A cross exploratory analysis between nursing working conditions and the occurrence of errors in the northeast region of Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: Analyze and verify the association between working conditions and the occurrence of errors in nursing work. BACKGROUND: Many of the known errors in nursing are based on the structural failure of the complex health service system. Our study addresses the question "Is there an association between errors made by nursing workers and working conditions?" METHODS: The study was carried out through a cross-sectional exploratory analysis of 19 ethical-disciplinary processes focused on errors made by nursing workers. The articles were processed, judged, and archived at the Regional Nursing Councils of the Northeast Region of Brazil from 2000 to 2018. The chi-square test or Fisher's exact test was used to verify the relationship between the variables through multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The analyzes show that working conditions can interfere at occurrence in error. This increases the chance of an "inconsequential" error occurring for the patient in poor/very poor working conditions. The most serious errors, "with consequences irreversible" for the patient, only occur from more severe working conditions. Adversely, it was found that there is no statistically significant difference in the frequency of errors in hospitals (33.33 %) compared to "other places" (28.58 %) when these occurred in poor working conditions. When conducting the incident in poor working conditions, there was a minimum of 52 % protection OR = 0.48 % [0.16; 11.80]; (1-0.48)) against these errors in general in the nursing area. CONCLUSION: The strong association was exposed in working conditions classified as bad/very bad/very bad, resulting in the most serious errors and with irreversible consequences for patients. However, a level of protection for different types of workers was noticed in the field, which shows that there is hope that if the work environment changes with more organization, management, and standards of care, we can prevent future errors.

The effects of adding a six-month Pilates exercise program to three months of traditional community-based pulmonary rehabilitation in individuals with COPD: a prospective cohort study.

Introduction: Pilates exercise may complement traditional pulmonary rehabilitation in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The objective was to analyze the effects of adding a six-month Pilates exercise program to a three-month pulmonary rehabilitation for individuals with COPD. Methods: Thirty-five participants with COPD (GOLD B) were assigned to the intervention (n=14) or control (n=21) group. Both groups received an initial three months of a pulmonary rehabilitation program. The intervention group further underwent six months of pilates. Participants were evaluated at baseline and at three, six, and nine months. Lung function and strength of respiratory muscles were defined as primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes included cardiac, physical function, and exacerbation episodes. Results: There were no consistent statistically significant differences between groups for the lung function outcomes (p\<0.05). Maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure increased significantly at three months in both groups (p\<0.05). It was significantly superior in the intervention group at nine months for maximal inspiratory pressure (p=0.005) and six and nine months for maximal expiratory pressure (p=0.027 and p\<0.001, respectively). Changes in muscle strength (knee extension and handgrip) were comparable between groups (p>0.05), but exercise-induced fatigue and balance were significantly superior in the intervention group at the six- and nine-month follow-ups (p\<0.05). Discussion: Pilates exercise programs may be implemented to augment traditional pulmonary rehabilitation with the goal of improving the strength of respiratory muscles. Conclusion: Adding a Pilates exercise program to pulmonary rehabilitation resulted in superior strength of respiratory muscles, higher resistance to exercise-induced fatigue, and improved balance.

Aspirin-Triggered Resolvin D1 (AT-RvD1) Protects Mouse Skin against UVB-Induced Inflammation and Oxidative Stress.

Intense exposure to UVB radiation incites excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammation. The resolution of inflammation is an active process orchestrated by a family of lipid molecules that includes AT-RvD1, a specialized proresolving lipid mediator (SPM). AT-RvD1 is derived from omega-3, which presents anti-inflammatory activity and reduces oxidative stress markers. The present work aims to investigate the protective effect of AT-RvD1 on UVB-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in hairless mice. Animals were first treated with 30, 100, and 300 pg/animal AT-RvD1 (i.v.) and then exposed to UVB (4.14 J/cm2). The results showed that 300 pg/animal of AT-RvD1 could restrict skin edema, neutrophil and mast cell infiltration, COX-2 mRNA expression, cytokine release, and MMP-9 activity and restore skin antioxidant capacity as per FRAP and ABTS assays and control O2•- production, lipoperoxidation, epidermal thickening, and sunburn cells development. AT-RvD1 could reverse the UVB-induced downregulation of Nrf2 and its downstream targets GSH, catalase, and NOQ-1. Our results suggest that by upregulating the Nrf2 pathway, AT-RvD1 promotes the expression of ARE genes, restoring the skin's natural antioxidant defense against UVB exposition to avoid oxidative stress, inflammation, and tissue damage.

