Search

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aims to describe a kinematic gait assessment protocol and identify its main alterations in individuals with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) compared to healthy patients. Methods: In total, 14 patients diagnosed with CSM were enrolled and submitted to a three-dimensional gait analysis. The movement of patients was captured with infrared emission cameras that identified tracking markers placed on the lower limbs. Reference positions were used, and the patients walked along a rubberized walkway. The Gait Profile Score (GPS) and Movement Analysis Profile (MAP) were used to analyze variables. Results were subjected to a Student’s t-test at 95% confidence interval. The R Core Team (2016) software was used for statistical analysis, graphically comparing the study results with data from healthy patients. Results: When comparing the kinematic data bilaterally, no statistical differences were found. However, graphical analysis showed changes in the gait of patients with CSM compared to healthy individuals. There were differences in all movements, with a more significant discrepancy in hip and knee flexion and extension, dorsiflexion and plantar flexion, and internal and external hip rotation. Conclusion: We describe a protocol for gait kinematics assessment using GPS and MAP, and we presented the differences in gait kinematics in patients with CSM compared to healthy individuals. Level of Evidence II, Prospective study.

Introdução: A transfusão de sangue embora muitas vezes salve vidas não é isenta de riscos. Uma das complicações mais comuns é a aloimunização eritrocitária e estima-se que em pacientes politransfundidos a taxa de aloimunização varia de 10 a 35%. O desenvolvimento de aloanticorpos com importância clínica pode resultar em reações hemolíticas ou dificuldade em disponibilizar hemácias compativeis em futuras transfusões. O risco de desenvolvimento de aloanticorpos depende de fatores como o número e frequência de transfusões, gravidez, imunogenicidade do antígeno, resposta imune do receptor, etnia do paciente e diferença no padrão antigênico do doador e do receptor. Material e métodos: O estudo foi realizado no período de 18/09/2018 a 20/07/2024 e incluiu 1966 pacientes internados ou em regime ambulatorial atendidos no Hospital Universitário com indicação de transfusão de concentrado de hemácias (CH) e/ou de reserva cirúrgica de CH. Como objetivado neste estudo, estabelecemos protocolo de investigação imunohematológica para os pacientes com PAI (pesquisa de anticorpos irregulares) positiva utilizando dois painéis (LISS/Coombs e enzimático) de 11 células com uma configuração de antígenos especificamente selecionada para a identificação de anticorpos eritrocitários irregulares. Resultados: Um total de 115 pacientes teve PAI positiva, correspondendo a uma taxa de aloimunização de 5,90%. Considerando estes pacientes, observamos média de idade de 58 anos e mediana de 62 anos, predominância do gênero feminino com 67% (n = 77) e a tipagem sanguínea O RhD positivo em 40% (n = 46). A distribuição de cor foi respectivamente branca 57% (n = 65), parda 27% (n = 31), preta 16% (n = 18) e não declarado 1% (n = 1). A doença renal crônica foi o principal diagnóstico dos pacientes aloimunizados com frequência de 23% (n = 27); seguida das doenças oncohematológicas, 16% (n = 18) e tumores sólidos, 9% (n = 10). Identificamos 108 aloanticorpos com prevalência do aloanticorpo anti-E, 29% (n = 31), seguido de anti-K, 16% (n = 17). Desses 115 pacientes, 16% (n = 17) apresentaram associações de aloanticorpos contra antígenos de diferentes sistemas de grupos sanguíneos. Em cinco casos foram detectados aloanticorpos associados a autoanticorpos. Conclusão: A aloimunização pós-transfusional é a principal complicação de todas as observadas após um ou mais episódios transfusionais. É um problema clinicamente significativo e a morbidade e mortalidade da aloimunização é provavelmente subestimada.

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the quality of life at work of health professionals in direct and indirect care of COVID-19 cases. Methods: this was a cross-sectional study with 156 health professionals from a referral hospital. The relationship between sociodemographic and work-related variables and perceived stress and domains of the Quality of Life at Work Scale was investigated using inferential statistics and regression. Results: Satisfaction with Compassion was moderate (mean: 38.2), with low perception of stress, Burnout and Secondary Traumatic Stress (means: 18.8, 21.6 and 19.1). There were associations between: education, salary, multiple jobs and direct care with Compassion Satisfaction; low income, being a nurse and working overtime with Burnout; and working more than 12 hours, underlying disease and hospitalization for COVID-19 with Secondary Traumatic Stress. Conclusion: quality of life at work was satisfactory, despite the presence of Burnout and Secondary Traumatic Stress.

We describe clinical and laboratory findings of 3 autochthonous cases of dengue in the Paris Region, France, during September–October 2023. Increasing trends in cases, global warming, and growth of international travel mean that such infections likely will increase during warm seasons in France, requiring stronger arbovirus surveillance networks.

Reduced-order electrothermal models play a key role in the design and control of lithium-ion cell stacks, calling for accurate model parameter calibration. This paper presents a complete electrical and thermal experimental characterization procedure for the coupled modeling of cylindrical lithium-ion cells in order to implement them in a prototype Formula SAE hybrid racing car. The main goal of the tests is to determine how the cell capacity varies with the temperature and the discharge current to predict the open-circuit voltage of the cell and its entropic component. A simple approach for the characterization of the battery equivalent electrical circuit and a two-step thermal characterization method are also shown. The investigations are carried out on four commercial 18650 NMC lithium cells. The model was shown to predict the battery voltage with an RMS error lower than 20 mV and the temperature with an RMS error equal to 0.5 °C. The authors hope that this manuscript can contribute to the development of standardized characterization techniques for such cells while offering experimental data and validated models that can be used by researchers and BMS designers in different applications.

