Determination of the particle size distribution of cube-shaped colloidal perovskite quantum dots from photoluminescence spectra: A combined theoretical-experimental approach.

A theoretical-experimental approach is proposed to convert the photoluminescence spectra of colloidal perovskite quantum dot ensembles into accurate estimates for their intrinsic particle size distribution functions. Two main problems were addressed and properly correlated: the size dependence of the first excitonic transition in a single cube-shaped quantum dot and the inhomogeneous broadening of the fluorescence line shape due to the size nonuniformity of the chemically prepared quantum dot suspension in addition to the single-dot homogeneous broadening. By applying the reported methodology to CsPbBr3 quantum dot samples belonging to the strong and intermediate confinement regimes, the calculated size distributions exhibited close agreement with those obtained from transmission electron microscopy, with precise estimates for the average particle size and standard deviation. Specifically for strongly confined ultrasmall CsPbBr3 quantum dots, the presented spectroscopic model for size distribution computation is based on a new analytical expression for the size-dependent bandgap, which was developed within the framework of the finite-depth square-well effective mass approximation accounting for band nonparabolicity effects. Such a quantum mechanical approach correctly predicts the expected transition to the intermediate confinement regime in sufficiently large quantum dots, which are traditionally described by the well-known bandgap equation in the infinite potential barrier limit with a spatially correlated electron-hole wavefunction and nonparabolic carrier effective masses. The proposed calculation scheme originates from general theoretical considerations so that it can be readily adapted to semiconductor quantum dots of many other systems, from all inorganic metal halides to hybrid perovskite materials, regardless of the adopted chemical synthesis route.

How Mild Is the Mild Long COVID? A Comprehensive Neuropsychological Assessment of Patients with Cognitive Complaints.

The global impact of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic has extended beyond physical health, leading to widespread mental health issues. Beyond respiratory symptoms, there is a growing concern about long-term cognitive effects, particularly in individuals who experienced mild cases of the infection. We aimed to investigate the neuropsychological aspects of long-term COVID-19 in non-hospitalized adults compared with a control group. This cross-sectional study included 42 participants, 22 individuals with a history of mild COVID, and 20 healthy controls. The participants were recruited from the community and underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment. Participants from the mild COVID group reported cognitive symptoms persisting for an average of 203.86 days and presented a higher frequency of psychological treatment history (81.8%) compared with the control group (25.0%). History of anxiety disorders was more prevalent in the mild COVID group (63.6%) than in the control group (20.0%). Significant reductions in verbal working memory were observed in the mild COVID group. Levels of anxiety were found to have a significant impact on difficulties with visual recognition memory. This study reveals important neuropsychological alterations in individuals following mild COVID-19, emphasizing executive functions deficits. Our findings underscore the persistence of these deficits even in non-hospitalized cases, suggesting potential inflammatory mechanisms in the central nervous system. The study highlights the need for comprehensive assessments and targeted interventions to address the diverse cognitive impacts on individuals recovering from COVID-19.

Technical Aspects of Exclusive Transfemoral Route for Total Endovascular Arch Repair: A Custom-Made Device With Only Upward-Facing Inner Branches for Aortic Arch Treatment.

PURPOSE: The purpose was to demonstrate a new arch endograft configuration to allow total endovascular aortic arch repair exclusive from transfemoral approach. TECHNIQUE: The custom-made multi-branched arch endograft (Cook Medical, Bloomington, Indiana) features 3 inner branches (IBs) for supra-aortic vessels incorporation and complete endovascular arch repair. Traditionally, the innominate and left carotid branches are anterograde IBs, requiring upper access for incorporation of these vessels, and the left subclavian branch is an upward-facing IB that can be incorporated from transfemoral access. We report a novel device configuration with only upward-facing IBs, allowing exclusive transfemoral route for total endovascular arch repair. Technical aspects, implantation technique, and limitations are described thoroughly. CONCLUSION: Herein is described an arch endograft configuration that simplifies endovascular aortic arch repair, allowing supra-aortic vessel incorporation through a transfemoral route only. This innovative design may serve as another alternative in selected patients. CLINICAL IMPACT: This innovative endograft design, with only upward-facing inner branches, simplifies the total endovascular aortic arch repair by allowing for a exclusively transfemoral approach. This may reduce procedural complexity and minimizes risks associated with multiple access points. It provides another alternative, particularly beneficial for selected high-risk patients for open repair, potentially expanding the applicability of endovascular treatments for aortic arch pathologies.

