A biofloc system avoids the adverse effects of diets with suboptimal protein levels on zootechnical performance, intestinal histomorphometry, and protein metabolism of Nile tilapia juvenile fed Spirulina biomass (Arthrospira platensis) as an alternative protein source.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the biofloc technology (BFT) system and the replacement of fish meal with Spirulina biomass on productive performance, intestinal histomorphometry, plasma biochemistry, and oxidative stress of Nile tilapia juveniles (Oreochromis niloticus) fed suboptimal levels of protein. Two factors were evaluated: production systems (clear water × BFT) and replacement of fish meal with Spirulina (0, 33, 66 e 100%). The design was in a 2 × 4 randomized factorial scheme with four replications, and the fish were evaluated for 48 days. Four isoproteic (28% crude protein) diets were formulated with gross energy values close to 4300 kcal kg-1. Nile tilapia juveniles (0.23 ± 0.01 g) were distributed in 16 circular tanks (70 L) at seven fish/tank. The diets were formulated with protein levels approximately 20% below that required for the species and life stage. No interaction was observed between the factors evaluated (production systems × Spirulina inclusion). Rearing the fish in the BFT system avoided the adverse effects of diets with suboptimal protein levels on performance, intestinal histomorphometry, and protein metabolism. Lower values lower lipid peroxidation and higher antioxidant capacity were observed in fish reared in the BFT system, showing evidence of improvements in antioxidant responses and lower levels of physiological oxidative stress. Spirulina completely replaced fish meal in the diets of Nile tilapia juveniles without adverse effects on intestinal morphometry, protein metabolism, and antioxidant response. Replacing 66% of fish meal with Spirulina improved the productive performance, regardless of the rearing system.

N, N'-disubstituted Ureas as Novel Antiplatelet Agents: Synthesis, Pharmacological Evaluation and In Silico Studies.

INTRODUCTION: Thrombotic disorders are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Drugs used in the prevention and treatment of atherothrombosis have pharmacokinetic limitations and adverse effects such as hemorrhagic conditions, highlighting the importance of developing more effective antiplatelet agents. ethod: In this work, we synthesized N,N'-disubstituted ureas 3a-3j and evaluated their antiplatelet profiles through in vitro, ex vivo, and in silico studies. The synthesized derivatives exhibited a selective inhibitory profile against platelet aggregation induced by arachidonic acid (AA) in vitro, without significantly affecting other aspects of primary hemostasis and blood coagulation. The compounds that showed inhibition greater than 85% were submitted to the analysis of their potency by calculating the concentration required to inhibit 50% of platelet aggregation induced by AA (IC50). Urea derivative 3a was the most potent with IC50 of 1.45 µM. Interestingly, this derivative inhibited more than 90% of platelet aggregation induced by AA ex vivo, with a similar effect to acetylsalicylic acid. In the hemolysis assay, most of the urea derivatives presented values below 10% suggesting good hemocompatibility. Additionally, the compounds tested at 100 µM also showed no cytotoxic effects in HepG2 and Vero cells. RESULT: The in silico results suggested that compound 3a may bind to the key residue of COX-1 similar to AA and known COX-1 inhibitors, and the results are also in agreement with our SAR, which suggests that the inhibition of this enzyme is the most likely mechanism of antiplatelet activity. CONCLUSION: Therefore, these results demonstrated that N,N'-disubstituted ureas are promising candidates for the development of novel antiplatelet agents.

A further pocket or conformational plasticity by mapping COX-1 catalytic site through modified-mofezolac structure-inhibitory activity relationships and their antiplatelet behavior.

Cyclooxygenase enzymes have distinct roles in cardiovascular, neurological, and neurodegenerative disease. They are differently expressed in different type of cancers. Specific and selective COXs inhibitors are needed to be used alone or in combo-therapies. Fully understand the differences at the catalytic site of the two cyclooxygenase (COX) isoforms is still opened to investigation. Thus, two series of novel compounds were designed and synthesized in fair to good yields using the highly selective COX-1 inhibitor mofezolac as the lead compound to explore a COX-1 zone formed by the polar residues Q192, S353, H90 and Y355, as well as hydrophobic amino acids I523, F518 and L352. According to the structure of the COX-1:mofezolac complex, hydrophobic amino acids appear to have free volume eventually accessible to the more sterically hindering groups than the methoxy linked to the phenyl groups of mofezolac, in particular the methoxyphenyl at C4-mofezolac isoxazole. Mofezolac bears two methoxyphenyl groups linked to C3 and C4 of the isoxazole core ring. Thus, in the novel compounds, one or both methoxy groups were replaced by the higher homologous ethoxy, normal and isopropyl, normal and tertiary butyl, and phenyl and benzyl. Furthermore, a major difference between the two sets of compounds is the presence of either a methyl or acetic moiety at the C5 of the isoxazole. Among the C5-methyl series, 12 (direct precursor of mofezolac) (COX-1 IC50 = 0.076 µM and COX-2 IC50 = 0.35 µM) and 15a (ethoxy replacing the two methoxy groups in 12; COX-1 IC50 = 0.23 µM and COX-2 IC50 > 50 µM) were still active and with a Selectivity Index (SI = COX-2 IC50/COX-1 IC50) = 5 and 217, respectively. The other symmetrically substituted alkoxyphenyl moietis were inactive at 50 µM final concentration. Among the asymmetrically substituted, only the 16a (methoxyphenyl on C3-isoxazole and ethoxyphenyl on C4-isoxazole) and 16b (methoxyphenyl on C3-isoxazole and n-propoxyphenyl on C4-isoxazole) were active with SI = 1087 and 38, respectively. Among the set of compounds with the acetic moiety, structurally more similar to mofezolac (SI = 6329), SI ranged between 1.4 and 943. It is noteworthy that 17b (n-propoxyphenyl on both C3- and C4-isoxazole) were found to be a COX-2 slightly selective inhibitor with SI = 0.072 (COX-1 IC50 > 50 µM and COX-2 IC50 = 3.6 µM). Platelet aggregation induced by arachidonic acid (AA) can be in vitro suppressed by the synthesized compounds, without affecting of the secondary hemostasia, confirming the biological effect provided by the selective inhibition of COX-1. A positive profile of hemocompatibility in relation to erythrocyte and platelet toxicity was observed. Additionally, these compounds exhibited a positive profile of hemocompatibility and reduced cytotoxicity. Quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) models and molecular modelling (Ligand and Structure based virtual screening procedures) provide key information on the physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties of the COX-1 inhibitors as well as new insights into the mechanisms of inhibition that will be used to guide the development of more effective and selective compounds. X-ray analysis was used to confirm the chemical structure of 14 (MSA17).

