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Abstract Background Dental services are often overlooked within healthcare systems, despite their critical role in overall health. Socioeconomic barriers and disparities in insurance coverage frequently limit access to oral care, particularly among vulnerable populations like older adults. Objective To examine the impact of different health insurance types on the frequency of dental consultations among Ecuadorian senior citizens, aiming to highlight gaps in access to care. Methods Using the 2009 National Survey of Health, Well-being, and Aging (SABE), which aims to determine the health and living conditions of older individuals, this study analyzed the health insurance status and dental service visits of 4,565 older adults in Ecuador. Binary logistic regression was employed to explore the association between insurance type and dental-care utilization. Results In the sample, 76.50% of older adults had not visited a dentist in the past year. Insurance breakdown revealed 17.04% with general IESS, 9.59% with rural IESS, 2.23% with private insurance, 1.86% with ISSFA/ISSPOL, 1.86% with municipal insurance, and 69.66% were uninsured. Individuals with private insurance or ISSFA/ISSPOL insurance were 32% and 91% more likely, respectively, to seek oral care compared to those without these respective insurances. Conversely, uninsured individuals were 43% less likely to seek dental care than those with any type of insurance. Conclusion Health insurance significantly influences the frequency of dental consultations among Ecuadorian seniors, highlighting the need for policy interventions to ensure equitable access to oral care.

Abstract Background Considering differences in body composition and inflammatory status between sexes, as well as recent recommendations advocating for personalized dietary approaches, this study aimed to explore how sex influences weight loss, changes in body composition, and inflammatory status in subjects with grade I and II obesity undergoing a 45-day of the Very Low-Energy Ketogenic Therapy (VLEKT). Methods Participants (21 premenopausal females and 21 males), included in the study adhered to the 45-day of the VLEKT and underwent assessments of anthropometric parameters (weight, height, body mass index—BMI –, and waist circumference), body composition via bioelectrical impedance analysis, and inflammatory status measured by high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels at baseline and post-intervention. Results At baseline, premenopausal females and males did not differ in BMI (p = 0.100) and hs-CRP levels (p = 0.948). Males demonstrated overall larger benefits than premenopausal females from the VLEKT in terms of weight loss (Δ% = − 11.63 ± 1.76 vs − 8.95 ± 1.65 kg, p

Abstract Background A task force from the US National Institute of Health aimed to establish parameters for surveys with patients with chronic low back pain (LBP) by recommending the use of the Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System 29-item (PROMIS-29) questionnaire and the stratification according to the Impact Score. We aimed to assess the internal consistency, reliability, measurement error, construct validity and responsiveness of the Brazilian-Portuguese version of the PROMIS-29 questionnaire (version 2.1) and the Impact Score in patients with chronic LBP. Methods A prospective cohort study was carried out with patients with chronic LBP who were receiving physiotherapy treatment in clinics in São Paulo and Vitória cities, Brazil. The sample included 102 patients with chronic LBP, aged between 18 and 80 years, and with the ability to read and write in the Brazilian-Portuguese language. Exclusion criteria were patients with serious spinal conditions, cognitive impairment, pregnant women, and patients who had undergone lumbar surgery within the past six months. The PROMIS-29 questionnaire, the 12-item Short-Form Health Survey and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire were applied. The PROMIS-29 questionnaire was reapplied after 24 hours and 4 weeks. Results The PROMIS-29 questionnaire showed Cronbach’s Alpha values between 0.81 (anxiety) and 0.91 (depression). The ICC2.1 ranged from 0.85 (95% CI: 0.77 to 0.89) to 0,97 (CI 95%: 0.95 to 0.98). The SEM values ranged between 0.85 (physical function) and 2.62 (ability to participate in social roles and activities). The Impact Score showed Cronbach’s Alpha, ICC2.1 and SEM values of 0.91, 0.97 (95% CI: 0.95 to 0.98) and 0.56, respectively. The PROMIS-29 questionnaire and the Impact Score showed sufficient construct validity. The PROMIS-29 questionnaire showed moderate responsiveness, while the Impact Score showed sufficient responsiveness. Conclusions Both the Brazilian-Portuguese version of the PROMIS-29 questionnaire and the Impact Score showed sufficient internal consistency, reliability, construct validity and responsiveness in Brazilian patients with chronic LBP. The results support the US National Institutes of Health’s recommendation to use the PROMIS-29 questionnaire and the Impact Score in patients with chronic LBP. We suggest that future studies evaluate the structural validity of the Brazilian-Portuguese version of the PROMIS-29 questionnaire. Clinical trial number Not applicable.

Background This study investigated the prognostic importance of the hemoglobin glycation index (HGI) for macrovascular and microvascular outcomes, mortality, and hypoglycemia occurrence in a type 2 diabetes cohort and compared it to glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Methods Baseline and mean first-year HGI and HbA1c, and the variability thereof, were assessed in 687 individuals with type 2 diabetes (median follow-up, 10.6 years). Multivariable Cox regression was conducted to evaluate the associations of HGI and HbA1c parameters with macrovascular (total and major cardiovascular events) and microvascular outcomes (microalbuminuria, advanced renal failure, retinopathy, and peripheral neuropathy), mortality (all-cause and cardiovascular), and moderate/severe hypoglycemia occurrence. Results During follow-up, there were 215 total cardiovascular events (176 major) and 269 all-cause deaths (131 cardiovascular). Microalbuminuria developed in 126 patients, renal failure in 104, retinopathy in 161, and neuropathy in 177. There were 90 hypoglycemia episodes. Both HGI and HbA1c predicted all adverse outcomes, except microalbuminuria and hypoglycemia. Their adjusted risks were roughly equivalent for all outcomes. For example, the adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), estimated for 1 standard deviation increments, of mean first-year HGI were 1.23 (1.05 to 1.44), 1.20 (1.03 to 1.38), 1.36 (1.11 to 1.67), 1.28 (1.09 to 1.67), and 1.29 (1.09 to 1.54), respectively, for cardiovascular events, all-cause mortality, renal failure, retinopathy, and neuropathy; whereas the respective HRs (95% CIs) of mean HbA1c were 1.31 (1.12 to 1.53), 1.28 (1.11 to 1.48), 1.36 (1.11 to 1.67), 1.33 (1.14 to 1.55), and 1.29 (1.09 to 1.53). Conclusion HGI was no better than HbA1c as a predictor of adverse outcomes in individuals with type 2 diabetes, and its clinical use cannot be currently advised.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to identify the factors associated with the physical activity of elderly assisted at the basic health units (BHU) of the city of Matelândia, Paraná, Brazil. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study, in which 343 elderly users of the BHU of this city were surveyed. A socio-demographic questionnaire, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and the questionnaire of barriers to physical activity practice were used. RESULTS: In relation to the level of physical activity, 88.9% of the elderlies were classified as active/very active. Higher level of physical activity was significantly associated with the amount of medication used (p = 0.024), reason to go to BHU (p = 0.037), and indication of physical activity by UBS (p = 0.040). Lack of energy (p = 0.048) was a more frequent and significant barrier for the active/very active elderly. CONCLUSION: There is a large number of active/very active elderly users of the BHU of Matelândia, Paraná, Brazil, and this was associated with lower age, lower medication use, going to BHU to withdraw medication/others and indication of physical activity by the BHU. For those who do not fit into these levels, lack of financial resources and insufficiently safe environment are the most common barriers to physical activity.