Probing the cw-Laser-Induced Fluorescence Enhancement in CsPbBr3 Nanocrystal Thin Films: An Interplay between Photo and Thermal Activation.

Perovskite nanocrystals hold significant promise for a wide range of applications, including solar cells, LEDs, photocatalysts, humidity and temperature sensors, memory devices, and low-cost photodetectors. Such technological potential stems from their exceptional quantum efficiency and charge carrier conduction capability. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms of photoexcitation, such as phase segregation, annealing, and ionic diffusion, remain insufficiently understood. In this context, we harnessed hyperspectral fluorescence microspectroscopy to advance our comprehension of fluorescence enhancement triggered by UV continuous-wave (cw) laser irradiation of CsPbBr3 colloidal nanocrystal thin films. Initially, we explored the kinetics of fluorescence enhancement and observed that its efficiency (φph) correlates with the laser power (P), following the relationship φph = 7.7⟨P⟩0.47±0.02. Subsequently, we estimated the local temperature induced by the laser, utilizing the finite-difference method framework, and calculated the activation energy (Ea) required for fluorescence enhancement to occur. Our findings revealed a very low activation energy, Ea ∼ 9 kJ/mol. Moreover, we mapped the fluorescence photoenhancement by spatial scanning and real-time static mode to determine its microscale length. Below a laser power of 60 µW, the photothermal diffusion length exhibited nearly constant values of approximately (22 ± 5) µm, while a significant increase was observed at higher laser power levels. These results were ascribed to the formation of nanocrystal superclusters within the film, which involves the interparticle spacing reduction, creating the so-called quantum dot solid configuration along with laser-induced annealing for higher laser powers.

"Eu não sei como eu tenho força pra vir na escola": manifestações e implicações do bullying entre adolescentes escolares / "I don't know how I have the strength to come to school: " manifestations and implications of bullying between school adolescents

Resumo Este artigo tem como objetivo compreender, pelo uso do Photovoice, as representações de bullying presentes entre adolescentes escolares do ensino médio. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo, realizado com 54 adolescentes da rede pública de ensino do estado do Paraná, organizados em seis grupos focais. Os dados foram coletados mediante a técnica participativa Photovoice e submetidos à análise de conteúdo proposta por Bardin. Da análise dos dados emergiram três categorias: "Bullying estético, homofóbico e de gênero: estratégias subversivas", "Os efeitos danosos do bullying" e "O diálogo interdisciplinar como estratégia de prevenção e combate ao bullying". Com os resultados, foi possível evidenciar que a prática do bullying acontece a partir das dissonâncias entre agressores e vítimas, com insultos à condição de conformação corporal, orientação sexual, identidade de gênero, entre outros. Por essa razão, é preciso viabilizar ações articuladas entre educação e saúde para o diálogo e escuta a respeito do bullying na comunidade escolar, com vistas a seu enfrentamento, prevenção e proteção, almejando, sobretudo, o respeito e valorização das diferenças.

Abstract This article aims to understand, by using Photovoice, the representations of bulling among high school adolescents. This is a qualitative study, conducted with 54 adolescents from the public school system of the state of Paraná, organized into six focus groups. The data were collected using the Photovoice participatory technique and submitted to content analysis proposed by Bardin. Three categories emerged from the data analysis: "Esthetic, homophobic, and gender bullying: subversive strategies", "The harmful effects of bullying", and "Interdisciplinary dialogue as a strategy to prevent and combat bullying." With the results, it was possible to evidence that the practice of bullying happens from dissonances between aggressors and victims, with insults to the condition of body conformation, sexual orientation, gender identity, among others. For this reason, it is necessary to enable articulated actions between education and health for dialogue and listening about bullying in the school community, with a view to coping with it, prevent it, and protect against it, seeking above all the respect and appreciation of differences.

Neuropsychiatric symptoms as a prodromal factor in Alzheimer's type neurodegenerative disease: a scoping review.

