Exploring the effects of COVID-19-related traumatic events on the mental health of university students in Brazil: A cross-sectional investigation.

University students are vulnerable to mental health issues during their academic lives. During the COVID-19 pandemic, university students faced mental distress due to lockdowns and the transition to e-learning. However, it is not known whether these students were also affected specifically by COVID-19-related traumatic events. This study examined the impact of COVID-19-related traumatic events on 2277 university students from two federal institutions of higher education in Brazil. The university students completed an online questionnaire covering demographics, lifestyle habits, health characteristics, COVID-19-related traumatic events, and depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. The results showed that an increased intensity of COVID-19-related traumatic events was positively associated with stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, and each specific type of event was associated with these symptoms. In addition, we found a negative association between these symptoms and male sex and age and a positive association with having or having had a history of cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, or mental disorders or another disease diagnosed by a physician. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the heightened risk of mental health issues in university students in the face of COVID-19-related traumatic events. Women, young people and people who have or have had a history of disease were the most vulnerable to mental health issues during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Melatonin improves the viability and ultrastructure of bovine oocyte-granulosa complexes of in vitro cultured early antral follicles.

This study aims to investigate the effects of melatonin on follicular growth, viability and ultrastructure, as well as on the levels of mRNA for antioxidant enzymes, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and meiotic progression in oocytes from in vitro cultured bovine early antral follicles. To this end, isolated early antral follicles (500-600 µm) were cultured in TCM-199+ alone or supplemented with 10-6 , 10-7 or 10-8 M melatonin at 38.5°C with 5% CO2 for 8 days. Follicle diameters were evaluated at days 0, 4 and 8 of culture. At the end of culture, ultrastructure, chromatin configuration, viability (calcein-AM and ethidium homodimer-1 staining), and the levels of ROS and mRNA for catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxiredoxin 6 (PRDX6) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were investigated in oocyte-granulosa cell complexes (OGCs). The results showed that early antral follicles cultured with 10-6 and 10-8 M melatonin had a progressive and significant increase in their diameters throughout the culture period (p < .05). Additionally, oocytes from follicles cultured with 10-7 or 10-8 M melatonin had increased fluorescence for calcein-AM, while those cultured with 10-6 or 10-7 M had reduced fluorescence for ethidium homodimer-1. Different from follicles cultured in other treatments, those cultured with 10-8 M melatonin had well-preserved ultrastructure of oocyte and granulosa cells. Melatonin, however, did not influence the levels of ROS, the mitochondrial activity, oocyte meiotic resumption and expression mRNA for SOD, CAT, GPX1 and PRDX6. In conclusion, the presence of 10-8 M melatonin in culture medium improves viability and preserves the ultrastructure of oocyte and granulosa cells of early antral follicles cultured in vitro.

Applications of Mass Spectrometry in the Characterization, Screening, Diagnosis, and Prognosis of COVID-19.

Mass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful analytical technique that plays a central role in modern protein analysis and the study of proteostasis. In the field of advanced molecular technologies, MS-based proteomics has become a cornerstone that is making a significant impact in the post-genomic era and as precision medicine moves from the research laboratory to clinical practice. The global dissemination of COVID-19 has spurred collective efforts to develop effective diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutic interventions. This chapter highlights how MS seamlessly integrates with established methods such as RT-PCR and ELISA to improve viral identification and disease progression assessment. In particular, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) takes the center stage, unraveling intricate details of SARS-CoV-2 proteins, revealing modifications such as glycosylation, and providing insights critical to formulating therapies and assessing prognosis. However, high-throughput analysis of MALDI data presents challenges in manual interpretation, which has driven the development of programmatic pipelines and specialized packages such as MALDIquant. As we move forward, it becomes clear that integrating proteomic data with various omic findings is an effective strategy to gain a comprehensive understanding of the intricate biology of COVID-19 and ultimately develop targeted therapeutic paradigms.

Using underutilized residues of coffee to obtain valuable dietary and antioxidant bioactive compounds.

BACKGROUND: Coffee cultivation and agroindustry generate residues that are rich in several metabolites. These compounds, such as phenolic compounds and alkaloids, are known for their antioxidant activity and are usually consumed as nutraceuticals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of chemical and antioxidant components of low-pruned coffee stems under different fertilizer regimes. Extractives and lignin composition, histochemical, chromatographic, and antioxidant analyses were performed. RESULTS: Multiple compounds were found to accumulate in the stems of coffee trees. Furthermore, the presence of phenolic compounds such as chlorogenic acid, vanillin, resveratrol, and the alkaloids caffeine and trigonelline varied depending on the type of fertilization. In all samples examined, optimal performance was observed at the highest tested concentration (500 µg mL-1 ). All samples analyzed presented a great performance at the highest concentration tested (500 µg mL-1 ), with the dose 70% and the dose 100%, which is the recommended for the culture, showing the highest values for most of the concentrations and the best half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50 ) when compared with the other samples tested. CONCLUSION: As shown in the results, the reuse of stem residues as antioxidant material, with the potential to be profitable, and has the added benefit of providing a sustainable destination for material that until now has been underutilized. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Protocolo de cirurgia guiada por tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico na Faculdade de Odontologia da UFMG / Guided surgery protocol by cone beam computerized tomography at the Faculty of Dentistry of UFMG