Protection against UVB deleterious skin effects in a mouse model: effect of a topical emulsion containing Cordia verbenacea extract.

Cordia verbenacea DC (Boraginaceae) is a flowering shrub found along the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, Brazilian coast, and low areas of the Amazon. The crude extract of its leaves is widely used in Brazilian folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory, both topically and orally. The aim of this study is to evaluate the activity of C. verbenacea ethanolic leaves extract (CVE) against UVB-triggered cutaneous inflammation and oxidative damage in hairless mice. CVE treatment recovered cutaneous antioxidant capacity demonstrated by scavenging ABTS+ free radical and iron-reducing antioxidant potential evaluated by FRAP. CVE also controlled the following UV-triggered events in the skin: reduced glutathione (GSH) depletion, catalase activity decrease, and superoxide anion (O⋅-) build-up. Furthermore, mice treated with CVE exhibited less inflammation, shown by the reduction in COX-2 expression, TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, edema, and neutrophil infiltration. CVE also regulated epidermal thickening and sunburn cells, reduced dermal mast cells, and preserved collagen integrity. The best results were obtained using 5% CVE-added emulsion. The present data demonstrate that topical administration of CVE presents photochemoprotective activity in a mouse model of UVB inflammation and oxidative stress. Because of the intricate network linking inflammation, oxidative stress, and skin cancer, these results also indicate the importance of further studies elucidating a possible role of C. verbenacea in the prevention of UVB-induced skin cancer and evaluating a potential synergy between CVE and sunscreens in topical products against UVB damaging effects to the skin.

The Lipoxin Receptor/FPR2 Agonist BML-111 Protects Mouse Skin Against Ultraviolet B Radiation.

Excessive exposure to UV, especially UVB, is the most important risk factor for skin cancer and premature skin aging. The identification of the specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPMs) challenged the preexisting paradigm of how inflammation ends. Rather than a passive process, the resolution of inflammation relies on the active production of SPMs, such as Lipoxins (Lx), Maresins, protectins, and Resolvins. LXA4 is an SPM that exerts its action through ALX/FPR2 receptor. Stable ALX/FPR2 agonists are required because SPMs can be quickly metabolized within tissues near the site of formation. BML-111 is a commercially available synthetic ALX/FPR2 receptor agonist with analgesic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Based on that, we aimed to determine the effect of BML-111 in a model of UVB-induced skin inflammation in hairless mice. We demonstrated that BML-111 ameliorates the signs of UVB-induced skin inflammation by reducing neutrophil recruitment and mast cell activation. Reduction of these cells by BML-111 led to lower number of sunburn cells formation, decrease in epidermal thickness, collagen degradation, cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, TGF, and IL-10), and oxidative stress (observed by an increase in total antioxidant capacity and Nrf2 signaling pathway), indicating that BML-111 might be a promising drug to treat skin disorders.

