Testing the effectiveness of two psychosocial interventions - ACCENT and Didactic - to prevent HIV/AIDS behavioral risk factors in Mozambican women: a randomized controlled study.

In Mozambique, women are the most affected by HIV/AIDS and heterosexual encounters remain the main route for HIV/AIDS. Condom use is the most effective method of HIV/AIDS prevention, and the intention to use and buy/get condoms has a significant role in safe sex behavior. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of two psychosocial interventions - the Didactic and ACCENT Interventions - to prevent HIV/AIDS among Mozambican Women. Participants were Mozambican women (n = 150), users of the gynecology clinic of the Central Hospital of Beira. The study design was a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with assignment to three groups: Didactic intervention, ACCENT intervention, and Control group. Measures were from an adaption of the Women's Health Questionnaire, which includes questions about sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral variables related to HIV prevention/risk. There was a significant group effect on condom use and safer sex preparatory behaviors, F(2, 146) = 6.45, p = .002, with Bonferroni post-hoc tests showing differences between the ACCENT vs. Control groups and ACCENT vs. Didactic groups (all p = .022). There were no statistically significant time effects on both condom use and safer sex preparatory behaviors. Results are promising for HIV/AIDS prevention in Mozambican women at sexual risk, but replication is needed for generalizability of findings.

Children's satisfaction with nursing care during hospitalization: A cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: To assess hospitalized children's satisfaction with nursing care. DESIGN AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study using the "Children Care Quality at Hospital" questionnaire. 61 children admitted to the Pediatrics Department of a hospital in the Northern Region of Portugal were enrolled. RESULTS: The ranged age of the participants was 6 to 15 (10,61 ± 2,66 years), and most were male (52.46%; n = 32). The mean score in the three domains was 128 (77.11%), reflecting children's high satisfaction with the nursing care provided during hospitalization. The domain most valued was Nurse Characteristics, while the least valued was Nursing Environment. CONCLUSION: Results provide essential input for the dimensions to be considered when planning nursing care for children, managing care, and the physical environment in the wards. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: These results highlight the need to hear children's voices. This must encourage nurses to reflect on how children evaluate nursing care and, by doing so, to increase the quality of nursing care provided in Pediatrics settings.

Transcriptomic and methylation analysis of susceptible and tolerant grapevine genotypes following Plasmopara viticola infection.

Downy mildew, caused by the biotrophic oomycete Plasmopara viticola, is one of the most economically significant grapevine diseases worldwide. Current strategies to cope with this threat rely on the massive use of chemical compounds during each cultivation season. The economic costs and negative environmental impact associated with these applications increased the urge to search for sustainable strategies of disease control. Improved knowledge of plant mechanisms to counteract pathogen infection may allow the development of alternative strategies for plant protection. Epigenetic regulation, in particular DNA methylation, is emerging as a key factor in the context of plant-pathogen interactions associated with the expression modulation of defence genes. To improve our understanding of the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underpinning grapevine response to P. viticola, we studied the modulation of both 5-mC methylation and gene expression at 6 and 24 h post-infection (hpi). Leaves of two table grape genotypes (Vitis vinifera), selected by breeding activities for their contrasting level of susceptibility to the pathogen, were analysed. Following pathogen infection, we found variations in the 5-mC methylation level and the gene expression profile. The results indicate a genotype-specific response to pathogen infection. The tolerant genotype (N23/018) at 6 hpi exhibits a lower methylation level compared to the susceptible one (N20/020), and it shows an early modulation (at 6 hpi) of defence and epigenetic-related genes during P. viticola infection. These data suggest that the timing of response is an important mechanism to efficiently counteract the pathogen attack.

Is Campus a Place of (In)Security and Crime? Perceptions and Predictors among Higher Education Students.

This paper addresses subjective insecurity, namely perceptions of (in)security and criminal variables on campus among Portuguese higher education students. Additionally, predictors of perceptions of (in)security and gender differences were also examined. The participants were 775 students and data were collected through the "Diagnosis of Local Security Questionnaire". Robbery, physical assault, theft, and sexual offenses were the most feared crimes. Additionally, robbery, theft, and public property damage were perceived as the most common on campus. Alcohol/drug consumption and juvenile conflicts/delinquency were the main reasons justifying criminal occurrences. Sociodemographic variables such as gender, age, education, and years of campus attendance, as well as criminal variables (e.g., perceived trend of crime, criminal occurrences, and crime promoters) predicted perceptions of (in)security. Females reported more fear than males of robbery, sexual offenses, physical aggression, and domestic violence. Therefore, preventive measures, including in the social domain and physical spaces, are mandatory to reduce violence on campus.

