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Borrelia theileri is a relapsing fever group Borrelia that is transmitted to cattle by ticks of the genus Rhipicephalus. In this study, we describe the first molecular detection of B. theileri subclinical infection in a cow in Brazil. During the examination of stained blood smears of 10 cows from a farm with a recent history of fatal Trypanosoma vivax trypanosomiasis, spirochete-like structures were incidentally detected in one of the cows. The animal presented good body score, normal hematocrit and normal-colored ocular mucosa. Temperature, heart rate and respiratory rate were all normal. The animal was infested by ticks, which were morphologically identified as Rhipicephalus microplus. The diagnosis was confirmed by testing DNA extracted from a blood sample using a PCR targeting a ≈ 650 bp fragment of the flagellin B (flaB) gene of Borrelia spp. The partial flaB sequence obtained showed 99.83% similarity with B. theileri. Phylogenetically, the flaB partial sequence generated herein clustered with other B. theileri sequences, being separated from B. lonestari. This is the first molecular detection of B. theileri subclinical infection in a cow in Brazil. The possible implications of this finding are discussed.

Non-fatal cases of rickettsial infection with different clinical features than the classic BSF (Brazilian Spotted Fever) have been reported in seashore areas of Paraná state, southern Brazil. In addition, Amblyomma ovale tick infected by Rickettsia parkeri strain Atlantic rainforest has been also described in this area. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of anti-Rickettsia spp. antibodies in human and dog populations, and Rickettsia spp. infection in ticks from oceanic islands and seashore mainland cities of southern Brazil. Serum samples were collected from 328 persons and their 282 dogs from three islands and two seashore mainland cities. A total of 211 ticks were collected from dogs, identified as A. ovale and R. sanguineus. In overall, 40 of 328 (12.2%) human samples were seropositive for Rickettsia spp., including 21 of 190 (11.1%) on islands and 19 of 138 (13.7%) on seashore mainland, and 62 of 282 (22.0%) dog samples, including 31 of 153 (20.3%) on islands and 31 of 129 (24.0%) in seashore mainland areas. In overall, nine of 82 (11.0%) ticks were positive to real-time PCR assay targeting a fragment of the rickettsial gltA gene, including two of 64 (3.1%) Rickettsia sanguineus and seven of 18 (38.9%) A. ovale, of which four were infected with the R. parkeri strain Atlantic rainforest. Despite no association between risk factors and Rickettsia spp. seropositivity was found in human beings, access to natural areas (p = .011) and tick infestation (p = .004) was significantly associated to dog seropositivity. The serological and molecular findings herein have confirmed previous tick and clinical case reports and enlarged the geographical occurrence of A. ovale infected by R. parkeri strain Atlantic rainforest in oceanic islands and seashore mainland cities of Paraná State, indicating a new likely transmission area of this new rickettsial infection in human beings and dogs of southern Brazil.

Background: Propolis is a natural product produced by bees, which has garnered attention due to its harmlessness and numerous beneficial biological properties. This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial aimed to assess the effect of toothpastes containing different concentrations of propolis (10% and 15%) on the control of dentin hypersensitivity (DH). Methods: Sixty-six teeth with DH were randomly divided into three treatment groups (n= 22): placebo (toothpaste without active ingredient), 10% propolis (toothpaste with 10% propolis), and 15% propolis (toothpaste with 15% propolis). DH was assessed at three distinct time points (baseline, 15 and 30 days after treatment) by tactile and evaporative stimuli, using the visual analog scale (VAS). Data were analyzed using Friedman and Kruskal-Wallis tests. A significance level of 5% was used in all analyses. Results: All the groups showed reduction in DH during the study period (p < 0.05). The experimental groups (10% and 15% propolis) showed significantly greater reduction in DH compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05) after 30 days of treatment; however, the findings of experimental groups were similar to each other (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Toothpastes containing propolis at concentrations of 10% and 15% were equally effective in controlling DH, regardless of their concentration. Trial registration: Registered on NCT05083052. Date of Registration: 19/10/2021

