of enuresis and whether there is any predictive factor associated with this improvement. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients (5 - 12 years old) with uncontrolled enuresis and asthma, received treatment for asthma. Children were also assessed for the presence of rhinitis and other allergies. The control of asthma was confirmed by a validated questionnaire and primary enuresis by clinical history and wet night diaries. Patients received only asthma treatment. Results: At least partial improvement of enuresis was observed in 55% of the patients with an increase in 64.4% in the number of dry nights at the end of the study (p=0.01). The "presence of other allergies" and "obstruction seen in nasal endoscopy" positively influenced the improvement of urinary symptoms (OR = 3.350; CI 0.844-13.306) and (OR=1.272; CI 0.480-3.370), respectively. Discussion: Until now, only patients presenting upper airway obstruction were known to benefit from the improvement of urinary symptoms when undergoing treatment for their respiratory problems. In our study, we found at least partial improvement in enuresis in 55% of our patients, with only clinical asthma treatment. Conclusion: Controlling asthma in children with primary enuresis resulted in a significant increase in dry nights.

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The main modifications of thermal and colorimetric parameters after thermal aging of DGEBA/TETA system (plain epoxy) and fique-fiber woven fabric-reinforced epoxy composites are described. As a preliminary study, thermal analysis was carried out on epoxy matrix composites reinforced with 15, 30, 40 and 50% fique-fiber woven fabric. After this previous analysis, the 40% composite was chosen to be thermally aged, at 170 °C. Three exposure times were considered, namely, 0, 72, 120 and 240 h. Samples were studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential thermal analysis (DTA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermomechanical analysis (TMA) and colorimetry analysis. Significant color changes were observed after thermal aging combined with oxidation. It was also found that the thermal behavior of the plain epoxy showed greater resistance after thermal exposure. By contrast, the composites were more sensitive to temperature variations as a result of thermal stresses induced between fique fibers and the epoxy matrix.

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Hybrid composites are expanding applications in cutting-edge technology industries, which need materials capable of meeting combined properties in order to guarantee high performance and cost-effectiveness. This original article aimed for the first time to investigate the hybrid laminated composite thermal behavior, made of two types of fibers: synthetic Twaron® fabric and natural curaua non-woven mat, reinforcing epoxy matrix. The composite processing was based on the ballistic helmets methodology from the North American Personal Armor System for Ground Troops, currently used by the Brazilian Army, aiming at reduced costs, total weight, and environmental impact associated with the material without compromising ballistic performance. Thermal properties of plain epoxy, aramid fabric, and curaua mat were evaluated, as well as the other five configurations of hybrid laminated composites. These properties were compared using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) with its derivative (DTG), differential thermal analysis (DTA), and thermomechanical analysis (TMA). The results showed that the plain epoxy begins thermal degradation at 208 °C while the curaua mat at 231 °C and the aramid fabric at 477 °C. The hybrid laminated composites curves showed two or three inflections in terms of mass loss. The only sample that underwent thermal expansion was the five-aramid and three-curaua layers composite. In the third analyzed temperature interval, related to the glass transition temperature of the composites, there was, in general, an increasing thermal stability behavior.

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BACKGROUND: Children presenting enuresis are more likely to be asthmatics. The association between enuresis and sleep-disordered breathing has already been demonstrated and several studies have shown at least partial improvement of two thirds or more of the cases of enuresis adenoidectomy. Studies have already described associations between enuresis and allergies but do not assess the repercussions of allergy treatment in enuretics. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluated whether asthma treatment alters the course of enuresis and whether there is any predictive factor associated with this improvement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients (5 - 12 years old) with uncontrolled enuresis and asthma, received treatment for asthma. Children were also assessed for the presence of rhinitis and other allergies. The control of asthma was confirmed by a validated questionnaire and primary enuresis by clinical history and wet night diaries. Patients received only asthma treatment. RESULTS: At least partial improvement of enuresis was observed in 55% of the patients with an increase in 64.4% in the number of dry nights at the end of the study (p=0.01). The "presence of other allergies" and "obstruction seen in nasal endoscopy" positively influenced the improvement of urinary symptoms (OR = 3.350; CI 0.844-13.306) and (OR=1.272; CI 0.480-3.370), respectively. DISCUSSION: Until now, only patients presenting upper airway obstruction were known to benefit from the improvement of urinary symptoms when undergoing treatment for their respiratory problems. In our study, we found at least partial improvement in enuresis in 55% of our patients, with only clinical asthma treatment. CONCLUSION: Controlling asthma in children with primary enuresis resulted in a significant increase in dry nights.