Inter- and intra-rater reliability of nasal auscultation in daycare children.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess nasal auscultation's intra- and inter-rater reliability and to analyze ear and respiratory clinical condition according to nasal auscultation. METHODS: Cross-sectional study performed in 125 children aged up to 3 years old attending daycare centers. Nasal auscultation, tympanometry and Paediatric Respiratory Severity Score (PRSS) were applied to all children. Nasal sounds were classified by an expert panel in order to determine nasal auscultation's intra and inter- rater reliability. The classification of nasal sounds was assessed against tympanometric and PRSS values. RESULTS: Nasal auscultation revealed substantial inter-rater (K=0.75) and intra-rater (K=0.69; K=0.61 and K=0.72) reliability. Children with a "non-obstructed" classification revealed a lower peak pressure (t=-3.599, P<0.001 in left ear; t=-2.258, P=0.026 in right ear) and a higher compliance (t=-2,728, P=0.007 in left ear; t=-3.830. P<0.001 in right ear) in both ears. There was an association between the classification of sounds and tympanogram types in both ears (X=11.437, P=0.003 in left ear; X=13.535, P=0.001 in right ear). Children with a "non-obstructed" classification had a healthier respiratory condition. CONCLUSIONS: Nasal auscultation revealed substantial intra- and inter-rater reliability. Nasal auscultation exhibited important differences according to ear and respiratory clinical conditions. Nasal auscultation in pediatrics seems to be an original topic as well as a simple method that can be used to identify early signs of nasopharyngeal obstruction.

Job insecurity among nurses, nursing technicians and nursing aides in public hospitals.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the contribution of all the dimensions involved in job insecurity among nursing professionals in Brazilian state public hospitals. METHOD: This was a quantitative descriptive study conducted between March 2015 and February 2016, with nurses, nursing technicians and nursing aides. The data were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 265 nurses (n=161 with job security and n=104 outsourced) and 810 nursing technicians and nursing aides (n=597 with job security and n=213 outsourced). Among the nurses, "Working conditions" accounted for 46.8% of their job insecurity. Among nursing technicians and nursing aides "intensity of work due to work process organization" best explained the construct of job insecurity (51.2%). CONCLUSION: Job insecurity is expressed differently depending on the type of nursing professional. The difference in the distribution of the dimensions showed that job insecurity is related to the hierarchical position of each nursing professional in the technical division of nursing work and the role of each professional in the work process.

Caregivers' education vs rhinopharyngeal clearance in children with upper respiratory infections: impact on children's health outcomes.

Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTI) are very common in children having no effective pharmacological treatment. This study aimed to compare the effect of caregivers' health education regarding children's respiratory infections and the effect of a rhinopharyngeal clearance protocol in children with URTI. A factorial trial was conducted in 138 children up to 3 years, attending day-care centres. Children were distributed into four groups: control group (CG) (n = 38); education group (EG) (n = 34); intervention group (IG) (n = 35); and education and intervention group (E + IG) (n = 31). A Diary of Records was kept by caregivers during 1 month. There were significant differences between groups concerning: Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (CG = 29.4%; EG = 10.7%; IG = 3.8%; E + IG = 0.0%; p = 0.014); acute otitis media (CG = 32.4%; EG = 7.1%; IG = 11.5%; E + IG = 7.7%; p = 0.014); medical consultations (CG = 70.6%; EG = 42.9%; IG = 38.5%; E + IG = 30.8%; p = 0.021); antibiotics (CG = 44.1%; EG = 7.1%; IG = 23.1%; E + IG = 15.4%; p = 0.006); days missed from day-care (CG = 55 days; EG = 22 days; IG = 14 days; E + IG = 6 days; p = 0.020); days missed from employment (CG = 31 days; EG = 20 days; IG = 5 days; E + IG = 1 day; p = 0.021); and nasal clearance techniques (CG = 41.4%; EG = 78.6%; IG = 57.7%; E + IG = 84.6%; p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: This study showed that the most positive impact on children's health outcomes occurred when combining health education of caregivers, regarding children's respiratory infections, with a rhinopharyngeal clearance protocol in children with URTI. What is Known: • Upper Respiratory Tract Infections are very common in children but still do not have an effective pharmacological treatment. • This generates a great burden of disease for the child and families, increasing the use of antibiotics. What is New: • This study is the first one that aims to analyze the effects of caregivers' health education in comparison to non-pharmacological intervention in acute respiratory infections in children. • It shows a positive impact on children's health outcomes, empowering caregivers regarding their child's health and reducing the burden of disease, medical consultations and the use of antibiotics.