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Amblyomma sculptum is a common human-biting tick in Brazil, where it plays an important role as a vector of Rickettsia rickettsii, the agent of the Brazilian spotted fever. Herein, we studied the seasonal dynamics of A. sculptum in an urban area of the Cerrado biome in midwestern Brazil, where human rickettsiosis is endemic. Ticks were collected in two sites located within the campus of Federal University of Goiás. The collections were done by dragging, flagging and visual search. In total, 117,685 ticks were collected, including 100,627 Amblyomma spp. larvae, 10,055 nymphs and 6977 adults of A. sculptum, and one nymph and 25 adults of Amblyomma dubitatum. The highest peak of larvae occurred in June 2018 and in July 2019, whereas nymphs peaked in July 2018 and September 2019. Adults reached their highest numbers in March 2018 and November 2019. These data suggest that A. sculptum develops one generation per year in this urban area of the Cerrado biome in midwestern Brazil. Interestingly, the peak of nymphs occurred during the same period of all confirmed cases of rickettsiosis in Goiás, suggesting a possible relationship between the seasonal dynamics of this tick stage and rickettsiosis transmission in this state.

The puma (Puma concolor Linnaeus, 1771), the most widely distributed felid species in the Americas, can be found in all Brazilian biomes. Nevertheless, few studies have focused on hemoparasites in this species. Cytauxzoon felis, a hemoparasite that can infect domestic cats, has also been described in wild felids in Brazil. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to diagnose the natural infection and molecular detection of C. felis in a P. concolor in the state of Goiás. This animal presented non-regenerative anemia and inclusion suggestive of piroplasmids within red blood cells. The amplified 551 bp fragment of partial Piroplasmida 18S rRNA gene sequence was 100% identical to corresponding sequences of C. felis available in GenBank. No specific treatment for cytauxzoonosis was administered, and after rehabilitation, the animal was reintroduced into the wild. This finding provides some evidence that P. concolor may act as a natural host of the parasite. The epidemiology, vector and pathogenicity of this hemoparasite in wild and domestic cats in Brazil deserves further investigation.

Capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) are the largest rodents on Earth. While capybaras are hosts for various tick species, there is limited information regarding the tick-borne pathogens they can carry. We investigated the presence of piroplasmids and Ehrlichia spp. in capybaras and their associated ticks in two peri-urban areas in Goiás state, central-western Brazil. Blood samples collected from 23 capybaras were used to investigate the presence of piroplasmids and Ehrlichia spp. in stained-blood smears and by PCR. Ticks collected from the capybaras were identified morphologically and also tested using PCR for the same pathogens. A total of 955 ticks were collected, including 822 (86.1%) Amblyomma sculptum, 132 (13.8%) Amblyomma dubitatum, and one (0.1%) unidentified larva of Amblyomma sp. Neither the capybaras nor ticks were positive for Ehrlichia spp. However, a stained-blood smear examination revealed the presence of ring-stage and pyriform-shaped merozoites in the erythrocytes of one (4.4%) capybara. In the same way, 47.8% (11/23) and 19.9% (36/181) of blood samples and ticks, respectively, were positive for piroplasmids in the PCR. We successfully sequenced a partial 18S rRNA gene fragment of four samples (two capybaras, one A. sculptum, and one A. dubitatum), and the phylogenetic reconstruction disclosed that the organism reported in the present study clusters within the genus Babesia. Further research is required for a formal delineation of this species (designated as Babesia sp. strain Capybara) and to investigate the hypothesis of A. dubitatum and A. sculptum ticks being vectors.

Objective of the study: To analyze the pandemic context in food micro and small enterprises (MSEs) and the digital transformations resulting from adopting new communication and sales channels. We aimed to assess how the COVID-19 pandemic affected these companies, describing its financial consequences and the digital transformations they implemented.Methodology/Approach: Multiple descriptive case studies, qualitative approach, and content analysis. Data collection consisted of semi-structured interviews, employing the snowball sampling technique and theoretical saturation.Originality/Relevance: This study describes and disseminates the practices and actions adopted by MSEs to face the COVID-19 pandemic.Main results: The results revealed the impact of the pandemic on MSEs in the food industry and how this new context promoted and accelerated digital transformation. These companies implemented multiple digital communication and sales channels in their business models and strategies in response to the pandemic, and they are most likely to keep expanding to meet the shift in customer behavior.Theoretical /management contributions: Analyzing the impacts and challenges for MSEs in the food industry during the pandemic and describing the actions implemented to face and overcome this new scenario may help other companies with similar challenges.

