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Abstract Background Chagas disease (CD), a neglected parasitic disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, poses a significant health threat in Latin America and has emerged globally because of human migration. Trypanosoma cruzi infects humans and over 100 other mammalian species, including dogs, which are important sentinels for assessing the risk of human infection. Nonetheless, the serodiagnosis of T. cruzi in dogs is still impaired by the absence of commercial tests. In this study, we investigated the diagnostic accuracy of four chimeric recombinant T. cruzi IBMP antigens (IBMP-8.1, IBMP-8.2, IBMP-8.3, and IBMP-8.4) for detecting anti-T. cruzi antibodies in dogs, using latent class analysis (LCA). Methods We examined 663 canine serum samples, employing indirect ELISA with the chimeric antigens. LCA was utilized to establish a latent variable as a gold standard for T. cruzi infection, revealing distinct response patterns for each antigen. Results The IBMP (Portuguese acronym for the Molecular Biology Institute of Paraná) antigens achieved area under the ROC curve (AUC) values ranging from 90.9% to 97.3%. The highest sensitivity was attributed to IBMP-8.2 (89.8%), while IBMP-8.1, IBMP-8.3, and IBMP-8.4 achieved 73.5%, 79.6%, and 85.7%, respectively. The highest specificity was observed for IBMP-8.4 (98.6%), followed by IBMP-8.2, IBMP-8.3, and IBMP-8.1 with specificities of 98.3%, 94.4%, and 92.7%, respectively. Predictive values varied according to prevalence, indicating higher effectiveness in endemic settings. Conclusions Our findings underscore the remarkable diagnostic performance of IBMP-8.2 and IBMP-8.4 for the serodiagnosis of Trypanosoma cruzi in dogs, representing a promising tool for the diagnosis of CD in dogs. These chimeric recombinant antigens may not only enhance CD surveillance strategies but also hold broader implications for public health, contributing to the global fight against this neglected tropical disease. Graphical Abstract

Introduction: Biofouling poses a significant economic threat to various marine industries, leading to financial losses that can reach billions of euros annually. This study highlights the urgent need for effective alternatives to traditional antifouling agents, particularly following the global ban on organotin compounds.Material and methods:Streptomyces aculeolatus PTM-346 was isolated from sediment samples on the shores of the Madeira Archipelago, Portugal. The crude extract was fractionated using silica flash chromatography and preparative HPLC, resulting in two isolated marinone compounds: madeirone (1), a novel marinone derivative discovered in this study, and neomarinone (2). The antifouling activities of these compounds were tested against five marine bacterial species and the larvae of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. Additionally, in silico and in vivo environmental toxicity evaluations of madeirone (1) and neomarinone (2) were conducted.Results: Madeirone (1) demonstrated significant antibiofilm efficacy, inhibiting Phaeobacter inhibens by up to 66%, Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus by up to 60%, and Cobetia marina by up to 40%. Neomarinone (2) also exhibited substantial antibiofilm activity, with inhibition rates of up to 41% against P. inhibens, 40% against Pseudo-oceanicola batsensis, 56% against M. hydrocarbonoclasticus, 46% against C. marina, and 40% against Micrococcus luteus. The growth inhibition activity at the same concentrations of these compounds remained below 20% for the respective bacteria, highlighting their effectiveness as potent antibiofilm agents without significantly affecting bacterial viability. Additionally, both compounds showed potent effects against the settlement of Mytilus galloprovincialis larvae, with EC50 values of 1.76 µg/mL and 0.12 µg/mL for compounds (1) and (2), respectively, without impairing the viability of the targeted macrofouling species. In silico toxicity predictions and in vivo toxicity assays both support their potential for further development as antifouling agents.Conclusion: The newly discovered metabolite madeirone (1) and neomarinone (2) effectively inhibit both micro- and macrofouling. This distinct capability sets them apart from existing commercial antifouling agents and positions them as promising candidates for biofouling prevention. Consequently, these compounds represent a viable and environmentally friendly alternative for incorporation into paints, primers, varnishes, and sealants, offering significant advantages over traditional copper-based compounds.

Abstract Background Palliative care is an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families who are facing challenges associated with life-threatening illness, through the prevention and relief of suffering. Palliative care health professionals are considered a risk group for the development of burnout, since they live with severe disease and death, on a daily basis. With this work, the authors intend to evaluate the quality of life and risk of burnout in a group of health professionals, who work in a tertiary hospital dedicated to cancer patients. Material and methods The authors conducted a quantitative, descriptive, correlational and transversal study on palliative care professionals working with cancer patients. The evaluation protocol used to collect data included a sociodemographic questionnaire, WHO Quality of life Assessment instrument and Maslach Burnout Inventory. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS®Statistics program. Results In the sample, there is a predominance of female gender (79,4%) with a mean age of 43,2 ± 10,8 years. The most representative professional group was nursing (47,1%). The sample response rate was 91.9%. Analyzing Maslach Burnout Inventory score, it appears that physicians and nurses have higher levels of exhaustion when compared to the other groups. In relation to quality of life (QoL), it was observed that in all dimensions, there was a homogeneous distribution of responses. It was verified that it was not possible to establish any relationship between the dimensions of burnout and QoL. Thus, the various dimensions behaved independently. Discussion Physicians and nurses had the highest burnout levels in the most dimensions of Burnout score, in which they were followed by the operational assistants, who had moderate scores. Despite hight prevalence of Burnout, there is no correlation between Burnout and quality of life in this population. The perception of QoL is very satisfactory in the sample studied may result from the fact that these individuals have developed adequate self-protection strategies, thus preventing QoL from being affected by Burnout. Conclusion Prevention, diagnosis and intervention at burnout level is an important measure to be taken in health organizations, since the consequences that come from the experiences experienced by professionals will be reflected both in the quality of services provided to patients and in the QoL and well-being of professionals. Interventions are needed to promote better coping mechanisms when dealing with stress in this population. After this study, a Burnout Consultation was created at the Institution, to support professionals at risk or already affected.

