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Abstract The use of jewelry among healthcare professionals poses a risk of cross contamination due to potential bacterial accumulation and spread. Through a mixed-method design, this study first analyzed the implications of healthcare professionals wearing jewelry on patient care biosafety as well as on the residual bacterial load of hands and rings after hand hygiene. Firstly, an observational prevalence study to verify whether nursing professionals wear personal accessories during healthcare assistance was carried out. Second, an experimental design involving intentional contamination and hygiene of the hands, with and without a ring, was conducted. The bacterial load of both hands and rings was measured by counting colony forming units. The observational study showed that nursing workers frequently wear jewelry during healthcare assistance. Nonetheless, the experimental study did not indicate differences in bacterial contamination between hands with and without a ring, despite the hand hygiene procedure applied. In conclusion, many nursing workers wear jewelry in the workplace. Although hands with and without a ring exhibited similar microbial load, rings appeared as a potential source of bacterial contamination, reinforcing the need to remove jewelry during working hours. Hand hygiene using alcohol, or soap and water significantly decreased the bacterial load on the participants’ hands, with handwashing proving to be the most efficient method for removing intentional contamination.

Legionnaires' disease (LD) is a serious type of pneumonia, typically contracted by susceptible people through the inhalation of aerosols contaminated with Legionella pneumophila (Lp). In this report, the first case of coinfection with Lp–Bordetella bronchiseptica (Bb) is described. A possible source of the Lp infection may be the hotel in Paris (France) where the patient had stayed before developing the symptoms. The Bb infection may have been transmitted by the dog with which he had constant contact, although this has not been proven.

Epizootic haemorrhagic disease (EHD), caused by the EHD virus (EHDV), is a vector-borne viral disease transmitted through Culicoides biting midges. EHDV comprises seven serotypes (1, 2, and 4–8), with EHDV-8 having recently emerged and spread in Europe over the last two years. Such event has raised concerns about the significant threat posed by EHDV-8 to livestock industry. In this study, an inactivated vaccine against EHDV-8 (vEHDV8-IZSAM) was developed. Safety and efficacy of the vaccine were evaluated in calves through clinical, serological, and virological monitoring following experimental challenge.The vaccine was proven safe, with only transient fever and localized reactions observed in a few animals, consistent with adjuvanted vaccine side effects. vEHDV8-IZSAM elicited a robust humoral response, as evidenced by the presence of neutralizing antibodies. After challenge with a virulent isolate, viraemia and clinical signs were evidenced in control animals but in none of the vaccinated animals.This study highlights the potential of vEHDV8-IZSAM as a safe and highly effective vaccine against EHDV-8 in cattle. It offers protection from clinical disease and effectively prevents viraemia. With the recent spread of EHDV-8 in European livestock, the use of an inactivated vaccine could be key in protecting animals from clinical disease and thus to mitigate the economic impact of the disease. Further investigations are warranted to assess the duration of the induced immunity and the applicability of this vaccine in real-world settings. Accordingly, joint efforts between public veterinary institutions and pharmaceutical companies are recommended to scale up vaccine production.

Este artigo considera a predominância da visualidade na sociedade ocidental contemporânea, que se estende para os campos das artes e da museologia. Aborda-se o tema da multissensorialidade na museologia a partir de uma perspectiva histórica, localizando propostas que buscaram romper com o paradigma da visualidade nesses contextos. Também são discutidas as relações entre a multissensorialidade e a acessibilidade no âmbito museológico.

IntroductionThe emergence of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) strains has underscored the urgent need for novel therapeutic approaches. Carbon-based nanomaterials, such as graphene oxide (GO), have shown potential in anti-TB activities but suffer from significant toxicity issues.MethodsThis study explores the anti-TB potential of differently functionalized graphene quantum dots (GQDs) – non-functionalized, L-GQDs, aminated (NH2-GQDs), and carboxylated (COOH-GQDs) – alone and in combination with standard TB drugs (isoniazid, amikacin, and linezolid). Their effects were assessed in both axenic cultures and in vitro infection models.ResultsGQDs alone did not demonstrate direct mycobactericidal effects nor trapping activity. However, the combination of NH2-GQDs with amikacin significantly reduced CFUs in in vitro models. NH2-GQDs and COOH-GQDs also enhanced the antimicrobial activity of amikacin in infected macrophages, although L-GQDs and COOH-GQDs alone showed no significant activity.DiscussionThe results suggest that specific types of GQDs, particularly NH2-GQDs, can enhance the efficacy of existing anti-TB drugs. These nanoparticles might serve as effective adjuvants in anti-TB therapy by boosting drug performance and reducing bacterial counts in host cells, highlighting their potential as part of advanced drug delivery systems in tuberculosis treatment. Further investigations are needed to better understand their mechanisms and optimize their use in clinical settings.