Orientadora: Profª. Dra. Carla Forte Maiolino Molento Na capa: Hen welfare, cage-free transition and the future of egg industry Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal do Paraná, Setor de Ciências Agrárias, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias. Defesa : Curitiba, 10/09/2021 Inclui referências Resumo: A crescente preocupação da sociedade com o bem-estar dos animais demanda respostas da indústria e das autoridades. Na produção de ovos o alojamento de galinhas poedeiras em gaiolas é um importante problema de bem-estar. Sendo assim, a transição para sistemas livres de gaiolas vem surgindo como uma tendência para a indústria de ovos. No Brasil, ao contrário do que ocorre em outros países, o governo não regula quais tipos de sistema podem ser utilizados na produção. Na ausência de dispositivos legais, varejistas e produtores são pressionados pela ascensão de um movimento pelo consumo mais ético que envolve produtos com certificação de bemestar animal como os ovos livres de gaiola. Nesse aspecto, a opinião pública se torna um fator importante com o poder de influenciar as decisões tomadas pela indústria de ovos. Por esta razão, o primeiro capítulo da dissertação buscou entender a opinião de três grupos de respondentes do sul brasileiro: médicos veterinários, produtores de ovos e consumidores por meio de um questionário online. Foi aplicada uma Análise de Classes Latentes seguida por uma Análise de Múltipla Correspondência que apontaram para uma correlação positiva entre o viés de bem-estar animal, disposição em pagar mais caro por ovos livres de gaiola e senso de responsabilidade para com os animais. No entanto, a frequência observada de respondentes com viés de bemestar animal não correspondeu inteiramente à frequência de dispostos a pagar mais. Dentre os setores da sociedade apresentados no questionário, os respondentes consideraram que a sociedade civil era a que devia menor responsabilidade para com os animais. Por tanto, concluímos que embora os respondentes tenham demonstrado preocupação com os animais, eles não demonstraram tanta disposição em pagar mais caro e não consideraram que a sociedade civil, incluindo os consumidores, seriam os maiores responsáveis por promover o bem-estar animal. No segundo capítulo, foram abordadas duas estratégias utilizadas ao redor do mundo para iniciar uma transição para sistemas livres de gaiola: regulamentação governamental e via mercado. Foram avaliados dispositivos legais, consultas públicas e artigos científicos documentando os debates políticos envolvidos nos movimento livres de gaiola na Suíça, União Europeia, Estados Unidos (Estado da Califórnia), Canadá, Austrália e Brasil. Conclui-se que a regulamentação governamental tem o potencial de aumentar a confiança pública, diminuir conflitos entres os setores envolvidos e possibilitar uma transição mais ordenada. Ainda, uma gestão de fornecimento, como a realizada no Canadá, pode auxiliar na proteção econômica de pequenos produtores locais. As transições via mercado, por outro lado, normalmente aumentam o clima de competição e podem gerar crises de legitimidade se as certificações e rótulos forem enganosas. Sendo assim, uma transição com regulamentação governamental e gestão de fornecimento parece ser uma opção melhor. No terceiro capítulo, nós abordamos a ascensão de duas alternativas aos ovos que surgem na tentativa de solucionar os dilemas éticos da produção animal: ovos vegetais e ovos de fermentação. O objetivo foi avaliar como essas novas tecnologias podem impactar o bem-estar das galinhas poedeiras. Uma revisão de artigos, notícias e relatórios demonstraram que a maior parte das alternativas correspondem à ovos vegetais e misturas vegetais para cozinhar em substituição aos ovos. No entanto, a tecnologia de fermentação para produzir ovos, claras e gemas já está disponível no mercado. Conclui-se que um impacto positivo imediato pode ser esperado para galinhas e pintinhos envolvidos na produção de ovos na medida em que deixem de ser necessários no cenário industrial. Foi demonstrado que uma variedade de respostas estão surgindo para atender às preocupações da sociedade com o bem-estar de galinhas e pintinhos. Embora o cenário ainda seja de incertezas, mudanças importantes podem ser esperadas para a indústria de ovos. O momento de transição oferece uma oportunidade de debater e traçar o futuro do sistema alimentar. Abstract: The growing concern from society with animal welfare demands answers from the industry and authorities. Regarding egg production, the housing of hens in cages is a major welfare issue. Therefore, transition to cage-free systems seems to be a tendency for the egg industry. In Brazil, contrary to other countries, government does not regulate the housing systems used by animal production systems. In the absence of legal obligation, retails and producers are pressured through an ethical consuming movement for certificated eggs as welfare-friendly or cage-free. Public opinion seems important for this strategy to effectively impact decisions regarding farm animals. Therefore, the first chapter of this dissertation aimed to study the opinion of three South Brazilian stakeholders: veterinarians, egg producers and consumers, through an online survey. A Latent Class Analyses followed by a Multiple Correspondence Analyses found that an animal welfare-oriented view was positively correlated with the willingness-to-pay for cage-free eggs and a sense of responsibility toward animals. However, frequency of animal welfare-oriented view was not entirely represented by willingness-to-pay. Amongst a variety of society sectors, the respondents considered that civil society was the one less responsible towards animals. Therefore, we conclude that although respondents showed marked concern for animal welfare, they did not show as much willingness-to-pay and did not consider civil society, including consumers, as responsible to promote hen welfare. In the second chapter, we approached two strategies used around the world to initiate a transition to cage-free egg production systems: government regulation and market- led transition. We evaluated the legislation, ballot initiatives and political struggles regarding cage-free movement in Switzerland, EU, United States (State of California), Canada, Australia and Brazil. We conclude that Government regulation increases public confidence, diminishes conflict amongst stakeholders and has higher chances to enable an orderly transition. Moreover, if supply-managed demand is applied, it might help protecting small-scale producers and local producers from cheaper imports. Market-led transitions, on the other hand, usually increase competition and might lose public confidence if labels are misleading or deceptive. Therefore, government regulation with supply-managed demand might be a better option. In the third chapter we approached two novelties that emerge as other alternatives to solve farm animal ethics issues: plant-based and fermentation eggs. We aimed to evaluate how these technologies may impact hen welfare. A review of papers, newspaper articles and reports showed that most alternatives are plant- based eggs or cooking mixes. However, technology to produce eggs, both yolk and egg white, through a fermentation process is already available. We conclude that a positive immediate impact can be expected for hens and chicks when they are no longer necessary in the industrial scenario, as is the case with the production of analogues or precision fermentation alternatives. It was demonstrated that a variety of responses are surging to respond to society concerns regarding hen and chick welfare. Although much uncertainty remains, important changes may be expected for the egg industry. The moment of transition presents opportunity to debate and outline the food system we want in the future.

