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The use of rubber septa for controlled release of semiochemicals has raised important discussions about their efficiency and environmental impact since they are composed of fossil raw material. The life cycle assessment (LCA) of the synthesis of a nanocomposite type calcium nanocarbonate/Kraft lignin (NC-CN-KL) obtained from CO2 capture aimed to quantify the environmental loads involved in the production process. The synthesis evaluated by the LCA was performed on a laboratory scale, since it is a synthetic route classified as technological readiness level 4 (TRL-4) and is in the study and development stage. The LCA was performed according to the principles of the ISO 14044/2006 series of standards, from 101.854 g of nanocomposite as a functional unit. The limitations of the study arose from its synthesis scale, absence of LCA data on the rubber septa and other nanocomposites. The results obtained in the LCA identified electricity and other energy generation processes as the largest contributors to environmental loads for all environmental impact categories studied and suggest that research should focus on these inputs when choosing the sources used in energy nanocomposite formulation processes. LCAs for this synthesis to obtain NC-CN-KL should be carried out on a pilot scale, and it is expected that this work will contribute to the formulation of the material and decision-making, especially regarding the choice of the energy matrix.

Abstract Understanding the efficacy of alternative phosphorus (P) sources in tropical soils is crucial for sustainable farming, addressing resource constraints, mitigating environmental impact, improving crop productivity, and optimizing soil-specific solutions. While the topic holds great importance, current literature falls short in providing thorough, region-specific studies on the effectiveness of alternative P sources in Brazilian tropical soils for maize cultivation. Our aim was to assess the agronomic efficiency of alternative P sources concerning maize crop (Zea mays L.) attributes, including height, shoot dry weight, stem diameter, and nutrient accumulation, across five Brazilian tropical soils. In greenhouse conditions, we carried out a randomized complete block design, investigating two factors (soil type and P sources), evaluating five tropical soils with varying clay contents and three alternative sources of P, as well as a commercial source and a control group. We evaluated maize crop attributes such as height, dry weight biomass, and nutrient accumulation, P availability and agronomic efficiency. Our results showed that, although triple superphosphate (TSP) exhibited greater values than alternative P sources (precipitated phosphorus 1, precipitated phosphorus 2 and reactive phosphate) for maize crop attributes (e.g., height, stem diameter, shoot dry weight and phosphorus, nitrogen, sulfur, calcium and magnesium accumulation). For instance, PP1 source increased nutrient accumulation for phosphorus (P), nitrogen (N), and sulfur (S) by 37.05% and 75.98% (P), 34.39% and 72.07% (N), and 41.94% and 72.69% (S) in comparison to PP2 and RP, respectively. Additionally, PP1 substantially increased P availability in soils with high clay contents 15 days after planting (DAP), showing increases of 61.90%, 99.04%, and 38.09% greater than PP2, RP, and TSP. For Ca and Mg accumulation, the highest values were found in the COxisol2 soil when PP2 was applied, Ca = 44.31% and 69.48%; and Mg = 46.23 and 75.79%, greater than PP1 and RP, respectively. Finally, the highest values for relative agronomic efficiency were observed in COxisol2 when PP1 was applied. The precipitated phosphate sources (PP1 and PP2) exhibited a similar behavior to that of the commercial source (TSP), suggesting their potential use to reduce reliance on TSP fertilization, especially in soils with low clay contents. This study emphasized strategies for soil P management, aimed at assisting farmers in enhancing maize crop productivity while simultaneously addressing the effectiveness of alternative P sources of reduced costs.

Objetivo: relatar a experiência durante a realização de educação em saúde para orientação às mulheres sobre o exame citopalógico. Materiais e Métodos: trata-se de um relato de experiência de uma atividade realizada em uma Estratégia de Saúde da Família, no município de Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, nos meses de março e abril de 2023, por acadêmicos do 7º período de Enfermagem. Fez-se inicialmente, a escolha da intervenção de acordo com a necessidade da unidade e a demanda das microáreas. Posteriormente, foram escolhidos como recursos educacionais, folders com orientações para as mulheres a respeito da realização do exame preventivo do câncer de colo de útero e confecção de fluxograma para exposição na unidade. Logo depois, foram entregues os folderes em sala de espera e consultórios com foco em mulheres de 25 a 64 anos de idade ou que já tiveram dado início à vida sexual, sendo conscientizadas a respeito da realização do exame. E, por fim, foram fixadas na sala de espera e no consultório ginecológico os fluxogramas com orientações para a realização do preventivo. Resultados: os materiais confeccionados ajudaram na abordagem de incentivo e compreensão da importância do exame de prevenção de câncer do colo de útero. Percebeu-se que as pacientes tinham pouco conhecimento e que as intervenções contribuíram de forma efetiva na disseminação das informações. Conclusão: os acadêmicos aprenderam que existe a necessidade de se desenvolver ações de educação em saúde, para que as mulheres compreendam melhor a importância do exame e busque sua realização.

BackgroundChronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) leads to memory and learning impairments associated with degeneration and gliosis in the hippocampus. Treatment with physical exercise carries different therapeutic benefits for each sex. We investigated the effects of acrobatic training on astrocyte remodeling in the CA1 and CA3 subfields of the hippocampus and spatial memory impairment in male and female rats at different stages of the two-vessel occlusion (2VO) model.MethodsWistar rats were randomly allocated into four groups of males and females: 2VO acrobatic, 2VO sedentary, sham acrobatic, and sham sedentary. The acrobatic training was performed for 4 weeks prior to the 2VO procedure. Brain samples were collected for morphological and biochemical analysis at 3 and 7 days after 2VO. The dorsal hippocampi were removed and prepared for Western blot quantification of Akt, p-Akt, COX IV, cleaved caspase-3, PARP, and GFAP. GFAP immunofluorescence was performed on slices of the hippocampus to count astrocytes and apply the Sholl's circle technique. The Morris water maze was run after 45 days of 2VO.ResultsAcutely, the trained female rats showed increased PARP expression, and the 2VO-trained rats of both sexes presented increased GFAP levels in Western blot. Training, mainly in males, induced an increase in the number of astrocytes in the CA1 subfield. The 2VO rats presented branched astrocytes, while acrobatic training prevented branching. However, the 2VO-induced spatial memory impairment was partially prevented by the acrobatic training.ConclusionAcrobatic training restricted the astrocytic remodeling caused by 2VO in the CA1 and CA3 subfields of the hippocampus. The improvement in spatial memory was associated with more organized glial scarring in the trained rats and better cell viability observed in females.

We report the case of a giant lipoma of the quadrigeminal cistern in a 30-year-old female patient with headache, nausea, vomiting, and phono and photophobia. Despite the large size of the tumor, conservative treatment was chosen. Intracranial lipomas are rare benign tumors commonly associated with congenital anomalies, and their origin is related to an incorrect embryonic development. The diagnosis is made mainly by cranial computed tomographyand magnetic resonance imaging. The treatment of lipoma can be surgical or conservative, and there is no single treatment for the different patients' cases.

Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged society, especially residents of long-term care facilities (LTCF). This study investigated rates of infection, hospitalization, and death due to COVID-19 among LTCF residents and staff in Minas Gerais, Brazil and identified strategies to control the spread of the disease. Methods: This cross-sectional study collected data from 164 LTCF (6017 older adults). The owners or managers were invited to answer an electronic questionnaire. The questionnaire included 55 items, divided into 3 sections. Results: Of the participating LTCF, 48.7%, 39.6%, and 32.3% reported COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths, respectively, among residents, while 68.9%, 7.3%, and 1.2% reported COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths, respectively, among staff. Preventive measures were identified and classified as organizational, infrastructural, hygiene items/personal protective equipment, and staff training. Conclusion: The strategies used in the daily routines of LTCF during the pandemic were classified. The challenges experienced in Brazilian facilities were similar to those observed worldwide. The results highlight the importance of continuity and the need to improve protective measures for LTCF residents, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

ABSTRACT High-sugar dehydrated foods have strong hygroscopicity, which can be avoided by using drying aids. One way to assess the hygroscopic behavior is through sorption isotherms. The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of maltodextrin concentration on sorption isotherms of powdered cajá-manga pulp in spray-dryer, lyophilization and fluidized bed spray drying processes. The dryings were carried out in a spray-dryer, lyophilizer and fluidized bed, with 10%, 20% and 30% of maltodextrin. Adsorption isotherms were determined by the static gravimetric method using salt solutions for a relative humidity range of 21% to 90%. The GAB, BET, Henderson, and Oswin models were adequate to the experimental data. The relative deviation between the experimental values and the estimated values was calculated for each curve, in order to assess which equation best fit the experimental data. The mean relative error value of less than 10% was considered one of the criteria for selecting the models. The BET (A), BET (B) and GAB (C) models had the lowest error means, 3.35%, 3.35% and 5.28%, for cajá-manga powders obtained by spray-dryer, lyophilization and fluidized bed spray drying processes, respectively, and coefficients of determination above 0.99. It is concluded that the type of drying process did not influence the behavior of the adsorption isotherms, and that increases in maltodextrin concentration and temperature are significant in reducing equilibrium moisture contents.

This study explores the relationships between different determinants of residents’ support for sustainable tourism development (STD) and certain sociodemographic profile variables. A quantitative approach was used, based on a questionnaire applied over the internet to residents of a historic town in the north of Portugal. 250 valid questionnaires were obtained. In data analysis, descriptive statistics and correlational analysis were used. The results show that the levels of perception regarding the concepts under study are relatively low to moderate. There is a greater community attachment than community involvement, a more intense perception of the benefits than the costs of tourism, moderate support for the STD and a low economic dependence on the tourism sector. The results of the comparisons between the concepts under analysis and the sociodemographic profile variables showed the existence of several significant associations.

Zinc enrichment of edible food products, through the soil and/or foliar application of fertilizers, is a strategy that can increase the contents of some nutrients, namely Zn. In this context, a workflow for agronomic enrichment with zinc was carried out on irrigated Vitis vinifera cv. Syrah, aiming to evaluate the mobilization of photoassimilates to the winegrapes and the consequences of this for winemaking. During three productive cycles, foliar applications were performed with ZnSO4 or ZnO, at concentrations ranging between 150 and 1350 g.ha−1. The normal vegetation index as well as some photosynthetic parameters indicated that the threshold of Zn toxicity was not reached; it is even worth noting that with ZnSO4, a significant increase in several cases was observed in net photosynthesis (Pn). At harvest, Zn biofortification reached a 1.2 to 2.3-fold increase with ZnSO4 and ZnO, respectively (being significant relative to the control, in two consecutive years, with ZnO at a concentration of 1350 g.ha−1). Total soluble sugars revealed higher values with grapes submitted to ZnSO4 and ZnO foliar applications, which can be advantageous for winemaking. It was concluded that foliar spraying was efficient with ZnO and ZnSO4, showing potential benefits for wine quality without evidencing negative impacts.

El objetivo del artículo es evaluar el riesgo, la vulnerabilidad y la exposición a desastres de la sede municipal de Galinhos, provincia de Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil. La investigación se desarrolló en 3 etapas: revisión bibliográfica y definición de la metodología utilizada; visita técnica de campo; y actividades de recopilación de datos posteriores al campo. Se identificó que en la sede de Galinhos existen sectores con riesgo al avance del nivel del mar y poblaciones en contexto de vulnerabilidad. Como resultado, cuatro sectores fueron considerados críticos y demandan mayor atención por parte de la gestión, así como la implementación de infraestructuras que brinden apoyo preventivo.

A partir do diálogo com a literatura colonial portuguesa e com a literatura nacionalista angolana, este artigo analisa representações sobre a rainha Jinga em dois romances angolanos, A gloriosa família, de Pepetela (1997), e A rainha Ginga, de Agualusa (2015), com o objetivo de verificar as formas de retratar a identidade de gênero de Jinga, suas habilidades guerreiras e diplomáticas, sua maneira de governar e lidar com o tráfico de pessoas escravizadas. Como romances pós-coloniais, o corpus abarca a humaniza­ção da personagem histórica, dessacralizando-a e questionando a insíg­nia de bárbara.

ABSTRACTUsing a test-negative case–control design, we aim to estimate influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) against medically attended laboratory-confirmed influenza in Portugal in 2022/2023 season. Between week 41/2022 and week 14/2023, data on 592 patients with influenza-like illness aged 18 or more years old were collected by the national sentinel influenza surveillance system in primary care settings. Of those, 218 were positive for influenza and 374 were negative controls. We estimated seasonal influenza VE as (1-odds ratio)*100% of being vaccinated in laboratory-confirmed influenza cases vs. negative controls using logistic regression model adjusted for age group, sex, presence of chronic conditions, and month of symptoms onset. The seasonal VE was 59.3% (95% confidence interval (CI): 27.3 to 77.3) against any laboratory-confirmed influenza and not statistically significant 44.5% (95% CI: −5.6 to 70.8) against influenza A (H3N2). In the 2022/2023 season, characterized by early and low influenza activity and predominant A (H3N2) circulation, vaccination provided a moderate protection against medically attended laboratory-confirmed influenza in primary care.

After the rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 BA.5 Omicron lineage in Portugal, we developed a seroepidemiologic survey based on a sample of 3,825 residents. Results indicated that from April 27 through June 8, 2022, the estimated seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid or spike IgG was 95.8%, which indicates a high level of protection.

Amazonian flora includes several species with the potential to develop pharmaceutical and biotechnological products. The essential oils from Amazonian species possess some biological properties, such as antioxidant, antibacterial, and cytotoxic activities. The essential oil of red sacaca (RSO), Croton cajucara Benth., contains metabolites characterized by antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) are an advantageous alternative for the effective delivery of drugs because they can solubilize lipophilic actives and reduce their cytotoxicity. This study aimed to optimize the synthesis of RSO-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC-RSO) using a 23 factorial design and investigate their antioxidant and cytotoxic effects. The red sacaca essential oil (RSO) metabolite profile was characterized using gas chromatography coupled with a mass spectrometer (GC-MS), identifying 33 metabolites, with linalool and 7-hydroxy-calamenene as the major ones, as reported in the literature. The optimized NLC-RSO formulation had a particle size less than 100 nm and a polydispersity index lower than 0.25. After characterizing NLC-RSO using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, zeta potential, moisture content, and wettability, in vitro cytotoxicity were performed in A549 and BEAS-2B cell lines using the resazurin metabolism assay. The data indicated a lower IC50 for RSO than for NLC-RSOs in both cell lines. Furthermore, low cytotoxicity of blank nanoparticles (blank NP) and medium chain triglycerides-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC-MCT) towards both pulmonary cell lines was noted. At a concentration of 50–100 μg/mL, free RSO exhibited higher cytotoxicity than NLC-RSO, demonstrating the protective effect of this lipid carrier in reducing cytotoxicity during metabolite delivery. Similarly, free RSO showed higher 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging than NLC-RSO, also indicating this protective effect. The 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level assay did not show differences between the treatments at higher but non-cytotoxic dosages. Taken together, our results suggest that NLC-RSOs are potential RSO delivery systems for applications related to cancer treatment.

