Cardiac Rehabilitation to Inpatient Heart Transplant-HRN4HTx Intervention Protocol.

Heart transplantation is the gold-standard treatment for terminal heart failure. Despite being successful, pre- and post-transplant limitations interfere with patients' functional capacity, self-care, and quality of life post-surgery. Rehabilitation is necessary to address these limitations, prevent complications, and promote a safe return home. This study analyzes the safety of a phase 1 cardiac rehabilitation protocol (RN4HTx) in heart transplant patients and its effects on self-care capacity. A quantitative, descriptive study was conducted with 19 heart transplant recipients. The protocol was implemented in collaboration with a rehabilitation professional, who monitored adverse events, hemodynamic variables, self-care capacity (Barthel) pre- and post-transplant, and functional capacity at discharge (6 min walk test). The results showed that 68.42% of recipients were men, with an average age of 50.21 years and 15 days of hospitalization post-transplant. Approximately 73.68% of recipients were transferred from other wards with changes in functional capacity. All patients progressed to the final stage of the program without adverse events. There was a notable improvement in self-care capacity before and after transplantation, with a measure of functional status of 310.035 m (6MWT). The study found that RN4HTx is a feasible cardiac rehabilitation program without adverse events in the immediate postoperative period following heart transplantation, positively impacting functional recovery and therapeutic self-care capacity, thus increasing the safety of returning home. This study was retrospectively registered on Clinical Trials-NCT06552390.

Antifouling activity and ecotoxicological profile of the cyanobacterial oxadiazine nocuolin A.

Pursuing effective and biocompatible natural compounds to supplant current biocidal antifouling (AF) technologies remains crucial and challenging. Among natural products hosts, cyanobacteria are recognized as producers of bioactive secondary metabolites that are underexplored in terms of anti-biofilm and AF potential. Nocuolin A, a natural oxadiazine previously isolated and known to be produced by different cyanobacterial strains, has demonstrated bioactive potential, particularly against tumor cell lines. Considering this potential and its exquisite chemical structure, here nocuolin A was investigated as a potential natural AF agent through an integrative approach including AF bioactivity testing across distinct levels of biological organization, mode of action assessment, ecotoxicity evaluation, and ecological risk predictions. Nocuolin A was found to inhibit the settlement of mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) plantigrades (EC50 = 3.905 µM) while showing no toxicity to this biofouling species (LC50 > 100 µM). Additionally, while exhibiting no inhibitory activity against the growth of five marine biofilm-forming bacterial strains, it significantly suppressed the growth of the marine biofilm-forming diatom Navicula sp. (EC50 = 1.561 µM), and had a lethal effect on this diatom species (>3.1 µM). The AF targets of nocuolin A on mussel plantigrades revealed no correlation with acetylcholinesterase and tyrosinase metabolic processes; however, proteins involved in oxidative stress, muscle regulation, and energy production were highlighted. The results also provide insights into the ecological risk of nocuolin A, including its ecotoxicity against Artemia salina nauplii (LC50 = 2.480 µM), Amphibalanus amphitrite nauplii (LC50 = 0.0162 µM), and Danio rerio embryos (LC50 = 0.0584 µM). When matching these results with simulated environmental values, nocuolin A was deemed a considerable threat to the ecosystems. While this research highlights the AF activity of nocuolin A, it also emphasizes the potential adverse environmental impact when applied in preventive coatings.

"Seasoning" antimalarial drugs' action: chloroquine bile salts as novel triple-stage antiplasmodial hits.

Malaria is one of the "big three" global infectious diseases, having caused above two hundred million cases and over half a million deaths in 2020. The continuous demand for new treatment options prioritizes the cost-effective development of new chemical entities with multi-stage antiplasmodial activity, for higher efficacy and lower propensity to elicit drug-resistant parasite strains. Following up on our long-term research towards the rescue of classical antimalarial aminoquinolines like chloroquine and primaquine, we have developed new organic salts by acid-base pairing of those drugs with natural bile acids. These antimalarial drug-derived bile salts were screened in vitro against the hepatic, blood and gametocyte stages of Plasmodium parasites, unveiling chloroquine bile salts as unprecedented triple-stage antiplasmodial hits. These findings pave a new pathway for drug rescuing, even beyond anti-malarial and other anti-infective drugs.