Therapies to prevent osteoporosis are relevant since it is one of the most common non-communicable human diseases in the world and the most prevalent bone disorder in adults. Since jaboticaba peel extract (JPE) added to the culture medium enhanced the osteogenic potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from osteoporotic rats, we hypothesized that JPE prevents the development of ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis. Ovariectomized rats were treated with either JPE (30 mg/kg of body weight) or its vehicle for 90 days, starting 7 days after the ovariectomy. Then, the femurs were subjected to microcomputed tomography and histological analyses, and the osteoblast and adipocyte differentiation of MSCs was evaluated. JPE attenuated ovariectomy-induced bone loss, as evidenced by higher bone volume/total volume and trabecular number, along with lower trabecular separation and bone marrow adiposity. These protective effects of JPE on bone tissue are due to its ability to prevent the imbalance between osteoblast and adipocyte differentiation of MSCs, since, compared with MSCs derived from ovariectomized rats treated with vehicle, MSCs treated with JPE exhibited higher gene and protein expression of osteogenic markers and extracellular matrix mineralization, as well as lower gene expression of adipogenic markers. These data highlight the potential therapeutic use of JPE to prevent osteoporosis.

An ideal therapeutic anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody would resist viral escape1-3, have activity against diverse sarbecoviruses4-7, and be highly protective through viral neutralization8-11 and effector functions12,13. Understanding how these properties relate to each other and vary across epitopes would aid the development of therapeutic antibodies and guide vaccine design. Here we comprehensively characterize escape, breadth and potency across a panel of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies targeting the receptor-binding domain (RBD). Despite a trade-off between in vitro neutralization potency and breadth of sarbecovirus binding, we identify neutralizing antibodies with exceptional sarbecovirus breadth and a corresponding resistance to SARS-CoV-2 escape. One of these antibodies, S2H97, binds with high affinity across all sarbecovirus clades to a cryptic epitope and prophylactically protects hamsters from viral challenge. Antibodies that target the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor-binding motif (RBM) typically have poor breadth and are readily escaped by mutations despite high neutralization potency. Nevertheless, we also characterize a potent RBM antibody (S2E128) with breadth across sarbecoviruses related to SARS-CoV-2 and a high barrier to viral escape. These data highlight principles underlying variation in escape, breadth and potency among antibodies that target the RBD, and identify epitopes and features to prioritize for therapeutic development against the current and potential future pandemics.

The European social housing stock, built since the early post-war period, now needs major energy, structural and functional upgrading. The owners, almost always public bodies, are therefore called upon to adapt these buildings to the new regulations issued by the European Community. To reduce the costs of intervention, the preferred solution is that of a complete demolition and a subsequent reconstruction by using newly supplied materials, without considering the non-sustainability and social fallout of this choice. The contribution, starting from the hypothesis that more sustainable building rehabilitation interventions are possible, analyses which social and material supply aspects must be considered, and which design strategies can be applied to achieve the objective. First, the characteristics of social buildings in their historical evolution are summarized to understand their value in a broader non-economic sense. Subsequently, the requirements for a sustainable renovation of the existing social dwellings are analysed, and three, out of many other, design strategies are proposed. A case study is then presented and the application of the three strategies done through three Master thesis works is described. In conclusion, the results of the application of the strategies to the case study is analysed to assess whether it is possible to intervene on existing social housing complexes to achieve better results with a more sustainability-oriented perspective.

Abstract In forest genetic improvement programs for non-domesticated species, limited knowledge of kinship can compromise or make the estimation of variance components and genetic parameters of traits of interest unfeasible. We used mixed models and genomics (in the latter, considering additive and non-additive effects) to evaluate the genetic architecture of 12 traits in juçaizeiro for fruit production. A population of 275 genotypes without genetic relationship knowledge was phenotyped over three years and genotyped by whole genome SNP markers. We have verified superiority in the quality of the fits, the prediction accuracy for unbalanced data, and the possibility of unfolding the genetic effects into their additive and non-additive terms in the genomic models. Estimates of the variance components and genetic parameters obtained by the additive models may be overestimated since, when considering the dominance effect in the model, there are substantial reductions in them. The number of bunches, fresh fruit mass of bunch, rachis length, fresh mass of 25 fruits, and amount of pulp were strongly influenced by the dominance effect, showing that genomic models with such effect should be considered for these traits, which may result in selective improvements by being able to return more accurate genomic breeding values. The present study reveals the additive and non-additive genetic control of the evaluated traits and highlights the importance of genomic information-based approaches for populations without knowledge of kinship and experimental design. Our findings underscore the critical role of genomic data in elucidating the genetic control architecture of quantitative traits, thereby providing crucial insights for driving species' genetic improvement.

