A Deep Learning Model for Markerless Pose Estimation Based on Keypoint Augmentation: What Factors Influence Errors in Biomechanical Applications?

In biomechanics, movement is typically recorded by tracking the trajectories of anatomical landmarks previously marked using passive instrumentation, which entails several inconveniences. To overcome these disadvantages, researchers are exploring different markerless methods, such as pose estimation networks, to capture movement with equivalent accuracy to marker-based photogrammetry. However, pose estimation models usually only provide joint centers, which are incomplete data for calculating joint angles in all anatomical axes. Recently, marker augmentation models based on deep learning have emerged. These models transform pose estimation data into complete anatomical data. Building on this concept, this study presents three marker augmentation models of varying complexity that were compared to a photogrammetry system. The errors in anatomical landmark positions and the derived joint angles were calculated, and a statistical analysis of the errors was performed to identify the factors that most influence their magnitude. The proposed Transformer model improved upon the errors reported in the literature, yielding position errors of less than 1.5 cm for anatomical landmarks and 4.4 degrees for all seven movements evaluated. Anthropometric data did not influence the errors, while anatomical landmarks and movement influenced position errors, and model, rotation axis, and movement influenced joint angle errors.

Effects of auriculotherapy on nausea and vomiting in pregnant women: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy induces physiological changes, commonly marked by nausea and vomiting in the first trimester, posing risks for both mother and baby. This study evaluates the effects of auriculotherapy on nausea and vomiting during the first trimester of pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized clinical trial was conducted in two primary health care centers with 56 Brazilian pregnant women who reported nausea or vomiting in the first trimester. The participants were divided into an intervention group (auriculotherapy with seeds) and a placebo group (sham auriculotherapy). The intervention was divided into three moments: pre-intervention with assessment of nausea and vomiting and application of questionnaires, and two follow-ups conducted on the fourth and seventh day of the intervention, with reassessment of nausea and vomiting. RESULTS: Both groups experienced a decrease in nausea and vomiting over time, with no statistically significant differences between groups in the within-group analyses at various time points. The intervention group had a greater reduction in symptoms. Within the intervention group, symptoms were more common among ferrous sulfate users and those without reported dietary disturbances. In addition, a higher incidence of nausea and vomiting was associated with the use of analgesics, morning snacks, and low intake of protein, vegetables, and fruits. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention did not affect the between-group differences in the incidence of nausea and vomiting and vomiting effort in the first trimester of pregnancy. However, a greater reduction was observed in the intervention group.

Multimodal human motion dataset of 3D anatomical landmarks and pose keypoints.

In this paper, we present a dataset that takes 2D and 3D human pose keypoints estimated from images and relates them to the location of 3D anatomical landmarks. The dataset contains 51,051 poses obtained from 71 persons in A-Pose while performing 7 movements (walking, running, squatting, and four types of jumping). These poses were scanned to build a collection of 3D moving textured meshes with anatomical correspondence. Each mesh in that collection was used to obtain the 3D locations of 53 anatomical landmarks, and 48 images were created using virtual cameras with different perspectives. 2D pose keypoints from those images were obtained using the MediaPipe Human Pose Landmarker, and their corresponding 3D keypoints were calculated by linear triangulation. The dataset consists of a folder for each participant containing two Track Row Column (TRC) files and one JSON file for each movement sequence. One TRC file is used to store the 3D data of the triangulated 3D keypoints while the other contains the 3D anatomical landmarks. The JSON file is used to store the 2D keypoints and the calibration parameters of the virtual cameras. The anthropometric characteristics of the participants are annotated in a single CSV file. These data are intended to be used in developments that require the transformation of existing human pose solutions in computer vision into biomechanical applications or simulations. This dataset can also be used in other applications related to training neural networks for human motion analysis and studying their influence on anthropometric characteristics.

Positioning errors of anatomical landmarks identified by fixed vertices in homologous meshes.

BACKGROUND: Human movement analysis is usually achieved by tracking markers attached to anatomical landmarks with photogrammetry. Such marker-based systems have disadvantages that have led to the development of markerless procedures, although their accuracy is not usually comparable to that of manual palpation procedures. New motion acquisition systems, such as 3D temporal scanners, provide homologous meshes that can be exploited for this purpose. RESEARCH QUESTION: Can fixed vertices of a homologous mesh be used to identify anatomical landmarks with an accuracy equivalent to that of manual palpation? METHODS: We used 3165 human shape scans from the CAESAR dataset, with labelled locations of anatomical landmarks. First, we fitted a template mesh to the scans, and assigned a vertex of that mesh to 53 anatomical landmarks in all subjects. Then we defined a nominal vertex for each landmark, as the more centred vertex out of the set assigned for that landmark. We calculated the errors of the template-fitting and the nominal vertex determination procedures, and analysed their relationship to subject's sex, height and body mass index, as well as their size compared to manual palpation errors. RESULTS: The template-fitting errors were below 5 mm, and the nominal vertex determination errors reached maximum values of 24 mm. Except for the trochanter, those errors were the same order of magnitude or smaller than inter-examiner errors of lower limb landmarks. Errors increased with height and body mass index, and were smaller for men than for women of the same height and body mass index. SIGNIFICANCE: We defined a set of vertices for 53 anatomical landmarks in a homologous mesh, which yields location errors comparable to those obtained by manual palpation for the majority of landmarks. We also quantified how the subject's sex and anthropometric features can affect the size of those errors.