360-degree pedicled inverted internal limiting membrane flap technique without face-down posturing for large idiopathic macular holes: a retrospective case series / Técnica de flap invertido de membrana limitante interna 360 graus pediculado sem posicionamento de cabeça para buracos maculares idiopáticos grandes: série retrospectiva de casos

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study aimed to determine closure rates of large idiopathic macular holes treated with pars plana vitrectomy and 360-degree pedicled inverted internal limiting membrane flap without face-down posturing and define visual improvement, types of macular hole closure, and external retina integrity as secondary outcomes. Methods: This retrospective case series analyzed all patients who were treated by vitrectomy, 360-degree pedicled inverted internal limiting membrane flap, and gas tamponade, without face-down posturing postoperatively. Age, sex, time of visual acuity reduction, other ocular pathologies, and lens status were collected. The best-corrected visual acuity and optical coherence tomography results were recorded during pre- and postoperative follow-up examinations (15 days and 2 months after surgery). Results: This study enrolled 20 eyes of 19 patients, and the mean age was 66 years. Optical coherence tomography performed 2 months after surgery revealed hole closure in 19 (95%) eyes. The median best-corrected visual acuity improved from +1.08 preoperatively to +0.66 LogMAR 2 months postoperatively (p<0.001), with a median of 20 letters of visual improvement (0.4 LogMAR) on the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study chart. V (47.36%)- and U (52.63%)-types of closure were observed. Conclusion: The 360-degree pedicled inverted internal limiting membrane flap technique, without face-down posturing, provided a high closure rate (95%), external layer recovery, and V- and U-type foveal closure contours, in addition to visual improvement in most cases of large macular holes (even macular holes >650 μm). This technique may be a viable alternative to patients in whom traditional postoperative face-down positioning for large macular hole treatment is not possible.

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar as taxas de fechamento de buracos maculares idiopáticos grandes tratados com vitrectomia posterior e técnica de flap invertido 360 graus pediculado de membrana limitante interna, sem posicionamento de cabeça pós-operatório e definir melhora visual, tipos de fechamento do buraco macular e integridade das camadas retinianas externas como objetivo secundário. Métodos: Este estudo foi uma série retrospectiva de casos. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a vitrectomia com flap invertido 360 graus pediculado de membrana limitante interna e tamponamento com gás, sem posição de cabeça no pós-operatório. Idade, gênero, tempo de redução da acuidade visual, outras patologias oculares e status do cristalino foram compilados. Medida de melhor acuidade visual corrigida e tomografia de coerência óptica foram registradas durante as visitas de pré e pós-operatório (15 dias e 2 meses após cirurgia). Resultados: Vinte olhos de 19 pacientes foram incluídos neste estudo. A idade média foi de sessenta e seis anos. Um total de 19 olhos (95%) atingiu fechamento do buraco, observado através das imagens de tomografia de coerência óptica após 2 meses de cirurgia. Melhor acuidade visual corrigida média aumentou +1,08 pré-operatória para +0,66 LogMAR em 2 meses de cirurgia (p<0,001), com média de 20 letras de melhora visual (0,4 LogMAR) na tabela do Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study. Dois tipos de fechamento do buraco foram observados: V (47,36%) e U (52,63%). Conclusão: A técnica de flap invertido 360 graus pediculado de membrana limitante interna, sem posicionamento de cabeça no pós-operatório promoveu elevada taxa de fechamento (95%), reestabelecimento das camadas retinianas externas, fechamento com contorno foveal dos tipos V e U, além de melhora visual na maioria dos casos de BMI gran des (mesmo nos buracos maiores que 650 μm). Esta técnica pode representar uma alternativa para o tratamento de buracos maculares grandes em pacientes impossibilitados de cumprir o tradicional posicionamento de cabeça pós-operatório.

360-degree pedicled inverted internal limiting membrane flap technique without face-down posturing for large idiopathic macular holes: a retrospective case series.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine closure rates of large idiopathic macular holes treated with pars plana vitrectomy and 360-degree pedicled inverted internal limiting membrane flap without face-down posturing and define visual improvement, types of macular hole closure, and external retina integrity as secondary outcomes. METHODS: This retrospective case series analyzed all patients who were treated by vitrectomy, 360-degree pedicled inverted internal limiting membrane flap, and gas tamponade, without face-down posturing postoperatively. Age, sex, time of visual acuity reduction, other ocular pathologies, and lens status were collected. The best-corrected visual acuity and optical coherence tomography results were recorded during pre- and postoperative follow-up examinations (15 days and 2 months after surgery). RESULTS: This study enrolled 20 eyes of 19 patients, and the mean age was 66 years. Optical coherence tomography performed 2 months after surgery revealed hole closure in 19 (95%) eyes. The median best-corrected visual acuity improved from +1.08 preoperatively to +0.66 LogMAR 2 months postoperatively (p<0.001), with a median of 20 letters of visual improvement (0.4 LogMAR) on the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study chart. V (47.36%)- and U (52.63%)-types of closure were observed. CONCLUSION: The 360-degree pedicled inverted internal limiting membrane flap technique, without face-down posturing, provided a high closure rate (95%), external layer recovery, and V- and U-type foveal closure contours, in addition to visual improvement in most cases of large macular holes (even macular holes >650 µm). This technique may be a viable alternative to patients in whom traditional postoperative face-down positioning for large macular hole treatment is not possible.