A cirurgia guiada representa um avanço significativo na Odontologia moderna, especialmente na implantodontia, onde a precisão e previsibilidade são fundamentais para o sucesso dos procedimentos. Os passos dentro da sequência de fluxo de trabalho digital para cirurgia guiada são: aquisição de dados volumétricos, procedimentos de escaneamento de superfície via escaneamento intraoral ou escaneamento de modelo extraoral, software de planejamento computacional, design e manufatura de guias cirúrgicos via impressão 3D. A cirurgia guiada está cada vez mais rotineira na Odontologia contemporânea, demonstrando como a integração de tecnologias digitais pode transformar significativamente a prática clínica, elevando os padrões de precisão, previsibilidade e qualidade dos resultados em implantodontia. Além disso, esta técnica permite uma abordagem personalizada para cada caso clínico, adaptando-se às particularidades anatômicas e às necessidades específicas do paciente. O objetivo do estudo foi estabelecer um protocolo um protocolo completo para o planejamento e execução de implantes guiados, com as tecnologias e recursos disponíveis na Faculdade de Odontologia da UFMG.

Guided surgery represents a significant advancement in modern dentistry, particularly in implantology, where precision and predictability are crucial for procedural success. The steps within the digital workflow sequence for guided surgery include: volumetric data acquisition, surface scanning procedures via intraoral scanning or extraoral model scanning, computational planning software, and design and manufacture of surgical guides via 3D printing. Guided surgery is increasingly becoming routine in contemporary dentistry, showcasing how the integration of digital technologies can substantially transform clinical practice by enhancing standards of precision, predictability, and quality of outcomes in implantology. Moreover, this technique allows for a personalized approach to each clinical case, adapting to anatomical particularities and specific patient needs. The aim of this study was to establish a comprehensive protocol for the planning and execution of guided implants, utilizing the technologies and resources available at the Faculty of Dentistry of UFMG.

Intervenções de enfermagem para pessoas com dor crônica em paliação: protocolo de revisão de escopo / Intervenciones de enfermería para personas con dolor paliativo crónico: protocolo de revisión del alcance / Nursing interventions for people with chronic palliation pain: scoping review protocol

Objetivo: mapear intervenções de enfermagem no manuseio da dor crônica em adultos e idosos em cuidados paliativos. Método: trata-se de um protocolo de revisão de escopo, alicerçado nas diretrizes do Joanna Briggs Institute e nas recomendações do Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis Protocols. Serão utilizadas cinco bases de dados: MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHAL e National Grey Literature Collection, utilizando os descritores em saúde, a fim de responder a pergunta de pesquisa: "Quais intervenções de enfermagem são realizáveis no cuidado da dor crônica em indivíduos adultos e idosos em cuidados paliativos no campo da Enfermagem?" O processo de busca, identificação e avaliação será realizado por dois avaliadores independentes. Serão incluídos artigos nos idiomas inglês, português e espanhol, que atendiam ao objetivo. Os dados serão incluídos em uma planilha previamente construída e apresentados em tabelas, figuras e diagramas.

Objetivo: mapear las intervenciones de enfermería en el manejo del dolor crónico en adultos y adultos mayores en cuidados paliativos. Método: se trata de un protocolo de revisión exploratoria, basado en las directrices del Joanna Briggs Institute y las recomendaciones de los Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis Protocols. Se utilizarán cinco bases de datos: MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL y National Grey Literature Collection, utilizando los descriptores de salud, con el fin de responder a la pregunta de investigación: "¿Qué intervenciones de enfermería son alcanzables en el cuidado del dolor crónico en adultos y ancianos en cuidados paliativos en el campo de la Enfermería?" El proceso de búsqueda, identificación y evaluación estará a cargo de dos evaluadores independientes. Se incluirán artículos en inglés, portugués y español, que cumplieron con el objetivo. Los datos se incluirán en una hoja de cálculo previamente construida y se presentarán en tablas, figuras y diagramas.

Objective: mapping nursing interventions in the management of chronic pain in adults and elderly in palliative care. Method: this is a scope review protocol, based on the guidelines of the Joanna Briggs Institute and the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis Protocols. Five databases will be used: MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL and National Grey Literature Collection, using the descriptors in health, to answer the research question: "Which nursing interventions are feasible in the care of chronic pain in adults and elderly in palliative care in the field of Nursing?" The search, identification and evaluation process will be performed by two independent evaluators. Articles in English, Portuguese and Spanish will be included, which met the objective. The data will be included in a previously constructed spreadsheet and presented in tables, figures and diagrams.

Cardiac function, myocardial fat deposition, and lipid profile in young smokers: a cross-sectional study.

