First large-scale study reveals important losses of managed honey bee and stingless bee colonies in Latin America.

Over the last quarter century, increasing honey bee colony losses motivated standardized large-scale surveys of managed honey bees (Apis mellifera), particularly in Europe and the United States. Here we present the first large-scale standardized survey of colony losses of managed honey bees and stingless bees across Latin America. Overall, 1736 beekeepers and 165 meliponiculturists participated in the 2-year survey (2016-2017 and 2017-2018). On average, 30.4% of honey bee colonies and 39.6% of stingless bee colonies were lost per year across the region. Summer losses were higher than winter losses in stingless bees (30.9% and 22.2%, respectively) but not in honey bees (18.8% and 20.6%, respectively). Colony loss increased with operation size during the summer in both honey bees and stingless bees and decreased with operation size during the winter in stingless bees. Furthermore, losses differed significantly between countries and across years for both beekeepers and meliponiculturists. Overall, winter losses of honey bee colonies in Latin America (20.6%) position this region between Europe (12.5%) and the United States (40.4%). These results highlight the magnitude of bee colony losses occurring in the region and suggest difficulties in maintaining overall colony health and economic survival for beekeepers and meliponiculturists.

Association of CD38+ Immunophenotyping Biomarker With a Better Prognosis in Elderly Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The relevance of cytogenetic markers as prognostic risk factors has been demonstrated in a vast number of studies, with many prognostication tools utilizing these factors to determine treatment approaches. Patients aged above 60 years represent an important subgroup of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients, especially because they usually exhibit a poorer cytogenetic landscape and are less suitable for intensive treatments. The importance of evaluating prognostic parameters in AML, especially in low-income countries, prompted an investigation into CD38 expression and its effects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Medical records of AML patients aged above 60 years from three hospitals in Brazil's northwest region were analyzed. A total of 67 patients were evaluated in terms of overall survival and factors predicting worse outcomes. The risk stratification was performed based on the European LeukemiaNet 2022 guidelines. The analysis of immunophenotyping markers was conducted using multi-parametric flow cytometry. RESULTS: The overall survival of CD38-positive AML patients was higher than that of patients with CD38-negative AML, with survival rates of 15.6 months versus 4 months, respectively (p-value=0.026). The impact of CD38 positivity was relevant also in multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression, demonstrating a positive effect on overall survival, with a hazard ratio of 0.33 (95%CI=0.13-0.79; p-value=0.014). CONCLUSION: Expression of CD38 in patients with AML was associated with better overall survival and serves as a relevant predictor of improved outcome in patients aged above 60 years.

SmartAnalysis: A sustainable digital-image colorimetry method for ethanol determination in alcohol-based hand sanitizer / SmartAnalysis: Un método sostenible de colorimetría de imagen digital para la determinación de etanol en desinfectante de manos a base de alcohol

Introducción: El consumo de desinfectantes de manos a base de alcohol ha aumentado significativamente después de la pandemia causada por el SARS-CoV-2. A pesar de la conclusión de la emergencia sanitaria declarada por la OMS en 2023, la costumbre de desinfectar las manos con geles sanitizantes a base de etanol ha sido adoptada a nivel mundial por la población. Dado que los métodos generales descritos en los compendios oficiales para la de-terminación del etanol, como la cromatografía de gases o la destilación, son laboriosos y no específicos para geles que contienen carbómero, este trabajo propone un método alternativo basado em la colorimetría de imágenes digitales. Método: La imagen digital (proporcionada por la reacción etanol-fenolftaleína) fue capturada y transformada en una señal analítica basada en el sistema de colores Rojo-Verde-Azul. Las adquisiciones de imágenes se realizaron utilizando un smartphone Samsung Galaxy J6, y las señales se generaron mediante el programa gratuito Photometrix Pro®. El método fue validado de acuerdo con las directrices de la ICH y se aplicó en muestras comerciales. Además, el método propuesto fue evaluado por su impacto ambiental utilizando la herramienta Índice del Proceso Analítico Verde (GAPI). Se generaron pictogramas utilizando el programa gratuito ComplexGAPI®.Resultados: El canal verde mostró una respuesta lineal en las curvas de calibración para concentraciones de etanol que van desde el 5 hasta el 40 % (p/p) en medio ácido. El método demostró linearidad, precisión, exactitud y robustez. Conclusiones: El método propuesto presentó como principales ventajas el uso de dispositivos de bajo costo y fáciles de manejar, así como un consumo reducido de reactivos, de acuerdo con los principios de la química analítica verde. (AU)