Microbial Complexity of Oral Cavity of Healthy Dogs Identified by Mass Spectrometry and Next-Generation Sequencing.

The high complexity of the oral microbiota of healthy dogs and the close exposure of humans to companion animals represent a risk of the transmission of potential zoonotic microorganisms to humans, especially through dog bites, including multidrug-resistant ones. Nonetheless, a limited number of comprehensive studies have focused on the diversity of the microorganisms that inhabit the oral cavities of healthy dogs, particularly based on modern molecular techniques. We investigated bacterial and fungal organisms in the oral cavities of 100 healthy dogs based on a combination of conventional and selective microbiological culture, mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), and next-generation sequencing. In addition, in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of isolates and mecA resistance gene were assessed. A total of 213 bacteria and 20 fungi were isolated. Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (40/100 = 40%), α-hemolytic Streptococcus (37/100 = 37%), and Pasteurella stomatis (22/100 = 22%) were the most prevalent bacteria diagnosed by microbiological culture and MALDI-TOF MS, whereas Aspergillus (10/100 = 10%) was the most common fungi identified. Based on next-generation sequencing of selected 20 sampled dogs, Porphyromonas (32.5%), Moraxella (16.3%), Fusobacterium (12.8%), Conchiformibius (9.5%), Bergeyella (5%), Campylobacter (3.8%), and Capnocytophaga (3.4%) genera were prevalent. A high multidrug resistance rate was observed in Staphylococcus pseudintermedius isolates, particularly to azithromycin (19/19 = 100%), penicillin (15/19 = 78.9%), and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (15/19 = 78.9%). In addition, the mecA resistance gene was detected in 6.1% (3/49) of coagulase-positive staphylococci. Here, we highlight the microbial complexity of the oral mucosa of healthy dogs, including potential zoonotic microorganisms and multidrug-resistant bacteria, contributing with the investigation of the microbiota and antimicrobial resistance patterns of the microorganisms that inhabit the oral cavity of healthy dogs.

Influence of learning styles on student performance in self-instructional courses.

This study aimed to analyze the learning style of dentistry students in self-instructional courses to assist in pedagogical planning and to choose the most appropriate educational resources for the students' learning profile. A sample of 122 students who responded to the Learning Styles Questionnaire was analyzed. For statistical purposes, correlation analysis, chi-square test, odds ratio, and Student's t-test were performed. In the analyzed sample, there was a higher prevalence of students in the theoretical and reflector styles, and a lower prevalence of students in the activist and pragmatic styles. An analysis of educational resources demonstrated the predominance of theoretical and reflective content. The data show a statistically significant reduction of about 74% in the chances of passing for the activist-pragmatists group compared to other students (χ2(1, N = 122) = 5.795, p < 0.05, odds ratio = 0.26). On the other hand, reflector students who exhibited a lower preference for the activist style had a higher chance of course completion, with a 3.33-fold increase in the likelihood of passing the course (χ2(1, N = 122) = 5.637, p < 0.05, odds ratio = 3.33). These findings highlight the importance of considering students' learning styles in educational planning and resource selection to optimize student performance. Further research is warranted to explore the implications of these findings and to investigate additional factors that may influence student success in self-instructional courses.

In vivo evaluation of time-dependent antithrombotic effect of rivaroxaban-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)/sodium lauryl sulfate or didodecyl dimethylammonium bromide nanoparticles in Wistar rats.

Rivaroxaban (RVX), an oral direct factor Xa inhibitor, is being explored as an alternative to traditional anticoagulans. However, RVX still faces pharmacokinetic limitations and adverse effects, highlighting the need for more effective formulations. In this regard, pharmaceutical nanotechnology, particularly the use of polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs), offers a promising approach for optimizing RVX delivery. This study aimed to develop and physicochemically characterize RVX-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)/sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or didodecyl dimethylammonium bromide (DMAB) nanoparticles, and also evaluate their pharmacological and toxicological profiles as a potential therapeutic strategy. The PNPs exhibited sizes below 300 nm and spherical morphology, with both negative and positive surface charges, according to surfactant used. They demonstrated high encapsulation efficiency and suitable yields, as well as rapid initial liberation followed by sustained release in different pH environments. Importantly, in vivo evaluations revealed a time-dependent antithrombotic effect surpassing the free form of RVX when administered orally in SLS or DMAB PNP. No hemolytic or cytotoxic effects were observed at various concentrations of the PNPs. Interestingly, the PNPs did not induce hemorrhagic events or cause liver enzyme alterations in vivo. These findings suggest that RVX-loaded SLS or DMAB PNPs are promising innovative therapeutic alternatives for the treatment of thromboembolic diseases.

Enzymatic synthesis of ascorbyl oleate and evaluation of biological activities.