Blockade of the kinin B1 receptor counteracts the depressive-like behaviour and mechanical allodynia in ovariectomised mice.

Menopause is related to a decline in ovarian oestrogen production, affecting the perception of the somatosensory stimuli, changing the immune-inflammatory systems, and triggering depressive symptoms. It has been demonstrated that the inhibition of the kinin B1 and B2 receptors (B1R and B2R) prevented the depressive-like behaviour and the mechanical allodynia that was induced by immune-inflammatory mediators in mice. However, there is no evidence regarding the role of the kinin receptors in the depressive-like and nociceptive behaviour in female mice that were subjected to bilateral ovariectomy (OVX). This study has shown that the OVX mice developed time-related mechanical allodynia, together with an increased immobility time as indicative of depression. Both of these changes were reduced by the genetic deletion of B1R, or by the pharmacological blockade of the selective kinin B1R antagonist R-715 (acute, i.p.). The genetic deletion or the pharmacological inhibition of B2R (HOE 140, i.p.) did not prevent the OVX-elicited behavioural changes. The data has suggested a particular modulation of kinin B1R in the nociceptive and depressive-like behaviour in the OVX mice. The selective inhibition of the B1R receptor may be a new pharmacological target for treating pain and depression symptoms in women during the perimenopause/menopause period.

Testing the Effectiveness of Two Psychosocial Interventions on Socio-Cognitive Risk Factors for HIV/AIDS in Mozambican Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of two psychosocial interventions (Didactic and ACCENT) on socio-cognitive risk factors, in vulnerable Mozambican women at risk for HIV/AIDS infection. The study design was a randomized controlled trial on Mozambican women at HIV/AIDS risk (n = 150). The participants were randomized into three groups: Didactic Intervention (experimental group), ACCENT intervention (experimental group), and control group. We used an adapted version of the Women's Health Questionnaire, which includes a series of scales and questionnaires assessing psychosocial relevant dimensions to female protection towards HIV/AIDS: HIV/AIDS knowledge, condom use negotiation self-efficacy, and perceived barriers against safer sex. Both interventions were equally effective in increasing HIV/AIDS knowledge. The ACCENT intervention was especially effective in promoting condom use negotiation self-efficacy and in decreasing perceived barriers against safer sex, essential variables for sexual protection. These results support the adaptation of Western interventions to the African context.

Risk Assessment of Nine Coccidiostats in Commercial and Home Raised Poultry.

For the first time, this paper aimed to evaluate nine ionophore and synthetic coccidiostat residues in poultry muscle samples, obtained from different production types, by solid-liquid extraction followed by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The fully validated methodology was successfully applied to a total of 101 chicken and turkey samples obtained from canteens, supermarkets, and home productions in Portugal. Halofuginone, diclazuril, decoquinate, narasin, lasalocid, and salinomycin were detected in 20.8% of the samples. Home raised samples showed a greater frequency, 47.1%. The synthetic coccidiostats halofuginone, diclazuril, and decoquinate were found in averages of 0.7 µg kg-1,2.9 µg kg-1, and 3.7 µg kg-1, respectively, while averages of 1.2 µg kg-1, 1.6 µg kg-1, and 1.3 µg kg-1 were found regarding the ionophores narasin, lasalocid, and salinomycin. As for the risk assessment, values lower than 8.06% of the acceptable daily intake (ADI) were observed, indicating that exposure to coccidiostats through consumption of poultry meat does not represent risk to consumers.

Looking at crime-communities and physical spaces: A curated dataset.

This article describes a curated dataset entitled "Looking at Crime: Communities and Physical Spaces", which comprises data from different sources, namely Diagnosis of Local Security (DLS), Diagnosis of School Environment (DSE) and observation of physical spaces. The main topic covered was crime and related variables at the Historic Centre of Porto (HCP), a well-known urban area located in the North of Portugal. It is currently attended by inhabitants, workers, students and tourists. This dataset includes i) data from two different self-reports: i.1) demographics, perception of (in)security, victimization, social control and community cohesion obtained through an inquiry applied to the adult community; and i.2) data from school climate and students behavioural problems, which may be seen as risk factors for juvenile delinquency, collected through a web-survey applied to school personnel; and ii) data from observation of physical spaces, attending to the Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles. The dataset allows descriptive and inferential statistical analyses, being useful for students, academics, stakeholders, police forces and policy-makers, to better understand crime and its related variables, forecast criminal incidents, and further develop associated preventive and intervention programmes.