We examine refractory concrete samples imaged in situ while undergoing compression. We suggest a method for quantifying the degree of transgranular cracking based on segmenting the aggregate and the crack systems in the computed tomography images. For comparing, validating, and training crack segmentation methods, semi-synthetic images with simulated crack structures have been proven to be very useful. Here, we extend our crack model to interact with the aggregates similarly as observed in the real samples. This in turn, opens new opportunities to train models not only segmenting but analyzing at the same time.

The large-scale CT system GULLIVER was recently put into operation at the Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität (RPTU) in Kaiserslautern (Germany). The project, which was launched in 2019 as a result of a competition between various German universities and research institutions, aims to use Computed Tomography (CT) to examine real-scale building components under the most realistic load conditions possible, as is customary in materials testing. The CT measurement is intended to provide new insights into the fatigue dynamics inside these concrete structures, which are up to 6 m long and 1 m wide, by detecting minimal cracks of up to 100 microns in size at the point of load application. The special design of the system and the components installed, open up completely new fields of application for high-energy CT that were previously not available. Particularly noteworthy is the system's gantry-type manipulation unit, whose use has so far been limited primarily to medical diagnostics, as well as the X-ray components used, which open up completely new fields of application for CT in terms of energy and resolution. But also, the processing of the resulting huge data of approx. 10,000 × 10,000 × 2,000 voxels generated in the system represents a particular challenge for the image processing and evaluation to be carried out following the measurement. In this publication, we present the project funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and its development containing the measurement results achieved during the current completion of the system as well as the status of the processing procedures developed. In addition, the future measurement campaigns planned with the system are presented and the possibilities to access the innovative testing system for own research activities are explained.

The present study introduces an intervention conducted with adolescent students from municipal public schools. The intervention involved two groups (n = 20; n = 18) of sixth-grade students. The intervention program was based on the “Core Program” developed by LIPA (Applied Prosocial Research Laboratory) at the Autonomous University of Barcelona and was adapted for this application. Prosociality can be defined as a set of voluntary behaviors intended to benefit others without the expectation of external rewards. These behaviors strengthen social bonds and foster fundamental values for the development of healthy interpersonal relationships. Given the current social and economic conditions, adolescents living in urban centers are immersed in a reality marked by violence and antisocial behaviors. The objective was to observe changes in adolescents’ behaviors following the intervention, measuring the level of prosociality. Twenty 90-minute sessions were conducted weekly, along with three evaluations to identify the participants’ levels of prosociality (baseline, final, and follow-up). The instrument used was the EPA-A (Prosocial Behavior Assessment Scale for Adolescents). An improvement in prosocial behaviors among the adolescents was observed following the intervention, as evidenced by their interactions with peers in the group and with the researcher. In the various dimensions analyzed (Helping, Sharing, Positive Climate, Caring, and Empathy), positive trends were noted when positive and healthy attitudes were encouraged. This indicates that introducing socioemotional interventions in the school environment can lead to both individual and collective changes.

Introduction The full achievement of early childhood development (ECD) is a human right and adhering to the nurturing care framework may facilitate it.Objective To evaluate the association between distal and proximal variables and developmental quotient (DQ).Methods Data from 14 159 children

Objective: To describe the practices and knowledge of Nursing Technicians and Community Health Agents of Primary Health Care for the transgender population. Design: Descriptive research with a qualitative approach. Site: The study was developed in a digital environment. Participants: 18 Community Health Agents and 12 Nursing Technicians who worked in Primary Health Care Units from several Brazilian states. Method: Sampling technique by chain indication or networks (snowball), data production by Google Forms form. The theoretical saturation technique was used to close the interviews. Categorical thematic content analysis with IRAMUTEQ software support. Results: Professionals’ lack of knowledge about policies and terms was evidenced; there were conceptual confusions, inadequate associations, and a restricted approach to the prevention of sexually transmitted infections. Conclusions: The lack of training reflects a cisnormative and binary approach, compromising the assistance to the transgender population. Disrespect for the social name persists, highlighting the need for permanent education for health professionals, aiming at an inclusive and respectful care practice. Resumen: Objetivo: Describir las prácticas y los conocimientos de los técnicos de enfermería y agentes comunitarios de salud de atención primaria sobre la población transexual. Diseño: Investigación descriptiva con enfoque cualitativo. Emplazamiento: El estudio se desarrolló en un entorno digital. Participantes: 18 agentes comunitarios de salud y 12 técnicos de enfermería que trabajaban en unidades de atención primaria de salud de varios estados brasileños. Método: Técnica de muestreo por indicación en cadena o redes (bola de nieve) y producción de datos mediante formulario Google Forms. Para el cierre de las entrevistas se utilizó la técnica de saturación teórica. Análisis de contenido temático categorial con apoyo del software IRAMUTEQ. Resultados: Se evidenció desconocimiento de políticas y términos por parte de los profesionales, confusiones conceptuales, asociaciones inadecuadas y un abordaje restringido de la prevención de las infecciones de transmisión sexual. Conclusiones: La falta de capacitación refleja un abordaje cisnormativo y binario que compromete la asistencia a la población transexual. Persiste la falta de respeto al complejo social, resaltando la necesidad de educación permanente de los profesionales de salud, con el objetivo de una práctica asistencial inclusiva y respetuosa.

El desafío de definir la cultura en sus diversas dimensiones, complejiza la formulación de políticas públicas, ya que la falta de consenso al respecto dificulta la definición de indicadores para medir su impacto en el desarrollo sostenible. Si bien es fuente de creatividad y contribuye a los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS), la cultura es dinámica y diversa, lo que problematiza su medición cuantitativa. Previo a ello, la falta misma de una política cultural y de herramientas para visualizar la composición y dimensión del sector cultural, entorpece la medición y valorización de los activos culturales. Por otra parte, desde la gobernanza estatal, las políticas públicas idealmente deben estar alineadas con los ODS. Sin embargo, en el contexto salvadoreño, los esfuerzos por impulsar la cultura, las industrias creativas o la economía creativa, a menudo carecen de continuidad y sistematización, limitando así un desarrollo sostenible e inclusivo.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Blood loss during liver transplantation (LT) remains a major concern associated with increased morbidity and reduced patient and graft survival. The high complexity of the procedure associated with the multifaceted origin of the bleeding urges early identification of high-risk patients and proper monitoring of hemostasis disorders in order to improve results. The accuracy of international normalized ratio (INR) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) to evaluate coagulation status in cirrhotic patients has been doubted. AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the applicability of these coagulation tests to indicate fresh frozen plasma transfusion in LT. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study analyzed 297 cirrhotic patients submitted to LT. INR and aPTT were measured preoperatively and in each surgical phase. Hemostatic blood components were transfused only for coagulopathy indication. Patients were divided according to intraoperative plasma transfusion into transfused and non-transfused groups. The accuracy of INR and aPTT to predict plasma transfusions was investigated. The alert values of INR and aPTT unassociated with coagulopathy in each phase of surgery were identified. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis showed that preoperative hematocrit (odds ratio [OR]=0.90, p

Summary: Forest edges, where humans, mosquitoes, and wildlife interact, may serve as a nexus for zoonotic arbovirus exchange. Although often treated as uniform interfaces, the landscape context of edge habitats can greatly impact ecological interactions. Here, we investigated how the landscape context of forest edges shapes mosquito community structure in an Amazon rainforest reserve near the city of Manaus, Brazil, using hand-nets to sample mosquitoes at three distinct forest edge types. Sampling sites were situated at edges bordering urban land cover, rural land cover, and natural treefall gaps, while sites in continuous forest served as controls. Community composition differed substantially among edge types, with rural edges supporting the highest species diversity. Rural edges also provided suitable habitat for forest specialists, including key sylvatic vectors, of which Haemagogus janthinomys was the most abundant species sampled overall. Our findings emphasize the importance of landscape context in assessing pathogen emergence risk at forest edges.

