The Association Between Neuropathological Lesions and Body Mass Index Is Independent of Cognitive Abilities.

Background: The association of moderate and severe dementia with low body mass index (BMI) is well described, but weight decline seems to also occur in individuals with preclinical neuropathologies. Considering that up to one-fifth of individuals with normal cognition meet the criteria for a dementia-related neuropathological diagnosis, autopsy studies are key to detecting preclinical neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular diseases that could be underlying weight changes. Objective: We investigated the association between dementia-related brain lesions and BMI and evaluated whether the cognitive function was a mediator of this association. Methods: In 1,170 participants, sociodemographic data, clinical history, and cognitive post-mortem evaluation were assessed with an informant. Neuropathological evaluation was performed in all cases. Linear regression models were used to investigate the association between neuropathological lesions (exposure variable) and BMI (outcome) adjusted for demographic, clinical, and cognitive variables in the whole sample, and in only those with normal cognition. Corrections for multiple comparisons were performed. In addition, a mediation analysis was performed to investigate the direct and indirect effects of cognitive abilities on the association between neuropathology and BMI. Results: Individuals with lower BMI had a higher burden of neuropathological lesions and poorer cognitive abilities. Only neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) and neuropathological comorbidity were associated with low BMI, while other neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular lesions were not. NFT were indirectly associated with BMI through cognitive abilities, and also directly, even in participants with normal cognition. Conclusions: Neurofibrillary tangles were directly associated with low BMI even in individuals with preclinical Alzheimer's disease.

Allelopathic effects of cyanotoxins on the physiological responses of Chlorella vulgaris.

Contributing to the assessment of potential physiological changes in microalgae subjected to different concentrations and types of cyanotoxins, this study investigated the inhibitory effects of cyanotoxins on the growth, density, biomass, and ecotoxicity of Chlorella vulgaris. Chlorella vulgaris was exposed to crude extracts of cyanobacteria producing microcystin-LR (MC-LR), saxitoxin (SXT), anatoxin-a (ATX-A), and cylindrospermopsin (CYN) with initial concentrations of 5.0, 2.05, 0.61, and 1.42 µg.L-1, respectively. The experiments were conducted under controlled conditions, and monitoring of growth and cell inhibition occurred at 24h, 48h, 72h, and 96h. Chlorophyll-a content and ecotoxicity assessment were conducted with samples collected after 96h of exposure to cyanotoxins. The growth assays of Chlorella vulgaris, with results expressed in terms of average growth rates (doublings/day), indicated the following order for cyanotoxins: SXT (2.03) > CYN (1.66) > MC-LR (1.56) > ATX-A (0.18). This assay revealed the prominent inhibitory potential of ATX-A on Chlorella vulgaris growth compared to the other toxins evaluated. Regarding the inhibition of the photosynthetic process, expressed in terms of the percentage inhibition of Chlorophyll-a, the following order for cyanotoxins was obtained: ATX-A (82%) > MC-LR (76%) > STX (46%) > CYN (16%). These results also indicated that among the cyanotoxins, ATX-A was the most detrimental to the photosynthetic process. However, contrary to the observations in the growth study, SXT proved to be more harmful than CYN in terms of Chlorophyll-a inhibition. Finally, the results of the toxicity assay revealed that only ATX-A and MC-LR exerted a chronic influence on Chlorella vulgaris under the investigated conditions.

Pruritus in burn victims: relationship with anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress / Prurido em vítimas de queimaduras: relaçãocom ansiedade, depressão e estresse pós-traumático

Objetivos: Avaliar a relação entre a intensidade do prurido e os escores de ansiedade, depressão, estresse pós-traumático e a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde em pacientes vítimas de queimaduras. Método: Estudo transversal, realizado em dois ambulatórios de hospitais de queimados localizados em municípios do interior paulista. A amostra foi constituída por 60 pacientes que responderam aos instrumentos de caracterização sociodemográfica e clínica, Escala Visual Numérica para avaliação da intensidade do prurido, Escala Hospitalar de Ansiedade e Depressão, Escala de Impacto de Eventos para avaliação do estresse pós-traumático e a versão brasileira da Freiburg Life Quality Assessment Wound. Resultados: A amostra caracterizou-se pelo predomínio do sexo masculino (73%). Correlações positivas significativas foram encontradas entre a intensidade de prurido e ansiedade (r=0,33), depressão (r=0,53), estresse pós-traumático (r=0,43) e escore total da Freiburg Life Quality Assessment Wound (r=0,63). Conclusão: Esses achados reforçam a importância da avaliação do prurido na atenção integral à vítima de queimadura visando à redução do impacto psicológico e melhora na qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde. (AU)