Compounds that reduce or neutralize free radicals have been evaluated for use as nutraceutical or antioxidant additives in processed foods. This study aimed to enzymatically produce ascorbyl oleate and assess its biological properties. The synthesis was performed under previously maximized conditions (L-ascorbic acid/oleic acid 1:9 molar ratio, 70 °C, 1 h reaction). Immobilized commercial lipase from Candida antarctica (NS 88011) was used as biocatalyst. The reaction product was isolated, and its structure was confirmed by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. Ascorbyl oleate showed antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, besides no toxicity, did not influencing blood coagulation and also not presenting hemolytic profile. Better storage stability was achieved under refrigerated conditions, and the oxidative stability demonstrated free radicals fighting efficiency, increasing olive oil's shelf life. In vitro gastrointestinal simulation showed that ascorbyl oleate maintained antioxidant potential up to the duodenum stage during the digestive process. Therefore, the synthesized natural compound presented a high potential to be applied in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Comportamento de adolescentes do sexo feminino acerca da utilização de preservativos / Comportamiento de adolescentes de sexo femenino ante el uso del condón / Behavior of female adolescents in the use of condoms

Objetivo: caracterizar o conhecimento e a prática acerca da utilização de preservativos por parte de adolescentes do sexo feminino, estudantes do ensino médio de uma escola da rede estadual do interior de Sergipe, Brasil. Materiais e método: pesquisa de corte transversal, realizada em uma escola da rede pública localizada no interior do Estado de Sergipe, Região Nordeste do Brasil. A coleta de dados ocorreu em fevereiro e março de 2017, na escola com o maior número de adolescentes matriculados do Estado. Resultados: entre as 94 participantes do estudo, a média de idade foi de 17,3 anos (DP = 1,2); a maioria das adolescentes referiu renda familiar mensal de até um salário-mínimo (61,3 %). A religião predominante foi a católica (74,5 %). Apenas 4,3 % das adolescentes afirmaram ter filho e uma delas encontrava-se gestante (1,1 %). Quanto à iniciação sexual, 51,1 % das adolescentes participantes referiram não ter tido as primeiras relações sexuais, enquanto 48,9 % apresentavam vida sexual ativa. A maior frequência de relações sexuais e uso de preservativo entre as adolescentes foi encontrada entre aquelas que referiram a ingesta de bebidas alcoólicas (40 [42,5 %]; p < 0,05). Sobre preservativos, 92,6 % das adolescentes conheciam e já haviam tido contato com o preservativo masculino, enquanto apenas 62,8 % conheciam e tinham visualizado o feminino. Conclusões: as adolescentes apresentam conhecimento frágil sobre preservativos e adotam prática sexual insegura; portanto, é fundamental o desenvolvimento de estratégias de educação sexual que visem melhorar o conhecimento e as habilidades das adolescentes sobre o tema.

Objetivo: caracterizar el conocimiento y la práctica en el uso del condón por parte de las estudiantes de secundaria de una escuela de la red pública del estado del interior de Sergipe, Brasil. Materiales y método: investigación transversal realizada en una escuela de la red pública ubicada en el interior del estado de Sergipe, región Nordeste de Brasil. La recolección de datos se llevó a cabo entre febrero y marzo de 2017 en las instalaciones de la institución educativa con mayor número de adolescentes matriculados del estado. Resultados: la edad media de las 94 participantes del estudio fue de 17,3 años (DP = 1,2), quienes en su mayoría reportaron un ingreso familiar mensual de hasta un salario mínimo (61,3 %). La religión predominante entre las participantes fue el catolicismo (74,5 %). Solo 4,3 % de las adolescentes afirmó tener un hijo y una de ellas (1,1 %) se encontraba en estado de embarazo al momento de la recolección de datos. En cuanto a la iniciación sexual, el 51,1 % de las participantes refirió no haber tenido su primera relación sexual, mientras que 48,9 % llevaba una vida sexual activa. La mayor frecuencia de relaciones sexuales y uso del condón fue identificada entre las adolescentes que reportaron la ingesta de bebidas alcohólicas (40 [42,5 %]; p< 0,05). Con respecto a los preservativos, 92,6 % de las adolescentes conocía y había tenido contacto con el condón masculino, mientras que solo el 62,8 % reportó lo mismo para el condón femenino. Conclusiones: las adolescentes que participaron de esta investigación tienen poco conocimiento sobre el condón y adoptan prácticas sexuales inseguras. Por ello, es fundamental desarrollar estrategias de educación sexual orientadas a mejorar los conocimientos y las habilidades de las adolescentes frente al tema.

Objective: To characterize the knowledge and practice regarding the use of condoms by high school female students from a public school in the state of Sergipe, Brazil. Materials and method: Cross-sectional research carried out at a public school in the state of Sergipe, northeastern Brazil. Data collection was performed between February and March 2017 at the school with the highest number of adolescents enrolled from the state. Results: The mean age among the 94 participants of the study was 17.3 years (SD: 1.2). Most adolescents reported a monthly family income of up to one minimum wage (61.3 %). The predominant religion in the sample was Catholicism (74.5 %). Only 4.3 % of these adolescents reported having a child and one of them was pregnant at the time of data collection (1.1 %). As for sexual initiation, 51.1 % of the participants reported they had not had their first sexual intercourse, while 48.9 % had an active sexual life. The highest frequency of sexual intercourse and condom use was found among those who reported alcohol consumption (40 [42.5 %]; p < 0.05). Finally, 92.6 % of the participants knew and had already visualized the male condom, while only 62.8 % stated the same for the female condom. Conclusions: The adolescents that participated in this study show a weak knowledge about condoms and adopt unsafe sexual practices. Therefore, it becomes essential to develop sexual education strategies aimed at improving the knowledge and skills regarding this issue among the studied population.

Outbreak of equine pythiosis in a southeastern region of Brazil: Environmental isolation and phylogeny.