Effects of a Phase IV Home-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation Program on Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Physical Activity.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally and sedentary lifestyle is one of the main risk factors. Home-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs appear to be effective to improve exercise tolerance. The aim of the study, therefore, was to evaluate the effects of a phase IV (maintenance) home-based CR program on cardiorespiratory fitness and daily physical activity of patients recovering from an acute myocardial infarction. METHODS: This pilot study, with a sub-group randomised controlled trial, included 32 individuals recovering from a myocardial infarction, randomly divided into the experimental group (EG, n=16) and the control group (CG, n=16). The EG performed an exercise program, three times per week, at home during eight weeks. The two groups received health education sessions. Baseline and final assessments included cardiorespiratory fitness, resting and peak heart rate, blood pressure and rate pressure, heart rate recovery and daily physical activity. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01887080). RESULTS: At baseline no significant differences were observed between groups. After eight weeks of exercise, the EG significantly increased peak oxygen uptake (p=0.02), test duration (p=0.019), peak rate pressure (p=0.003), peak heart rate (p=0.003) and heart rate recovery (0.025) when compared to the CG. No changes were observed on daily physical activity in both groups. CONCLUSION: This specific phase IV home-based exercise program seems to improve cardiorespiratory fitness, haemodynamics at peak exercise and heart rate recovery, an indicator of cardiac autonomic function.

Risk factors for respiratory infections among children attending day care centres.

BACKGROUND: Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) and acute otitis media (AOM) are common in children attending day care centres. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to characterize the risk factors of URTI, LRTI and AOM in children attending day care. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in children aged up to 3 years (n = 152) of six day care centres in Porto. Logistic regression was used on independent variables: mother-related, household-related, child-related and day care-related risk factors as predictors of the dependent variables: URTI, LRTI and AOM. RESULTS: The risk of URTI increased as the number of children decreased [odds ratio (OR) = 0.620, 95% CI = 0.411-0.935], as the area per child decreased (OR = 0.434, 95% CI = 0.206-0.914) and as the disinfection of WC/diapers-change increased (OR = 2.56, 95% CI = 1.089-6.017). There was a higher risk of URTI if nasal aspirators (OR = 6.763, 95% CI = 1.022-44.753), rather than physiologic serum (OR = 5.296, 95% CI = 1.097-25.559), were used at day care centres. The risk of LRTI increased as the household size decreased (OR = 0.213, 95% CI = 0.048-0.937) and it was higher if the child had no siblings (OR = 7.831, 95% CI = 1.065-57.578). The risk of LRTI was higher if the child was not exclusively breastfed (OR = 24.612, 95% CI = 1.108-546.530) and the risk increased as the duration of exclusive breastfeeding decreased (OR = 0.396, 95% CI = 0.170-0.920). The risk of AOM increased as the birth body mass index (OR = 2.247, 95% CI = 1.011-4.992) and weight (OR = 1.607, 95% CI = 1.014-2.545) increased and if nasal aspirators were used (OR = 6.763, 95% CI = 1.022-44.753). CONCLUSION: URTI were related with day care centres' risk factors, LRTI were associated with mother-related and household-related risk factors and AOM was connected with child-related risk factors.

