Designing Quantum Capacitive Peptide Interfaces for Electroanalytical Applications.

Redox-active moieties assembled on metallic interfaces have been shown to follow quantum mechanical rules, where the quantum capacitance of the interface (directly associated with the electronic structure of the redox-active moieties) plays a key role in the electron transfer dynamics of the interface. Modifying these interfaces with biological receptors has significant advantages (simplifying molecular diagnostics methods, reducing size, time, and cost while maintaining high sensitivity), enabling the fabrication of miniaturized electroanalytical devices that can compete with traditional ELISA and RT-PCR benchtop assay methods. Owing to their intrinsic characteristics, the use of peptide-based redox-active moieties is a promising chemical route for modifying metallic surfaces, resulting in a high quantum capacitive signal sensitivity. In the present work, different ferrocene-tagged peptides with a structure of Fc-Glu-XX-XX-Cys-NH2 (XX = serine, phenylalanine, glycine) were used to form self-assembled monolayers on gold. The feasibility of using these interfaces in an electroanalytical assay was verified by detecting the NS1 DENV (Dengue Virus) biomarker to compare the efficiency of peptide structures for biosensing purposes. Parameters such as the formal potential of the interface, normalized electronic density of states (DOS), quantum capacitance, and electron transfer rate constants were obtained for Ser-, Phe-, and Gly-peptides. The Gly-peptide structure presented the highest analytical performance for sensing NS1 with a sensitivity of 5.6% per decade and the lowest LOD (1.4 ng mL-1) and LOQ (2.6 ng mL-1), followed by Phe-peptide, whereas Ser-peptide had the lowest performance. This work demonstrates that the use of peptides to fabricate a self-assembled monolayer as a biosensor component has advantages for low-cost point-of-care diagnostics. It also shows that the performance of the sensing interface depends strongly on how the chemistry of the surface is designed as a whole, not only on the redox-active group.

Effects of Exercise Intensity on Cardiometabolic Parameters of Ovariectomized Obese Mice.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of continuous-moderate vs. high-intensity interval aerobic training on cardiovascular and metabolic parameters in ovariectomized high-fat-fed mice. C57BL/6 female ovariectomized were divided into four groups (n=8): low-fat-fed sedentary (SLF); high-fat-fed sedentary (SHF); high-fat-fed moderate-intensity continuous trained (MICT-HF); and high-fat-fed high-intensity interval aerobic trained (HIIT-HF). The high-fat diet lasted 10 weeks. Ovariectomy was performed in the fourth week. The exercise training was carried out in the last four weeks of protocol. Fasting glycemia, oral glucose tolerance, arterial pressure, baroreflex sensitivity, and cardiovascular autonomic modulation were evaluated. Moderate-intensity continuous training prevented the increase in arterial pressure and promoted a reduction in HR at rest, associated with an improvement in the sympathovagal balance in MICT-HF vs. SHF. The high-intensity interval training reduced blood glucose and glucose intolerance in HIIT-HF vs. SHF and MICT-HF. In addition, it improved sympathovagal balance in HIIT-HF vs. SHF. Moderate-intensity continuous training was more effective in promoting cardiovascular benefits, while high-intensity interval training was more effective in promoting metabolic benefits.

Willingness of health care providers to offer HIV self-testing from specialized HIV care services in the northeast of Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The insufficient knowledge regarding the serological status of people affected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a concern in Brazil. HIV self-testing (HIVST) has been proved to have great potential for increasing testing, especially among vulnerable populations. The large-scale distribution of HIVST by the Brazilian public health system has increased in recent years. We aimed to investigate the awareness of HIVST among health care providers (HCP) from specialized HIV/AIDS care services in the state of Bahia, Northeast Brazil. Further we investigated HCP acceptability and willingness to offer its use. METHODS: A cross-sectional study on HCP from 29 specialized care services (SCS) located in 21 cities in the state of Bahia. HCP working in the service for at least 6 months were included. Sociodemographic, occupational, and behavioral data were collected using a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were carried out. Bivariate, and multivariate analyses estimating adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) using logistic regression were conducted. RESULTS: The awareness and acceptability of HIVST and the willingness to provide it were 79.8, 55.2, and 47.1%, respectively. Few HCP reported that the SCS where they worked dispensed HIVST (3.6%), and 13.5% received some information or training on HIVST. Factors associated with willingness to offer HIVST were: HIVST acceptability (aOR = 9.45; 95% CI: 4.53-19.71), willingness to use HIVST on themselves (aOR = 4.45; 95% CI: 1.62-12.24), confidence in offering HIVST to clients (aOR = 5.73; 95% CI: 2.26-12.72), and considering everyone eligible for HIVST (aOR = 2.88; 95% CI: 1.25-6.59). CONCLUSIONS: Although most HCP were aware of HIVST, acceptability and willingness to provide it to the clients was moderate. The scale up of HIVST as a mean for the HIV prevention and control policy in Brazil, requires further training of HCP and better implementation of this program.