Introduction: The consumption of alcohol-based hand sanitizers has increased significantly after the pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2. Despite the conclusion of the health emergency declared by the WHO in 2023, the habit of sanitizing hands with ethanol-based gel sanitizers has been globally adopted by the population. Since general methods described in official compendia for ethanol determination such as gas chromatography or distillation are laborious and not-specific to carbomer-containing gels, this work proposes an alternative method based on digital image colorimetry. Method: The digital image (provided by ethanol-phenolphthalein reaction) was captured and transformed into an analytical signal based on the Red-Green-Blue system. The image acquisitions were performed using a Samsung Galaxy J6 smartphone, and the signals were generated using the Photometrix Pro® free program. The method was validated in accordance with ICH and applied in commercial samples. Additionally, the proposed method was eval-uated for its environmental impact using the Green Analytical Process Index (GAPI) tool. Pictograms were generated using the ComplexGAPI® free program. Results: Green channel exhibited a linear response in the calibration curves for ethanol concentrations ranging from 5 to 40 % (w/w) in acidic medium. The method showed linearity, precision, accuracy, and robustness. Conclusions: The proposed method presented as main advantages the use of low-cost and easy-to-handle devices and reduced reagent consumption, in accordance with green analytical chemistry principles. (AU)

Cuidado ás pessoas com agravos endocrinos e metabólicos / Care for people with endocrine and metabolic problems

O objetivo desse trabalho é descrever a sistematização da Assistência de Enfermagem a pessoas com agravos endócrinos e metabólicos pautado na teoria de Calista Roy. Metodologia: Trata-se de um relato de experiência através da aplicação da Sistematização da Assistência de Enfermagem (SAE), voltado para pessoas com agravos endócrinos e metabólicos no contexto hospitalar. Resultados e discussão: Foi aplicado a teoria da adaptação nas seis fases da Teoria de Calista Roy e foi elaborado diagnósticos de enfermagem para os quatro modos de adaptação: fisiológico, interdependência, autoconceito e função de papel. Considerações finais: Ao aplicar a SAE no indivíduo com agravos endócrinos e metabólicos a enfermeira deve realizá-lo em todas as suas etapas, e utilizar os protocolos para oferecer um cuidado holístico e integral, visando a promoção da saúde, prevenção de risco potencial e adaptação diante das necessidades em saúde.(AU)

The aim of this study is to describe the systematization of nursing care for people with endocrine and metabolic disorders, based on Calista Roy's theory. Methodology: This is an experience report on the application of the Systematization of Nursing Care (SNC) to people with endocrine and metabolic disorders in a hospital setting. Results and discussion: The theory of adaptation was applied in the six phases of Calista Roy's theory and nursing diagnoses were drawn up for the four modes of adaptation: physiological, interdependence, self-concept and role function. Final considerations: When applying the SNC to individuals with endocrine and metabolic disorders, the nurse must carry it out in all its stages, and use the protocols to offer holistic and comprehensive care, aimed at promoting health, preventing potential risks and adapting to health needs.(AU)

El objetivo de este estudio es describir la sistematización de los cuidados de enfermería a personas con trastornos endocrinos y metabólicos, basándose en la teoría de Calista Roy. Metodología: Se trata de un informe de experiencia sobre la aplicación de la Sistematización de los Cuidados de Enfermería (SNC) a personas con trastornos endocrinos y metabólicos en un entorno hospitalario. Resultados y discusión: Se aplicó la teoría de la adaptación en las seis fases de la teoría de Calista Roy y se elaboraron diagnósticos de enfermería para los cuatro modos de adaptación: fisiológica, interdependencia, autoconcepto y función de rol. Consideraciones finales: Al aplicar el SNC a individuos con trastornos endocrinos y metabólicos, la enfermera debe llevarlo a cabo en todas sus fases, y utilizar los protocolos para ofrecer cuidados holísticos e integrales, dirigidos a promover la salud, prevenir riesgos potenciales y adaptarse a las necesidades de salud.(AU)