Introdução: O mel das abelhas sem ferrão (ASF) se distingue do mel das abelhas Apis mellifera, por características sensoriais singulares como sabor agridoce e viscosidade fluida, despertando o aumento do interesse do consumidor. Embora nos últimos anos o número de produções científicas relativas ao tema tenha aumentado, é necessário que os artigos publicados sejam passíveis de replicação. Objetivo: Sanar importantes lacunas quanto ao mel de ASF no Brasil considerando a estruturação e a possibilidade de replicação dos estudos disponíveis, bem como a observação das características físico-químicas e microbiológicas do produto em vias de fundamentar uma legislação nacional. Método: Os nove passos descritos na Methodi Ordinatio foram seguidos. A busca de artigos foi feita nas plataformas SciELO, ScienceDirect, Scopus e Web of Science, utilizando as palavras-chave: “mel de abelhas sem ferrão”, “meliponicultura”, “características físico-químicas” e “propriedades microbiológicas”. Resultados: O conteúdo de 18 artigos foi analisado. Com base neste levantamento bibliográfico, o mel de ASF brasileiro de pelo menos de 31 das espécies foi avaliado. Portanto, há um grande número de espécies a serem exploradas quanto às suas características físico-químicas, microbiológicas, bem como potencial antioxidante/microbiano de seus méis de muitas regiões brasileiras. Além disso, foram observadas variações muito grandes nas características físico-químicas dos produtos oriundos de diferentes espécies e regiões produtivas. Conclusões: A padronização de uma legislação nacional destinada ao mel de ASF só pode ser estabelecida a partir de estudos aprofundados, realizados com cada uma das espécies brasileiras, proporcionando mais segurança ao consumidor.

ABSTRACT Aeromonas spp. are emerging human pathogens causing intestinal and extra-intestinal infections. Since their relevance in Western Europe as gastrointestinal pathogens is not well established, we investigated Aeromonas spp. prevalence in diarrheal fecal samples in an Italian University Hospital and characterized the virulence mechanisms of the isolates. Aeromonas spp. isolated from diarrheic stools using standard culture methods were identified by molecular techniques. Antimicrobial resistance was assessed by the micro broth dilution. Toxins, flagella, and type III secretion system genes were evaluated by polymerase chain reaction. Biofilm was quantified by crystal-violet staining. Interaction with human intestinal epithelial cells (Caco-2) was assessed by quantifying adhesion, interleukin (IL)-8 secretion, and epithelial barrier integrity. Aeromonas spp. represented 20.6% of bacterial pathogens isolated from diarrheic feces, the second most common enteropathogen. A. cavieae constituted 75% of the identified species, showing a relatively low clustering value. About 52% of Aeromonas isolates showed resistance to amikacin, whereas only 7.5% showed multiple drug resistance. Four or more virulence genes were identified in 66.7% of A. cavieae isolates and 100% of A. dakensis. Aeromonas isolates (82.5%) showed moderate or important biofilm-producing ability. Adhesion to Caco-2 cells correlated to fla+ gene, whereas ascV+ and aexU+ strains significantly induced IL-8 release from Caco-2. Aeromonas aer+ strains caused ZO1 and occluding redistribution and a significative reduction in trans-epithelial resistance. Aeromonas spp. emerge as relevant human intestinal pathogens with a disparate arsenal of pathogenicity factors causing diarrhea through different mechanisms. IMPORTANCE In this work, we demonstrate the epidemiologic relevance of the Aeromonas genus as the cause of infective diarrhea in North East Italy, both in children and adult subjects, with the significative presence of highly pathogenic strains. Aeromonas strains possess a heterogeneous armamentarium of pathogenicity factors that allows the microbe to affect a wide range of human intestinal epithelial cell processes that justify the ability to induce diarrhea through different mechanisms and cause diseases of variable severity, as observed for other gastrointestinal pathogens. However, it remains to be determined whether specific genotype(s) are associated with clinical pictures of different severity to implement the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for this relevant enteric pathogen.

SARS-CoV-2 can mutate and evade immunity, with consequences for efficacy of emerging vaccines and antibody therapeutics. Here, we demonstrate that the immunodominant SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) receptor binding motif (RBM) is a highly variable region of S and provide epidemiological, clinical, and molecular characterization of a prevalent, sentinel RBM mutation, N439K. We demonstrate N439K S protein has enhanced binding affinity to the hACE2 receptor, and N439K viruses have similar in vitro replication fitness and cause infections with similar clinical outcomes as compared to wild type. We show the N439K mutation confers resistance against several neutralizing monoclonal antibodies, including one authorized for emergency use by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and reduces the activity of some polyclonal sera from persons recovered from infection. Immune evasion mutations that maintain virulence and fitness such as N439K can emerge within SARS-CoV-2 S, highlighting the need for ongoing molecular surveillance to guide development and usage of vaccines and therapeutics.

Most investigations on flow batteries (FBs) make the assumption of perfectly mixed electrolytes inside the tanks without estimating their likelihood, while specific analyses are missing in the literature. This paper presents a pioneering investigation of the electrolyte flow dynamics inside FB tanks. This study considers the Open Circuit Voltage (OCV) measured at the stack of a 9 kW/27 kWh Vanadium FB with 500 L tanks. Order-of-magnitude estimates of the measured dynamics suggest that differences in densities and viscosities of the active species drive gradients of concentrations with different patterns in the positive and negative tanks and in charge and discharge, affected by current and flow rate, which result in significant deviation from homogeneity, affecting the State of Charge (SoC) of the electrolytes flowed into the stack and thus the FB performance. In particular, stratifications of the inlet electrolytes may appear which are responsible for delays in reaching the outlets, with initial plateau and following step (s) in the SoC at the stack. These events can have a major impact in the performance of industrial FBs with large tanks and suggest that specific tank designs may improve the overall dynamics, calling for further analysis.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to identify effective individualized positive behavior support strategies and cognitive behavior therapy strategies for young adults who are deafblind. It discusses findings specific to four young adult students with CHARGE syndrome. Methods: This collaborative action research study employed collective case study design and elements of grounded theory analysis. Principles of positive behavior support and modified cognitive behavior therapy supported the identification and implementation of individualized behavioral interventions that addressed environment arrangement, sensory needs and sensitivities, and how adults communicated with the students. Results: Eight themes were identified as being important to each of the students, although to varying degrees. These were: provide structure, establish and maintain a positive climate, address students' sensory needs and sensitivities, support on-task behavior, support transitions between activities and environments, support mature behavior, support students in coping with anxiety, and use adult language supports. Each theme included multiple strategies. Discussion: Proactive and reactive strategies must be individualized even when children share an etiology. Educational team members must know each student's preferences, likes, dislikes, reinforcers, and unique communication needs in order to identify and effectively implement behavioral supports. Modified cognitive behavior therapy may be helpful in addressing the anxiety experienced by individuals with CHARGE syndrome. Teams require time to collaborate on behavioral assessment, the identification of individualized behavioral strategies, and the effectiveness of behavioral plans. Implications for practitioners: Providing well-structured environments and teaching rules and routines can reduce anxiety because students know what to expect. Educational team members should prevent sensory overload, provide structured desensitization opportunities, and teach relaxation techniques to these students. Adult communication must be positive, clarify what will happen next, and redirect behaviors when needed.

