Cereus jamacaru DC. (mandacaru) fruit as a source of lactic acid bacteria with in vitro probiotic-related characteristics and its protective effects on Pediococcus pentosaceus during lyophilization and refrigeration storage.

This study isolated and identified autochthonous lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from mandacaru fruit and evaluated their potential probiotic and technological aptitudes in vitro, as well as the protective effects of freeze-dried mandacaru fruit on the most promising LAB isolate during lyophilization and refrigeration storage. Initially, 212 colonies were isolated from mandacaru fruit, and 34 were preliminarily identified as LAB. Thirteen isolates identified by 16S-rRNA sequencing as Pediococcus pentosaceus were negative for DNase, gelatinase, hemolytic, and biogenic amine production. The selected isolates showed proteolytic activity, diacetyl and exopolysaccharide production, and good tolerance to different NaCl concentrations while having low cellular hydrophobicity and antagonistic activity against pathogens. The survival of isolates sharply decreased after 3 h of exposure to pH 2 and had a good tolerance to 1 % bile salt. A principal component analysis selected P. pentosaceus 57 as the most promising isolate based on the examined technological and probiotic-related physiological properties. This isolate was lyophilized with mandacaru fruit and stored under refrigeration for 90 days. P. pentosaceus 57 lyophilized with mandacaru fruit had high viable cell counts (9.69 ± 0.03 log CFU/mL) and >50 % of physiologically active cells at 90 days of refrigeration storage. The results indicate that mandacaru fruit is a source of P. pentosaceus with aptitudes to be explored as potential probiotic and technological characteristics of interest for the food industry, besides being a good candidate for use in lyophilization processes and refrigeration storage of LAB due to its cryoprotective effects.

Processos de desproteção e de proteção de crianças, adolescentes e suas famílias - uma análise de múltiplas evidências dos reflexos da pandemia / Processes of deprotection and protection of children, adolescents and their families - an analysis of multiple evidence of the consequences of the pandemic / Procesos de desprotección y protección de niños, adolescentes y sus familias - un análisis de múltiples evidencias de las consecuencias de la pandemia

O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar uma visão geral de múltiplas evidências, levantadas de forma sistemática na literatura, sobre processos de desproteção de crianças, adolescentes e suas famílias, bem como estratégias de proteção e atuação durante a crise sanitária causada pela Covid-19 e no contexto pós-pandêmico. Para tanto, foram selecionados 13 artigos de revisão, entre 2020 e 2023, os quais trazem os principais aspectos que incidem nas desproteções de crianças e adolescentes, afetando a saúde mental, a convivência familiar e comunitária, bem como estratégias de intervenção para o enfrentamento dessas situações. Assim, este estudo traz uma discussão que pode ser subsídio para que profissionais do campo da proteção infantojuvenil possam planejar ações diante dos reflexos da crise pandêmica, política, social e econômica nos últimos tempos. Os efeitos das desproteções ligadas à insegurança de renda, à falta de acesso aos serviços, à redução de autonomia e a problemas de saúde mental ampliaram desproteções relacionais e contextos de violência. Por outro lado, o acesso a serviços e políticas públicas, com apoio às famílias, é o que a literatura destaca para ampliar a proteção infantojuvenil. Portanto, é fundamental identificar demandas para a busca de atuações com foco na melhoria das ofertas de serviços e na promoção de espaços de convivências protetivas.

The objective of this study is to present an overview of multiple evidence, systematically collected in the literature, on processes of deprotection for children, adolescents and their families, as well as protection and action strategies during the health crisis caused by Covid-19 and in the post-pandemic context. To this end, 13 review articles were selected, between 2020 and 2023, which bring the main aspects that affect the deprotection of children/adolescents, affecting mental health, family and community coexistence, as well as intervention strategies to combat these issues. Thus, this article brings a discussion that can provide support for professionals in the field of child and youth protection to plan actions in light of the consequences of this pandemic, political, social and economic crisis in recent times. The effects of lack of protection linked to income insecurity, lack of access to services, reduced autonomy and mental health problems have increased relational lack of protection and contexts of violence. On the other hand, access to services and public policies, with support for families, is what the literature highlights to expand child and youth protection. Therefore, it is essential to identify demands to seek actions focused on improving service offerings and promoting protective spaces.

El objetivo de este estudio es presentar un panorama de múltiples evidencias, recogidas sistemáticamente en la literatura, sobre procesos de desprotección de niños, niñas, adolescentes y sus familias, así como estrategias de protección y acción durante la crisis sanitaria provocada por el Covid-19 y en el contexto pospandemia. Para ello se seleccionaron 13 artículos de revisión, entre 2020 y 2023, que traen los principales aspectos que inciden en la desprotección de niños/adolescentes, afectando la salud mental, la convivencia familiar y comunitaria, así como estrategias de intervención para combatir estas situaciones. Así, este artículo proporciona una discusión que puede brindar apoyo a los profesionales del campo de la protección de niños y jóvenes para planificar acciones ante las consecuencias de esta pandemia, crisis política, social y económica de los últimos tiempos. Los efectos de la desprotección vinculados a la inseguridad de ingresos, la falta de acceso a servicios, la reducción de la autonomía y los problemas de salud mental han aumentado la desprotección relacional y los contextos de violencia. Por otro lado, el acceso a servicios y políticas públicas, con apoyo a las familias, es lo que destaca la literatura para ampliar la protección de niños y jóvenes. Por lo tanto, es fundamental identificar demandas para buscar acciones enfocadas a mejorar la oferta de servicios y promover espacios protectores de convivencia.