Workshops of the Pedagogic Week 2021 of Centro Universitario FMABC / As oficinas da Semana Pedagógica de 2021 do curso de Medicina do Centro Universitário FMABC

INTRODUCTION: Delivering quality medical education is a hot topic. The current discussion essentially addresses content versus competencies. Extensive curricula and matrices, and traditional assessments are against go against the modern concepts of medical education. Remote education stimulated this discussion and brought the opportunity to review the academic load and assessment. REPORT: In January 2021, a pedagogic workshop of the Medicine course of Centro Universitário FMABC was held. It began with a lecture by a visiting professor and coordinator of the medical school accreditation system on remote activities during the pandemic. Next, the person responsible for the Progress Test made a history of the latest assessments, and a professor who is a member of the Accreditation Committee of the Medical Schools presented a summary of the main insufficient points of the last assessment. Afterward, the students presented the last internal evaluations. Finally, the matrices of the course, from the 1st to the 4th year, were presented and compared with those of three other medical schools, and each year coordinator prepared their suggestions for changes to the matrices. Lastly, students, professors, and the course coordination presented a report and proposals, encouraging the integration of the academic community, the reassessment of teaching plans, repetition of content, and recognition of matrices of each year, offering ideas and tools, to reflection on remote learning, and opportunities for change and improvement in teaching, and learning. CONCLUSION: The disciplines showed willingness for integrative activities, extension, and creation of elective disciplines, complementing failures caused by the Pandemic.

INTRODUÇÃO: A entrega da educação médica de qualidade é um tema em ebulição. A discussão atual aborda essencialmente conteúdos versus competências. Currículos e matrizes extensas, e avaliações tradicionais estão na contramão. O ensino remoto estimulou a discussão e a revisão da carga acadêmica e das avaliações. RELATO: Em janeiro de 2021 foi realizada uma oficina pedagógica do Curso de Medicina do Centro Universitário FMABC. Começou com a palestra de um professor convidado e coordenador do sistema de acreditação de escolas médicas, sobre atividades remotas durante a pandemia. A seguir, a responsável pelo Teste do Progresso fez um histórico das últimas avaliações, e um professor membro da comissão de acreditação de escolas médicas apresentaram uma síntese dos principais pontos insuficientes da última avaliação. Na sequência, os discentes apresentaram as últimas avaliações internas. Finalmente, foram apresentadas as matrizes do curso, do 1º ao 4º ano, comparadas com as de mais três escolas médicas, e cada coordenador de ano preparou suas sugestões para alterações de matrizes. Por último, discentes, docentes e a coordenação do curso apresentaram um relatório e propostas, estimulando a integração da comunidade acadêmica, a reavaliação dos planos de ensino, as repetições de conteúdo e o reconhecimento de matrizes de cada ano, oferecendo ideias e ferramentas, para a reflexão sobre o ensino remoto e as oportunidades de mudanças e aprimoramento do ensino e do aprendizado. CONCLUSÃO: As disciplinas mostraram disposição para as atividades integrativas, de extensão e de criação de disciplinas eletivas complementando falhas provocadas pela Pandemia.

Citopatológico do colo uterino e adequabilidade da amostra: ensaio clínico randomizado controlado / Cervical cytopathology and sample suitability: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar duas técnicas de coleta cervicovaginal à adequabilidade da amostra e aos demais achados do laudo colpocitopatológico. Métodos O estudo foi realizado no período de setembro de 2018 a julho de 2019, em um centro de saúde-escola, localizado no município de Fortaleza - Ceará. A amostra foi composta por 365 mulheres divididas aleatoriamente, sendo 184 participantes no Grupo Controle (técnica na qual o esfregaço da ectocérvice foi disposto na lâmina antes da coleta do material da endocérvice) e 181 no Grupo Comparação (no qual o esfregaço da ectocérvice vaginal foi disposto na lâmina apenas após a coleta do material da endocérvice). Utilizou-se um instrumento contendo variáveis sociodemográficas, clínicas, sexuais, reprodutivas e referentes aos achados no laudo citopatológico. Incluíram-se mulheres na faixa etária de 18 a 64 anos, que já tinham iniciado vida sexual e que realizaram o exame de prevenção do câncer de colo uterino no período da coleta de dados. Os testes do qui-quadrado, Fisher e Kruskal-Wallis foram utilizados. Resultados Não houve associação estatística entre a adequabilidade da amostra citopatológica às duas técnicas de coleta cervicovaginal empregadas e às demais variáveis clínicas, sexuais, reprodutivas e referentes aos demais achados no laudo citopatológico, obtendo-se valor de p>5% em todas as associações realizadas. Conclusão As duas técnicas de coleta de células cervicais descritas em manuais oficiais não diferiram para a obtenção de uma amostra celular adequada, sendo igualmente eficazes e propiciando a garantia de um laudo colpocitopatológico preciso e oportuno. Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos (ReBEC): RBR-2H4MPN.

Resumen Objetivo Evaluar dos técnicas de toma de muestra cervicovaginal con la adecuación de la muestra y con los demás resultados del informe colpocitológico. Métodos El estudio fue realizado durante el período de septiembre de 2018 a julio de 2019, en un centro de salud-escuela, ubicado en el municipio de Fortaleza, estado de Ceará. La muestra estaba compuesta por 365 mujeres divididas aleatoriamente, de las cuales 184 participantes estaban en el Grupo Control (técnica por la que el frotis del ectocérvix fue colocado en la lámina antes de la toma del material del endocérvix) y 181 en el Grupo Comparación (en el que el frotis del ectocérvix vaginal fue colocado sobre la lámina únicamente después de la toma del material del endocérvix). Se utilizó un instrumento con variables sociodemográficas, clínicas, sexuales, reproductivas y relativas a los resultados del informe citológico. Fueron incluidas mujeres del grupo de edad de 18 a 64 años, que ya habían empezado su vida sexual y que realizaron la prueba de prevención de cáncer de cuello uterino durante el período de la recopilación de datos. Se utilizaron las pruebas χ2 de Pearson, Fisher y Kruskal-Wallis. Resultados No hubo asociación estadística entre la adecuación de la muestra citológica con las dos técnicas de toma cervicovaginal utilizadas y con las demás variables clínicas, sexuales, reproductivas y referentes a los demás resultados del informe citológico, y se obtuvo un valor de p>5 % en todas las asociaciones realizadas. Conclusión Las dos técnicas de toma de células cervicales que se describen en manuales oficiales no difirieron en la obtención de una muestra celular adecuada y son igualmente eficaces y favorecen la garantía de un informe colpocitológico preciso y oportuno.