O renascimento forjou-se enquanto conceito histórico fundamental para o entendimento da Idade Moderna, todavia, ao nos aproximarmos de um panorama das controvérsias relativas ao seu estudo historiográfico, poderemos notar que sua amplitude se estende dos séculos XIII ao XVI, bem como abarca o ocidente europeu sem a precedência de uma suposta centralidade italiana. Nosso objetivo é colocar em discussão os argumentos com os quais os historiadores contemporâneos enfrentaram ou escamotearam a artificialidade desse marco histórico, bem como, a partir da evocação de “renascimentos” anteriores e posteriores ao italiano, demonstrar como a experiência cultural do medievo e do século XVI permitem questionar sua sacralização.

ABSTRACT Objective To analyze factors associated with detectable HIV viremia among transgender women/transvestites (TWT) in five Brazilian capitals. Methods : This was a cross-sectional study using data from a sample of TWT with HIV-positive serology and detectable viral load (VL), between 2019 and 2021. The dependent and independent variables were, respectively: viral load measurement, socioeconomic/demographic characteristics; alcohol/drug use; and self-perceived mental health. Poisson regression with robust variance was used. Results : A total of 425 TWT tested positive for HIV and underwent VL measurement, 179 (42.0%) presented detectable viremia. Factors positively associated with detectability were: younger age (PR=2.26; 95%CI 1.13;4.51), poorer housing conditions (PR=2.72; 95%CI 1.30;5.68) and poor/very poor mental health (PR=1.70; 95%CI 1.08;2.66). The use of antiretroviral drugs was a protective factor against detectability (PR=0.29; 95%CI 0.30;0.61). Conclusion The factors associated with unsuppressed viral load highlight vulnerability related to gender identity that have a negative impact, despite the majority of participants being on antiretroviral therapy (ART).

O coquinho-azedo é um fruto típico da região do Cerrado e demonstra potencial em compostos bioativos. O coproduto decorrente do seu despolpamento foi reaproveitado para aplicação como ingrediente na formulação de pão de forma. A amostra in natura foi submetida à secagem nas temperaturas de 45, 55 e 65 °C por 02h01, 01h52 e 00h48, respectivamente. A amostra selecionada foi triturada, peneirada e utilizou-se a fração mais fina para produção de pães de forma com adição de 7,5 e 15% de farinha obtida em relação à farinha de trigo. O pão padrão seguiu a formulação sem adição. Foram determinados os teores de umidade, cinzas, proteínas, lipídeos, carboidratos, acidez, carotenoides e vitamina C do coproduto in natura, dos produtos da secagem e dos três tipos de pães produzidos. Os pães de forma com adição da farinha alternativa foram submetidos à análise sensorial, sendo aplicado o teste triangular para discriminação das amostras, teste de aceitação por escala hedônica e testes de intenção de consumo e compra. Dentre as amostras secas, a submetida a 45 °C manteve estatisticamente o maior teor de vitamina C e houve preservação no conteúdo de carotenoides, sendo então utilizada para produção dos pães. Nos pães de forma, não houve diferença significativa entre as amostras padrão, com 7,5% e com 15% de adição da farinha alternativa para os teores de umidade, proteínas e lipídeos. Os teores de acidez, carotenoides e vitamina C foram significativamente mais elevados nas formulações com adição em relação à amostra padrão. Para as análises tecnológicas, a adição do maior teor da farinha alternativa ocasionou diminuição significativa no volume específico, maior escurecimento (L*) e tendência ao marrom (a*) e amarelo (b*) no miolo. Pelo teste discriminativo triangular, houve diferença sensorial perceptível entre os dois pães, ao nível de 0,1% de significância. O pão de forma enriquecido com 7,5% de farinha de coproduto de coquinho apresentou melhores resultados para o teste de aceitação e para a intenção de consumo e compra. Desse modo, evidenciou-se que a adição da farinha do coproduto de coquinho azedo influenciou nos aspectos físico-químicos, tecnológicos e sensoriais do pão de forma.

Conflict of interest: No Introduction and Objectives: There is increasing evidence that a ≥20% decrease in sequential liver stiffness measurements (ΔLSM) by transient elastography (TE) is associated with a lower risk of long-term liver-related outcomes and mortality in patients with MASLD. Objective: We aimed to evaluate factors associated with ≥20% decrease in ΔLSM in MASLD patients with prediabetes (Pre-DM) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Patients / Materials and Methods: MASLD adults with PreDM or T2DM with two consecutive reliable LSMs by transient TE (Fibroscan Touch 502) were included. Clinical, biochemical and elastography data were collected at baseline and follow-up. PNPLA3 (rs738409 C>G) genotypes were determined. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the variables independently associated with ≥20% decrease in ΔLSM. All data were analyzed using the statistical package SPSS (vs.24.0,IBM), a p-value < 0.05 was regarded as significant. Results and Discussion: 294 patients were included (70% female, 60 ± 10 y, 63% with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2): 14% had PreDM and 86% T2DM. Genotyping of PNPLA3 was identified as CC in 46% and CG+GG in 54%. At the first TE, 10% had LSM > 15kPa [median 7.0 kPa (5.1-10.1)]. Overall, 31% experienced a ≥20% decrease in ΔLSM on a 38 (26-52) months interval.On logistic multivariate regression, the variables independently associated with a ≥20% decrease in ΔLSM were the genotype CC of PNPLA3 (OR 1.71/ 95%CI 1.03-2.85; p=0.038) and final glycated hemoglobin ≤7% (OR 1.75/ 95%CI 1.04-2.94; p=0.034) . Statin use (OR 1.78/ 95%CI 0.99-3.18; p=0.05) had a borderline statistical significance. Conclusions: A clinically significant improvement in LSM is associated with a better glycemic control and the presence of wild-type PNPLA3CC in MASLD patients with PreDM or T2DM. Future prospective studies are needed to determine whether genetic predisposition and factors of clinical importance may confer a reduction in the risk of liver-related outcomes in these high-risk populations.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of resistance training (RT) on knee extensor muscle hypertrophy in adults 65 years and older. Methods: A systematic search was carried out in PubMed, Embase, and Scopus to review randomized controlled trials that assessed the effects of supervised RT on 1) muscle size, 2) fiber area, and 3) leg lean mass (LLM). Random-effects meta-analyses of standardized mean difference (SMD) and raw mean difference (RMD) for LLM were calculated. We performed a meta-regression to examine the interference of age, training volume, and duration on the results related to hypertrophy at muscle and fiber levels. Results: Thirty-two studies were included in the review, and 28 were meta-analyzed. The meta-analysis found a significant effect of RT on muscle size (SMD = 0.34; 95 % CI: 0.16–0.52; p

The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), originating from areas around the Mediterranean Sea, emphasises olive oil, fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and nuts while limiting red and processed meats. Studies show that higher adherence to the MedDiet reduces mortality risk by 23%. This diet contains essential nutrients and bioactive compounds important for maintaining good health. Prediabetes, characterised by impaired glucose metabolism and insulin resistance, can progress to type 2 diabetes, which increases the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular events, and mortality. Diet plays a crucial role in type 2 diabetes prevention. Healthy fats, antioxidants, high fibre, and low glycemic index foods positively affect prediabetes management by improving insulin sensitivity, regulating blood glucose, reducing inflammation, and aiding weight control. This review explores MedDiet’s molecular mechanisms and potential for prediabetes treatment and glycemic control.