Introdução: A transfusão de sangue embora muitas vezes salve vidas não é isenta de riscos. Uma das complicações mais comuns é a aloimunização eritrocitária e estima-se que em pacientes politransfundidos a taxa de aloimunização varia de 10% a 35%. O desenvolvimento de aloanticorpos com importância clínica pode resultar em reações hemolíticas ou dificuldade em disponibilizar hemácias compativeis em futuras transfusões. O risco de desenvolvimento de aloanticorpos depende de fatores como o número e frequência de transfusões, gravidez, imunogenicidade do antígeno, resposta imune do receptor, etnia do paciente e diferença no padrão antigênico do doador e do receptor. Material e métodos: O estudo foi realizado no período de 18/09/2018 a 26/07/2023 e incluiu 1635 pacientes internados ou em regime ambulatorial atendidos no Hospital Universitário com indicação de transfusão de Concentrado de Hemácias (CH) e/ou de reserva cirúrgica de CH. Como objetivado neste estudo, estabelecemos protocolo de investigação imunohematológica para os pacientes com PAI (pesquisa de anticorpos irregulares) positiva utilizando dois painéis (LISS/Coombs e enzimático) de 11 células com uma configuração de antígenos especificamente selecionada para a identificação de anticorpos eritrocitários irregulares. Resultados: Um total de 89 pacientes tiveram PAI positiva, correspondendo a uma taxa de aloimunização de 5,4%. A média de idade foi de 55 anos e mediana de 59 anos, predominância do gênero feminino com 63% (n = 56) e a tipagem sanguínea O RhD positivo foi de 43% (n = 38). A distribuição de cor foi respectivamente branca 56% (n = 50), parda 31% (n = 9), preta 9% (n = 18) e não declarado 3% (n = 3). A doença renal crônica foi o principal diagnóstico dos pacientes aloimunizados com frequência de 26% (n = 23); seguida de tumores sólidos, 14% (n = 13) e doenças oncohematológicas, 12% (n = 11). Identificamos 103 aloanticorpos, com prevalência do anti-E, 25% (n = 22), seguido de anti-K, 15% (n = 13). Desses 89 pacientes, 9% (n = 9) apresentaram associações de aloanticorpos contra antígenos de diferentes sistemas de grupos sanguíneos. Em cinco casos foram detectados aloanticorpos associados a autoanticorpos. Conclusão: A aloimunização pós-transfusional é a principal complicação de todas as observadas após um ou mais episódios transfusionais. É um problema clinicamente significativo e a morbidade e mortalidade da aloimunização é provavelmente subestimada.

Analysis of the specificity and kinetics of neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) elicited by SARS-CoV-2 infection is crucial for understanding immune protection and identifying targets for vaccine design. In a cohort of 647 SARS-CoV-2-infected subjects, we found that both the magnitude of Ab responses to SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) and nucleoprotein and nAb titers correlate with clinical scores. The receptor-binding domain (RBD) is immunodominant and the target of 90% of the neutralizing activity present in SARS-CoV-2 immune sera. Whereas overall RBD-specific serum IgG titers waned with a half-life of 49 days, nAb titers and avidity increased over time for some individuals, consistent with affinity maturation. We structurally defined an RBD antigenic map and serologically quantified serum Abs specific for distinct RBD epitopes leading to the identification of two major receptor-binding motif antigenic sites. Our results explain the immunodominance of the receptor-binding motif and will guide the design of COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics.

Abstract Fire might occur under natural conditions in the Pantanal of Brazil; however, with climate change, severe periods of drought potentiated the devasting fires in 2020, resulting in substantial wildlife loss. Considering that mammal communities are strongly affected by fire and habitat alterations, the aim of this study was to evaluate possible differences in mammal diversity and the number of records before and one year after the fire in one region of the Pantanal of Mato Grosso, Brazil (Parque SESC Baía das Pedras - PSBP). The data collection was performed using camera trapping between 2015 and 2017 and 2021, together with visual field observations in PSBP. We observed that the mammal assemblage composition was similar before and one year after the fire. Four species were more or less frequent in burned areas than in unburned ones. Since the fire was controlled in this area, avoiding its total destruction, and the species that fled from the surrounding areas, which were completely burnt, might be using PSBP as a refuge while the vegetation recovers elsewhere. Therefore, the PSBP might have contributed to protecting mammal species after the fire and maintaining and conserving biodiversity on a regional scale in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso, Brazil.