Objective: To assess the relationship between pruritus intensity and anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and health-related quality of life scores in burn victims. Methods: A cross-sectional study, carried out in two outpatient clinics of burn hospitals located in municipalities in the countryside of São Paulo. The sample consisted of 60 patients who answered sociodemographic and clinical characterization instruments: the Visual Numerical Scale, to assess pruritus intensity, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Impact of Events Scale, to assess post-traumatic stress, and the Freiburg Life Quality Assessment Wound Module to Brazilian Portuguese. Results: The sample was characterized by a predominance of males (73%). Significant positive correlations were found between pruritus intensity and anxiety (r=0.33), depression (r=0.53), post-traumatic stress (r=0.43), and total Freiburg Life Quality Assessment Wound score (r=0.63). Conclusions: These findings reinforce the importance of assessing pruritus in comprehensive care for burn victims, aiming to reduce the psychological impact and improve health-related quality of life. (AU)

Objetivo: Evaluar la relación entre la intensidad del prurito y las puntuaciones de ansiedad, depresión, estrés postraumático y la calidad de vida relacionada a la salud en pacientes víctimas de quemaduras. Método: Estudio transversal, realizado en dos ambulatorios de hospitales de quemados ubicados en municipios del interior de São Paulo. La muestra se constituyó por 60 pacientes que respondieron a los instrumentos de caracterización sociodemográfica y clínica, Escala Visual Numérica para evaluación de la intensidad del prurito, Escala Hospitalaria de Ansiedad y Depresión, Escala de Impacto de Eventos para evaluación del estrés postraumático y la versión brasileña de la Freiburg Life Quality Assessment Wound. Resultados: La muestra se caracterizó por el sexo masculino (el 73%). Correlaciones positivas significativas se encontraron entre la intensidad de prurito y ansiedad (r=0,33), depresión (r=0,53), estrés postraumático (r=0,43) y puntuación total de la Freiburg Life Quality Assessment Wound(r=0,63). Conclusión: Esos hallazgos refuerzan la importancia de la evaluación del prurito en la atención integral a víctimas de quemadura, buscando la reducción del impacto psicológico y la mejora en la calidad de vida relacionada a la salud. (AU)

Creation and content validity of 5r-medsafe: assessing adherence to the safe drug administration "five rights" / Elaboración y validez de contenido del instrumento 5r-medsafe: evaluación de la adhesión a los "cinco correctos" de la administración segura de medicamentos / Construção e validade de conteúdo do 5r-medsafe: avaliação da adesão aos cinco certos da administração segura de medicamentos

ABSTRACT Objective: to present the creation and content validity stages of a questionnaire to assess the determinants of adherence to the safe drug administration five "rights" "x", based on the Theory of Planned Behavior integrative model. Method: a methodological study to create and validate a self-reported measuring instrument for psychosocial variables. It took place in two public university teaching hospitals: one located in the South and the other in the Southeast of Brazil. Results: the results were organized according to each stage of the 5R-MEDSAFE content validation process. Conclusion: the results obtained in this creation and content validation study of the 5R-MEDSAFE indicated that the tool presented diverse content validity evidence. Its application can be useful in different contexts as a way of assessing adherence to these behaviors among Nursing workers. This will make it possible to identify which elements of the behaviors are amenable to intervention, as well as to implement the most appropriate intervention, according to the Theory of Planned Behavior constructs.

RESUMEN Objetivo: presentar las etapas de creación y validez de contenido correspondientes a un cuestionario para evaluar los determinantes del nivel de adhesión a los "Cinco correctos" de la administración segura de medicamentos - "5R-MEDSAFE", sobre la base del modelo integrador de la Teoría del Comportamiento Planificado. Método: estudio metodológico para crear y validar un instrumento de medición autoinformado de variables psicosociales. Se desarrolló en dos hospitales-escuela universitarios y públicos: uno situado en la región Sur y el otro en la región Sudeste de Brasil. Resultados: los resultados se organizaron conforme a cada etapa de la validación de contenido de 5R-MEDSAFE. Conclusión: los resultados obtenidos en este estudio de creación y validación del contenido del instrumento 5R-MEDSAFE indicaron que la herramienta presentó diversa evidencia de validez de contenido. Su aplicación puede resultar útil en diferentes contextos como una forma de evaluar el nivel de adhesión a estas conductas entre trabajadores de Enfermería. Eso permitirá identificar los elementos de los comportamiento que son pasibles de intervención, al igual que implementar la intervención más adecuada, conforme a los constructos de la Teoría del Comportamiento Planificado.

RESUMO Objetivo: apresentar as etapas de construção e validade de conteúdo de um questionário para avaliação dos determinantes da adesão aos cinco certos da administração segura de medicamentos - 5R-MEDSAFE, baseado no modelo integrador da Teoria do Comportamento Planejado. Método: estudo metodológico de construção e validação de instrumento de medida autorrelatada de variáveis psicossociais. Desenvolveu-se em dois hospitais-escola universitários, públicos, um localizado na região Sul e outro na região Sudeste do Brasil. Resultados: os resultados foram organizados conforme cada etapa da validação de conteúdo do 5R-MEDSAFE. Conclusão: os resultados obtidos neste estudo de construção e validação de conteúdo do instrumento 5R-MEDSAFE indicaram que o instrumento apresentou evidências de validade de conteúdo. Sua aplicação pode ser útil em contextos distintos como forma de avaliar a adesão a esse comportamento entre trabalhadores de enfermagem. Isso permitirá identificar qual elemento do comportamento é passível de intervenção, bem como implementar a intervenção mais adequada, conforme os construtos da Teoria do Comportamento Planejado.