ABSTRACT Objective: radiotherapy can lead to different adverse effects in the oral epithelial cells. This article aimed to address the main oral manifestations associated with radiotherapy of head and neck neoplasms, highlighting the importance of the dental practitioners’ participation within the skilled multidisciplinary personnel to treatment. Methods: Research was conducted in the PubMed, Lilacs, SciELO, and Google Scholar databases using the keywords “head and neck radiotherapy”, “oral manifestations’’, and “head and neck neoplasm”. Eighteen out of 533 articles published between 2015 and 2022 were selected after duplicates removal and eligibility criteria application. Results: xerostomia, hyposalivation, trismus, dysgeusia, dysphagia, dentin hypersensitivity, fungal and viral infections, radiation caries, osteoradionecrosis, mucositis, periodontal alterations, and tooth development abnormalities were the most frequently reported oral effects of radiotherapy. Conclusions: The participation of dentists in the multidisciplinary team that treats patients with head and neck cancers is fundamental since several oral complications of radiotherapy are observed. Dentists can prevent, reduce and treat some detrimental effects whether the patient is followed-up since the beginning of radiotherapy.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of growth and differentiation factor 9 (GDF-9) during the in vitro culture of isolated caprine early antral follicles. The isolated and selected early antral follicles were individually cultured for 18 days, and the following treatments were tested: α-MEM+ (control treatment) or α-MEM+ supplemented with 200 ng/mL GDF-9. The following endpoints were evaluated: follicular growth and morphology, estradiol production, oocyte nuclear maturation, and relative expression of key genes related to steroidogenesis (CYP19A1, CYP17, and insulin receptor) and basement membrane remodeling (MMP-9 and TIMP-2). In both treatments, a decrease was observed in the percentage of morphologically intact follicles with a concomitant increase in the rates of extruded and degenerated follicles (P < 0.05). The GDF-9 treatment showed higher rates of extruded follicles only on day 6 of culture (P < 0.05). Follicle diameter increased progressively throughout the culture period (P < 0.05) with similar diameters between treatments at all culture times (P > 0.05). Growth and differentiation factor 9 increased the daily growth rate from the first to the second third of culture, with higher values (P < 0.05) than control in the second third. Oocyte maturation rate as well as estradiol levels and relative mRNA expression for CYP19A1, CYP17, MMP-9, TIMP-2, and insulin receptor genes were similar between treatments (P > 0.05). This study shows for the first time that GDF-9 added to a culture medium increased the follicle growth rate of goat early antral follicles cultured in vitro. Keywords: in vitro culture; antral follicle; goat; GDF-9

Justificativa e Objetivos: A identificação, avaliação e emprego de recursos metodológicos para análise da qualidade dos dados é importante para fundamentar ações de planejamento das políticas públicas no controle da tuberculose (TB) e da coinfecção TB e o vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV). O objetivo é analisar a qualidade e a oportunidade de notificação dos casos de TB e coinfecção TB-HIV do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) no Espírito Santo, de 2016 a 2018. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal da qualidade dos dados do SINAN com uso do Guia do Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) de análise da qualidade e oportunidade de notificação do SINAN-TB, com ênfase na descrição da coinfecção TB-HIV no Espírito Santo, de 2016 a 2018. Considerou-se cinco etapas metodológicas que incluíram análise da qualidade, padronização dos registros, análise de duplicidade, a completitude dos dados por meio de linkage com o banco de dados do SINAN-HIVanonimização dos dados. Obteve aprovação ética sob parecer de nº 4022892 em 12/05/2020. Resultados: O estudo mostrou que 89% das variáveis obrigatórias e 91% das variáveis essenciais apresentaram completitude satisfatória. Na coinfecção TB-HIV 73% das variáveis foram preenchidas, porém variáveis essenciais relacionadas ao acompanhamento do tratamento para TB apresentaram completitude insatisfatória. A oportunidade de notificação foi considerada regular. Conclusão: Melhorias nos processos de trabalho e elaboração de processo metodológico específico para o tratamento dos dados são necessárias para qualificar as informações disponíveis no SINAN-TB.

Este estudo tem por objetivo avaliar o potencial oferecido pelo jogo Chapeuzinho Vermelho Desplugada como recurso didático para o desenvolvimento do pensamento computacional em alunos com deficiência visual. A metodologia consiste em uma abordagem qualitativa, com objetivos exploratório/descritivos. Os sujeitos são três estudantes com deficiência visual congênita. O instrumento de pesquisa utilizado foi a observação participante, por meio do diário de campo. Para analisar os dados, empregou-se a análise categorial, a partir de quatro categorias: decomposição, reconhecimento de padrões, abstração e algoritmo. A partir da discussão dos resultados encontrados, é possível concluir que o jogo de tabuleiro Chapeuzinho Vermelho Desplugada apresenta potencial para o desenvolvimento de conceitos do pensamento computacional, com uma atividade que promova a Linguagem de Programação Desplugada, por meio do uso de recursos didáticos acessíveis, favorecendo o desenvolvimento cognitivo, o raciocínio lógico/matemático na resolução de problemas e a inclusão.

Abstract Background Participation rates in health surveys, recognized as an important quality dimension, have been declining over the years, which may affect representativeness and confidence in results. The Portuguese national health examination survey INSEF (2015) achieved a participation rate of 43.9%, which is in line with participation rates from other similar health examination surveys. The objective of this article is to describe how local teams of survey personnel conducted the survey, describing strategies used to solve practical survey problems and to try to increase the participation rate. Methods After a literature search, informal interviews were conducted with 14 public health officials from local health examination teams, regional and central authorities. Forty-one of the local staff members (survey personnel) also filled in a short questionnaire anonymously. The interviews and self-administered questionnaires were analysed using mixed methods, informed by thematic analysis. Results The local teams believed that the detailed manual, described as a “cookbook for making a health examination survey”, made it possible to maintain high scientific standards while allowing for improvising solutions to problems in the local context. The quality of the manual, supported by a series of training workshops with the central research and support team, gave the teams the confidence and knowledge to implement local solutions. Motivation and cohesion within the local teams were among the goals of the training process. Local teams felt empowered by being given large responsibilities and worked hard to incite people to attend the examination through a close and persuasive approach. Local teams praised their INSA contacts for being available for assistance throughout the survey, and said they were inspired to try harder to reach participants to please their contacts for interpersonal reasons. Conclusions The theory of organizational improvisation or bricolage, which means using limited resources to solve problems, was useful to discuss and understand what took place during INSEF. A detailed manual covering standard procedures, continuous monitoring of the data collection and face-to-face workshops, including role-play, were vital to assure high scientific standards and high participation rates in this health examination survey. Close contacts between the central team and local focal points in all regions and all survey sites were key to accommodating unexpected challenges and innovative solutions.

Background. Severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) surveillance is recommended to assess the severity of respiratory infections disease. In 2021, the National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, in collaboration with two general hospitals, implemented a SARI sentinel surveillance system based on electronic health registries. We describe its application in the 2021/2022 season and compare the evolution of SARI cases with the COVID-19 and influenza activity in two regions of Portugal. Methods. The main outcome of interest was the weekly incidence of patients hospitalized due to SARI, reported within the surveillance system. SARI cases were defined as patients containing ICD-10 codes for influenza-like illness, cardiovascular diagnosis, respiratory diagnosis, and respiratory infection in their primary admission diagnosis. Independent variables included weekly COVID-19 and influenza incidence in the North and Lisbon and Tagus Valley regions. Pearson and cross-correlations between SARI cases, COVID-19 incidence and influenza incidence were estimated. Results. A high correlation between SARI cases or hospitalizations due to respiratory infection and COVID-19 incidence was obtained (ρ = 0.78 and ρ = 0.82, respectively). SARI cases detected the COVID-19 epidemic peak a week earlier. A weak correlation was observed between SARI and influenza cases (ρ = −0.20). However, if restricted to hospitalizations due to cardiovascular diagnosis, a moderate correlation was observed (ρ = 0.37). Moreover, hospitalizations due to cardiovascular diagnosis detected the increase of influenza epidemic activity a week earlier. Conclusion. In the 2021/2022 season, the Portuguese SARI sentinel surveillance system pilot was able to early detect the COVID-19 epidemic peak and the increase of influenza activity. Although cardiovascular manifestations associated with influenza infection are known, more seasons of surveillance are needed, to confirm the potential use of cardiovascular hospitalizations as an indicator of influenza activity.

