Tuning the color of high-karat gold in Au-TiO2 nanoparticle composites all the way to black.

For centuries, artisans have harnessed gold nanoparticles to imbue their creations with the vibrant hues that captivate the eye through interactions with visible light. In modern times, these distinct optoelectronic characteristics have pivoted toward the forefront of innovative technologies, finding their niche in advanced applications from solar energy to medicine, overshadowing their artistic heritage. This investigation reimagines the utilitarian scope of gold by innovating the optical characteristics of gold-titania nanostructures. This allows for an expanded palette of colors that retain the value of the precious metal. We employ nanostructured TiO2 in a high-pressure-high-temperature sintering technique that stabilizes Au nanoparticles, thwarting coalescence, and Oswald ripening. Further refinement is possible by engineering TiO2 color centers through the introduction of oxygen vacancies and Ti3+ ions, which aid in creating an opulent high-karat black-gold, but preserve the mechanical attributes essential to the integrity and function of the final product.

Massive myocardial infiltration by primary anaplastic T-cell lymphoma: a case report.

Background: Myocardial infiltration by primary cardiac neoplasm is a rare entity, providing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. The pathological spectrum includes more frequently benign forms. Refractory heart failure, pericardial effusion, and arrhythmias due to infiltrative mass are the most common clinical manifestations. Case summary: We describe the case of a 35-year-old man complaining of shortness of breath and weight loss in the last 2 months. A previous acute myeloid leukaemia treated with allogenic bone marrow transplant was reported. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed an apical thrombus in the left ventricle, with inferior and septal hypokinesia conditioning a mildly reduced ejection fraction, circumferential pericardial effusion, and abnormal right ventricular thickening. Cardiac magnetic resonance confirmed diffuse thickening of the right ventricular free wall due to myocardial infiltration. Positron emission tomography showed the presence of neoplastic tissue with increased metabolic activity. A pericardiectomy was performed showing a widespread cardiac neoplastic infiltration. Histopathological analysis done on right ventricular pathological samples obtained during cardiac surgery revealed the presence of a rare and aggressive cardiac anaplastic T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Few days after the operation, the patient developed refractory cardiogenic shock and unluckily died before initiating an adequate antineoplastic therapy. Discussion: Primary cardiac lymphoma is not frequent, and the lack of specific symptoms makes the diagnosis extremely challenging and often limited to autopsy findings. Our case highlights the importance of an appropriate diagnostic algorithm, requiring non-invasive multimodality assessment imaging and then invasive cardiac biopsy. This approach may allow an early diagnosis and an adequate therapy for this otherwise fatal pathology.

Teaching away from school: do school digital support influence teachers' well-being during Covid-19 emergency?

The Covid-19 pandemic coerced the closure of most schools around the world and forced teachers and students to change teaching and learning methods. Emergency Remote Teaching (ERT) generated consequences to teachers and students in terms of learning outcomes and personal well-being. This study focuses on teachers' individual and working environment well-being in ERT conditions and intends to explore which factors related to the provision of digital equipment and the implementation of digital strategies by schools explain the school effect on both typologies of well-being during the Covid-19 emergency. To do so, data collected in the Responses to Educational Disruption Survey (REDS) across three countries were used, and a two-step analysis was conducted. A first step involves the use of linear mixed effect models to assess the school effect on teachers individual and working environment well-being. In the second step Regression Trees (RT) are used to investigate which factors and policies related to digital tools explained the identified school effects. The results show that schools and countries played a role in determining teachers perceived well-being during the Covid-19 disruption, in particular the school level explains more than 7% of the work environment well-being and 8% of individual one. In the second step of the analysis results show that a high positive effect on school environment well-being is observed when the school's activity is not influenced by policies limiting the use of online tools and when teacher's readiness for remote teaching, like the development of technical skills and the provision of internet access and digital devices, is met. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that evaluates the impact of digital tactics and instruments provided by schools on teachers' well-being on a large scale.