Pythiosis is a disease caused by the oomycete Pythium insidiosum, mainly reported in equines, dogs and humans and directly transmitted through contaminant zoospores in aquatic environments. We report the first outbreak of equine pythiosis in five equines. Wound samples were submitted for diagnostic testing including mycological culture and nested PCR. Treatment approaches consisted of conventional and alternative therapies. Microbiological analyses were performed using water samples from the riverbanks close to where the animals had grazed. All animals were positive for P. insidiosum cultures, and two animals responded successfully to alternative therapy (ozone therapy). After culture and molecular analysis of environmental samples, the presence of P. insidiosum in one section of the Tietê River was confirmed through a 99% sequence identity. Phylogenetic analyses using the cytochrome oxidase II gene showed that the animal isolates clustered in clade I and the environmental isolates clustered in clade III. Although the environmental and wound isolates belonged to different genetic clades, we concluded that the Tietê River is an important source of infection by P. insidiosum and that research concerning environmental isolation of P. insidiosum from rivers and lakes should be strongly facilitated in Brazil.

Ensino da Língua Brasileira de Sinais durante a graduação em Medicina: a percepção dos futuros médicos / Teaching Brazilian Sign Language during medical students' training: the perception of future physicians

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a percepção dos estudantes de Medicina em relação à oferta da disciplina Língua Brasileira de Sinais (Libras) durante a sua formação acadêmica. Métodos Estudo transversal, descritivo e analítico, incluindo estudantes de Medicina da cidade de Salvador, Bahia, maiores de 18 anos. Aplicou-se um questionário virtual, semiestruturado, contendo aspectos sociodemográficos, acadêmicos e sobre a Libras (comunicação, aprendizado, importância na formação médica e oferta curricular). Resultados Dos 240 estudantes avaliados, 82,9% não sabe se comunicar através de Libras, entretanto 95,8% acreditam que a disciplina é necessária no currículo médico. Quanto à oferta curricular, os estudantes consideram que esta deveria ser obrigatória (55,2%) e na modalidade presencial (75,7%). Os principais motivos para não cursar a disciplina foram por esta ser optativa (41,7%) e por falta de tempo (33,3%). Identificou-se que as mulheres dão mais importância a esta formação (p=0,0013) e essa percepção independe de idade, natureza administrativa da instituição e ciclo acadêmico em curso. Conclusão Os estudantes de Medicina têm uma percepção favorável ao ensino de Libras na educação médica. Entretanto, a maioria desses estudantes não cursou a disciplina em seus percursos acadêmicos e acredita ser desafiador o atendimento a este público.

ABSTRACT Purpose To assess the perception of medical students regarding the discipline Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) during their academic training. Methods Cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study, including medical students from the city of Salvador, Bahia, over 18 years old. A virtual, semi-structured questionnaire was applied, containing sociodemographic, academic and Libras (communication, learning, importance in medical training and curriculum offer) aspects. Results Of the 240 students evaluated, 82.9% do not know how to communicate through Libras, however 95.8% believe that the discipline is necessary in the medical curriculum. As for the curricular offer, students consider that it should be mandatory (55.2%) and in the face-to-face modality (75.7%). The main reasons for not taking the course were because it was optional (41.7%) and lack of time (33.3%). It was identified that women give more importance to this training (p=0.0013) and this perception is independent of age, administrative nature of the institution and ongoing academic cycle. Conclusion Medical students have a favorable perception of the teaching of Libras in medical education. However, most of these students did not attend the discipline in their academic careers and believe that serving this public is challenging.

Dot blot platform as a novel diagnostic kit: rapid, accurate, and on-site detection of Schistosoma mansoni in urine samples of hard to detect individuals.

Rapid diagnostics provide actionable information for patient care at the time and site of an encounter with the health care system. The mainstay of infectious diseases care is early detection (case finding) and treatment completion, but for many, it is hard to identify positive individuals, as is the case of infection with low burden in schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease common in the tropics and subtropics. We developed a new, accurate, and fast Dot blot methodology (iDot) to indirectly detect Schistosoma mansoni in individuals with very low parasite burden using urine samples. Accuracy of 0.74 was obtained with a significant difference between negative and positive patients and a substantial agreement was found when iDot was compared with five available methods. Our analysis also revealed the superiority of iDot in detecting negative individuals from non-endemic sites, thus, presenting the lowest rate of false positives. This new method called iDot is convenient and suitable for qualitative and quantitative detection of schistosomiasis in individuals with low parasite burden.

Prospecting Biomarkers for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches in Pythiosis.

Pythiosis, whose etiological agent is the oomycete Pythium insidiosum, is a life-threatening disease that occurs mainly in tropical and subtropical countries, affecting several animal species. It is frequently found in horses in Brazil and humans in Thailand. The disease is difficult to diagnose because the pathogen's hyphae are often misdiagnosed as mucoromycete fungi in histological sections. Additionally, there is no specific antigen to use for rapid diagnosis, the availability of which could improve the prognosis in different animal species. In this scenario, we investigated which P. insidiosum antigens are recognized by circulating antibodies in horses and humans with pythiosis from Brazil and Thailand, respectively, using 2D immunoblotting followed by mass spectrometry for the identification of antigens. We identified 23 protein spots, 14 recognized by pooled serum from horses and humans. Seven antigens were commonly recognized by both species, such as the heat-shock cognate 70 KDa protein, the heat-shock 70 KDa protein, glucan 1,3-beta-glucosidase, fructose-bisphosphate aldolase, serine/threonine-protein phosphatase, aconitate hydratase, and 14-3-3 protein epsilon. These results demonstrate that there are common antigens recognized by the immune responses of horses and humans, and these antigens may be studied as biomarkers for improving diagnosis and treatment.