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OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical response of parasacral transcutaneous electrical neural stimulation (parasacral TENS) associated with urotherapy in children with primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (PMNE) compared to urotherapy alone. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective controlled clinical trial enrolled 72 children over 5 years of age with PMNE. Children were randomly divided into two groups, control group (CG), treated with urotherapy and scapular stimulation, and experimental group (EG), treated with urotherapy and parasacral TENS. In both groups, 20 sessions were performed, 3 times weekly, for 20 min each, with 10 Hz frequency, 700 µS pulse width and intesity determinated by the patient threshold. The percentages of dry nights were analyzed for 14 days before treatment (T0), after the 20th session (T1), 15 (T2), 30 (T3), 60 (T4), and 90 (T5) days after the end of the sessions. Patients of both groups were followed with intervals of 2 weeks in the first month and monthly for three consecutive months. RESULTS: Twenty-eight enuretic children, 14 girls (50%) with a mean age of 9.09 ± 2.23 years completed the study. There was no difference in mean age between groups. Mean percentage of dry nights in EG at T0 was 36%, at T1 49%, at T2 54%, at T3 54%, at T4 54%, and 57% at T5; while in CG, these percentages were 28%, 39%, 37%, 35%, 36%, and 36%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Parasacral TENS associated with urotherapy improves the percentage of dry nights in children with PMNE, although no patient had complete resolution of symptoms in this study.

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Arapaima scales possess a hierarchical structure capable of absorbing a considerable amount of energy before fracture. These natural dermal armors present significant potential in the sustainable development of cost-effective composites. This work aimed, for the first time, to analyze the impact resistance and ballistic performance of arapaima scale-reinforced epoxy composites and their potential application in multilayered armor systems (MAS). Composite plates were prepared with 20%, 30%, and 40 vol% of arapaima scales. Composite specimens were subjected to notched Izod impact and residual velocity stand-alone tests and their MAS through backface signature (BFS) tests, with their fracture surfaces studied using SEM. The Izod tests confirmed the effect of scales' volume fraction on the energy absorbed by the composites, showing an increase with volume fraction. Residual velocity tests showed that composites with 30 vol% of scales resulted in the most significant improvement in absorbed energy. All MAS formulations presented BFS depths lower than the trauma limit specified by the NIJ standard. Fractographic analysis showed that the scales' toughening mechanisms improved the composites' energy absorption capacity. The experimental results substantiate the potential use of arapaima scales as a reinforcement agent in polymeric composites, with 30 vol% being the optimal volume fraction for energy-absorbing applications.

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BACKGROUND: Cellular entry of SARS-CoV-2 has been shown to rely on angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors, whose expression in the testis is among the highest in the body. Additionally, the risk of mortality seems higher among male COVID-19 patients, and though much has been published since the first cases of COVID-19, there remain unanswered questions regarding SARS-CoV-2 impact on testes and potential consequences for reproductive health. We investigated testicular alterations in non-vaccinated deceased COVID-19-patients, the precise location of the virus, its replicative activity, and the immune, vascular, and molecular fluctuations involved in the pathogenesis. RESULTS: We found that SARS-CoV-2 testicular tropism is higher than previously thought and that reliable viral detection in the testis requires sensitive nanosensors or RT-qPCR using a specific methodology. Through an in vitro experiment exposing VERO cells to testicular macerates, we observed viral content in all samples, and the subgenomic RNA's presence reinforced the replicative activity of SARS-CoV-2 in testes of the severe COVID-19 patients. The cellular structures and viral particles, observed by transmission electron microscopy, indicated that macrophages and spermatogonial cells are the main SARS-CoV-2 lodging sites, where new virions form inside the endoplasmic reticulum Golgi intermediate complex. Moreover, we showed infiltrative infected monocytes migrating into the testicular parenchyma. SARS-CoV-2 maintains its replicative and infective abilities long after the patient's infection. Further, we demonstrated high levels of angiotensin II and activated immune cells in the testes of deceased patients. The infected testes show thickening of the tunica propria, germ cell apoptosis, Sertoli cell barrier loss, evident hemorrhage, angiogenesis, Leydig cell inhibition, inflammation, and fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that high angiotensin II levels and activation of mast cells and macrophages may be critical for testicular pathogenesis. Importantly, our findings suggest that patients who become critically ill may exhibit severe alterations and harbor the active virus in the testes.

