Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface water of rivers in Sergipe State, Brazil: A comprehensive analysis of sources, spatial and temporal variation, and ecotoxicological risk.

This study conducted in Sergipe State, Brazil, aimed to investigate the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the surface water of five rivers, determining their sources, spatial and temporal variations, and ecotoxicological risks. Correlation and principal component analyses were utilized to identify the relationship between PAH concentrations and water sample properties. Results indicated higher PAH concentrations during the rainy season, attributed to increased run-off and sediment resuspension. The composition of PAHs suggested a main petroleum source with organic material combustion in minor scale. Ecological risk assessment revealed potential risks to the ecosystem, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring of PAHs pollution. This study highlights the importance of understanding and mitigating PAHs contamination in rivers to protect aquatic ecosystems.

Nitric oxide involvement in the disability and active disease of multiple sclerosis: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and immune-mediated disease of unknown etiology and leading to a physical and cognitive disability. Different studies suggest that nitrosative stress may play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis and disability in MS. Besides, reports evaluated NO and their metabolites, expressed by nitrite and nitrate (NOx) levels of MS patients compared with other pathologies, but did not evaluate disability and relapse/remission phases. OBJECTIVE: Thus, this study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of NOx levels in MS patients in relapse/remission phases and its involvement in patient disability. METHODS: The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022327161). We used GRADE to estimate the articles' quality and evaluated the publication bias using Egger's and Begg's tests. RESULTS: Here, through a search in the Pubmed, Scopus, and EMBASE databases, 5.276 studies were found, and after the selection process, 20 studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The studies included data from 1.474 MS patients and 1.717 healthy controls, 1.010 RRMS and 221 primary progressive MS (PPMS). CONCLUSION: NOx levels are increased in relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients in the relapse phase. Also, NOx levels were increased in MS patients with higher disability. However, further studies are still needed to control lifestyle habits, pain, and MS treatment effects in biased NOx levels.

Activation of M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors by proline-rich oligopeptide 7a (Bothrops jararaca snake venom rescues oxidative stress-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells.

Background: The bioactive peptides derived from snake venoms of the Viperidae family species have been promising as therapeutic candidates for neuroprotection due to their ability to prevent neuronal cell loss, injury, and death. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the cytoprotective effects of a synthetic proline-rich oligopeptide 7a (PRO-7a;

Cooling supply with a new type of evacuated solar collectors: a techno-economic optimization and analysis.

Renewable cooling via absorption chillers being supplied by various green heat technologies such as solar collectors has been widely studied in the literature, but it is still challenging to get positive economic outcomes from such systems due to the large expenses of solar thermal systems. This study offers the use of a new generation of solar collectors, so-called eccentric reflective solar collectors, for driving single-effect absorption chillers and thereby reducing the levelized cost of cooling. This article develops the most optimal design of this system (based on several different scenarios) using multi-objective optimization techniques and employs them for a case study in Brazil to assess its proficiency compared to conventional solar-driven cooling methods. For making the benchmarking analyses fair, the conventional system is also rigorously optimized in terms of design and operation features. The results show that the eccentric solar collector would enhance the cost-effectiveness by 29%. In addition, using optimally sized storage units would be necessary to get acceptable economic performance from the system, no matter which collector type is used. For the case study, at the optimal sizing and operating conditions, the levelized cost of cooling will be 124 USD/MWh and an emission level of 18.97 kgCO2/MWh.