Abstract Since 2021, the emergence of variants of concern (VOC) has led Brazil to experience record numbers of in COVID-19 cases and deaths. The expanded spread of the SARS-CoV-2 combined with a low vaccination rate has contributed to the emergence of new mutations that may enhance viral fitness, leading to the persistence of the disease. Due to limitations in the real-time genomic monitoring of new variants in some Brazilian states, we aimed to investigate whether genomic surveillance, coupled with epidemiological data and SARS-CoV-2 variants spatiotemporal spread in a smaller region, can reflect the pandemic progression at a national level. Our findings revealed three SARS-CoV-2 variant replacements from 2021 to early 2022, corresponding to the introduction and increase in the frequency of Gamma, Delta, and Omicron variants, as indicated by peaks of the Effective Reproductive Number (Reff). These distinct clade replacements triggered two waves of COVID-19 cases, influenced by the increasing vaccine uptake over time. Our results indicated that the effectiveness of vaccination in preventing new cases during the Delta and Omicron circulations was six and eleven times higher, respectively, than during the period when Gamma was predominant, and it was highly efficient in reducing the number of deaths. Furthermore, we demonstrated that genomic monitoring at a local level can reflect the national trends in the spread and evolution of SARS-CoV-2.

Abstract Since wound healing requires cells to repopulate a damaged area, cell migration is essential. In addition, migration plays a crucial role in cancer metastasis. Whether tumour cells can invade tissue and metastasize is a crucial factor determining their malignancy or in other words a hallmark of cancer (Lazebnik in Nat Rev Cancer 10: 232–233, 2010, https://doi.org/10.1038/nrc2827 ). Nanodiamonds potentially offer a powerful tool to investigate these migration processes. Due to their unprecedented photostability, they can function as long-term fluorescent labels. Besides, nanodiamonds are robust quantum sensors that can reveal, for instance, the temperature or the concentration of certain chemicals with nanoscale resolution. However, to utilise nanodiamonds to study cell migration, it is essential to understand if and how the presence of nanodiamonds influences cell migration. Here, we investigate this process for the first time. We found that nanodiamonds do not alter the speed at which HeLa cells populate a scratch at any tested concentrations. Furthermore, we tested cell attachment by quantifying focal adhesion points. Oxygen-terminated fluorescent nanodiamonds influence the cell spreading, the number of focal adhesions and the size of focal adhesion points. Interestingly, this is different for other types of nanodiamonds in the literature. For these particles, it has been described in the literature that they hinder cell migration. Our results support that fluorescent nanodiamonds do not influence cell migration strongly and thus can be used in labelling and sensing migrating cells. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Training defect detection algorithms for visual surface inspection systems requires a large and representative set of training data. Often there is not enough real data available which additionally cannot cover the variety of possible defects. Synthetic data generated by a synthetic visual surface inspection environment can overcome this problem. Therefore, a digital twin of the object is needed, whose micro-scale surface topography is modeled by texture synthesis models. We develop stochastic texture models for sandblasted and milled surfaces based on topography measurements of such surfaces. As the surface patterns differ significantly, we use separate modeling approaches for the two cases. Sandblasted surfaces are modeled by a combination of data-based texture synthesis methods that rely entirely on the measurements. In contrast, the model for milled surfaces is procedural and includes all process-related parameters known from the machine settings.

Abstract We provide a novel dataset of human capital-weighted population size (HCWP) for 185 countries from 1970 to 2100. HCWP summarizes a population’s productive capacity and human capital heterogeneity in a single metric, enabling comparisons across countries and over time. The weights are derived from Mincerian earnings functions applied to multi-country census data on educational attainment. The model used to compute the returns to schooling accounts for the diminishing positive relative relationship between education and wages as the overall education of populations rises. The population weights are adjusted by a skills assessment factor representing differences in education quality across countries and years. HCWP is calculated by applying these adjusted human capital weights to population estimates and projections disaggregated by age, sex and education, spanning the period 1970–2020 and 2020–2100 for five Shared Socioeconomic Pathway scenarios. Validation analyses demonstrate the utility of the new HCWP data in explaining national income trends. As a more comprehensive population measure than basic size and age-sex indicators, HCWP enhances the power of statistical models aimed at the assessment of socioeconomic change impacts and forecasting.

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess whether post-discharge telemonitoring reduces hospital readmission in patients participating in the diabetes care program. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted from June 2021 to December 2022 and included patients who were enrolled in the Diabetes Program under a hyperglycemia treatment protocol and eligible for post-discharge telemonitoring. The variables included age, sex, diagnosis, hospital stay, LACE Score, and readmission rate. Results: Among 165 patients who underwent telemonitoring, significant differences emerged in hospital readmission rates between those with and without telemonitoring (p=0.015), with a 15.4% lower readmission rate in the telemonitoring group (95%CI= 3.0-27.9%). Subgroup analyses revealed higher readmission rates in men without telemonitoring (15.2% difference; 95%CI= 0.4-30.0%; p=0.045), and in age groups ≤60 and ≥75 years without telemonitoring (24.2% difference; 95%CI= 4.5-43.9%; p=0.016 for ≤60 years; 37.1% difference; 95%CI= 9.9% to 64.2%; p=0.007 for ≥75 years). Additionally, patients with prolonged hospital stays (>7 days) without telemonitoring had higher readmission rates (19.5% difference; 95%CI= 4.5%-34.5%; p=0.011). Conclusion: This study suggests that post-discharge telemonitoring can effectively lower hospital readmission rates in diabetes management programs, potentially offering improved health outcomes, cost savings, and enhanced healthcare delivery to patients.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the correlation between religiosity and alcohol use among adolescents with orofacial clefts. Methods: Cross-sectional study, developed in a Brazilian public and tertiary hospital, between December 2021 and March 2022. Data collection was hybrid, and three instruments were used: Sociodemographic Questionnaire, Durel Religiosity Scale, and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. For statistical analysis, the following tests were used: χ2, Fisher’s Exact, Mann-Whitney and Spearman’s Correlation Coefficient, in addition to analyses of linear correlation strength and bivariate logistic regression. The significance level adopted for all tests was 5% (p≤0.05). Results: 370 adolescents participated, with a mean age of 15.2 years (±1.8). Among them, 23 (5.4%) used alcohol riskly or harmfully, being more frequent among male adolescents (p=0.001), those of mixed race (p=0.046), attending high school (p=0.011), with no religion (p