Objective: Identifying neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) can aid in the early detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD); however, there is still a need for a greater consensus. This review aims to delineate the predominant NPS, compile a comprehensive list of the most commonly employed NPS assessment tools, and corroborate the principal findings regarding the link between NPS and neuropsychological assessment and neurobiological substrates. Methods: To conduct this scoping review, we followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews guidelines and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). We searched for relevant articles published between 2017 and 2023 in MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Results: Of the 61 eligible articles, depression, anxiety, and apathy were the main NPSs. The Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire and Neuropsychiatric Inventory were the primary assessment tools used to evaluate NPS. Correlations between NPS severity and neurobiological markers were considered clinically significant. Furthermore, clinical procedures prioritized the use of global cognitive screening tools, assessments of executive functions, and functionality evaluations. Conclusion: Standardization of procedures is necessary because of the diversity of methods. The data show that NPS can predict the etiology, severity, form, and type of disease progression, serving as a precursor sign of AD. The results of the most common cognitive screening tools and NPS instruments provided an interesting overview of future clinical approaches.

Physicochemical properties of ultrasmall colloidal silver nanoparticles: an experimental and computational approach.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) exhibit very interesting properties that have been employed in several kinds of applications spanning from antibacterial activity to plasmon-polaritons generation. Nanoparticle size strongly influences these applications. However, the characterization of ultrasmall AgNPs (particle diameter < 10 nm) encompassing different aspects such as average size, polydispersion, shape (anisotropy), concentration, and density remains a challenging task. To address these challenges, we combined TEM measurements with a computational framework based on Mie-Gans theory. This allowed us to describe the aforementioned AgNP features accurately. The synthesis of AgNPs in an aqueous medium involved the use of silver nitrate as a chemical precursor and sodium borohydride as a reducing agent, with polyvinylpyrrolidone acting as a stabilizing agent. Our outcomes showed that increasing the concentration of the precursor and reducing agent with a fixed 1 : 2 molar ratio tends to yield ultrasmall AgNPs with low to moderate polydispersion, a nearly spherical shape (low anisotropy), concentration in the nanomolar range and density close to silver bulk. Also, we established an analytical expression that correlates the extinction molar absorptivity to AgNP size considering the nanoparticle shape. Notably, the computational framework proved to be highly effective in extracting crucial information about the AgNPs from UV-vis spectroscopy data. In conclusion, our study sheds light on the unique properties of ultrasmall AgNPs and presents a comprehensive approach for properly characterizing these nanoparticles, paving the way for further advancements in their applications.

Urgent Juxtarenal Aortic Aneurysm Repair With Modified Off-the-shelf Endograft to Preserve Intercostal Arteries and Branch Incorporation by Transfemoral Access.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate the feasibility of the modification to preserve intercostal arteries of the t-Branch Endograft (Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN) in an urgent setting, associated with a less invasive approach for branch incorporation from percutaneous femoral access with steerable sheaths. TECHNIQUE: A 73-year-old female patient presented at our institution with intense abdominal pain. Angiotomography showed a 50-mm juxtarenal aortic aneurysm, with no signs of rupture. Urgent endovascular repair was indicated due to abdominal symptom with an off-the-shelf multi-branched endograft. To limit descending thoracic aortic coverage, we performed t-Branch modification to preserve intercostal arteries and minimize the risk of spinal cord injury, associated with a percutaneous transfemoral approach and branch incorporation with steerable sheaths to avoid the risks associated with a superior axillary or brachial access. Control angiotomography showed adequate aneurysm sac exclusion with patency of all four visceral vessels. CONCLUSION: t-Branch-modified endograft to limit aortic coverage is an alternative option in urgent cases to diminish the risk of spinal cord injury, and association of steerable sheaths with branch incorporation is leading complex aortic repairs to an even less invasive procedure. CLINICAL IMPACT: This paper highlights the possibility of performing complex endovascular aortic repair in an urgent setting with modification of an off-the-shelf multi branched endograft limiting intercostal arteries coverage, thereby diminishing the risk of spinal cord ischemia. This technical innovation provides an alternative for clinicians when treating large, rapidly expanding, or symptomatic juxtarenal, pararenal, paravisceral or type 4 thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms that could not wait for a custom-made device and do not need extensive thoracic aortic coverage that an off-the-shelf device provides. In summary, expand the possibilities of an endovascular repair of complex aortic aneurysms.

Hospital Dermatology: analysis of dermatological consultations in a tertiary teaching hospital.