Gynaecological cancer incidence and mortality trends in a Brazilian State with medium human development index: A 22-year analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyse trends in incidence and mortality rates of gynaecological cancer (GC) in Sergipe, a medium Human Development Index (HDI) state in northeastern Brazil during 1996-2017. METHODS: Data were obtained from the Population-based Cancer Registry of Aracaju and Brazilian Mortality Information System database. We included vulvar (VUC), vaginal (VAC), cervical (CC), uterine (UC; C54-C55), ovarian (OC), placental (PC), and unspecified female genital organ cancers. Crude rates, and age-standardised incidence and mortality rates (ASIR and ASMR, respectively) were calculated using a denominator of 100,000 women. We assessed changes in trends using the annual percentage change (APC) and the average APC (AAPC), using the Joinpoint Regression Program. RESULTS: From 1996-2017, GC ASIR exhibited a declining trend (AAPC: -3.1), while ASMR increased (AAPC: 2.1). CC had the highest ASIR and ASMR over the years, ranging from 11.6 to 34.3 cases and 4.2-9.0 deaths per 100,000, respectively. Annual decreases in ASIR were observed for CC (AAPC: -5.2) and VAC (AAPC: -5.5). OC saw an increase in mortality rates (AAPC: 1.9; 1996-2017), and CC experienced an increase during 1996-2003 (APC: 6.9). VUC displayed a substantial rise in ASMR from 2001 to 2009 (APC: 27.1), followed by a decrease (APC: -11.3). An increase in mortality trends for UC was observed during 1996-2004 (APC: 10.0), while its ASIR remained relatively unchanged over the years. CONCLUSION: While overall GC incidence trends declined, mortality rates either increased or failed to decrease significantly. Therefore, additional efforts are required to enhance prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies, aimed at reducing and managing the burden of GC in the future.

Activation of M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors by proline-rich oligopeptide 7a (

Background: The bioactive peptides derived from snake venoms of the Viperidae family species have been promising as therapeutic candidates for neuroprotection due to their ability to prevent neuronal cell loss, injury, and death. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the cytoprotective effects of a synthetic proline-rich oligopeptide 7a (PRO-7a; <EDGPIPP) from Bothrops jararaca snake, on oxidative stress-induced toxicity in neuronal PC12 cells and astrocyte-like C6 cells. Methods: Both cells were pre-treated for four hours with different concentrations of PRO-7a, submitted to H2O2-induced damage for 20 h, and then the oxidative stress markers were analyzed. Also, two independent neuroprotective mechanisms were investigated: a) L-arginine metabolite generation via argininosuccinate synthetase (AsS) activity regulation to produce agmatine or polyamines with neuroprotective properties; b) M1 mAChR receptor subtype activation pathway to reduce oxidative stress and neuron injury. Results: PRO-7a was not cytoprotective in C6 cells, but potentiated the H2O2-induced damage to cell integrity at a concentration lower than 0.38 μM. However, PRO-7a at 1.56 µM, on the other hand, modified H2O2-induced toxicity in PC12 cells by restoring cell integrity, mitochondrial metabolism, ROS generation, and arginase indirect activity. The α-Methyl-DL-aspartic acid (MDLA) and L-NΩ-Nitroarginine methyl ester (L-Name), specific inhibitors of AsS and nitric oxide synthase (NOS), which catalyzes the synthesis of polyamines and NO from L-arginine, did not suppress PRO-7a-mediated cytoprotection against oxidative stress. It suggested that its mechanism is independent of the production of L-arginine metabolites with neuroprotective properties by increased AsS activity. On the other hand, the neuroprotective effect of PRO-7a was blocked in the presence of dicyclomine hydrochloride (DCH), an M1 mAChR antagonist. Conclusions: For the first time, this work provides evidence that PRO-7a-induced neuroprotection seems to be mediated through M1 mAChR activation in PC12 cells, which reduces oxidative stress independently of AsS activity and L-arginine bioavailability.(AU)

Waste incineration and heat recovery hybridized with low-focus fresnel lens solar collectors for sustainable multi-generation; A thorough techno-economic-environmental analysis and optimization.

Biomass, including municipal solid waste, and solar energy are two of the inevitable sources for future decarbonized energy systems. Fresnel lens thermal collectors using cheap micro-structured foils is an interesting emerging medium-temperature solar thermal design that might be of high practical value, provided that its fluctuating output is managed. This study proposes a hybrid solar-waste solution using this type of collector for multi-generation via an Organic Rankine Cycle. The cycle is specially designed for supplying low-grade heat, power, and industrial heat (which is a very critical sector to be decarbonized) taking advantage of the generated stable solar-waste medium-temperature heat at zero emission level. To achieve this optimal design, the article conducts a thorough energy-exergy-economic-environment (4E) analysis of the system and employs the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA II) for the optimizations. A benchmarking analysis is also conducted to show the importance of industrial heat supply in this cycle. The results show that this hybridization, owing to the cheap and flexible heat delivery of the waste incinerator as well as the low cost of the solar collectors, is very effective for efficient and cheap multi-generation. Especially for industrial heat supply, the competitive levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of 23.96 €/MWh is obtained, which is way lower than today's achievable costs in the industry.