Caso clínico: tromboembolismo pulmonar secundário em um paciente com COVID-19 / Clinical case: secondary pulmonary embolism in a patient with COVID-19

RESUMO: A COVID-19 é a doença infecciosa cujo agente etiológico é um betacoronavirus, o SARS-CoV-2. Sua emergência se deu em uma província chinesa em dezembro de 2019, tornando-se uma pandemia que desafia a saúde pública global. Habitualmente, apresenta-se como uma síndrome gripal, com possibilidade de evolução para síndrome respiratória aguda grave. Além disso, pode provocar alterações na coagulação e resposta inflamatória do indivíduo, levando a complicações tromboembólicas. Este artigo relata o caso de um paciente de 58 anos, diagnosticado com COVID-19, que seguia em isolamento domiciliar e, evoluiu com dispneia e hemoptise no quarto dia de doença. O diagnóstico do tromboembolismo pulmonar (TEP) foi confirmado através de tomografia contrastada de tórax. O paciente foi internado para tratamento clínico, necessitando de acompanhamento em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI) entre o terceiro e quinto dia de internação. Após alta da UTI, o paciente evoluiu sem demais intercorrências, recebendo alta no décimo dia de internação hospitalar. (AU)

ABSTRACT: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) whose etiologic agent is a betacoronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. Emerged in a chinese province in December of 2019, becoming a pandemic that challenges global public health. It usually presents as a flu-like syndrome, with the possibility of progressing to severe acute respiratory syndrome. In addition, it can lead to cytokine storm syndrome that results in hyperinflammation, exacerbates immune response and may generate changes in the individual's coagulation, causing thromboembolic complications. This article reports the case of a 58-year-old patient diagnosed with COVID-19, who was still in-home isolation and developed dyspnea and hemoptysis on the fourth day of illness. The diagnosis of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) was confirmed by contrast-enhanced pulmonary artery tomography. The patient was admitted for clinical treatment, requiring follow-up in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) between the third and fifth day of hospitalization. After discharge from the ICU, the patient evolved without further complications, being discharged on the tenth day of hospitalization. (AU)

Caso clínico: tromboembolismo pulmonar secundário em um paciente com COVID-19 Clinical case: secondary pulmonary embolism in a patient with COVID-19 / Clinical case: pulmonary thromboembolism secondary in a patient with COVID-19 Clinical case: secondary pulmonary embolism in a patient with COVID-19

A COVID-19 é a doença infecciosa cujo agente etiológico é um betacoronavirus, o SARS-CoV-2. Sua emergência se deu em uma província chinesa em dezembro de 2019, tornando-se uma pandemia que desafia a saúde pública global. Habitualmente, apresenta-se como uma síndrome gripal, com possibilidade de evolução para síndrome respiratória aguda grave. Além disso, pode provocar alterações na coagulação e resposta inflamatória do indivíduo, levando a complicações tromboembólicas. Este artigo relata o caso de um paciente de 58 anos, diagnosticado com COVID-19, que seguia em isolamento domiciliar e, evoluiu com dispneia e hemoptise no quarto dia de doença. O diagnóstico do tromboembolismo pulmonar (TEP) foi confirmado através de tomografia contrastada de tórax. O paciente foi internado para tratamento clínico, necessitando de acompanhamento em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI) entre o terceiro e quinto dia de internação. Após alta da UTI, o paciente evoluiu sem demais intercorrências, recebendo alta no décimo dia de internação hospitalar.

Incidência de tuberculose extrapulmonar / Incidence of extrapulmonary tuberculosis

Objetivo: Analisar casos de tuberculose extrapulmonar no um Estado brasileiro e comparar com valores de países industrializados. Métodos: Estudo epidemiológico descritivo, de delineamento retrospectivo e transversal na coleta de dados, com abordagem quantitativa. Os dados foram obtidos por meio de consulta às bases de dados do sistema TABNET, disponibilizados pelo Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde (DATASUS), com acesso em março de 2017. A população do estudo foi constituída pelos casos de tuberculose extrapulmonar do Estado de Minas Gerais registrados no período entre 2011 e 2016. Resultados: Foram contados 3.663 casos de tuberculose extrapulmonar no período considerado para estudo, com estabilização do número de casos no primeiro triênio ­ 715 (2011), 706 (2012) e 715 (2013). Apesar da tendência observada na primeira metade do período estudado, houve diminuição do número de casos nos 3 meses seguintes ­ 716 (2014), 663 (2015) e 148 (2016). Com a redução no número de casos na metade mais recente do período estudado, o Estado de Minas Gerais acompanhou a tendência de países desenvolvidos em relação à redução no número de casos de tuberculose. No entanto, apesar da diminuição dos casos para o acometimento extrapulmonar, esse número ainda foi elevado. Conclusão: Ainda é elevada a incidência de casos de tuberculose extrapulmonar, mesmo com a implementação da vacina BCG. Faz-se necessária a realização de pesquisas, a fim de melhor esclarecer a questão, além de comparar também os casos de manifestação pulmonar no Estado. (AU)