Comparative evaluation of three laparoscopic cholecystectomy techniques in rabbit's model.

PURPOSE: The aim of this randomized study was to compare the complications and perioperative outcome of three different techniques of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Changes in the liver function test after LC techniques were investigated. Also, we compared the degree of postoperative adhesions and histopathological changes of the liver bed. METHODS: Thirty rabbits were divided into three groups: group A) Fundus-first technique by Hook dissecting instrument and Roeder Slipknot applied for cystic duct (CD) ligation; group B) conventional technique by Maryland dissecting forceps and electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing (EBVS) for CD seal; group C) conventional technique by EBVS for gallbladder (GB) dissection and CD seal. RESULTS: Group A presented a longer GB dissection time than groups B and C. GB perforation and bleeding from tissues adjacent to GB were similar among tested groups. Gamma-glutamyl transferase and alkaline phosphatase levels increased (p ≤ 0.05) on day 3 postoperatively in group A. By the 15th postoperative day, the enzymes returned to the preoperative values. Transient elevation of hepatic transaminases occurred after LC in all groups. Group A had a higher adherence score than groups B and C and was associated with the least predictable technique. CONCLUSIONS: LC can be performed using different techniques, although the use of EBVS is highly recommended.

How is Integration Defined and Measured, and what Factors Drive Success in Brazil? An Integrative Review.

Introduction: Integration in health and care can improve quality and outcomes, but it is challenged by expansion of medical knowledge, social pressures on patient needs, and demands to deliver critical information. In Latin American and in other lower and middle-income countries integrated care remains in development. This paper examined the available literature on integrated care to understand how Latin American countries identify and measure integration, and what factors influence success. Methods: This integrative literature review included systematic searches in Global Health, PubMed, SciELO and BVSPsi databases for articles on integrated care in Spanish, Portuguese, and English in the period from January of 1999 to December 2020. The articles were screened for selection and assessed independently by five reviewers that used the inclusion criteria of papers about integration in health care systems. The sample excluded articles that did not deal with the integration of health care, which addressed issues related to public health campaigns, programs to control endemics and epidemics, reports on the experience of implementing health services, health promotion guidelines, food safety, oral health, and books evaluation. Results: 24 articles were included: qualitative (75%), quantitative (12,5%), and mixed-method research (4%) published between 2000 and 2017. All studies were undertaken in Brazil, and two of them were also conducted in Latin American countries. In 15 articles there was an interchangeable use between concepts of integration of services and integrated care, while nine studies did not define integration. Barriers to integration included absence of shared understanding of knowledge among members of interprofessional teams, lack of clarity on professional roles, missing consensus on a definition and measurement of integrated care, power struggles between professionals, poor institutional support, insufficient team preparation and training and unequal valuation of professions by society. Conclusion: Several types of integration and factors contributing to the success of implementation of integrated care in various contexts in Brazil were identified. The concept of integration reflected the varied local and regional realities including different health settings and levels of health and care, suggesting a need for further clarifications on its objective and components especially in LMIC contexts.

Academic trajectory of Prof. Ana Marlúcia Oliveira: contributions to the field of food and nutrition in Brazil. / Trajetória acadêmica da Profa. Ana Marlúcia Oliveira: contribuições para o campo da alimentação e nutrição no Brasil.

It will be presented the main academic contributions of Professor Ana Marlúcia Oliveira (AMO) (in memoriam), nutritionist, professor at the School of Nutrition at the Federal University of Bahia, Ph.D. in epidemiology and CNPQ Researcher level A, from 1980 to 2021. Professor Ana accumulated, throughout her academic career, scientific articles published in national and international journals; book and book chapters authored by her; papers presented at scientific events, in addition to guiding scientific projects, dissertations and theses. She has coordinated several research projects in the field of food and nutrition in public health, with a focus on nutritional epidemiology. The scope of the subjects addressed in her scientific production expressed the concern that mobilized her around the production of knowledge to face the complex health and nutrition problems in Brazil. Her way of being in the world, welcoming and caring for people who approached her seeking qualification opportunities, her example, words and teachings influenced, and still influence, the trajectory and training of nutritionists, professors and researchers at ENUFBA and other national and international institutions. She was a Brazilian researcher and intellectual committed to the health of the most vulnerable populations and the fight against malnutrition and hunger in our country. Her wide and fruitful work left us a legacy to be remembered and continued. Some of her friends, colleagues and collaborators pay this tribute to her memory, to her example and to the legacy she left for all of us and future generations.