A novel highly specific biotinylated MAC-ELISA for detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antigen IgM antibodies during the acute phase of COVID-19.

The gold standard for diagnosing COVID-19 in the acute phase is RT-qPCR. However, this molecular technique can yield false-negative results when nasopharyngeal swab collection is not conducted during viremia. To mitigate this challenge, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) identifies anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM antibodies in the initial weeks after symptom onset, facilitating early COVID-19 diagnosis. This study introduces a novel and highly specific IgM antibody capture ELISA (MAC-ELISA), which utilizes biotinylated recombinant SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) antigen produced in plants. Our biotinylated approach streamlines the procedure by eliminating the requirement for an anti-N-conjugated antibody, circumventing the need for peroxidase-labeled antigens, and preventing cross-reactivity with IgM autoantibodies such as rheumatoid factor. Performance evaluation of the assay involved assessing sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy using 682 RT-qPCR-positive samples, categorized by weeks relative to symptoms onset. Negative controls included 205 pre-pandemic serum samples and 46 serum samples from patients diagnosed with other diseases. Based on a cut-off of 0.087 and ROC curve analysis, the highest sensitivity of 81.2% was observed in the 8-14 days post-symptom (dps) group (2nd week), followed by sensitivities of 73.8% and 68.37% for the 1-7 dps (1st week) and 15-21 dps groups (3rd week), respectively. Specificity was consistently 100% across all groups. This newly developed biotinylated N-MAC-ELISA offers a more streamlined and cost-effective alternative to molecular diagnostics. It enables simultaneous testing of multiple samples and effectively identifies individuals with false-negative results.

Do My Reactions Outweigh My Actions? The Relation between Reactive and Proactive Aggression with Peer Acceptance in Preschoolers.

Aggressive behaviors negatively impact peer relations starting from an early age. However, not all aggressive acts have the same underlying motivations. Reactive aggression arises as a response to an antecedent behavior of someone else, whereas proactive aggression is initiated by the aggressor and is instrumental. In this study, we aim to understand the relation between reactive and proactive aggression and peer acceptance in preschoolers. Parents of 110 children aged between 3 and 6 years old rated their children's manifestation of reactive and proactive aggressive behaviors. To assess the children's peer acceptance score within their class, they completed a paired comparisons task. The outcomes confirmed that reactive aggression in particular is negatively related to peer acceptance at the preschool age. Our results provide insights for the needs and directions of future research and interventions.

Understanding allochthonous marine litter in a Protected Area in the Amazon Coast.

Studies on international waste on the Amazon coast are lacking, leaving a substantial knowledge gap concerning the socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental repercussion of this issue. In this context, the objective of this study is to comprehensively characterize and trace the origins of allochthonous litter discovered on a beach situated within a Protected Area. Given this, the hypothesis of this study is that the international litters comes from vessels operating in the region. A total of 384 containers were collected, originating from 36 countries, with those located in Asia and Africa showing the highest prevalence. Among the bottles with identified expiration dates, 76 % are newly arrived, confirming our hypothesis. The presence of older waste may result from a combination of the absence of beach cleaning public services and local dynamic processes. While international engagement is necessary, local communities, along with the scientific community, have taken proactive measures to address the problem.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of neuropathic pain in multiple sclerosis: Prevalence, clinical types, sex dimorphism, and increased depression and anxiety symptoms.

Chronic pain is the most disability symptom related to multiple sclerosis (MS) brain lesions and can also generate anxiety and depression. There are no updated reports of the general prevalence of neuropathic pain, MS clinical types, sex dimorphism, and its association with depression and anxiety. The protocol was listed in PROSPERO (CRD42022303571). The article selection resulted in 24 studies with a low risk of bias. The prevalence of neuropathic pain in MS patients was 26.8% with higher levels of depression and anxiety. We also observed that female patients (74.2%) have a higher prevalence of neuropathic pain than males (28.9%). We showed the enhanced prevalence of neuropathic pain using the female and male data (58.9%) compared to the total prevalence (26.8%). In addition, the SPMS (40.3%) presented an increased prevalence of neuropathic pain compared to PPMS (15.6%). Thus, we demonstrated the association between neuropathic pain, depression and anxiety symptoms and the influence of diagnosis, age, disease score, and disease duration in the increased prevalence of neuropathic pain in MS patients.