Abstract Objective To assess two cervicovaginal collection techniques to sample suitability and the other findings of Pap smear. Methods The study was conducted from September 2018 to July 2019, in a school health center located in the city of Fortaleza - Ceará. The sample consisted of 365 women randomly divided, with 184 participants in the Control Group (technique in which the ectocervix smear was placed on the slide before endocervical material was collected) and 181 in the Comparison Group (in which the vaginal ectocervix smear was placed on the slide only after collecting the material from the endocervix). An instrument containing sociodemographic, clinical, sexual, reproductive and findings in cytopathological report was used. Women aged between 18 and 64 years, who had already started their sexual life and who underwent the cervical cancer prevention test during the data collection period, were included. Chi-square, Fisher and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used. Results There was no statistical association between cytopathological sample suitability for the two cervicovaginal collection techniques used and for the other clinical, sexual, reproductive and other variables related to the other findings in cytopathological report, obtaining a value of p>5% in all associations performed. Conclusion The two techniques for collecting cervical cells described in official manuals did not differ for obtaining an adequate cell sample, being equally effective and providing the guarantee of an accurate and timely Pap smear. Brazilian Clinical Trial Registry (ReBEC): RBR-2H4MPN.

Effect of educational intervention for compliance of school adolescents with the human papillomavirus vaccine.

OBJECTIVE: to assess the effects of "Piss off, HPV!", an educational intervention to increase adolescents' knowledge, attitude and compliance with human papillomavirus vaccination. METHOD: a randomized clinical trial by cluster, carried out in six schools in two municipalities in Ceará, with 238 girls. The control group (n = 120) received routine instructions, and the intervention group (n = 118), printed message cards about the quadrivalent HPV vaccine. A pre- and post-intervention knowledge, attitude and practice survey was applied to both groups. The McNemar test, to analyze knowledge, attitude and pre- and post-intervention practice, the chi-square test, to compare compliance in relation to knowledge and attitude, and a logistic regression model, to assess vaccine compliance, were carried out. A significance level of 5% was adopted. RESULTS: pre-intervention, knowledge was inadequate and attitude was adequate in both groups. Post-intervention, adequate knowledge and practices became greater in the intervention group. Adequate post-intervention knowledge and attitude, in addition to being 12 years of age or older, increase the chance for vaccination, explaining 70% of the practice. CONCLUSION: the educational intervention was effective for adolescents' knowledge and compliance with the quadrivalent HPV vaccine. UTN: U1111-1254-5546; ReBEC: RBR-107hzdqt.

Pilot project. Resveratrol intake by physical active and sedentary older adult women and blood pressure.

OBJECTIVE: Although the use of resveratrol is widespread, there is a lack of studies concerning its use in older adults who practice regular physical activity. The present study aimed to evaluate how resveratrol influenced anthropometric parameters, heart measures, blood analytes in women participants, aged 60 to 80 years old, distributed in four groups consisting of those who regularly exercise or not, and those who were under resveratrol treatment or not. The older adult women exercised in a Community Center. METHODS: A prospective, comparative clinical pilot study was carried out based on convenience non-probability sampling. Resveratrol 300 mg/daily/60 days was orally-administered to 43 participants that were regularly accompanied and checked for anthropometrical parameters, heart measures, blood analytes, leukogram, and plaquetogram indices. RESULTS: The effect of resveratrol and exercise was not significant in most of the parameters evaluated in the study. Nonetheless, both systolic (p = 0.0120) and diastolic (p = 0.0241) blood pressures (BP) were elevated in sedentary older adult women in comparison with older women that regularly exercised. However, they remained within the normal BP range considered for the age. Mean corpuscular volume (MCH; p = 0.0198) and red blood cell distribution width (RDW; p < 0.0001) were improved in the groups receiving resveratrol and exercises compared to the sedentary group receiving resveratrol. The sedentary group receiving resveratrol showed diminished segmented cells (p = 0.0459), basophils (p < 0.0001), and lymphocytes (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Present findings showed that resveratrol consumption for sedentary older women could lead to dysregulated blood pressure. Although resveratrol consumption is indicated to treat inflammation, its use must be discussed with a health professional and not be inadvertently self-administered due to significant alterations in blood pressure in older adult women, primarily if not related to exercise practice.

Accuracy of a 3D temporal scanning system for gait analysis: Comparative with a marker-based photogrammetry system.

BACKGROUND: Combining the accuracy of marker-based stereophotogrammetry and the usability and comfort of markerless human movement analysis is a difficult challenge. 3D temporal scanners are a promising solution, since they provide moving meshes with thousands of vertices that can be used to analyze human movements. RESEARCH QUESTION: Can a 3D temporal scanner be used as a markerless system for gait analysis with the same accuracy as traditional, marker-based stereophotogrammetry systems? METHODS: A comparative study was carried out using a 3D temporal scanner synchronized with a marker-based stereophotogrammetry system. Two gait cycles of twelve healthy adults were measured simultaneously, extracting the positions of key anatomical points from both systems, and using them to analyze the 3D kinematics of the pelvis, right hip and knee joints. Measurement differences of marker positions and joint angles were described by their root mean square. A t-test was performed to rule out instrumental errors, and an F-test to evaluate the amplifications of marker position errors in dynamic conditions. RESULTS: The differences in 3D landmark positions were between 1.9 and 2.4 mm in the reference pose. Marker position errors were significantly increased during motion in the medial-lateral and vertical directions. The angle relative errors were between 3% and 43% of the range of motion, with the greatest difference being observed in hip axial rotation. SIGNIFICANCE: The differences in the results obtained between the 3D temporal scanner and the marker-based system were smaller than the usual errors due to lack of accuracy in the manual positioning of markers on anatomical landmarks and to soft-tissue artefacts. That level of accuracy is greater than other markerless systems, and proves that such technology is a good alternative to traditional, marker-based motion capture.