COVID-19 monitoring in workers at a Brazilian public university: a retrospective cohort study / Monitoramento da COVID-19 em trabalhadores de uma universidade pública brasileira: um estudo de coorte retrospectivo

Introduction: primary care action strategies are relevant for disease prevention and health promotion, as well as for the initial management of suspected cases and the individual monitoring of patients with confirmed diagnoses of COVID-19. This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of clinical worsening and demographic, occupational, and clinical variables of workers with COVID-19 in a community health center at a public university in southeastern Brazil. Methods: a retrospective cohort study was conducted with 1,459 symptomatic workers with COVID-19. Data were extracted from the database of the unit's epidemiological surveillance center between March 2020 and March 2021. Results: The average age of participants was 41.1 (SD 10.8) years, most women (71.1%), who had obesity (19.9%) and hypertension (17.0%). Among the symptoms, headache (75.3%) and cough (74.9%) stood out. The worsening of clinical outcome during follow-up occurred in 3.4% of cases. The demographic, occupational and clinical factors associated with clinical worsening were gender, professional category, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, dyslipidemia, olfactory disorders, cough, fever, and dyspnea. The Poisson regression showed that the prevalence of clinical worsening was greater with age, obesity, fever, and dyspnea. Conclusion: Clinical wors-ening occurred in 3.4% of the cases and was more prevalent according to age, obesity, fever, and dyspnea. The follow-up has shown promise in the early detection and treatment of COVID-19 (AU).

Introdução: as estratégias de ação da atenção primária são relevantes para a prevenção de doenças e promoção da saúde, bem como para o manejo inicial de casos suspeitos e acompanhamento individual de pacientes com diagnóstico confirmado de COVID-19. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o desfecho da piora clínica e variáveis demográficas, ocupacionais e clínicas de trabalhadores com COVID-19 em um centro comunitário de saúde de uma universidade pública do sudeste do Brasil. Métodos: estudo de coorte retrospectivo com 1.459 trabalhadores sin-tomáticos com COVID-19. Os dados foram extraídos do banco de dados do núcleo de vigilância epidemiológica da unidade entre março de 2020 e março de 2021. Resultados: A média de idade dos participantes foi de 41,1 (DP 10,8) anos, sendo a maioria mulheres (71,1%), com obesidade (19,9%) e hipertensão (17,0%). Dentre os sintomas, destacaram-se a cefaleia (75,3%) e a tosse (74,9%). A piora do quadro clínico durante o seguimento ocorreu em 3,4% dos casos. Os fatores demográficos, ocupacionais e clínicos associados à piora clínica foram sexo, categoria profissional, hipertensão arterial, diabetes mellitus, obesidade, dislipidemia, distúrbios do olfato, tosse, febre e dispneia. A regressão de Poisson mostrou que a prevalência de piora clínica foi maior com a idade, obesidade, febre e dispneia. Conclusão: A piora clínica ocorreu em 3,4% dos casos e foi mais prevalente conforme idade, obesidade, febre e dispneia. O acompanhamento mostrou-se promissor na detecção precoce e no tratamento da COVID-19 (AU).

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic isolation concerning physical activity and cardiovascular health / Impacto do isolamento da pandemia de COVID-19 na atividade física e na saúde cardiovascular

Background: Regular physical activity (PA) is essential for health maintenance and disease prevention. COV-ID-19 and its social isolation affected patients with cardiovascular (CV) disease. This is a scoping review aiming to map, analyze, and summarize the impacts caused by the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic concerning PA and CV health in adults. Methods: The review was based on PRISMA-ScR. PubMed, PubMed Central, BVS/BIREME, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, Brazilian Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations, and SciELO databases were selected to search. Two search phases were performed: May 2021 and March 2022. English-language full-text papers were included. Initially, the titles and abstracts of the retrieved documents were read and screened based on the research question. A third reviewer resolved disagreement through consensus meetings. An assessment form was adapted for data extraction. The study was registered in the Open Science Framework platform under the DOI https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/AH6P8. Results: 11 papers were included and demonstrated that regular PA could be challenging in social isolation environments. Most participants were moderately active and performed low-intensity PA. Confinement led to the limitation of everyday activities, nutritional disorders, and reduced PA, contributing to weight gain. Quarantine was associated with stress and depression, leading to an unhealthy diet (AU).