Peptide fraction from B. jararaca snake venom protects against oxidative stress-induced changes in neuronal PC12 cell but not in astrocyte-like C6 cell.

Venom-derived proteins and peptides have prevented neuronal cell loss, damage, and death in the study of neurodegenerative disorders. The cytoprotective effects of the peptide fraction (PF) from Bothrops jararaca snake venom were evaluated against oxidative stress changes in neuronal PC12 cells and astrocyte-like C6 cells. PC12 and C6 cells were pre-treated for 4 h with different concentrations of PF, and then H2O2 was added (0.5 mM in PC12 cells; 0.4 mM in C6 cells) and incubated for 20 h more. In PC12 cells, PF at 0.78 µg mL-1 increased viability (113.6 ± 6.3%) and metabolism (96.3 ± 10.3%) cell against H2O2-induced neurotoxicity (75.6 ± 5.8%; 66.5 ± 3.3%, respectively), reducing oxidative stress markers such as ROS generation, NO production, and arginase indirect activity through urea synthesis. Despite that, PF showed no cytoprotective effects in C6 cells, but potentiated the H2O2-induced damage at a concentration lower than 0.07 µg mL-1. Furthermore, the role of metabolites derived from L-arginine metabolism was verified in PF-mediated neuroprotection in PC12 cells, using specific inhibitors of two of the key enzymes in the L-arginine metabolic pathway: the α-Methyl-DL-aspartic acid (MDLA) to argininosuccinate synthetase (AsS), responsible for the recycling of L-citrulline to L-arginine; and, L-NΩ-Nitroarginine methyl ester (L-Name) to nitric oxide synthase (NOS), which catalyzes the synthesis of NO from L-arginine. The inhibition of AsS and NOS suppressed PF-mediated cytoprotection against oxidative stress, indicating that its mechanism is dependent on the production pathway of L-arginine metabolites such as NO and, more importantly, polyamines from ornithine metabolism, which are involved in the neuroprotection mechanism described in the literature. Overall, this work provides novel opportunities for evaluating whether the neuroprotective properties of PF shown in particular neuronal cells are sustained and for exploring potential drug development pathways for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Association between sickle cell disease and periodontal disease: A systematic review.

Previous studies have evaluated the association between sickle cell disease (SCD) and periodontal disease; however, their effect on the periodontal parameters remains unclear. This systematic review aimed to investigate whether individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) increase the risks of periodontal disease more than those without. For the selection of eligible studies, an electronic search was conducted in the MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases. The meta-analysis was based on the inversion of variance using the mean difference (MD) of the continuous outcomes. The quality assessment of included studies was performed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Tools. In total, 13 studies and 2381 participants were included in the qualitative analysis, while 9 studies were considered for the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis indicated that patients with SCD present similar Plaque Index, Clinical Attachment Level, Bleeding on Probing, and Probing Depth when compared to healthy patients (p > .05). However, the Gingival Index was higher for patients with SCD (p = .0002; MD: 0.20). Compared to healthy patients, patients with SCD did not have an increase in periodontal parameters, except for the gingival index. However, further well-designed studies are recommended to reassess the association between SCD and periodontal diseases.

Older Adults Who Maintained a Regular Physical Exercise Routine before the Pandemic Show Better Immune Response to Vaccination for COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to investigate the specific-antibody response to the COVID-19 vaccination and the immunophenotyping of T cells in older adults who were engaged or not in an exercise training program before the pandemic. METHODS: Ninety-three aged individuals (aged between 60 and 85 years) were separated into 3 groups: practitioners of physical exercise vaccinated with CoronaVac (PE-Co, n = 46), or vaccinated with ChadOx-1 (PE-Ch, n = 23), and non-practitioners vaccinated with ChadOx-1 (NPE-Ch, n = 24). Blood samples were collected before (pre) and 30 days after vaccination with the second vaccine dose. RESULTS: Higher IgG levels and immunogenicity were found in the PE-Ch and NPE-Ch groups, whereas increased IgA levels were found only in the PE-Ch group post-vaccination. The PE-Co group showed a positive correlation between the IgA and IgG values, and lower IgG levels post-vaccination were associated with age. Significant alterations in the percentage of naive (CD28+CD57-), double-positive (CD28+CD57+), and senescent (CD28-CD57+) CD4+ T and CD8+ T cells were found post-vaccination, particularly in the PE-Ch group. CONCLUSIONS: The volunteers vaccinated with the ChadOx-1 presented not only a better antibody response but also a significant modulation in the percentage of T cell profiles, mainly in the previously exercised group.