Introduction: An out-of-season increase in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) incidence was observed in Portugal from June 2021 onwards, revealing a continuing surge in cases throughout 2021/2022 autumn/winter. We aimed to describe this out-of-season epidemic and define its epidemic period, by analysing RSV incidence from week 40 of 2020 (2020-W40) to week 18 of 2022 (2022-W18). Material and Methods: Surveillance data on weekly RSV laboratory confirmed cases, in Portugal, was used to monitor RSV incidence using CUSUM test methodology for count data. Results: In 2021-W23, the CUSUM score identified a significant increase in the risk of RSV. By that time, the percentage of RSV positive tests rose from 1% in 2021-W22 (3/265) to 6% in 2021-W23 (18/298). Despite a sharp decrease in RSV incidence on 2021-W33 and on 2022-W02, the CUSUM score stayed over the limit up to 2022-W07, indicating that the RSV activity remained at an epidemic level. Distinct peaks of RSV cases were observed between 2021-W30 and 2021-W32 (average of 77 RSV cases per week) and between 2021-W39 and 2021-W41 (average of 79 RSV cases per week) with positivity rates around 60%. Conclusion: An out-of-season RSV epidemic was identified, with a longer epidemic period compared with previous seasons. Possible reasons include relaxation of COVID-19 physical distancing measures and a greater proportion of population susceptible to disease. As several factors may change the pattern of RSV activity, countries should implement year-round surveillance RSV surveillance systems. These findings might have an impact on public health planning regarding future RSV surges, namely, on the palivizumab prophylaxis period for high-risk infants.

Abstract Introduction Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) exercises and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) are described as conservative interventions to prevent or treat female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). However, it has not been described yet the effect of PFMT associated to intravaginal NMES which evaluated the cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of treating. Aims To evaluate the effects of intravaginal NMES associated with the PFMT protocol on urinary loss and quality of life in women with SUI and to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and cost-utility and pelvic floor muscle in women with SUI. Methods Randomized controlled trial study with economic evaluation. Inclusion criteria are woman (biological), aged ≥ 18 years old and with a report of SUI ≥ once/week. Exclusion criteria are presence of vaginal or urinary infection, virginity, being in the gestational or puerperium period, or neurological disease. Participants will undergo physical therapy assessment and intervention: anamnesis, pelvic floor muscle assessment by vaginal palpation and manometry (PeritronTM), questionnaires (Short-Form 6 Dimensions—Brazil (SF-6D), King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ) and King´s Health Questionnaire for Scoring Algorithm), health costs, and voiding diary. Participants will be randomly allocated into 3 groups: CG (control group), IG 1 (intervention group 1, PFMT), and IG2 (intervention group 2, PFMT + NMES). The statistical analysis will be performed by intention to treat, and multivariate analysis of mixed effects will be used to compare outcomes. Effect size measurements will be calculated and will be provided by Cohen’s d test. A significance level of 5% will be adopted. Additionally, the incremental cost-effectiveness and incremental cost-utility ratios will be used. Discussion This protocol can corroborate with the literature in order to identify the effect of techniques, based on the possibility of confirming the hypothesis that the NMES associated with PFMT performed concurrently will be the best treatment option; considering the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and cost-utility analysis, it will be used as an option for optimization of the treatment of SUI. Trial registration Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC) ID: RBR-6gtzg4 . Registered on September 3, 2019.

Objetivo: relatar a experiência vivenciada por acadêmicas no contexto de assistência e cuidados à saúde da mulher em uma Estratégia Saúde da Família da cidade de Montes Claros-MG. Materiais e Métodos: trata-se de um relato de intervenção realizado pelos acadêmicos do quarto período de enfermagem de uma instituição de ensino superior, na referida unidade de saúde, no segundo semestre de 2021. Foram realizadas consultas de Pré-Natal e exame Preventivo do Câncer de Colo do Útero (PCCU). Durante consultas, de pré-natal, observou-se a dificuldade da ausculta dos batimentos cardíacos fetais, em função da pouca disponibilidade de detectores fetais em bom estado, fato que levou à organização de uma rifa em prol da compra de um novo aparelho como intervenção na melhoria nos atendimentos. Também foi realizado, na Estratégia Saúde da Família, um mutirão de exame de preventivo, com ação de educação em saúde. Resultados: a intervenção implementada viabilizou um Detector Fetal, o que propiciou uma melhoria e qualificação da assistência pré-natal. No que tange ao PCCU, foram realizadas 27 coletas de exames, contribuindo para a ampliação do rastreamento ou prevenção desse tipo de câncer. Conclusão: nota-se a importância do papel criativo do profissional de saúde que se propõe a trabalhar com a assistência às mulheres, transpondo dificuldades impostas pelo próprio sistema e criando formas de oferecer uma melhoria da qualidade da assistência e beneficios voltados para a população assistida.

Introduction: Following a COVID-19 mass vaccination campaign, it is important to evaluate the population level of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The aim of this study was to estimate the seroprevalence rate of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies acquired due to infection or vaccination in the Portuguese population. Material and Methods: The National Serological Survey (third wave – ISN3COVID-19) is a cross-sectional nationwide epidemiological study developed on a sample of 4545 Portuguese residents aged one year or older, between the 28th September 2021 and the 19th November 2021. The SARS-CoV-2 anti-nucleoprotein and anti-spike IgG antibody levels were determined in serum samples using Abbott Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassays. Seroprevalence estimates were stratified by age group, sex, administrative region and self-reported chronic conditions. Medians and respective 95% confidence intervals were used to describe the distribution of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies in specific population subgroups. Results: The total seroprevalence rate of SARS-CoV-2 was 86.4% (95% CI: 85.2% to 87.6%). A higher seroprevalence rate was estimated for women (88.3%), 50 to 59 years-old (96.5%) and in those with two or more self-reported chronic conditions (90.8%). A higher IgG (anti-Spike) concentration was observed in individuals vaccinated with the booster dose (median = 1 2601.3 AU/mL; 95% CI: 4127.5 to 19 089.1). Conclusion: There was a significant increase in SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence following the mass vaccination campaign in Portugal. It is important to continue to monitor the distribution of specific SARS-COV-2 antibody at the population level to further inform public health policies.

Introduction: As coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) spread worldwide and social restrictions were intensified, difficulties in blood supply were expected to result in a shortage of blood donors, logistic issues and a change in blood consumption. Consequences could be detrimental to the meeting of the blood supply demand, especially in a decentralized blood bank in the State of São Paulo responsible for providing blood to more than 100 hospitals, mostly of the public health system. Aiming to minimize negative effects and focusing on maintenance of the blood supply, a different approach was discussed and adopted. Materials and methods: Briefly, strategies were related to monitoring and promoting measures to achieve a positive RBC unit balance. Thus, the number of donors, transfusions, RBC unit inventory, RBC unit loss and RBC units within up to 5 days from the expiration date were evaluated. Results: Several strategies were adopted to ensure sufficient availability of RBC units: blood donation was improved with social media and extra blood collections, a restrictive transfusion protocol was implemented, a new logistic process to use RBC units closer to the expiration date was established and non-isogroup transfusions were avoided. Conclusion: Altogether, described strategies were crucial to optimize blood storage during the pandemic. Investing in monitoring and logistics contributed to a positive RBC unit balance and conserving these strategies could be useful.