Impact of caregivers' education regarding respiratory infections on the health status of day-care children: a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Acute respiratory infections are the most common illness in childhood, and caregivers often make an excessive use of medication and medical consultations. It is vital to design and implement educational interventions in order to minimize the burden of the disease. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a health education session (HES) about respiratory infections on the indicators of individual health and health care utilization of day-care children. METHODS: Randomized controlled trial in 10 day-care centres in Porto, including caregivers (parents or legal tutors) of children under 3 years of age. Children's caregivers were randomly distributed into an Intervention Group (IG), who attended a HES, and a Comparison Group (CG). Children's indicators of individual health and health care utilization were evaluated in both groups, during the month after HES. RESULTS: Children whose caregivers attended to the HES had fewer lower respiratory tract infections (IG = 5.8%; CG = 19.0%; P = 0.050) and fewer acute otitis media (IG = 9.5%; CG = 27.0%; P = 0.030), as well as fewer medical consultations (IG = 38.5% versus CG = 61.9%; P = 0.015) and less antibiotic consumption (IG = 11.5% versus CG = 29.5%; P = 0.022). They were also less absent from day care (IG = 21 days versus CG = 59 days; P = 0.037) and their caregivers were less absent from work (IG = 15 days versus CG = 44 days; P = 0.046). Caregivers who attended HES made more use of nasal irrigation (IG = 79.6% versus CG = 53.3%; P = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: The HES about respiratory infections has positively influenced the indicators of individual health and health care utilization of children attending day-care centres in Porto.

Resolvin D5 Protects Female Hairless Mouse Skin from Pathological Alterations Caused by UVB Irradiation.

Resolvin D5 (RvD5) is a lipid mediator that has been reported to present anti-inflammatory and pro-resolution properties. Evidence also supports its capability to enhance reactive oxygen species (ROS) production during bacterial infections, which would be detrimental in diseases driven by ROS. The biological activity of RvD5 and mechanisms against UVB irradiation skin pathology have not been investigated so far. Female hairless mice were treated intraperitoneally with RvD5 before UVB stimulus. RvD5 reduced skin edema in a dose-dependent manner as well as oxidative stress by increasing antioxidants (endogenous tissue antioxidant scavenging of cationic radical, iron reduction, catalase activity and reduced glutathione levels) and decreasing pro-oxidants (superoxide anion and lipid peroxidation). RvD5 antioxidant activity was accompanied by enhancement of Nrf2, HO-1 and NQO1 mRNA expression. RvD5 reduced the production of IL-1ß, TNF-α, TGF-ß, and IL-10. RvD5 also reduced the inflammatory cell counts, including mast cells and neutrophils/macrophages. The reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation resulted in diminished matrix metalloproteinase 9 activity, collagen degradation, epidermal thickening and sunburn cell development. Therefore, this study demonstrates, to our knowledge, the first body of evidence that RvD5 can be used to treat UVB skin pathology and unveils, at least in part, its mechanisms of action.

Planar cell polarity signalling regulates cell adhesion properties in progenitors of the zebrafish laterality organ.

Organ formation requires the precise assembly of progenitor cells into a functional multicellular structure. Mechanical forces probably participate in this process but how they influence organ morphogenesis is still unclear. Here, we show that Wnt11- and Prickle1a-mediated planar cell polarity (PCP) signalling coordinates the formation of the zebrafish ciliated laterality organ (Kupffer's vesicle) by regulating adhesion properties between organ progenitor cells (the dorsal forerunner cells, DFCs). Combined inhibition of Wnt11 and Prickle1a reduces DFC cell-cell adhesion and impairs their compaction and arrangement during vesicle lumen formation. This leads to the formation of a mis-shapen vesicle with small fragmented lumina and shortened cilia, resulting in severely impaired organ function and, as a consequence, randomised laterality of both molecular and visceral asymmetries. Our results reveal a novel role for PCP-dependent cell adhesion in coordinating the supracellular organisation of progenitor cells during vertebrate laterality organ formation.

Efficacy of low-level laser therapy on scar tissue.

BACKGROUND: Physiotherapy has a very important role in the maintenance of the integumentary system integrity. There is very few evidence in humans. Nevertheless, there are some studies about tissue regeneration using low-level laser therapy (LLLT). AIM: To analyze the effectiveness of LLLT on scar tissue. METHODS: Seventeen volunteers were stratified by age of their scars, and then randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG) - n = 9 - and a placebo group (PG) - n = 8. Fifteen sessions were conducted to both the groups thrice a week. However, in the PG, the laser device was switched off. Scars' thickness, length, width, macroscopic aspect, pain threshold, pain perception, and itching were measured. RESULTS: After 5 weeks, there were no statistically significant differences in any variable between both the groups. However, analyzing independently each group, EG showed a significant improvement in macroscopic aspect (p = 0.003) using LLLT. Taking into account the scars' age, LLLT showed a tendency to decrease older scars' thickness in EG. CONCLUSION: The intervention with LLLT appears to have a positive effect on the macroscopic scars' appearance, and on old scars' thickness, in the studied sample. However, it cannot be said for sure that LLLT has influence on scar tissue.