Assessment of the Interferon-Lambda-3 Polymorphism in the Antibody Response to COVID-19 in Older Adults Seropositive for CMV.

BACKGROUND: Here, we investigated the impact of IFN-lambda-3 polymorphism on specific IgG responses for COVID-19 in older adults seropositive for CMV. METHODS: Blood samples of 25 older adults of both sexes were obtained at three different times: during a micro-outbreak (MO) of SARS-CoV-2 in 2020; eight months after (CURE); and 30 days after the administration of the second dose of ChadOx-1 vaccine (VAC). The specific IgG for both SARS-CoV-2 and CMV antigens, neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, and also the polymorphism profile for IFN-lambda-3 (rs12979860 C > T) were assessed. RESULTS: Higher levels of specific IgG for SARS-CoV-2 antigens were found in the MO and VAC than in the CURE time-point. Volunteers with specific neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 showed better specific IgG responses for SARS-CoV-2 and lower specific IgG levels for CMV than volunteers without specific neutralizing antibodies. Significant negative correlations between the specific IgG levels for SARS-CoV-2 and CMV were found at the MO time-point, as well as in the group of individuals homozygous for allele 1 (C/C) in the MO time-point and heterozygotes (C/T) in the CURE time-point. CONCLUSION: Our results suggested that both CMV seropositivity and the homozygosis for allele 1 (C/C) in IFN-lambda-3 gene can negatively impact the antibody response to COVID-19 infection and vaccination in older adults.

Cardiovascular disease risk among male workers of a regional electricity distribution company in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: At energy distribution companies, office and operational employees work in different occupational environments. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) can develop due to occupational factors and can often lead to morbidity and disability. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the risk of CVD in workers with different occupations in an energy distribution company, using cardiometabolic indices. METHODS: Workers (men), aged between 20 and 70 years, were divided into two groups: operational (n = 78) and office (n = 106) workers. Their metabolic profiles were analyzed using anthropometric and laboratory data to obtain the atherogenic plasma index (AIP) and insulin resistance index (TyG), and to identify the hypertriglyceridemic waist (HTGW) phenotype as cardiometabolic indicators. RESULTS: There was no difference in CVD risk between the two groups. However, 82% of the test subjects presented a high risk for the development of atherosclerosis based on the AIP, and 11.4% presented the HTGW phenotype, along with the presence of dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and being overweight as risk factors for CVD. CONCLUSIONS: Although the identified risk factors are not related to the type of occupation at work, companies in the electricity sector can invest in the implementation of measures for health promotion to protect and prevent diseases and improve labor productivity and quality.

Amazon women's motivations to choose planned home childbirth / Motivaciones de mujeres de la región amazónica para elegir parto domiciliario planificado / Motivações de mulheres amazônidas para tomada de decisão do parto domiciliar planejado

ABSTRACT Objective: to understand the meanings attributed by Amazon women regarding their motivation grounds to choose planned home childbirth. Method: a research study of a qualitative nature. The study data collection tool consisted of semi-structured interviews with 20 Amazon women who underwent home childbirths between November 2021 and March 2022, through the Snowball Sampling recruitment technique. After data collection, the interviews followed the content analysis criteria. Results: it was observed that qualified information, support networks and groups produce motivation and a feeling for home childbirth, which contribute to breaking away from the hegemonic model in Obstetrics and, thus, to refusing unnecessary interventions resulting from the established medical knowledge that oftentimes culminates in obstetric violence. Safety also emerged as a central factor to experience home childbirth, such as feelings of freedom, courage and empowerment about their choices and wishes. Conclusion: there is convergence with the current demands on positive care regarding respect for women's choice, which, through support and information, are central aspects to ensure assistance according to Amazon women's expectations, in order to break away from the hegemonic model in obstetric care, as home childbirth effectively guarantees their will, which must be heard and respected.