O Hepatozoon é um parasita do subfilo apicomplexa, que infecta inúmeras espécies animais, e causa uma doença denominada hepatozoonose. O presente relato tem como objetivo apresentar o achado laboratorial do protozoário em uma jaguatirica (Leopardus pardalis) atendida no hospital veterinário da UFMT do campus de Sinop, bem como relatar os parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos encontrados. O agente transmissor e patogenia ainda não estão bem definidos, e não há relatos de sinais clínicos e hematológicos associados em felinos selvagens. A jaguatirica foi encontrada no município de Confresa com suspeita de atropelamento ou lesão por projétil, e resgatada pela SEMA, passou por sedação para avaliação e realização de exames complementares. O diagnóstico de hepatozoonose se deu através da capa flogística, onde foram encontrados gamontes do gênero no interior de neutrófilos.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a gas generated by both natural and man-made sources, such as the burning of fossil fuels for power generation and from agriculture. Currently, it is seen as the main contributor to the increase in the greenhouse effect, leading to global warming. Therefore, the development of technologies for the capture and use of this gas are of great importance for the mitigation of greenhouse gases (GHG) and the reduction of their negative environmental effects. The objective of this review is to survey the main carbon dioxide capture technologies under development for the energy sectors, especially for thermoelectric and bioenergy (ethanol plant). Pre-combustion, oxy-fuel and post-combustion technologies were depicted, among them: adsorption, absorption, membrane separation and chemical capture. By means the compiled information, it was possible to identify the main advances as well as the main difficulties of carbon dioxide capture & use technologies. Moreover, aspects of the carbon market were discussed also.

A agricultura sustentável busca meios alternativos para controlar o ataque fúngico de acordo com as particularidades de cada fungo, com o intuito de reduzir o uso de agroquí­micos. Os extratos alcóolicos são uma alternativa, visto que são produtos naturais extraí­dos de plantas ou de partes da mesma que apresentam efeito fungicida. Desse modo o objetivo desse trabalho foi testar o controle in vitro do Rhizoctonia sp. utilizando diferentes concentrações de extrato alcoólicos de Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis). Para isso foi instalado um experimento em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso com 6 concentrações de extrato alcoólico de Sacha Inchi (0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% e 10%) com 8 repetições. Foram mensurados o crescimento diário da colônia, o í­ndice de velocidade de crescimento micelial (IVCM) e a porcentagem de inibição de crescimento (PIC). Os dados obtidos foram analisados via analise de regressão polinomial utilizando o software R Studio. A partir da concentração de 6% o fungo apresenta pequeno desenvolvimento, e na dose máxima testada (10%) o crescimento do fungo foi praticamente nulo. O extrato alcoólico de Sacha Inchi foi eficiente a partir da concentração de 6%, o que o torna indicado para o controle do fungo Rhizoctonia sp

One-third of the world’s population is suffering from “hidden hunger” due to micronutrient deficiency. Zinc is acquired through diet, leading its deficiency to the development of disorders such as retarded growth, anorexia, infections, and hypogeusia. Accordingly, this study aimed to develop an agronomic workflow for Zn biofortification on two red winegrapes varieties (cv. Castelão and Syrah) and determine the physicochemical implications for winemaking. Both varieties produced in Setúbal (Portugal) were submitted to four foliar applications of ZnSO4 or ZnO (900 and 1350 g ha−1, respectively), during the production cycle. At harvest, Zn biofortification reached a 4.3- and 2.3-fold increase with ZnO 1350 g ha−1 in Castelão and Syrah, respectively (although, with ZnSO4 1350 g ha−1 both varieties revealed an increase in Zn concentration). On a physiological basis, lower values of NDVI were found in the biofortified grapes, although not reflected in photosynthetic parameters with cv. Syrah shows even a potential benefit with the use of Zn fertilizers. Regarding physical and chemical parameters (density, total soluble solids, dry weight, and color), relative to the control no significant changes in both varieties were observed, being suitable for winemaking. It was concluded that ZnSO4 and ZnO foliar fertilization efficiently increased Zn concentration on both varieties without a negative impact on quality, but cv. Castelão showed a better index of Zn biofortification and pointed to a potentially higher quality for winemaking.

The cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) constituents were isolated by our group leading to four mixtures and seventeen pure compounds, which had chromophoric groups similar to organic ultraviolet (UV) absorbers. In addition, C15 and C8 CNSL-derivatives molecules were rationally planned as UV absorbers. Mixtures and isolated CNSL compounds were demonstrated to be non-phototoxic when evaluated in a phototoxicity assay using the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Considering the absorption values on the UV range, 6 compounds showed appropriate SPF values regarding the spectrophotometric test. Additionally, in silico and in vitro evaluations were performed, showing non-oral bioavailability, as well as non-mutagenic, non-genotoxic and non-phototoxic properties for the tested compounds. These results contribute favorably to the aimed use of the compounds under analysis as novel organic UV absorbers that have as precursor the phenolic lipid component of CNSL, a waste product obtained as the by-product of cashew nut food processing.

ABSTRACT The National Alcohol Program (Proálcool) was a strategic policy of the Brazilian government to replace petroleum-based fuels with alcohol (ethanol). Based on the review, we can choose the 1960s as a start point for a leap in development. Over the 500 years of sugarcane history in Brazil, the crop enters the second decade of the 21st century with extraordinary strength and prestige, reaching its highest production in history. This made Brazil a leader in sugar and ethanol productions worldwide, with an energy-independent agribusiness. Moreover, effluents and polluting wastes were transformed into high-value inputs (e.g., vinasse, filter cake, and others). Environmentally friendly actions included developing organic cane production technology, ceasing sugarcane field burning, relocating workers from field cutting activities, reducing atmospheric CO2 emissions. Besides, Brazilian agribusiness has led the search for the “philosopher's stone,” that is, transforming pulp or bagasse (polysaccharides) into fermentable sugar for second-generation ethanol production. This paper aimed to present the history and development of the Proálcool Program from decade to decade, as well as showing the actions that led Brazil to assume such significant leadership. This survey highlights the roles of the government, through the Sugar and Alcohol Institute, and of the agronomist Dr Gilberto Miller Azzi, who lent his name to the central building of the Center for Agricultural Sciences - UFSCar's Araras campus.

BackgroundUsing data from electronic health registries, this study intended to estimate the COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness (VE) in the population aged 65 years and more, against symptomatic infection, COVID-19-related hospitalizations, and deaths, overall and by time since complete vaccination for the period February to September 2021.MethodsWe established a cohort of individuals aged 65 and more years old, resident in Portugal mainland, using the National Health Service User number to link eight electronic health registries. Outcomes included were symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections, COVID-19-related hospitalizations or deaths. The exposures of interest were the mRNA vaccines (Comirnaty or Spikevax) and the viral vector (Vaxzevria) vaccine. Complete schedule VE was estimated as one minus the confounder adjusted hazard ratio, for each outcome, estimated by time-dependent Cox regression with time-dependent vaccine exposure.ResultsFor the cohort of individuals aged 65-79 years, complete scheme VE against symptomatic infection varied 43 (95%CI: 37-49) (Vaxzevria) and 65 (95%CI: 62-68) (mRNA vaccines). This estimate was slightly lower in the ≥80 years cohort (53, 95%CI: 45-60) for mRNA vaccines). VE against COVID-19 hospitalization varied between 89% (95%CI: 52-94) for Vaxzevria and 95% (95%CI: 93-97) for mRNA vaccines for the cohort aged 65-79 years and was 76% (95%CI: 67-83) for mRNA vaccines in the ≥80 years cohort. High VE against COVID-19-related deaths was estimated, for both vaccine types, 95% and 81 (95%CI:76-86) for the 65-79 years and the ≥80 years cohort, respectively. We observed a significant waning of VE against symptomatic infection, with VE estimates reaching approximately 34% for both vaccine types and cohorts. Significant waning was observed for the COVID-19 hospitalizations in the ≥80 years cohort (decay from 83% (95%CI:68 to 91) 14-41 days to 63% (95%CI:37 to 78) 124 days after mRNA second dose). No significant waning effect was observed for COVID-19-related deaths in the period of follow-up of either cohort.ConclusionsIn a population with a high risk of SARS-CoV-2 complications, we observed higher overall VE estimates against more severe outcomes for both age cohorts when compared to symptomatic infections. Considering the analysis of VE according to time since complete vaccination, the results showed a waning effect for both age cohorts in symptomatic infection and COVID-19 hospitalization for the 80 and more years cohort.