The approved combination of Tixagevimab/Cilgavimab has been shown to decrease the rate of symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients at increased risk of inadequate response to vaccination. However, Tixagevimab/Cilgavimab was tested in a few studies that included patients with hematological malignancies, even if this population has shown an increased risk of unfavorable outcomes following infection (with high rates of hospitalization, intensive care unit admission, and mortality) and poor significant immunization following vaccines. We performed a real-life prospective cohort study to evaluate the rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection following pre-exposure prophylaxis with Tixagevimab/Cilgavimab in anti-spike seronegative patients compared to a cohort of seropositive patients who were observed or received a fourth vaccine dose. We recruited 103 patients with a mean age of 67 years: 35 (34%) received Tixagevimab/Cilgavimab and were followed from March 17, 2022, until November 15, 2022. After a median follow-up of 4.24 months, the 3-month cumulative incidence of infection was 20% versus 12% in the Tixagevimab/Cilgavimab and observation/vaccine groups respectively (HR 1.57; 95% CI: 0.65-3.56; p = 0.34). In this study, we report our experience with Tixagevimab/Cilgavimab and a tailored approach to SARS-CoV-2 infection prevention in patients with hematological malignancies during the SARS-CoV-2 omicron surge.

Background The effect of noninvasive respiratory support (NRS), including high-flow nasal oxygen, bi-level positive airway pressure and continuous positive airway pressure (noninvasive ventilation (NIV)), for preventing and treating post-extubation respiratory failure is still unclear. Our objective was to assess the effects of NRS on post-extubation respiratory failure, defined as re-intubation secondary to post-extubation respiratory failure (primary outcome). Secondary outcomes included the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), discomfort, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital mortality, ICU and hospital length of stay (LOS), and time to re-intubation. Subgroup analyses considered “prophylactic” versus “therapeutic” NRS application and subpopulations (high-risk, low-risk, post-surgical and hypoxaemic patients). Methods We undertook a systematic review and network meta-analysis (Research Registry: reviewregistry1435). PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, Scopus and Web of Science were searched (from inception until 22 June 2022). Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the use of NRS after extubation in ICU adult patients were included. Results 32 RCTs entered the quantitative analysis (5063 patients). Compared with conventional oxygen therapy, NRS overall reduced re-intubations and VAP (moderate certainty). NIV decreased hospital mortality (moderate certainty), and hospital and ICU LOS (low and very low certainty, respectively), and increased discomfort (moderate certainty). Prophylactic NRS did not prevent extubation failure in low-risk or hypoxaemic patients. Conclusion Prophylactic NRS may reduce the rate of post-extubation respiratory failure in ICU patients.

Objetivo: Identificar competências de liderança que estimulem práticas inovadoras em uma Instituição de Ensino Superior Federal. Metodologia/Abordagem: A pesquisa adotou revisão bibliográfica para subsidiar a formação de um conjunto de competências de liderança voltadas ao desenvolvimento de ações inovadoras em organizações públicas. Posteriormente, foi realizada entrevistas com gestores vinculados à unidade de pesquisa (experts) com o propósito de avaliar a aderência das competências ao contexto universitário. Finalmente, os elementos de análise foram categorizados em dimensões - participação, relacionamento, e reconhecimento – e compuseram os formulários eletrônicos (survey) aplicados a amostra aleatória (N) de 96 servidores públicos: docentes e técnicos-administrativos em educação (TAE). Principais resultados: Sob o enfoque teórico, o estudo possibilitou evidenciar que o estilo de liderança transformacional é o que mais se aproxima das competências necessárias para propiciar uma cultura inovativa em instituições públicas. Sob o enfoque empírico, a opinião dos participantes evidenciou que há nítida dissonância entre a percepção de docentes e TAE no tocante às dimensões “participação” e “reconhecimento”. Em contrapartida, observou-se equidade na dimensão “relacionamento”, algo que se mostra positivo aos líderes para instituir ações inovadoras que envolvam a coletividade. Contribuições acadêmicas: O potencial de inovação em organizações públicas está diretamente associado ao fortalecimento da participação coletiva de equipes na formulação de estratégias e nas tomadas de decisões e, nesse sentido, o estudo se mostra sugestivo para pesquisas em instituições que ensejam fortalecer a cultura inovativa. Contribuições práticas: O estudo suscita reflexões sobre a gestão de pessoas e oportuniza o planejamento de ações voltadas ao desenvolvimento de lideranças na unidade de pesquisa.

Resumo Materiais baseados em oxi-hidróxidos mistos de alumínio e ferro (III) foram preparados pela síntese hidrotérmica a partir da ureia, sais de nitrato ou cloreto e em diferentes razões molares Al3+:Fe3+. Foram avaliadas as propriedades estruturais, morfológicas e térmicas dos materiais. As misturas de nitratos de Al3+ e Fe3+ conduziram à formação da hematita enquanto que nos materiais obtidos a partir dos cloretos, diferentes fases cristalinas de Fe3+ foram identificadas. Para o comportamento térmico observou-se que, independente do ânion dos precursores, a amostras de composição 30%:70% (Al3+:Fe3+) se diferenciaram das demais. Após a calcinação, a fase hematita foi identificada em todas as amostras. Os sais precursores e as razões Al3+:Fe3+ refletiram em diferenças entre as amostras nas propriedades avaliadas. Pelos resultados observados, a ocorrência de substituições isomórficas de Fe3+ pelo Al3+ na fase hematita foi identificada, o que proporcionou alterações nas propriedades avaliadas em relação ao material sem a presença de Al3+.