Pé diabético: o cuidado de enfermeiras / Diabetic foot: nurses' care / Pie diabético: cuidados de enfermeira

Objetivo: Descrever o cuidado para prevenção do pé diabético realizado por enfermeiras. Método:revisão integrativa da literatura a partir do levantamento realizado em janeiro de 2024 através da biblioteca virtual da PubMed. Foram incluídos artigos nos idiomas inglês e português, artigos originais relacionados ao tema e disponíveis na íntegra com acesso gratuito, publicados entre os anos de 2012 até o ano de 2024. Como critérios de exclusão: artigos que não atendam o objeto de estudo, duplicados, teses, livros, revisões e artigos não originais.Resultados:O levantamento resultou na seleção de 15 artigos que evidenciaram que o cuidado para prevenção do pé diabético se desenvolvem a partir da atuação do enfermeiro, e por meio da aplicação de cuidados, como avaliação do paciente, educação em saúde para os pacientes e a educação permanente para os profissionais de saúde, controle glicêmico, verificação do Índice tibial braquial-ITB para diagnóstico de doença arterial obstrutiva periférica (DAOP), uso de termometria cutânea ou imagem infravermelha, criação de software e exames laboratoriais. Conclusão:O estudo poderá contribuir para melhoria da qualidade de vida dos pacientes diabéticos através do conhecimento dos profissionais de enfermagem acerca dos cuidados elencados para melhor atender aos pacientes bem como contribuir com a diminuição de casos de úlceras em pé diabético.

Objective: To describe the care to prevent diabetic foot provided by nurses. Method:integrative literature review based on the survey carried out in January 2024 through the PubMed virtual library. Articles in English and Portuguese were included, original articles related to the topic and available in full with free access, published between 2012 and 2024. Exclusion criteria were: articles that do not meet the object of study, duplicates, theses, books, reviews and non-original articles. Results:The survey resultedin the selection of 15 articles that showed that care to prevent diabetic foot develops from the role of nurses, and through the application of care, such as patient assessment, health education for patients and continuing education for health professionals, glycemic control, verification of the brachial tibial index-ABI for diagnosing peripheral arterial obstructive disease (PAOD), use of skin thermometry or infrared imaging, creation of software and laboratory tests. Conclusion:The study may contribute to improving the quality of life of diabetic patients through the knowledge of nursing professionals about the care provided to better serve patients as well as contributing to the reduction of cases of diabetic foot ulcers.

Objetivo: Describir los cuidados para la prevención del pie diabético brindados por enfermeras. Método:revisión integrativa de la literatura a partir de la encuesta realizada en enero de 2024 a través de la biblioteca virtual PubMed. Se incluyeron artículos en inglés y portugués, artículos originales relacionados con el tema y disponibles íntegramente con acceso gratuito, publicados entre 2012 y 2024. Los criterios de exclusión fueron: artículos que no cumplan con el objeto de estudio, duplicados, tesis, libros, reseñas y artículos no originales. Resultados:La encuesta resultó en la selección de 15 artículos que mostraron que los cuidados para prevenir el pie diabético se desarrollan desde el rol del enfermero, y a través de la aplicación de cuidados, como la evaluación del paciente, la educación en salud de los pacientes y la educación continua de los profesionales de la salud, la glucemia. control, verificación del índice braquial tibial-ITB para el diagnóstico de enfermedad arterial obstructiva periférica (EAP), uso de termometría cutánea o imágenes infrarrojas, creación de software y pruebas de laboratorio. Conclusión:El estudio puede contribuir a mejorar la calidad de vida de los pacientes diabéticos a través del conocimiento de los profesionales de enfermería sobre los cuidados brindados para atender mejor a los pacientes, así como contribuir a la reducción de casos de úlceras del pie diabético.