Introdução: A prática regular de atividade física (AF) é essencial para a manutenção da saúde e prevenção de doenças. A COVID-19 e seu isolamento social afetaram pacientes com doenças cardiovasculares (CV) na prática dessas atividades. Desta forma, realizou-se uma revisão de escopo com o objetivo de mapear, analisar e sintetizar os impactos causados pelo isolamento da pandemia de COVID-19 na realização de AF e na saúde CV em adultos. Métodos: A revisão foi baseada no PRISMA-ScR. Foram selecionadas para a pesquisa a PubMed, PubMed Central, BVS/BIREME, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, Biblioteca Digital Brasileira de Teses e Dissertações e bases de dados SciELO. Duas fases de busca foram realizadas: maio de 2021 e março de 2022. Foram incluídos artigos que possuíam texto completo em inglês. Inicialmente, os títulos e resumos dos documentos recuperados foram lidos e triados com base na questão de pesquisa. Um terceiro revisor foi utilizado para avaliar os desacordos por meio de reuniões de consenso. Um formulário de avaliação foi adaptado para extração de dados. O estudo foi registrado na plataforma Open Science Framework sob o DOI https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/AH6P8. Resultados: 11 artigos foram incluídos neste estudo e demonstraram que a AF regular pode ser desafiadora em ambientes de isolamento social. A maioria dos participantes era moderadamente ativa e praticava AF de baixa intensidade. O confinamento levou à limitação das atividades cotidianas, distúrbios nutricionais e diminuição da AF, contribuindo para o ganho de peso. A quarentena foi associada ao estresse e à depressão, levando a uma dieta pouco saudável. Possíveis soluções apontam para a realização de AF domiciliar, considerando a saúde basal e o estado CV. Conclusão: A era pós-COVID-19 e suas consequências apontam para a necessidade de planejamento de estratégias que aumentem e mantenham a AF domiciliar como medida protetora para a população em geral, considerando saúde CV, recursos e espaço domiciliar (AU).

Quality of measurement properties of medication adherence instruments in cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Medication adherence has a major impact on reducing mortality and healthcare costs related to the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus. Selecting the best patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) among the many available for this kind of patient is extremely important. This study aims to critically assess, compare and synthesize the quality of the measurement properties of patient-reported outcome measures to assess medication adherence among patients with cardiovascular diseases and/or type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: This review followed the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) guidelines and was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The searches were performed in Web of Science, SCOPUS, PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, LILACS, PsycINFO, and ProQuest (gray literature). RESULTS: A total of 110 records encompassing 27 different PROMs were included in the review. The included records were published between 1986 and 2023, most of which reported studies conducted in the United States and were published in English. None of the PROMs were classified in the category "a", thus being recommended for use due to the quality of its measurement properties. The PROMs that should not be recommended for use (category "c") are the MTA, GMAS, DMAS-7, MALMAS, ARMS-D, and 5-item questionnaire. The remaining PROMs, e.g., MMAS-8, SMAQ, MEDS, MNPS, ARMS-12, MGT, MTA-OA, MTA-Insulin, LMAS-14, MARS-5, A-14, ARMS-10, IADMAS, MAQ, MMAS-5, ProMAS, ARMS-7, 3-item questionnaire, AS, 12-item questionnaire, and Mascard were considered as having the potential to be recommended for use (category "b"). CONCLUSION: None of the included PROMs met the criteria for being classified as trusted and recommended for use for patients with cardiovascular diseases and/or type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, 21 PROMs have the potential to be recommended for use, but further studies are needed to ensure their quality based on the COSMIN guideline for systematic reviews of PROMs. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42019129109.

Validity, sensitivity and specificity of a measure of medication adherence instrument among patients taking oral anticoagulants.

Although self-report instruments are currently considered a valuable tool for measuring adherence, due to their low cost and ease of implementation, there are still important factors that impact measurement accuracy, such as social desirability and memory bias. Thus, the Global Assessment of Medication Adherence Instrument (GEMA) was developed to provide an accurate measure of this construct. The aim of this study was to evaluate the properties of the measurement of the Global Evaluation of Medication Adherence Instrument (GEMA) among patients with chronic diseases. A methodological study was conducted in the public hospital of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The adherence to anticoagulants as well as the international normalized ratio (INR) was assessed on 127 patients. Besides GEMA, two other instruments were used to assess adherence: the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 (MMAS-8) and the Measurement of Adhesion to Treatments (MAT). The GEMA presented a satisfactory level of specificity (0.76) to identify adherents among those with a stable INR, low sensitivity (0.43) for the identification of non-adherents among those with an unstable INR, and a Positive Predictive Value of 0.70. Positive and weak to moderate correlations were observed between the proportion of doses assessed with GEMA and the scores on the MMAS-8 (r = .26 and r = .22, respectively) and the MAT (r = .22 and r = .30, respectively). The GEMA presented good practicality, acceptability, and evidence of specificity regarding the stability of the INR. The validity of the construct was partially supported by the relationship with self-reported measures of adherence.