Alzheimer’s is a progressive and neurodegenerative disease that mainly affects people aged 65 years and older. The pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s is possibly related to the depletion of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) due to beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Secondary metabolites found in cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum burmannii) have the potential as anticholinesterases to treat Alzheimer’s symptoms. This study aimed to identify the potency of bioactive compounds from cinnamon bark as AChE inhibitors in silico through analysis of binding energy, inhibition constants, and types of interactions. The research was conducted by screening virtually 60 test ligands using the PyRx program and molecular docking using the Autodock Tools program. The results of the ligand-receptor interaction analysis showed that 12 of the 15 tested ligands had potential as AChE inhibitors. Epicatechin and medioresinol are the ligands with the best potential for AChE inhibition with affinity close to the natural ligand or donepezil. Epicatechin has a binding energy of −10.0 kcal/mol and inhibition constant of 0.0459 M, with four hydrogen bonds and seven hydrophobic bonds. Meanwhile, medioresinol has −9.9 kcal/mol binding energy and inhibition constant of 0.0543 M, with one hydrogen bond and thirteen hydrophobic bonds.

Introduction: Deafblindness limits access to social cues and social feedback, thus restricting the development of social skills. Many children with CHARGE syndrome, a leading cause of deafblindness, experience challenges with emotional self-regulation and anxiety that may interfere with socialization. Learning about self-determination skills such as goal setting, problem solving, and choice making, in the context of socialization instruction, may improve emotional regulation and social skills. Methods: This collaborative action research study employed grounded theory design, with ongoing data analysis. The primary research question was: How will interactions between adolescent students with CHARGE syndrome and younger students with mixed etiologies of deafblindness change over time, in the context of an arranged interaction space? Data sources were videotaped observations of interaction and feedback sessions, evaluation forms, and field notes. Independent qualitative analysis by two raters and member checks enhanced the trustworthiness of findings. Results: The younger students learned to make toy choices when presented with them by the adolescent students. Joint attention challenges occurred, as adolescent students did not understand their pals' visual latency and play skills. The adolescent students learned to interact more effectively with younger students while rehearsing self-determination skills such as goal setting and problem solving. Discussion: Adult support was essential to successful interactions and to adolescent students' engagement in self-reflection and self-evaluation during the feedback sessions. More research is needed on socialization and self-determination instruction of children who are deafblind, including those with CHARGE syndrome. Implications for practitioners: Children who are deafblind require direct instruction for social skills and opportunities to practice interactions with differently aged children. They also require opportunities to problem solve in the context of socialization opportunities. Support from familiar adults may reduce the anxiety experienced during socialization.

The main objective of this research is to describe a multidisciplinary investigation part of an ongoing research project. The contribution focuses on the identification and selection of innovative technologies and operative methodologies capable of fostering the sustainable innovation and resilience of the Italian N-E territory by addressing four challenges: energy transition, environmental challenges, adaptation to climate change, and digitalisation. The investigation devised an original conceptual research framework aiming to identify possible solutions and drawing a connection between them and the challenges, by considering the actions, the technological and methodological support, and, indirectly, the European and global policy objectives they help to reach. The research results are: (i) a definition of the four challenges in light of the built environment and construction sector; (ii) the conceptual research framework schema as a replicable instrument; (iii) its contextualization to the research scope; (iv) a preliminary list of technologies and methodologies supporting the sustainable innovation in the given territorial context; and (v) a ranking of the most promising solutions according to their effectiveness and application potential. The results highlight how, in the Italian N-E context, the solutions most effective in delivering sustainability and resilience are the ones operating in the built environment by preserving the built resources, mainly by addressing the building envelope and structure.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are molecules present in our everyday life, and they can be positive, such as in the formation of odour and food flavour, or harmful to the environment and humans, and research is focusing on limiting their emissions. Various methods have been used to achieve this purpose. Firstly, we review three main degradation methods: activated carbon, photocatalysis and a synergetic system. We provide a general overview of the operative conditions and report the possibility of VOC abatement during cooking. Within the literature, none of these systems has ever been tested in the presence of complex matrices, such as during cooking processes. The aim of this study is to compare the three methods in order to understand the behaviour of filter systems in the case of realistically complex gas mixtures. Proton transfer reaction–mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) has been used in the real-time monitoring of volatilome. Due to the fact that VOC emissions are highly dependent on the composition of the food cooked, we evaluated the degradation capacity of the three systems for different burger types (meat, greens, and fish). We demonstrate the pros and cons of photocatalysis and adsorption and how a combined approach can mitigate the drawbacks of photocatalysis.