A gravidez envolve alterações metabólicas em que a mulher precisa adaptar-se para manutenção e boa evolução do estado gravídico, sabe-se que inúmeros riscos especialmente os associados a descompensação de alguma doença crônica como hipertensão, obesidade e diabetes são potencializados durante a gravidez. Além de que as influências ambientais são capazes de gerar gatilhos para estresses e interferir no desenvolvimento do feto isso inclui a pandemia do novo coronavírus. Objetivo: Conhecer as principais indicações de interrupções da gravidez antes e durante a pandemia da Covid-19. Procedimentos metodológicos: Trata-se de estudo de caráter observacional realizado numa maternidade universitária de complexidade terciária no município de São Luís, durante o ano de 2018 e 2020, foram analisados os hemogramas, o perfil sociodemográficos e obstétricos de 133 mulheres. Resultados: Foi identificado correlação dos valores de hemoglobina com o peso do recém-nascido e os valores das plaquetas com idade gestacional e tempo de internação, além de que a principal causa de interrupção foi associada a descompensação de fatores pressóricos, especialmente a pré-eclampsia. Conclusão: Por ser a pré-eclampsia a principal causa de óbito materno sugere-se observação rigorosa dos resultados previstos no hemograma que se associam com o desenvolvimento de complicações cardiovasculares como as concentrações de hemoglobina e plaquetas, sobretudo pelos profissionais de atuação na atenção primária por ser principal porta de acesso às gestantes, afim de identificar os fatores de riscos precocemente e minimize os impactos pelas morbidades associadas ao período reprodutivo.

Resumo O objetivo deste ensaio é problematizar as especificidades práticas, teóricas e metodológicas de uma Psicologia Indígena, aventando o emprego das linguagens audiovisuais como meio de pesquisar, documentar e aprofundar o diálogo entre comunidades acadêmicas e indígenas. Trata-se de um campo em construção e reflexão, a partir de uma perspectiva transdisciplinar, complexa, sistêmica e dialógica que contribui para o processo de decolonização da própria psicologia, criando espaços, lócus de mediação para o reconhecimento da existência e resistência da cosmologia e bem viver das comunidades indígenas. Discute-se o audiovisual como uma instância de mediação entre modos distintos de se compreender o mundo histórico, em processos de captura e edição de imagem e som. Conclui-se que tal estratégia desierarquiza a relação academia/comunidades, no esforço de dar protagonismo, potencializar e ampliar as vozes e visibilidades de todos os envolvidos, trazendo avanços práticos, teóricos, técnicos, metodológicos e éticos de se construir, divulgar e compartilhar conhecimentos.

Prior studies suggest that the reductions in physical activity during Covid-19-related lockdowns impacted physical and mental health. Whether reductions in physical activity that occurred during lockdowns also relate to cognitive functions such as memory and attention is less explored. Here, we investigated whether changes in physical activity (PA) that occurred during and following Covid-19-related lockdowns could predict a variety of measures of cognitive performance in 318 young adults. Participants were assessed on their engagement in PA before, during, and after lockdowns. They also completed tests of cognitive control, working memory, and short-term memory following lockdown(s). As expected, engagement in PA decreased during lockdown and returned to near baseline levels thereafter. Decreases in PA during lockdown predicted individual differences in cognitive performance following lockdown. Greater reductions in PA during lockdown were associated with lower scores on the go/no-go task, a measure of cognitive control ability, and the n-back task, a measure of working memory performance. Larger post-lockdown increases in PA were associated with higher scores on the same tasks. Individual differences in pandemic-related stress and insomnia also predicted cognitive outcomes. These findings suggest that reductions of PA can predict cognitive performance, and underscore the importance of maintaining PA for cognitive health, especially in situations such as lockdowns.

ABSTRACT Objective Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP1) and leptin (Lep) are afferent signals that regulate energy metabolism. Lactational hypernutrition results in hyperphagia and adiposity in adult life, and these events can be prevented by exercise. We evaluated the effects of swimming training on hypothalamic (GLP1-R) and Lep receptor (Lep-R) gene expressions in lactational hypernutrition-induced obesity. Methods On the 3rd postnatal day, the litter sizes of lactating dams were adjusted to small litters (SL; 3 pups/dams) or normal litters (NL; 9 pups/dams). After weaning (21 days), NL and SL male rats were randomly distributed to sedentary (Sed) and exercised (Exe) groups. Exercised mice swam (30 min/3 times/week) for 68 days. Food intake and body weight gain were registered. At 92 days, intraperitoneal glucose and insulin tolerance tests were performed and rats were euthanized at 93 days; adipose tissue depots were weighed, and blood counts and plasma biochemical analyses performed. Hypothalamus were isolated to evaluate Lep-R and GLP1-R gene expressions. Results Small litters sedentary rats presented increased body weight gain, adiposity, insulin sensibility and higher fasting values of glucose and triglycerides, besides higher hypothalamic gene expressions of Lep-R and GLP1-R, compared to NLSed animals. SLExe rats did not develop obesity or metabolic abnormalities and Lep-R and GLP1-R hypothalamic gene expressions were normalized. Conclusion Lactational hypernutrition induces obesity and metabolic dysfunction in adult life, in association with higher hypothalamic expressions of the Lep-R and GLP1-R genes. Exercise prevented obesity and improved metabolic state in SL overnourished rats, and normalized their hypothalamic Lep-R and GLP1-R gene expressions.

Numerous studies explore the effect of cognitive stimulation programmes on reading skills in children and adolescents, with mixed results. Although several studies support that the relationships established between executive functions and reading skills are more robust at early ages, when the process of formal reading acquisition is being consolidated, there are few studies that evaluate the impact of this type of interventions at the beginning of primary school. For this reason, the present pilot study investigates the possible effects of executive functions training on letter identification and decoding, as well as word and pseudoword reading. A cognitive training was carried out using the CogniFit platform in 12 typically developing 6-year-old children, comparing their performance with a control group of 28 children of the same age and similar socioeconomic status. This protocol took place over 8 weeks, with a mean of 19 minutes of training per week. The results obtained indicate that the experimental group showed a higher reading speed in letter recognition than the control group. However, no effect was found in the rest of the reading skills. These promising results indicate that additional research is needed to clarify the lack of convergence reported in the current scientific literature.

ABSTRACT Objectives: to identify trans women’s and men’s knowledge about the adverse effects of cross-hormonization and understand the repercussions of hormonization practices on trans women’s and men’s health. Methods: exploratory, descriptive, qualitative research, developed with 41 participants, from July 2019 to February 2020, in a trans health outpatient clinic. Thematic-categorical content analysis was used. Results: from the analysis, the categories emerged: Knowledge about the adverse effects of cross-hormonization; and Cross-hormonization practices and their meaning. Final Considerations: nursing practices, based on the identification of knowledge about adverse effects and the understanding of cross-hormonization practices in trans women’s and men’s health, can result in more inclusive care.