Sistematização do preparo a alta à pessoa adulta com agravos clínicos e cirúrgicos / Systematization of discharge preparation for adults with clinical and surgical problems

Objetivo: O objetivo desse trabalho é descrever a sistematização do preparo a alta à pessoa adulta com agravos clínicos e cirúrgicos. Metodologia: Trata-se de um relato de experiência através da aplicação da Sistematização da Assistência de Enfermagem (SAE), voltado para pessoas com alta no contexto hospitalar. Resultados e discussão: Foi aplicado a teoria da adaptação nas seis fases da Teoria de Calista Roy e foi elaborado diagnósticos de enfermagem para os quatro modos de adaptação: fisiológico, interdependência, autoconceito e função de papel. Considerações finais: Ao aplicar a SAE no indivíduo com alta hospitalar a equipe multidisciplinar deve realizá-lo em todas as suas etapas, e utilizar os protocolos para oferecer um cuidado holístico e integral, visando a promoção da saúde, prevenção de risco potencial e adaptação diante das necessidades em saúde.(AU)

Objective: The aim of this study is to describe the systematization of discharge preparation for adults with clinical and surgical conditions. Methodology: This is an experience report on the application of the Systematization of Nursing Care (SNC) to people being discharged from hospital. Results and discussion: The theory of adaptation was applied in the six phases of Calista Roy's theory and nursing diagnoses were drawn up for the four modes of adaptation: physiological, interdependence, self-concept and role function. Final considerations: When applying the SNC to individuals discharged from hospital, the multidisciplinary team must carry it out in all its stages, and use the protocols to offer holistic and comprehensive care, with a view to promoting health, preventing potential risks and adapting to health needs.(AU)

Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio es describir la sistematización de la preparación al alta de adultos con patologías clínicas y quirúrgicas. Metodología: Se trata de un informe de experiencia sobre la aplicación de la Sistematización de los Cuidados de Enfermería (SNC) a personas en proceso de alta hospitalaria. Resultados y discusión: Se aplicó la teoría de la adaptación en las seis fases de la teoría de Calista Roy y se elaboraron diagnósticos de enfermería para los cuatro modos de adaptación: fisiológica, interdependencia, autoconcepto y función de rol. Consideraciones finales: Al aplicar el SNC a las personas con alta hospitalaria, el equipo multidisciplinar debe llevarlo a cabo en todas sus fases, y utilizar los protocolos para ofrecer una atención holística e integral, dirigida a la promoción de la salud, la prevención de riesgos potenciales y la adaptación a las necesidades de salud.(AU)

Epidemiological and Genomic Analysis of Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Infections during the Delta and Omicron Epidemic Waves in São Paulo City, Brazil.

We examined the asymptomatic rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection during the Delta and Omicron waves in the city of São Paulo. Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected at strategic points of the city (open-air markets, bus terminals, airports) for SARS-CoV-2 RNA testing. Applying the questionnaire, the symptomatic individuals were excluded, and only asymptomatic cases were analyzed. During the Delta wave, a total of 4315 samples were collected, whereas 2372 samples were collected during the first Omicron wave. The incidence of the asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection was 0.6% during the Delta wave and 0.8% during the Omicron wave. No statistical differences were found in the threshold amplification cycle. However, there was a statistical difference observed in the sublineage distribution between asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals. Our study determined the incidence of asymptomatic infection by monitoring individuals who remained symptom-free, thereby providing a reliable evaluation of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 carriage. Our findings reveal a relatively low proportion of asymptomatic cases, which could be attributed to our rigorous monitoring protocol for the presence of clinical symptoms. Investigating asymptomatic infection rates is crucial to develop and implement effective disease control strategies.

Autoexpressão: efeitos da escuta no cuidado em saúde mental na atenção básica em saúde / Self expression: effects of listening in mental health at basic health care / Autoexpresión: efectos de escuchar en el cuidado de salud mental en la Atención Básica de Salud