Introdução: visto que o aumento de gordura abdominal afeta um grande contingente populacional, diversas técnicas são utilizadas como tentativa de reduzir tal problema, dentre elas uma nova modalidade terapêutica que é a aplicação da corrente Aussie (CA). Objetivo: mensurar e o efeito da CA sobre a diminuição da gordura abdominal e o efeito dela na resistência dos músculos abdominais. Metodologia: a pesquisa foi composta por 20 mulheres, divididas igualmente nos grupos controle (GC) e intervenção (GI). GI foi submetido a aplicação da CA, num total de 10 sessões de 20 minutos cada ao longo de 30 dias. Para as avaliações foi utilizado análise do índice de massa corporal, circunferência abdominal, teste de resistência abdominal e bioimpedância. Resultados: não houve diferenças significativas com relação à interação de fatores (p>0,05), mas, houve diferenças entre as avaliações para a resistência abdominal (p

Resin infiltrants have been effectively applied in dentistry to manage non-cavitated carious lesions in proximal dental surfaces. However, the common formulations are composed of inert methacrylate monomers. In this study, we developed a novel resin infiltrant with microcapsules loaded with an ionic liquid (MC-IL), and analyzed the physical properties and cytotoxicity of the dental resin. First, the ionic liquid 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (BMI.NTf2) was synthesized. BMI.NTf2 has previously shown antibacterial activity in a dental resin. Then, MC-IL were synthesized by the deposition of a preformed polymer. The MC-IL were analyzed for particle size and de-agglomeration effect via laser diffraction analysis and shape via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The infiltrants were formulated, and the MC-IL were incorporated at 2.5%, 5%, and 10 wt%. A group without MC-IL was used as a control. The infiltrants were evaluated for ultimate tensile strength (UTS), contact angle, surface free energy (SFE), and cytotoxicity. The MC-IL showed a mean particle size of 1.64 (±0.08) μm, shriveled aspect, and a de-agglomeration profile suggestive of nanoparticles' presence in the synthesized powder. There were no differences in UTS among groups (p > 0.05). The incorporation of 10 wt% of MC-IL increased the contact angle (p 0.05). The incorporation of microcapsules as a drug-delivery system for ionic liquids may be a promising strategy to improve dental restorative materials.

The determination of fish freshness is conducted by different methods, of which, in general, reagents with a high degree of toxicity or dangerousness are used, besides requiring the use of large volumes of drinking water and electricity. Thus, the objective was to develop an alternative analytical method, fast, easy to perform and environmentally friendly for the determination of freshness in fish, based on Total Volatile Basic Nitrogen (TVB-N) and CIELab and RGB colorimetric data associated with chemometrics and the Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) technique. Through the evaluation of the figures of merit, it was possible to verify promising results for the use of the developed alternative in future predictions of freshness in fish, demonstrating its suitability for a more robust quality control. In view of the above, the modeling of colorimetric data by ANN models is in line with the requirements of the 4.0 food industry, since it is a fast method and because it is a sustainable alternative not only environmentally, but also economically, since it encourages the application of green and low-cost tools.

The side effects of antibiotic treatment directly correlate with intestinal dysbiosis. However, a balanced gut microbiota supports the integrity of the enteric nervous system (ENS), which controls gastrointestinal neuromuscular functions. In this study, we investigated the long-term effects of antibiotic-induced microbial dysbiosis on the ENS and the impact of the spontaneous re-establishment of the gut microbiota on gastrointestinal functions. C57BL/6J mice were treated daily for two weeks with antibiotics. After 0–6 weeks of antibiotics wash-out, we determined (a) gut microbiota composition, (b) gastrointestinal motility, (c) integrity of the ENS, (d) neurochemical code, and (e) inflammation. Two weeks of antibiotic treatment significantly altered gut microbial composition; the genera Clostridium, Lachnoclostridium, and Akkermansia did not regain their relative abundance following six weeks of antibiotic discontinuation. Mice treated with antibiotics experienced delayed gastrointestinal transit and altered expression of neuronal markers. The anomalies of the ENS persisted for up to 4 weeks after the antibiotic interruption; the expression of neuronal HuC/D, glial-derived neurotrophic factor (Gdnf), and nerve growth factor (Ngf) mRNA transcripts did not recover. In this study, we strengthened the idea that antibiotic-induced gastrointestinal dysmotility directly correlates with gut dysbiosis as well as structural and functional damage to the ENS.

Abstract Rabies is a neglected disease caused by a neurotropic Lyssavirus, transmitted to humans predominantly by the bite of infected dogs. Rabies is preventable with vaccines or proper post‐exposure prophylaxis (PEP), but it still causes about 60,000 deaths every year. No cure exists after the onset of clinical signs, and the case‐fatality rate approaches 100% even with advanced supportive care. Here, we report that a combination of two potent neutralizing human monoclonal antibodies directed against the viral envelope glycoprotein cures symptomatic rabid mice. Treatment efficacy requires the concomitant administration of antibodies in the periphery and in the central nervous system through intracerebroventricular infusion. After such treatment, recovered mice presented good clinical condition, viral loads were undetectable, and the brain inflammatory profile was almost normal. Our findings provide the unprecedented proof of concept of an antibody‐based therapeutic approach for symptomatic rabies.

Abstract Hydrotalcite-type materials, or layered double hydroxide (LDH), are very promising in applying slow-release drug systems through ion exchange and delamination characteristics at acidic pH. In this paper, Zn/Al LDHs in 2:1 and 3:1 molar ratios intercalated with the drug ibuprofen (IBU) were added to chitosan/alginate membranes. In the release tests, an increase in the solubility of the drug in the membranes could be observed, and the percentage of drug release is lower than the percentage of drug release in the free samples. The following release percentages were obtained: 15.48% and 17.5% of the drug in water, and 23.22% and 26.25% of the drug in PBS buffer solution, respectively, for membrane samples containing Zn2Al-IBU and Zn3Al-IBU LDHs. Thus, the synthesized hybrid membranes (chitosan/alginate-LDH-IBU) are promising in the application as resorbable membranes for bone grafting with drug release.