Cationic Serine-Based Gemini Surfactant:Monoolein Aggregates as Viable and Efficacious Agents for DNA Complexation and Compaction: A Cytotoxicity and Physicochemical Assessment.

Cationic gemini surfactants have emerged as potential gene delivery agents as they can co-assemble with DNA due to a strong electrostatic association. Commonly, DNA complexation is enhanced by the inclusion of a helper lipid (HL), which also plays a key role in transfection efficiency. The formation of lipoplexes, used as non-viral vectors for transfection, through electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions is affected by various physicochemical parameters, such as cationic surfactant:HL molar ratio, (+/-) charge ratio, and the morphological structure of the lipoplexes. Herein, we investigated the DNA complexation ability of mixtures of serine-based gemini surfactants, (nSer)2N5, and monoolein (MO) as a helper lipid. The micelle-forming serine surfactants contain long lipophilic chains (12 to 18 C atoms) and a five CH2 spacer, both linked to the nitrogen atoms of the serine residues by amine linkages. The (nSer)2N5:MO aggregates are non-cytotoxic up to 35-90 µM, depending on surfactant and surfactant/MO mixing ratio, and in general, higher MO content and longer surfactant chain length tend to promote higher cell viability. All systems efficaciously complex DNA, but the (18Ser)2N5:MO one clearly stands as the best-performing one. Incorporating MO into the serine surfactant system affects the morphology and size distribution of the formed mixed aggregates. In the low concentration regime, gemini-MO systems aggregate in the form of vesicles, while at high concentrations the formation of a lamellar liquid crystalline phase is observed. This suggests that lipoplexes might share a similar bilayer-based structure.

Effects of Two Early Parenting Programmes on Child Aggression and Risk for Violence in Brazil: a Randomised Controlled Trial.

Violence is a major public health problem globally, with the highest rates in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in the Americas and southern Africa. Parenting programmes in high-income countries can diminish risk for violence, by reducing risk factors such as child aggression and harsh parenting, and increasing protective factors such as child cognitive development and school readiness. However, there is critical need to identify low-cost programmes with replicable benefits that work in real-world LMICs contexts. A three-arm, randomised, single-blind trial evaluated effects of two low-cost, group-based parenting programmes recommended for LMICs (ACT: Raising Safe Kids; DBS: dialogic book-sharing) on child aggression (primary outcome), child development, parenting, maltreatment, and stress. Participants were 369 children with medium-high levels of aggression (mean age 3.1 years at baseline) in poor households. Interventions were implemented in city health and education services in southern Brazil. Maternal reports, filmed observations, child tasks, and hair cortisol were assessed at baseline, 1-month post-intervention, and 8-month follow-up. Intention-to-treat analyses compared each of ACT and DBS with a control group. Three hundred sixty-eight (99.7%) participants completed follow-up assessments 8 months after the interventions. There was no effect of ACT (standardised mean difference, SMD 0.11, 95% CI - 0.05, 0.27) or DBS (SMD 0.05, 95% CI - 0.11, 0.21) on the primary outcome of child aggression. ACT reduced harsh parenting behaviour post-intervention (SMD - 0.23; 95% CI - 0.46, - 0.01), but not at follow-up. DBS improved book-sharing practices at both time points (e.g., maternal sensitivity at follow-up SMD 0.33; 95% CI 0.08, 0.57). There were no benefits of either programme for other parenting, child development, or stress outcomes. Two parenting programmes in Brazil had small effects on parenting practices but did not reduce child aggression or several other important risk/protective factors for violence. Effective early interventions that reduce violence in real-world LMIC settings are highly desirable but may be challenging to achieve.

Functional performance assessment scale for children and adolescents with cancer: cross-cultural study.

