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Márcia Camponogara Fontana, Aline Beckenkamp, Andréia Buffon, Ruy Carlos Ruver Beck Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil Abstract: Raloxifene hydrochloride (RH) is considered to be an antiproliferative agent of mammary tissue. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the encapsulation of RH in polymeric nanocapsules with anionic or cationic surface on its release profile and antiproliferative activity. They were prepared by interfacial deposition of preformed polymer, followed by wide physicochemical characterization. The in vitro RH release was assessed by the dialysis membrane method and the data analyzed by mathematical modeling. The antiproliferative effect on MCF-7 cell viability was investigated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay as well as by counting viable cells. They had high encapsulation efficiency, low polydispersity, and nanometric mean size. Nanocapsules prepared with Eudragit® RS100 and Eudragit® S100 presented positive and negative zeta potentials, respectively. Drug release studies demonstrated controlled release of RH from anionic nanocapsules, which could be explained due to a stronger interaction of the drug to these nanocapsules and the larger amount of entrapped drug. On the other hand, this control was not observed from cationic nanocapsules due to the larger amount of drug adsorbed onto their surface. MCF-7 cell viability studies and cell counting showed that RH-loaded Eudragit® RS100 nanocapsules promote the best antiproliferative activity after 24 hours of treatment, whereas the best activity was observed for RH-loaded Eudragit® S100 nanocapsules after 72 hours. Furthermore, the combined treatment of these formulations improved the antiproliferative effect during the entire treatment. Keywords: polymeric nanocapsules, physicochemical characterization, drug control release, antiproliferative effect, MCF-7

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted nursing theatre staff, departmental activity, and delivery of services to patients. This work-based project aimed to investigate the challenges of nursing leadership in an elective orthopaedic department at current times. Methods: The study collected qualitative data exploring theatre staff’s expectations from leadership, offering insight on how the pandemic has influenced the way of working and exploring how the future in this unit may look. The answers from 20 practitioners to an anonymised open-ended survey were examined using thematic analysis. Results: The participants described a leader as a good communicator who focuses on empowering others and supporting the team, identified by the majority as a senior team member. From the findings, three topics were identified: immediate changes, delayed changes, and pre-existing conditions. The answers painted a reality that is complex and multifaceted, where numerous variables play a part in the physical and mental health of each candidate, impacting their performance as well as their work/life balance. Overall, the strongest subjects recurring in the findings were the need for nursing leadership to focus on supporting staff with training opportunities, to actively plan for a reduction in staffing shortages, and to be constantly mindful of staff well-being. Conclusions: This study pointed out that the need for constant communication with their staff, building honest relationships, and being a reliable leader, focused on empowering others and supporting the team were important factors for the nursing management during the COVID-19 pandemic and post-COVID-19 era.

Background: The recent COVID-19 pandemic and the emergence of infectious diseases at the human-animal interface highlight the global challenge of mitigating zoonotic risks. The One Health approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, urging for holistic and interdisciplinary strategies in disease prevention. Despite growing interest, the attention to wildlife in pandemic prevention remains limited. This systematic literature review aims to evaluate recent One Health research on zoonotic diseases and wildlife in terms of study design, interdisciplinary collaboration, and participatory approaches. Key questions addressed include the consideration of One Health domains, disciplinary involvement, and the inclusion of non-academic stakeholders. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, PubMed and Web of Science were searched for primary research papers on zoonotic diseases and wildlife from 2018 to 2023. Eligibility criteria included a focus on wildlife, zoonotic diseases, and adoption of the One Health approach. Results: A total of 228 primary research papers were retrieved. Out of these, 105 studies were included in the review. Few studies integrated human, animal, and environmental domains simultaneously in data collection (4.8 %) and knowledge generation (29.5 %). While extensive knowledge was generated for animal health (97.1 %) and human health (84.8 %), environmental health (34.3 %) remained underrepresented. Laboratory methods predominated (82.9 %), with limited integration of social science methodologies (19 %). The majority were epidemiological studies (86.7 %), yet analytical design within these was sparse (17.1 %). Participation of non-academic stakeholders was limited (36.2 % included non-academics; 3.8 % encompassed participative approaches). Conclusions: The synthesis of the domains human, animal and environmental health remained fragmentary in the studies reviewed. Environmental health is underrepresented and the interdisciplinary involvement of social sciences lacks. Neglecting these fields of competence impedes comprehensive understanding of disease dynamics and hampers effective zoonosis prevention strategies. In result, greater inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration, along with participatory approaches, are still needed for advancing One Health research.