[Control of cervical cancer in the primary care setting in South American countries: systematic reviewControl del cáncer cervicouterino en los servicios de atención primaria de salud en los países de América del Sur: revisión sistemática]. / Controle do câncer do colo do útero na atenção primária à saúde em países sul-americanos: revisão sistemática.

Objective: To describe cervical cancer (CC) prevention and control strategies in the primary care setting in South America. Method: Two review steps were performed: review of documents published in governmental websites in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela; and systematic review of the literature available in LILACS, MEDLINE, Scopus, SciELO, and Science Direct databases. Results: Twenty-one institutional documents (plans, practice guides, and national guidelines) and 25 journal articles were included. All countries had high CC morbidity and mortality rates. Screening in primary healthcare (PHC) was mostly opportunistic, although the institutional documents indicated an intention and strategies for early diagnosis and longitudinal follow-up of suspected and confirmed cases, preferably within the public healthcare system. All countries adopted a broad view of PHC, although the stage of PHC implementation was heterogeneous in different countries, with predominance of selective PHC. Access to screening was more difficult for women from rural or remote areas and for indigenous populations. The unavailability of PHC close to households/communities was an important barrier for CC screening. Conclusions: The fragmentation of healthcare systems and the selective provision of services are barriers for the prevention and control of CC in South America. Organized CC screening programs and active search for Papanicolaou testing in primary care are needed. Intercultural practices and intersectional public policies are essential to overcome the inequities in CC control in South American countries.

Objetivo: Describir las estrategias de prevención y control del cáncer cervicouterino (CCU) en los servicios de atención primaria de salud (APS) de América del Sur. Métodos: Revisión bibliográfica en dos etapas, a saber, revisión documental en sitios web gubernamentales de Argentina, Bolivia, Brasil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Perú, Uruguay y Venezuela, y revisión sistemática en las bases de datos LILACS, MEDLINE, Scopus, SciELO y Science Direct. Resultados: Se incluyeron 21 documentos institucionales (planes, guías de práctica y directrices nacionales) y 25 artículos. Todos los países tenían altas tasas de morbilidad y mortalidad por CCU. En los servicios de APS predominó el tamizaje oportunista, aunque los documentos disponibles señalaran intenciones y estrategias de diagnóstico precoz y seguimiento longitudinal de los casos sospechosos y confirmados, particularmente en la red pública. Todos los países adoptaron un concepto integral de APS, aunque el proceso de aplicación se encontrara en fases heterogéneas y predominaran la focalización y la selectividad. Cabe destacar que las mujeres de las zonas rurales o remotas y de los pueblos indígenas registran el peor grado de acceso al tamizaje. La falta de servicios de APS cerca de las residencias o las comunidades fue una barrera importante para el tamizaje del CCU. Conclusiones: La fragmentación de los sistemas de salud y la segmentación en la oferta de servicios son obstáculos para la prevención y el control del CCU en América del Sur. Se necesitan programas organizados de tamizaje del CCU e incorporación de la búsqueda activa para realizar la prueba de Papanicolaou en los servicios de APS. La interculturalidad en las prácticas y la formulación de políticas desde una perspectiva intersectorial son esenciales para superar las inequidades en el control del CCU en los países suramericanos.

Biogas production in a tropical landfill: Long-term monitoring results and analysis of variables of influence.

The use of landfill gas for power production is a very attractive option in tropical sanitary landfills mainly in developing countries, where the waste composition, water content, and the climate conditions are favorable to a fast depletion of waste organic matter and a robust short term biogas production response. In this paper, the results of long-term monitoring and methane extraction activities in a tropical landfill are presented, and the obtained results are analyzed taking into account the structure of the prokaryotic communities and the fugitive emissions through the temporary covers. It is shown that waste depletion by aerobic processes and fugitive emissions are probable related to the drop in the efficiency of the extraction system verified in the field and that the performance of the temporary covers is of paramount importance when implementing good practices of waste management in sanitary landfills. The fugitive emissions through temporary covers was estimated at about 12% of the methane production in the field, and the distance from drains and sampling depth were confirmed as having an influence on the environmental conditions for waste depletion and on the relative abundance of the bacterial communities.

The Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis in Metabolic Syndrome and Sleep Disorders: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Over recent decades, a growing body of evidence has emerged linking the composition of the gut microbiota to sleep regulation. Interestingly, the prevalence of sleep disorders is commonly related to cardiometabolic comorbidities such as diabetes, impaired lipid metabolism, and metabolic syndrome (MetS). In this complex scenario, the role of the gut-brain axis as the main communicating pathway between gut microbiota and sleep regulation pathways in the brain reveals some common host-microbial biomarkers in both sleep disturbances and MetS. As the biological mechanisms behind this complex interacting network of neuroendocrine, immune, and metabolic pathways are not fully understood yet, the present systematic review aims to describe common microbial features between these two unrelated chronic conditions. RESULTS: This systematic review highlights a total of 36 articles associating the gut microbial signature with MetS or sleep disorders. Specific emphasis is given to studies evaluating the effect of dietary patterns, dietary supplementation, and probiotics on MetS or sleep disturbances. CONCLUSIONS: Dietary choices promote microbial composition and metabolites, causing both the amelioration and impairment of MetS and sleep homeostasis.

Aerobic exercise attenuates dysautonomia, cardiac diastolic dysfunctions, and hemodynamic overload in female mice with atherosclerosis.

Cardiovascular risk increases during the aging process in women with atherosclerosis and exercise training is a strategy for management of cardiac risks in at-risk populations. Therefore, the aims of this study were to evaluate: (1) the influence of the aging process on cardiac function, hemodynamics, cardiovascular autonomic modulation, and baroreflex sensitivity in females with atherosclerosis at the onset of reproductive senescence; and (2) the impact of exercise training on age-related dysfunctions in this model. Eighteen Apolipoprotein-E knockout female mice were divided equally into young (Y), middle-aged (MA), and trained middle-aged (MAT). Echocardiographic exams were performed to verify cardiac morphology and function. Cannulation for direct recording of blood pressure and heart rate, and analysis of cardiovascular autonomic modulation, baroreflex sensitivity were performed. The MA had lower cardiac diastolic function (E'/A' ratio), and higher aortic thickness, heart rate and mean arterial pressure, lower heart rate variability and baroreflex sensitivity compared with Y. There were no differences between Y and MAT in these parameters. Positive correlation coefficients were found between aortic wall thickness with hemodynamics data. The aging process causes a series of deleterious effects such as hemodynamic overload and dysautonomia in female with atherosclerosis. Exercise training was effective in mitigating aged-related dysfunctions.

Machine learning algorithms to predict outcomes in children and adolescents with COVID-19: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We aimed to analyze the study designs, modeling approaches, and performance evaluation metrics in studies using machine learning techniques to develop clinical prediction models for children and adolescents with COVID-19. METHODS: We searched four databases for articles published between 01/01/2020 and 10/25/2023, describing the development of multivariable prediction models using any machine learning technique for predicting several outcomes in children and adolescents who had COVID-19. RESULTS: We included ten articles, six (60 % [95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.31 - 0.83]) were predictive diagnostic models and four (40% [95 % CI 0.170.69]) were prognostic models. All models were developed to predict a binary outcome (n= 10/10, 100 % [95 % CI 0.72-1]). The most frequently predicted outcome was disease detection (n=3/10, 30% [95 % CI 0.11-0.60]). The most commonly used machine learning models in the studies were tree-based (n=12/33, 36.3% [95 % CI 0.17-0.47]) and neural networks (n=9/27, 33.2% [95% CI 0.15-0.44]). CONCLUSION: Our review revealed that attention is required to address problems including small sample sizes, inconsistent reporting practices on data preparation, biases in data sources, lack of reporting metrics such as calibration and discrimination, hyperparameters and other aspects that allow reproducibility by other researchers and might improve the methodology.

Scorpion envenomation in Brazil and its relationship with the social determinants of health: A population-based ecological study.