Esta pesquisa busca compreender a relação do expressar-se com o cuidado em saúde mental dos usuários de uma Unidade Básica de Saúde (UBS) de um município no Rio Grande do Sul. Como pesquisa qualitativa, os dados foram coletados em entrevistas semiestruturadas. A amostra inicial foi de dez participantes que compareceram a cinco atendimentos psicológicos feitos semanalmente pela estagiária de psicologia, sendo que sete deles permaneceram até o fim devido às faltas aos atendimentos associadas ao tempo reduzido para a realização da coleta de dados. Os resultados indicaram o acompanhamento psicológico como um espaço de escuta associado à livre expressão, proporcionando significados aos usuários, como: percepção de mudanças em seus sentimentos, pensamentos e comportamento, além das dificuldades e melhorias durante o processo. Estes dados trazem um novo significado atribuído pelos usuários sobre a realização dos atendimentos psicológicos, o autoconhecimento, descentralizando a ideia de busca pelo cuidado apenas quando há adoecimento. (AU)

This research aims to understand the relation between self-expression and the mental health care of users from a Basic Health Unit (BHU) located in a city of Rio Grande do Sul. As a qualitative research, the data were collected using semi-structured interviews. The initial sample consisted of ten users that had participated in five psychological consultations done by the psychology intern. However, due to the reduced time for data collection, associated to the absences of some participants, the final number of seven users was reached. The results indicated the psychological follow-up as a listening place, associated with freedom of speech, providing meanings such as: perception of changes in their feelings, thoughts and behavior. Besides that, the difficulties and improvements during the process were also related. These data show the new meanings reported by users aboutgoing to psychological follow-up, like the self-knowledge, decentralizing the idea of seeking mental care only when there is illness. (AU)

Esta investigación busca comprender la relación entre la expresión de sí mismo y la atención a la salud mental de usuarios de una Unidad Básica de Salud (UBS) de un municipio de Rio Grande do Sul. Como investigación cualitativa, los datos fueron colectadosen entrevistas semiestructuradas. La muestra inicial fue compuesta por diez participantes que asistieron a cinco sesiones de terapia hechas por estudiantes de psicología semanalmente, siete de los cuales permanecieron hasta el final por faltas a citas asociadas a la reducción del tiempo de recogida de datos. Los resultados indicaron apoyo psicológico como momento de escucha asociado a la libre expresión, ofreciendo habilidades a los usuarios como: percepción de cambios en sus sentimientos, pensamientos y comportamiento, además de dificultades y mejoras durante el proceso. Estos datos dan nuevo significado atribuido por los usuarios a la prestación de atención psicológica, el autoconocimiento, desconcentrando la idea de buscar atención sólo cuando hay una enfermedad. (AU)

Antifungal activity of sustainable histone deacetylase inhibitors against planktonic cells and biofilms of Candida spp. and Cryptococcusneoformans.

The limited therapeutic options for fungal infections and the increased incidence of fungal strains resistant to antifungal drugs, especially Candida spp., require the development of new antifungal drugs and strategies. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi), like vorinostat, have been studied in cancer treatment and have antifungal effects, acting alone or synergistically with classical antifungals. Here we investigated the antifungal activity of two novel sustainable HDACi (LDT compounds) based on vorinostat structure. Molecular docking simulation studies reveal that LDT compounds can bind to Class-I HDACs of Candida albicans, C. tropicalis, and Cryptococcus neoformans, which showed similar binding mode to vorinostat. LDT compounds showed moderate activity when tested alone against fungi but act synergistically with antifungal azoles against Candida spp. They reduced biofilm formation by more than 50% in C. albicans (4 µg/mL), with the main action in fungal filamentation. Cytotoxicity of the LDT compounds against RAW264.7 cells was evaluated and LDT536 demonstrated cytotoxicity only at the concentration of 200 µmol/L, while LDT537 showed IC50 values of 29.12 µmol/L. Our data indicated that these sustainable and inexpensive HDACi have potential antifungal and antibiofilm activities, with better results than vorinostat, although further studies are necessary to better understand the mechanism against fungal cells.

Fungal infections are neglected diseases that affect more than a billion people worldwide. Some histone deacetylase inhibitors can act against fungal cells. Our data reveal that HDACi LDT536 and LDT537 have potential antibiofilm and antifungal activities.

Survey of phlebotomine sand fly fauna in a public Zoo in Brazil: Species diversity, seasonality, and host variety.