Effects of therapeutic ultrasound and paraffin with or without vacuum massage on biomechanical properties of grafted skin after burn: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the effects of therapeutic ultrasound and paraffin with or without vacuum massage on the biomechanical properties of grafted skin after a burn. METHODS: A total of 44 patients with deep second- and third-degree burns, with a mean age of 35.89 (±11.53) years, who visited the Hospital Burn Unity, were included in the study. The therapeutic interventions were randomly defined by drawing lots, with a crossover design (crossover), and a minimum interval of 7 days (washout) between interventions. Skin biomechanical parameters such as distensibility (R0) and viscoelasticity (R6) were noninvasively evaluated by Cutometer before and after 0, 10, 20, and 30 min of intervention with therapeutic ultrasound and paraffin alone, as well as associated with negative pressure therapy of the skin (vacuum therapy). In this study, all groups showed increased distensibility (R0) in the period immediately after the application of the resources and a progressive reduction in the effects in the consecutive tests. Participants with skin grafts showed a decrease in viscoelasticity (R6) in all groups, except therapeutic paraffin and therapeutic ultrasound and vacuum massage. CONCLUSION: The biomechanical properties of grafted skin after a burn are altered after therapeutic intervention with ultrasound alone or associated with vacuum massage, such as intervention with paraffin associated with vacuum massage, for both parameters evaluated, skin distensibility (R0) and skin viscoelasticity (R6). However, the same did not occur for the intervention with isolated paraffin. There was no significant difference between the interventions therapeutic ultrasound and therapeutic paraffin.

Effect of an educational program on physical activity in individuals undergoing their first percutaneous coronary intervention: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Educational programs designed for specific populations to improve regular physical activity need to be tested. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of an educational program, when compared to usual care, on improving physical activity 5 to 7 months after hospital discharge in adult patients undergoing their first percutaneous coronary intervention. METHODS: Randomized controlled trial with two groups: usual care (n = 56) and educational program (n = 53) interventions. Data on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were collected and the Baecke-Habitual Physical Activity Questionnaire, Self-efficacy Scale for Physical Activity, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were administered at baseline and follow-up. Participants in the educational program received an intervention based on Social Cognitive Theory, focused on physical activity, followed by three telephone calls. The usual care group received the hospital routine information. Unadjusted and adjusted differences between the two groups in mean score changes (with 95% confidence intervals [CI]) were calculated for all outcomes. RESULTS: At follow-up, the educational program group showed higher mean ± standard deviation scores than the usual care group for practice of physical activity (7.94 ± 1.84 vs. 6.90 ± 1.89) and for self-efficacy (3.98 ± 3.75 vs. 2.52 ± 3.12). Adjusting for baseline outcome, the difference in mean change between groups was 0.89 (95% CI: 0.32, 1.46) for physical activity and 2.30 (95% CI: 1.12, 3.49) for self-efficacy. There were no statistical differences between groups in symptoms of anxiety and depression. CONCLUSION: The educational program may be an effective intervention in increasing habitual physical activity and self-efficacy for physical activity in individuals with coronary artery disease.

The impact of UEFA Euro 2020 football championship on Takotsubo Syndrome: Results of a multicenter national registry.

Objectives: The UEFA 2020 European Football Championship held in multiple cities across Europe from June 11 to July 11, 2021, was won by Italy, providing an opportunity to examine the relationship between emotional stress and the incidence of acute cardiovascular events (ACE). Methods and results: Cardiovascular hospitalizations in the Cardiac Care Units of 49 hospital networks in Italy were assessed by emergency physicians during the UEFA Euro 2020 Football Championship. We compared the events that occurred during matches involving Italy with events that occurred during the remaining days of the championship as the control period. ACE was assessed in 1,235 patients. ACE during the UEFA Euro 2020 Football Championship semifinal and final, the most stressful matches ended with penalties and victory of the Italian team, were assessed. A significant increase in the incidence of Takotsubo Syndrome (TTS) by a factor of 11.41 (1.6-495.1, P < 0.003), as compared with the control period, was demonstrated during the semifinal and final, whereas no differences were found in the incidence of ACS [IRR 0.93(0.74-1.18), P = 0.57]. No differences in the incidence of ACS [IRR 0.98 (0.87-1.11; P = 0.80)] or TTS [IRR 1.66(0.80-3.4), P = 0.14] were found in the entire period including all matches of the UEFA Euro 2020 compared to the control period. Conclusions: The data of this national registry demonstrated an association between the semifinal and final of UEFA Euro 2020 and TTS suggesting that it can be triggered by also positive emotions such as the victory in the European Football Championship finals.