Short- and medium-term effects of manual therapy on cervical active range of motion and pressure pain sensitivity in latent myofascial pain of the upper trapezius muscle: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of different manual techniques on cervical ranges of motion and pressure pain sensitivity in subjects with latent trigger point of the upper trapezius muscle. METHODS: One hundred seventeen volunteers, with a unilateral latent trigger point on upper trapezius due to computer work, were randomly divided into 5 groups: ischemic compression (IC) group (n=24); passive stretching group (n=23); muscle energy technique group (n=23); and 2 control groups, wait-and-see group (n=25) and placebo group (n=22). Cervical spine range of movement was measured using a cervical range of motion instrument as well as pressure pain sensitivity by means of an algometer and a visual analog scale. Outcomes were assessed pretreatment, immediately, and 24 hours after the intervention and 1 week later by a blind researcher. A 4×5 mixed repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to examine the effects of the intervention and Cohen d coefficient was used. RESULTS: A group-by-time interaction was detected in all variables (P<.01), except contralateral rotation. The immediate effect sizes of the contralateral flexion, ipsilateral rotation, and pressure pain threshold were large for 3 experimental groups. Nevertheless, after 24 hours and 1 week, only IC group maintained the effect size. CONCLUSIONS: Manual techniques on upper trapezius with latent trigger point seemed to improve the cervical range of motion and the pressure pain sensitivity. These effects persist after 1 week in the IC group.

Community-Based Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs in Individuals With COPD.

BACKGROUND: Community-based pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programs can be offered to patients with COPD, but the literature on its effects is still not well summarized. Our purpose was to investigate the health-, physical-, and respiratory-related effects of community-based PR in individuals with COPD as compared to control groups. METHODS: The PubMed and Embase databases were searched up to May 17, 2021. We included randomized control trials that compared the effects of community-based PR as compared to control groups in individuals with COPD. The risk of bias was judged using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB2). Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model to estimate the standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% CI of the mean changes from baseline between groups. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation was used to interpret certainty of results. RESULTS: We included 10 randomized control studies comprising a total of 9,350 participants with weighted mean age of 62.3 ± 2.38 y. The community-based interventions were based on exercise programs (resistance and/or endurance). All studies were judged as high risk and/or some concerns in one or more domains the risk of bias. All meta-analyses displayed very low certainty of evidence. The community-based PR interventions were significantly superior to control interventions in improving the St. George Respiratory Questionnaire Activity subscore (-0.40 [95% CI -0.72 to -0.08]; k = 5, n = 382) and total score (-0.73 [95% CI -1.29 to -0.18]; k = 4, n = 268) and the Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire dyspnea subscore (0.36 [95% CI 0.03-0.69]; k = 6, n = 550). The mean changes from baseline were not different between the groups for all other outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Community-based PR tended to result in superior health-related quality of life and symptoms than control interventions, but the findings were inconsistent across outcomes and with very low certainty of evidence. Further studies are warranted for stronger conclusions.

Effects of Abdominal Microcurrent in the Consumption and Proportion of Energy Substrates during Aerobic Exercise: A Pilot Study.