Abstract The Mediterranean Diet (MD) has garnered increasing attention for its potential protective effects against gastric cancer (GC). The MD’s rich content of antioxidants, polyphenols, and other bioactive compounds contributes to its ability to modulate gene expression, inhibit tumor growth, and regulate apoptosis. Studies have shown significant reductions in inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) among individuals adhering to the MD, suggesting its pivotal role in mitigating chronic inflammation-associated with cancer development. Furthermore, the MD’s anti-angiogenic properties, particularly in components like olive oil, red wine, fish, and tomatoes, offer promising avenues for reducing GC risk by inhibiting tumor angiogenesis. Additionally, the MD’s influence on intestinal microbiota composition underscores its potential in maintaining immune homeostasis and reducing systemic inflammation, factors crucial in GC prevention. Despite challenges such as variability in dietary adherence scoring systems and the need for further gender and geographical-specific studies, evidence supports the MD as a cost-effective and holistic approach to GC prevention. Emphasizing the role of nutrition in public health is a promising strategy with broad implications for global health and cancer prevention initiatives. Therefore, this review explores the multifaceted impacts of the MD on GC prevention, delving into its anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, and molecular mechanisms.

Introducción. La violencia sexual contra los adolescentes es un problema global que afecta a jóvenes de todo el mundo. El modelo ecológico examina sus formas y factores determinantes a través de niveles interconectados. Objetivo. Determinar la frecuencia, las características y los predictores de la violencia sexual contra adolescentes escolarizados en Perú. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio transversal en el cual se analizaron de manera secundaria los datos de la Encuesta Nacional de Relaciones Sociales (2019). Una muestra probabilística estratificada incluyó a 1.579 jóvenes de 12 a 17 años de 93 escuelas. Con el cuestionario se evaluó la violencia sexual en la familia y en la escuela. Se estimaron modelos mediante análisis de regresión logística, calculando la razón de momios (odds ratio, OR). Resultados. El 18,68 % (IC95%: 16,80-20,60) sufrió algún tipo de agresión sexual. Además, el 9,75 % (IC95%: 8,28-11,21) informó haber sido tocado en alguna parte del cuerpo y el 1,84 % (IC95%: 1,17-2,50) informó que fue víctima de violación. La edad se identificó como factor de riesgo en el microsistema (OR=1,48) (IC95%: 1,26-1,74), mientras que la edad de la primera violencia sexual actuó como factor protector (OR=0,61) (IC95%: 0,54-0,69). Además, en el macrosistema, la percepción de que la violencia ocurre principalmente fuera del hogar incrementó el riesgo (OR=2,06) (IC95%: 1,01-4,19). Conclusión. Aproximadamente, dos de cada diez encuestados informaron haber experimentado algún tipo de violencia sexual, siendo el acoso verbal y el contacto personal invasivo los más comunes. Ningún nivel del modelo ecológico o factor único puede explicar completamente la violencia sexual contra los adolescentes sin considerar su interconexión ecológica.

In the third APOKASC catalog, we present data for the complete sample of 15,808 evolved stars with APOGEE spectroscopic parameters and Kepler asteroseismology. We used 10 independent asteroseismic analysis techniques and anchor our system on fundamental radii derived from Gaia L and spectroscopic T _eff . We provide evolutionary state, asteroseismic surface gravity, mass, radius, age, and the data used to derive them for 12,418 stars. This includes 10,036 exceptionally precise measurements, with median fractional uncertainties in ${\nu }_{{\rm{\max }}}$ , Δ ν , mass, radius, and age of 0.6%, 0.6%, 3.8%, 1.8%, and 11.1%, respectively. We provide more limited data for 1624 additional stars that either have lower-quality data or are outside of our primary calibration domain. Using lower red giant branch (RGB) stars, we find a median age for the chemical thick disk of 9.14 ± 0.05(ran) ± 0.9(sys) Gyr with an age dispersion of 1.1 Gyr, consistent with our error model. We calibrate our red clump (RC) mass loss to derive an age consistent with the lower RGB and provide asymptotic GB and RGB ages for luminous stars. We also find a sharp upper-age boundary in the chemical thin disk. We find that scaling relations are precise and accurate on the lower RGB and RC, but they become more model dependent for more luminous giants and break down at the tip of the RGB. We recommend the use of multiple methods, calibration to a fundamental scale, and the use of stellar models to interpret frequency spacings.

Obesity and periodontitis are significant health problems with a complex bidirectional relationship. Excess body fat is linked to systemic diseases and can lead to persistent inflammation, potentially harming periodontal health. Periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the supporting structures of teeth, poses substantial health risks. Both conditions share pathological processes such as inflammation and oxidative stress, which aggravate health status and make treatment more challenging. Understanding this interaction is crucial for developing effective management strategies for both diseases. This study explores the multifaceted aspects of obesity and periodontitis and their reciprocal relationship.

Although the role of G-quadruplex (G4) DNA structures has been suggested in chromosomal looping this was not tested directly. Here, to test causal function, an array of G4s, or control sequence that does not form G4s, were inserted within chromatin in cells. In vivo G4 formation of the inserted G4 sequence array, and not the control sequence, was confirmed using G4-selective antibody. Compared to the control insert, we observed a remarkable increase in the number of 3D chromatin looping interactions from the inserted G4 array. This was evident within the immediate topologically associated domain (TAD) and throughout the genome. Locally, recruitment of enhancer histone marks and the transcriptional coactivator p300/Acetylated-p300 increased in the G4-array, but not in the control insertion. Resulting promoter-enhancer interactions and gene activation were clear up to 5 Mb away from the insertion site. Together, these show the causal role of G4s in enhancer function and long-range chromatin interactions. Mechanisms of 3D topology are primarily based on DNA-bound architectural proteins that induce/stabilize long-range interactions. Involvement of the underlying intrinsic DNA sequence/structure in 3D looping shown here therefore throws new light on how long-range chromosomal interactions might be induced or maintained.

ABSTRACT Objective Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) disproportionately affect transgender women and travestis (TGW), who often lack access to healthcare due to stigma and discrimination. We describe the approach and methodology of a study investigating the prevalence of syphilis, HIV, hepatitis A, B, and C, Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), and human papillomavirus (HPV) among TGW, as well as their knowledge and perceptions regarding syphilis, to better inform policies to curb STIs among this vulnerable population. Methods: TransOdara was a multicentric, cross-sectional study conducted among TGW in five capital cities from major Brazilian regions between December 2019 and July 2021. Self-identified transgender women and travestis aged >18 years were recruited using respondent-driven sampling after a qualitative formative phase, completed an interviewer-led questionnaire, were offered a physical examination, and were also asked to provide samples from multiple sites to detect various STIs, starting vaccination and treatment when indicated. Results: A total of 1,317 participants were recruited from the five study locations: Campo Grande (n=181, 13.7%), Manaus (n=340, 25.8%), Porto Alegre (n=192, 14.6%), Salvador (n=201, 15.3%), and São Paulo (n=403, 30.6%). The recruitment period varied at each study location due to logistic constraints imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: Despite the enormous challenges posed by the co-occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic and field work targeting a vulnerable, elusive, and scattered population, the TransOdara project has been effectively implemented. Caveats did not preclude 1,300 TGW from being interviewed and tested, amid a significant epidemic that disrupted health services and research projects in Brazil and worldwide.