RESUMEN Objetivo: comprender los significados que atribuyen las mujeres de la región amazónica a sus bases motivadoras para elegir parto domiciliario planificado. Método: investigación de carácter cualitativo. La herramienta de recolección de datos del estudio correspondió a entrevistas semiestructurada con 20 mujeres de la región amazónica que dieron a luz en sus casas entre los meses de noviembre de 2021 y marzo de 2022, por medio de la técnica de reclutamiento Snowball Sampling. Después de recolectar los datos, las entrevistas siguieron los criterios del análisis de contenido. Resultados: se observó que la información calificada y las redes y los grupos de apoyo generan motivación y cierto sentimiento favorable hacia el parto domiciliario, que contribuyen a distanciarse del modelo hegemónico en Obstetricia y, de ese modo, rechazar intervenciones innecesarias resultantes del saber médico instituido que muchas veces culmina en violencia obstétrica. La seguridad también surgió como un factor central para vivir el parto en el domicilio, como ser sentimientos de libertad, coraje y empoderamiento sobre sus elecciones y deseos. Conclusión: se detecta convergencia con las exigencias actuales sobre la atención positiva en términos de respetar las decisiones de las mujeres, las cuales, por medio de apoyo e información, constituyen aspectos centrales para garantizar una asistencia acorde a las expectativas de las mujeres de la región amazónica, a fin de interrumpir el modelo hegemónico en la asistencia obstétrica, puesto que el parto domiciliario garantiza en forma efectiva su voluntad, que debe ser escuchada y respetada.

RESUMO Objetivo: compreender os significados das mulheres amazônidas quanto às suas bases motivadoras para tomada de decisão do parto domiciliar planejado. Método: pesquisa de natureza qualitativa. O estudo teve como ferramenta de coleta de dados a entrevista semiestruturada, com 20 mulheres amazônidas que tiveram partos em casa, entre os meses de novembro de 2021 a março de 2022, por intermédio do recrutamento Snowball Sampling. Após a coleta de dados, as entrevistas seguiram os critérios de análise de conteúdo. Resultados: observou-se que a informação qualificada, rede e grupo de apoio produzem motivação e sentimento para o parto domiciliar, que contribuem para romper com o modelo hegemônico na obstetrícia, e, assim, recusar intervenções desnecessárias, resultantes do saber médico instituído que, culmina, muitas vezes, na violência obstétrica. A segurança, também, constituiu um fator central para vivenciar o parto no domicílio, como sentimentos de liberdade, coragem e empoderamento sobre suas escolhas e vontades. Conclusão: há convergência com as demandas atuais sobre o cuidado positivo perante o respeito da tomada de decisão feminina que, por meio do apoio e informação, constituem aspectos centrais para garantir uma assistência conforme as expectativas das mulheres amazônidas, a fim de romper com o modelo hegemônico na assistência obstétrica, visto que o parto em casa garante de forma efetiva a sua vontade, que deve ser ouvida e respeitada.

O comer e as práticas alimentares de profissionais da educação superior na primeira onda da pandemia pela Covid-19: rearranjos e ressignificados / Eating and eating practices of higher education professionals during the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic: rearrangements and new meanings

Introdução: O período pandêmico provocou inúmeras alterações, sendo a alimentação um dos contextos afetados. Objetivo: Compreender os novos arranjos e significados das práticas alimentares vivenciados durante a primeira onda da pandemia pela Covid-19 por profissionais da educação superior. Métodos: Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa e de caráter exploratório. Foram entrevistados, individualmente e de forma remota, dez profissionais do setor da educação superior de duas universidades federais do interior de Minas Gerais. As entrevistas foram analisadas por meio da Análise Temática de Bardin em conjunto com a Análise de Similitude via IRAMUTEQ. Resultados: As entrevistas permitiram a identificação de três eixos temáticos: (1) "Manejos da comida e do corpo: prazer, culpa e medo do ganho de peso", explorando os embates que se intensificaram no que tange ao corpo e às escolhas alimentares; (2) "Re-arranjos sociais, comensalidade e práticas alimentares"; e (3) "O exercício do cozinhar no confinamento: polissemias, temporalidades e gênero", discorrendo sobre o dinamismo da alimentação ao vivenciar alterações na composição domiciliar, rotina e obrigações de trabalho. Discussão: Foi possível identificar relações entre o distanciamento social, o confinamento domiciliar e as práticas alimentares individuais e coletivas. Em razão dos diferentes rearranjos sociais, estruturados pelos participantes para lidar com as restrições impostas pela pandemia, comportamentos dicotômicos emergiram, refletindo conflitos frente aos ajustes nas práticas alimentares. A relação nutriente-alimento (nutricionismo) esteve muito presente nas narrativas, influenciando pensamentos e comportamentos sobre o corpo e o bem-estar. Conclusão: Conclui-se que o contexto pandêmico gerou alterações em relação aos arranjos, representações e significados do comer e da alimentação.