Summary: Background: CYD-TDV (Dengvaxia®) was the first dengue vaccine approved, launched in Brazil in 2015 for individuals aged 9–44 years. We aimed to estimate the effectiveness of CYD-TDV in preventing symptomatic dengue cases during a campaign targeting individuals aged 15–27 years in selected municipalities in Paraná, Brazil. Additionally, we examined whether a history of dengue, as recorded by the surveillance system, modified the vaccine's effectiveness. Methods: We conducted a case-cohort analysis comparing the frequency of vaccination, with at least one dose of CYD-TDV, in individuals with dengue confirmed by RT-PCR, identified by the surveillance system during 2019 and 2020, with the vaccination coverage in the target population. Moreover, in a case-control design using weighted controls, we assessed the documented history of dengue as a modifier of the vaccine's effectiveness. We used a logistic random-effects regression model, with data clustered in municipalities and incorporating covariates such as the incidence of dengue before the campaign, age, and sex. We calculated vaccine effectiveness (VE) as (1-relative risk) x 100%. Findings: 1869 dengue cases were identified, which had a vaccination frequency significantly lower than the overall vaccination coverage in the target population (50.3% vs. 57.2%, respectively; overall VE: 21.3%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 13.4%–28.4%). In individuals with a documented history of dengue, vaccination had a VE of 71% (95% CI: 58%–80%) in reducing the incidence of dengue. However, vaccination was not associated with a significant reduction in the overall dengue case risk in individuals without a documented history of dengue (VE: 12%; 95% CI: −21% to 36%). In this last stratum, vaccination was associated with reduced cases due to DENV-1 and DENV-4, but an excess of DENV-2 cases. Interpretation: Vaccination led to a significant reduction in reported dengue cases within the target population. The case-control design suggested that this reduction was primarily driven by the benefits observed in individuals with a documented history of dengue. In endemic regions with limited serological testing facilities, a previous history of dengue diagnosis recorded by epidemiological surveillance could be used to triage candidates for CYD-TDV vaccination. Funding: Research supported by Sanofi.

A Astronomia e a Astronáutica são ramos da Ciência que desvendam os mistérios do espaço e as formas de chegarmos até lá. Contudo, para as mulheres, as oportunidades de participar da ciência, de forma geral, são limitadas e pouco divulgadas. Desta forma, este artigo tem como objetivo identificar as contribuições de mulheres brasileiras na Astronomia e na Astronáutica, a partir de tal inquietação: qual é a participação de mulheres brasileiras na Astronomia e na Astronáutica? A fim de responder esse questionamento, foi realizado uma pesquisa qualitativa, seguindo os pressupostos metodológicos da Pesquisa Qualitativa Descritiva. Como resultados, observou-se que a Astronomia e Astronáutica brasileira feita por mulheres é gigante, e as suas contribuições merecem o reconhecimento devido, bem como terem uma divulgação ampla para inspirar meninas e mulheres a seguirem carreiras científicas.

Andrea Taloni,1,* Giulia Coco,2,* Davide Rastelli,3 Giacinta Buffon,2 Vincenzo Scorcia,1 Giuseppe Giannaccare4 1Department of Ophthalmology, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy; 2Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; 3Department of Ophthalmology, Policlinico Casilino, Rome, Italy; 4Eye Clinic, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Giuseppe Giannaccare, Full Professor of Ophthalmology, Eye Clinic, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Via Università 40, Cagliari, 09124, Italy, Tel +0039 09613647041, Fax +0039 09613647094, Email giuseppe.giannaccare@gmail.comAbstract: Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a common sight-threatening complication of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and the leading cause of severe visual impairment among the working-age population. Several therapeutic options are available for the management of DME, including intravitreal corticosteroids. They have been traditionally used as second-line treatment, due to the risk of intraocular pressure increase and cataract-related adverse events. However, attention has recently been focused on the primary or early use of intravitreal corticosteroids, due to growing evidence of the crucial role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of DME. Furthermore, intravitreal steroid implants offer the additional advantage of a longer duration of action compared to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents (anti-VEGF). This review aims to summarize the available evidence on the efficacy and safety profile of dexamethasone (DEX) intravitreal implant, with a specific focus on clinical scenarios in which it might be considered or even preferred as first-line treatment option by adequate selection of patients, considering both advantages and possible adverse events. Patients with contraindications to anti-VEGF, DME with high inflammatory OCT biomarkers, pseudophakic patients and phakic patients’ candidates to cataract surgery as well as vitrectomized eyes may all benefit from first-line DEX implant. Additionally, DME not responders to anti-VEGF should be considered for a switch to DEX implant and a combination therapy of DEX implant and anti-VEGF could be a valid option in severe and persistent DME.Keywords: diabetic macular edema, DME, dexamethasone intravitreal implant, DEX implant, corticosteroids, Ozurdex