Most anticancer drugs like doxorubicin (DXR) have low specificity that results in undesirable effects especially when it comes to collateral effects on reproduction. Plants are excellent sources when searching for new drugs. Auxemma oncocalyx (A. oncocalyx) and its main component Oncocalyxone A (onco A) have anti-tumoral activity and are less toxic than DXR in reproductive parameters. However, there are no studies on the action of these drugs regarding the porcine in vitro oocyte competence and embryo development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of A. oncocalyx and onco A exposure during in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes (Experiment 1) or in vitro embryo culture (IVC) (Experiment 2) on the oocyte developmental competence. For experiment 1, COCs were distributed in IVM medium alone (control) or supplemented with DXR (0.3 g/mL), A. oncocalyx (1.2 g/mL) and onco A (1 g/mL). Then, oocytes were submitted to in vitro fertilization (IVF) and in vitro embryo culture. For experiment 2, zygotes were cultured with DXR, A. oncocalyx and onco A for 7 days. Viability, maturation, fertilization and embryo developmental parameters were evaluated in both experiments. In experiment 1; DXR, A. oncocalyx and onco A reduced (P

Aborda o tratamento com a utilização do creme HYCOS na recuperação de lesõe

Relato de caso com a utilização do creme HYCOS, creme anti séptico com ação bactericida e bacteriostática tendo como princípio ativo o extrato de Carica Papaya (Extraya-CHNO), Aloe vera, óleo de andiroba e o Ácido Bio Hialurônico.

Nowadays, there is a growing concern about micronutrient deficits in food products, with agronomic biofortification being considered a mitigation strategy. In this context, as Zn is essential for growth and maintenance of human health, a workflow for the biofortification of grapes from the Vitis vinifera variety Fernão Pires, which contains this nutrient, was carried out considering the soil properties of the vineyard. Additionally, Zn accumulation in the tissues of the grapes and the implications for some quality parameters and on winemaking were assessed. Vines were sprayed three times with ZnO and ZnSO4 at concentrations of 150, 450, and 900 g ha−1 during the production cycle. Physiological data were obtained through chlorophyll a fluorescence data, to access the potential symptoms of toxicity. At harvest, treated grapes revealed significant increases of Zn concentration relative to the control, being more pronounced for ZnO and ZnSO4 in the skin and seeds, respectively. After winemaking, an increase was also found regarding the control (i.e., 1.59-fold with ZnSO4-450 g ha−1). The contents of the sugars and fatty acids, as well as the colorimetric analyses, were also assessed, but significant variations were not found among treatments. In general, Zn biofortification increased with ZnO and ZnSO4, without significantly affecting the physicochemical characteristics of grapes.

Introduction and Objectives: Hypertension is one of the main risk factors for disability and death from cardiovascular disease. Current guidelines include initiatives to control blood pressure in hypertensive patients that focus on lifestyle changes. The main objective of this study was to analyze the association between lifestyle and blood pressure in patients under antihypertensive medication. Methods: Data collected in the Portuguese National Health Examination Survey (INSEF) were analyzed. Individuals who met INSEF inclusion criteria and reported being under antihypertensive medication in the two weeks prior to the questionnaire were studied. Lifestyle variables (alcohol consumption, smoking, added salt intake, fruit and vegetable consumption, and physical activity) were assessed by questionnaire, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured by physical examination. Associations between lifestyle factors and blood pressure, stratified by gender and adjusted for sociodemographic variables and obesity, were estimated through a multiple linear regression model. Results: Alcohol consumption (beta=6.31, p=0.007) and smoking (beta=4.72, p=0.018) were positively associated with systolic blood pressure in men. Added salt intake, fruit and vegetable consumption, and physical activity were not associated with blood pressure in men. In women, no association was observed for any behavioral variable. Conclusions: These conclusions highlight the need in the population under antihypertensive medication, particularly in men, to focus on the fight against high systolic blood pressure in the two modifiable and preventable behaviors of smoking and alcohol consumption. Resumo: Introdução e objetivos: A hipertensão arterial é um dos principais fatores de risco para incapacidade e morte por doenças cardiovasculares. Orientações atuais de controlo da pressão arterial em indivíduos hipertensos focam-se em alterações do estilo de vida. O principal objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a associação entre o estilo de vida e a pressão arterial em indivíduos sob medicação anti-hipertensiva. Métodos: Procedeu-se a uma análise dos dados colhidos no Inquérito Nacional de Saúde com Exame Físico. Indivíduos que cumpriram os critérios de inclusão e que referiram encontrar-se sob medicação anti-hipertensiva foram estudados. Variáveis de estilo de vida (consumo de álcool, hábito tabágico, consumo adicional de sal, consumo de fruta e vegetais, prática de atividade física) foram medidas por questionário e os valores de pressão arterial foram obtidos por exame físico. Associações entre fatores do estilo de vida e pressão arterial, estratificadas para o sexo e ajustadas a variáveis sociodemográficas e obesidade, foram estimadas através de um modelo de regressão lineal múltipla. Resultados: Consumo de álcool (b=6,31, p=0,007) e hábito tabágico (b=4,72, p=0,018) foram positivamente associadas à pressão arterial sistólica em homens. Consumo adicional de sal, consumo de fruta e vegetais e prática de atividade física não se encontraram associados à pressão arterial em homens. Em mulheres, nenhuma associação foi identificada para qualquer variável comportamental. Conclusões: Estas conclusões reforçam a necessidade, também na população sob medicação anti-hipertensiva, particularmente no sexo masculino, de centrar o combate à pressão arterial sistólica nestes dois comportamentos modificáveis e preveníveis: hábito tabágico e consumo de álcool. Keywords: Blood pressure, Diet, Physical activity, Smoking, Alcohol, Palavras-chave: Pressão arterial, Dieta, Atividade física, Tabaco, Álcool

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease is an important cause of death and disability worldwide, and hypertension is responsible for at least 45% of all deaths due to heart disease and 51% of deaths due to stroke. This study aimed to estimate and describe the distribution of prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in the Portuguese population in 2015. Methods: A national survey using a representative sample of 4911 individuals residing in Portugal and aged between 25 and 74 years was implemented. Trained nurses performed a health interview and a physical examination, including blood pressure measurement (right arm, three measurements at 1-min intervals). The prevalence of hypertension was stratified by gender, age group, marital status, education, occupation and type of residential area. Associations between hypertension prevalence and sociodemographic factors were assessed using bivariate and multivariate Poisson regression. Results: The overall hypertension prevalence was 36.0%. The highest rates were observed in males (39.6%), in individuals aged between 65 and 74 years (71.3%), and in those with low levels of education (62.6%) and with no formal occupation (64.5%). Among hypertensive individuals, 69.8% were aware of their condition and 69.4% were under treatment, of whom 71.3% were controlled. Rates of awareness and medical treatment were significantly higher among women and older individuals. Conclusions: A large majority of the adult Portuguese population are likely to reach blood pressure levels defined as hypertension in adulthood. Significant differences in hypertension prevalence were found according to gender, age and socioeconomic status, which highlights the importance of population strategies in public health policies. Resumo: Introdução: As doenças cardiovasculares são uma importante causa de morte e incapacidade, sendo que a hipertensão arterial (HTA) é responsável por, pelo menos, 45% da mortalidade por doença cardíaca e 51% por acidente vascular cerebral. Este estudo pretende estimar e descrever a distribuição da prevalência, awareness, tratamento e controlo da HTA na população portuguesa em 2015. Métodos: Realizou-se um inquérito nacional com uma amostra representativa de 4911 indivíduos, dos 25 aos 74 anos, residentes em Portugal, e que compreendia a realização de uma entrevista de saúde e exame físico que incluía a medição da pressão arterial (braço direito, três medidas, intervalos de um minuto). A prevalência de HTA foi estratificada por sexo, grupo etário, estado civil, educação, ocupação e nível de urbanização. Estimou-se a associação entre a HTA e os fatores sociodemográficos usando regressão de Poisson bivariada e multivariada. Resultados: A prevalência de HTA foi de 36,0%, sendo mais elevada em indivíduos do sexo masculino (39,6%), entre os 65 e 74 anos (71,3%), com baixo nível de escolaridade (62,6%) e sem ocupação formal (64,5%). Dos indivíduos hipertensos, 69,8% tinham conhecimento da sua condição de saúde, 69,4% faziam medicação anti hipertensora e, destes, 71,3% estavam controlados. A prevalência do conhecimento e tratamento farmacológico da HTA foi mais elevada em mulheres e indivíduos mais velhos. Conclusões: A maioria da população adulta portuguesa poderá vir a ter HTA ao longo da vida. Foram encontradas diferenças importantes na prevalência de HTA de acordo com o sexo, a idade e o nível socioeconómico, o que enfatiza a importância de estratégias populacionais nas políticas de saúde pública. Keywords: Hypertension, Portugal, Awareness, Control, INSEF 2015, Palavras-chave: Hipertensão, Portugal, Awareness, Controlo, INSEF 2015