BACKGROUND: In hospital settings, dermatology can offer substantial clinical support for the diagnosis and management of skin conditions, reducing morbidity and mortality. Thus, the study aimed to analyze the profile of referrals and consultations performed by the Dermatology Service of the Santa Casa de Misericordia de Porto Alegre, from August 2018 to January 2020. METHODS: This study is descriptive, quantitative, and retrospective, conducted through data collection and review of medical records and referrals. The variables included were clinical data of referrals, in-patients profiles, dermatological diagnoses, complementary exams, therapeutic conduct, and recommended follow-ups. RESULTS: A total of 1020 referrals were analyzed, which resulted in 641 consultations (328 men, 313 women). The most prevalent skin disease groups were 'Dermatitis and Eczema' (33.1%) and 'Other infectious skin diseases (21.8%), while the most frequent ICD-10 were 'Drug eruptions - L27' (9.9%) and 'Other and unspecified dermatitis - L30' (6.6%). Corticoids were the most recommended treatments (27.7%), followed by antifungals (13.1%). 'Consultation Discharge' (44%) and 'Outpatient' Dermatology follow-up (27%) were the most frequent causes for ending consultation. STUDY LIMITATIONS: Among the study limitations, the authors highlight its retrospective nature, with data analysis based on referrals and medical records, which may present inaccurate or incomplete information. In addition to this, the study may demonstrate a certain degree of subjectivity due to the review and interpretation process conducted by the researchers. However, the definition of objective criteria based on previous studies attenuates such possible bias. Furthermore, considering that the Dermatology teams are composed of a preceptor dermatologist and residents, the established diagnoses were not submitted to third-party verification, except in the cases of skin biopsies and cultures. Thus, the professional's experience and skills may have influenced the dermatological diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS: These findings underlie the importance of Dermatology in hospital assistance, contributing to the management of a wide range of skin conditions.

Molecular MR Imaging of Renal Fibrogenesis in Mice.

BACKGROUND: In most CKDs, lysyl oxidase oxidation of collagen forms allysine side chains, which then form stable crosslinks. We hypothesized that MRI with the allysine-targeted probe Gd-oxyamine (OA) could be used to measure this process and noninvasively detect renal fibrosis. METHODS: Two mouse models were used: hereditary nephritis in Col4a3-deficient mice (Alport model) and a glomerulonephritis model, nephrotoxic nephritis (NTN). MRI measured the difference in kidney relaxation rate, ΔR1, after intravenous Gd-OA administration. Renal tissue was collected for biochemical and histological analysis. RESULTS: ΔR1 was increased in the renal cortex of NTN mice and in both the cortex and the medulla of Alport mice. Ex vivo tissue analyses showed increased collagen and Gd-OA levels in fibrotic renal tissues and a high correlation between tissue collagen and ΔR1. CONCLUSIONS: Magnetic resonance imaging using Gd-OA is potentially a valuable tool for detecting and staging renal fibrogenesis.

Effect of body position and external ankle load on the pendulum test in adults.

BACKGROUND: The pendulum test is commonly used to measure passive stiffness about the knee in healthy and clinical populations. While most studies used an upright position, some studies explored different body positions, particularly with children. Additionally, including external ankle load increases the passive motion of the lower leg in children with Down syndrome. Does combining body position and ankle loading affect joint kinematics and muscle activity of the knee extensors during the pendulum test? METHODS: Twenty young adults participated in this study. Three body positions were included: 90-dgree upright, 45-degree incline, and 0-degree supine. Three load conditions were tested: no load (0%), and ankle loads equal to 3% and 6% of the subject's body mass. This resulted in a total of 9 conditions. Five trials were collected for each condition. RESULTS: The upright position elicited a greater number of leg swings and a longer duration of the first knee flexion, while the incline position produced a higher relaxation index. Both ankle load conditions (3% and 6%) increased the magnitude of the first flexion excursion and relaxation index, and the 6% condition produced greater kinematic variables than the 3% load condition. Neither body position nor ankle load elicited muscle activity of the quadriceps. CONCLUSIONS: Body position and external ankle load can affect the kinematics of leg swing during the pendulum test in healthy young adults. Particularly, ankle loads may increase passive motion about the knee. However, we wonder whether small differences across body positions would be clinically relevant.

Evaluation of the SEVERITY of FACIAL and GENERAL TRAUMA in child and adolescent victims of traffic accidents.

•Evaluation of the FISS and TRISS SpO2 to obtain greater rigor in a standardized epidemiological profile of injury severity.•More accurate determination of trauma severity in child and adolescent victims of traffic accidents for improved urgency and emergency care.•Relation between the scales allows for better decisions on patient hospitalization, adequate treatment and the prevention of irreversible injuries.