As relações de consumo envolvem os sujeitos em seus processos cotidianos, em uma dimensão social das experiências produtivas, atravessadas incessantemente pela subjetividade. O artigo objetiva discutir como pessoas idosas vivenciam suas dificuldades e restrições na sociedade capitalística de consumo, evidenciando aspectos de vulnerabilidade. Partindo do diálogo do conceito de hipervulnerabilidade no consumo, argumentamos sobre a insuficiência na estrutura intrínseca de justiça e equidade para que pessoas idosas participem das dinâmicas sociais, conforme os riscos de exclusões e as estigmatizações verificadas no consumo. Investimos em um estudo de tema livre, cuja reflexão envolveu campos conceituais e categorias com ênfase nas relações de consumo e de produção de subjetividades. Finalmente, indagamos como o envelhecimento é um processo afetado por tais relações na sociedade de consumo, tendo fatores complexos como ideais de jovialidade, mercado de trabalho, poder aquisitivo, aposentadoria e “ocupismo”, que interferem na produção de subjetividades, no consumo e nos modos de existência das pessoas idosas.

We aimed to describe the landscape, including molecular, epidemiological, and clinical aspects of CHIKV infections in the Ribeirao Preto region, an area endemic to dengue. We randomly screened 3744 plasma samples that had undergone DENV diagnosis to evaluate CHIKV-RNA using an in-house RT-PCR assay. Positive samples were followed clinically, and RNA samples were submitted to whole genome sequencing. Seventeen cases (0.5 %) were positive for CHIKV-RNA despite being negative for DENV-RNA. Notably, half of the patients experienced prolonged arthralgia lasting more than 90 days. Compared with the healthy control group, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia were observed in all CHIKV-positive individuals with statistically significant P values (P

Partindo da constatação de que a aprovação da EC n. 95/2016 tem causado sucessivos contingenciamentos e cortes dos orçamentos das Ifes, o presente trabalho busca identificar a repercussão de tal política sobre o orçamento da Universidade Federal do Paraná, entre 2014 e 2021. Para tanto, o recurso foi a compilação dos dados do orçamento da União e dos dados do orçamento da Ifes, com atenção especial sobre aqueles referentes às ações de permanência estudantil. Conclui-se que o montante destinado à instituição apresenta um decréscimo desproporcional ao decréscimo verificado no comportamento da arrecadação e, em face disso, a Ifes tem priorizado a alocação de recursos discricionários na manutenção das ações que visam a permanência estudantil, em detrimento dos investimentos em capital, por exemplo. Por fim, pondera-se sobre os potenciais impactos da aprovação do Fundeb permanente e da manutenção das políticas de austeridade fiscal sobre o financiamento das Ifes.

PURPOSETo investigate the discordance in sarcoma diagnoses between nonspecialized institutions following revision by dedicated sarcoma pathologists at a reference center in Brazil and the relevance of molecular pathology in this context.METHODSWe conducted a retrospective analysis of sarcoma samples initially analyzed at outside laboratories and subsequently reviewed by two specialized pathologists between January 2014 and December 2020. After obtaining demographic and tumor characteristics, pathology results were matched and classified as complete discordance (CD; benign v malignant, sarcoma v other malignancies), partial concordance (similar diagnosis of connective tumor, but different grade/histological subtype/differentiation), and complete concordance (CC). The concordance for histology or grade, and the role of molecular assessments supporting the diagnosis were also independently determined. Statistical analyses were conducted through the kappa coefficient of agreement and adherence by χ2 test, χ2 test by Person, and Fisher exact test.RESULTSIn total, 197 cases were included, with samples obtained predominately from male patients (57.9%) and localized/primary tumors (86.8%). Following revision, the most frequent final diagnoses were undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (17.8%), well-differentiated/dedifferentiated liposarcoma (8.6%), and leiomyosarcoma (7.6%). CD was found in 13.2%, partial discordance in 45.2%, and CC in 41.6% of reviews (P < .001). We found a concordance for histology or grade of 53.5% (P < .001) and 51.8% (P < .001), respectively. Molecular assessments, comprising next-generation sequencing panels (79.5%) and fluorescent in situ hybridization (20.5%), were performed in 44 (22.3%) cases, with findings classified as of diagnostic relevance in 31.8%.CONCLUSIONIn nearly 60% of the cases, the initial sarcoma diagnosis was modified when revised by a reference center and dedicated pathologists, assisted by molecular pathology techniques. These results justify the assembly of referral networks in countries with limited health care resources.

This study investigates the evolution of the biofilm matrix responsible for treating effluent from a pulp mill and identifies the microbial community by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. In addition, a biocarrier promising a functional structure with better specific features for biofilm formation than traditional polyurethane carriers was explored. The average removal efficiencies were 43.7% for chemical oxygen demand (COD) and 62.7% for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5). The color increased during the treatment, indicating anoxic zones being formed in the inner part of this type of carrier. Periodic micrographs showed the evolution of extracellular polymeric substances and materials like fungi and bacteria adhered to the carriers. Genetic sequencing confirmed the presence of Bacillus sp. and Paenibacillus glucanolyticus, species with the potential to degrade and discolor pulp industrial effluents. Results offer a potential basis to enhance treatment facilities of pulp and paper mills based on microbial activities.

Objetivo: verificar os parâmetros e os efeitos da terapia por fotobiomodulação em úlceras de pé diabético. Método: revisão sistemática seguindo os critérios de Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and MetaAnalyses. Utilizamos as bases eletrônicas de dados: Cochrane Library, Embase, MEDLINE/PubMed (via National Library of Medicine), Scopus e Web of Science e como estratégia de busca os Descritores em Ciências da Saúde/Medical Subject Headings, combinamos aos operadores booleanos, operadores de truncamento e extratores de busca. Incluímos ensaios clínicos que utilizaram fotobiomodulação em adultos de ambos os gêneros com diabetes mellitus e feridas/úlceras diabéticas de membros inferiores. Resultados: o laser de baixa intensidade foi usado como intervenção para a cicatrização de úlceras diabéticas em três dos estudos analisados e um estudo utilizou o Light Emitting Diodes como intervenção terapêutica. Notamos que os parâmetros da fotobiomodulação utilizados no tratamento de úlceras de pé diabético variam substancialmente. A terapia por fotobiomodulação é uma intervenção que melhora e auxilia no processo de cicatrização em pacientes com pés diabéticos. Conclusão: foi notório que os parâmetros da fotobiomodulação utilizados no tratamento de úlceras de pé diabético variam substancialmente e apresentam resultados benéficos.

La familia de trematodos Didymozoidae parasita a una gran cantidad de peces marinos, entre ellos a los serránidos. En Panamá, el mero Epinephelus labriformis es un pez de importancia comercial, siendo escasa la información que se tiene sobre parásitos asociados a este. Como parte de un proyecto que busca conocer la parasitofauna en algunos meros del Pacífico panameño, el presente estudio muestra parte de información generada sobre este tema. Se colectaron y procesaron 83 peces de la especie E. labriformis, provenientes del archipiélago de Las Perlas, Golfo de Panamá; de los cuales 14 presentaron formas parasitarias identificadas morfológicamente dentro de la familia Didymozoidae. Estos resultados nos permiten reportar por primera vez la presencia de estos trematodos en este pez en aguas panameñas.