OBJECTIVES: to describe the methodological process of cross-cultural adaptation of the PlayPerformance Scale for Children to Brazilian Portuguese. METHODS: methodological study of translation and cross-cultural adaptation in six stages: translation, synthesis of translations, back-translation, evaluation by a committee of judges, evaluation by expert nurses, and pretest. The agreement and representativeness of the items were assessed using the content validity index. A minimum value of 80% agreement was considered. RESULTS: all stages of the translation and cross-cultural adaptation process were satisfactory. In the evaluation performed by the committee of judges, all items obtained agreement above 80%. Fifteen pediatric nurses conducted the content validation, suggesting necessary modifications for understanding and application. Thirty children and adolescents with cancer were assessed with the scale for the pre-test. CONCLUSIONS: the scale was cross-culturally adapted to Brazilian Portuguese. The need for psychometric testing in a consistent sample is emphasized.

Gene - maltreatment interplay in adult ADHD symptoms: main role of a gene-environment correlation effect in a Brazilian population longitudinal study.

Childhood maltreatment correlates with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in previous research. The interaction between ADHD genetic predisposition and maltreatment's impact on ADHD symptom risk remains unclear. We aimed to elucidate this relationship by examining the interplay between a polygenic score for ADHD (ADHD-PGS) and childhood maltreatment in predicting ADHD symptoms during young adulthood. Using data from the 2004 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohort comprising 4231 participants, we analyzed gene-environment interaction (GxE) and correlation (rGE). We further explored rGE mechanisms through mediation models. ADHD symptoms were assessed at age 18 via self-report (Adult Self Report Scale - ASRS) and mother-reports (Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire - SDQ). The ADHD-PGS was derived from published ADHD GWAS meta-analysis. Physical and psychological child maltreatment was gauged using the Parent-Child Conflict Tactics Scale (CTSPC) at ages 6 and 11, with a mean score utilized as a variable. The ADHD-PGS exhibited associations with ADHD symptoms on both ASRS (ß = 0.53; 95% CI: 0.03; 1.03, p = 0.036), and SDQ (ß = 0.20; 95% CI: 0.08; 0.32, p = 0.001) scales. The total mean maltreatment score was associated with ADHD symptoms using both scales [(ßASRS = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.26;0.77) and (ßSDQ = 0.24; 95% CI: 0.18;0.29)]. The ADHD-PGS was associated with total mean maltreatment scores (ß = 0.09; 95% CI: 0.01; 0.17; p = 0.030). Approximately 47% of the total effect of ADHD-PGS on maltreatment was mediated by ADHD symptoms at age 6. No evidence supported gene-environment interaction in predicting ADHD symptoms. Our findings underscore the significant roles of genetics and childhood maltreatment as predictors for ADHD symptoms in adulthood, while also indicating a potential evocative mechanism through gene-environment correlation.

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.

Intervenções de enfermagem à pessoa com compromisso da deglutição pós-extubação: uma scoping review / Nursing interventions for people with post-extubation swallowing impairment: a scoping review

O compromisso da deglutição pós-extubação (CDPE) acarreta um conjunto de complicações que impactam negativamente a reabilitação destes doentes. No entanto, a evidência de intervenções para a abordagem terapêutica ao CDPE é limitada. Por conseguinte, identificar as intervenções relevantes neste contexto é imprescindível para a construção de programas de reabilitação baseados em evidência. Objetivo: Mapear as intervenções direcionadas à pessoa com CDPE. Métodos: Trata-se de uma scoping review, orientada pela metodologia proposta pelo Joanna Briggs Institute. Dois revisores pesquisaram a MEDLINE (via PubMed), a Biblioteca Cochrane, a Scielo, a Science Direct e a CINAHL em outubro de 2023. Foi efetuada uma pesquisa adicional de literatura cinzenta. A extração de dados foi guiada pelos critérios de inclusão: adultos submetidos a ventilação mecânica invasiva por mais de 48 horas e diagnóstico de compromisso da deglutição (população), CDPE (conceito) e unidades de cuidados intensivos (contexto). Os resultados são apresentados de acordo com o tipo de intervenção: estratégias compensatórias e reabilitação. Resultados: Identificados 1891 registos, acrescidos de 59 registos encontrados na literatura cinzenta. Após triagem e seleção, foram incluídos 14 artigos para análise. Os exercícios de fortalecimento muscular e os ajustamentos posturais são as estratégias de reabilitação e compensação mais frequentemente referenciadas. Conclusão: Estes resultados poderão contribuir para enformar o processo de tomada de decisão dos enfermeiros especialistas em enfermagem de reabilitação na construção de intervenções dirigidas à pessoa com CDPE. A relevância dada ao CDPE é recente, assim como a investigação desenvolvida neste domínio, o que foi corroborado por estes resultados.