Background: There is a possibility that cardiac morphometric characteristics are associated with the lipid profile, that is, the composition and concentration of triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and others lipoproteins in young smokers without comorbidities. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the association of cardiac morphometric characteristics, myocardial fat deposition, and smoking cessation with the lipid profile of young smokers. Methods: A clinical and laboratory evaluation of lipids and the smoking status was performed on 57 individuals, including both a smoker group and a control group. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with proton spectroscopy was performed to identify cardiac changes and triglyceride (TG) deposition in myocardial tissue. Results: No differences were observed between the groups (control vs. smokers) in relation to the amount of myocardial TG deposition (p = 0.47); however, when TG deposition was correlated with cardiac MRI variables, a positive correlation was identified between smoking history and myocardial TG deposition [hazard ratio (95% CI), 0.07 (0.03-0.12); p = 0.002]. Furthermore, it was observed that the smoking group had lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [51 (45.5-59.5) mg/dl vs. 43 (36-49.5) mg/dl, p = 0.003] and higher TG [73 (58-110) mg/dl vs. 122 (73.5-133) mg/dl, p = 0.01] and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [14.6 (11.6-22.2) mg/dl vs. 24.4 (14.7-26.6) mg/dl, p = 0.01] values. In the control and smoking groups, a negative correlation between TGs and the diameter of the aortic root lumen and positive correlation with the thickness of the interventricular septum and end-diastolic volume (EDV) of both the right ventricle (RV) and left ventricle (LV) were noted. Moreover, in the RV, positive correlations with the end-systolic volume (ESV) index (ESVI), stroke volume (SV), ESV, and EDV were observed. Regarding serum free fatty acids, we found a negative correlation between their values and the diameter of the lumen of the ascending aortic vessel. Lipoprotein lipase showed a positive correlation with the SV index of the RV and negative correlation with the diameter of the lumen of the ascending aortic vessel. Conclusion: Several associations were observed regarding cardiac morphometric characteristics, myocardial fat deposition, and smoking cessation with the lipid profile of young smokers.

Effects of cyclic adenosine monophosphate modulating agents during oocyte pre-maturation and the role of melatonin on in vitro maturation of bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes.

This study investigated the effects of cyclic adenosine monophosphate modulating during cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) pre-maturation and the role of melatonin on in vitro maturation (IVM) of bovine COCs. In experiment one, COCs were pre-matured for 8 h in control medium or with 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) and forskolin, IBMX and C-type natriuretic peptide, c-type natriuretic peptide and forskolin or IBMX, forskolin and c-type natriuretic peptide. Then, meiotic progression was evaluated. In experiment two, COCs were pre-matured, followed by IVM in control medium alone or with 10-6, 10-7 or 10-8 M melatonin. After IVM, chromatin configuration, transzonal projections (TZPs), reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial distribution, ultrastructure and mRNA expression for antioxidant enzymes were evaluated. In experiment 1, COCs pre-matured with both C-type natriuretic peptide and forskolin or C-type natriuretic peptide, forskolin and IBMX had lower meiotic resumption rate when compared to control. Considering that IBMX had not an additional effect to potentiate inhibition of meiotic resumption, a combination of C-type natriuretic peptide and forskolin was chosen. In experiment 2, COCs matured with 10-8 M melatonin had greater rates of meiotic resumption when compared to the other treatments (P < 0.05). The COCs matured with 10-7 or 10-8 M melatonin had greater mitochondrial activity (P < 0.05), while those matured with 10-6 or 10-8 M of melatonin had greater levels of TZPs. Ultrastructure of oocyte and cumulus cells after IVM with melatonin was relatively well preserved. COCs matured with 10-8 M melatonin increased mRNA expression for superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) (P < 0.05), when compared to non-cultured and pre-matured COCs, respectively. In conclusion, bovine COC pre-maturation with C-type natriuretic peptide and forskolin, followed by IVM with 10-8 M melatonin improves meiotic resumption rates, TZPs, mitochondrial distribution and mRNA expression for SOD and CAT.

Thermoregulatory capacity of goat kids from birth to weaning in a dry hot climate.

This study aimed to evaluate the thermoregulatory capacity and performance of Saanen goat kids from birth to weaning in a hot climate. Twelve newborn males and female goat kids with an initial body weight of 4.17 ± 0.81 kg were used. Physiological responses, climatic variables, and biometric traits data were collected. Univariate and multivariate analysis techniques were used. Heart rate (HR) was high up to the 6th week of life, with a reduction from the 7th week on (P < 0.001). Rectal temperature (RT) was lower in the first 2 weeks (P < 0.001), with an increase and stabilization occurring in the 7th and 8th weeks. Coat surface temperature (ST) was more activated from the 5th week onwards (P < 0.001). Body weight (BW) and withers height (WH) were higher in later weeks of the calving phase with a linear effect (P < 0.001). The first principal component demonstrated the relationship of sensible heat dissipation × body area of the goat kids; the second component shows the relationship of meteorological data with RT, having a positive relationship between RT with RH and negative with AT, and the third component points to the association of RR and HR. Of the animals, 81.3% were correctly classified in their group of origin in discriminant canonical analysis, with emphasis on the classification of the kids in the 1st-2nd and 3rd-4th weeks (classification percentage Æ© = 95.8%). It is concluded that (i) newborn kids activate latent mechanisms to maintain their homoeothermic during the first 2 weeks of life, and as they grow, they use sensitive heat loss processes, especially from the 5th week of life onwards and (ii) male and female goats do not show sexual dimorphism effect on body performance and body morphometric measurements up to 60 days of life.