This descriptive study aimed to investigate the current practices of Portuguese and Brazilian soccer coaches in the design and implementation of small-sided games (SSGs) in soccer. A total of 187 male coaches participated in the online survey, consisting of 82 Portuguese and 105 Brazilian individuals. These coaches held various positions within the technical staff, with 63 serving as head coaches, 38 as assistant coaches, 38 as physical trainers, and 48 in other roles related to the technical staff. Additionally, the participants represented both youth ( n = 102) and adult competitive levels ( n = 59), along with some who were not currently associated with a specific group. The survey consisted of 32 questions divided into three main sections: (i) the timing of SSG application, (ii) the methods used for applying SSGs, and (iii) the reasons for applying SSGs. The Chi-square test revealed a statistically significant association between nationality and the frequency of SSGs used in training sessions during the pre-season ( p = 0.039) and in-season ( p < 0.001). Moreover, significant association between nationality and the time allocated to employing SSGs for targeting aerobic training ( p < 0.001) was found. There was a significant association between nationality and the weekly frequency of SSGs use for targeting sprint training ( p = 0.019). The Chi-square test identified significant associations between nationality and the use of SSGs for targeting technical training ( p = 0.002), as well as for tactical training ( p = 0.002). In summary, this study underscores that SSGs are primarily employed to enhance aerobic fitness, change of direction, technical skills, and tactical behaviors. Coaches generally favor employing SSGs two to three times a week, with typical sessions lasting between 16 to 30 minutes. Notably, the major discrepancies between nationalities lie in the importance assigned to the use of SSGs. However, in practice, the formats and objectives for implementing SSGs remain relatively similar

Acrylic fibres, as synthetic polymers, have been used extensively in the textile industry to create a wide variety of products, ranging from apparel and home furnishings to car rooftops and carbon fibres. Their widespread application is attributed to a combination of desirable properties, including a soft, wool-like texture, chemical stability, and robust mechanical characteristics. Furthermore, the chemical structure of acrylic fibres can be modified to imbue them with additional features, such as antimicrobial properties, fire resistance, conductivity, water repellency, and ultraviolet protection. This review explores the technological methods employed to functionalise acrylic fibres and discusses future trends in their development.

Abstract Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is known to evade host immune responses and persist in macrophages for long periods. A mechanism that the host uses to combat Mtb is xenophagy, a selective form of autophagy that targets intracellular pathogens for degradation. Ubiquitination of Mtb or Mtb-containing compartments is a key event to recruit the autophagy machinery and mediate the bacterial delivery to the lysosome. This event relies on the coordinated and complementary activity of different ubiquitin ligases, including PARKIN, SMURF1, and TRIM16. Because each of these factors is responsible for the ubiquitination of a subset of the Mtb population, it is likely that additional ubiquitin ligases are employed by macrophages to trigger a full xenophagic response during Mtb infection. In this study, we investigated the role TRIM proteins whose expression is modulated in response to Mtb or BCG infection of primary macrophages. These TRIMs were ectopically expressed in THP1 macrophage cell line to assess their impact on Mtb replication. This screening identified TRIM32 as a novel player involved in the intracellular response to Mtb infection, which promotes autophagy-mediated Mtb degradation. The role of TRIM32 in xenophagy was further confirmed by silencing TRIM32 expression in THP1 cells, which causes increased intracellular growth of Mtb associated to impaired Mtb ubiquitination, reduced recruitment of the autophagy proteins NDP52/CALCOCO2 and BECLIN 1/BECN1 to Mtb and autophagosome formation. Overall, these findings suggest that TRIM32 plays an important role in the host response to Mtb infection through the induction of autophagy, representing a promising target for host-directed tuberculosis therapies.