Leishmaniasis is a dynamic disease in which transmission conditions change due to environmental and human behavioral factors. Epidemiological analyses have shown modifications in the spread profile and growing urbanization of the disease, justifying the expansion of endemic areas and increasing number of cases in dogs and humans. In the city of Belo Horizonte, located in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais (Brazil), visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is endemic, with a typical urban transmission pattern, but with different regional prevalence. This study was conducted at the Zoo of the Foundation of Municipal Parks and Zoobotany of Belo Horizonte (FPMZB-BH), located in the Pampulha region, which is among the areas most severely affected by VL. This study aimed to determine the taxonomic diversity of native phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae), identify climatic variables that potentially affect the phenology of these insects, and determine the blood meal sources for female phlebotomine sand flies. To achieve this, 10 mammal enclosures in the zoo were selected using the presence of possible leishmaniasis reservoirs as a selection criterion, and sampled using light traps between August 2019 and August 2021. A total of 6034 phlebotomine sand flies were collected, indicating nine species, with Lutzomyia longipalpis being the very abundant species (65.35% of the total). Of the 108 engorged phlebotomine collected females, seven samples (6.5%) were positive for blood meals from humans, marsupials, canids, and birds. Relative humidity and rainfall increased the phenology of phlebotomine sand flies, with population increases in the hottest and wettest months. The data obtained will provide guidelines for competent health agencies to implement vector control measures to reduce the risk of leishmaniasis transmission in the FPMZB-BH.

Effectiveness of visceral fascial therapy targeting visceral dysfunctions outcome: systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Fascial Therapy is an ancient and widespread practice throughout the world. These approaches are very common in osteopathic practice and taught in workshops for professionals from different areas of health care, including Physiotherapy. This type of treatment is quite specialized and centered on the therapist. However, there is a lack of high-quality and low-risk bias studies that justify the use of this practice. Despite this, there is little scientific evidence about the effectiveness of Fascial Therapy to treat some visceral disorders. The purpose of this study was to critically appraise the scientific literature concerning the clinical efficacy of techniques used in Fascial Therapy targeting the visceral system. METHODS: This systematic review included randomized controlled trials in any language or date of publication. All primary outcomes reported were included. The methodological quality and statistical reporting of each eligible trial were evaluated using the version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2). This systematic review provided a synthesis of current evidence on the effects of Fascial Therapy in patients with visceral disorders and/or pain. A total of 11 studies were included, with five of them covering gastrointestinal dysfunction, two covering cardiorespiratory dysfunction, two covering musculoskeletal dysfunction, and two covering urogenital dysfunction. RESULTS: Fascial Therapy targeting the visceral system has been shown to be effective in reducing pain over the long term in people with low back pain when combined with standard physical therapy and effective in reducing gastroesophageal reflux symptoms over the short term. Considering the overall bias, six studies were at high risk of bias, two studies had some concerns and only three studies were at low risk of bias. Of the three studies with a low risk of bias, only two showed positive results and were effective in improving the studied outcome. CONCLUSION: This systematic review shows that currently, there is poor evidence for the efficacy of the techniques used in Fascial Therapy targeting the visceral system, and this information can help healthcare professionals in decision-making related to the use of Fascial Therapy targeting the visceral system in patients with visceral disorders and/or pain.

Sporotrichosis: In silico design of new molecular markers for the Sporothrix genus.

BACKGROUND: Sporotrichosis, a cosmopolitan mycosis caused by dimorphic fungi of the Sporothrix complex, affects humans and animals. This study aimed to develop new molecular markers for Sporothrix genome detection in biological samples using PCR. METHODS: A specific region of DNA sequences from the Sporothrix genus, publicly available in GenBank, was chosen for primer design. After testing the in silico specificity of these primers, in vitro specificity was evaluated using the PCR technique. RESULTS: Three specific primers with 100% specificity for the Sporothrix genus were generated. CONCLUSIONS: PCR using the designed primers can be used to develop molecular diagnostics for sporotrichosis.

Retrospective Insights of the COVID-19 Epidemic in the Major Latin American City, São Paulo, Southeastern Brazil.