The Supplementation of Docosahexaenoic Acid-Concentrated Fish Oil Enhances Cognitive Function in Puppies.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has an important role in brain development and functionality. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of DHA-concentrated fish oil on the cognitive function of puppies. Twelve 3-month-old puppies were included, blocked by breed and randomly distributed into two groups: the Control Group (CG), without supplementation, and the Experimental Group (EG), supplemented with 40 mg DHA/kg BW/day. The object discrimination test was used, with a normal stage (NS) and a reverse stage (RS), and blood samples were collected to evaluate the serum polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) concentration and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) before (T0) and 30 (T1), 60 (T2) and 90 (T3) days after beginning the study. For the NS, there were effects of treatment (p = 0.0039) and time (p < 0.0001), in which the correct answer frequency in the EG was higher than the CG. The serum eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) + HA concentrations at T1, T2 and T3 were higher than at T0 for the EG (p = 0.0159), in addition, EG showed higher serum EPA + DHA concentrations than CG at T2 (p = 0.0245). The TAC values were similar between the groups (p = 0.3211). It was concluded that the cognitive function of puppies can be enhanced with DHA-concentrated fish oil supplementation without increasing the serum lipid oxidation.

Genetic diversity of adenovirus in neotropical bats from Brazil.

Bats can harbor a diversity of viruses, such as adenovirus. Ten different species of bat adenoviruses (BtAdV A to J) have been previous described worlwide. In Brazil, BtAdV was described in three species of phyllostomid species: Artibeus lituratus, Desmodus rotundus, and Sturnira lilium. There are around 180 bat species in Brazil, with 67% inhabiting the Atlantic Forest, with few information about the circulation of BtAdV in this biome. We aimed to describe the molecular detection and the phylogenetic characterization and suggest a classification of BtAdVs circulating in bats from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We collected 382 oral and rectal swabs from 208 bats between 2014-2015 and 2020-2021 from São Paulo, Pernambuco, and Santa Catarina Brazilian states. The adenovirus detection was done by a nested PCR targeting the DNA polymerase gene, and all positive samples were sequenced by the Sanger method. The phylogenetic analyses were based on the amino acid sequences using the MEGA 7 and BEAST software. We obtained 16 positive animals (detection rate 7.7%) belonging to seven bat species: Artibeus lituratus, Carollia perspicillata, Sturnira lilium, Molossus molossus, and the first record of Phyllostomus discolor, Eptesicus diminutus, and Myotis riparius. The phylogenetic analysis based on partial amino acid sequences showed that all obtained AdV sequences belong to the Mastadenovirus genus. We observed a high genetic diversity of BtAdV and identified eleven potential BtAdV species circulating in Brazil (BtAdV K to U). Our results contribute to the epidemiological surveillance of adenovirus, increasing the knowledge about the viral diversity and the distribution of AdV in bats from the Atlantic Forest.

Driveline dressings used in heartmate patients and local complications: A retrospective cohort.

BACKGROUND: Patients with long-term ventricular assist devices (VAD) are predisposed to infection, bleeding, and pressure injuries at the insertion of the driveline. There is no consensus on a driveline dressing protocol. Chlorhexidine is often used to clean the driveline exit site and has been associated with lower rates of infection. For driveline coverage, bacteriostatic agents and transparent film have shown good results, but are costly. The same issue was associated with anchorage devices. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the types of dressings used in the driveline of patients using HeartMate (HM) and to describe the incidence density of local complications (infection, bleeding, and pressure injury) within 30 days postoperatively. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted and included 22 patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit after implantation of HM II and III in a Brazilian private hospital. RESULTS: Several types of dressings were used in the drivelines. There were 22 different types of dressings. Dressing type 6 (Chlorhexidine, Excilon, Gauze and IV3000) were the most used (45.4%). Subjects using the Flexi-Trak anchoring device had a higher rate of local bleeding (50.0%) and those who used the Hollister device had more infection (61.1%) and pressure injury associated with a medical device (11.1%), compared to others. Infection was the primary complication (45.4%), followed by local bleeding (27.7%). CONCLUSION: Despite the high variability of products used in the driveline of patients using HeartMate, the dressing made with chlorhexidine, silver-impregnated absorbent foam and transparent film, and the use of anchoring devices was the most frequently used. Infection was the most common complication.