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze sleep quality of nurses who worked coping with COVID-19 in scientific evidence. Methods: an integrative review, carried out in seven databases, including studies between December 2021 and June 2022, without language restrictions. The sample consisted of 15 primary studies. Results: nurses working in hospital, intensive care, outpatient care and teaching institutions constitute a vulnerable group for sleep disorders: latency, duration, efficiency and quality. The disorders identified involved insomnia at varying levels of severity: daytime dysfunction and morning sleepiness. Night work and low capacity for self-care were determinants of impaired sleep patterns. Final considerations: the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to greater vulnerability of nurses to changes in sleep, requiring strategies for risk management and well-being promotion.

A roda de conversa foi concebida como produto educacional durante uma pesquisa sobre o Movimento Estudantil na Educação Profissional e Tecnológica (EPT) e escolhida como proposta de produto educacional, porque valoriza as experiências e constrói conhecimentos a partir da observação crítica da realidade em que os sujeitos participantes estão inseridos por meio do diálogo, contribuindo para uma educação crítica e emancipadora. A coleta de dados se deu por meio de observação, entrevistas, escritos produzidos pelos gremistas e questionário. A análise dos dados foi feita numa perspectiva temática. O produto educacional é um roteiro para a roda de conversa denominada “Expressões do Movimento Estudantil Secundarista”. A proposta visou promover a construção e a reconstrução de significados entre os participantes em torno do Movimento Estudantil. Como resultado, constatou-se que os jovens o valorizam como um espaço educativo e de diálogo, capaz de contribuir para a escola e para a formação crítica.

A degradação dos solos representa um risco atual e futuro de comprometimento de serviços ecossistêmicos. Este trabalho tem como objetivo caracterizar os atributos do solo de uma área degradada e fragmentos conservados de Cerrado no Triângulo Mineiro-MG. Para tanto, houve avaliação multitemporal de uma voçoroca por meio de fotogrametria em SIG; realizou-se trabalhos de campos com coletas em 39 pontos amostrais e descrição de 5 perfis de solo, em ambientes previamente estratificados da voçoroca; em laboratório, procedeu-se a determinação de atributos físicos, químicos e de matéria orgânica do solo e; análises estatísticas foram conduzidas. Ao longo do tempo, foi estimada uma evolução da degradação do solo de 62% na área, com avanço de 499,5 m²/ano no período de erosão mais acelerada (1964-1979) para 96,9 m²/ano (2005-2020). A ACP evidencia o ambiente de Mata como o de maior fertilidade, com vetores de matéria orgânica, soma de bases e macro e micronutrientes relacionados; testes estatísticos indicam variações entre as frações granulométricas de ambientes conservados e áreas degradadas e igualdade da matéria orgânica no Cerradão e Mata em detrimento da voçoroca. O manejo da matéria orgânica, visando sua incorporação e aumento no solo, deve ser privilegiado em projetos de restauração ambiental.

Introdução: A identificação do pico de demanda física ou “caso do pior cenário” tem se tornado uma prática comum na ciência do esporte aplicada a análise de jogo no futebol. Objetivo: investigar os efeitos do mando de jogo, nível competitivo e resultado momentâneo sobre o pico de demanda física em jogos do Campeonato Catarinense e Copa do Brasil de 2021. Materiais e métodos: os dados de desempenho da corrida em jogo foram monitorados em 22 jogadores profissionais de futebol da categoria masculina durante duas competições: 1ª Divisão do Campeonato Catarinense de 2021, 1ª e 2ª Fase da Copa do Brasil de 2021. Resultados: os jogos realizados fora de casa apresentaram maior pico de distância total percorrida em comparação aos jogos em casa (p0,05). Nas análises dos resultados momentâneos, verificou-se que quando a equipe analisada estava ganhando a partida, os resultados de pico de distância total percorrida foram menores em comparação a quando a equipe estava perdendo e empatando. Conclusão: partidas fora de casa e resultado momentâneo de derrota, promovem maiores exigências físicas aos jogadores. Os treinadores, portanto, podem usar essas informações para prescrever sessões de treinamento mais eficazes que contemplem as exigências reais do jogo.