Post-extubation swallowing impairment (PESI) entails several complications that negatively impact the rehabilitation of intensive care patients. However, the evidence on interventions for the therapeutic approach to PESI is limited. Therefore, identifying relevant interventions in this context is essential for developing evidence-based rehabilitation programs. Aim: To map interventions for patients with post-extubation swallowing impairment. Methods: This is a scoping review guided by the methodology proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Two reviewers searched MEDLINE (via PubMed), the Cochrane Library, Scielo, Science Direct, and CINAHL in October 2023. An additional grey literature search was conducted. Data extraction was guided by the inclusion criteria: adults undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation for more than 48 hours (population), PESI (concept), and intensive care units (context). The results are presented according to the type of intervention: compensatory strategies and rehabilitation. Results: 1891 records were identified, and 59 were found in the gray literature. After screening and selection, 14 articles were included for analysis. Muscle strengthening exercises and postural adjustments were the most frequently mentioned rehabilitation and compensation strategies. Conclusion: These results may contribute to informing the decision-making process of rehabilitation nurses when designing interventions for patients with PESI. The relevance given to PESI is recent, as is the research carried out in this field, which was corroborated by these results.

How much or how often? Examining the screening properties of the DSM cross-cutting symptom measure in a youth population-based sample.

BACKGROUND: The DSM Level 1 Cross-Cutting Symptom Measure (DSM-XC) allows for assessing multiple psychopathological domains. However, its capability to screen for mental disorders in a population-based sample and the impact of adverbial framings (intensity and frequency) on its performance are unknown. METHODS: The study was based on cross-sectional data from the 1993 Pelotas birth cohort in Brazil. Participants with completed DSM-XC and structured diagnostic interviews (n = 3578, aged 22, 53.6% females) were included. Sensitivity, specificity, positive (LR+), and negative (LR-) likelihood ratios for each of the 13 DSM-XC domains were estimated for detecting five internalizing disorders (bipolar, generalized anxiety, major depressive, post-traumatic stress, and social anxiety disorders) and three externalizing disorders (antisocial personality, attention-deficit/hyperactivity, and alcohol use disorders). Sensitivities and specificities >0.75, LR+ > 2 and LR- < 0.5 were considered meaningful. Values were calculated for the DSM-XC's original scoring and for adverbial framings. RESULTS: Several DSM-XC domains demonstrated meaningful screening properties. The anxiety domain exhibited acceptable sensitivity and LR- values for all internalizing disorders. The suicidal ideation, psychosis, memory, repetitive thoughts and behaviors, and dissociation domains displayed acceptable specificity for all disorders. Domains also yielded small but meaningful LR+ values for internalizing disorders. However, LR+ and LR- values were not generally meaningful for externalizing disorders. Frequency-framed questions improved screening properties. CONCLUSIONS: The DSM-XC domains showed transdiagnostic screening properties, providing small but meaningful changes in the likelihood of internalizing disorders in the community, which can be improved by asking frequency of symptoms compared to intensity. The DSM-XC is currently lacking meaningful domains for externalizing disorders.

Home- vs gym-based exercise delivery modes of two multicomponent intensity training regimes on cardiorespiratory fitness and arterial stiffness in adults with intellectual and developmental disability during the COVID-19 pandemic - a randomized controlled trial.

Background: We compared the effects of home- vs gym-based delivery modes of two 8-week supervised multicomponent intensity training regimes on cardiorespiratory fitness and arterial stiffness in 17 adults with intellectual and developmental disability during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Participants were assigned to sprint interval training or continuous aerobic training, both incorporating resistance training. The intervention started with 8-weeks of online training (M1-M2), 1-month of detraining, plus 8-weeks of gym-based training (M3-M4). Results: Peak oxygen uptake decreased from M1-M2 and increased from M2-M4. Central arterial stiffness decreased between M1-M2, and M1-M4, along with peripheral arterial stiffness. Central systolic blood pressure decreased from M1-M2 only with sprint interval training. Conclusion: Home-based training minimized the negative impact of the lockdown on central arterial stiffness and central blood pressure, but it did not match the benefits on cardiorespiratory fitness and peripheral arterial stiffness of a gym-based intervention, irrespective of the multicomponent intensity training regime. Registered in ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05701943.