This study comprehensively analyzed cases of scorpion envenomation in Brazil, exploring the temporal trends and geographic patterns of such incidents between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2022. Simultaneously, we assessed the correlation between scorpion envenomation and social determinants of health and social vulnerability. We conducted a population-based ecological study, gathering information on the number of scorpion envenomation cases in Brazil, as well as socioeconomic data and social vulnerability indicators across the 5,570 Brazilian municipalities. The season-trend model, based on the classical additive decomposition method, informed estimations of scorpion envenomation variations over time. The spatial correlation of scorpion envenomation with socioeconomic and vulnerability indicators was assessed using the Bivariate Moran's I. A total of 1,343,224 cases of scorpion envenomation were recorded in Brazil from Jan 2012 to Dec 2022. A single increasing time trend was observed for the entire country for this period (APC 8.94, P < 0.001). The seasonal analysis was significant for Brazil as a whole and all regions (p < 0.001), with peaks evident between October and November. The spatial distribution of cases was heterogeneous, with spatial clusters concentrated in the high-risk Southeast and Northeast regions. There was a high incidence of scorpion envenomation in municipalities facing social vulnerability, and, paradoxically, in those with better sanitation and waste collection. Our study revealed a heterogeneous geographical distribution of scorpion accidents in Brazil. Municipalities with higher social vulnerability exhibited a high incidence of scorpion envenomation.

Resistance training maintains physical function but does not prevent changes in body composition and biochemical markers after detraining in aging adults.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to analyze the effects of 10 weeks of resistance training (RT) and subsequent 4 weeks of detraining on physical function, body composition, and biochemical markers in aging adults. METHODS: The study sample was selected by convenience and consisted of 12 women with a mean age of 58 ± 7 years. Physical function [Latin-American Group of Development for Maturity (GDLAM) general index], body composition, total and fractional cholesterol, triglycerides, and glycemia were assessed before and after RT (10 weeks) and detraining (4 weeks). RESULTS: After 10 weeks of RT, there were improvements in fat-free mass (39.1 ± 4.2 vs. 39.9 ± 4.4 kg; p < 0.05 and d = 0.2), fat mass (39.9 ± 6.3% vs. 38.7 ± 6.4%; p < 0.05 and d = -0.2), conicity index (1.47 ± 0.07 vs. 1.43 ± 0.06; p = 0.001 and d = -0.6), and physical function (GDLAM index [27.2 ± 5.5 vs. 25.0 ± 4.7; p = 0.001 and d = -0.4]). Significant improvements were also found in total cholesterol (271.8 ± 75.7 vs. 217.2 ± 52.2 mg/dL; p < 0.01 and d = -0.8), LDL-cholesterol (196.5 ± 61.6 vs. 159.3 ± 38.5 mg/dL; p < 0.01 and d = -0.7), HDL-cholesterol (53.1 ± 7.3 vs. 64.3 ± 23.7 mg/dL; p < 0.05 and d = 0.7), and triglycerides (165.8 ± 32.6 vs. 139.9 ± 46.6 mg/dL; p = 0.001 and d = -0.6). After the detraining period, all benefits in physical function were successfully maintained. CONCLUSION: RT provided benefits in physical function, body composition, and biochemical markers in aging adults. However, 4-week detraining impaired body composition and biochemical markers in the investigated sample.

Mapping schistosomiasis risk landscapes and implications for disease control: A case study for low endemic areas in the Middle Paranapanema river basin, São Paulo, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Schistosomiasis, a chronic parasitic disease, remains a public health issue in tropical and subtropical regions, especially in low and moderate-income countries lacking assured access to safe water and proper sanitation. A national prevalence survey carried out by the Brazilian Ministry of Health from 2011 to 2015 found a decrease in human infection rates to 1%, with 19 out of 26 states still classified as endemic areas. There is a risk of schistosomiasis reemerging as a public health concern in low-endemic regions. This study proposes an integrated landscape-based approach to aid surveillance and control strategies for schistosomiasis in low-endemic areas. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In the Middle Paranapanema river basin, specific landscapes linked to schistosomiasis were identified using a comprehensive methodology. This approach merged remote sensing, environmental, socioeconomic, epidemiological, and malacological data. A team of experts identified ten distinct landscape categories associated with varying levels of schistosomiasis transmission potential. These categories were used to train a supervised classification machine learning algorithm, resulting in a 92.5% overall accuracy and a 6.5% classification error. Evaluation revealed that 74.6% of collected snails from water collections in five key municipalities within the basin belonged to landscape types with higher potential for S. mansoni infection. Landscape connectivity metrics were also analysed. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: This study highlights the role of integrated landscape-based analyses in informing strategies for eliminating schistosomiasis. The methodology has produced new schistosomiasis risk maps covering the entire basin. The region's low endemicity can be partly explained by the limited connectivity among grouped landscape-units more prone to triggering schistosomiasis transmission. Nevertheless, changes in social, economic, and environmental landscapes, especially those linked to the rising pace of incomplete urbanization processes in the region, have the potential to increase risk of schistosomiasis transmission. This study will help target interventions to bring the region closer to schistosomiasis elimination.