In forensic investigation, determining the time and cause of death becomes challenging, especially in cases where the remains are found in advanced decomposition, rendering traditional toxicological samples unavailable or unreliable. Entomotoxicology, an emerging methodology within forensic science, leverages insect specimens collected from cadavers as alternative toxicological samples. Several laboratory and field research studies have highlighted the efficacy in detecting various drugs, toxins, and elements absorbed by insects feeding on cadaveric tissues, even at low concentrations. However, correlation studies between drug concentrations in conventional matrices and insects remain controversial due to unknown factors influencing drug metabolism and larval feeding activity. This paper presents four real cases in which human cadavers were discovered in advanced stages of decomposition, and toxicological analyses were performed on both insect samples and available matrices. The results presented complement the scant literature currently available on the application of entomotoxicology in real cases, providing insights into the correlation between larvae and human specimen results. Furthermore, guidelines to collect and preserve entomological evidence at the crime scene and during the autopsy for use in entomotoxicological analyses are provided. This advancement holds promise in aiding forensic investigations, particularly in cases where traditional methods cannot be applied or require supporting data for further validation.

Abstract Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic or chronically relapsing inflammatory skin disease which results from a complex, multifaceted interaction between environmental factors in genetically predisposed patients. Epidermal barrier impairment, alteration of the cutaneous microbiota, effect of external antigens, neurosensory dysfunction, and inflammatory and immune dysregulation all play a pivotal role in inducing and maintaining AD lesions. AD significantly impacts the patient’s quality of life and general well-being and is often associated with anxiety and/or depressive symptoms. Classical treatment options include topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors, phototherapy, and systemic immunosuppression with oral corticosteroids, cyclosporine, methotrexate, and azathioprine in more severe cases. A turning point in facing AD was accomplished when the efficacy and safety of dupilumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting the interleukin (IL)-4 receptor α subunit, led to its approval for the treatment of moderate-to-severe or severe AD in children, adolescents, and adults. Subsequently, a more extensive understanding of AD etiology and pathogenesis has allowed the development of several topical and systemic novel therapy options. Most of these drugs are monoclonal antibodies which interfere with the type 2 inflammatory cascade, especially its key cytokines IL-4 and IL-13, or its downstream Janus kinase signaling pathway. However, considering the relevance of other subtypes of T helper (Th) cells, such as Th1 and Th22, and the important role of specific cytokines (IL-31) in generating pruritus, the horizon of potential therapeutic targets has widened extremely. In this review, we aim to present the most promising systemic agents currently under investigation and illustrate the most significant aspects of their efficacy, safety, and tolerability.

Microorganisms with multiple ecological functions can be a useful biotechnological resource in integrated pest- and disease-management programs. This work aimed to investigate the potential endophytic and virulent effects of a strain of Purpureocillium lilacinum on organic cultivation in Brazil. Specifically, the strain’s ability to establish itself as an endophyte in common bean, soybean, and sunflower plants when inoculated via seed was evaluated. Furthermore, its antifungal activity against phytopathogens and its pathogenicity and virulence against insects of the order Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, and Hemiptera were evaluated. Furthermore, the strain was evaluated for its biochemical and physiological characteristics. For virulence bioassays, the experiments were conducted under a factorial scheme (2 × 3), with the following factors: (a) fungal inoculation and control without inoculum and (b) types of inocula (blastospores, aerial conidia, and metabolites). The treatments were sprayed on insect species at different stages of development. In summary, it was found that the SBF054 strain endophytically colonized the common bean, with partial recovery from the root tissues of soybean and sunflower plants, 30 days after inoculation; suppressed 86% of Rhizoctonia solani mycelial growth in an in vitro assay; and controlled eggs, nymphs, and Euschistus heros adults. These multifunctional abilities are mainly attributed to the strain’s mechanisms of producing metabolites, such as organic acids, soluble nutrients, and hydrolytic enzymes.