São apresentadas neste artigo as principais contribuições acadêmicas da Profa. Marlúcia Oliveira (AMO) (in memoriam), nutricionista, docente da Escola de Nutrição da Universidade Federal da Bahia, Doutora em Epidemiologia e Pesquisadora A do Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPQ), no período de 1980 a 2021. A Profa. Ana acumulou, ao longo de sua carreira acadêmica, artigos científicos publicados em periódicos nacionais e internacionais; livro e capítulos de livro de sua autoria; trabalhos apresentados em eventos científicos, além de ter orientado projetos de iniciação científica, dissertações e teses. Coordenou vários projetos de pesquisa no campo da alimentação e nutrição em saúde coletiva, com foco na epidemiologia nutricional. O escopo dos assuntos abordados na sua produção científica expressou a inquietude que a mobilizava em torno da produção de conhecimentos para o enfrentamento dos complexos problemas de saúde e nutrição do Brasil. Sua forma de ser no mundo, acolhendo e cuidando das pessoas que se aproximavam em busca de oportunidades de qualificação, seu exemplo, suas palavras e ensinamentos influenciaram, e ainda influenciam, a trajetória e a formação de nutricionistas e de professores e pesquisadores na Escola de Nutrição da Universidade Federal da Bahia (ENUFBA) e em outras instituições nacionais e internacionais. Trata-se de uma pesquisadora e intelectual brasileira comprometida com a saúde das populações mais vulneráveis e com o combate contra a desnutrição e a fome no nosso país. Sua vasta e fecunda obra nos deixou um legado a ser lembrado e continuado. Alguns dos seus amigos, colegas e colaboradores prestam este tributo à sua memória e ao legado que ela deixou para todos nós e para as próximas gerações.

Biomechanical evaluation of four surgical techniques for ventral stabilization of the atlantoaxial joint in dogs.

PURPOSE: This study compared, through biomechanical evaluation under ventral flexion load, four surgical techniques for ventral stabilization of the atlantoaxial joint in dogs. METHODS: In total, 28 identical atlantoaxial joint models were created by digital printing from computed tomography images of a dog, and the specimens were divided into four groups of seven. In each group, a different technique for ventral stabilization of the atlantoaxial joint was performed: transarticular lag screws, polyaxial screws, multiple screws and bone cement (polymethylmethacrylate-PMMA), and atlantoaxial plate. After the stabilization technique, biomechanical evaluation was performed under ventral flexion load, both with a predefined constant load and with a gradually increasing load until stabilization failure. RESULTS: All specimens, regardless of stabilization technique, were able to support the predefined load without failing. However, the PMMA method provided significant more rigidity (p ≤ 0.05) and also best resisted the gradual increase in load, supporting a significantly higher maximum force (p ≤ 0.05). There was no statistical difference in flexural strength between the transarticular lag screws and plate groups. The polyaxial screws method was significantly less resistant to loading (p ≤ 0.05) than the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: The PMMA technique had biomechanical advantages in ventral atlantoaxial stabilization over the other evaluated methods.

Spontaneous fermentation improves the physicochemical characteristics, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity of acerola (Malpighia emarginata D.C.) and guava (Psidium guajava L.) fruit processing by-products.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of spontaneous fermentation on physicochemical characteristics, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity of acerola and guava fruit industrial by-products. Viable cell counts of lactic acid bacterial (LAB) in acerola and guava by-products were ≥ 5.0 log CFU/mL from 24 h up to 120 h of fermentation. Fermented acerola and guava by-products had increased luminosity and decreased contrast. Contents of total soluble solids and pH decreased, and titrable acidity increased in acerola and guava by-products during fermentation. Ascorbic acid contents decreased in acerola by-product and increased in guava by-product during fermentation. Different phenolic compounds were found in acerola and guava by-products during fermentation. Fermented acerola and guava by-products had increased contents of total flavonoids, total phenolics, and antioxidant activity. The contents of total flavonoids and total phenolics positively correlated with antioxidant activity in fermented acerola and guava by-products. These results indicate that spontaneous fermentation could be a strategy to improve the contents of bioactive compounds and the antioxidant activity of acerola and guava by-products, adding value and functionalities to these agro-industrial residues.

Emergence of melioidosis in Brazil: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Melioidosis is a serious disease caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei which affects humans and animals. It results in a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, mainly in the respiratory tract, progressing to septic shock and death. CASE PRESENTATION: Herein, we present a series of seven patients (median age: 41 years) with confirmed melioidosis, treated at a public hospital in Piauí State, Brazil between 2019 and 2021. The most common clinical presentations were fever, cough, pneumonia, and abdominal pain. The mean duration of antibacterial therapy with 1 g of meropenem was 28.6 ± 1.1 days. Six patients recovered and one died. The mean hospitalization time was 51.0 ± 39.2 days. CONCLUSIONS: Melioidosis is an emerging infectious disease in Brazil. Health professionals in endemic areas need to be aware of the clinical presentation and appropriate clinical management of the disease because early diagnosis and early initiation of antibiotic therapy can be life-saving.

Violência contra mulheres e a pandemia da covid-19 no estado de Pernambuco / Violence against women and the COVID-19 pandemic in the state of Pernambuco / Violencia contra la mujer y pandemia de la COVID-19 en el estado de Pernambuco