Nursing care for the transgender population in primary health care: an integrative review.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the care provided to the transgender population by nursing in Primary Health Care (PHC). METHODS: Integrative literature review performed in the Virtual Health Library (VHL), Medline/PubMed and Web of Science (WoS) databases without a pre-established time frame, using the descriptors "transgender persons", "gender identity", "nursing care" and "primary health care". RESULTS: Eleven articles published between 2008-2021 were included. They were categorized as follows: Embracement and healthcare; Implementation of Public Health Policies; Weaknesses in academic training; Barriers between theory and practice. The articles showed a limited scenario of nursing care for the transgender population. The scarcity of research focused on this theme is an important sign of how care has been incipient or even non- existent in the context of PHC. CONCLUSIONS: Structural and interpersonal stigmas materialized in discriminatory and prejudiced practices perpetrated by managers, professionals and health institutions constitute the greatest challenges to be overcome for comprehensive, equitable and humanized care provided to the transgender population by nursing.

Food readjustment plus exercise training improves cardiovascular autonomic control and baroreflex sensitivity in high-fat diet-fed ovariectomized mice.

Despite consensus on the benefits of food readjustment and/or moderate-intensity continuous exercise in the treatment of cardiometabolic risk factors, there is little evidence of the association between these two cardiovascular risk management strategies after menopause. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of food readjustment and/or exercise training on metabolic, hemodynamic, autonomic, and inflammatory parameters in a model of loss of ovarian function with diet-induced obesity. Forty C57BL/6J ovariectomized mice were divided into the following groups: high-fat diet-fed - 60% lipids throughout the protocol (HF), food readjustment - 60% lipids for 5 weeks, readjusted to 10% for the next 5 weeks (FR), high-fat diet-fed undergoing moderate-intensity exercise training (HFT), and food readjustment associated with moderate-intensity exercise training (FRT). Blood glucose evaluations and oral glucose tolerance tests were performed. Blood pressure was assessed by direct intra-arterial measurement. Baroreflex sensitivity was tested using heart rate phenylephrine and sodium nitroprusside induced blood pressure changes. Cardiovascular autonomic modulation was evaluated in time and frequency domains. Inflammatory profile was evaluated by IL-6, IL-10 cytokines, and TNF-alpha measurements. Only the exercise training associated with food readjustment strategy induced improved functional capacity, body composition, metabolic parameters, inflammatory profile, and resting bradycardia, while positively changing cardiovascular autonomic modulation and increasing baroreflex sensitivity. Our findings demonstrate that the association of these strategies seems to be effective in the management of cardiometabolic risk in a model of loss of ovarian function with diet-induced obesity.

Combined Exercise Training Promotes More Benefits on Cardiovascular Autonomic Modulation in Ovariectomized Rats Than Isolated Aerobic or Resistance Training.

Introduction: Cardiovascular risk increase after ovarian deprivation has been extensively demonstrated by our research group through cardiovascular autonomic analysis. Interventions involving different types of exercises, such as resistance exercises or combined exercises (aerobic and resistance) have been widely recommended to prevent or minimize neuromuscular decline in postmenopausal women, which is aggravated by a sedentary lifestyle. Experimentally, the cardiovascular effects of resistance or combined training, as well as comparison between aerobic, resistance, and combined training, in ovariectomized animals are scarce. Purpose: In this study, we hypothesized that the combination of aerobic and resistance training may be more effective in preventing muscle mass loss, as well as improving cardiovascular autonomic modulation and baroreflex sensitivity, than aerobic or resistance training individually in ovariectomized rats. Animals and Methods: Female rats were divided into 5 groups: sedentary (C); ovariectomized (Ovx); trained ovariectomized submitted to aerobic training (OvxAT); resistance training (OvxRT); combined training (OvxCT). Exercise training lasted 8 weeks, with the combined group alternating between aerobic training and resistance training every other day. At the end of the study, glycemia and insulin tolerance were evaluated. Arterial pressure (AP) was directly recorded. Baroreflex sensitivity was assessed by heart rate response to changes in arterial pressure. Cardiovascular autonomic modulation was evaluated by spectral analysis. Results: Combined training was the only training regime that increased baroreflex sensitivity for tachycardic response and reduced all systolic blood pressure variability parameters. Furthermore, all animals submitted to exercise training on a treadmill (OvxAT and OvxCT) presented lower systolic, diastolic, and mean pressure, as well as improvements in the autonomic modulation for the heart. Conclusion: Combined training showed to be more effective than isolated aerobic and resistance training, mixing the isolated benefits of each modality. It was the only modality able to increase baroreflex sensitivity to tachycardic responses, reduce arterial pressure and all parameters of vascular sympathetic modulation.