Introduction: The pandemic period brought about numerous changes, with food being one of the affected elements. Objective: To understand the new arrangements and meanings of eating practices experienced during the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic by higher education professionals. Methods: This research is qualitative and exploratory. Ten professionals from the higher education sector of two federal universities in the interior of Minas Gerais were interviewed individually and remotely. The interviews were analyzed using Bardin's Thematic Analysis in conjunction with Similitude Analysis via IRAMUTEQ. Results: The interviews allowed for the identification of three thematic axes: (1) "Management of food and the body: pleasure, guilt and fear of weight gain", exploring the conflicts that intensified in regards to the body and food choices; (2) "Social rearrangements, commensality and eating practices"; and (3) "The practice of cooking in confinement: polysemy, temporality and gender", discussing the dynamism of food when experiencing changes in household composition, routine and work obligations. Discussion: It was possible to identify relationships between social distancing, home confinement and individual and collective eating practices. Due to the different social rearrangements, structured by the participants to deal with the pandemic-imposed restrictions, dichotomous behaviors emerged, reflecting conflicts in the face of adjusted eating practices. The nutrient-food relationship (nutritionism) was very present in the narratives, influencing thoughts and behaviors about the body and well-being. Conclusion: It is concluded that the pandemic context generated changes regarding the arrangements, representations and meanings of eating and food.

Principais achados em um paciente com diagnóstico de Amaurose Congênita de Leber / Main findings in a patient diagnosed with Leber's Congenital Amaurosis

RESUMO A amaurose congênita de Leber, também conhecida como neuropatia óptica hereditária de Leber, é caracterizada por uma das formas mais graves de distrofia da retina com início na infância. Os achados clássicos são deficiência visual grave e precoce, nistagmo e eletrorretinograma (ERG) anormal ou não detectável. O objetivo deste estudo é relatar um caso de um paciente com amaurose congênita de Leber com comprometimento visual desde os 6 meses de vida e acentuado declínio visual a partir dos 15 anos de idade. A realização de exames específicos para confirmar o diagnóstico é importante para o manejo e o seguimento adequado do paciente e para proporcionar melhor qualidade de vida para o mesmo.

ABSTRACT Leber Congenital Amaurosis, also known as Leber hereditary optic neuropathy, is characterized by one of the most severe forms of childhood-onset retinal dystrophy. Classic findings are severe and early visual impairment, nystagmus, and abnormal or undetectable electroretinogram. The aim of this study is to report a case of a patient with Leber Congenital Amaurosis with visual impairment since the first six months of age and marked visual decline from fifteen years of age. Performing specific tests to confirm the diagnosis is important for the proper management and follow-up of the patient and to provide them with a better quality of life.

[Comment on article: "Risk factors associated with lateonset neonatal sepsis"]. / Comentario al artículo "Factores de riesgo asociados a sepsis neonatal tardía".

We have read with great interest the article published by Arias-Arellano Santiago et al on the risk factors associated with late neonatal sepsis. This study aims to determine the neonatal risk factors for the use of invasive and maternal methods associated with neonatal sepsis (early and late) in a neonatology unit during 2016 in a hospital in Ecuador.

Hemos leído el artículo publicado por Santiago Arias Arellano et al. acerca de los factores de riesgo asociados a sepsis neonatal tardía. El citado trabajo tiene como objetivo determinar los factores de riesgo neonatales y maternos por uso de métodos invasivos asociados a sepsis neonatal (temprana y tardía) en una unidad de neonatología en un hospital de Ecuador.