Intenção de se vacinar contra a COVID-19 e hesitação vacinal no Sul do Brasil: prevalência e fatores associados / Intention to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and vaccine hesitation in Southern Brazil: prevalence and associated factors

INTRODUÇÃO: A vacinação contra a COVID-19 é um dos principais recursos de saúde pública para mitigar a pandemia globalmente. As taxas de vacinação dependem diretamente da aceitação e adesão da população. Sabese que a aceitação vacinal é muito heterogênea entre as diferentes regiões do globo, mas há poucos estudos avaliando a percepção geral das vacinas contra a COVID-19 no Brasil. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a intenção de vacinação contra COVID-19 entre moradores do Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brasil, durante o início da campanha de vacinação no país, e identificar fatores associados à hesitação vacinal. MÉTODOS: Foi realizada uma pesquisa com coleta de dados online, que recrutou um total de 953 respondentes. O questionário foi divulgado em mídias digitais de março a maio de 2021, por meio do método de amostragem bola de neve. RESULTADOS: Aproximadamente 96% da amostra informou que pretendia tomar a vacina contra a COVID-19. A hesitação vacinal foi positivamente associada a ser casado, ter filhos e ser mais velho. Indivíduos sem intenção de se vacinar também foram mais propensos a não respeitar o distanciamento social e outras ações de proteção individual. CONCLUSÕES: Nossos achados estão de acordo com os dados atuais de cobertura vacinal no RS. Embora o Brasil esteja apresentando taxas de vacinação superiores à maioria dos países do mundo, devemos atentar para os grupos populacionais que não aderem à vacinação. Reforçamos a importância da constante divulgação científica e educação em saúde para toda a população como aliadas no fortalecimento das políticas públicas de vacinação.(AU)

INTRODUCTION: The vaccination against COVID-19 is one of the major public health resources to mitigate the global pandemic. Vaccination rates directly depends on the acceptance and adherence by the population. It is known that the vaccine acceptancy is very heterogeneous among different regions of the globe, but there are few studies evaluating the general perception of COVID-19 vaccines in Brazil. AIM: To evaluate the intention of vaccination against COVID-19 among residents of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil, during the beginning of the campaign in the country, and to identify factors associated with vaccine hesitancy. METHODS: An online survey was conducted, ending in a sample of 953 respondents. The questionnaire was divulgated through digital medias from March to May 2021, via a snowball sampling method. RESULTS: Approximal 96% of the sample informed they intended to take COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccine hesitancy was positively associated with being married, having children, and being older. Subjects with no intention to get vaccinated were also more likely to not respect social distancing and other individual protection actions. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings are in line with current vaccination coverage data in RS. Although Brazil is showing vaccination rates higher than most countries in the world, we must pay attention to population groups that do not adhere to vaccination. We reinforce the importance of constant science communication and health education for the whole population as allies in strengthening public policies for vaccination.(AU)

INTRODUCCIÓN: La vacunación contra el COVID-19 es uno de los principales recursos de salud pública para mitigar la pandemia. Las tasas de vacunación dependen directamente de la aceptación y adherencia por parte de la población. Se sabe que la aceptación de la vacuna es muy heterogénea entre las diferentes regiones del mundo, pero hay pocos estudios que evalúen la percepción general de las vacunas contra la COVID-19 en Brasil. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la intención de vacunación contra la COVID-19 entre los residentes de Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brasil, e identificar factores asociados a la reticencia vacunal. MÉTODOS: Se realizó una encuesta en línea, finalizando en una muestra de 953 encuestados. El cuestionario fue divulgado a través de medios digitales de marzo a mayo de 2021, mediante un método de muestreo de bola de nieve. RESULTADOS: Aproximadamente 96% de la muestra informó que tenía la intención de recibir la vacuna COVID-19. La reticencia a la vacuna se asoció positivamente con estar casado, tener hijos y ser mayor. Los sujetos sin intención de vacunarse también tenían más probabilidades de no respetar el distanciamiento social y otras medidas de protección individual. CONCLUSIONES: Nuestros hallazgos están en línea con los datos actuales de cobertura de vacunación en RS. Debemos prestar atención a los grupos de población que no se adhieren a la vacunación. Reforzamos la importancia de la comunicación científica constante y la educación en salud para toda la población como aliados en el fortalecimiento de las políticas públicas de vacunación.(AU)

Salt Tolerant and Sensitive Rice Varieties Display Differential Methylome Flexibility under Salt Stress.