Negative impacts of cleaning agent DEPTAL MCL® on activated sludge wastewater treatment system.

DEPTAL MCL® is a professional cleaning agent approved by the Portuguese Food Regulatory Authority and is used in agro-food industries, namely in fish canning industries in the north of Portugal. Its extensive use during cleaning procedures results in potential significant negative impacts on the performance of the downstream municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). A lab-scale extended areation activated sludge wastewater treatment system, continuously fed by influent collected at a municipal WWTP, was used to assess the impact of a range of DEPTAL MCL® concentrations during 72 h. Despite distinct activated sludge community composition (due to its dynamic nature) and variations in real influent characteristics, a relevant impact was observed. DEPTAL MCL® effect was underscored through the use of a multivariate analysis using seventeen physicochemical operational factors and nineteen quantitative image analysis (QIA) parameters. DEPTAL MCL® exerted a severe negative impact on phosphorous (P-PO4) removal, total nitrogen (TN) removal and sludge volume index (SVI). With increasing DEPTAL MCL® concentrations, both P-PO4 and TN removal were affected and diminished proportionally. Moreover, several QIA parameters indicate defloculation when DEPTAL MCL® was present, in particular for intermediate size aggregates with significant impacts. Optical density of the effluent (Ode), displayed an increase of effluent turbidity. Percentage of area covered by small aggregates (%Areasml) was also significantly higher for the intermediate and higher DEPTAL MCL® concentrations tested. Principal component analysis exhibited 3 distinct ordenations: (i) control without addition of DEPTAL MCL®; (ii) addition of 0.03% and 0.06% and of (iii) 0.13 and 0.26% (v DEPTAL MCL®/v aeration tank). Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) was used to correlate the physicochemical data, QIA and the filamentous bacteria species prevalence to DEPTAL MCL® concentration and incubation time. A time persistent DEPTAL MCL® effect was observed, underscoring the need of a pretreatment of wastewater containing this cleaning agent.

Exploring electroactive microenvironments in polymer-based nanocomposites to sensitize bacterial cells to low-dose embedded silver nanoparticles.

The search for alternative antimicrobial strategies capable of avoiding resistance mechanisms in bacteria are highly needed due to the alarming emergence of antimicrobial resistance. The application of physical stimuli as a mean of sensitizing bacteria for the action of antimicrobials on otherwise resistant bacteria or by allowing the action of low quantity of antimicrobials may be seen as a breakthrough for such purpose. This work proposes the development of antibacterial nanocomposites using the synergy between the electrically active microenvironments, created by a piezoelectric polymer (poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-trifluoroethylene) (PVDF-TrFE)), with green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The electrical microenvironment is generated via mechanical stimulation of piezoelectric PVDF-TrFE/AgNPs films using a lab-made mechanical bioreactor. The generated material's electrical response further translates to bacterial cells, namely Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis which in combination with AgNPs and the specific morphological features of the material induce important antibacterial and antibiofilm activity. Both porous and non-porous PVDF composites have shown antibacterial characteristics when stimulated at a mechanical frequency of 4 Hz being the effect boosted when AgNPs were incorporated in the nanocomposite, reducing in more than 80% the S. epidermidis bacterial growth in planktonic and biofilm form. The electroactive environments sensitize the bacteria allowing the action of a low dose of AgNPs (1.69% (w/w)). Importantly, the material did not compromise the viability of mammalian cells, thus being considered biocompatible. The piezoelectric stimulation of PVDF-based polymeric films may represent a breakthrough in the development of antibacterial coatings for devices used at hospital setting, taking advantage on the use of mechanical stimuli (pressure/touch) to exert antibacterial and antibiofilm activity. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The application of physical methods in alternative to the common chemical ones is seen as a breakthrough for avoiding the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. Antimicrobial strategies that take advantage on the capability of bacteria to sense physical stimuli such as mechanical and electrical cues are scarce. Electroactive nanocomposites comprised of poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-trifluoroethylene (PVDF-TrFE) and green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were developed to obtain material able to inhibit the colonization of microorganisms. By applying a mechanical stimuli to the nanocomposite, which ultimately mimics movements such as walking or touching, an antimicrobial effect is obtained, resulting from the synergy between the electroactive microenvironments created on the surface of the material and the AgNPs. Such environments sensitize the bacteria to low doses of antimicrobials.

Effect of educational intervention for compliance of school adolescents with the human papillomavirus vaccine / Efecto de la intervención educativa para la adherencia de adolescentes escolares a la vacuna contra el virus papiloma humano / Efeito de intervenção educativa para adesão de adolescentes escolares à vacina contra o papilomavírus humano

ABSTRACT Objective: to assess the effects of "Piss off, HPV!", an educational intervention to increase adolescents' knowledge, attitude and compliance with human papillomavirus vaccination. Method: a randomized clinical trial by cluster, carried out in six schools in two municipalities in Ceará, with 238 girls. The control group (n = 120) received routine instructions, and the intervention group (n = 118), printed message cards about the quadrivalent HPV vaccine. A pre- and post-intervention knowledge, attitude and practice survey was applied to both groups. The McNemar test, to analyze knowledge, attitude and pre- and post-intervention practice, the chi-square test, to compare compliance in relation to knowledge and attitude, and a logistic regression model, to assess vaccine compliance, were carried out. A significance level of 5% was adopted. Results: pre-intervention, knowledge was inadequate and attitude was adequate in both groups. Post-intervention, adequate knowledge and practices became greater in the intervention group. Adequate post-intervention knowledge and attitude, in addition to being 12 years of age or older, increase the chance for vaccination, explaining 70% of the practice. Conclusion: the educational intervention was effective for adolescents' knowledge and compliance with the quadrivalent HPV vaccine. UTN: U1111-1254-5546; ReBEC: RBR-107hzdqt.