O início do ano de 2020 foi marcado pelo surgimento da covid-19. Com o intuito de reduzir o número de casos da doença, algumas estratégias foram adotadas, como o isolamento social e a quarentena. Diante dessas medidas, muitas mulheres que já eram vítimas da violência ficaram sujeitas a conviver 24 horas por dia com seu parceiro agressor. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever os homicídios e a violência doméstica e familiar perpetrada contra a mulher antes e durante a pandemia da covid-19 no estado de Pernambuco. Realizaram-se três estudos: (1) estudo ecológico misto da violência contra a mulher, homicídios femininos e feminicídios antes da pandemia, no qual foi utilizado o método dos mínimos quadrados ordinários (regressão linear simples) para estimar retas de tendência. No período pré-pandêmico (2016-2019), ocorreram 33.289 notificações de violência contra a mulher, 1.038 homicídios femininos e 319 feminicídios. Foi constatado que, dos 184 municípios, 142 (76,8%) apresentaram tendência crescente na análise da taxa de violência contra mulher, com predomínio na mesorregião do Agreste; para os homicídios femininos e feminicídios, 83 (44,9%) e 113 (61,1%) dos municípios tiveram tendência estacionária, respectivamente. (2) Estudo transversal com abordagem quantitativa para discutir a violência doméstica contra a mulher durante os primeiros seis meses do ano de 2019 em comparação com o mesmo período do ano de 2020, que correspondeu ao período de distanciamento social mais rígido no estado. Nos estágios iniciais da pandemia da covid-19, foram registrados 19.496 casos de violência doméstica e familiar contra a mulher, com redução de 7,4% quando comparado ao mesmo período do ano de 2019 (21.064 registros). (3) Estudo ecológico de série temporal (2015-2020) do número e das taxas dos homicídios femininos nas mesorregiões do estado de Pernambuco. A análise temporal dos homicídios femininos mostrou tendência crescente das taxas de homicídios na mesorregião do Sertão e na faixa etária de 20-39 anos em 2020. Assim, a pandemia da covid-19 mostrou as vulnerabilidades já existentes na vida das mulheres, aumentando a situação de risco daquelas que vivam em situação de violência.

The year 2020 was marked by the emergence of COVID-19. To reduce the number of cases, preventive measures such as social distancing and quarantine were adopted, putting many women who were already victims of violence in the position of living with their partner 24 hours a day. This study described the homicides and domestic violence perpetrated against women before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in the state of Pernambuco. Three studies were conducted: 1) a mixed ecological study on violence against women, female homicides and feminicides before the pandemic, with trend lines estimated by ordinary least squares (simple linear regression). The pre-pandemic period (2016-2019) recorded 33,289 notifications of violence against women, 1,038 female homicides, and 319 feminicides. Of the 184 municipalities, 142 (76.8%) showed an increasing trend in the rate of violence against women, predominantly in the Agreste mesoregion; 83 (44.9%) and 113 (61.1%) municipalities showed a stationary trend for female homicides and feminicides, respectively; 2) a quantitative cross-sectional study discussing domestic violence against women during the first six months of 2019 compared to the same period in 2020 (period of stricter social distancing in the state). The early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic recorded 19,496 cases of domestic and family violence against women, a 7.4% reduction when compared with the same period in 2019 (21,064 records); 3) an ecological time series study (2015-2020) on the number and rates of female homicides in the Pernambuco mesoregions. Temporal analysis of female homicides showed an increasing rate trend in the Sertão mesoregion among the age group 20-39 years in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic unveiled the already existing vulnerabilities in women's lives, increasing the risk situation of those already living in situations of violence.

El inicio del año 2020 estuvo marcado por el surgimiento de la COVID-19. Para reducir los contagios de esa enfermedad, se adoptaron algunas estrategias, como el aislamiento social y la cuarentena. Ante estas medidas, muchas mujeres que ya eran víctimas de violencia se vieron sometidas a convivir las 24 horas al día con su pareja agresora. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir los homicidios y la violencia doméstica y familiar perpetrados contra las mujeres antes y durante la pandemia de la COVID-19 en el estado de Pernambuco (Brasil). Se realizaron tres estudios: 1) Estudio ecológico mixto de violencia contra la mujer, homicidios femeninos y feminicidios antes de la pandemia, en el cual se utilizó el método de mínimos cuadrados ordinarios (regresión lineal simple) para estimar las líneas de tendencia. En el periodo prepandémico (2016-2019) hubo 33.289 notificaciones de violencia contra las mujeres, 1.038 homicidios femeninos y 319 feminicidios. Se encontró que, de los 184 municipios, 142 (76,8%) mostraron una tendencia creciente en el análisis de la tasa de violencia contra las mujeres, con predominio en la mesorregión de Agreste; para los homicidios femeninos y feminicidios 83 (44,9%) y 113 (61,1%) de los municipios, respectivamente, tuvieron una tendencia estacionaria. 2) Estudio transversal, con enfoque cuantitativo, para discutir la violencia doméstica contra las mujeres, durante los primeros seis meses del año 2019 en comparación con el mismo período del 2020, que correspondió al período de distanciamiento social más estricto en el estado. Se registraron 19.496 casos de violencia doméstica y familiar contra la mujer, con una reducción del 7,4% en comparación con el mismo período del año 2019 (21.064 registros). 3) Estudio ecológico de series temporales (2015-2020) del número y tasas de homicidios femeninos en las mesorregiones del estado de Pernambuco. El análisis temporal de los homicidios femeninos mostró una tendencia creciente de las tasas de homicidio en la mesorregión de Sertão y en el grupo de edad de entre 20-39 años en 2020. La pandemia de la COVID-19 expuso las vulnerabilidades ya existentes en la vida de las mujeres, aumentando la situación de riesgo de aquellas que ya vivían en situación de violencia.