Monte Carlo study of a new I-125 brachytherapy prototype seed with a ceramic radionuclide carrier and radiographic marker.

In prostate cancer treatment, there is an increasing interest in the permanent radioactive seeds implant technique. Currently, in Brazil, the seeds are imported with high prices, which prohibit their use in public hospitals. A ceramic matrix that can be used as a radioisotope carrier and radiographic marker was developed at our institution. The ceramic matrix is distinguished by the characteristic of maintaining the radioactive material uniformly distributed in its surface. In this work, Monte Carlo simulations were performed in order to assess the dose distributions generated by this prototype seed model, with the ceramic matrix encapsulated in titanium, in the same way as the commercial 6711 seed. The obtained data was assessed, as described in the TG-43U1 report by the American Association of Physicists in Medicine, for two seed models: (1) the most used model 6711 source - for validation and comparison, and (2) for the prototype model with the ceramic matrix. The dosimetric parameters dose rate constant, Λ, radial dose function, gL(r), and anisotropy function, F(r,θ), were derived from simulations by the Monte Carlo method using the MCNP5 code. A Λ 0.992 (± 2.33%) cGyh-1U-1 was found for the prototype model. In comparison with the 6711 model, a lower dose fall-off on transverse axis was found, as well as a lower dose anisotropy for the radius r = 0.25 cm. In general, for all distances, the prototype seed model presents a slightly larger anisotropy between 0° ≤ Θ < 50° and anisotropy similar to the 6711 model for Θ ≥ 50°. The dosimetric characteristics of the prototype model presented in this study suggest that its use is feasible. Because of the model's characteristics, seeds of lower specific activity iodine might be necessary which, on the other hand, would help to reduce costs. However, it has to be emphasized that the proposed source is a prototype, and the required (AAPM prerequisites) experimental study and tolerance manufacturer values are pending for future studies.

Increasing selection gain and accuracy of harvest prediction models in Jatropha through genome-wide selection.

Genome-wide selection (GWS) has been becoming an essential tool in the genetic breeding of long-life species, as it increases the gain per time unit. This study had a hypothesis that GWS is a tool that can decrease the breeding cycle in Jatropha. Our objective was to compare GWS with phenotypic selection in terms of accuracy and efficiency over three harvests. Models were developed throughout the harvests to evaluate their applicability in predicting genetic values in later harvests. For this purpose, 386 individuals of the breeding population obtained from crossings between 42 parents were evaluated. The population was evaluated in random block design, with six replicates over three harvests. The genetic effects of markers were predicted in the population using 811 SNP's markers with call rate = 95% and minor allele frequency (MAF) > 4%. GWS enables gains of 108 to 346% over the phenotypic selection, with a 50% reduction in the selection cycle. This technique has potential for the Jatropha breeding since it allows the accurate obtaining of GEBV and higher efficiency compared to the phenotypic selection by reducing the time necessary to complete the selection cycle. In order to apply GWS in the first harvests, a large number of individuals in the breeding population are needed. In the case of few individuals in the population, it is recommended to perform a larger number of harvests.

The Role of Urinary Biomarkers as Diagnostic and Prognostic Predictors of Acute Kidney Injury Associated With Vancomycin.