Comparison of Anxiety and Depression Symptoms in Individuals According to their Sex, Type of Cardiac Device, and Diagnosis of Chagas Disease

ABSTRACT Introduction: Implantable cardiac pacemakers or cardioverter defibrillators are alternatives for the treatment of arrhythmias, however, their use has caused changes in the emotional state of patients. The objective of this study was to compare the measures of anxiety and depression symptoms in individuals according to their sex, type of cardiac device, and diagnosis of Chagas disease. Methods: This is an observational and cross-sectional study conducted with adults with implantable cardiac pacemakers or cardioverter defibrillators. Data was collected using a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. We used the Student's t-test for independent samples and the Chi-squared test, with a significance level of 0.05. Results: Two hundred forty-four patients participated in the study, 168 with cardiac pacemakers and 76 with implantable cardioverter defibrillators; 104 had Chagas cardiomyopathy (85 with cardiac pacemakers and 19 with implantable cardioverter defibrillators). No statistically significant differences were found in measures of anxiety and depression symptoms according to device type (P=0.594 and P=0.071, respectively) and the presence of Chagas etiology (P=0.649 and P=0.354, respectively). Women had higher mean scores for anxiety (P=0.002) and depression symptoms (P<0.001). Conclusion: In the comparison between the groups, according to the type of implanted device and the diagnosis of Chagas disease, no significant differences were found in the measures of anxiety and depression symptoms. Women showed higher means when compared to men, indicating the need to test and implement interventions to minimize these symptoms in this population.

Comparison of Anxiety and Depression Symptoms in Individuals According to their Sex, Type of Cardiac Device, and Diagnosis of Chagas Disease.

INTRODUCTION: Implantable cardiac pacemakers or cardioverter defibrillators are alternatives for the treatment of arrhythmias, however, their use has caused changes in the emotional state of patients. The objective of this study was to compare the measures of anxiety and depression symptoms in individuals according to their sex, type of cardiac device, and diagnosis of Chagas disease. METHODS: This is an observational and cross-sectional study conducted with adults with implantable cardiac pacemakers or cardioverter defibrillators. Data was collected using a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. We used the Student's t-test for independent samples and the Chi-squared test, with a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: Two hundred forty-four patients participated in the study, 168 with cardiac pacemakers and 76 with implantable cardioverter defibrillators; 104 had Chagas cardiomyopathy (85 with cardiac pacemakers and 19 with implantable cardioverter defibrillators). No statistically significant differences were found in measures of anxiety and depression symptoms according to device type (P=0.594 and P=0.071, respectively) and the presence of Chagas etiology (P=0.649 and P=0.354, respectively). Women had higher mean scores for anxiety (P=0.002) and depression symptoms (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: In the comparison between the groups, according to the type of implanted device and the diagnosis of Chagas disease, no significant differences were found in the measures of anxiety and depression symptoms. Women showed higher means when compared to men, indicating the need to test and implement interventions to minimize these symptoms in this population.

Effects of therapeutic ultrasound and paraffin with or without vacuum massage on biomechanical properties of grafted skin after burn: a randomized controlled trial

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the effects of therapeutic ultrasound and paraffin with or without vacuum massage on the biomechanical properties of grafted skin after a burn. METHODS: A total of 44 patients with deep second- and third-degree burns, with a mean age of 35.89 (±11.53) years, who visited the Hospital Burn Unity, were included in the study. The therapeutic interventions were randomly defined by drawing lots, with a crossover design (crossover), and a minimum interval of 7 days (washout) between interventions. Skin biomechanical parameters such as distensibility (R0) and viscoelasticity (R6) were noninvasively evaluated by Cutometer before and after 0, 10, 20, and 30 min of intervention with therapeutic ultrasound and paraffin alone, as well as associated with negative pressure therapy of the skin (vacuum therapy). In this study, all groups showed increased distensibility (R0) in the period immediately after the application of the resources and a progressive reduction in the effects in the consecutive tests. Participants with skin grafts showed a decrease in viscoelasticity (R6) in all groups, except therapeutic paraffin and therapeutic ultrasound and vacuum massage. CONCLUSION: The biomechanical properties of grafted skin after a burn are altered after therapeutic intervention with ultrasound alone or associated with vacuum massage, such as intervention with paraffin associated with vacuum massage, for both parameters evaluated, skin distensibility (R0) and skin viscoelasticity (R6). However, the same did not occur for the intervention with isolated paraffin. There was no significant difference between the interventions therapeutic ultrasound and therapeutic paraffin.

Knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about acute coronary syndrome among patients with type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of Guyanese individuals with type 2 diabetes regarding acute coronary syndrome and explore associations between these measures and the population's sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. METHOD: cross-sectional study conducted in Linden, Guyana, with sixty type 2 diabetics, interviewed using a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire and the Acute Coronary Syndrome-Response Index. The Mann-Whitney test was used to assess potential differences between groups according to the ACS-Response Index subscales, and sex, age, time since diabetes diagnosis, and body mass index and the Kruskal-Wallis test to compare the ACS-Response Index subscales according to educational level. RESULTS: only two participants correctly answered more than 70% of the Knowledge subscale. Participants obtained low mean scores in all subscales. Less than half of the participants reported chest pain and arm pain as symptoms of heart attack. Significant differences were found when comparing Knowledge (p=0.008) and Attitudes (p=0.009) according to educational level. CONCLUSION: individuals with type 2 diabetes showed low level of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs. Participants who scored the highest in Knowledge and Attitudes presented the highest educational level. The results show a need for health professionals to heed knowledge deficits regarding acute coronary syndrome among type 2 diabetes.

Fighting Health Hazards in Lead Halide Perovskite Optoelectronic Devices with Transparent Phosphate Salts.

Organic-inorganic lead halide perovskite (CH3NH3PbI3) solar cells have surpassed 25% power conversion efficiency, being ready for industrial-scale production of cheap photovoltaic (PV) panels. In this action, the major hurdle is its lead content, which in case of device failure, could be washed into the soil, entering the food chain. Since there is a zero tolerance on lead in the human organism, this health hazard is a critical obstacle for commercialization. Here, we propose a solution to this problem by incorporating phosphate salts (e.g., (NH4)2HPO4) in PV and other perovskite-based optoelectronic devices in various architectures. Phosphate salts do not react with CH3NH3PbI3 and do not alter its advantageous optoelectronic properties, but in a wet environment, they react immediately with lead, forming a highly insoluble compound, precluding this way the spread of lead into the environment. It is expected that this study will stimulate research, enabling lead halide perovskite solar cells to reach a similar environmental risk category as the commercially available, nonwater-soluble heavy metal-containing CdTe and gallium diselenide technologies.

Evolution of self-care in patients with heart failure at the first outpatient return and three months after hospital discharge.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the evolution of self-care in hospitalized patients with decompensated heart failure, between the first return after hospital discharge (T0) and three months after this assessment (T1). METHOD: an observational, analytical and longitudinal study carried out in the cardiology outpatient clinics of two public hospitals in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo. The sociodemographic and clinical data were collected through interviews and consultation of medical records. Self-care was assessed using the Brazilian version of the Self-Care of Heart Failure Index-SCHFI instrument. The data were analyzed by means of the Student's t test and paired distribution (McNemar) with a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: we verified an increase in the mean scores of the three subscales of SCHFI (Maintenance, Management and Confidence), when comparing the values of T0 and T1, these differences being statistically significant (p<0.001). When comparing the positive changes in self-care actions over these months, we found statistically significant changes in the Maintenance (6 out of 10 items), Management (5 out of 6 items) and Confidence (4 out of 6 items) subscales. CONCLUSION: self-care for heart failure improved in the period between the first return after discharge and the end of three months of follow-up. Further studies are needed to verify the variables associated with improved self-care after hospitalization.

The effect of reinforcing an educational programme using telephone follow-up on health-related quality of life of individuals using warfarin: A randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of reinforcing an educational programme through telephone follow-up on health-related quality of life and anxiety and depression symptoms in individuals starting warfarin therapy. BACKGROUND: Educational interventions have improved quality of life in individuals using warfarin. Few studies have examined the addition of telephone follow-up to enhance educational interventions. DESIGN: Randomised controlled trial in outpatient setting. METHODS: Hospitalised adults starting warfarin therapy who agreed to participate received an educational programme about the warfarin treatment. At discharge, they were randomised to receive either five telephone follow-up calls (intervention) or no telephone calls (controls). Both groups were evaluated for health-related quality of life (using Duke Anticoagulation Satisfaction Scale) and symptoms of anxiety and depression (using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) at three and six months post-discharge. Groups were compared at each time by independent-samples t test, and over time by repeated-measures analysis of variance, with time (three and six months), groups (intervention and control) and an interaction between time and group as factors. Level of significance was set at 0.05. The Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials was used for reporting. RESULTS: Fifty-two individuals (26 per group) completed the study. There were no statistical differences between groups in health-related quality of life, anxiety and depression symptoms, at both times post-discharge. Participants who received follow-up telephone calls reported better positive psychological impact (a subscale of quality of life) than controls. CONCLUSIONS: Reinforcing an educational programme with telephone follow-ups did not have an overall effect on health-related quality of life of individuals using warfarin but promoted positive psychological impact. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The low cost of reinforcing educational programmes with telephone calls and the improvement in positive psychological aspects indicate that this type of intervention is still a promising intervention that could be further investigated and improved.

Knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about acute coronary syndrome among patients with type 2 diabetes / Conocimiento, actitudes y creencias sobre el síndrome coronario agudo entre pacientes con diabetes tipo 2 / Conhecimento, atitudes e crenças sobre a síndrome coronariana aguda de pacientes com diabetes tipo 2

Objective: to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of Guyanese individuals with type 2 diabetes regarding acute coronary syndrome and explore associations between these measures and the population's sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Method: cross-sectional study conducted in Linden, Guyana, with sixty type 2 diabetics, interviewed using a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire and the Acute Coronary Syndrome-Response Index. The Mann-Whitney test was used to assess potential differences between groups according to the ACS-Response Index subscales, and sex, age, time since diabetes diagnosis, and body mass index and the Kruskal-Wallis test to compare the ACS-Response Index subscales according to educational level. Results: only two participants correctly answered more than 70% of the Knowledge subscale. Participants obtained low mean scores in all subscales. Less than half of the participants reported chest pain and arm pain as symptoms of heart attack. Significant differences were found when comparing Knowledge (p=0.008) and Attitudes (p=0.009) according to educational level. Conclusion: individuals with type 2 diabetes showed low level of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs. Participants who scored the highest in Knowledge and Attitudes presented the highest educational level. The results show a need for health professionals to heed knowledge deficits regarding acute coronary syndrome among type 2 diabetes.

Objetivo: evaluar el conocimiento, actitudes y creencias de guayaneses con diabetes tipo 2 sobre el síndrome coronario agudo y explorar la asociación entre esas mediciones y las características sociodemográficas y clínicas de esa población. Método: estudio transversal realizado en Linden, Guayana, con sesenta diabéticos tipo 2 entrevistados usando un cuestionario sociodemográfico y clínico y el Acute Coronary Syndrome-ACS Response Index. El test Mann-Whitney fue usado para verificar posibles diferencias entre grupos de acuerdo con las subescalas del ACS-Response Index y sexo, edad, tiempo de diagnóstico, e índice de masa corporal, y el test Kruskal-Wallis para comparar las subescalas del ACS-Response Index y el nivel de escolaridad. Resultados: dos participantes respondieron correctamente más de 70% de las preguntas de la subescala Conocimiento. Los participantes obtuvieron bajas puntuaciones en todas las escalas. Menos de la mitad respondieron que el dolor en el pecho y brazo son síntomas de ataque cardíaco. Diferencias significativas fueron encontradas entre el nivel de Conocimiento (p=0.008) y Actitudes (p=0.009) y de escolaridad. Conclusión: diabéticos tipo 2 presentaron bajo nivel de Conocimiento, Actitudes y Creencias. Los participantes con puntuaciones más altas en las subescalas conocimientos y actitudes tuvieron nivel educacional más alto. Los resultados mostraron que profesionales de salud deben prestar atención al conocimiento de los diabéticos tipo 2 sobre el síndrome coronario agudo.

Objetivo: avaliar o conhecimento, atitudes e crenças de guianenses com diabetes mellitus tipo 2 sobre a síndrome coronariana aguda e explorar a associação entre essas medidas e características sociodemográficas e clínicas desta população. Método: estudo transversal realizado em Linden, Guiana. Sessenta pacientes com diabetes tipo 2 foram entrevistados usando um questionário sociodemográfico e clínico e o Acute Coronary Syndrome-Response Index. O teste Mann-Whitney foi usado para verificar possíveis diferenças entre grupos de acordo com sub-escalas do ACS-Response Index e sexo, idade, tempo de diagnóstico, e índice de massa corporal, e o teste Kruskal-Wallis para comparar as sub-escalas do ACS-Response Index e escolaridade. Resultados: dois participantes responderam corretamente mais de 70% das questões da sub-escala Conhecimento. Os participantes obtiveram baixas pontuações em todas as sub-escalas. Menos da metade respondeu que dor no peito e no braço são sintomas de ataque cardíaco. Diferenças significativas foram encontradas entre os níveis de Conhecimento (p=0.008) e Atitudes (p=0.009) e escolaridade. Conclusão: participantes com diabetes mellitus tipo 2 apresentaram níveis baixos de Conhecimento, Atitudes e Crenças. Participantes com pontuações mais altas no Conhecimento e Atitudes apresentaram nível educacional mais alto. Os resultados mostram que profissionais da saúde precisam atentar para déficits de conhecimento de pacientes com diabetes tipo 2 sobre a síndrome coronariana aguda.