Microcurrent therapy can increase lipolytic activity. However, it is unknown if the increased availability of lipids can influence the selection of energy substrates during a single session of aerobic exercise. We aimed to analyze the effect of microcurrent application to the abdominal region in the consumption of lipids and carbohydrates, and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) during a single session of moderate aerobic exercise in young adults. A pilot study was conducted in which participants were allocated to intervention (IG) or placebo (PG) groups. In both groups, 40 min of microcurrent application with two frequencies (25 and 10 Hz) followed by 50 min of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (45−55% of heart rate reserve) on a cycloergometer were performed. The microcurrent application was performed without intensity in the PG. A portable gas analyzer (K4b2) was used during exercise in both groups. Thirty-eight participants (20.6 ± 1.8 years; 18 in IG and 20 in PG) were enrolled. There were no significant differences in the consumption of substrates or RER between the groups during exercise (p > 0.05). Microcurrent application seems to be insufficient to influence the consumption of energy substrates and RER during a single session of aerobic exercise in young adults.

Reference Equation of a New Incremental Step Test to Assess Exercise Capacity in the Portuguese Adult Population.

Step tests are important in community- and home-based rehabilitation programs to assess patients' exercise capacity. A new incremental step test was developed for this purpose, but its clinical interpretability is currently limited. This study aimed to establish a reference equation for this new incremental step test (IST) for the Portuguese adult population. A cross-sectional study was conducted on people without disabilities. Sociodemographic (age and sex), anthropometric (weight, height, and body mass index), smoking status, and physical activity (using the brief physical activity assessment tool) data were collected. Participants performed two repetitions of the IST and the best test was used to establish the reference equation with a forward stepwise multiple regression. An analysis comparing the results from the reference equation with the actual values was conducted with the Wilcoxon test. A total of 155 adult volunteers were recruited (60.6% female, 47.8 ± 19.7 years), and the reference equation was as follows: steps in IST = 475.52 - (4.68 × age years) + (30.5 × sex), where male = 1 and female = 0, and r2 = 60%. No significant differences were observed between the values performed and those obtained by the equation (p = 0.984). The established equation demonstrated that age and sex were the determinant variables for the variability of the results.

Translocating Peptides of Biomedical Interest Obtained from the Spike (S) Glycoprotein of the SARS-CoV-2.

At the beginning of 2020, the pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus led to the fast sequencing of its genome to facilitate molecular engineering strategies to control the pathogen's spread. The spike (S) glycoprotein has been identified as the leading therapeutic agent due to its role in localizing the ACE2 receptor in the host's pulmonary cell membrane, binding, and eventually infecting the cells. Due to the difficulty of delivering bioactive molecules to the intracellular space, we hypothesized that the S protein could serve as a source of membrane translocating peptides. AHB-1, AHB-2, and AHB-3 peptides were identified and analyzed on a membrane model of DPPC (dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine) using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. An umbrella sampling approach was used to quantify the energy barrier necessary to cross the boundary (13.2 to 34.9 kcal/mol), and a flat-bottom pulling helped to gain a deeper understanding of the membrane's permeation dynamics. Our studies revealed that the novel peptide AHB-1 exhibited comparable penetration potential of already known potent cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) such as TP2, Buforin II, and Frenatin 2.3s. Results were confirmed by in vitro analysis of the peptides conjugated to chitosan nanoparticles, demonstrating its ability to reach the cytosol and escape endosomes, while maintaining high biocompatibility levels according to standardized assays.

The professional profile of UFBA nursing management graduate students. / Perfil profissional de egressas da Área de Gerenciamento do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem da UFBA.

The objective of the present study was to analyze the professional profile of the nursing graduate students of Federal University of Bahia, more specifically of the nursing management area. This descriptive, exploratory study was performed using documental research. The data was collected from the graduates' curriculum on the Lattes Platform and from the graduate program documents, using a form. The study population consisted of graduates enrolled under the line of research The Organization and Evaluation of Health Care Systems, who developed dissertations/theses addressing Nursing/Health Management. The data were stored using Microsoft Excel, and then transferred to the STATA 9.0 statistical software. Results showed that most graduates are women, originally from the State of Bahia, and had completed the course between 2000 and 2011; faculty of public institutions who continued involved in academic work after completing the course. These results point at the program as an academic environment committed to preparing researchers.