Preparo dos pais para a desospitalização de crianças em uso de traqueostomia e gastrostomia / Preparación de los padres para la deshospitalización de niños en uso de traqueostomía y gastrostomía / Parents' preparation for the dehospitalization of children using tracheostomy and gastrostomy

RESUMO Objetivo: relatar a experiência de uma ação educativa para o preparo dos pais para a desospitalização de crianças em uso de traqueostomia e gastrostomia. Método: relato de experiência sobre uma ação educativa, que é parte de um Programa de Treinamento de um hospital público de alta complexidade referência em pediatria, no período de dezembro de 2017 a dezembro de 2018. Resultados: o preparo dos responsáveis para a desospitalização de crianças em uso de traqueostomia e gastrostomia foi feito a partir de 5 etapas: 1) Instruções aos pais; 2) Treinamento dos pais para manuseio do dispositivo utilizado pela criança; 3) Manipulação dos dispositivos pelos pais sob supervisão do enfermeiro; 4) Feedback oferecido pela Enfermagem; e 5) Avaliação da ação educativa. Considerações finais: Acredita-se que a educação terapêutica fornecida aos envolvidos contribuiu na qualificação do cuidado à criança em uso de traqueostomia e gastrostomia, favorecendo sua qualidade de vida e reduzindo as intercorrências domiciliares relacionadas ao manuseio inadequado dos dispositivos em questão.

resumen Objetivo: relatar la experiencia de una acción educativa para la preparación de los padres para la deshospitalización de niños en uso de traqueostomía y gastrostomía. Método: relato de experiencia sobre una acción educativa, que hace parte de un Programa de Entrenamiento de un hospital público de alta complejidad referencia en pediatría, en el período de diciembre de 2017 a diciembre de 2018. Resultados: la preparación de los responsables para la deshospitalización de niños en uso de traqueostomía y gastrostomía se hizo a partir de 5 etapas: 1) Instrucciones a los padres; 2) Entrenamiento de los padres para manejo del dispositivo utilizado por el niño; 3) Manipulación de los dispositivos por los padres bajo supervisión del enfermero; 4) Feedback ofrecido por la Enfermería; y 5) Evaluación de la acción educativa. Consideraciones finales: Se cree que la educación terapéutica proporcionada a los involucrados contribuyó en la calificación del cuidado del niño en uso de traqueostomía y gastrostomía, favoreciendo su calidad de vida y reduciendo las complicaciones domiciliarias relacionadas con el manejo inadecuado de los dispositivos en cuestión.

ABSTRACT Objective: to report the experience of an educational action for the preparation of parents for the dehospitalization of children using tracheostomy and gastrostomy. Method: experience report on an educational action, which is part of a Training Program of a public hospital of high complexity reference in pediatrics, from December 2017 to December 2018. Results: the preparation of those responsible for the dehospitalization of children using tracheostomy and gastrostomy was made from 5 stages: 1) Instructions to parents; 2) Training of parents to handle the device used by the child; 3) Manipulation of the devices by parents under the supervision of the nurse; 4) Feedback offered by Nursing; and 5) Evaluation of educational action. Final considerations: It is believed that the therapeutic education provided to those involved contributed to the qualification of care for children using tracheostomy and gastrostomy, favoring their quality of life and reducing home complications related to inadequate handling of the devices in question.

Hospital Dermatology: analysis of dermatological consultations in a tertiary teaching hospital

Abstract Background In hospital settings, dermatology can offer substantial clinical support for the diagnosis and management of skin conditions, reducing morbidity and mortality. Thus, the study aimed to analyze the profile of referrals and consultations performed by the Dermatology Service of the Santa Casa de Misericordia de Porto Alegre, from August 2018 to January 2020. Methods This study is descriptive, quantitative, and retrospective, conducted through data collection and review of medical records and referrals. The variables included were clinical data of referrals, in-patients profiles, dermatological diagnoses, complementary exams, therapeutic conduct, and recommended follow-ups. Results A total of 1020 referrals were analyzed, which resulted in 641 consultations (328 men, 313 women). The most prevalent skin disease groups were 'Dermatitis and Eczema' (33.1%) and 'Other infectious skin diseases (21.8%), while the most frequent ICD-10 were 'Drug eruptions - L27' (9.9%) and 'Other and unspecified dermatitis - L30' (6.6%). Corticoids were the most recommended treatments (27.7%), followed by antifungals (13.1%). 'Consultation Discharge' (44%) and 'Outpatient' Dermatology follow-up (27%) were the most frequent causes for ending consultation. Study limitations Among the study limitations, the authors highlight its retrospective nature, with data analysis based on referrals and medical records, which may present inaccurate or incomplete information. In addition to this, the study may demonstrate a certain degree of subjectivity due to the review and interpretation process conducted by the researchers. However, the definition of objective criteria based on previous studies attenuates such possible bias. Furthermore, considering that the Dermatology teams are composed of a preceptor dermatologist and residents, the established diagnoses were not submitted to third-party verification, except in the cases of skin biopsies and cultures. Thus, the professional's experience and skills may have influenced the dermatological diagnoses. Conclusions These findings underlie the importance of Dermatology in hospital assistance, contributing to the management of a wide range of skin conditions.