Introduction: The incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) related to vancomycin is variable, and several risk factors related to the treatment and patients may explain the nephrotoxicity. The role of urinary biomarkers in AKI related to vancomycin is unknown. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of urinary IL-18, KIM-1, NGAL, TIMP-2, and IGFBP7 as diagnostic and prognostic predictors of AKI related to vancomycin. Methods: A prospective cohort study of patients receiving vancomycin and admitted to wards of a public university hospital from July 2019 to May 2020 was performed. We excluded patients that had AKI before starting vancomycin, hemodynamic instability, inability to collect urine, and chronic kidney disease stage 5. Results: Ninety-four patients were included, and the prevalence of AKI was 24.5%, while the general mortality was 8.7%. AKI occurred 11 ± 2 days after the first vancomycin dose. The most frequent KDIGO stage was 1 (61%). There was no difference between patients who developed and did not develop AKI due to gender, length of hospital stay, dose, and time of vancomycin use. Logistic regression identified age (OR 6.6, CI 1.16-38.22, p = 0.03), plasmatic vancomycin concentrations between 96 and 144 h (OR 1.18, CI 1.04-1.40, p = 0.04), and urinary NGAL levels between 96 and 144 h (OR 1.123, CI 1.096-1.290, p = 0.03) as predictors of AKI. The time of vancomycin use (OR 4.61, CI 1.11-22.02, p = 0.03), higher plasmatic vancomycin concentrations between 192 and 240 h (OR 1.02, CI 0.98-1.06, p = 0.26), and higher cell cycle arrest urinary biomarkers TIMP-2 multiplied by IGFBP-7 between 144 and 192 h (OR 1.33, CI 1.10-1.62, p = 0.02; OR 1.19, CI 1.09-1.39, p = 0.04, respectively) were identified as prognostic factors for non-recovery of kidney function at discharge. Conclusion: AKI related to vancomycin was frequent in patients hospitalized in wards. Age, plasmatic vancomycin concentrations, and NGAL between 96 and 144 h were identified as predictors of AKI related to vancomycin use. Plasmatic vancomycin concentrations and urinary NGAL were predictors of AKI diagnosis within the next 5 days. The urinary biomarkers of cell cycle arrest TIMP-2 and IGFBP-7 and the duration of vancomycin use were associated with non-recovery of kidney function at hospital discharge moment.

Serum Concentration of Vancomycin Is a Diagnostic Predictor of Nephrotoxic Acute Kidney Injury in Septic Patients in Clinical and Surgical Wards.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: There have been few studies to evaluate the monitoring of plasmatic concentrations of vancomycin in septic patients and their association with acute kidney injury (AKI) and death. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of adequate, subtherapeutic, and toxic serum concentrations of vancomycin in hospitalized septic patients and to associate the adequacy of therapeutic monitoring with clinical outcomes. METHODOLOGY: This was a cohort-unicentric study that evaluated septic patients aged >18 years using vancomycin admitted to clinical and surgical wards of a Brazilian university center from August 2016 to July 2017 in a daily and uninterrupted way. We excluded patients with AKI prior to the introduction of vancomycin or with AKI development <48 hours after use, patients with AKI of other etiologies, stage V chronic kidney disease, and pregnant women. RESULTS: We evaluated 225 patients, and 135 were included. Evaluation of serum concentration of vancomycin was realized in 94.1%, and of those, 59.3% presented toxic concentrations. The prevalence of AKI was 27.4% and happened on average on the ninth day of vancomycin usage. Between the fourth and sixth days, vancomycin serum concentration of >21.5 mg/L was a predictor of AKI, with area under the curve of 0.803 (95% CI 0.62-0.98, p=0.005), preceding the diagnosis of AKI by at least 3 days. Of these patients, 20.7% died, and serum concentrations of vancomycin between the fourth and sixth days were identified as risk factors associated with negative outcomes. CONCLUSION: Serum concentration of vancomycin is an excellent predictor of AKI in patients admitted to wards, preceding the diagnosis of AKI by at least 72 hours. Toxic concentrations of vancomycin are associated with AKI, and AKI was a risk factor for death. Also, serum concentration of vancomycin >21.5 mg/L was the only variable associated with death in the Cox model.

[Specialized care in health regions: challenges to ensure comprehensive health care in Brazil]. / Atención especializada en regiones de salud: desafíos para garantizar el cuidado integral en Brasil.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze aspects of specialized health care provision in the context of incipient regional integration, as well as barriers to offering comprehensive health care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Case studies in tree municipal seats of health regions in the state of Bahia, Brazil. 31 semi-structured interviews were conducted with health managers and surveys were applied to 201 physicians and nurses of family health care teams and 1 590 users. RESULTS: The participants agreed on the lack of the specialized health care, considering limitations in regional planning due to low public funding and difficulties to attract specialized physicians. A significant percentage of users seek specialized health care directly in private services. CONCLUSIONS: The provision of comprehensive health care faces not only the challenge of strengthening the essential characteristics of primary health care (PHC), but also the lack of specialists, the fragmentation between different points of the network and communicational disarticulation between levels of the health system.