Abstract Background Red dairy cattle breeds have an important role in the European dairy sector because of their functional characteristics and good health. Extensive pedigree information is available for these breeds and provides a unique opportunity to examine their population structure, such as effective population size, depth of the pedigree, and effective number of founders and ancestors, and inbreeding levels. Animals with the highest genetic contributions were identified. Pedigree data included 9,073,403 animals that were born between 1900 and 2019 from Denmark, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, and Sweden, and covered 32 breeds. The numerically largest breeds were Red Dairy Cattle and Meuse-Rhine-Yssel. Results The deepest average complete generation equivalent (9.39) was found for Red Dairy Cattle in 2017. Mean pedigree completeness ranged from 0.6 for Finncattle to 7.51 for Red Dairy Cattle. An effective population size of 166 animals was estimated for the total pedigree and ranged from 35 (Rotes Höhenvieh) to 226 (Red Dairy Cattle). Average generation intervals were between 5 and 7 years. The mean inbreeding coefficient for animals born between 1960 and 2018 was 1.5%, with the highest inbreeding coefficients observed for Traditional Angler (4.2%) and Rotes Höhenvieh (4.1%). The most influential animal was a Dutch Meuse-Rhine-Yssel bull born in 1960. The mean inbreeding level for animals born between 2016 and 2018 was 2% and highest for the Meuse-Rhine-Yssel (4.64%) and Rotes Hohenvieh breeds (3.80%). Conclusions We provide the first detailed analysis of the genetic diversity and inbreeding levels of the European red dairy cattle breeds. Rotes Höhenvieh and Traditional Angler have high inbreeding levels and are either close to or below the minimal recommended effective population size, thus it is necessary to implement tools to monitor the selection process in order to control inbreeding in these breeds. Red Dairy Cattle, Vorderwälder, Swedish Polled and Hinterwälder hold more genetic diversity. Regarding the Meuse-Rhine-Yssel breed, given its decreased population size, increased inbreeding and low effective population size, we recommend implementation of a breeding program to prevent further loss in its genetic diversity.

Respiratory tract infections represent the main cause of death from infectious diseases worldwide. SARS-CoV-2 infection (i.e. COVID-19) added to the existing global burden of respiratory tract infections, including tuberculosis. Among nanomaterials for fabric functionalization, graphene, in combination with hydrophobic molecules such as phytochemicals, represents a promising low-cost alternative to antibiotics. In this work, we used graphene and curcumin to create fabric coatings on cotton and polyester for the production of personal protective equipment resistant to infective agents. These coatings ensure the trapping of microorganisms via interaction with SARS-CoV-2 or mycobacteria surface and inhibit microbial infections.

New training approaches have emerged advocating for the implementation of compensatory physical training. This approach aims to provide additional training that balances the load typically experienced by non-starters during a match. This may help maintain their readiness and ensures that their physical fitness is not compromised by the reduced exposure to match loads. Thus, this narrative review aims to describe the differences in external loads between starting and non-starting players and describe the studies conducted in compensatory training. Studies examining external load metrics such as total distances covered, high-speed running, and sprinting suggest that, adjusted for playing time, values are often higher in non-starting players. Although not standardized, there is an obvious decrease in exposure for these critical variables in non-starters. Additionally, internal load parameters such as perceived exertion and heart rate tend to be higher in starting players. Regarding the physical fitness impacts, evidence suggests differences observed between starters and non-starters in some aspects of physical performance, although the extent and significance of these differences can vary. The studies on compensatory training are limited, and the typical approach usually centres on running-based exercises and small-sided games, offering differing approaches to address the physical needs. The gap in research underscores the necessity for improved study designs that can shed light on the real impact of compensatory training. Presently, the practice of compensatory training has been adopted, yet a definitive understanding of its genuine influence, particularly in terms of enhancing physical fitness and mitigating injury risks, remains elusive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PE_PGRS proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) constitute a large family of complex modular proteins whose role is still unclear. Among those, we have previously shown, using the heterologous expression in Mycobacterium smegmatis, that PE_PGRS3 containing a unique arginine-rich C-terminal domain, promotes adhesion to host cells. In this study, we investigate the role of PE_PGRS3 and its C-terminal domain directly in Mtb using functional deletion mutants. The results obtained here show that PE_PGRS3 is localized on the mycobacterial cell wall and its arginine-rich C-terminal region protrudes from the mycobacterial membrane and mediates Mtb entry into epithelial cells. Most importantly, this positively charged helical domain specifically binds phosphorylated phosphatidylinositols and cardiolipin, whereas it is unable to bind other phospholipids. Interestingly, administration of cardiolipin and phosphatidylinositol but no other phospholipids was able to turn-off expression of pe_pgrs3 activated by phosphate starvation conditions. These findings suggest that PE_PGRS3 has the key role to serve as a bridge between mycobacteria and host cells by interacting with specific host phospholipids and extracting them from host cells, for their direct integration or as a source of phosphate, during phases of TB pathogenesis when Mtb is short of phosphate supply.