Solvatochromism and solution π-stacking of N-(4-pyridyl)-1,8-naphthalimide and its corresponding triruthenium coordination complex.

Due to the scarcity of spectroscopic studies on metal-coordinated naphthalimides, and aiming to investigate fundamental spectroscopic aspects, we have described here the aggregates of N-(4-pyridyl)-1,8-naphthalimide (NI-py) in solution as well as solvatochromism displayed by it and by the coordination compounds [Ru3O(CH3COO)6(NI-py)3]n, n = +1 or 0. Based both on theoretical calculations and luminescence spectra, we demonstrated that in aqueous media, the NI-py π-stacking is thermodynamically favored, suggesting a preferable conformation where the pyridine and naphthalene moieties of two NI-py molecules are parallel to each other, but are not co-planar within an individual molecule, due to steric hindrance. The NI-py ππ* band displayed positive solvatochromism, to which the major contribution was the Catalan's SP parameter (solvent polarizability). This observation is fully consistent with the extended π-electron cloud of the NI-py naphthalene ring. However, a secondary contribution of the SA (solvent acidity) was also observed, owing to the electron pairs available at the N-heteroatom of the pyridine rings and at the carbonyl-group oxygen atoms. Finally, the multiparametric solvent effect analysis indicated that the electronic coupling between coordinated NI-py and the metallic core is modulated by the charge of the [Ru3O(CH3COO)6] core, being higher for the reduced species [Ru3O(CH3COO)6(NI-py)]0. In addition, in this reduced species, there is no overlap between NI-py ππ* and the [Ru3O(CH3COO)6] charge transfer (CT) transitions, leading to the observation of the dependence of the CT energy with the SdP parameter (solvent dipolarity) since the CT transition implies in a charge-separation state.

Cuidar de pessoas em paliação: o olhar do familiar cuidador / Caring for people undergoing palliation: the look of the family caregiver / Cuidar a personas en paliación: la mirada del cuidador familiar

Objetivo: Compreender a visão do familiar ao assumir o papel de cuidador de um ente em paliação. Método: Estudo exploratório e descritivo de abordagem qualitativa, realizado com 27 familiares cuidadores de pacientes com diagnóstico oncológico acompanhados num ambulatório de uma cidade de grande porte no estado de Pernambuco. Os dados foram coletados usando a entrevista semiestruturada e organizados no Software IRaMuTeQ®, considerando a Técnica de Análise de Conteúdo de Bardin, possibilitando assim a sua análise e discussão à luz da Teoria de Enfermagem Humanística. Resultados: Foi possível inferir que os familiares têm conhecimento sobre o diagnóstico de câncer; conhecem os riscos da doença e tratamento e, demonstram resiliência e altruísmo ao prestar os cuidados com amor e afeto. Reconhecem que para uma boa adesão ao tratamento, paciente e família precisam se sentirem acolhidos por toda equipe, com ênfase na equipe de enfermagem. Considerações finais: Possibilita refletir sobre a importância do familiar no processo de tratamento, e aponta para a necessidade de que a equipe esclareça sobre as mudanças que este familiar enfrentará no processo de cuidar, assim como de que seja dada visibilidade ao que são os cuidados paliativos, de modo a proporcional alívio ao sofrimento do paciente e família.

Objective: To understand the view of the family member when assuming the role of caregiver of a person undergoing palliation. Method: Exploratory and descriptive study with a qualitative approach, carried out with 27 family caregivers of patients with an oncological diagnosis followed at an outpatient clinic in a large city in the state of Pernambuco. Data were collected using semistructured interviews and organized in the IRaMuTeQ® Software, considering Bardin's Content Analysis Technique, thus enabling its analysis and discussion in the light of the Humanistic Nursing Theory. Results: It was possible to infer that family members are aware of the cancer diagnosis; they know the risks of the disease and treatment and demonstrate resilience and altruism when providing care with love and affection. They recognize that for good adherence to treatment, the patient and family need to feel welcomed by the entire team, with an emphasis on the nursing team. Final considerations: It makes it possible to reflect on the importance of the family member in the treatment process, and points to the need for the team to clarify the changes that this family member will face in the care process, as well as to give visibility to what palliative care is, in order to provide relief in the suffering of the patient and family.