Compreender a interacao verbal como dialogia implica assumir que, ao interagir por meio da linguagem, o sujeito sempre tem um outro ao qual se direciona e leva em consideracao no seu projeto de dizer (Bakhtin, 2003[1952-53]). A presenca desse outro, portanto, e constitutiva das formas e usos da linguagem. Ocorre que em ambiente escolar, ajustando a lupa para as producoes de textos escritos na escola regular, muitas vezes a presenca de um outro ao qual os textos dos estudantes supostamente se dirigem, nao passa de uma abstracao. A partir dessa questao, desenvolvemos uma pesquisa-acao integral sistemica em duas escolas publicas do Espirito Santo com o objetivo de fazer com que as producoes de textos dos alunos se constituam em uma interacao verbal real, com um interlocutor que realmente interaja com os textos. Assim, descrevemos o desenvolvimento de duas experiencias didaticas que envolveram os generos discursivos “carta pessoal” e “carta argumentativa” no Ensino Fundamental e no Ensino Medio, respectivamente, tendo como objetivo o encaminhamento das producoes a interlocutores reais. Dessa perspectiva, constatou-se com o trabalho com os referidos generos nas aulas de Lingua Portuguesa um significativo interesse dos alunos em relacao a producao textual, assim como uma melhora sensivel na qualidade dos textos produzidos. DOI: https://doi.org/10.47295/mgren.v8i3.2082

Marine viruses are among the most common, abundant and diverse biological entities in seawater columns. Despite this, little is yet know about virus abundance and distribution in tropical aquatic ecosystems. Here, we evaluated virus abundance and their relationship to host and environment variables within Arraial do Cabo upwelling system, Rio de Janeiro State, Southeast of Brazil. Seawater samples were collected in four seasonal campaigns from five sampling sites including different ar eas of human settlement characterized by anthropogenic activity (sewage disposal/ port activity) and upwelling phenomena. Virioplankton abundance ranged from 0.79 to 7.95 x10 8 .part.mL -1 , whereas bacterioplankton abundance ranged from 2.6 to 13.4 x107.cell.mL-1. Viruses distribution was evaluated in relation to their possible hosts, and viral abundance positively correlated with both bacteria (r = 0.65; p < 0.01) and chlorophyll-a (r = 0.61; p < 0.01). Additionally, a method of concentration using adsorption/elution into electronegative membrane combined to electron microscopy, revealed the presence of bacteriophages, belonging to Myoviridae and Podoviridae families. Principal component analysis showed clear evidence that there is a seasonal influence between Arraial do Cabo biotic and abiotic variables, and that the high abundance of viruses was correlated mainly with nitrogen inorganic forms (NO 2 - and NO 3 -), PO 4 3- , chlorophyll-a and bacteria. Thus, our study indicated that viral abundance in Arraial do Cabo coastal region depends on host cell abundance, which appears to be controlled mainly by nutrient availability.