Objective: To analyze cases of extrapulmonary tuberculosis in a Brazilian state, and to compare it with values from industrialized countries. Methods: This is a descriptive epidemiological study, with a retrospective and cross-sectional design in data collection, with a quantitative approach. Data were obtained by consulting the databases of the TABNET system, made available by the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System (DATASUS), with access in March 2017. The study population consisted of cases of extrapulmonary tuberculosis in the state of Minas Gerais, recorded in the period between 2011 and 2016. Results: A total of 2,979 cases of extrapulmonary tuberculosis were counted in the study period, with stabilization in the number of cases in the first triennium - 715 (2011), 706 (2012), and 715 (2013). Despite the trend observed in the first half of the study period, there was a decrease in the number of cases in the following three months - 716 (2014), 663 (2015) and 148 (2016). With the reduction in the number of cases for the most recent half of the studied period, the state of Minas Gerais followed the tendency of developed countries in relation to the reduction in the number of cases of tuberculosis. However, despite the decrease in cases of extrapulmonary involvement, this number was still high. Conclusion: There is still a high incidence of cases of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, even with the implementation of the BCG vaccine. IMore research is required to better clarify this issue, and to compare cases of pulmonary manifestation in the state. (AU)

Benefícios da inserção do fisioterapeuta sobre o perfil de prematuros de baixo risco internados em unidade de terapia intensiva / Beneficios de la inserción del fisioterapeuta sobre el perfil de prematuros de bajo riesgo internados en unidad de terapia intensiva / Benefits of inserting the physical therapist on the profile of low-risk premature infants admitted to an intensive care unit

RESUMO O presente estudo visa descrever os benefícios da inserção do fisioterapeuta sobre o perfil de prematuros de baixo risco internados em unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal. Estudo caso-controle, retrospectivo, com consulta aos prontuários de prematuros internados em 2006/2007 sem fisioterapia (PREF) e em 2009/2010 com fisioterapia por até 8h/dia (POSF). Incluíram-se 61 prematuros no período PREF e 93 no POSF, nascidos com ≥1000g, SNAP-PE II <40, com tempo de suporte ventilatório ≥24h. Verificou-se os perfis materno e dos neonatos, tempos de internação, de ventilação mecânica invasiva e não invasiva e de oxigenoterapia. Realizou-se análise descritiva, teste Mann Whitney, teste t, qui-quadrado e Fisher, considerando-se p≤0,05. Houve diferença significativa entre as idades gestacionais [PREF: 230,5 (±16,5)/ POSF: 226 (±15); p=0,05], frequência de sepse [PREF: 6 (10%)/ POSF: 30 (32%); p<0,01], de síndrome do desconforto respiratório [PREF: 11(18%)/ POSF: 43 (46%); p<0,01], necessidade de reanimação na sala de parto [PREF: 10 (16%)/ POSF: 32 (34%); p=0,02], necessidade de intubação orotraqueal [PREF: 8 (13%)/ POSF: 26 (28%); p=0,05], tempo de ventilação não invasiva (PREF: 0,1±0,4 dias/ POSF: 0,8±2,3 dias; p<0,01), de ventilação invasiva (PREF: 0,4±1,3 dias/ POSF: 1,3±3,3 dias; p=0,04), de pressão positiva contínua em vias aéreas (PREF: 1,5±1,0 dias/ POSF: 2,7±3,8 dias; p=0,04). A presença do fisioterapeuta gerou benefícios, contribuindo para a manutenção dos tempos de internação e de oxigenoterapia mesmo diante de um perfil de recém-nascidos mais imaturos e com mais intercorrências no período após a inserção da fisioterapia.

RESUMEN El presente estudio describe los beneficios de la inserción del fisioterapeuta sobre el perfil de prematuros de bajo riesgo internados en unidad de terapia intensiva. Estudio caso-control, retrospectivo, con prontuarios de prematuros internados en 2006/2007 (sin fisioterapia - PREF) y en 2009/2010 (con fisioterapia por hasta 8h / día - POSF). Se incluyeron 61 prematuros (PREF) y 93 (POSF), ≥ 1000g, SNAP-PE II <40, con tiempo de soporte ventilatorio ≥ 24h. Se verificaron los perfiles maternos y de los neonatos, tiempos de internación, de ventilación mecánica invasiva y no invasiva y de oxigenoterapia. Se realizó análisis descriptivo, Mann Whitney, t, qui-cuadrado y Fisher, considerando p ≤ 0,05. Se observó diferencia entre las edades gestacionales [PREF: 230,5 (± 16,5) / POSF: 226 (±15); p=0,05], frecuencia de sepsis [PREF: 6 (10%) / POSTP: 30 (32%); p <0,01], síndrome de distrés respiratorio [PREF: 11 (18%) / POSF: 43 (46%); p <0,01], necesidad de reanimación en la sala de parto [PREF: 10 (16%) / POSTP: 32 (34%); p=0,02], necesidad de intubación [PREF: 8 (13%) / POSF: 26 (28%); (p=0,05), tiempo de ventilación no invasiva (PREF: 0,1±0,4 días / POSF: 0,8±2,3 días, p<0,01), ventilación invasiva (PREF: 0, 4±1,3 días / POSF: 1,3±3,3 días, p=0,04). La presencia del fisioterapeuta generó beneficios, contribuyendo para el mantenimiento de los tiempos de internación y de oxigenoterapia, aunque el perfil de recién nacidos tuvo más intercurrencias después de la inserción de la fisioterapia.