São Paulo is the financial center of Brazil, with a population of over 12 million, that receives travelers from all over the world for business and tourism. It was the first city in Brazil to report a case of COVID-19 that rapidly spread across the city despite the implementation of the restriction measures. Despite many reports, much is still unknown regarding the genomic diversity and transmission dynamics of this virus in the city of São Paulo. Thus, in this study, we provide a retrospective overview of the COVID-19 epidemic in São Paulo City, Southeastern, Brazil, by generating a total of 9995 near-complete genome sequences from all the city's different macro-regions (North, West, Central, East, South, and Southeast). Our analysis revealed that multiple independent introduction events of different variants (mainly Gamma, Delta, and Omicron) occurred throughout time. Additionally, our estimates of viral movement within the different macro-regions further suggested that the East and the Southeast regions were the largest contributors to the Gamma and Delta viral exchanges to other regions. Meanwhile, the North region had a higher contribution to the dispersion of the Omicron variant. Together, our results reinforce the importance of increasing SARS-CoV-2 genomic monitoring within the city and the country to track the real-time evolution of the virus and to detect earlier any eventual emergency of new variants of concern that could undermine the fight against COVID-19 in Brazil and worldwide.

Clinical effects of combined red and infrared wavelengths in the treatment of local injuries caused by Bothrops leucurus snake venom.

AIM: to evaluate the effects of visible and invisible wavelengths, individually and combined, on local edematogenic activity, serum and muscle enzymes, and clinical response in mice inoculated with B. leucurus snake venom. METHODS: 112 male mice were inoculated with diluted B. leucurus snake venom in the right gastrocnemius muscle, the same volume of saline solution was applied in the contralateral muscle. The animals were divided into four groups, one control and three treated with: 1) red laser (λ = 660 nm), 2) infrared laser (λ = 808 nm) and 3) red laser (λ = 660 nm) + infrared (λ = 808 nm). Each group was subdivided into four subgroups, according to the duration of treatment application (applications every 24 h over evaluation times of up to 144 h). A diode laser was used (0.1 W, CW, 1J/point, DE: 10 J/cm2). RESULTS: the treatments prevented the loss of the proprioception reflex, accelerated the reestablishment of the damaged area, and reduced claudication, local hemorrhage, and edematogenic activity caused by bothropic venom. Both wavelengths reduced serum concentrations of creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and increased muscle concentration of CK. The combined wavelengths caused a significant reduction in serum enzyme concentrations and a better clinical response when compared to the isolated treatments. CONCLUSION: Laser photobiomodulation proved to be effective in the treatment of the disorders evaluated and the interaction between red and infrared wavelengths potentiated the therapy effects.

The Efficacy of Manual Therapy Approaches on Pain, Maximum Mouth Opening and Disability in Temporomandibular Disorders: A Systematic Review of Randomised Controlled Trials.

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a common condition disabling people and bringing up costs. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of manual therapy on pain intensity, maximum mouth opening (MMO) and disability. Searches were conducted in six databases for randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Selection of trials, data extraction and methodological quality assessment were conducted by two reviewers with discrepancies resolved by a third reviewer. Estimates were presented as mean differences (MDs) or standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Quality of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. Twenty trials met the eligibility criteria and were included. For pain intensity, high and moderate quality evidence demonstrated the additional effects of manual therapy at short- (95% CI -2.12 to -0.82 points) and long-term (95% CI -2.17 to -0.40 points) on the 0-10 points scale. For MMO, moderate to high quality evidence was found in favour of manual therapy alone (95% CI 0.01 to 7.30 mm) and its additional effects (95% CI 1.58 to 3.58 mm) at short- and long-term (95% CI 1.22 to 8.40 mm). Moderate quality evidence demonstrated an additional effect of manual therapy for disability (95% CI = -0.87 to -0.14). Evidence supports manual therapy as effective for TMD.

Overexpression of mTOR in Leukocytes from ALS8 Patients.