Este artigo é resultado de uma pesquisa sobre a influência da cultura no desenvolvimento urbano sustentável de uma cidade brasileira da Rede de Cidades Criativas da UNESCO (RCCU) – UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). Por meio de um estudo sobre o Cinescola Querô, principal iniciativa do Plano de Ação 2016-2019 de Santos (SP), Cidade Criativa do Cinema, analisamos como o projeto de formação de jovens de baixa renda em audiovisual para ingresso no mercado de trabalho, realizado em área de alta vulnerabilidade social e degradação urbana, tornou-se política pública integrada a um modelo de gestão municipal ancorado na economia criativa. O estudo sugere a ampliação do conceito de cidade criativa no Brasil para além da economia criativa, associando-o a um processo mais humano, inclusivo e libertador, que valoriza a cultura local, a cidadania e o direito à cidade.

Unfolded protein response elements (UPRE) on the promoter of development cell death (DCD)/N–rich proteins (NRPs). (DOCX 58 kb)

Primers used for cloning and quantitative RT–PCR. (DOCX 126 kb)

O proposito desse trabalho foi a contextualizacao do ensino de quimica atraves do teatro de forma ludica apresentado na feira de ciencia da Escola Estadual Orlando Venâncio dos Santos. Para isto trabalhou-se a peca que tem o titulo de A Carruagem Triunfal do Antimonio que trata do encontro de dois alquimistas. Observou-se que a peca foi de grande importância para os alunos e tambem para a feira de ciencia, pois o carater ludico chamou muita atencao e permitiu o desenvolvimento pessoal dos alunos que apresentaram a peca teatral, ampliando a sua facilidade de expressao em publico e desenvolvendo o seu senso critico para aceitar as avaliacoes e as criticas ao final das apresentacoes. Assim a peca teatral foi uma aula de quimica diferente das tradicionais levando uma nova metodologia para sala de aula. O sucesso e o interesse despertado mostram que o trabalho obteve resultados positivos, tanto com os alunos que participaram a peca, como com o publico em geral que assistiu.

A grande incidência de criptococose em decorrência do aumento crescente de indivíduos imunodeprimidos e os efeitos colaterais aos fármacos utilizados para o tratamento desta infecção, tem incentivado a pesquisa de novos agentes antifúngicos. Através da técnica de diluição em ágar, foi verificada a atividade antifúngica (in vitro) de diferentes constituintes de Caryocar brasiliensis sobre Cryptococcus neoformans. Verificou-se que a cera epicuticular retirada da folha, coletada em período de baixo índice pluviométrico (170,8mm de água), foi a parte mais ativa da planta, inibindo o crescimento de 91,3% (21/23) dos isolados de Cryptococcus neoformans em concentração < a 250µg/mL. The widespread occurrence of cryptococcosis mainly in immunocompromised patients and the side effects of available drugs which are effective against this mycosis have led investigators to search for new antimycotic agents. Caryocar brasiliensis derived compounds were investigated against Cryptococcus neoformans using the agar dilution method. Based on MIC values, the best results were obtained with a concentration of < 250µg/mL of cuticular waxes of the Caryocar brasiliensis leaf collected during the dry period (170.8mm of precipitation) which inhibited the growth of 91.3% (21/23) Cryptococcus neoformans isolates.

The aim of this study was to describe the distribution of the pelvic limb nerves of T. tetradactyla. With this purpose, five adult cadavers provided by IBAMA-GO were used. Each animal had the pelvic limb of both antimeres dissected after fixation in a 10% formaldehyde solution. The genitofemoral andlateral femoral cutaneous nerves are distributed in the medial, craniomedial and craniolateral skin of the thigh, respectively. The femoral nerve sent branches to the psoas minor, iliopsoas, sartorius and pectineus muscles, and terminated penetrating the quadriceps femoris muscle. It also gave rise to the saphenous nerve, which in its trajectory it innervated the skin of the medial aspect of the thigh, leg and the dorsomedial region of the foot. The obturator nerve sent branches to the medial thigh muscles. The cranial and caudal gluteal nerves innervated the gluteal muscles. The sciatic nerve innervated gemeli, quadratus femoris, semimembranosus, semitendinosus, long and short biceps femoris musclesand ended up dividing into lateral sural cutaneous, tibial and common fibular nerves. The lateral sural cutaneous nerve innervated the craniolateral skin of the knee and leg, while the common fibular andtibial nerves innervated the muscles of the leg and ended up distributing in the foot.