A review of research advances on disinfection strategies for biofilm control in drinking water distribution systems.

The presence of biofilms in drinking water distribution systems (DWDS) is responsible for water quality deterioration and a possible source of public health risks. Different factors impact the biological stability of drinking water (DW) in the distribution networks, such as the presence and concentration of nutrients, water temperature, pipe material composition, hydrodynamic conditions, and levels of disinfectant residual. This review aimed to evaluate the current state of knowledge on strategies for DW biofilm disinfection through a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the literature published over the last decade. A systematic review method was performed on the 562 journal articles identified through database searching on Web of Science and Scopus, with 85 studies selected for detailed analysis. A variety of disinfectants were identified for DW biofilm control such as chlorine, chloramine, UV irradiation, hydrogen peroxide, chlorine dioxide, ozone, and others at a lower frequency, namely, electrolyzed water, bacteriophages, silver ions, and nanoparticles. The disinfectants can impact the microbial communities within biofilms, reduce the number of culturable cells and biofilm biomass, as well as interfere with the biofilm matrix components. The maintenance of an effective residual concentration in the water guarantees long-term prevention of biofilm formation and improves the inactivation of detached biofilm-associated opportunistic pathogens. Additionally, strategies based on multi-barrier processes by optimization of primary and secondary disinfection combined with other water treatment methods improve the control of opportunistic pathogens, reduce the chlorine-tolerance of biofilm-embedded cells, as well as decrease the corrosion rate in metal-based pipelines. Most of the studies used benchtop laboratory devices for biofilm research. Even though these devices mimic the conditions found in real DWDS, future investigations on strategies for DW biofilm control should include the validity of the promising strategies against biofilms formed in real DW networks.

Evaluation of genomic factors and early childhood stimulation on intelligence in children from a Brazilian birth cohort: The primary role of independent factors.

BACKGROUND: Childhood cognitive abilities are a predictor of health outcomes and adult income potential. Identifying factors associated with childhood intelligence and their interactions is essential in behavioral research. We assessed the impact of genetic variants and early child stimulation (ECS) on child intelligence and examined their possible interaction as potential modifiers of IQ in a population-based longitudinal study. METHODS: Participants of the 2004 Pelotas Birth Cohort study (N = 4231) underwent intelligent quotient (IQ) by WISC-III assessment at 6 years of age. At 24 and 48-months, mothers answered five ECS marker questions, whose sum was used to create a score. The polygenic score for intelligence (IQ-PGS) was constructed from the GWAS-weighted estimate of cognition. Association was assessed using multiple linear regression models adjusted for maternal, family, and child confounding variables. To explore the possible influence of skin color and ethnoracial classification, the regression models were stratified according to the skin color variable, as a sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: In the adjusted analysis, IQ-PGS (ß = 0.79, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.26;1.31) as well as ECS (ß = 2.34; 95% CI: 1.76;2.92) were associated with IQ in this sample. The association between IQ-PGS and IQ was significant only in the white Brazilian group in the sensitivity analysis. However, there was no interaction between IQ-PGS and ECS on IQ (p(IQ-PGS x ECS) = 0.46). CONCLUSIONS: ECS did not modify the impact of genetic potential on intellectual development during childhood, suggesting that genetic factors and ECS exert independent effects on the IQ levels of children.

Unusual Presentation of Lymphangioma Circumscriptum of the Vulva: In Association With Crohn Disease.

ABSTRACT: Lymphangioma circumscriptum (LC) is a rare benign condition, with marked dilation of surface lymphatic vessels in the deep and subcutaneous layers. Vulvar LC can become a highly disabling condition with vulvar discomfort, itching, burning and lymph seeping being the dominant symptoms. Biopsy is mandatory for the diagnosis. There is no consensus on the standard treatment for vulvar LC and recurrence is frequent. In complex cases with wide disease location, combination of different treatment options, such as abrasive methods and surgery, may lead to the best clinical and aesthetical result, with extended disease-free periods. We present a patient with a long history of Crohn disease with multiple pelvic surgeries who developed an extensive vulvar LC.