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ABSTRACT Introduction: Voiding diary (VD) is an important tool in the evaluation of children with voiding symptoms. Voiding frequency, maximal voided volume (MVV), average voided volume (AVV) and nocturnal volume (NV) can be extracted and are valuable in diagnosing and monitoring these disorders. Recently, ICCS has reduced the period of data recording on VD from 3 to 2 days. We hypothesized that one day voiding diary would be enough for guiding treatment. Materials and Methods: Children with overactive bladder (OAB) and primary monosymptomatic enuresis (PMNE) were oriented to fulfill a 3-day VD. Data obtained from VD were evaluated for the first day (1dVD), the first two days (2dVD), and all 3 days (3dVD) and compared according to the MVV, AVV, frequency, NV and expected bladder capacity (EBC). The Friedman, Student's t test and the Fisher's exact was used. ANOVA was used for multiple comparisons. We also used Pearson correlation test. Results: Ninety-eight children were included, 59 had PMNE and 30 OAB. Frequency, AVV and VN were similar regardless how many days the voiding episodes were recorded. Only MVV was higher by a mean of only 32 mL on 3dVD compared to 1dVD. A 1dVD has a sensitivity of 93,9% and a positive likelihood ratio of 2.2. As for the correlation of MVV and EBC it was observed that in 83% of children, MVV was lower than EBC. MVV corresponds to 67% and 69% of EBC in children with PMNE and OAB, respectively. Conclusion: We believe that 1dVD is sufficient to assess these children. It has a high sensitivity and good correlation to 3dVD in evaluating these children. Bladder capacity in this population, evaluated by maximum voided volume, was close to 68% of that obtained by the EBC.

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INTRODUCTION: Voiding diary (VD) is an important tool in the evaluation of children with voiding symptoms. Voiding frequency, maximal voided volume (MVV), average voided volume (AVV) and nocturnal volume (NV) can be extracted and are valuable in diagnosing and monitoring these disorders. Recently, ICCS has reduced the period of data recording on VD from 3 to 2 days.We hypothesized that one day voiding diary would be enough for guiding treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Children with overactive bladder (OAB) and primary monosymptomatic enuresis (PMNE) were oriented to fulfill a 3-day VD. Data obtained from VD were evaluated for the first day (1dVD), the first two days (2dVD), and all 3 days (3dVD) and compared according to the MVV, AVV, frequency, NV and expected bladder capacity (EBC). The Friedman, Student's t test and the Fisher's exact was used. ANOVA was used for multiple comparisons. We also used Pearson correlation test. RESULTS: Ninety-eight children were included, 59 had PMNE and 30 OAB. Frequency, AVV and VN were similar regardless how many days the voiding episodes were recorded. Only MVV was higher by a mean of only 32 mL on 3dVD compared to 1dVD. A 1dVD has a sensitivity of 93,9% and a positive likelihood ratio of 2.2. As for the correlation of MVV and EBC it was observed that in 83% of children, MVV was lower than EBC. MVV corresponds to 67% and 69% of EBC in children with PMNE and OAB, respectively. CONCLUSION: We believe that 1dVD is sufficient to assess these children. It has a high sensitivity and good correlation to 3dVD in evaluating these children. Bladder capacity in this population, evaluated by maximum voided volume, was close to 68% of that obtained by the EBC.

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ABSTRACT Introduction: Upper airway obstruction (UAO) is a common condition in all pediatric population, with a 27% prevalence. Primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (PMNE) is a condition related to UAO in 8% to 47% of these children. The specific pathophysiological mechanism of this bond is not well understood. Some authors suggest a connection between brain natrituretic peptide (BNP) and anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) during sleep. The aim of this study was to evaluate hormone profile (ADH and BNP) and improvement in dry nights in a sample of children before and after surgical treatment of the UAO. Methods: This is a longitudinal prospective interventionist study in children, 5 to 14 years of age, with UAO and PMNE recruited in a specialty outpatient clinic. Children presenting UAO and PMNE were evaluated with a 30-day dry night diary and blood samples were collected to evaluate ADH and BNP before and after upper airway surgery. Data were analyzed prior to surgery and 90-120 days after surgery. Results: Twenty-one children with a mean age of 9.7 years were included. Mean BNP before surgery was 116.5 ± 126.5 pg/mL and 156.2 ± 112.3 pg/mL after surgery (p<0.01). Mean ADH was 5.8 ± 3.2 pg/mL and 14.6 ± 35.4 before and after surgery, respectively (p=0.26). The percentage of dry nights went from 32.3 ± 24.7 before surgery to 75.4 ± 33.4 after surgery (p<0.01). Conclusion: Surgery for airway obstruction contributed to an increase in BNP without increasing ADH. A total of 85.8% of the children presented partial or complete improvement of their enuresis.