Objetivo Comprender la mirada del familiar al asumir el rol de cuidador de una persona en paliación. Método: Estudio exploratorio y descriptivo con enfoque cualitativo, realizado con 27 cuidadores familiares de pacientes con diagnóstico oncológico seguidos en un ambulatorio de una gran ciudad del estado de Pernambuco. Los datos fueron recolectados mediante entrevista semiestructurada y organizados en el Software IRaMuTeQ®, considerando la Técnica de Análisis de Contenido de Bardin, posibilitando así su análisis y discusión a la luz de la Teoría Humanística de Enfermería. Resultados: Se pudo inferir que los familiares conocen el diagnóstico de cáncer; conocen los riesgos de la enfermedad y el tratamiento y demuestran resiliencia y altruismo al brindar atención con amor y afecto. Reconocen que para una buena adherencia al tratamiento, el paciente y la familia necesitan sentirse acogidos por todo el equipo, con énfasis en el equipo de enfermería. Consideraciones finales: Permite reflexionar sobre la importancia del familiar en el proceso de tratamiento, y apunta la necesidad de que el equipo aclare los cambios que este familiar enfrentará en el proceso de cuidado, así como dar visibilidad a lo que son los cuidados paliativos, con el fin de brindar alivio en el sufrimiento del paciente y su familia.

Sexualidade de mulheres vivendo com HIV: é complicado / Sexuality of women living with HIV: it's complicated / Sexualidad de mujeres que viven con VIH: es complicado

Objetivo: analisar a estrutura das representações sociais de mulheres que vivem com HIV sobre sexualidade. Método: Pesquisa qualitativa com referencial teóricometodológico da Teoria das Representações Sociais, ancorada na Teoria do Núcleo Central. Foram coletadas evocações livres de palavras, nos meses de agosto a novembro de 2018, de 191 mulheres vivendo com HIV em um município da Bahia. Os dados foram processados pelo software Evoc conformando quadros de quatro casas. Resultados: Em sua estrutura apresenta as palavras sexo, se prevenir, não sei e complicado. Os termos remetem a concepção da sexualidade como algo "difícil" de ser nominado e que demanda cuidados preventivos. Os elementos centrais e periféricos apresentaram, sua maioria, uma conotação negativa da sexualidade. Conclusão: As representações se ancoram em situações de temor e no medo em expor a condição de vivência com o vírus. Sugere-se que a temática possa ser incorporada às práticas de cuidados de profissionais de saúde

Objective: To analyze the structure of social representations of women living with HIV about sexuality. Method: Qualitative research with theoretical and methodological framework of the Theory of Social Representations, anchored in the Theory of the Central Nucleus. Word-free evocations were collected in the months of August to November 2018 from 191 women living with HIV in a municipality in Bahia. The data were processed by the Evoc software, forming tables of four houses. Results: In its structure it presents the words sex, to prevent, I do not know and complicated. The terms refer to the conception of sexuality as something "difficult" to be named and that requires preventive care. The central and peripheral elements presented, for the most part, a negative connotation of sexuality. Conclusion: The representations are anchored in situations of fear and fear of exposing the condition of living with the virus. It is suggested that the theme can be incorporated into the care practices of health professionals.

Objetivo: Analizar la estructura de las representaciones sociales de las mujeres que viven con el VIH sobre la sexualidad. Método: Investigación cualitativa con marco teórico y metodológico de la Teoría de las Representaciones Sociales, anclado en la Teoría del Núcleo Central. Se recopilaron evocaciones sin palabras en los meses de agosto a noviembre de 2018 de 191 mujeres que viven con el VIH en un municipio de Bahía. Los datos fueron procesados por el software Evoc, formando tablas de cuatro casas. Resultados: En su estructura presenta las palabras sexo, prevenir, no sé y complicado. Los términos se refieren a la concepción de la sexualidad como algo "difícil" de nombrar y que requiere cuidados preventivos. Los elementos centrales y periféricos presentaron, en su mayor parte, una connotación negativa de sexualidad. Conclusión: Las representaciones están ancladas en situaciones de miedo y miedo a exponer la condición de convivencia con el virus. Se sugiere que el tema se pueda incorporar a las prácticas asistenciales de los profesionales de la salud.

O cuidado às pessoas em sofrimento psíquico e suas repercussões na família / El cuidado a las personas en sufrimiento psíquico y sus repercusiones en la familia / Care for people with psychological distress and its repercussions on the family

RESUMO Objetivo: compreender como o cuidado cotidiano das pessoas em sofrimento psíquico repercute na vida do familiar cuidador e mensurar o seu nível de sobrecarga. Método: trata-se de um estudo exploratório e descritivo, de abordagem mista. A coleta de dados foi realizada utilizando-se entrevista semiestruturada e aplicação da escala Zarit Burden Interview com quinze familiares de pessoas em sofrimento psíquico que são acompanhadas numa unidade do Centro de Atenção Psicossocial III de um município da Região Metropolitana de Salvador. Os dados foram coletados entre os meses de fevereiro e agosto de 2021 e organizados e analisados segundo a Técnica de Análise de Conteúdo Temática e discutidos com base na literatura. Resultados: com a correlação das variáveis foi possível inferir o nível de sobrecarga objetiva e subjetiva, além dos sentimentos expressos por esses familiares. Seis familiares tiveram avaliação, a partir da escala ZBI, de sobrecarga moderada a severa, com pontuações variando entre 43 e 54. A partir das unidades de significado emergiram três categorias temáticas que permitiram ilustrar, conforme o infográfico, a representação de como o cuidado cotidiano das pessoas em sofrimento psíquico repercute na vida do familiar cuidador. Considerações finais: apreendeu-se que o cuidado às pessoas em sofrimento psíquico tem sido realizado predominantemente por mulheres negras, refletindo as desigualdades de gênero e raça, envolve sentimentos e expectativas ambivalentes, níveis diferenciados de sobrecarga e necessidade de suporte social e do Estado.