Cystoisospora suis in Portugal: an observational study of prevalence, management, and risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal coccidiosis is a common and important disease of suckling piglets in modern farming caused by Cystoisospora suis. Prevalence rates are high, namely, in Portugal, although no recent data are available. The metaphylactic administration of a single dose of toltrazuril and hygienic measures are the backbone of control strategies on positive farms. However, several studies have shown that these programs are not always effective, underlining the need to revise the risk factors and control strategies currently applied. The present study evaluated C. suis prevalence on Portuguese farms and assessed the risk factors associated with facilities and farm rearing practices. RESULTS: From the 27 tested farms, 23 were positive to Cystoisopora suis (85.2%). In total, 258 litters were sampled (accounting for 516 samples-2 samples per litter), with an average of 59.7% of positive litters per positive farm. Faecal pools from litters, in which liquid faeces predominated had a higher probability of containing oocysts than litter pools with mainly solid (Odds Ratio: 9.87; p < 0.0001) or pasty faeces (OR: 7.05; p = 0.001), and samples obtained from younger animals had higher oocyst counts (coefficient: - 0.0720; 95% CI - 0.125; - 0.019). No significant effect of toltrazuril administration was observed on the positivity rate, and none of the tested farms used disinfectants with official claims against parasites and known anticoccidial effects (e.g., cresol-based products). CONCLUSIONS: The C. suis prevalence on Portuguese swine farms appears to be similar to the prevalence found in other European countries. Repeated sampling of the same litter and the use of autofluorescence microscopy after a modified Ritchie technique seems to have increased sensitivity and consequently the detection rate of positive litters. Finally, despite the common use of oral toltrazuril, C. suis control programs appear to not always be effective (based on the detection of oocysts in faecal samples), suggesting the need to revise the control strategies applied in the field, including management factors and choices of disinfectant products.

Investigating the effects of conventional and unconventional edible parts of red beet (Beta vulgaris L.) on target bacterial groups and metabolic activity of human colonic microbiota to produce novel and sustainable prebiotic ingredients.

This study investigated the effects of freeze-dried red beet root (FDBR) and freeze-dried red beet stem and leaves (FDBSL) on target bacterial groups and metabolic activity of human colonic microbiota in vitro. The capability of FDBR and FDBSL to cause alterations in the relative abundance of different selected bacterial groups found as part of human intestinal microbiota, as well as in pH values, sugar, short-chain fatty acid, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant capacity were evaluated during 48 h of in vitro colonic fermentation. FDBR and FDBSL were submitted to simulated gastrointestinal digestion and freeze-dried prior to use in colonic fermentation. FDBR and FDBSL overall increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus spp./Enterococcus spp. (3.64-7.60%) and Bifidobacterium spp. (2.76-5.78%) and decreased the relative abundance of Bacteroides spp./Prevotella spp. (9.56-4.18%), Clostridium histolyticum (1.62-1.15%), and Eubacterium rectale/Clostridium coccoides (2.33-1.49%) during 48 h of colonic fermentation. FDBR and FDBSL had high positive prebiotic indexes (>3.61) during colonic fermentation, indicating selective stimulatory effects on beneficial intestinal bacterial groups. FDBR and FDBSL increased the metabolic activity of human colonic microbiota, evidenced by decreased pH, sugar consumption, short-chain fatty acid production, alterations in phenolic compound contents, and maintenance of high antioxidant capacity during colonic fermentation. The results indicate that FDBR and FDBSL could induce beneficial alterations in the composition and metabolic activity of human intestinal microbiota, as well as that conventional and unconventional red beet edible parts are candidates to use as novel and sustainable prebiotic ingredients.

Talking about inequities: A comparative analysis of COVID-19 narratives in the UK, US, and Brazil.

Disproportionate mortality and morbidity burdens of the COVID-19 pandemic and coinciding media coverage of public acts of violence perpetrated against people of color in 2020 precipitated reckonings with structural inequities in global, national, and local contexts. This cross-country comparative analysis aims to describe how people voice and make sense race, racism, and privilege in their experiences with COVID-19 infection in the United States, United Kingdom, and Brazil. Anchored by continuous reflection on our individual and collective positionality, we conducted an inductive comparative analysis conceptually situated in intersectionality and critical race theory. Countries used a shared qualitative methodology to collect and analyze 166 narratives of people with experience of COVID-19 infection from 2020 to 2023. We selected 19 cases that illustrate cross-national differences in peoples' acknowledgment and narration of structural privilege and disadvantage in their observations of COVID-19 in their countries and in their personal experiences. People in the US had the most fluency with voicing race directly. In Brazil, while some respondents (especially younger people) demonstrated high racial consciousness, others struggled to identify and talk about racial relationships. In the UK, people voiced racial identifications, though often within white norms of politeness and an accompanying sense of discomfort. The findings overall illustrate moments the interview becomes or does not become a space for voicing social categories and systemic underpinnings of difference in COVID-19 infections and healthcare experiences. We reflect on cross-country differences in historical and contemporary racialized discourse and elaborate on implications of focusing on voicing in qualitative research.