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Yellowish myotis present a seasonal reproduction, influenced by rainfall distribution, in which the testis mass, germ cell composition, and brown adipose tissue mass change along the reproductive stages. In the present study, tissue xenografts were performed in immunodeficient mice to investigate spermatogenesis development in a stable endocrine milieu and the possible androgenic role of brown adipose tissue. Forty-one adult male bats were captured in the Santuário do Caraça, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The gonads and brown adipose tissue were collected, weighed, and grafted under the mice's back skin. Mice biometric and hormonal data were evaluated after grafting, and the testis grafts and mice gonads were fixed for histological and immunohistochemical analyses. As a result, testis grafts from adult bats presented a continuous germ cell development in all reproductive phases, showing round spermatids in all testis tissues. Furthermore, testis fragments in the Rest stage presented elongating spermatids as the most advanced germ cell type in the seminiferous epithelium after seven months of grafting. These data indicated that yellowish myotis spermatogenesis could be continued (presenting a constant spermatogonial differentiation) in a stable endocrine milieu, as found in mice. In addition, the best spermatogenic development was achieved when testis fragments were transplanted at their lowest activity (Rest stage). Regarding the brown adipose tissue grafts, the adipose tissue consumption by mice increased seminal vesicle mass and testosterone serum levels. This data proved that the brown adipose tissue is related to testosterone synthesis, which may be critical in stimulating the differentiation of spermatogonia in yellowish myotis.

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Several industry sectors have sought to develop materials that combine lightness, strength and cost-effectiveness. Natural lignocellulosic natural fibers have demonstrated to be efficient in replacing synthetic fibers, owing to several advantages such as costs 50% lower than that of synthetic fibers and promising mechanical specific properties. Polymeric matrix composites that use kenaf fibers as reinforcement have shown strength increases of over 600%. This work aims to evaluate the performance of epoxy matrix composites reinforced with kenaf fibers, by means of dynamic-mechanical analysis (DMA) and ballistic test. Through DMA, it was possible to obtain the curves of storage modulus (E'), loss modulus (E″) and damping factor, Tan δ, of the composites. The variation of E' displayed an increase from 1540 MPa for the plain epoxy to 6550 MPa for the 30 vol.% kenaf fiber composites, which evidences the increase in viscoelastic stiffness of the composite. The increase in kenaf fiber content induced greater internal friction, resulting in superior E″. The Tan δ was considerably reduced with increasing reinforcement fraction, indicating better interfacial adhesion between the fiber and the matrix. Ballistic tests against 0.22 caliber ammunition revealed similar performance in terms of both residual and limit velocities for plain epoxy and 30 vol.% kenaf fiber composites. These results confirm the use of kenaf fiber as a promising reinforcement of polymer composites for automotive parts and encourage its possible application as a ballistic armor component.

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INTRODUCTION: Upper airway obstruction (UAO) is a common condition in all pediatric population, with a 27% prevalence. Primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (PMNE) is a condition related to UAO in 8% to 47% of these children. The specific pathophysiological mechanism of this bond is not well understood. Some authors suggest a connection between brain natrituretic peptide (BNP) and anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) during sleep. The aim of this study was to evaluate hormone profile (ADH and BNP) and improvement in dry nights in a sample of children before and after surgical treatment of the UAO. METHODS: This is a longitudinal prospective interventionist study in children, 5 to 14 years of age, with UAO and PMNE recruited in a specialty outpatient clinic. Children presenting UAO and PMNE were evaluated with a 30-day dry night diary and blood samples were collected to evaluate ADH and BNP before and after upper airway surgery. Data were analyzed prior to surgery and 90-120 days after surgery. RESULTS: Twenty-one children with a mean age of 9.7 years were included. Mean BNP before surgery was 116.5 ± 126.5 pg/mL and 156.2 ± 112.3 pg/mL after surgery (p<0.01). Mean ADH was 5.8 ± 3.2 pg/mL and 14.6 ± 35.4 before and after surgery, respectively (p=0.26). The percentage of dry nights went from 32.3 ± 24.7 before surgery to 75.4 ± 33.4 after surgery (p˂0.01). CONCLUSION: Surgery for airway obstruction contributed to an increase in BNP without increasing ADH. A total of 85.8% of the children presented partial or complete improvement of their enuresis.

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Replacing synthetic fibers with natural ones as reinforcement in polymeric composites is an alternative to contribute to sustainability. Pineapple leaf fibers (PALF) have specific mechanical properties that allow their use as reinforcement. Further, graphene oxide (GO) has aroused interest due to its distinctive properties that allow the improvement of fiber/matrix interfacial adhesion. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate the ballistic performance and energy absorption properties of PALF-reinforced composites, presenting different conditions (i.e., GO-functionalization, and variation of fibers volume fraction and arrangement) through residual velocity and Izod impact tests. ANOVA was used to verify the variability and reliability of the results. SEM was employed to visualize the failure mechanisms. The Izod impact results revealed a significant increase in the absorbed energy with the increment of fiber volume fraction for the unidirectional configuration. The ballistic results indicated that the bidirectional arrangement was responsible for better physical integrity after the projectile impact. Furthermore, bidirectional samples containing 30 vol.% of GO non-functionalized fibers in a GO-reinforced matrix showed the best results, indicating its possible application as a second layer in multilayered armor systems.