Background: Palliative care (PC) corresponds to an approach that enhances the quality of life for patients facing life-threatening diseases, such as cancer, as well as for their families. There are various models for providing palliative care. Early referral to PC of patients with advanced cancer has a significant positive impact on their quality of life. However, the criteria for early referral still remain controversial. Objectives: To evaluate patients’ symptomatic intensity and perception of quality of life on admission to a PC unit and to analyze these two variables according to different models of approach (outpatient and inpatient care). Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive, and correlational study was conducted with a sample of 60 patients sequentially admitted to a PC unit from palliative outpatient consultations or other inpatient services in a tertiary hospital dedicated to oncology care. The evaluation protocol included a sociodemographic and medical questionnaire, the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS), and the Palliative Care Outcome Scale (POS) completed by patients within the first 24 h after admission. Results: The participants were mostly male (61.7%), with a median age of 72 years. The majority of patients (n = 32; 53.3%) were undergoing outpatient treatment, while the remaining individuals (n = 28; 46.7%) were transferred from other hospital services (inpatient care). In the outpatient care group, higher scores for fatigue and dyspnea were observed. Conversely, in the inpatient care group, higher scores were observed for pain, depression, and anxiety. There were significant differences between the two groups regarding the POS dimensions of meaning of life, self-feelings, and lost time. In the inpatient group, there was a longer time between diagnosis and referral to PC; however, it was also in the inpatient group that there was less time between PC referral and first PC evaluation, between PC referral and PC unit admission, and between PC referral and death. There were no significant correlations between referral times and ESAS/POS scores in the inpatient and outpatient groups. Conclusions: The patients admitted to the Palliative Care Unit presented a high symptom burden and changes in the perception of quality of life. However, there are no statistically significant differences between one model of approach in relation to the other. It was found that poorer symptom control and quality of life were associated with a shorter referral time for PC, because this was only initiated after curative care was suspended, particularly in our institutional context. Early referrals to the PC team are essential not only to relieve symptom-related distress but also to improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for people with cancer.

Este pequeno texto que registra os quarenta anos do Movimento dos Trabalhadores Sem Terra (MST) tem um duplo objetivo. Primeiro de mostrar de que ao longo destas quatro décadas a luta pela reforma agrária expressa uma continuidade da luta dos escravos pelo direito à terra, mas negada pela classe dominante da época. Em segundo lugar, junto à luta pela reforma agrária caminha a luta pela educação sendo os sujeitos do campo, com a sua cultura as experiências e as suas lutas o ponto de partida. O ponto de chegada uma formação humana por inteiro para uma sociedade sem dominação de classe. Palavras-chaves: MST, Reforma Agrária, escravidão, educação, classe.

Traumatic psychosocial environments directly impact adult life. Compromised self-esteem, emotional self-regulation, and interpersonal relationships are observed, and a predisposition to the presence of mental and personality disorders is exacerbated in cases of sexual abuse. Science has presented quantitative and statistical studies on child abuse and a limited number of studies that have investigated the consequences and long-term impacts on the lives of individuals who suffered maltreatment in childhood and did not have access to forms of protection or social support after the identification of child abuse, especially in Brazil. Therefore, this case report is a qualitative study of an ideographic nature which aims to evaluate the “particular” form of abuse repercussions in the life of a 60-year-old woman, giving voice to the victim of child abuse through the process of the investigation and complex analysis of her life history and family relationships. The psychological assessment protocol included a semi-structured interview, active listening, a genogram, and a mental status examination. The results reveal the coexistence of a rigid and violent environment with the presence of physical punishment and child sexual abuse. Self-injurious episodes and suicide attempts began in adolescence. Changes in mood, changes in remote memory, negative thoughts, self-injurious behavior, suicidal ideation and attempts, clinical comorbidities, a lack of interest in romantic relationships, and the repetition of behaviors that perpetuate the cycle of abuse and violence (physical, psychological, and patrimonial) were identified. The diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder with dependent and borderline personality traits have been established. The case requires a multi-disciplinary follow-up with the use of medication to control and remit the symptoms.