Health-related quality of life of patients with permanent cardiac pacing / Calidad de vida relacionada con la salud de pacientes con marcapaso cardíaco definitivo / Qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde de pacientes com marca-passo cardíaco definitivo

ABSTRACT Objective: to assess the health-related quality of life of patients with a permanent cardiac pacemaker. Method: descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study conducted in the arrhythmia outpatient unit of a university hospital located in the interior of São Paulo, Brazil. The consecutive and non-probabilistic sample was composed of both sexes, older than 29 years old, having a pacemaker for at least one month. Those lacking the cognitive condition to answer the questionnaires, as well as those with dyspnea, weakness, or fatigue at the time the instruments were applied, or with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator, were excluded. The generic instrument Medical Outcomes Study 36 - Item Short-Form Health Survey, composed of 36 questions distributed into eight domains along with the specific instrument Assessment of Quality of Life and Related Events, composed of 20 questions distributed into three domains, were used to assess health-related quality of life. Results: 88 patients participated; most were men, had a partner, and were aged 64.3 (±13) years old on average. The domains from the Medical Outcomes Study 36 that obtained the highest means, that is, were the best-rated, were Social Functioning (78.1; ±26.8) and Emotional Well-Being (68.2; ±23.9), while the lowest means were obtained by Physical Health (48.2; ±41.4) and Physical Functioning (58.5; ±27.9). In regard to the Assessment of Quality of Life and Related Events, the Arrhythmia domain had the highest mean and best quality of life (78.2; ±20.7), while the lowest mean was Dyspnea (71.1; ±26.8). Conclusion: the patients gave the highest health-related quality of life ratings in regard to mental domains and the lowest ratings for the physical domains.

RESUMEN Objetivo: evaluar la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud de pacientes con marcapaso cardíaco definitivo. Método: estudio observacional descriptivo, transversal, realizado en el ambulatorio de arritmia de un hospital universitario del interior del estado de Sao Paulo. La muestra consecutiva y no probabilística estuvo constituida de pacientes de los dos sexos, mayores de 18 años, con marcapaso hace, por lo menos, un mes. Fueron excluidos los que no presentaron condiciones cognitivas para responder a los cuestionarios, como también aquellos que presentaron disnea, debilidad y fatiga, en el momento de la aplicación de los instrumentos; y, también aquellos con desfibrilador cardioversor implantable. Para la evaluación de la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud, se utilizó el instrumento genéricoMedical Outcomes Study 36 - Item Short-Form Health Survey, compuesto por 36 preguntas distribuidas en ocho dominios, y el instrumento específicoAssessment of Quality of Life and Related Events, compuesto por 20 preguntas distribuidas en tres dominios. Resultados: participaron 88 pacientes, la mayoría del sexo masculino y con compañero, con edad media de 64,3 (±13) años. Los dominios que presentaron mayores medias, así como mejores evaluaciones, fueron Aspectos Sociales (78,1; ±26,8) y Salud Mental (68,2; ±23,9), y las menores fueron Aspectos Físicos (48,2; ±41,4) y Capacidad Funcional (58,5; ±27,9), referentes alMedical OutcomesStudy 36. En cuanto al Assessment of Quality of Life and Related Events, el dominio de mayor media y mejor calidad de vida fue Arritmia (78,2; ±20,7), y el de menor, Disnea (71,1; ±26,8). Conclusión: los pacientes presentaron mejores evaluaciones da calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en los dominios mentales y peores en los dominios físicos.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde de pacientes com marca-passo cardíaco definitivo. Método: estudo observacional descritivo, transversal, realizado no ambulatório de arritmia de um hospital universitário do interior paulista. Amostra consecutiva e não probabilística foi constituída de pacientes de ambos os sexos, maiores de 18 anos, com marca-passo há pelo menos um mês. Foram excluídos os que não apresentaram condições cognitivas para responder aos questionários, como também aqueles que apresentaram dispneia, fraqueza e fadiga no momento da aplicação dos instrumentos e com cardioversor desfibrilador implantável. Para a avaliação da qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde, utilizou-se o instrumento genérico Medical Outcomes Study 36 - Item Short-Form Health Survey, composto por 36 questões distribuídas em oito domínios, e o instrumento específico Assessment of Quality of Life and Related Events, composto por 20 questões distribuídas em três domínios. Resultados: participaram 88 pacientes, a maioria do sexo masculino e com companheiro, com a média de idade de 64,3 (±13). Os domínios que apresentaram maiores médias, assim como melhores avaliações, foram Aspectos Sociais (78,1; ±26,8) e Saúde Mental (68,2; ±23,9), e as menores foram em Aspectos Físicos (48,2; ±41,4) e Capacidade Funcional (58,5; ±27,9), referentes ao Medical Outcomes Study 36. Quanto ao Assessment of Quality of Life and Related Events, o domínio de maior média e melhor qualidade de vida foi Arritmia (78,2; ±20,7), e o de menor, Dispneia (71,1; ±26,8). Conclusão: os pacientes apresentaram melhores avaliações da qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde nos domínios mentais e piores nos domínios físicos.