Bromelain does not provide significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory benefits over placebo in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of bromelain to control pain and inflammation in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy. ANIMALS: 30 client-owned cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy. PROCEDURES: In a randomized, blinded clinical study, cats were assigned to receive either oral bromelain suspension (40 mg/kg [18 mg/lb]; BG, n = 15) or placebo solution (0.1 mL/kg [0.045 mL/lb]; PG, 15), which were administered 90 minutes before and 12 hours after surgery. The anesthetic protocol included acepromazine, meperidine, propofol, and isoflurane. Pain and sedation were assessed at various time points up to 24 hours post-extubation using the UNESP-Botucatu multidimensional composite pain scale, the Glasgow feline composite measure pain scale, and a descriptive numerical scale. Surgical wound inflammation was measured at the same time points, using a numeric rating scale. Morphine was administered as rescue analgesia. Laboratory data (urea, creatinine, gamma-glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, the prothrombin time, and the fecal occult blood) were analyzed preoperatively and 24 hours after surgery. RESULTS: Pain/inflammation scores, and analgesic requirements did not differ between groups. Shorter recovery time and lower sedation scores were recorded during the first hour post-extubation in the BG than the PG. Postoperatively, serum creatinine and gamma-glutamyl transferase were lower in the BG compared to PG. Compared to baseline values, all biochemistry variables decreased at 24 hours in the BG. The prothrombin time and fecal occult blood did not differ between groups or over time. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Bromelain did not provide significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory benefits over placebo in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy.

Biomechanical evaluation of four surgical techniques for ventral stabilization of the atlantoaxial joint in dogs

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study compared, through biomechanical evaluation under ventral flexion load, four surgical techniques for ventral stabilization of the atlantoaxial joint in dogs. Methods: In total, 28 identical atlantoaxial joint models were created by digital printing from computed tomography images of a dog, and the specimens were divided into four groups of seven. In each group, a different technique for ventral stabilization of the atlantoaxial joint was performed: transarticular lag screws, polyaxial screws, multiple screws and bone cement (polymethylmethacrylate-PMMA), and atlantoaxial plate. After the stabilization technique, biomechanical evaluation was performed under ventral flexion load, both with a predefined constant load and with a gradually increasing load until stabilization failure. Results: All specimens, regardless of stabilization technique, were able to support the predefined load without failing. However, the PMMA method provided significant more rigidity (p ≤ 0.05) and also best resisted the gradual increase in load, supporting a significantly higher maximum force (p ≤ 0.05). There was no statistical difference in flexural strength between the transarticular lag screws and plate groups. The polyaxial screws method was significantly less resistant to loading (p ≤ 0.05) than the other groups. Conclusions: The PMMA technique had biomechanical advantages in ventral atlantoaxial stabilization over the other evaluated methods.

Comparative evaluation of three laparoscopic cholecystectomy techniques in rabbit's model

Purpose: The aim of this randomized study was to compare the complications and perioperative outcome of three different techniques of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Changes in the liver function test after LC techniques were investigated. Also, we compared the degree of postoperative adhesions and histopathological changes of the liver bed. Methods: Thirty rabbits were divided into three groups: group A) Fundus-first technique by Hook dissecting instrument and Roeder Slipknot applied for cystic duct (CD) ligation; group B) conventional technique by Maryland dissecting forceps and electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing (EBVS) for CD seal; group C) conventional technique by EBVS for gallbladder (GB) dissection and CD seal. Results: Group A presented a longer GB dissection time than groups B and C. GB perforation and bleeding from tissues adjacent to GB were similar among tested groups. Gamma-glutamyl transferase and alkaline phosphatase levels increased (p ≤ 0.05) on day 3 postoperatively in group A. By the 15th postoperative day, the enzymes returned to the preoperative values. Transient elevation of hepatic transaminases occurred after LC in all groups. Group A had a higher adherence score than groups B and C and was associated with the least predictable technique. Conclusions: LC can be performed using different techniques, although the use of EBVS is highly recommended.

Pandemia no brasil, negacionismo e resistência: quem sobreviverá? o caso de camalaú / Pandemic in brazil, denialism and resistance: who will survive? the case of camalaú / Pandemia en brasil, negacionismo y resistencia: ¿quién sobrevivirá? el caso de camalaú

RESUMO Os desafios da pandemia por COVID-19 são bem conhecidos: sistema de saúde em colapso, óbitos, enlutamento, medo e disputas ideológicas. No Brasil, o manejo da pandemia foi marcado pelo negacionismo sociopolítico, que remete à questão: Quem sobreviverá? Escolhemos discutir o caso da comunidade nordestina de Camalaú (PB) para analisar socionomicamente as estratégias de enfrentamento e as ações coletivas utilizadas por sua rede sociocomunitária. Foram realizadas entrevistas e construído um mapa da rede sociocomunitária de suporte à população, as quais foram analisadas com interseções nas teorias de redes. Foi possível conhecer os impactos sociais da vivência pandêmica, em contexto de negacionismo, por um povo do Cariri nordestino que sobreviveu pela força da rede, o qual mostrou suas vias de resistência revelando uma história que merece ser contada.

ABSTRACT The challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic are well known: a collapsing health system, deaths, bereavement, fear and ideological disputes. In Brazil, the handling of the pandemic was marked by sociopolitical denialism, which refers to the question: Who shall survive? We chose to discuss the case of the northeastern community of Camalaú (Paraíba state) to socionomically analyze the coping strategies and collective actions used by its sociocommunity network. Interviews were carried out and a map of the sociocommunity support network for the population was constructed, which were analyzed with intersections in network theories. It was possible to know the social impacts of the pandemic experience, in a context of denial, by people from northeastern Cariri, which survived by the force of the network, and showed their ways of resistance revealing a story that deserves to be told.