Methods to assess ambivalence towards food and diet: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Ambivalence towards food and diet, which favours behavioural inertia, might be a barrier to adopting healthier eating behaviours. Measuring it can help researchers to better understand its relationship with behaviour change and design interventions aimed at resolving it. In this scoping review, we map and describe methods and tools employed in studies to assess, measure or classify the ambivalence of participants towards food- and diet-related attitude objects. METHODS: In accordance with Joanna Briggs Institute guidance for conducting scoping reviews, we retrieved peer-reviewed studies from MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, FSTA and Food Science Source and preprints from PsyArXiv and MedRxiv. Two independent reviewers screened the articles. We considered for inclusion peer-reviewed studies and preprints that assessed the ambivalence of participants of any age, sex or sociodemographic group towards food and diet. RESULTS: We included 45 studies published between 1992 and 2022, which included participants from 17 countries. Eighteen methods were employed across the included studies to assess different types of ambivalence (felt, potential or cognitive-affective), the most frequent of which were the Griffin Index, the Subjective Ambivalence Questionnaire, the MouseTracker Paradigm and the Orientation to Chocolate Questionnaire. CONCLUSION: This scoping review identified several methods and tools to assess different types of ambivalence towards food- and diet-related objects, providing an array of options for future studies.

Progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal degeneration: novel clinical concepts and advances in biomarkers.

BACKGROUND: Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and corticobasal degeneration (CBD) are sporadic adult-onset primary tauopathies clinically classified among the atypical parkinsonian syndromes. They are intrinsically related with regard to their clinical features, pathology, biochemistry, and genetic risk factors. OBJECTIVES: This review highlights the current knowledge on PSP and CBD, focusing on evolving clinical concepts, new diagnostic criteria, and advances in biomarkers. METHODS: We performed a non-systematic literature review through the PubMed database. The search was restricted to articles written in English, published from 1964 to date. RESULTS: Clinicopathologic and in vivo biomarkers studies have broadened PSP and CBD clinical phenotypes. They are now recognized as a range of motor and behavioral syndromes associated with underlying 4R-tauopathy neuropathology. The Movement Disorders Society PSP diagnostic criteria included clinical variants apart from the classical description, increasing diagnostic sensitivity. Meanwhile, imaging biomarkers have explored the complexity of symptoms and pathological processes related to corticobasal syndrome and CBD. CONCLUSIONS: In recent years, several prospective or clinicopathologic studies have assessed clinical, radiological, and fluid biomarkers that have helped us gain a better understanding of the complexity of the 4R-tauopathies, mainly PSP and CBD.

A Mobile Phone App Intervention to Promote Healthy Salt Intake Among Adults: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: There is sound evidence associating high salt intake and a greater risk of cardiovascular and noncardiovascular diseases. High salt intake has been observed in several populations worldwide. Therefore, promoting healthier salt consumption has been encouraged as a low-cost strategy to reduce this risk factor. However, these strategies need to be sound, built on theoretical and methodological bases, and consider the target population's context. OBJECTIVE: This protocol aims to describe a mobile phone app intervention to promote healthy salt intake among adults. METHODS: This is an experimental and longitudinal study protocol conducted in three modules. Module 1 refers to the planning of the intervention based on the Behaviour Change Wheel framework. Module 2 is the development of the mobile phone app intervention based on the date of module 1. In module 3, the intervention will be evaluated using a randomized controlled study, with three steps of data collection in a 2-month follow-up in a sample of 86 adults (43 participants for each group: the control group and intervention group) recruited from the primary health care centers of a Brazilian town. The discretionary salt intake questionnaire will assess salt consumption, the app usability will be assessed using the System Usability Scale, and psychosocial variables (habit, intention, and self-efficacy) will also be measured. RESULTS: Recruitment began in October 2021, and the follow-up will end in August 2022. The results of this study are expected to be published in 2023. CONCLUSIONS: Results from this study will help people to control salt intake when cooking at home, will stimulate self-care, will work as an alternative or supportive method in the relationship between health care professionals and patients, and will contribute to implementing the app intervention to promote healthy salt intake on a large scale. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry RBR-4s8qyyq; https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-4s8qyyq. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/37853.

High genetic diversity of alphacoronaviruses in bat species (Mammalia: Chiroptera) from the Atlantic Forest in Brazil.

Bat coronaviruses (Bat-CoVs) represent around 35% of all virus genomes described in bats. Brazil has one of the highest mammal species diversity, with 181 species of bats described so far. However, few Bat-CoV surveillance programmes were carried out in the country. Thus, our aim was to jevaluate the Bat-CoV diversity in the Atlantic Forest, the second biome with the highest number of bat species in Brazil. We analysed 456 oral and rectal swabs and 22 tissue samples from Atlantic Forest bats, detecting Alphacoronavirus in 44 swab samples (9.6%) targeting the RdRp gene from seven different bat species, three of which have never been described as Bat-CoV hosts. Phylogenetic analysis of the amino acid (aa) sequences coding the RdRp gene grouped the sequences obtained in our study with Bat-CoV previously detected in identical or congeneric bat species, belonging to four subgenera, with high aa identity (over 90%). The RdRp gene was also detected in three tissue samples from Diphylla ecaudata and Sturnira lilium, and the partial S gene was successfully sequenced in five tissues and swab samples of D. ecaudata. The phylogenetic analysis based on the partial S gene obtained here grouped the sequence of D. ecaudata with CoV from Desmodus rotundus previously detected in Peru and Brazil, belonging to the Amalacovirus subgenus, with aa identity ranging from 73.6% to 88.8%. Our data reinforce the wide distribution of Coronaviruses in bats from Brazil and the novelty of three bats species as Bat-CoV hosts and the co-circulation of four Alphacoronavirus subgenera in Brazil.

Progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal degeneration: novel clinical concepts and advances in biomarkers / Paralisia supranuclear progressiva e degeneração corticobasal: novos conceitos clínicos e avanços em biomarcadores

ABSTRACT Background: Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and corticobasal degeneration (CBD) are sporadic adult-onset primary tauopathies clinically classified among the atypical parkinsonian syndromes. They are intrinsically related with regard to their clinical features, pathology, biochemistry, and genetic risk factors. Objectives: This review highlights the current knowledge on PSP and CBD, focusing on evolving clinical concepts, new diagnostic criteria, and advances in biomarkers. Methods: We performed a non-systematic literature review through the PubMed database. The search was restricted to articles written in English, published from 1964 to date. Results: Clinicopathologic and in vivo biomarkers studies have broadened PSP and CBD clinical phenotypes. They are now recognized as a range of motor and behavioral syndromes associated with underlying 4R-tauopathy neuropathology. The Movement Disorders Society PSP diagnostic criteria included clinical variants apart from the classical description, increasing diagnostic sensitivity. Meanwhile, imaging biomarkers have explored the complexity of symptoms and pathological processes related to corticobasal syndrome and CBD. Conclusions: In recent years, several prospective or clinicopathologic studies have assessed clinical, radiological, and fluid biomarkers that have helped us gain a better understanding of the complexity of the 4R-tauopathies, mainly PSP and CBD.

RESUMO Antecedentes: A paralisia supranuclear progressiva (PSP) e a degeneração corticobasal (DCB) são taupatias esporádicas primárias clinicamente classificadas no grupo das síndromes parkinsonianas atípicas. Ambas estão intrinsecamente relacionadas no que concerne aos aspectos clínicos, patológicos, bioquímicos e genéticos. Objetivos: Abordar os avanços recentes no conhecimento da PSP e DCB, focando na evolução dos conceitos clínicos, critérios diagnósticos, e avanços em biomarcadores. Métodos: Trata-se de uma revisão não-sistemática através da base de dados PubMed. Foram revisados artigos escritos em língua inglesa, publicados desde 1964 até a presente data. Resultados: Estudos com biomarcadores e análises postmortem ampliaram os fenótipos conhecidos da PSP e DCB. Tais doenças englobam um espectro amplo de síndromes motoras e cognitivas, associadas a neuropatologia tau com isoforma predominante 4R. O atual critério para PSP estabeleceu novas variantes clínicas para além da descrição clássica, aumentando a sensibilidade diagnóstica. Concomitantemente, biomarcadores in vivo exploraram a complexidade dos sintomas e processos patológicos relacionados à síndrome e degeneração corticobasal. Conclusões: Recentemente, alguns estudos prospectivos e clinicopatológicos investigaram aspectos clínicos, radiológicos e de biofluidos, que ajudaram a melhor compreender a heterogeneidade e complexidade clínica das taupatias 4R, sobretudo PSP e DCB.

Efficacy and Safety of BCG Revaccination With M. bovis BCG Moscow to Prevent COVID-19 Infection in Health Care Workers: A Randomized Phase II Clinical Trial.

The Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, which is widely used to protect children against tuberculosis, can also improve immune response against viral infections. This unicentric, randomized-controlled clinical trial assessed the efficacy and safety of revaccination with BCG Moscow in reducing the positivity and symptoms of COVID-19 in health care workers (HCWs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. HCWs who had negative COVID-19 IgM and IgG and who dedicated at least eight hours per week in facilities that attended to individuals suspected of having COVID-19 were included in the study and were followed for 7, 15, 30, 60, and 180 days by telemedicine. The HCWs were randomly allocated to a revaccinated with BCG group, which received the BCG vaccine, or an unvaccinated group. Revaccination with BCG Moscow was found to be safe, and its efficacy ranged from 30.0% (95.0%CI -78.0 to 72.0%) to 31.0% (95.0%CI -74.0 to 74.0%). Mycobacterium bovis BCG Moscow did not induce NK cell activation at 15-20 days post-revaccination. As hypothesized, revaccination with BCG Moscow was associated with a lower incidence of COVID-19 positivity, though the results did not reach statistical significance. Further studies should be carried out to assess whether revaccination with BCG is able to protect HCWs against COVID-19. The protocol of this clinical trial was registered on August 5th, 2020, at REBEC (Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos, RBR-4kjqtg - ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-4kjqtg/1) and the WHO (# U1111-1256-3892). The clinical trial protocol was approved by the Comissão Nacional de ética de pesquisa- CONEP (CAAE 31783720.0.0000.5078).