RESUMEN Objetivo: evaluar los efectos de la intervención educativa "¡Fuera VPH!" aumentar el conocimiento, la actitud y la adherencia de los adolescentes a la vacunación contra el virus papiloma humano. Método: ensayo clínico aleatorizado por conglomerados, realizado en seis escuelas de dos municipios de Ceará, con 238 niñas. El grupo de control (n = 120) recibió instrucciones de rutina y el grupo de intervención (n = 118), tarjetas con mensajes impresos sobre la vacuna tetravalente contra el VPH. A ambos grupos se les aplicó una encuesta de conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas pre y post intervención. Se realizaron las Pruebas de McNemar para analizar conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas pre y postintervención, Chi-Cuadrado, para comparar la adherencia en relación con conocimientos y actitudes, y un modelo de regresión logística para evaluar la adherencia a la vacuna. Se adoptó un nivel de significancia del 5%. Resultados: antes de la intervención, el conocimiento era inadecuado y la actitud adecuada en ambos grupos. Después de la intervención, el conocimiento y las prácticas adecuadas se hicieron mayores en el grupo de intervención. Un adecuado conocimiento y actitud post-intervención, además de tener 12 años o más, aumenta la posibilidad de vacunación, explicando el 70% de la práctica. Conclusión: la intervención educativa fue efectiva para el conocimiento y la adherencia de los adolescentes a la vacuna tetravalente contra el VPH. UTN: U1111-1254-5546; ReBEC: RBR-107hzdqt.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar os efeitos da intervenção educativa "Sai fora, HPV!" para aumento do conhecimento, atitude e adesão de adolescentes à vacinação contra o papilomavírus humano. Método: ensaio clínico randomizado por conglomerado, realizado em seis escolas de dois municípios cearenses, com 238 meninas. O grupo controle (n = 120) recebeu orientações rotineiras, e o grupo intervenção (n = 118), cartões-mensagem impressos sobre a vacina HPV quadrivalente. Aplicou-se inquérito conhecimento, atitude e prática pré- e pós-intervenção em ambos os grupos. Realizaram-se Testes de McNemar, para analisar conhecimento, atitude e prática pré- e pós-intervenção, do Qui-Quadrado, para comparar adesão em relação ao conhecimento e atitude, e modelo de regressão logística, para avaliação da adesão à vacina. Adotou-se nível de significância 5%. Resultados: pré-intervenção, conhecimento era inadequado e atitude adequada em ambos os grupos. Pós-intervenção, conhecimento e práticas adequados se tornaram maior no grupo intervenção. Conhecimento e atitude adequados pós-intervenção, além da idade maior ou igual a 12, aumentam a chance para vacinação, explicando 70% da prática. Conclusão a intervenção educativa foi efetiva para conhecimento e adesão da vacina HPV quadrivalente pelas adolescentes. UTN: U1111-1254-5546; ReBEC: RBR-107hzdqt.

COVID-19 e as repercussões na saúde mental de gestantes: revisão integrativa / COVID-19 y las repercusiones en la salud mental de mujeres embarazadas: revisión integradora / COVID-19 and the repercussions on pregnant women's mental health: integrative review

Resumo Objetivo Identificar, a partir das evidências presentes na literatura, os impactos da COVID-19 na saúde mental de mulheres grávidas. Métodos Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura, realizada nas bases de dados/biblioteca eletrônica MEDLINE, CINAHL, PUBCOVID19 e MEDRXIV. A busca aconteceu de forma pareada no mês de dezembro de 2020, com artigos disponíveis na íntegra abordando a saúde mental das grávidas na pandemia. Resultados Os estudos que compuseram a amostra foram publicados entre os meses de abril e dezembro de 2020 e nos 10 estudos incluídos, a depressão e a ansiedade são apontados como fatores impactantes na saúde das gestantes, tendo como elementos contribuintes o medo da COVID-19, estresse e preocupações associadas à pandemia. Conclusão Houve impacto na saúde mental das gestantes na pandemia com repercussões de ordem psicossocial, socioeconômica e de assistência à saúde. Nesse contexto, a abordagem do componente psicológico na consulta de enfermagem pode fazer a diferença na atenção à gestação.

Resumen Objetivo Identificar, a partir de evidencias presentes en la literatura, los impactos del COVID-19 en la salud mental de mujeres embarazadas. Métodos Se trata de una revisión integradora de la literatura, realizada en las bases de datos/biblioteca electrónica MEDLINE, CINAHL, PUBCOVID19 y MEDRXIV. La búsqueda se realizó de forma pareada en el mes de diciembre de 2020, con artículos con texto completo disponible que abordaban la salud mental de embarazadas en la pandemia. Resultados Los estudios que formaron la muestra fueron publicados entre los meses de abril y diciembre de 2020. En los diez estudios incluidos, la depresión y la ansiedad son señaladas como factores impactantes en la salud de las mujeres embarazadas, donde los elementos contribuyentes son el miedo al COVID-19, el estrés y las preocupaciones relacionadas con la pandemia. Conclusión Hubo impacto en la salud mental de las mujeres embarazadas en la pandemia, con repercusiones de orden psicosocial, socioeconómica y de atención a la salud. En este contexto, el enfoque del componente psicológico en la consulta de enfermería puede marcar una diferencia en la atención al embarazo.

Abstract Objective To identify the impacts of COVID-19 on pregnant women's mental health from evidence in the literature. Methods This is an integrative literature review performed in MEDLINE, CINAHL, PUBCOVID19 and MEDRXIV databases/electronic libraries. The search took place in pairs in December 2020, with articles available in full addressing pregnant women's mental health in the pandemic. Results The studies that made up the sample were published between April and December 2020 and in the ten studies included, depression and anxiety were identified as factors exerting impact on pregnant women's health, and the fear of COVID-19, stress and worries associated with the pandemic as contributing elements. Conclusion There was an impact on pregnant women's mental health in the pandemic with psychosocial, socioeconomic and health care repercussions. In this context, the approach to the psychological component in the nursing consultation can make a difference in pregnancy care.