Sífilis gestacional y congénita en el Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell, 2020-2021 / Gestational and congenital syphilis at a children Hospital Center Pereira Rossell, 2020-2021 / Sifilis gestacional e congênita no Centro Hospitalar Pereira Rossell, 2020-2021

Introducción: la sífilis congénita es una entidad grave, que ocurre en recién nacidos de gestantes con sífilis no tratada o tratada inadecuadamente, que puede conducir a resultados adversos en el feto como abortos, óbitos, partos prematuros, bajo peso al nacer, infecciones sistémicas graves y muerte. Constituye un importante problema de salud pública a pesar de la disponibilidad de intervenciones costo-efectivas para evitar la transmisión materno fetal. Objetivos: determinar la prevalencia de sífilis gestacional e incidencia de sífilis congénita en el Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell en el periodo marzo 2020 - marzo 2021, año en el que se declaró la pandemia por COVID-19. Material y métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo en al cual fueron incluidas las mujeres embarazadas con diagnóstico de sífilis gestacional y neonatos con sífilis congénita. Resultados: se registró una prevalencia de sífilis gestacional de 27,5/1000 embarazadas y una incidencia de sífilis congénita de 1,37/1000 nacidos vivos. De los 161 recién nacidos 78 (48,4%) fueron considerados de alto riesgo de sífilis connatal por lo cual recibieron tratamiento y su internación se prolongó. Se observó un alto porcentaje de embarazos mal controlados y un bajo nivel de tratamiento a las parejas sexuales. Conclusiones: la prevalencia de sífilis gestacional en el Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell, en el período marzo 2020-marzo 2021, año de la pandemia por COVID-19; fue de 27,5/1000 embarazadas. Se confirmó aumento de la prevalencia con respecto al 20,8% reportado anteriormente. La incidencia de SC fue de 1,37/1000 nacidos vivos. Concomitante se observó una disminución en el control del embarazo y escaso tratamiento de las parejas sexuales. Se constata que aumentó el porcentaje de neonatos con alto riesgo de padecer sífilis connatal.

Introduction: syphilis is a preventable and treatable sexually transmitted disease that is a major public health problem. Transmission to the fetus, congenital syphilis, is serious and it is also the cause of abortions and deaths. Early and timely maternal diagno sis is a fundamental prevention tool. Objectives: to determine the prevalence of gestational syphilis and the incidence of congenital syphilis in the Pereira Rossell Hospital Center in the period March 2020-March 2021, the year in which the COVID-19 pandemic was declared. Material and Methods: an observational, descriptive study was carried out in which pregnant women diagnosed with gestational syphilis and neonates with congenital syphilis were included. Results: a prevalence of gestational syphilis of 27.5/1000 pregnant women and an incidence of congenital syphilis of 1.37/1000 live births were recorded of the 161 newborns, 78 (48.4%) of the neonates were considered to be at high risk of connatal syphilis, for which they received treatment and their hospital stay was prolonged. A high percentage of poorly controlled pregnancies and a low level of treatment for sexual partners were observed. Conclusions: the prevalence of gestational syphilis maintained an upward trend at the Pereira Rossell Hospital Center during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, mainly due to a significant decrease in pregnancy control, poor treatment of sexual partners and a high percentage of patients at high risk of unconfirmed connatal syphilis. After the first year of the COVID-19 Pandemic this rising trend still remains.