A indisciplina escolar tem sido tema de inúmeras e relevantes discussões na área educacional, especialmente quando associada à medicalização do processo educativo. Realizado em uma escola da rede pública do interior paulista, este estudo teve como objetivo compreender como quatro alunos do ensino fundamental, tidos como indisciplinados, seus respectivos professores e a diretora da escola, discursivizam a indisciplina e as questões do não se comportar em sala de aula. Os resultados apontam para três eixos de análise: “Os sentidos sobre a indisciplina e o não se comportar em sala de aula nas vozes dos alunos e da escola”, que compreendeu os sentidos atribuídos à indisciplina escolar e às questões do não se comportar; “A perspectiva tradicional e homogeneizadora de ensino: responsabilização, culpabilização e punição sobre o não se comportar”, que discutiu sobre o processo de normalização e normificação do comportamento e os modos como a escola busca culpabilizar o aluno como o único responsável pelas situações de indisciplina; e “Rótulos e estigmas discursivizados sobre o aluno: implicações para as doenças do não se comportar”, tratando-se dos rótulos e estigmas refratados pela escola sobre o aluno, que contribuem para o fortalecimento do discurso acerca das doenças do não se comportar. Espera-se com este estudo contribuir para a ampliação da discussão acerca dos sentidos sobre indisciplina, nas situações em que se encontra associada às doenças do não se comportar, visando maior compreensão, por parte de profissionais da área da educação e saúde, sobre os malefícios do processo de medicalização da educação.

Introdução: O câncer de próstata é o segundo mais comum entre os homens no Brasil, atrás apenas do câncer de pele não melanoma. Atualmente, há interesse em analisar dados referentes ao câncer com métodos do tipo machine learning. Objetivo: Investigar as características físicas, socioeconômicas e de hábitos de vida que podem estar associadas ao diagnóstico de câncer de próstata no Brasil. Método: Uma base de microdados referente à Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde 2019 foi utilizada, com a seleção de 42.799 indivíduos do sexo masculino; esse grupo foi analisado por meio de métodos estatísticos e modelagem por machine learning (regressão logística e árvore de decisão). Resultados: Os modelos aplicados permitiram identificar com bom nível de acurácia (próximo ou acima de 80%) os indivíduos que receberam o diagnóstico de câncer de próstata (DCP), além de grupos com características específicas mais fortemente associadas a essa doença. Entre as variáveis mais significativamente ligadas à taxa de DCP, destacam-se: idade, diagnóstico de alto nível de colesterol, se possui plano de saúde e nível de instrução. Conclusão: Os modelos indicam um nível de associação significativo de fatores socioeconômicos, físicos e alimentares com a frequência de DCP no grupo analisado. O alto nível de acurácia e a sensibilidade dos modelos demonstram o potencial dos métodos de machine learning para a previsão de DCP.

Sustainability is an important topic in the field of materials science and civil engineering. In particular, concrete, as a building material, needs to be of high quality to ensure its durability. Damage and failure processes such as cracks in concrete can be evaluated non-destructively by micro-computed tomography. Cracks can be detected in the images, for example via edge-detection filters or machine learning models. To study the goodness, robustness, and generalizability of these methods, annotated 3d image data are of fundamental importance. However, data acquisition and, in particular, its annotation is often tedious and error-prone. To overcome data shortage, realistic data can be synthesized. The data set described in this article addresses the lack of freely available annotated 3d images of cracked concrete. To this end, seven concrete samples without cracks were scanned via micro-computed tomography. Realizations of a dedicated stochastic geometry model are discretized to binary images and morphologically transformed to mimic real crack structures. These are superimposed on the concrete images and simultaneously yield the label images that distinguish crack from non-crack regions. The data set contains 1 344 of such image pairs and includes a large variety of crack structures. The data set may be used for training machine learning models and for objectively testing crack segmentation methods.

Abstract Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the main complication associated with clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) and are facilitated by post-void residual urine and trauma to the mucosa during voiding. The risk of UTI may be diminished by reducing the residual volumes and preventing microtrauma caused by mucosal suction through the eyelets of conventional eyelet catheters (CEC). A new micro-hole zone catheter (MHZC) was developed and tested in an ex vivo porcine lower urinary tract model and in vivo, in pigs, against a CEC. It was shown that, irrespective of the micro-hole diameter, the new catheter ensured increased flowrates and significantly lower residual volumes at the first flow-stop. Furthermore, with a micro-hole diameter of 0.4 mm, mucosal suction was virtually eliminated, regardless of the insertion depth or simulated intra-abdominal pressure mimicking sitting or standing humans. Pressure profile experiments and endoscopy studies indicated that the bladder gradually folds against the drainage tip of the new catheter, without blocking the flow, and, unlike with the CEC, sharp pressure variations and flow-stops did not occur during voiding. The MHZC outperformed the CEC in all tested scenarios and decreased residual volumes, thus potentially decreasing the risk of UTIs.

Abstract Background Standards of early childhood development (ECD) are needed to determine whether children living in different contexts are developmentally on track. The Early Childhood Development Index 2030 (ECDI2030) is a population-level measure intended to be used in household surveys to collect globally comparable data on one of the indicators chosen to monitor progress toward target 4.2 of the Sustainable Development Goals: The proportion of children aged 24–59 months who are developmentally on track in health, learning and psychosocial well-being. Methods To define performance cut-scores for the ECDI2030 we followed a criterion-referenced standard setting exercise using the modified Angoff method. The exercise gauged the expectations from 15 global experts in ECD and was informed by representative population data collected in Mexico and the State of Palestine. The final calibrated age-specific performance cut-scores were applied to these data to estimate the proportion of children developmentally on track, disaggregated by background characteristics, including the child's sex and attendance to early childhood education. Results Through a process of standard setting, we generated robust performance standards for the ECDI2030 by establishing five age-specific cut-scores to identify children as developmentally on track. Conclusions This paper demonstrated how the standard setting methodology, typically applied to measures in the health and education fields, could be applied to a measure of child development. By creating robust criterion-referenced standards, we have been able to ensure that the cut-scores related to age for the ECDI2030 are based on performance standards set by global experts in the ECD field for defining on and off track development.

Background/Objectives: The anteroposterior renal pelvis diameter (APRPD) is used to assess the grade of urinary tract dilatation (UTD). There is no univocal method stratifying the risk of complications related to postnatal UTD. This study aims to identify APRPD cut-offs at birth to determine outcome stratification and second-level exams. Methods: The records of a cohort of newborns with unilateral or bilateral UTD confirmed or detected by ultrasound after birth between 2010 and 2020 were analyzed. These children underwent further examinations at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months of age. Results: We managed 500 children with postnatal UTD, with a median APRPD at 0–2 months of age of 7.7 mm [IQR 6.0–10.0]. As for UTD resolution, 279 (55.8%) patients had a complete resolution at the age of 6 months; an additional 55, for a total of 344 (68.8%), at 9–12 months; and 19, for a total of 353 (70.6%), at 24 months. An APRPD value ≤ 8.5 mm showed a sensitivity of 80.4% (95% CI [76.0–84.4]) and a specificity of 100.0% (95% CI [76.8–100.0]) in identifying candidates for spontaneous resolution within 24 months of life. An APRPD value ≤ 8.5 mm was also an independent prognostic factor of resolution at the age of 24 months (p = 0.000). Conclusions: Isolated hydronephrosis is the most frequent urinary tract abnormality detected in pregnancy. A well-structured prenatal and postnatal management plan is indeed necessary. According to our analyses, 8.5 mm can be used as a cut-off to reassure parents and clinicians of the benignity of the postnatal dilatation.