Resumo O objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar se os padrões psicométricos da Escala de percepção, por professores, dos comportamentos agressivos de crianças na escola (EPPCACE) evidenciavam sua validade interna. No Estudo 1 (n = 210), foi realizada a adaptação do instrumento e executada uma análise fatorial exploratória. No Estudo 2 (n = 203), efetuou-se uma análise fatorial confirmatória. Participaram professores do ensino fundamental de escolas públicas e particulares. Esses responderam à EPPCACE e a perguntas sociodemográficas. Os resultados indicaram que o instrumento é composto por três fatores: Agressividade direcionada ao âmbito geral (α = 0,95), Comportamentos pró-sociais (α = 0,90) e Agressividade direcionada aos professores (α = 0,90). Conclui-se que a EPPCACE é válida e fidedigna, podendo auxiliar na avaliação do contexto escolar a partir da percepção do professor acerca do comportamento agressivo dos alunos.

Objectives: Etching of dental hard tissues surfaces with 35% phosphoric acid is usually used to provide micromechanical interlocking with dental adhesives. When washed from the surface, the acid can cause a bitter taste unpleasant to the patient. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of the addition of a flavoring agent to 35% phosphoric acid gel and investigate whether there is change in the fundamental characteristics of this material, including its ability to demineralize dental surfaces. Methods: In addition to a control group (without flavoring agent), groups were tested with the addition of 0.5% or 3% of the flavoring compound (pineapple flavor powder, Bio Green Ingredients) to 35% phosphoric acid. Analyses of viscosity, pH stability and demineralization of enamel surfaces by scanning electron microscopy were carried out, as well microshear bond strength to enamel. Results: Although the groups had minor differences among themselves, none of the changes were significant, except the increased viscosity of the gel containing 3% of the flavoring agent. Conclusions: The addition of flavoring agent to 35% phosphoric acid gel conditioner seems to be a viable alternative to reduce the problems related to contact with the unpleasant taste of the material, since it promoted no negative changes in the characteristics and behavior of the acid.

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes is a major driver of pharmaceutical spending. We aimed to determine the proportion of new patients who begin treatment with each antidiabetic medicine class, if therapy was initiated by their family physician, if family physicians alter prescriptions initiated by other physicians, and to compare prescribing patterns of family physicians and other specialists. Material and Methods: Cohort-nested cross-sectional study within the Portuguese Sentinel Practice Network. Between 2014 and 2015, incident cases of type 2 diabetes were notified, thus reporting treatment, who made the initial prescription and if treatments initiated by other physicians were changed. Results: A total of 415 incident cases were notified. The initial prescription was made by Sentinel Practice Network physicians in 89.4% of cases (95% CI 86.0% - 92.0%). Metformin was most often chosen as the first treatment, prescribed to 85.5% of patients (95% CI 81.8% – 88.6%). Family physicians used less dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (4.2% vs 30.3%, p < 0.001) and insulin (0.3% vs 12.1%, p < 0.001) compared to other specialists. Prescriptions initiated by others were changed in 4.5% of cases (95% CI 0.4% - 16.0%). Discussion: Prospective data collection is a major study strength, but few cases of treatment initiated by non-family physicians were notified. Data for disease severity was unavailable and could partly explain differences between family physicians and other specialists. Conclusion: Metformin was most often chosen as initial therapy, in line with Portuguese guideline recommendations. Sentinel Practice Network physicians diagnosed most cases, seldom changed prescriptions initiated by others, and had a different pattern of antidiabetic medicines use compared to other specialists.

As the productivity and quality of tomato fruits are responsive to Mg applications, without surpassing the threshold of toxicity, the assessment of potential levels of Mg accumulation in tissues, as well as the interactions with Ca and physicochemical properties, prompt this study. An agronomic workflow for Mg enrichment, consisting of six foliar applications of MgSO4 with four concentrations (0%, 0.25%, 1% and 4%), equivalent to 0, 43.9, 175.5 and 702 g ha−1, was applied on two tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum L.) genotypes (Heinz1534 and Heinz9205). During fruit development, leaf gas exchange was screened, with only minor physiological deviations being found. At harvest, Mg contents among tissues and the interactions with Ca were analyzed, and it was found that in both varieties a higher Mg/Ca ratio prevailed in the most external part of the fruit sprayed with 4% MgSO4. However, Mg distribution prevailed relatively near the epidermis in H1534, while in H9205 the higher contents of this nutrient occurred in the core of the fruit, which indicated a decrease of the relative proportion of Ca. The morphologic (height and diameter), physical (dry weight and density) and colorimetric parameters, and the total soluble solids of fruits, did not reveal significant changes in both tomato varieties. It was further concluded that foliar application until 4% MgSO4 does not have physiological impacts in the fruit’s quality of both varieties, but in spite of the different patterns of Mg accumulation in tissues, if the mean value in the whole fruit is considered, this nutrient prevails in H1534. This study thus suggests that variety H1534 can be used to attain tomato fruits with added value, providing an option of further processing to achieve food products with functional properties, ultimately proving a beneficial option to producers, the food processing industry and consumers. Moreover, the study reinforces the importance of variety choice when designing enrichment workflows.

Calcium is essential for plants, yet as its mobility is limited, the understanding of the rate of Ca2+ accumulation and deposition in tissues of tubers, as well as the interactions with other critical nutrients prompted this study. To assess the interactions and differential accumulation of micro and macronutrients in the tissues of tubers, Solanum tuberosum L. varieties Agria and Rossi were cultivated and, after the beginning of tuberization, four foliar sprayings (at 8–10 day intervals) with CaCl2 (3 and 6 kg ha−1) or Ca(NO3)2 (2 and 4 kg ha−1) solutions were performed. It was found that both fertilizers increased Ca accumulation in tubers (mostly in the parenchyma tissues located in the center of the equatorial region). The functioning of the photosynthetic apparatus was not affected until the 3rd application but was somewhat affected when approaching the end of the crop cycle (after the 4th application), although the lower dose of CaCl2 seemed to improve the photochemical use of energy, particularly when compared with the greater dose of Ca(NO3)2. Still, none of these impacts modified tuber height and diameter. Following the increased accumulation of Ca, in the tubers of both varieties, the mean contents of P, K, Na, Fe, and Zn revealed different accumulation patterns. Moreover, accumulation of K, Fe, Mn, and Zn prevailed in the epidermis, displaying a contrasting pattern relative to Ca. Therefore, Ca accumulation revealed a heterogeneous trend in the different regions analyzed, and Ca enrichment of tubers altered the accumulation of other nutrients.