Covid-19 pandemic and the motivations for demanding health service in indigenous villages.

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the fundamental aspects in the establishment of preventive measures to tackle covid-19 among indigenous people in view of the motivations for seeking health care in villages of the Terra Indígena Buriti, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. METHODS: Theoretical-reflective study based on assumptions of the National Health System and previous ethnographic research that enabled the identification of the motivations to seek health care in Buriti villages. RESULTS: Indigenous people seek health centers for health care programs assistance, treatment of cases they cannot resolve and to chat. Such motivations were the basis for discussing the indigenization process in the confrontation of the new coronavirus pandemic in indigenous lands. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: The motivations for seeking health care show the physical and social vulnerability of the Terena ethnicity. The effectiveness of the social isolation measure in the villages depends on the dialogue with indigenous leaders, professional engagement and intersectoral actions.

Photocatalytic Nanowires-Based Air Filter: Towards Reusable Protective Masks.

In the last couple decades, several viral outbreaks resulting in epidemics and pandemics with thousands of human causalities have been witnessed. The current Covid-19 outbreak represents an unprecedented crisis. In stopping the virus' spread, it is fundamental to have personal protective equipment and disinfected surfaces. Here, the development of a TiO2 nanowires (TiO2NWs) based filter is reported, which it is believed will work extremely well for personal protective equipment (PPE), as well as for a new generation of air conditioners and air purifiers. Its efficiency relies on the photocatalytic generation of high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon UV illumination, and on a particularly high dielectric constant of TiO2, which is of paramount importance for enhanced wettability by the water droplets carrying the germs. The filter pore sizes can be tuned by processing TiO2NWs into filter paper. The kilogram-scale production capability of TiO2NWs gives credibility to its massive application potentials.

Levosimendan Improves Oxidative Balance in Cardiogenic Shock/Low Cardiac Output Patients.

The beneficial effects exerted by levosimendan against cardiac failure could be related to the modulation of oxidative balance. We aimed to examine the effects of levosimendan in patients with cardiogenic shock or low cardiac output on cardiac systo-diastolic function and plasma oxidants/antioxidants (glutathione, GSH; thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TBARS). In four patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting or angioplasty, cardiovascular parameters and plasma GSH and TBARS were measured at T0 (before levosimendan infusion), T1 (1 h after the achievement of the therapeutic dosage of levosimendan), T2 (end of levosimendan infusion), T3 (72 h after the end of levosimendan infusion), and T4 (end of cardiogenic shock). We found an improvement in the indices of systolic (ejection fraction, cardiac output, cardiac index) and diastolic (E to early diastolic mitral annular tissue velocity, E/'; early to late diastolic transmitral flow velocity, EA) cardiac function at early T2. A reduction of central venous pressure and pulmonary wedge pressure was also observed. Plasma levels of GSH and TBARS were restored by levosimendan at T1, as well. The results obtained indicate that levosimendan administration can regulate oxidant/antioxidant balance as an early effect in cardiogenic shock/low cardiac output patients. Modulation of oxidative status on a mitochondrial level could thus play a role in exerting the cardio-protection exerted by levosimendan in these patients.