RESUMEN Objetivo: comprender cómo el cuidado cotidiano de las personas en sufrimiento psíquico repercute en la vida del familiar cuidador y medir su nivel de sobrecarga. Método: se trata de un estudio exploratorio y descriptivo, de abordaje mixto. La recolección de los datos fue realizada utilizando entrevista semiestructurada y aplicación de la escala Zarit Burden Interview con quince familiares de personas en sufrimiento psíquico que son acompañadas en una unidad del Centro de Atención Psicosocial III de un municipio de la Región Metropolitana de Salvador/Brasil. Los datos fueron recogidos entre los meses de febrero y agosto de 2021. Organizados y analizados según la Técnica de Análisis de Contenido Temático y discutidos con base en la literatura. Resultados: con la correlación de las variables fue posible inferir el nivel de sobrecarga objetiva y subjetiva, además de los sentimientos expresados por esos familiares. Seis familiares tuvieron evaluación, a partir de la escala ZBI, de sobrecarga moderada a severa, con puntuaciones variando entre 43 y 54. A partir de las unidades de significado surgieron tres categorías temáticas que permitieron ilustrar, conforme el infográfico, la representación de cómo el cuidado cotidiano a las personas en sufrimiento psíquico repercute en la vida del familiar cuidador. Consideraciones finales: se comprendió que el cuidado a las personas en sufrimiento psíquico se ha realizado predominantemente por las mujeres negras, reflejando las desigualdades de género y raza; implica sentimientos y expectativas ambivalentes; niveles diferenciados de sobrecarga y necesidad de apoyo social y del Estado.

ABSTRACT Objective: to understand how the daily care of people in psychological distress affects the life of the family caregiver and to measure the level of caregiver burden. Method: this is an exploratory and descriptive study with a mixed approach. Data was collected using a semistructured interview and the Zarit Burden Interview with 15 family members of people in psychological distress who were followed up at a CAPS III unit in a city in the metropolitan region of Salvador. Data were collected between February and August 2021, organized and analyzed using the Thematic Content Analysis technique and discussed based on existing literature. Results: the correlation of the variables revealed the level of objective and subjective burden, in addition to the feelings expressed by these family members. Six family members had moderate to severe burden according to the ZBI scale, with scores ranging from 43 to 54. The units of meaning gave rise to three thematic categories, which were presented in the infographic and illustrate how the daily care of people with psychological distress affects the lives of family caregivers. Final considerations: the study revealed that care for people in psychological distress has been carried out mainly by black women, reflecting gender and race inequalities, and that this care involves ambivalent feelings and expectations, varying levels of burden, and the need for social and state support.

Saúde e discriminação no processo de envelhecimento LGBTQIA+ / Health and discrimination in the aging process LGBTQIA+ / Salud y discriminación em el processo de envejecimiento LGBTQIA+

Objetivo: Identificar as experiências e discriminações vividas pela população LGBTQIA+ em envelhecimento durante a prestação dos serviços de saúde. Método: Estudo exploratório de abordagem qualitativa, por meio da aplicação de um questionário com informações sociodemográficas e questões sobre experiências anteriores dentro de instituições de saúde e percepção do cuidado recebido. Resultados: Participaram nove pessoas, predominantemente, identificadas como homens cisgêneros; e, apenas um estava com idade entre 65 e 70 anos. Em sua maioria buscam o serviço de saúde duas vezes ao ano motivado principalmente por problemas particulares, do sistema respiratório, hipertensão arterial ou dores persistentes. Indicaram não haver desencorajamento para a procura de serviços e a maioria não relatou experiências de discriminação. Conclusão: A baixa frequência de discriminação pode indicar a dificuldade de caracterizar a exposição e/ou vivências por esta população. Sendo assim, devese buscar entender o que essa população considera discriminação por parte dos serviços de saúde a pessoas LGBTQIA + durante o processo de envelhecimento.

Objective: To identify the experiences and discrimination experienced by the aging LGBTQIA+ population during the provision of health services. Method: Exploratory study with a qualitative approach, through the application of a questionnaire with sociodemographic information and questions about previous experiences within health institutions and perception of care received. Results: Nine people participated, predominantly identified as cisgender men; and, only one was aged between 65 and 70 years. Most seek the health service twice a year motivated mainly by particular problems, the respiratory system, high blood pressure or persistent pain. They indicated that there was no discouragement to seek services and most did not report experiences of discrimination. Conclusion: The low frequency of discrimination may indicate the difficulty of characterizing the exposure and/or experiences of this population. Therefore, one should seek to understand what this population considers discrimination by health services to LGBTQIA+ people during the aging process.