DNA methylation has been referred as an important player in plant genomic responses to environmental stresses but correlations between the methylome plasticity and specific traits of interest are still far from being understood. In this study, we inspected global DNA methylation levels in salt tolerant and sensitive rice varieties upon salt stress imposition. Global DNA methylation was quantified using the 5-methylcytosine (5mC) antibody and an ELISA-based technique, which is an affordable and quite pioneer assay in plants, and in situ imaging of methylation sites in interphase nuclei of tissue sections. Variations of global DNA methylation levels in response to salt stress were tissue- and genotype-dependent. We show a connection between a higher ability of DNA methylation adjustment levels and salt stress tolerance. The salt-tolerant rice variety Pokkali was remarkable in its ability to quickly relax DNA methylation in response to salt stress. In spite of the same tendency for reduction of global methylation under salinity, in the salt-sensitive rice variety IR29 such reduction was not statistically supported. In 'Pokkali', the salt stress-induced demethylation may be linked to active demethylation due to increased expression of DNA demethylases under salt stress. In 'IR29', the induction of both DNA demethylases and methyltransferases may explain the lower plasticity of DNA methylation. We further show that mutations for epigenetic regulators affected specific phenotypic parameters related to salinity tolerance, such as the root length and biomass. This work emphasizes the role of differential methylome flexibility between salt tolerant and salt sensitive rice varieties as an important player in salt stress tolerance, reinforcing the need to better understand the connection between epigenetic networks and plant responses to environmental stresses.

A experiência vivenciada pelo familiar do paciente crítico em isolamento de contato / The experience of the critical patient's relative in contact isolation / La experiencia vivenciada por el familiar del paciente crítico en aislamiento de contacto

Objetivo: Descrever a experiência vivenciada pelo familiar de paciente crítico em isolamento de contato. Métodos: Estudo com metodologia qualitativa, realizado em 2019, em uma unidade de transplante de uma instituição hospitalar pública, em Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil, cujos participantes foram 17 familiares de pacientes que se encontravam internados na Unidade Pós-operatória de Alta Complexidade em isolamento de contato. A coleta de dados ocorreu por meio de entrevista semiestruturada, sendo realizada a análise temática, a partir da qual emergiram três categorias: A experiência do familiar no momento da visita; A fé como suporte para o enfrentamento na espera da recuperação do seu familiar; Os sentimentos vivenciados pela necessidade de isolamento. Resultados: Os achados revelaram a necessidade da precaução por isolamento, que assusta muito os familiares, e a importância do uso de aparelhos, de medidas de prevenção e de proteção, contexto em que a fé e a esperança acabam dando vez para o desânimo e tristeza. O medo do desconhecido e de contrair a doença de seu familiar traz um sentimento ambíguo. Conclusão: Percebeu-se nas falas que a religião, espiritualidade, crença, tem papel fundamental no dia a dia dos familiares e na recuperação dos pacientes em hospitalização, trazendo mais segurança e força em todo processo. A reação dos entrevistados diante da necessidade da utilização de equipamento de proteção individual, tanto pelos profissionais como por eles mesmos no período da visita, mostrou que foi interpretada como "nojo" para tocar em seus familiares.

Objective: To describe the experience of a family member of a critical patient in contact isolation. Methods: This is a qualitative study, carried out in 2019, in a transplant unit of a public hospital in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil, whose participants were 17 relatives of patients who were hospitalized in the High Complexity Postoperative Unit in contact isolation. Data collection took place through semi-structured interviews, with thematic analysis being carried out, from which three categories emerged: The family member's experience at the time of the visit; Faith as support for coping while waiting for your family member to recover; and The feelings experienced by the need for isolation. Results: The findings revealed the need for precaution for isolation, which greatly scares family members and the importance of using devices, preventive and protective measures, a context in which faith and hope end up giving way to discouragement and sadness. The fear of the unknown and of contracting the illness of your relative brings an ambiguous feeling. Conclusion: It was perceived in the statements that religion, spirituality, and belief have a fundamental role in the daily lives of family members and the recovery of patients in hospitalization, bringing more security and strength in the whole process.