Comparison of the perceived stigmatization measures between the general population and burn survivors in Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: To compare perceived stigmatization, symptoms of depression and self-esteem of adults from Brazilian general population with Brazilian burns survivors and to verify the possible correlations between these populations. METHOD: The general population and burn survivors administered the adapted Brazilian versions of the Perceived Stigmatization Questionnaire (BR-PSQ-R), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). The Student's t-test for independent samples was employed to identify significant differences between the means of the results from the BR-PSQ-R, BDI and RSES instruments, and the Pearson correlation was used to detect correlations between constructs. The significance level was set at 0.05. RESULTS: Participants of this study included: 102 individuals from the general population and 240 burn survivors. The difference between the BR-PSQ-R mean scores of the two groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.077). The mean scores for the BDI (p = 0.001) and RSES (p = 0.001) where found to be lower in the general population, when compared to burn survivors. Moderate correlations were identified between the perceived stigmatization and depression (r = 0.43; p < 0.001) and perceived stigmatization and self-esteem (r = -0.35; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Participants from the general population and burn survivors exhibit similar levels of perception of stigmatization; the general population presented fewer symptoms of depression and a higher self-esteem when compared to burn survivors.

Covid-19 pandemic and the motivations for demanding health service in indigenous villages / Covid-19 pandemia y motivaciones para buscar el servicio de salud en pueblos indígenas / Pandemia covid-19 e motivações para procura pelo Sistema Único de Saúde em aldeias indígenas

ABSTRACT Objective: To discuss the fundamental aspects in the establishment of preventive measures to tackle covid-19 among indigenous people in view of the motivations for seeking health care in villages of the Terra Indígena Buriti, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Methods: Theoretical-reflective study based on assumptions of the National Health System and previous ethnographic research that enabled the identification of the motivations to seek health care in Buriti villages. Results: Indigenous people seek health centers for health care programs assistance, treatment of cases they cannot resolve and to chat. Such motivations were the basis for discussing the indigenization process in the confrontation of the new coronavirus pandemic in indigenous lands. Final considerations: The motivations for seeking health care show the physical and social vulnerability of the Terena ethnicity. The effectiveness of the social isolation measure in the villages depends on the dialogue with indigenous leaders, professional engagement and intersectoral actions.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Discutir los aspectos fundamentales en el establecimiento de medidas preventivas para abordar el covid-19 entre los pueblos indígenas ante las motivaciones para buscar servicios de salud en los pueblos de la Terra Indígena Buriti, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil. Métodos: Estudio teórico-reflexivo basado en supuestos del Sistema Único de Salud y en una investigación etnográfica previa. Resultados: Los pueblos indígenas buscan unidades de salud para recibir asistencia en programas de salud, tratamiento de casos que no pueden resolver y charlar. Tales motivaciones fueron la base para discutir el proceso de indigenización en el enfrentamiento de la pandemia de coronavirus en tierras indígenas. Consideraciones finales: Las motivaciones para buscar el servicio de salud evidencian la vulnerabilidad física y social de la etnia Terena. La efectividad de la medida de aislamiento social depende del diálogo con líderes indígenas, compromiso profesional y acciones intersectoriales.

RESUMO Objetivo: Discutir aspectos fundamentais no estabelecimento de medidas preventivas no enfrentamento da covid-19 entre indígenas frente às motivações para busca dos serviços de saúde nas aldeias da Terra Indígena Buriti, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil. Métodos: Estudo teórico-reflexivo fundamentado nos pressupostos do Sistema Único de Saúde e em pesquisa etnográfica prévia, que possibilitou identificar as motivações para a procura do serviço de saúde nas aldeias Buriti. Resultados: Os indígenas buscam unidades de saúde para atendimento de programas de atenção à saúde, tratamento para casos que não conseguem resolver e para conversar. Tais motivações fundamentaram a discussão do processo de indigenização do enfrentamento da pandemia do novo coronavírus em terras indígenas. Considerações finais: As motivações para procura do serviço de saúde mostram a vulnerabilidade física e social da etnia Terena. A efetividade da medida de isolamento social nas aldeias depende do diálogo com lideranças indígenas, engajamento dos profissionais e ações intersetoriais.