ABSTRACT This study aims to describe the benefits of inserting the physical therapist on the profile of low-risk premature infants in neonatal intensive care units. This is a retrospective control study, with consultation to the medical records of premature infants admitted in 2006/2007 without physical therapy (PREP) and in 2009/2010 with physical therapy for up to 8h/day (POSTP). 61 preterm infants in the PREP period and 93 in the POSTP were included, born with ≥1000g, SNAP-PE II <40, with a duration of ventilatory support ≥24h. Maternal and neonatal profiles, duration of hospitalization, invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation and oxygen therapy were verified. Descriptive analysis, the Mann Whitney test, t-test, Chi-squared and Fisher's test were performed, considering p≤0.05. There was a significant difference between gestational ages [PREP: 230.5 (±16.5)/POSTP: 226 (±15); p = 0.05], frequency of sepsis [PREP: 6 (10%) / POSTP: 30 (32%); p < 0.01], respiratory distress syndrome [PREP: 11 (18%)/POSTP: 43 (46%); p < 0.01], need for resuscitation in the delivery room [PREP: 10 (16%) / POSTP: 32 (34%); p = 0.02], need for orotracheal intubation [PREP: 8 (13%)/POSTP: 26 (28%); invasive ventilation (PREP: 0.4±1.3 days/POSTP: 1.3±3.3 days, p = 0.04), continuous positive airway pressure (PREP: 1.5±1.0 days/POSTP: 2.7±3.8 days, p = 0.04). The presence of the physical therapist generated benefits, contributing to the maintenance of the length of hospitalization and oxygen therapy in face of a profile of more immature newborns and with more complications in the period after physical therapy was inserted.

Avaliação psicológica em delinquência juvenil: precisão e validade do Inventário de Jesness: revisado brasileiro / Evaluación psicológica en delincuencia juvenil: precisión y validad del Inventário de Jesness: revisado brasileiro / Psychological assessment in juvenile offenders: reliability and validity of Inventário de Jesness: revisado brasileiro

O Inventário de Jesness ­ revisado brasileiro (IJ-R-Br) avalia aspectos do funcionamento psicológico de adolescentes em conflito com a lei. O objetivo deste estudo foi obter suas evidências de precisão e de validade de critério de duas de suas medidas. Foram analisadas as respostas de 928 adolescentes escolares do sexo masculino ao IJ-R-Br e ao Questionário de Comportamento Juvenis (QCJ). A precisão foi calculada pelo alfa de Cronbach e coeficiente de Spearman-Brown. A validade de critério, por meio do teste t de Student, de qui-quadrado e análise risco relativo, para verificar associação entre altos escores nas medidas e altos indicadores de engajamento infracional (medidos pelo QCJ). Os resultados de precisão foram insatisfatórios somente para três de 12 escalas do Inventário. Quanto à validade de critério, há mais adolescentes com indicadores altos de engajamento infracional no grupo com escores elevados. É oportuno realizar pesquisas com população de adolescentes infratores.

El Inventario de Jesness - revisado brasileiro (IJ-R-Br) evalua aspectos del funcionamiento de adolescentes en conflicto con la ley. El objetivo de este estudio fue obtener sus evidencias de precisión y de validez de criterio de dos de sus medidas. Se analizaron las respuestas de 928 adolescentes escolares del sexo masculino al IJ-R-Br y al Questionário de Comportamento Juvenis (QCJ). La precisión fue calculada por el alfa de Cronbach y el coeficiente de Spearman-Brown. La validez de criterio, por medio del test t de Student, de chi-cuadrado y análisis de riesgo relativo, para verificar la asociación entre altos escores en las medidas y altos indicadores de compromiso infraccional (medidos por el QCJ). Los resultados de precisión fueron insatisfactorios sólo para tres de 12 escalas del inventario. En cuanto a la validez de criterio, hay más adolescentes con indicadores altos de compromiso infraccional en el grupo con puntuaciones elevadas. Es oportuno realizar investigaciones con población de adolescentes infractores.

The Inventário de Jesness ­ revisado brasileiro (IJ-R-Br) assess psychological aspects of adolescent offenders. The objective of this study was to obtain evidence of reliability and criterion validity of two IJ-R-Br's subscales. The responses of 928 male adolescents to the IJ-R-Br and the Questionário de Comportamento Juvenis (QCJ) were analyzed. Reliability was calculated by Cronbach's alpha and SpearmanBrown coefficient. The criterion validity, through the Student's t-test, of chi-squared and relative risk analysis, was used to verify the association between high scores on measures and high indicators of infractional engagement (measured by QCJ). The accuracy scores were unsatisfactory only for three of 12 Inventory scales. Regarding the criterion validity, there are more adolescents with high indicators of infractional engagement in the group with high scores. It is opportune to conduct research with a population of teenage offenders.

Glycemic Variability and Insulin Needs in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Supplemented with Vitamin D: A Pilot Study Using Continuous Glucose Monitoring System.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies suggest that glycemic variability could influence the risk of complications in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM). There are no data about the action of Vitamin D (VD) on glycemic variability. Our pilot study aims to evaluate glycemic variability and insulin needs in patients with T1DM supplemented with VD. METHODS: 22 Patients received doses of 4000 and 10000 IU/day of cholecalciferol for 12 weeks, according to the patient's baseline VD levels and underwent continuous glucose monitoring system. RESULTS: Correlations were found between percentage variation (Δ) of glycemia standard deviation (ΔSDG), calculated using continuous glucose monitoring, with Δ of basal (r = 0.6; p <0.01) and total insulin dose (r = 0.6; p <0.01). Correlations between VD status after supplementation and Δ of prandial (r = 0.5; p <0.05) and total insulin dose (r = 0.4; p <0.05) were found, suggesting that the dose of insulin needed by patients is lower when VD status is better. We divided patients in two subgroups: SDG improved (subgroup 1; N = 12 (55%)) and SDG worsened (subgroup 2; N = 10 (45%)). Group 1, compared to subgroup 2, required a lower insulin dose (Δbasal insulin dose = -8.0 vs. 6.3%; p <0.05) and had a lower frequency of hypoglycemia (27% vs. 64%, hypoglycemias/days evaluated; p <0.01). CONCLUSION: Our study suggests a relation between VD supplementation, improved glycemic variability, lower insulin needs and lower frequency of hypoglycemia in patients with T1DM.