Objetivo: Describir la experiencia vivenciada por el familiar de paciente critico en aislamiento de contacto. Métodos: Estudio con metodología cualitativa realizado en 2019 en una unidad de trasplante de una institución hospitalaria pública de Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil, cuyos participantes fueron 17 familiares de pacientes ingresados en la unidad postoperatoria de alta complejidad de aislamiento de contacto. La recogida de datos se dio a través de entrevista semiestructurada y se realizó el análisis temático de lo cual emergieron tres categorías: La experiencia del familiar durante la visita; El apoyo de la fe para el afrontamiento de la espera de la recuperación de su familiar; Los sentimientos vividos debido el aislamiento. Resultados: Los hallazgos revelaron la necesidad de precaución por el aislamiento que asusta mucho los familiares y la importancia del uso de aparatos, de medidas de prevención e de protección, contexto en el cual se cambia la fe y la esperanza por el desánimo y la tristeza. El miedo del desconocido y de tener la enfermedad de su familiar lleva a un sentimiento ambiguo. Conclusión: Se percibió en las hablas que la religión, la espiritualidad y la creencia tienen el papel fundamental en el cotidiano de los familiares y para la recuperación de los pacientes ingresados que tienen más seguridad y fuerza en todo el proceso. La reacción de los entrevistados ante la necesidad de la utilización de aparato de protección individual por los profesionales y por ellos mismos durante la visita ha sido interpretada como "aversión" de tocar sus familiares.

Estratégias de coping utilizadas pelos docentes do curso de graduação em enfermagem / Coping strategies used by teachers of the nursing graduation course

Objetivo: analisar estratégias de coping utilizadas pelos docentes do curso de graduação em Enfermagem. Método: estudo quantitativo, transversal, realizado com 77 docentes do curso de graduação em Enfermagem. Foi feito o levantamento dos dados por meio da aplicação do Inventário de Estratégia de Coping (IEC). A análise dos dados foi realizada de forma discursiva. Resultados: As estratégias mais empregadas foram aquelas em que os docentes aceitavam o problema e utilizavam-no como forma de aprendizado, enfrentando o estresse, conhecido como “luta” e dando resolubilidade ao problema. Conclusão: O estresse gerado devido a situações conflitantes do cotidiano, como o acompanhamento de trabalhos extracurriculares, aulas extensas, circunstâncias ambientais e desafetos com alunos, deve ser encarado para o surgimento de estratégias de confronto evitando, assim, o crescimento desse estresse, que pode ocasionar o adoecimento.

Nefroesclerose hipertensiva / Nefroesclerose hypertensive

Os principais danos causados pela HAS são as lesões em órgãos alvo, como coração, cérebro e rins. A nefroesclerose hipertensiva, é a segunda principal causa de doença renal terminal [DRT]. A nefroesclerose maligna [NM] é conhecida causa de DRT, apresentando elevado custo médico-social, principalmente por sua estreita relação com as doenças cardiovasculares, devendo ser diagnosticada e tratada precocemente.

Distúrbios do equilíbrio ácido-básico na prática clínica / Disorders of basic acid balance in clinical practice

Na prática médica, o distúrbio do equilíbrio ácido-básico possui grande relevância. Muitas funções metabólicas e fisiológicas dependem do pH. Alterações no pH em geral, decorrem de patologias concomitantes (EX: sepse, insuficiência renal, pneumonia, etc...) e, dependendo do grau de alteração, representam um risco eminente de vida ao paciente,O equilíbrio ácido – básico é um assunto de importância para todas as especialidades. Porém, seu entendimento prático é revestido de diversos graus de dificuldade.

Levantamento do número de pacientes admitidos na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva com diagnóstico de intoxicação por organofosforado / Survey about the number of patients admitted in the intensive therapy unit with organophosphorated intoxication diagnosis

Através de nossa observação em campo de trabalho dentro de Unidade e Terapia Intensiva (UTI), verificamos um aumento na internação de pacientes com diagnóstico de intoxicação por organofosforados: compostos tóxicos para o organismo humano nas suas várias formas de absorção, colocando em risco a vida do indivíduo (Moraes et al, 1999). Este fato nos motivou a levantar o número de indivíduos internados na UTI, com o referido diagnóstico relacionado com sexo, idade e destino dos mesmos com a finalidade de buscar subsídios para fundamentar melhor nossas ações enquanto enfermeiros responsáveis pela UTI. Nossa população foi composta por 54 pacientes adultos e utilizamos para a coleta de dados o livro registro da UTI. Os resultados apontaram uma prevalência de intoxicação no sexo masculino; a faixa etária prevalente foi de indivíduos jovens entre 20 a 30 anos e dos pacientes internados, 43 receberam alta e 11 evoluíram a óbito. Desta forma, conclui-se que se fazem necessárias medidas preventivas para a conscientização dos indivíduos que trabalham com esses compostos, bem como uma capacitação da equipe para o pronto atendimento deste paciente caso necessite de hospitalização.