Autocuidado e risco cardiometabólico em pessoas com hipertensão arterial em seguimento na atenção primária / Self-care and cardiometabolic risk in people with high arterial pressure following primary care

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o autocuidado e o risco cardiometabólico em pessoas com hipertensão arterial (HA) em seguimento clínico regular na atenção primária à saúde. Estudo analítico e transversal conduzido entre 86 pessoas com HA no interior do Estado de São Paulo, por meio da aplicação das versões brasileiras da Escala de Autocuidado de Hipertensão e do Escore de Risco Cardiometabólico de Framingham. Os participantes demonstraram níveis satisfatórios de confiança (71,3(14,7)), níveis insatisfatórios para manutenção (59,2(14,5)) e manejo (55,1(20,3)) do autocuidado na Escala de Autocuidado e 34,6% de chance de desenvolver infarto agudo do miocárdio nos próximos dez anos. Os indivíduos com menor idade apresentaram níveis de confiança satisfatórios em relação ao manejo do autocuidado, e observou-se maior risco cardiometabólico entre pessoas com diabetes e angina. Os indivíduos possuem confiança, mas demonstram inadequados manejo e manutenção do comportamento de autocuidado, e quanto menor a idade, melhor o manejo do autocuidado.

This study aimed evaluate self-care and cardiometabolic risk in people with arterial hypertension undergoing regular clinical follow-up in primary health care. Exploratory study conducted among people with hypertension in the interior of the State of São Paulo, through the application of the Brazilian versions of the Hypertension Self-Care Scale and the Framingham Cardiometabolic Risk Score. Participants demonstrated satisfactory levels of confidence (71.3 (14.7)) and unsatisfactory levels for Self-Care maintenance (59.2 (14.5)) and management (55.1 (20.3)), domains of the Scale Self-care; and a 34.6% chance of developing acute myocardial infarction in the next 10 years. The youngest individuals had satisfactory levels of confidence in relation to the management of self-care; and higher cardiometabolic risk was observed among people with diabetes and angina. No significant associations were found between the other variables. Individuals have confidence, but demonstrate inadequate Self-Care management and maintenance and the younger the better self-care management.

Antibody response against SARS-CoV-2 in convalescent plasma donors: Can we predict subjects' eligibility?

Abstract Introduction As the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic unfolds around the world; answers related to the antibody response against the virus are necessary to develop treatment and prophylactic strategies. We attempted to understand part of the immune response of convalescent plasma donation candidates. Method We carried out a cross-sectional, observational, non-intervention study, testing 102 convalescent plasma donation candidates for antibodies against the virus, relating these data to the time interval between symptom onset and sample collection, age, disease severity, and gender. Results In our sample, the individuals who developed a greater antibody response were the ones who had a longer time interval between symptom onset and sample collection, the ones who had been hospitalized and the subjects above 35 years old. Moreover, 17 individuals did not present any reactive antibodies. Conclusion These results are important in that they raise questions about the role of the humoral response against the virus, as some individuals do not develop antibodies to fight it. In addition, they help develop recruitment strategies for convalescent plasma donors, who should be asymptomatic for at least 21 days and are possibly more likely to have reactive antibodies after 35 days without symptoms.

Impact of a Theory-Based Intervention to Promote Medication Adherence in Patients With a History of Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: Patient discontinuation of cardioprotective medications after a cardiac ischemic event commonly occurs early after hospital discharge. Theory-based interventions could be effective in promoting better patient self-regulation of health-related behaviors and positive intentions to adhere to the recommended medical regimen. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential efficacy and feasibility of a theory-based intervention to promote adherence to cardioprotective medications. METHODS: In this mixed-methods quasi-experimental study with 3 time points, we recruited 45 participants with a positive intention to adhere and a history of myocardial infarction. They were recruited in primary care units in Brazil. Data collection occurred in 2 waves (Tb and T60). The intervention consisted of developing action and coping plans, delivered in a 30-minute face-to-face session, with face-to-face reinforcement at a 30-day interval. Quantitative data were submitted to descriptive, Wilcoxon, and McNemar analyses; qualitative data were submitted to content analysis. RESULTS: An increase in the proportion of patients adhering to medications at the end of follow-up was found (T60 - Tb, +60.0%; P < .001). In addition, a significant reduction was found for blood pressure (T60 - Tb, -8.6 mm Hg; P < .001), heart rate (T60 - Tb, -6.6 bpm; P < .001), and low-density lipoprotein (T60 - Tb, -6.2 mg/dL; P < .05). Qualitative results revealed that the intervention was feasible, with an attrition rate of zero. The intervention was found to be easy to apply to patients' daily lives, and there was adequate time for implementation. CONCLUSIONS: Our data confirm the potential efficacy of a theory-based intervention on the promotion of adherence to cardioprotective medications and on the related clinical end points, as well as its feasibility in the clinical context (Universal Trial Number: U1111-1189-9967).