The effect of educational technology use to guide parturient women's companions: a randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the companion's role during the labor and delivery processes, comparing the influence of the use of an educational technology. METHOD: A single-blind randomized controlled study, in which 73 participants were divided into two groups, 35 in the intervention group and 38 in the comparison group. To analyze the groups the chi-square and the Fisher's exact tests were used in categorical variables and the Student's t-test or the Mann-Whitney test in continuous variables. RESULTS: When comparing the experience and the support provided, it was found that there was no difference between the groups in relation to the level of support (p=0.48) and satisfaction with the experience of monitoring the delivery process (p=0.19). However, there was a difference regarding insecurity in monitoring (p=0.00) and concern regarding the parturient health status (p=0.00). CONCLUSION: The companions who received the intervention with educational technology were more likely to use physical, emotional and intermediation support actions. Registry of Brazilian Clinical Trials UTN: U1111-1231-8695.

The first sequenced Sphaerotilus natans bacteriophage- characterization and potential to control its filamentous bacterium host.

Bacteriophages (phages) are ubiquitous entities present in every conceivable habitat as a result of their bacterial parasitism. Their prevalence and impact in the ecology of bacterial communities and their ability to control pathogens make their characterization essential, particularly of new phages, improving knowledge and potential application. The isolation and characterization of a new lytic phage against Sphaerotilus natans strain DSM 6575, named vB_SnaP-R1 (SnaR1), is here described. Besides being the first sequenced genome of a Sphaerotilus natans infecting phage, 99% of its 41507 bp genome lacks homology with any other sequenced phage, revealing its uniqueness and previous lack of knowledge. Moreover, SnaR1 is the first Podoviridae phage described infecting this bacterium. Sphaerotilus natans is an important filamentous bacterium due to its deleterious effect on wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) and thus, phages may play a role as novel biotechnological tools against filamentous overgrowth in WWTP. The lytic spectrum of SnaR1 was restricted to its host strain, infecting only one out of three S. natans strains and infection assays revealed its ability to reduce bacterial loads. Results suggest SnaR1 as the prototype of a new phage genus and demonstrates its potential as a non-chemical alternative to reduce S. natans DSM 6575 cells.

The effect of educational technology use to guide parturient women's companions: a randomized controlled study / Efecto de la aplicación de la tecnología educacional en la orientación de acompañantes de parturientas: estudio aleatorio controlado / Efeito da aplicação de tecnologia educativa para orientação de acompanhantes de parturientes: estudo randomizado controlado

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the companion's role during the labor and delivery processes, comparing the influence of the use of an educational technology. Method: A single-blind randomized controlled study, in which 73 participants were divided into two groups, 35 in the intervention group and 38 in the comparison group. To analyze the groups the chi-square and the Fisher's exact tests were used in categorical variables and the Student's t-test or the Mann-Whitney test in continuous variables. Results: When comparing the experience and the support provided, it was found that there was no difference between the groups in relation to the level of support (p=0.48) and satisfaction with the experience of monitoring the delivery process (p=0.19). However, there was a difference regarding insecurity in monitoring (p=0.00) and concern regarding the parturient health status (p=0.00). Conclusion: The companions who received the intervention with educational technology were more likely to use physical, emotional and intermediation support actions. Registry of Brazilian Clinical Trials UTN: U1111-1231-8695.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar la actuación del acompañante en el proceso del parto, comparando la influencia de la utilización de una tecnología educacional. Método: Se trata de un ensayo clínico controlado y aleatorio simple ciego en el que 73 participantes se dividieron en dos grupos, 35 en el grupo de intervención y 38 en el grupo de comparación. Para el análisis de los grupos, se utilizaron las pruebas de chi-cuadrado y Fisher en las variables categóricas y la prueba t de Student o la de Mann-Whitney en las variables continuas. Resultados: En la comparación de la vivencia y del apoyo prestado, se comprobó que no había diferencias entre los grupos en cuanto al nivel de apoyo (p=0,48) y a la satisfacción con la experiencia del seguimiento del proceso del parto (p=0,19). Por otro lado, se encontraron diferencias con relación a la inseguridad del seguimiento (p=0,00) y a la preocupación por el estado de salud de la parturienta (p=0,00). Conclusión: Los acompañantes que recibieron la intervención con la tecnología educacional estaban más inclinados a valerse de acciones de apoyo físico, emocional y de intermediación. Registro de Ensayos Clínicos Brasileños UTN:U1111-1231-8695.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a atuação do acompanhante no processo de parturição, comparando a influência da utilização de uma tecnologia educativa. Método: Ensaio clínico randomizado controlado uni-cego, em que 73 participantes foram divididos em dois grupos, sendo 35 no grupo intervenção e 38 no grupo comparação. Para a análise dos grupos, foram utilizados os testes qui-quadrado e Fisher nas variáveis categóricas e o teste t de Student ou Mann-Whitney nas variáveis contínuas. Resultados: Na comparação da vivência e do apoio prestado, verificou-se que não houve diferença entre os grupos em relação ao nível de apoio (p=0,48) e à satisfação com a experiência de acompanhar o processo de parto (p=0,19). Contudo, houve diferença quanto à insegurança em acompanhar (p=0,00) e à preocupação em relação ao estado de saúde da parturiente (p= 0,00). Conclusão: Os acompanhantes que receberam a intervenção com a tecnologia educativa foram mais propícios à utilização de ações de apoio físico, emocional e de intermediação. Registro de Ensaios Clínicos Brasileiros UTN:U1111-1231-8695.