OBJETIVOS: Analizar aspectos de la provisión de asistencia especializada en el contexto de incipiente integración regional y barreras para la oferta de atención integral en salud. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudios de caso en tres municipios sedes de regiones de salud del estado de Bahía, Brasil, con realización de 31 entrevistas semiestructuradas con gestores de salud, encuestas a 201 médicos y enfermeros de EqSF y 1 590 usuarios. RESULTADOS: Hubo convergencia en cuanto a la escasez de retaguardia terapéutica, considerando las limitaciones que sufre el planeamiento local por el bajo financia-miento público y las dificultades para atraer especialistas. Un porcentaje expresivo de usuarios busca servicios especializados directamente en el sector privado. CONCLUSIONES: La oferta de atención integral en salud enfrenta, además del desafío de fortalecer la APS en sus atributos esenciales, escasez de oferta en especialidades, fragmentación entre diferentes puntos de la red y desarticulación comunicacional entre niveles del sistema de salud.

Nursing care for the transgender population in primary health care: an integrative review / Cuidados de enfermería en atención primaria de salud brindados a la población transexual: una revisión integradora / Cuidados de enfermagem à população transgênero na atenção primária à saúde: uma revisão integrativa

Objective. To describe the care provided to the transgender population by nursing in Primary Health Care (PHC). Methods. Integrative literature review performed in the Virtual Health Library (VHL), Medline/PubMed and Web of Science (WoS) databases without a pre-established time frame, using the descriptors "transgender persons", "gender identity", "nursing care" and "primary health care". Results. Eleven articles published between 2008-2021 were included. They were categorized as follows: Embracement and healthcare; Implementation of Public Health Policies; Weaknesses in academic training; Barriers between theory and practice. The articles showed a limited scenario of nursing care for the transgender population. The scarcity of research focused on this theme is an important sign of how care has been incipient or even non-existent in the context of PHC. Conclusion. Structural and interpersonal stigmas materialized in discriminatory and prejudiced practices perpetrated by managers, professionals and health institutions constitute the greatest challenges to be overcome for comprehensive, equitable and humanized care provided to the transgender population by nursing.

Objetivo. Describir los cuidados de enfermería en atención primaria de salud brindados a la población transexual. Métodos. Revisión integrativa realizada en las bases de datos de la Biblioteca Virtual en Salud (BVS), Medline/PubMed y Web of Science, sin marco temporal preestablecido y utilizando los descriptores "transgender persons", "gender identity", "nursing care" y "primary health care". Resultados.Se incluyeron 11 artículos, publicados entre 2008 y 2021, categorizados así: Recepción y asistencia sanitaria; Aplicación de políticas de salud pública; debilidades en la formación académica; Barreras entre la teoría y la práctica. Los artículos analizados en esta revisión mostraron un panorama limitado de la forma en que los cuidados de enfermería se han brindado a esta población. A pesar de la escasez de investigaciones sobre este tema la revisión mostró que la atención ha sido incipiente o incluso inexistente en el contexto de la Atención Primaria en Salud. Conclusión.El estigma estructural e interpersonal, materializado en prácticas discriminatorias y preconcebidas realizadas por gestores, profesionales e instituciones de salud, constituye el mayor desafío a superar para una atención integral, equitativa y humanizada a la población transexual por parte de la enfermería.

Objetivo. Descrever a assistência prestada pela enfermagem à população transgênero na Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS). Métodos. Revisão integrativa da literatura, realizada nas bases de dados da Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), Medline/PubMed e Web of Science (WoS), sem recorte temporal pré-estabelecido e utilizando-se dos descritores ""transgender persons", "gender identity", "nursing care" e "primary health care". Resultados. Foram incluídos 11 artigos, publicados entre 2008-2021, assim categorizados: Acolhimento e cuidados em saúde; Implementação de Políticas Públicas de Saúde; Fragilidades da formação acadêmica; Entraves entre a teoria e a prática. Os artigos mostraram um panorama limitado sobre a assistência de enfermagem à população transgênero. A escassez de pesquisas voltadas para esta temática configura-se como um ponto importante de como o cuidado tem sido incipiente ou mesmo inexistente no contexto da APS Conclusão.O estigma estrutural e interpessoal, materializados em práticas discriminatórias e preconceituosas perpetradas por gestores, profissionais e instituições de saúde, constituem os maiores desafios a serem superado para uma atenção integral, equânime e humanizada à população transgênero pela enfermagem.