The widespread occurrence of cryptococcosis mainly in immunocompromised patients and the side effects of available drugs which are effective against this mycosis have led investigators to search for new antimycotic agents. Caryocar brasiliensis derived compounds were investigated against Cryptococcus neoformans using the agar dilution method. Based on MIC values, the best results were obtained with a concentration of250 g/mL of cuticular waxes of the Caryocar brasiliensis leaf collected during the dry period (170.8mm of precipitation) which inhibited the growth of 91.3% (21/23) Cryptococcus neoformans isolates.

Dissertação de Mestrado Integrado em Psicologia apresentada à Faculdade de Psicologia e de Ciências da Educação Estudos prévios identificaram os bombeiros como sendo uma subpopulação de risco elevado para a experiência de pensamentos e comportamentos relacionados com o suicídio. A Teoria Interpessoal-Psicológica do Suicídio propõe que o desejo de suicídio é causado, de forma proximal, por dois estados interpessoais, pertença frustrada e perceção de onerosidade, avaliados pelo Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (INQ). No presente estudo, a estrutura fatorial da adaptação Portuguesa da versão de 15 itens do INQ foi examinada, bem como as características psicométricas e validade convergente, numa amostra de 169 bombeiros Portugueses no ativo. Mais ainda, numa tentativa de testar empiricamente a hipótese sinérgica da teoria, modelos de regressão foram testados para explorar a relação entre os dois construtos interpessoais, a probabilidade de ideação suicida ao longo da carreira e a sua severidade. Teve-se ainda em consideração a associação não linear entre pertença frustrada e perceção de onerosidade e a severidade de ideação suicida ao longo da carreira. Os resultados demonstraram que a estrutura fatorial original, composta por duas variáveis latentes de primeira ordem (pertença frustrada e perceção de onerosidade), foi confirmada num modelo de 12 itens através de análises fatoriais confirmatórias. A versão Portuguesa do INQ-12 também revelou consistência interna adequada e convergiu, no sentido esperado, com medidas de ideação suicida, depressão, ansiedade, entrapment, mindfulness e autocompaixão. Adicionalmente, o termo linear de perceção de onerosidade e os termos quadrático e cúbico de pertença frustrada foram significativamente associados com a severidade da ideação suicida ao longo da carreira. Ao contrário do previsto pela teoria, a interação entre ambos os construtos da teoria interpessoal não se revelou significativa. Como tal, uma nova forma de calcular esta interação é oferecida. Em suma, o INQ-12 demonstrou ser uma medida de necessidades interpessoais frustradas robusta do ponto de vista psicométrico. Previous research has identified firefighters as a high-risk subpopulation for suicide related thoughts and behaviours. The Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicide proposes that suicidal desire is proximally caused by two interpersonal states, thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness, measured by the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (INQ). In the present study, the factor structure of the Portuguese adaptation of the 15-item version of the INQ was examined, as well as the psychometric properties and convergent validity, among a sample of 169 current Portuguese firefighters. Moreover, regression models were undertaken to explore the link between the two interpersonal constructs, the likelihood of reporting suicidal ideation throughout firefighters’ career and its severity, in an attempt to empirically test the theory’s synergy hypothesis. We also considered the nonlinear association between thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness, and the severity of suicide ideation throughout the career. Results showed that the original factor structure, comprising two first-order latent variables (thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness), was confirmed in a 12-item model through confirmatory factor analyses. The Portuguese version of the INQ-12 also revealed adequate internal consistency and converged as expected with measures of suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, entrapment, mindfulness and self-compassion. Furthermore, the linear perceived burdensomeness term and both quadratic and cubic terms of thwarted belongingness were significantly associated with the severity of suicidal ideation throughout the career. Contrariwise to theory predictions, the two-way interaction between both interpersonal theory’s constructs was not significant. As such, a new way of calculating such interaction is offered. Overall, the INQ-12 demonstrated to be a psychometrically robust measure of thwarted interpersonal needs.