Acesso aos serviços de saúde por mães cegas: dos enfrentamentos aos ensinamentos / Acceso a los servicios de salud por madres ciegas: del enfrentamiento a la enseñanza / Access to health services by blind mothers: from coping to learning

Resumo Objetivo Conhecer na percepção e vivências de mães cegas como ocorre o acesso aos serviços de atenção básica de saúde em Fortaleza, Ceará. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo de abordagem qualitativa realizado na cidade de Fortaleza-Ceará, com vinte mães cegas que tinham filhos de zero a dez anos de idade. A coleta de dados ocorreu no primeiro semestre de 2017 por meio de entrevista semiestruturada. Utilizou-se o interacionismo simbólico como referencial teórico e a análise de conteúdo temática, segundo Bardin, como método de análise. Resultados A análise dos dados permitiu compreender como se dá a experiência de acessibilidade das mães cegas nas unidades de saúde, sendo que as categorias apreendidas no estudo foram: acessibilidade das mães cegas às unidades de saúde e o cuidado prestado às crianças nas unidades de saúde. A falta de habilidade dos profissionais para atender as pessoas com deficiência foi evidenciada, apontando um sério problema que necessita ser minimizado, com a preparação destes profissionais que atendem na rede pública de saúde, desde a sua formação acadêmica. Conclusão Considera-se, ainda, que muito necessita ser transformado nos serviços de saúde em busca da acessibilidade da pessoa com deficiência. Evidencia-se a necessidade de cumprir os padrões legais em busca do acesso facilitado a essas mães cegas e seus filhos aos serviços públicos.

Resumen Objetivo Conocer cómo es el acceso a los servicios de atención básica en salud según la percepción y vivencias de madres ciegas, en Fortaleza, estado de Ceará. Métodos Se trata de un estudio de enfoque cualitativo realizado en la ciudad de Fortaleza, estado de Ceará, con 20 madres ciegas que tenían hijos de 0 a 10 años de edad. La recolección de datos se llevó a cabo el primer semestre de 2017 mediante entrevista semiestructurada. Se utilizó el interaccionismo simbólico como referencia teórica y el análisis de contenido temático, según Bardin, como método de análisis. Resultados El análisis de los datos permitió comprender cómo es la experiencia de accesibilidad de las madres ciegas en las unidades de salud, y las categorías captadas en el estudio fueron: la accesibilidad de las madres ciegas en las unidades de salud y los cuidados que reciben los niños en las unidades de salud. La falta de habilidad de los profesionales para atender a personas con discapacidad es evidente, lo que deja ver un serio problema que debe ser mitigado con la preparación de estos profesionales que atienden en el sistema de salud pública, desde su formación académica. Conclusión Se considera que aún hay mucho para cambiar en los servicios de salud para lograr la accesibilidad de la persona con discapacidad. Queda en evidencia la necesidad de cumplir los estándares legales para facilitar el acceso de estas madres ciegas y sus hijos a los servicios públicos.

Abstract Objective To know according to the perception and experiences of blind mothers how access to primary health care services occurs in the city of Fortaleza, Ceará. Methods This is a qualitative study conducted in the city of Fortaleza, Ceará, with twenty blind mothers who had children from zero to ten years old. Data collection took place in the first half of 2017 through semi-structured interviews. Symbolic Interactionism was used as a theoretical framework and thematic content analysis, according to Bardin, as a method of analysis. Results Data analysis allowed us to understand how the experience of accessibility of blind mothers in health units takes place. The categories learned in the study were: "Accessibility of blind mothers to health units" and "Children care in health units". The professionals' lack of ability to care for people with disabilities was evidenced, pointing out a serious problem that needs to be minimized, with the preparation of these professionals from public health network since their academic training. Conclusion It is also considered that much needs to be transformed in health services in search of accessibility for people with disabilities. The need to comply with legal standards in search of easier access for these blind mothers and their children to public services is evident.

Tailoring Bacteria Response by Piezoelectric Stimulation.

Bacteria are simple organisms with a remarkable capacity for survival by adapting to different environments, which is a result of their long evolutionary history. Taking into consideration these adapting mechanisms, this work now investigates the effect of electrically active microenvironments on bacteria and on how this stimulation may trigger bacteria growth inhibition or proliferation. Electrical microenvironments are generated via stimulation of a piezoelectric polymer with a mechanical cue, thus developing an electrical response and a variation on the surface charge of the polymeric material. Specifically, Gram-positive Staphylococcus epidermidis and Gram-negative Escherichia coli were grown overnight under static and dynamic conditions on piezoelectric poly(vinylidene) fluoride (PVDF) films to further study bacteria behavior under: (i) the effect of the material surface charge in static conditions, (ii) the mechanical effect, and (iii) the piezoelectric effect, the last two performed under dynamic conditions. Bacteria viability in planktonic and biofilm forms was measured, and the microorganism morphology was characterized. Whereas E. coli responds little to any of the stimuli application, S. epidermidis growth can be regulated through the material surface charge and by the applied frequency. Positively charged PVDF induces bacterial growth inhibition in planktonic and adhered cells in static conditions, whereas antifouling properties are obtained when a mechanical or piezoelectric effect at 4 Hz stimuli is applied. By increasing the stimuli to 40 Hz, however, the adhesion of bacteria is promoted. In conclusion, the behavior of certain bacteria species is tailored through the application of piezoelectric materials, which provide sufficient mechanoelectrical stimuli for growth or inhibition of bacteria, allowing for the design of suitable anti- and promicrobial strategies. Such strategies are only found in studies related to mammalian cells, whereas in bacterial cells this type of stimuli are still unknown. Thus, this work provides one of the first insights on the effect of piezoelectric stimuli on bacterial cells.