Temporal variation of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) epidemics was recently reported to be determined by the dominant RSV subtype. However, when we repeated the analysis for 4 countries in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, the dominant subtype did not seem to affect temporal variation of RSV epidemics.

This paper aims to review, discuss and define the factors associated with development of kidney injury in patients with sepsis, diagnosis alternatives, therapy and prevention, offering to the veterinarians an updated guide to improve the prognosis of sepsis patients. Sepsis is a clinical condition that leads to systemic complications and to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), mainly due to poor tissue perfusion in humans and animals. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is considered the most frequent and lethal among organ complications secondary to sepsis, however the etiology of AKI in patients with sepsis is complex and multifactorial and not completely elucidated. Early diagnosis of AKI is difficult and consequently the treatment is not very successful, due to hemodynamic aspects. The ultrasonography seems to be a promising exam for early diagnosis of this lesion, especially with the advent of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) technique, which makes possible to detect microcirculation changes in the renal parenchyma, opening the door for a variety of physiological, clinical and therapeutic applications, however, studies proving CEUS accuracy for early detection of renal damage related to sepsis in humans and animals are still necessary.

Introdução: A vigilância sindrómica permite a identificação precoce de alterações no padrão de morbilidade da população. Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a utilidade de indicadores relativos a cuidados de saúde primários e hospitalares, na vigilância da COVID-19. Material e Métodos: Foi realizada uma análise de séries temporais utilizando a taxa de incidência semanal de COVID-19 em Portugal Continental, entre as semanas 14/2020 (30 março a 05 abril) e 25/2020 (15 a 21 junho), e seis indicadores: 1) consultas em cuidados de saúde primários por COVID-19; 2) número de episódios de urgência por COVID-19; 3) número de episódios de urgência por pneumonia vírica; 4) número de internamentos por pneumonia vírica; 5) proporção de episódios de urgência por pneumonia vírica face ao total de episódios de urgência por pneumonia; e 6) proporção de internamentos por pneumonia vírica face ao total de internamentos por pneumonia. Foram calculadas correlações de Pearson e correlações cruzadas. Resultados: Foi encontrada uma correlação forte entre a taxa de incidência semanal de COVID-19 e todos os indicadores [(1) 0,76; (2) 0,82; (3) 0,77; (4) 0,84; (5) 0,86; e (6) 0,90]. Os episódios de urgência e internamento por pneumonias víricas detetam variações na frequência da doença, com uma semana de antecedência. As consultas em cuidados de saúde primários e urgências por COVID-19 registam uma semana de atraso relativamente à evolução da taxa de incidência. A proporção de pneumonias víricas face ao número de pneumonias em episódios de urgência, ou internamentos, encontra-se alinhada temporalmente com a evolução da taxa de incidência semanal de COVID-19. Discussão: O atraso encontrado no padrão de evolução de consultas em CSP, e de episódios de urgência por COVID-19 face à incidência de COVID-19, poderá estar relacionado com a reorganização dos serviços de saúde e criação de códigos específicos para estas consultas. Episódios de urgência e internamentos por pneumonia vírica poderão ser úteis para a deteção precoce de possíveis surtos de COVID-19. Pneumonias víricas poderão ter sido classificadas como pneumonias de causa indeterminada. A monitorização futura destes indicadores é necessária de modo a averiguar se a incidência de COVID-19 é influenciada significativamente por alterações na estratégia de testagem. Os indicadores deste trabalho serão uma mais valia para a adequação de estratégias de testagem, alocação de recursos de saúde a comunidades mais vulneráveis à morbilidade severa e avaliação de programas de vacinação. Como tal, os sistemas de vigilância com base em registos de saúde serão um complemento valioso ao SINAVE. Conclusão: Sugere-se que os indicadores em análise sejam utilizados de forma regular, com especial atenção à informação relativa a pneumonias víricas, como forma de detetar precocemente surtos de COVID-19. A informação relativa a pneumonias de causa indeterminada poderá ser considerada na monitorização da COVID-19.

Introdução: Estudos anteriores verificaram um aumento da taxa de incidência de depressão entre 2007 e 2013 em Portugal, a qual se correlacionou positivamente com a taxa de desemprego, nomeadamente, em homens. Tal facto levantou a hipótese desse aumento se encontrar relacionado com a situação de crise económica à data. No sentido de testar esta hipótese, este estudo teve como objetivo investigar se a correlação entre taxa de desemprego e incidência de depressão se manteve no período de recuperação económica pós-crise em Portugal (2016 – 2018). Material e Métodos: Realizou-se um estudo ecológico, utilizando dados da rede Médicos Sentinela relativos à incidência de depressão (primeiros episódios e recidiva) e dados do Instituto Nacional de Estatística sobre a taxa de desemprego na população portuguesa. O coeficiente de correlação foi estimado através de regressão linear e os resultados foram desagregados por sexo. Resultados: Entre 2016 e 2018, verificou-se um decréscimo consistente da incidência de depressão em ambos os sexos. Durante o período 1995 – 2018, observou-se uma correlação positiva entre desemprego e depressão, sendo o seu coeficiente de 0,833 (p = 0,005) nos homens e de 0,742 (p = 0,022) nas mulheres. Discussão: A redução da taxa de incidência de depressão em ambos os sexos, observada entre 2016 e 2018, corrobora a existência da correlação positiva entre desemprego e depressão na população portuguesa, observada anteriormente em 2007 – 2013. Conclusão: Este estudo reforça a necessidade de monitorização da ocorrência de doença mental na população portuguesa, em especial em momentos de maior vulnerabilidade social, para instituição de medidas preventivas como forma de mitigar o impacto de futuras crises económicas.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to estimate and describe the prevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) specific antibodies (immunoglobulin M and/or immunoglobulin G) in Portugal in May-July 2020. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional seroepidemiological survey was developed after the peak of the first epidemic wave on a sample of 2301 Portuguese residents, aged 1 year or older. Survey sample was selected using a two-stage stratified non-probability sampling design (quota sampling). SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G antibodies were measured in serum samples by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Seroprevalence estimates of immunoglobulin M and/or immunoglobulin G and 95% confidence intervals were stratified by sex, age group, health region and education. Results: Overall, seroprevalence was 2.9% (95% confidence interval: 2.0% - 4.2%). Higher prevalence rates were observed in male (4.1%, 95% confidence interval: 2.6% - 6.6%) and those with secondary education (6.4%, 95% confidence interval: 3.2% - 12.5%). Differences in seroprevalence by age group and region were not statistically significant. Discussion: The estimated seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 was higher than the cumulative incidence reported by the National Surveillance System but far from necessary to reach herd immunity. Conclusion: Our results support limited extent of infection by SARS-CoV-2 in the study population possibly due to early lockdown measures implemented in Portugal and support the need to continue monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in order to increase our knowledge about the evolution of the epidemic and to estimate the proportion of the susceptible population over time.

O trabalho que se segue é fruto de proposições acerca da pesquisa de dissertação a respeito da trajetória dos Marcelinos, bando de cangaceiros, na Chapada do Araripe, localizada na região do Cariri cearense. O artigo versa sobre os conceitos de lugar e memória para compreender as vivências cangaceiras do bando a partir de sua atuação, imprimindo aos itinerários percorridos um caráter de lugar, que se configurou por meio das experiências do sujeito cangaceiro no contexto histórico-cultural. Como auxílio, foram utilizadas narrativas de sujeitos partindo dos lugares de atuação do bando, buscando-se entender a representatividade da geografia do cangaço do bando dos Marcelinos presente no Cariri cearense.