RESUMEN Los desafíos de la pandemia de COVID-19 son bien conocidos: un sistema de salud colapsado, muertes, duelo, miedo y disputas ideológicas. En Brasil, el manejo de la pandemia estuvo marcado por el negacionismo sociopolítico, que se refiere a la pregunta: ¿Quién sobrevivirá? Optamos por discutir el caso de la comunidad nororiental de Camalaú (PB) para analizar socionómicamente las estrategias de enfrentamiento y las acciones colectivas utilizadas por su red sociocomunitaria. Se realizaron entrevistas y se construyó un mapa de la red de apoyo sociocomunitario a la población, las cuales fueron analizadas con intersecciones en las teorías de redes. Fue posible conocer los impactos sociales de la experiencia de la pandemia, en un contexto de negación, por parte de un pueblo del noreste de Cariri, que sobrevivió por la fuerza de la red, que mostró sus caminos de resistencia revelando una historia que merece ser contada.

Educação sexual: dificuldades dos pais de jovens com síndrome de down / Sex education: difficulties for parents of young people with down syndrome / Educación sexual: dificultades para los padres de jóvenes con síndrome de down

Com este estudo buscou-se conhecer as dificuldades e barreiras de pais na educação sexual de jovens com Síndrome de Down, a partir de uma pesquisa descritiva e de natureza qualitativa, utilizando-se o conceito das representações sociais como referencial teórico-metodológico. O estudo foi conduzido em uma Organização Não Governamental (ONG), localizada em Recife (PE), após aprovação do Comitê de Ética e Pesquisa, sob parecer consubstanciado 3.558.587. A amostra do estudo envolveu 11 pais de jovens com Síndrome de Down com idades entre 15 e 24 anos. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas. A abordagem escolhida para a interpretação desses dados foi a análise de conteúdo proposta por Bardin. Pode-se elencar como principais dificuldades enfrentadas pelos pais ao conversarem com seus filhos sobre sexualidade: a infantilização do jovem com Síndrome de Down, julgando-o incapaz de experienciar tais fenômenos e compreender a orientação que pudesse ser repassada; o medo em ultrapassar etapas e, de repente, "estimular" o filho a viver sua sexualidade de maneira "precoce"; e o fato de os pais também terem recebido pouca ou nenhuma orientação sexual por parte de suas famílias. Diante das narrativas dos pais, é possível perceber que ainda são muitos os mitos, tabus e preconceitos que permeiam a sexualidade dos jovens com Síndrome de Down, demonstrando que os responsáveis estão despreparados para dar as devidas orientações.(AU)

This study sought to know the difficulties and barriers of parents in the sexual education of young people with Down Syndrome, from a descriptive, qualitative study, using the concept of social representations as a theoretical-methodological framework. The study was conducted in a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), located in Recife (PE) after approval by the Ethics and Research Committee, under substantiated opinion 3,558,587. The study sample involved 11 parents of young people with Down Syndrome aged between 15 and 24 years. The data collection was carried out by using semi-structured interviews. The approach chosen for interpretation of these data was the content analysis proposed by Bardin. The main difficulties faced by parents in talking with their children about sexuality can be listed as: the infantilization of young persons with Down Syndrome, deeming them incapable of experiencing such phenomena and understanding the guidance that could be given; the fear of overshooting the stages and, suddenly, "stimulating" the child to live their sexuality in an "early" way; and the facts of the parents also having received little or no sexual guidance from their families. Given the parents' narratives, it is possible to realize that there are still many myths, taboos, and prejudices that permeate the sexuality of young people with Down Syndrome, demonstrating that parents were unprepared to provide the right guidance.(AU)

Este estudio buscó conocer las dificultades y barreras de los padres en la educación sexual de los jóvenes con síndrome de Down a partir de un estudio descriptivo, cualitativo, que utilizó el concepto de representaciones sociales como marco teórico-metodológico. La investigación se llevó a cabo en una Organización No Gubernamental (ONG), ubicada en la ciudad de Recife (Pernambuco, Brasil), después de la aprobación del Comité de Ética e Investigación, bajo la opinión fundamentada 3.558.587. La muestra del estudio incluyó a 11 padres de jóvenes con síndrome de Down con edades comprendidas entre 15 y 24 años. La recolección de datos se realizó mediante entrevista semiestructurada. El enfoque elegido para la interpretación de los datos fue el análisis de contenido propuesto por Bardin. Pueden enumerarse como las principales dificultades que enfrentan los padres para hablar sobre la sexualidad con sus hijos: la infantilización del joven con síndrome de Down, considerándolo incapaz de experimentar tales fenómenos y comprender la orientación que se le puede dar; el miedo de ir más allá de las etapas y, de repente, "estimular" al niño a vivir su sexualidad de una manera "temprana"; y el hecho de que los padres también habían recibido poca o ninguna orientación sexual de sus familias. Dadas las narraciones de los padres, es posible darse cuenta de que todavía hay muchos mitos, tabúes y prejuicios sobre la sexualidad de los jóvenes con síndrome de Down, lo que muestra que los padres no estaban preparados para brindarles este tipo de orientación.(AU)

Maternal mortality committee and death surveillance in Recife in improving information: ex-ante and ex-post evaluation / Comitê de mortalidade materna e a vigilância do óbito em Recife no aprimoramento das informações: avaliação ex-ante e ex-post