Objetivo: Identificar las experiencias y la discriminación que vive la población LGBTQIA+ envejecida durante la prestación de los servicios de salud. Método: Estudio exploratorio con enfoque cualitativo, mediante la aplicación de un cuestionario con información sociodemográfica y preguntas sobre experiencias previas dentro de las instituciones de salud y percepción de la atención recibida. Resultados: Participaron nueve personas, predominantemente identificadas como hombres cisgénero; y, solo uno tenía entre 65 y 70 años. La mayoría acude al servicio de salud dos veces al año motivada principalmente por problemas particulares, del sistema respiratorio, hipertensión arterial o dolor persistente. Indicaron que no hubo desánimo para buscar servicios y la mayoría no reportó experiencias de discriminación. Conclusión: La baja frecuencia de discriminación puede indicar la dificultad de caracterizar las exposiciones y/o experiencias de esta población. Por lo tanto, se debe buscar comprender lo que esta población considera discriminación por parte de los servicios de salud a las personas LGBTQIA+ durante el proceso de envejecimiento.

Diversity and dynamics of bacterial communities in the drinking water distribution network of a mid-sized city in Brazil.

This study assessed the bacterial community composition of a drinking water system (DWS) serving a mid-sized city (120,000 inhabitants) in Brazil. Water samples, including raw and treated water, were collected at seven points throughout the DWS. DNA was extracted and analysed using high-throughput sequencing (Ion Torrent). Free chlorine and turbidity were measured in situ. Results showed that the highest relative abundance of 16S rRNA genes was from phyla Proteobacteria, followed by Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria. The next most abundant phylum was Cyanobacteria, represented by Arthronema, Calothrix, and Synechococcus. An interesting observation was that the DNA-based analysis suggested a bacterial community change in the distribution network, with treated reservoir water being very different from the network samples. This suggests active microbiology within the distribution network and a tendency for bacterial diversity to decrease after chlorine disinfection but increase after pipeline distribution. In raw water, a predominance of Proteobacteria was observed with reduced Cyanobacteria, showing a negative correlation. In treated water, Proteobacteria were negatively correlated with Bacteroidetes. Finally, 16S rRNA genes from Firmicutes (especially Staphylococcus) had a high abundance in the chlorinated water, which may indicate the phylum's resistance to chlorine residuals. Opportunistic pathogens, e.g., Mycobacteria, Legionella, and Staphylococcus, were also observed.

N-Acetyl cysteine reduces the levels of reactive oxygen species and improves in vitro maturation of oocytes from medium-sized bovine antral follicles.

This study aims to evaluate the effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on bovine oocyte maturation, mitochondrial activity and transzonal projections (TZP), as well as on the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and messenger RNA (mRNA) for catalase (CAT) superoxide dismutase (SOD), periredoxin-6 (Prdx6), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), growth and differentiation factor-9 (GDF9), histone H1Foo, cyclin B1 (CCNB1) and c-Mos. Bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) of medium-sized antral follicles (3.0-6.0 mm) were prematured in TCM-199 for 8 h at 38.5°C in 5% CO2. After prematuration in the presence of forskolin and C-type natriuretic peptide, COCs were matured in TCM-199 alone or with 0.1, 0.5 or 2.5 mM NAC. Then, oocytes were classified according to the stage of chromatin. Furthermore, mitochondrial activity and intracellular levels of ROS and TZP were also evaluated. The levels of mRNAs for CAT, SOD, Prdx6, GPx, GDF9, H1Foo, CCNB1 and c-Mos were evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The results showed that NAC significantly increased the percentages of oocytes with resumption of meiosis when compared with those oocytes matured in control medium. Oocytes had homogeneous mitochondrial distribution, and those cultured with 0.1 and 0.5 mM NAC had lower levels of ROS when compared with the control. In addition, 0.5 mM NAC reduced TZP and the levels of mRNA for CCNB1. In contrast, NAC did not influence the expression of CAT, GPx, Prdx6, SOD, GDF9, H1Foo, and c-Mos. In conclusion, 0.5 mM NAC reduced the levels of ROS, TZP and mRNA for CCNB1, and improved in vitro resumption of meiosis in oocytes from medium-sized bovine antral follicles.

Cryptococcus neoformans Database in Synthetic Biology Open Language.

Cryptococcus neoformans is the etiologic agent of cryptococcosis, a lethal worldwide disease. Synthetic biology could contribute to its better understanding through engineering genetic networks. However, its major challenge is the requirement of accessible genetic parts. The database presented here provides 23 biological parts for this organism in Synthetic Biology Open Language.