Incontinência urinária e função sexual feminina: revisão integrativa de questionários validados / Incontinencia urinaria y función sexual femenina: revisión integrativa de cuestionarios validados / Urinary incontinence and female sexual function: an integrative review of validated questionnaires

Resumo Objetivo: Analisar a produção científica nacional e internacional quanto à relação escores dos instrumentos ICIQ-UI-SF (Internacional Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Urinary Incontinence/Short Form (ICIQ-UI/SF) e FSFI (Female Sexual Function Index) na população feminina. Métodos: Revisão integrativa da literatura, realizada durante os meses de Dezembro de 2017 a Maio de 2018, nas bases de dados Scielo, Lilacs, Scopus e Pubmed. As buscas foram conduzidas através da associação dos nomes dos questionários como descritores, sem delimitações quanto ao ano de publicação, idioma e disponibilidade em texto completo. Priorizados achados com nível de evidência de no mínimo 3A para estudos observacionais. Totalizaram 5 artigos científicos. Resultados: As evidências encontradas sobre a relação direta dos instrumentos apresentaram como objetivo predominante a sua aplicação para validar a efetividade de técnicas cirúrgicas para a correção da incontinência urinária. Mesmo diante da melhora da incontinência, os achados divergiram quanto a melhora da função sexual, apresentando modificações apenas em alguns domínios do FSFI ou nenhuma mudança. Apenas um estudo buscou investigar a relação direta dos instrumentos, indicando fraca ligação. Já a busca isolada dos instrumentos, associada com descritores específicos apontara que a incontinência urinária é fator determinante para a deterioração tanto da qualidade de vida quanto e da função sexual. Conclusão: O baixo quantitativo de produções e resultados encontrados demonstraram que é necessário um maior aprofundamento sobre a temática, para um embasamento e qualificação da assistência para portadoras de incontinência urinária.

Resumen Objetivo: Analizar la producción científica nacional e internacional en cuanto a la relación entre los indicadores de los ICIQ-UI-SF (ICIQ-UI / SF) y FSFI (Female Sexual Function Index) en la población femenina. Métodos: Durante los meses de diciembre de 2017 a mayo de 2018, se realizó una revisión integrativa de la literatura en las bases de datos Scielo, Lilacs, Scopus y Pubmed. Las búsquedas se hicieron a través de la asociación de los nombres de los cuestionarios como descriptores, sin delimitaciones en cuanto al año de publicación, idioma y disponibilidad en texto completo. Se priorizaron hallazgos con nivel de evidencia de por lo menos 3A para estudios observacionales. Hubo un total de 5 artículos científicos. Resultados: Las evidencias encontradas sobre la relación directa de los instrumentos presentaron como objetivo predominante su aplicación para validar la efectividad de técnicas quirúrgicas para la corrección de la incontinencia urinaria. Incluso ante la mejora de la incontinencia, los hallazgos divergían en cuanto a la mejora de la función sexual, presentando modificaciones sólo en algunos dominios del FSFI o ningún cambio. Solo un estudio buscó investigar la relación directa de los instrumentos e indicó débil conexión. La búsqueda aislada de los instrumentos, asociada con descriptores específicos, apunta que la incontinencia urinaria es un factor determinante para el deterioro tanto de la calidad de vida como de la función sexual. Conclusión: La poca cantidad de producciones y resultados encontrados demostró que es necesario una mayor profundización sobre la temática para una base y calificación de la asistencia para portadoras de incontinencia urinaria.

Abstract Objective: To analyze the national and international scientific production regarding the relationship between the ICIQ-UI-SF (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Urinary Incontinence/Short Form (ICIQ-UI/SF) and FSFI (Female Sexual Function Index) in the female population. Methods: Integrative literature review, carried out from December 2017 to May 2018, in the Scielo, Lilacs, Scopus and Pubmed databases. Searches were conducted through the association of the names of the questionnaires as descriptors, without delimitations regarding the year of publication, language, and availability of full text. Findings with a level of evidence of at least 3A for observational studies were prioritized. There was a total of five scientific papers. Results: The evidence found about the direct relationship of the instruments had as predominant objective their application to validate the effectiveness of surgical techniques to correct urinary incontinence. Even with the improvement of incontinence, the findings were different regarding the improvement of sexual function, showing changes only in some FSFI domains, or no change. Only one study sought to investigate the direct relationship of the instruments, indicating a poor connection. On the other hand, the isolated search of the instruments, associated with specific descriptors, indicated that urinary incontinence is a determining factor for the deterioration of both quality of life and sexual function. Conclusion: The low number of productions and results found have shown that a deeper understanding of the subject is necessary for a justification and qualification of care for patients with urinary incontinence.

Telephone interventions in adherence to receiving the Pap test report: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: to test the efficacy of the behavioral and educational interventions undertaken by telephone, for women's attendance at the consultation to receive the Pap test report. METHOD: a randomized clinical trial, with a sample randomized in three groups: telephone call - educational (n=171), telephone call - reminder (n=171) and comparison (n=169). The inclusion criteria were to be of legal age, to have become sexually active, to undertake the preventive examination during the study and to have a mobile or fixed telephone. The educational group received a telephone call involving a script based in the motivational interview and in the Brazilian guidelines. The behavioral group received a telephone call involving a reminder about the consultation. The comparison group received a card with details of when to return for a consultation regarding the results. RESULTS: the women who received one of the interventions had a non-return rate of 7.3% and an increase of 39% (RR CI95%: 1.24-1.55) in the protection against this outcome. In the individual analysis of the interventions, it was evidenced that both are efficacious, as the telephone call - reminder reduces the woman's failure to return to the service by 40% (RR CI95%: 1.25-1.57), while the telephone call - educational does so by 37% (RR CI95%: 1.22-1.54). The rates of non-return were of 6.5% and 8.2%, respectively, as against 33.1% in the comparison group. CONCLUSION: the interventions tested showed greater efficacy in the educational and behavioral contexts, in relation to the normal attendance, as they motivated the women to return to the service to receive the Pap test report. Clinical trial register: RBR-w3vnc.