Introduccción: a sífilis é uma doença sexualmente transmissível, prevenível e tratável, que constitui um importante problema de saúde pública. Sua transmissão para o feto constitui uma entidade grave, a sífilis congênita, que é a causa de abortos e mortes. O diagnóstico materno precoce e oportuno é uma ferramenta fundamental de prevenção. Objetivos: determinar a prevalência de sífilis gestacional e incidência de sífilis congênita no Centro Hospitalar Pereira Rossell no período de março de 2020 a março de 2021, ano em que foi declarada a pandemia de COVID-19. Materiais e métodos: foi realizado um estudo observacional, descritivo, no qual foram incluídas gestantes com diagnóstico de sífilis gestacional e neonatos com sífilis congênita. Resultados: houve prevalência de sífilis gestacional de 27,5/1000 gestantes e incidência de sífilis congênita de 1,37/1000 nascidos vivos. Dos 161 recém nascidos, 78 (48,4%) dos neonatos foram considerados de alto risco para sífilis conatal para os quais receberam tratamento e sua internação foi prolongada. Observouse elevado percentual de gestações mal controladas e baixo nível de tratamento dos parceiros sexuais. Conclusões: a prevalência de sífilis gestacional no Centro Hospitalar Pereira Rossell no primeiro ano da pandemia de COVID-19 manteve a tendência ascendente, maiormente devido à diminuição significativa do controle da gravidez, mau tratamento dos parceiros sexuais e alta porcentagem de pacientes com alto risco de sífilis congênita não confirmada. A tendência ascendente ainda continua depois do primeiro ano da pandemia.

Doação e transplante de órgãos e tecidos: concepções de adolescentes escolares pelo uso do photovoice / Organ and tissue donation and transplantation: school adolescents' conceptions through the use of photovoice / Donación y trasplante de órganos y tejidos: concepciones de adolescentes escolares mediante el uso de fotovoz

Este artigo objetivou compreender as concepções de adolescentes escolares sobre a doação e transplante de órgãos e tecidos. Trata-se de um estudo participativo, descritivo, de natureza qualitativa, desenvolvido com 60 adolescentes escolares do ensino médio da rede pública de ensino do Estado do Paraná. A coleta de dados foi realizada em julho de 2018, com auxílio da técnica Photovoice, e os dados foram analisados na óptica da análise de conteúdo de Bardin. Dos 60 adolescentes, 38 eram meninas (63,3%) e 22 eram meninos (36,7%), sendo a faixa etária dos 16 anos a prevalente (38,3%). Foram selecionadas nove imagens para compor o corpus fotográfico, que deram origem a quatro categorias: com a doação de órgãos existe uma certa união; um gesto de humildade que salva muitas vidas; ter a esperança de que no outro dia alguém pode vir e fazer uma doação e; a real importância de se formar doadores de órgãos. Constatou-se que promover a conscientização para doação e transplante de órgãos e tecidos, principalmente em grupos ativos na sociedade, como os adolescentes escolares, é fundamental para disseminação de informações seguras, construção de novos paradigmas e transformação de concepções e comportamentos.

This article aimed to understand the conceptions of adolescent students about organ and tissue donation and transplantation. This is a participatory, descriptive, qualitative study, developed with 60 high school teenagers from public schools in the State of Paraná. Data collection was carried out in July 2018, with the aid of the Photovoice technique, and the data were analyzed from the perspective of Bardin's content analysis. Of the 60 adolescents, 38 were girls (63.3%) and 22 were boys (36.7%), with the age group of 16 years being the most prevalent (38.3%). Nine images were selected to compose the photographic corpus, which gave rise to four categories: with organ donation there is a certain union; a gesture of humility that saves many lives; hope that the next day someone can come and make a donation and; the real importance of training organ donors. It was found that promoting awareness of organ and tissue donation and transplantation, especially in groups that are active in society, such as school adolescents, is essential for disseminating reliable information, building new paradigms and transforming concepts and behaviors.

Este artículo tuvo como objetivo comprender las concepciones de los adolescentes escolares sobre la donación y el trasplante de órganos y tejidos. Se trata de un estudio participativo, descriptivo y cualitativo, desarrollado con 60 adolescentes de enseñanza media de escuelas públicas del Estado de Paraná. La recolección de datos se llevó a cabo en julio de 2018, con la ayuda de la técnica Photovoice, y los datos fueron analizados desde la perspectiva del análisis de contenido de Bardin. De los 60 adolescentes, 38 eran chicas (63,3%) y 22 eran chicos (36,7%), siendo el grupo de edad de 16 años el más prevalente (38,3%). Se seleccionaron nueve imágenes para componer el corpus fotográfico, que dieron lugar a cuatro categorías: con la donación de órganos hay una cierta unión; un gesto de humildad que salva muchas vidas; la esperanza de que al día siguiente alguien pueda venir a hacer una donación y; la importancia real de la formación de donantes de órganos. Se constató que la promoción de la concientización sobre la donación y el trasplante de órganos y tejidos, especialmente en grupos activos en la sociedad, como los adolescentes escolares, es fundamental para difundir informaciones confiables, construir nuevos paradigmas y transformar conceptos y comportamientos.