Presión positiva en vía aérea y cánula de alto flujo en el tratamiento de insuficiencia respiratoria por COVID-19, en unidades de cuidados respiratorios especiales, de dos hospitales de referencia en la República de Panamá

Introducción: En Panamá, así como en otras partes del mundo como España e Italia, se crearon Unidades de Cuidados Respiratorios Especiales para brindar soporte no invasivo a pacientes con insuficiencia respiratoria por neumonía por SARS-COV-2. En este trabajo se describen las características demográfica y clínicas de los pacientes que utilizaron ventilación no invasiva y/o cánula de alto flujo.  Material y métodos: El diseño del estudio fue prospectivo, observacional y descriptivo en dos hospitales de referencia en Panamá. Los pacientes firmaron un consentimiento informado y se procedió a llenar un cuestionario diario sobre las características demográficas y variables clínicas diarias.  Resultados: Se logró recolectar datos de 173 paciente, 60.69% correspondió al sexo masculino y se encontraban en una media de edad de 59 años, la comorbilidad más común fue la hipertensión arterial. El 88.75% de los pacientes tuvieron un NEWS 2 por arriba de 5 que indicaba mayor vigilancia por riesgo medio de paciente crítico, tanto la VMNI como el CAF tuvieron buenos resultados, 60% y 80% respectivamente. Conclusión: Nuestro estudio nos da luces sobre las características de los pacientes con insuficiencia respiratoria que requirieron dispositivos no invasivos y nos permite observar la evolución de estos en un contexto donde los recursos son limitados para terapia en cuidados intensivos. (provisto por Infomedic International)

Introduction: In Panama, as in other parts of the world, Special Respiratory Care Units were created to provide non-invasive support to patients with respiratory failure due to SARS-COV-2 pneumonia. In this work, the demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients who used non-invasive ventilation and/or high-flow cannula are described. Material and method: The study design was prospective, observational and descriptive in two Reference Hospitals in Panama. The patients signed an informed consent and proceeded to fill out a daily questionnaire on demographic characteristics and daily clinical variables. Results: We included 173 patients, 60.69% were male and had a mean age of 59 years, and the most common comorbidity was hypertension. In the evaluation of the risks, the 88.75% had a NEWS 2 above 5 that indicated greater vigilance due to the medium risk of a critical patient, both NIV and HFC had good results in 60% and 80% respectively. Conclusion: Our study sheds light on the characteristics of patients with respiratory failure who required non-invasive devices and allows us to observe their evolution in a context where resources are limited for intensive care therapy. (provided by Infomedic International)

Critically ill COVID-19 patients in northeast Brazil: mortality predictors during the first and second waves including SAPS 3.

BACKGROUND: The Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) 3 is a reliable score to predict mortality. This study aims to investigate the predictive values of SAPS 3 and other clinical parameters for death in critically ill coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. METHODS: This is a prospective study in a tertiary hospital for patients who required intensive care due to COVID-19 infection in northeast Brazil. Two distinct groups were constructed according to the epidemiological data: first wave and second wave. The severity of patients admitted was estimated using the SAPS 3 score. RESULTS: A total of 767 patients were included: 290 were enrolled in the first wave and 477 in the second wave. Patients in the first wave had more comorbidities, were put on mechanical ventilation and required dialysis and vasopressors more frequently (p<0.05). During the second wave, non-invasive ventilation was more often required (p<0.05). In both periods, older patients and higher SAPS 3 scores on admission were associated with death (p<0.05). Non-invasive ventilation use showed a negative association with death only in the second wave period. In the first wave, the SAPS 3 score was more useful (area under the curve [AUC] 0.897) in predicting death in critically ill COVID-19 patients than in the second wave (AUC 0.810). CONCLUSION: The SAPS 3 showed very reliable predictive values for death during the waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, mostly together with kidney and pulmonary dysfunction.

Multiskilled personnel assignment problem under uncertain demand: A benchmarking analysis.

The personnel assignment problem in different service industries aims to minimize the staff surplus/shortage costs. However, uncertainty in the staff demand challenges the accomplishment of that objective. This research studies the personnel assignment problem considering uncertain demand and multiskilled workforce configured through a 2-chaining strategy. We develop a two-stage stochastic optimization (TSSO) approach to calculate the multiskilling requirements that minimize the training costs and the expected costs of staff surplus/shortage. Later, we evaluate and compare the performance of the TSSO approach solutions with the solutions of two alternative optimization approaches under uncertainty - robust optimization (RO) and closed-form equation (CF). These two alternative approaches were published in Henao et al. [1] and Henao et al. [2], respectively. In addition, we compare the performance of the TSSO approach solutions with the solution of the deterministic (DT) approach and the solutions of myopic multiskilling approaches. To make performance comparisons between the different approaches, we used both real and simulated data derived from a retail store operating in Chile. The results show that, for different demand variability levels, TSSO, RO, and CF always belong to the set of approaches with the lowest average total cost. That is, in this group, there are no statistical differences from one approach to another, so these approaches are the most cost-effective. We also provide insights to retail decision-makers for addressing two key aspects. First, the methodology allows to address two fundamental multiskilling issues: how much multiskilling to add and how it should be added. Second, it is provided understanding on how to select the most suitable approach according to the balance between the conservatism and the reliability associated with the solutions delivered by each approach. Finally, we identify some methodological challenges for future research, such as the evaluation of k-chaining strategies with k≥2.