Functional performance assessment scale for children and adolescents with cancer: cross-cultural study / Escala de evaluación del rendimiento funcional de niños y adolescentes con cáncer: estudio transcultural / Escala de avaliação do desempenho funcional de crianças e adolescentes com câncer: estudo transcultural

ABSTRACT Objectives: to describe the methodological process of cross-cultural adaptation of the PlayPerformance Scale for Children to Brazilian Portuguese. Methods: methodological study of translation and cross-cultural adaptation in six stages: translation, synthesis of translations, back-translation, evaluation by a committee of judges, evaluation by expert nurses, and pretest. The agreement and representativeness of the items were assessed using the content validity index. A minimum value of 80% agreement was considered. Results: all stages of the translation and cross-cultural adaptation process were satisfactory. In the evaluation performed by the committee of judges, all items obtained agreement above 80%. Fifteen pediatric nurses conducted the content validation, suggesting necessary modifications for understanding and application. Thirty children and adolescents with cancer were assessed with the scale for the pre-test. Conclusions: the scale was cross-culturally adapted to Brazilian Portuguese. The need for psychometric testing in a consistent sample is emphasized.

RESUMEN Objetivos: describir el proceso metodológico de adaptación transcultural de la Escala de Rendimiento de Juego para Niños al portugués brasileño. Métodos: estudio metodológico de traducción y adaptación transcultural en seis etapas: traducción, síntesis de traducciones, retrotraducción, evaluación por un comité de jueces, evaluación por enfermeros especialistas y pretest. La concordancia y representatividad de los ítems se evaluaron mediante el índice de validez de contenido. Se consideró un valor mínimo del 80% de concordancia. Resultados: todas las etapas del proceso de traducción y adaptación transcultural fueron satisfactorias. En la evaluación realizada por el comité de jueces, todos los ítems obtuvieron una concordancia superior al 80%. Quince enfermeros pediatras realizaron la validación de contenido, sugiriendo modificaciones necesarias para la comprensión y aplicación. Treinta niños y adolescentes con cáncer fueron evaluados con la escala para el pretest. Conclusiones: la escala fue adaptada transculturalmente al portugués brasileño. Se destaca la necesidad de realizar pruebas psicométricas en una muestra consistente.

RESUMO Objetivos: descrever o processo metodológico de adaptação transcultural da Play-Performance Scale for Children para o português brasileiro. Métodos: estudo metodológico de tradução e adaptação transcultural em seis etapas: tradução, síntese das traduções, retrotradução, avaliação por um comitê de juízes, avaliação por enfermeiros especialistas e pré-teste. A concordância e a representatividade dos itens foram avaliadas por meio do índice de validade de conteúdo. Considerou-se o valor mínimo de 80% de concordância. Resultados: todas as etapas do processo de tradução e adaptação transcultural foram satisfatórias. Na avaliação realizada pelo comitê de juízes, todos os itens obtiveram concordância superior a 80%. Quinze enfermeiros pediatras realizaram a validação de conteúdo, sugerindo modificações necessárias para o entendimento e aplicação. Trinta crianças e adolescentes com câncer foram avaliados com a escala para o pré-teste. Conclusões: a escala foi adaptada transculturalmente para o português brasileiro. Ressalta-se a necessidade da realização de testes psicométricos em uma amostra consistente.

A procedure to harmonize the hydrodynamic force during microbial cultivation in shaking flasks.

Shake flask cultivation is a routine technique in microbiology and biotechnology laboratories where cell growth can be affected by the hydrodynamic conditions, which depend on the agitation velocity, shaking diameter, and shake flask size. Liquid agitation is implemented inherently to increase aeration, substrate transfer to the cells, and prevent sedimentation, disregarding the role of hydrodynamics in microbial growth and metabolism. Here, we present a simple approach to help standardize the hydrodynamic forces in orbital shakers to increase the experimental accuracy and reproducibility and give students a better knowledge of the significance of the agitation process in microbial growth.