Este estudo tem como objetivo investigar as vivências das Doulas da morte no Brasil. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, realizada com 20 Doulas da morte formadas e atuantes no Brasil, com idade entre 27 a 68 anos. As entrevistas foram coletadas entre junho e agosto de 2022 e foram submetidas à técnica de Análise de Conteúdo e os depoimentos analisados à luz da literatura pertinente. A partir dos discursos foi possível observar que as Doulas da morte são colaboradores que utilizam estratégias de comunicação compassiva em todas as fases da morte de pessoas que vivenciam a finitude humana e seus familiares; atendem em toda rede de atenção à saúde e também atuam como facilitadoras na educação para a morte. Apresentam como dificuldades o tabu da morte, a falta de regulamentação profissional, que juntos, aumentam o estigma da profissão. Considera-se imprescindível o aprofundamento da visão sobre o trabalho das Doulas da morte, de forma a ampliar a visibilidade e importância da profissão, a fim de quebrar o paradigma da morte enquanto tema interdito, e abrir espaço para um olhar sobre o bem morrer

Abstract The objective of this work was to use the GGE biplot method to select superior wheat genotypes for adaptability and stability, and to determine grain yield in Sussundenga, Bárué, and Lichinga, in Mozambique, in the 2018/2019, 2019/2020, and 2020/2021 crop years. Eleven treatments were evaluated, using ten wheat genotypes from International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center and a control cultivar developed by a Zimbabwean seed company and used in the national wheat program of the country. Grain yield was the main trait evaluated through individual and joint analyses of variance, adaptability, and stability. The effects of genotypes and the genotype × environment interaction were significant. The adaptability and stability analysis using the GGE biplot method showed that the first two main components explained 94.6% of the total variation for year effect, and 91.8%, for the location effect. The following genotypes can be selected for favorable and unfavorable environments: G1, considered ideal due to its high mean yield and stability over the years; and G4 and G7, for simultaneously showing a high yield and stability over the years.

The increasing demand for electricity in Brazil has significant economic implications for the energy market. In this context, it is important to investigate alternative sources that can meet this demand, as well as understand the key factors that influence this process. The Wind power is considered one of the most promising sources, due to its exponential growth, cost-effectiveness, and continuous supply assurance. However, given the consolidation of fossil fuel sources in economic and technical terms, it is necessary to understand the factors of competitiveness that can be considered as potentials or constraints for the full development of wind energy. Thus, the overall objective of this research was to analyze the competitiveness factors of wind energy, using the Alto Sertão wind complex located in the state of Bahia as a case study. The methodology used in this research was based on an exploratory documentary approach, which sought regulated information from government agencies. The research predominantly used secondary data sources, combined with conducting interviews. The results indicate three factors that confer competitiveness to the sector. Unlike other states in the Northeast, which have a higher occurrence of winds along the coast, Bahia has its greatest wind potential concentrated in the interior, east of the São Francisco River, from the Espinhaço Range to municipality of Juazeiro - BA. This is due to low cloudiness and the process of high atmospheric pressure moving towards the Northeast, resulting in excellent quality winds for wind energy generation, which makes the region competitive.

This paper aims to propose improvements to plastic waste management performance via Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) using a survey’s structured questionnaire and hypothesis testing. The methodology has been applied to the metropolis of Salvador, Brazil’s third most populated city, although it can be used for other cities worldwide. All the indicators, constructs, and hypotheses concerning collection, sorting, and recycling came from a literature review. The dependence of the performance on efficiency, effectiveness, the municipality’s socioeconomic aspects, and the municipality’s infrastructure was evaluated, and both academic and practitioner public representatives were surveyed. Since almost double the minimum number of respondents answered the questionnaire and the PLS-SEM statistics showed that the modeling presents consistency, the discussion is relevant. The final results show that the respondents rated the volume of processing to be slightly more significant than the market maturity for the effectiveness of plastic waste management, which in turn contributes to performance. Once the positive influence of the municipality’s infrastructure on performance has also been verified, the Deposit-Return Systems (DRSs) should be considered for improvement, in addition to an increase in the availability of selective collection systems, contributing to the growth of both the recycling rate and business profitability, reflections of performance.

Este documento recupera e amplia a participação dos Profs. Drs. Gaudêncio Frigotto e Maria Ciavatta na sessão comemorativa dos 31 anos do Neddate.

No presente texto, busco revisitar, trinta anos depois, o livro A produtividade da escola improdutiva: um (re)exame da relação entre educação e estrutura econômico-social capitalista, destacando a concepção teórica e metodológica centrada no materialismo histórico. A partir deste referencial, aprofundado ao longo de três décadas, sublinho as mudanças na base material e política das relações sociais capitalistas e seu caráter regressivo em todas as esferas da sociedade e cujo preço recai na perda de direitos da classe trabalhadora. No campo educativo, surgem novas noções – sociedade do conhecimento, qualidade total, formação por competências, empregabilidade – que radicalizam o caráter ideológico da noção de capital humano, mascarando a regressão social e educacional subjacente. Nas considerações finais, como interpelação mais aguda do balanço das três décadas, sublinho o desafio no campo da esquerda brasileira, que atua na educação, mas não só com uma melhor compreensão e concretização da relação entre a produção teórica e a ação política. Palavras-chave: Capital humano. Classes sociais. Regressão social e educacional. Contra-hegemonia.