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Introduction. Baker’s asthma is one of the most common causes of occupational asthma worldwide. Beside bread production, all occupations in contact with flour (confectioning, pastry making, milling, farming, cereal handling) can be affected. Objective. To illustrate, through the presentation of a clinical case, an updated interdisciplinary diagnostic approach for the evaluation of suspected occupational asthma, with the aim: to identify the possible causal link between the occupational exposure and the disease, and to formulate a correct judgment for job fitness. Materials and methods. Interdisciplinary (occupational medicine and allergology) specialist evaluation, blood and urine analysis, patch tests, total and specific IgE dosage, eosinophilic cationic protein assay, spirometry, non-specific metacholine bronchostimulation, specific inhalation challenge, with monitoring of airway resistance by FOT (forced oscillation technique), and of nasal and bronchial FeNO (fractional exhaled nitric oxide). Results. Fifty-four year-old man, baker since 1993. In recent months, dyspnoea and dry cough, accompanied by ocular and nasal flogosis, as well as itchy skin rash, mainly during work shifts. High total and specific IgE values. Increased eosinophilic cationic protein. Negative metacholine test. Specific inhalation challenge with buckwheat stopped after 15 minutes due to the onset of rhinitis, conjunctivitis, cough with shortness of breath and wheezing. Post-exposure FEV1 decrease (> 12%) and +76% FOT increase. Progressive and persistent nasal FeNO increase with normalization after 24 hours. These findings indicated bronchial and oculonasal allergic response to buckwheat and other cereals. Conclusion. The diagnostic protocol allowed demonstrating the causal link between occupational exposure and the disease, which was reported to the competent authorities. The patient was advised to refrain from further exposure. The evolution of processing techniques and the new substances used in bread production, require continuous updating of diagnostic and health surveillance protocols.

Abstract BACKGROUND: The burnout syndrome can be avoided and/or have its signs and symptoms reduced by knowing the five associated factors that help identify the health and working conditions of the professors of graduate programs. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the factors associated with burnout among faculty members of graduate stricto sensu programs. DESIGN AND SETTING: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 585 faculty members of Graduate Programs in Language Teaching and Linguistics in Brazil. METHODS: Data were collected through an online questionnaire. The outcomes were the dimensions of burnout and its related factors identified through multiple templates of logistic regression. RESULTS: Faculty members with increased chances of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization mentioned the use of medications due to labor activities. The negative influence of pace and intensity of work, thoughts about quitting the program, and having to produce three or more scientific articles were associated with higher chances of emotional exhaustion, while having to achieve nine hours per week in undergraduate programs was related to reduced personal accomplishment. Having a conjugal relationship, satisfaction with health and work, post-doctoral degree, autonomy, and good interpersonal relationships with faculty members of the program reduced the chances of emotional exhaustion. Reduced chances of depersonalization occurred among those who were satisfied with work, had good interpersonal relationships with advisees and faculty members, and received productivity funding. CONCLUSION: Sociodemographic, health, and occupational factors related to the dimensions of burnout were identified.