Abstract Objectives: to evaluate the contribution of the Maternal Mortality and Death Surveillance Committee for women of childbearing age (WCA) and maternal mortality in the magnitude of maternal mortality and in the qualification of the causes of death in Recife, Brazil. Methods: ex ante/ex post evaluation, ecological, of the annual indicators of mortality of WCA, maternal and case study of declared maternal deaths according to causes of death before and after surveillance. Deaths of WCA (2010 and 2017) were analyzed. The percentage of investigation of deaths of WCA was calculated; their rates and maternal mortality ratio (MMR) were estimated; the groups of causes of death, classification of death, the moment of death, the proportional variation before and after surveillance, and the relocation of the causes after this process were described. Results: 4.327 (97.0%) of deaths of WCA were investigated (increase of 40.7% of maternal deaths) and MMR of 62.9/100 thousand live births. Improved notifications of immediate/late (75.0%) and remote (300.0%) postpartum; there was a difference in direct obstetric causes, total maternal deaths and late maternal death (p<0.001). Conclusion: the surveillance and the Maternal Mortality Committee showed potential in identifying the magnitude and qualification of causes of maternal death in order to propose the interventions directed to obstetric care.

Resumo Objetivos: avaliar a contribuição do Comitê de Mortalidade Materna e da Vigilância do Óbito de mulheres em idade fértil (MIF) e materno na magnitude da mortalidade materna e na qualificação das causas dos óbitos no Recife, Brasil. Métodos: avaliação ex ante/ex post, ecológico, dos indicadores anuais de mortalidade de MIF, materna e estudo de caso de óbitos maternos declarados segundo causas de morte antes e após a vigilância. Analisaram-se óbitos de MIF (2010-2017) e calculou-se o percentual de investigação; estimaram-se suas taxas e a razão de mortalidade materna (RMM); descreveram-se: grupos de causa, classificação e momento do óbito, variação proporcional antes e após a vigilância/análise do comitê e a realocação das causas após esse processo. Resultados: investigou-se 4.327 (97,0%) dos óbitos de MIF (incremento de 40,7% das mortes maternas), e RMM de 62,9/100 mil nascidos vivos; melhoraram as notificações do puerpério imediato/ tardio (75,0%) e remoto (300,0%); houve diferença nas causas obstétricas diretas, total de óbitos maternos e morte materna tardia (p<0,001). Conclusão: mostrou-se o potencial da vigilância e do Comitê de Mortalidade Materna na identificação da magnitude e qualificação das causas de morte materna para proposição de medidas direcionadas aos cuidados obstétricos.

Trajetória acadêmica da Profa. Ana Marlúcia Oliveira: contribuições para o campo da alimentação e nutrição no Brasil / Academic trajectory of Prof. Ana Marlúcia Oliveira: contributions to the field of food and nutrition in Brazil

RESUMO São apresentadas neste artigo as principais contribuições acadêmicas da Profa. Marlúcia Oliveira (AMO) (in memoriam), nutricionista, docente da Escola de Nutrição da Universidade Federal da Bahia, Doutora em Epidemiologia e Pesquisadora A do Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPQ), no período de 1980 a 2021. A Profa. Ana acumulou, ao longo de sua carreira acadêmica, artigos científicos publicados em periódicos nacionais e internacionais; livro e capítulos de livro de sua autoria; trabalhos apresentados em eventos científicos, além de ter orientado projetos de iniciação científica, dissertações e teses. Coordenou vários projetos de pesquisa no campo da alimentação e nutrição em saúde coletiva, com foco na epidemiologia nutricional. O escopo dos assuntos abordados na sua produção científica expressou a inquietude que a mobilizava em torno da produção de conhecimentos para o enfrentamento dos complexos problemas de saúde e nutrição do Brasil. Sua forma de ser no mundo, acolhendo e cuidando das pessoas que se aproximavam em busca de oportunidades de qualificação, seu exemplo, suas palavras e ensinamentos influenciaram, e ainda influenciam, a trajetória e a formação de nutricionistas e de professores e pesquisadores na Escola de Nutrição da Universidade Federal da Bahia (ENUFBA) e em outras instituições nacionais e internacionais. Trata-se de uma pesquisadora e intelectual brasileira comprometida com a saúde das populações mais vulneráveis e com o combate contra a desnutrição e a fome no nosso país. Sua vasta e fecunda obra nos deixou um legado a ser lembrado e continuado. Alguns dos seus amigos, colegas e colaboradores prestam este tributo à sua memória e ao legado que ela deixou para todos nós e para as próximas gerações.

RESUMO It will be presented the main academic contributions of Professor Ana Marlúcia Oliveira (AMO) (in memoriam), nutritionist, professor at the School of Nutrition at the Federal University of Bahia, Ph.D. in epidemiology and CNPQ Researcher level A, from 1980 to 2021. Professor Ana accumulated, throughout her academic career, scientific articles published in national and international journals; book and book chapters authored by her; papers presented at scientific events, in addition to guiding scientific projects, dissertations and theses. She has coordinated several research projects in the field of food and nutrition in public health, with a focus on nutritional epidemiology. The scope of the subjects addressed in her scientific production expressed the concern that mobilized her around the production of knowledge to face the complex health and nutrition problems in Brazil. Her way of being in the world, welcoming and caring for people who approached her seeking qualification opportunities, her example, words and teachings influenced, and still influence, the trajectory and training of nutritionists, professors and researchers at ENUFBA and other national and international institutions. She was a Brazilian researcher and intellectual committed to the health of the most vulnerable populations and the fight against malnutrition and hunger in our country. Her wide and fruitful work left us a legacy to be remembered and continued. Some of her friends, colleagues and collaborators pay this tribute to her memory, to her example and to the legacy she left for all of us and future generations.