Dry eye disease (DED) incidence is continuously growing, positioning it to become an emergent health issue over the next few years. Several topical treatments are commonly used to treat DED; however, reports indicate that only a minor proportion of drug bioavailability is achieved by the majority of eye drops available on the market. In this context, enhancing drug ability to overcome ocular barriers and prolonging its residence time on the ocular surface represent a new challenge in the field of ocular carrier systems. Therefore, research has focused on the development of multi-functional nanosystems, such as nanoemulsions, liposomes, dendrimers, hydrogels, and other nanosized carriers. These systems are designed to improve topical drug bioavailability and efficacy and, at the same time, require fewer daily administrations, with potentially reduced side effects. This review summarizes the different nanotechnologies developed, their role in DED, and the nanotechnology-based eyedrops currently approved for DED treatment.

Among microorganisms found in food, fungi stand out because they are adaptable and competitive in a large range of water activities, temperatures, pHs, humidities and substrate types. Besides sporulating, some species are toxigenic and produce toxic metabolites, mycotoxins, under adverse biotic and abiotic variables. Microorganisms are inactivated along the food chain, but mycotoxins have stable structures and remain in ready-to-eat food. The most prevalent mycotoxins in food, which are aflatoxins, fumonisins, ochratoxin A, patulin, tenuazonic acid, trichothecenes and zearalenone, have maximum tolerable limits (MTLs) defined as ppb and ppt by official organizations. The chronic and acute toxicities of mycotoxins and their stability are different in a chemical family. This critical review aims to discuss promising scientific research that successfully mitigated levels of mycotoxins and focus the results of our research group on this issue. It highlights the application of natural antifungal compounds, combinations of management, processing parameters and emergent technologies, and their role in reducing the levels and bioaccessibility. Despite good crop management and processing practices, total decontamination is almost impossible. Experimental evidence has shown that exposure to mycotoxins may be mitigated. However, multidisciplinary efforts need to be made to improve the applicability of successful techniques in the food supply chain to avoid mycotoxins’ impact on global food insecurity.

RESUMO Objetivo Investigar o impacto da mucosite hipofaríngea quimiorradioinduzida na deglutição e o seu manejo, a partir de uma revisão integrativa de literatura. Estratégia de pesquisa A busca e a seleção dos artigos foram realizadas nas seguintes bases de dados: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, ScienceDirect e LILACS. Critérios de seleção Os termos de busca utilizados foram ‘’Pharyngeal Mucositis”, ‘’Radiotherapy” e ‘’Esophagitis”, com auxílio do operador booleano (AND). A equação de busca utilizada foi: ‘’Pharyngeal Mucositis” AND “Radiotherapy” AND “Esophagitis”. A seguinte questão central orientou o estudo: “Qual a forma de avaliação e manejo da mucosite hipofaríngea induzida pela radiação na região de cabeça e pescoço e seu impacto na deglutição?”. Resultados Foram identificados 75 estudos, sendo que 6 foram excluídos devido à duplicidade e 60 foram excluídos por não se encaixarem nos critérios de inclusão; os artigos restantes foram lidos na íntegra e 4 foram selecionados para fazerem parte desta revisão integrativa da literatura. Conclusão Apesar da escassa literatura e das poucas informações sobre os métodos de avaliação da mucosite hipofaríngea, os artigos apontam que, independentemente da dose de radiação, a radioterapia na região cervical causa mucosite hipofaríngea. A mucosite hipofaríngea provoca grande impacto na deglutição, resultando na necessidade de uso de via alternativa de alimentação. Além da ausência de informações quanto à avaliação e graduação da mucosite hipofaríngea, os estudos não discutem o tratamento direto ou a prevenção desse tipo de doença.