Size-dependent photoinduced transparency in colloidal CdTe quantum dots in the strong confinement regime: an inverse linear relationship.

Nanomaterials have been investigated as saturable absorbers for ultrafast lasers because of their large photoinduced transparency related to ground-state bleaching. However, the quantum dot size effect on the photoinduced transparency in the strong confinement regime has not been explored due to the challenge of accurately measuring the ground state and the excited-state absorption cross-sections. At the same time, these optical properties are essential to calculate several chemical and physical quantities at the nanoscale. In this context, we have employed the photoluminescence saturation method to determine the ground-state absorption cross-section and the femtosecond open-aperture Z-scan technique to investigate the size-dependent ground-state bleaching of glutathione-capped CdTe QDs synthesized in an aqueous medium. The results were modeled using rate equations within the three-energy levels approach. Our results pointed out that the photoinduced transparency rate at the 1S3/2(h) → 1S(e) transition peak presents an inverse linear relationship with the QD diameter (from 2.2 nm up to 3 nm). Otherwise, the larger QDs have a higher ground-state cross-section, which is directly proportional to the ground-state bleaching. To explain this apparent contradiction, we calculate the effective absorption coefficient αeff = σ/V (σ is the absorption cross section and V is the QD volume) for the QDs and observed that the smaller QDs have a higher absorption from the ground to the first excited state, corroborating our results. Finally, our results showed that the saturable absorption effect in CdTe-QDs is slightly higher than that obtained for graphene and other 2D materials and smaller than the black phosphorus in the visible region.

Size-Dependent Photobleaching Mechanism and Kinetics Induced by Nanosecond Laser Pulses in Colloidal Semiconductor Quantum Dots.

An experimental-theoretical approach is proposed to investigate the size-dependent photobleaching of colloidal semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) excited by a nanosecond pulsed laser. In the experimental background, the ground-state absorption and photoluminescence (PL) spectra of chemically prepared QDs are monitored over an excitation time at distinct laser irradiances. The magnitude of photobleaching in the QD solution is quantified by the decay rate of the PL signal as a function of the excitation time and the laser power. A theoretical spectroscopy model is then used to estimate the particle size distribution (PSD) in colloidal solution from the absorption data generated at different laser powers. The resulting evolution of the PSD of the QD ensemble under irradiation is analyzed in terms of classical crystallization theories dealing with the formation, growth, and dissolution of colloidal particles in a supersaturated medium. The QD response to laser irradiation is also interpreted by a simple mechanical model that correlates the photoinduced hydrostatic strain at the solid/liquid interface and the predicted variation of the mean particle size. The reported experimental and theoretical methods are used to completely elucidate the basic physico-chemical processes responsible for the laser-induced photobleaching kinetics of glutathione-capped CdTe aqueous QDs with very small mean sizes. For this purpose, we synthesized a series of colloidal QD samples with mean particle diameters ranging from 1.95 to 2.68 nm. Our results indicate that a faster photobleaching rate occurs in QD samples with smaller sizes in which particle dissolution under laser irradiation is predominant. On the other hand, the photobleaching rate becomes slower in samples with larger dot sizes, possibly due to the formation of core/shell structures in solution via thermal degradation of thiol ligands either during the chemical synthesis or as a consequence of the subsequent interaction with the excitation laser.

Quantum Statistical Complexity Measure as a Signaling of Correlation Transitions.

We introduce a quantum version for the statistical complexity measure, in the context of quantum information theory, and use it as a signaling function of quantum order-disorder transitions. We discuss the possibility for such transitions to characterize interesting physical phenomena, as quantum phase transitions, or abrupt variations in correlation distributions. We apply our measure on two exactly solvable Hamiltonian models: the 1D-Quantum Ising Model (in the single-particle reduced state), and on Heisenberg XXZ spin-1/2 chain (in the two-particle reduced state). We analyze its behavior across quantum phase transitions for finite system sizes, as well as in the thermodynamic limit by using Bethe Ansatz technique.