BACKGROUND: The mutated VAPBP56S (vesicle B associated membrane protein - P56S) protein has been described in a Brazilian family and classified as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis type 8 (ALS8). OBJECTIVE: We aimed to study altered biochemical and immunological parameters in cells from ALS8 patients to identify possible biomarkers or therapeutic targets. METHODS: Wild-type VAPB, VAPBP56S, mTOR, proinflammatory cytokines, and oxidant/reducing levels in serum, leucocytes, and cellular lysate from ALS8 patients and health Controls were performed by ELISA, fluorimetry, and spectrophotometry. RESULTS: Our results showed similar levels of mutant and wild-type VAPB in serum and intracellular lysate (p > 0.05) when ALS8 patients and Controls were compared. IL-1ß, IL-6, and IL-18 levels in patients and Controls showed no difference, suggesting an absence of peripheral inflammation (p > 0.05). Oxidative metabolic response, assessed by mitochondrial ROS production, and reductive response by MTT reduction, were higher in the ALS8 group compared to Controls (p < 0.05), although not characterizing typical oxidative stress in ALS8 patients. Total mTOR levels (phosphorylated or non-phosphorylated) of ALS8 patients were significantly lower in serum and higher in intracellular lysate than the mean equivalents in Controls (p < 0.05). A similar result was observed when we quantified the phosphorylated protein (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We demonstrate the possibility of using these biochemical and immunological parameters as potential therapeutic targets or biomarkers. Furthermore, by hypothesis, we suggest a hormetic response in which both VAPB forms could coexist in different proportions throughout life. The mutated VAPBP56S production would increase with aging and predominate over the wild-type VAPB levels, determining the onset of symptoms and aggravating the disease.

Transcranial direct current stimulation during a prolonged cognitive task: the effect on cognitive and shooting performances in professional female basketball players.

The negative effect of prolonged cognitive demands on psychomotor skills in athletes has been demonstrated. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) could be used to mitigate this effect. This study examined the effects of tDCS over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) during a 30-min inhibitory Stroop task on cognitive and shooting performances of professional female basketball players. Following a randomised, double-blinded, sham-controlled, cross-over design, players were assigned to receive anodal tDCS (a-tDCS, 2 mA for 20 min) or sham-tDCS in two different sessions. Data from 8 players were retained for analysis. Response Time decreased significantly over time (p < 0.001; partial η2 = 0.44; no effect of condition, or condition vs. time interaction). No difference in mean accuracy and shooting performance was observed between tDCS conditions. The results suggest that a-tDCS exert no additional benefits in reducing the negative effects of prolonged cognitive demands on technical performance compared to sham (placebo).Practitioner summary: Prolonged cognitive demands can negatively affect the athletes' performance. We tested whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) could attenuate these effects on cognitive and shooting performance in professional female basketball players. However, tDCS did not exert any additional benefits compared to sham.Abbreviations: tDCS: transcranial direct current stimulation; a-tDCS: anodal transcranial direct current stimulation; PFC: prefrontal cortex; DLPFC: dorsolateral prefrontal cortex; PCT: prolonged cognitive task; TT: time trial; RT: response time; NASA-TLX: National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index; RPE: ratings of perceived exertion; CR-10 scale: category rating scale; EEG: electroencephalogram; AU: arbitrary units.

Practical way to apply fourth-generation assessment tools integrated into creating meaningful learning experiences in biology at high school.

The learning process for a Biology topic regarding organisms and animal kingdom diversity was investigated through an innovative Interactive Didactic Sequence (IDS) which integrated the idea of "concept maps" with the Hermeneutic-Dialectic Circle (HDC). HDC is a tool for data collection and a reference for pluralist-constructivist thinking, considered a form of fourth-generation evaluation. Hofstede's cultural dimensions were also integrated into the investigation in order to facilitate mediation in an evaluative context. Students' performances (N = 25) from a São Paulo-Brazil public school were statistically evaluated. Their cultural profile was determined via the Hofstede Value Survey Model 1994 questionnaire. The elaborative process of arranging concept maps was individual (CM-individual) and integrated with HDC in groups (CM-HDC). Concept map assessment methods were based off existing literature. An improvement in students' performances (p < 0.05) that presented concept maps integrated to HDC in a more complex structure when compared to individually-built maps was observed. Employment of HDC helped form motivational/interactive dialogues between students and teachers, which, in turn, assisted in achieving greater learning through the use of concept maps. The application of the fourth-generation evaluation was improved via knowledge regarding students' cultural profiles.