Projeto de melhoria contínua no cuidado à pessoa com difagia para promover a implementação de evidências / Continuous improvement project to promote evidence-based care to patients with dysphagia / Proyecto de mejora continua dirigido al cuidado de la persona con disfagia para promover la implementación de evidencias

Resumo Enquadramento: Existe evidência de que a sistematização da abordagem terapêutica à pessoa com deglutição comprometida após o acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) tem um impacte significativo na redução de complicações. Objetivo: Conceber e implementar uma intervenção multimodal para a implementação da evidência, na sistematização da abordagem à pessoa com deglutição comprometida. Metodologia: Projeto de melhoria contínua da qualidade dos cuidados de enfermagem desenvolvido num serviço de internamento de reabilitação, em cinco fases: análise do modelo em uso, construção da intervenção, implementação, avaliação e partilha dos resultados. Para a recolha de dados utilizaram-se a análise à documentação, a auditoria e grupos focais. Resultados: Verificou-se um incremento de 39,59% nos focos de enfermagem identificados e de 45,33% de intervenções, assim como a transposição para a prática da evidência ao nível da avaliação, da sistematização das práticas, acompanhamento durante as refeições e higiene oral. Conclusão: Este projeto contribuiu para a transposição do conhecimento para a prática, nomeadamente para o sucesso do plano terapêutico da pessoa alvo dos cuidados, concretamente no âmbito da deglutição comprometida.

Abstract Background: Evidence shows that systematizing the therapeutic approach to patients with post-stroke dysphagia reduces complications significantly. Objective: To design and implement a multimodal intervention to systematize an evidence-based approach to patients with dysphagia. Methodology: A continuous quality improvement project for nursing care was implemented in a rehabilitation inpatient unit in five phases: analysis of the model in use, design of the intervention, implementation, assessment, and dissemination of results. Data were collected through documentary analysis, audits, and focus groups. Results: There was an increase of 39.59% in the identified nursing foci and 45.33% in interventions. The translation of evidence into practice was also observed at the level of assessment, systematization of practices, and monitoring during meals and oral hygiene. Conclusion: This Project contributed to translating knowledge into practice, particularly concerning the success of the therapeutic plan, specifically in terms of dysphagia, for patients being cared for.

Resumen Marco contextual: Está demostrado que la sistematización del enfoque terapéutico de las personas con trastorno de la deglución tras un accidente cerebrovascular (ACV) tiene un impacto significativo en la reducción de las complicaciones. Objetivo: Diseñar e implementar una intervención multimodal para aplicar la evidencia en la sistematización del enfoque de la persona con trastorno de la deglución. Metodología: Proyecto de mejora continua de la calidad de los cuidados de enfermería desarrollado en una unidad hospitalaria de rehabilitación, en cinco fases: análisis del modelo en uso, diseño de la intervención, implementación, evaluación y puesta en común de los resultados. Los datos se recogieron mediante análisis de documentos, auditorías y grupos de discusión. Resultados: Se observa un incremento del 39,59% en los focos de enfermería identificados y del 45,33% en las intervenciones, así como la transposición a la práctica de la evidencia a nivel de la evaluación, la sistematización de las prácticas, el seguimiento durante las comidas y la higiene bucodental. Conclusión: Este proyecto contribuyó a la transposición de los conocimientos a la práctica, es decir, al éxito del plan terapéutico para la persona atendida, concretamente en el contexto del trastorno de la deglución.

Effects on communication due to face mask use: an integrative review.

OBJECTIVES: to integrate evidence from studies on auditory perceptual and speech production effects in communication situations with face mask use. METHODS: an integrative literature review, in MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and Embase databases. The guiding question was: what effects on communication (perceptual-auditory and speech production) occur with face mask use? RESULTS: searches in electronic databases resulted in 1,478 studies and filtering resulted in 29 final studies. CONCLUSIONS: mask use has effects on communication, both in perception and speech production, factors that are also related to quality of life, stress and socio-emotional factors. These data can impact on indicators and alerts in favor of adopting strategies to manage mask use, involving speech production and perception when wearing a mask in health services.