Background. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) has been used as analgesic therapy in many diseases. It is already known that studies that have observed the relationship between pain and cytokines have found that patients who report less severe pain have less production of proinflammatory cytokines. However, one another accepted mechanism is that decreasing proinflammatory cytokines results in decreased pain intensity. Analyzing the literature, the authors describe that, in addition to the analgesic effect, TENS has shown systemic effects, and clinically, the reduction of proinflammatory cytokines could be a protective factor against inflammation. To test the inflammatory effect of TENS, we researched the literature for clinical conditions that suggest that proinflammatory cytokines are one of the main mediators of the disease process. Chronic inflammation is one of the risk factors mentioned for the development of a new cancer; at the same time, it is indicated as an indicator of the worst prognosis. Studies also suggest that the worst prognosis of breast cancer, one of the types with the highest incidence in the world, may be related to increased inflammatory activity. Considering that inflammation is increased in breast cancer and that TENS can reduce proinflammatory cytokines even without blocking the pain pathway, our hypothesis is that the anti-inflammatory effect of TENS can bring benefits to these patients. The aim of this study will be to evaluate the effect of TENS on blood reduction of proinflammatory cytokines in breast cancer patients. Methods. This study will evaluate at least 59 patients, over 18 years of age, diagnosed with breast cancer, but who have not yet started any treatment. All patients will be submitted to TENS intervention (Ibramed, Model Neurodyn III, parameters: VIF—turn on, frequency—2-247 Hz, pulse size—50-500 μs, and intensity (mA)—maximum tolerated by the patient), and the data will be analyzed in the pre- and postintervention of each patient. The application has a total duration of 30 minutes, and 8 ml of blood will be collected before and after the intervention. Proinflammatory (IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, IL-7, and TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory (IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, and FTCβ) cytokines will be analyzed. As a primary endpoint, we will analyze the reduction in blood concentration of proinflammatory cytokines, and as secondary endpoints, we will analyze the size of the effect according to each type of proinflammatory cytokine, describe the effect size of the reduction according to the breast cancer immunohistochemistry, and analyze the effect of TENS on anti-inflammatory cytokines. This study is approved by the Research Ethics Committee (Centro Universitário FMABC, Brazil) and registered in the Brazilian Clinical Trials (Search text: RBR-10jbwh47).

Este artigo possui a intenção de analisar as Ações Cívico-Sociais (ACISOs) realizadas na década de 1970, que foram empreendidas pelo Exército brasileiro na fronteira Brasil/Argentina, a partir de uma fração do acervo fotográfico de uma extinta unidade militar, a 3ª Companhia de Infantaria Motorizada. Assim, acredita-se apresentar uma contribuição original para a pesquisa histórica militar brasileira, quando se propõe discutir –pela análise do Álbum Histórico Fotográfico, que retrata parte das ações daquela unidade militar –as ACISOs em sua gênese, como atuações sociais, interpretadas pelo viés sociológico weberiano, considerando a sua natureza política e criteriosamente intentas pelo Regime Militar brasileiro. E que, foram operacionalizadas numa região sensível aos problemas de fronteira, fomentando um modelo de doutrina nacional para aquela instituição.

Este estudo objetiva avaliar, em sistema integrado de produção agropecuária, o desempenho e a produção animal em pastagem de aveia preta e azevém. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos ao acaso em esquema fatorial (2x2), com três repetições. Os fatores foram duas alturas do pasto (10 e 25cm) mantidas sob pastejo com lotação contínua e taxa de lotação variável, além de passarem por duas épocas de adubação nitrogenada no sistema (NP – adubação nitrogenada feita na pastagem, no outono e NG – adubação nitrogenada feita na lavoura - cultura de grãos). A quantidade total de nutrientes aplicados por ano foi a mesma para todos os tratamentos. A aplicação do nitrogênio (ureia – 45% N) na pastagem indicou aumento no valor nutritivo, oferta e massa de forragem, assim como na capacidade de suporte, sem alterar o desempenho animal, resultando em maior produção animal por unidade de área. A menor altura de dossel condicionou menor massa de forragem, maior tempo diurno de pastejo e menor tempo diurno de ruminação.

O manejo de desfolha possui como um dos principais objetivos o rebrote vigoroso após o rebaixamento, uma vez que a área foliar remanescente possui alta correlação com o potencial de rebrote dos pastos. Desta forma, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de intervenções pontuais de alta severidade (70%) sobre características produtivas de pastos de azevém anual manejados sob desfolhações intermitentes. O experimento foi conduzido na área experimental da Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná. Os tratamentos consistiram de quatro estratégias de desfolha a partir de uma única altura de entrada (20cm): severidade constante de 40%; severidade de 40% com intervenções pontuais de 70% no segundo corte; severidade de 40% com intervenções pontuais de 70% no quarto corte; e severidades de 40% e 70% intercaladas. Os tratamentos foram aplicados em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com três repetições, totalizando 12 unidades experimentais. Foram avaliadas as variáveis de interceptação de radiação solar, produção de forragem e características morfogênicas (taxa de aparecimento foliar, filocrono, taxa de alongamento foliar e taxa de senescência foliar). A interceptação de radiação solar pré desfolha não diferiu entre os tratamentos, apenas na situação pós desfolha. Para as características morfogênicas os tratamentos com alta severidade de desfolha, apresentaram os maiores valores morfogênicos. A produção de forragem não diferiu entre os tratamentos. Dentro das condições aplicadas no presente estudo (i.e. altura pré-corte), intervenções pontuais de alta severidade (70%) não afetam a capacidade produtiva do azevém anual.