Introdução: A mielite transversa é um distúrbio neuroimune da medula espinhal, caracterizada por paresia, parestesia, disfunção intestinal ou urinária. O relato de novos casos ganha importância à medida em que a mielite transversa é uma afecção extremamente rara, com prevalência subestimada entre um a oito novos casos por milhão de pessoas por ano. A despeito disso, a necessidade de um rápido diagnóstico é crucial para evitar paraplegia e morte. Relato de caso: Paciente masculino de 24 anos, previamente hígido, descreve sinais e sintomas inespecíficos de febre, mialgia e surgimento de exantema maculopapular em membros superiores e dorso, evoluindo com dificuldade de micção e evacuação, sendo, por diversas vezes, realizado sondagem vesical de alívio e tratado, empiricamente, para infecção urinária. Após uma semana, já em atendimento hospitalar, associa ao quadro clínico lombalgia, paresia e parestesia em membros com dificuldade para deambular. A punção lombar evidenciou líquor com padrão viral e PCR positivo para Herpes Vírus I e II. A ressonância magnética de neuroeixo comprovou lesão medular extensa. Foi realizado pulsoterapia com metilprednisolona, aciclovir intravenoso por 21 dias e profilaxia para estrongiloidíase. Após 2 meses, já com recuperação significativa de marcha e controle esfincteriano, repetiu-se nova ressonância, que evidenciou ausência de lesões medulares. Comentários: As mielites possuem etiologias autoimunes, neoplásicas, vasculares ou infecciosas. No entanto, 64% dos casos são idiopáticos, dada a grande dificuldade de se estabelecer a natureza causal da infecção. Após ter sido descartada compressão medular por ressonância magnética, a história clínica típica associada com achados sugestivos de infecção no líquido cefalorraquidiano (LCR) nos aproximam do diagnóstico de mielopatia infecciosa. A mielite por Herpes Vírus pode apresentar padrão ascendente ou não ascendente e lesões cutâneas herpéticas não são prevalentes nesses casos ao contrário do quadro descrito pelo paciente.

This study monitored concentrations of both pesticides 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and procymidone, and mycotoxin ochratoxin A (OTA) in stages of the winemaking process. Sampling was carried out in the usual vinification process of red wine in a winery between the steps to obtain must and alcoholic fermentation. The highest transference of contaminants in the process occurred in the crushing step to 2,4-D (100%) and maceration to OTA and procymidone (100%). Removal of contaminants in the winemaking process corresponded to 100%, with a half-life (T1/2) longer for procymidone (216.5 h) and shorter for 2,4-D (38.5 h) and OTA (96 h). The processing factors (PFs) (0) for the contaminants, together with the data obtained, characterize winemaking as a process of reducing mycotoxin and pesticides. Results highlight the importance of fermentation to reduce contaminants and that yeasts promote detoxification

O ensino da Astronomia tem sido pauta de discussões desde a década de 1970, atribuindo a ele diferentes graus de importância. Em contrapartida, pautas relacionadas a pseudociências como a Astrologia, tem estado cada vez mais presentes em centros universitários. Nessa perspectiva, este artigo tem como objetivo compreender como alunos de um curso de licenciatura em pedagogia, na modalidade de ensino à distância (EAD) de uma universidade privada do estado do Paraná, interpretam um teste da descrição de suas personalidades, a partir do efeito Forer. A pesquisa é de natureza quali-quantitativa e participaram da mesma 394 alunos devidamente matriculados na disciplina de metodologias para o Ensino de Ciências. Os resultados apontaram que a maioria dos alunos eram suscetíveis a manipulação da descrição de sua personalidade, confiando nos resultados, apesar dos mesmos serem vagos e generalistas. Conclui-se que mesmo com todo desenvolvimento crítico da sociedade nos dias atuais, a Astrologia ainda não foi desmitificada.

Este artigo tem como objetivo abordar os resultados parciais de uma pesquisa de Mestrado, que teve como objetivo investigar a influência do curso de formação continuada em Astronomia e seu ensino, ofertado ao NRE-Maringá, em 2018, para a constituição da identidade profissional dos professores de Ciências participantes. Dessa forma, seis professoras participantes do referido curso, através de reuniões online (gravadas) e Google Forms, responderam ao questionário – TALP (Técnica de Associação Livre de Palavras), a fim de identificarmos as representações sociais compartilhadas por elas quanto à Astronomia. Os dados foram analisados à luz da abordagem estruturalista de Abric (2000), identificando o núcleo central (nosso objeto de estudo) e os elementos periféricos e intermediários da RS (Representação Social). Assim, pudemos inferir que, no tocante ao Ensino da Astronomia, as professoras pesquisadas apresentam muito do universo consensual, não alcançando, muitas vezes, o universo reificado, o que nos permite compreender que muitos professores que ensinam conteúdos de Astronomia apresentam um nível de entendimento/conhecimento muito semelhante ao dos alunos, permanecendo por vezes, no universo consensual ao abordarem tais conteúdos.