Composition of the microbiota in patients with growth hormone deficiency before and after treatment with growth hormone.

INTRODUCTION: Growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) have modulatory effects on bowel function and its microbiota. Our aim was to investigate whether low levels of GH and IGF-1 in patients with GH deficiency are associated with changes in gut physiology/integrity as well as in the composition of the gut microbiota. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a case-control study in 21 patients with GH deficiency, at baseline and after 6 months of GH treatment, and in 20 healthy controls. We analysed changes in anthropometric and laboratory characteristics and bacterial translocation and studied the composition of the microbiome by means of massive 16S rRNA gene sequencing. RESULTS: Growth hormone deficiency was accompanied by a significant increase in serum levels of sCD14, a marker of bacterial translocation (P < .01). This increase was reversed by GH treatment. We did not find any differences in the composition or α- or ß-diversity of the gut microbiota after treatment or between cases and controls. CONCLUSIONS: Our work is the first to demonstrate that the presence of GH deficiency is not associated with differences in gut microbiota composition in comparison with healthy controls, and changes in microbiota composition are also not found after 6 months of treatment. However, GH deficiency and low IGF-1 levels were associated with an increase in bacterial translocation, which had reversed after treatment.

Physical Activity and Obesity Risk in Adults in Colombia: The Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) Study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate longitudinal associations between physical activity levels and obesity in adults in Colombia, where participation in large amounts of light-intensity physical activity is a necessity for many people. METHODS: Participation in moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity was assessed from 2005 to 2009, and obesity was assessed from 2011 to 2019 in men and women from the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study. Total physical activity level was categorized as low (<600 MET·min·wk -1 ), medium (600-3000 MET·min·wk -1 ), or high (>3000 MET·min·wk -1 ; 600 MET·min·wk -1 is equivalent to 150 min of moderate activity or 75 min of vigorous activity per week). Obesity was defined as body mass index ≥30 kg·m -2 . Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, smoking, socioeconomic status, diet, alcohol, sedentary time, and sleep. RESULTS: The main analysis included 3086 men and women aged 51 ± 9 yr at baseline (mean ± SD). Compared with the low physical activity group, the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for obesity was 0.67 (0.53-0.85) in the medium physical activity group and 0.78 (0.62-0.98) in the high physical activity group after adjustment for potential confounders. Smoking is probably a major confounder, and it is noteworthy that similar associations were observed in participants who reported never smoking. CONCLUSIONS: The PURE study is the only prospective cohort study in Colombia. The present analysis is important because it suggests that even the busy people of Colombia could substantially reduce their risk of obesity by participating in moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity.

Selective dorsal rhizotomy: Analysis of two rootlet sectioning techniques.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze and compare the efficacy of two selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) techniques with intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring, using instrumented three-dimensional gait analysis. INTRODUCTION: SDR is a common, irreversible surgical treatment increasingly used to address gait disturbances in children with chronic non-progressive encephalopathy by reducing spasticity. Various techniques have been used, which mainly differ in the percentage of rootlets selected for sectioning. A greater proportion of rootlets sectioned leads to a more effective reduction of spasticity; however, there is a potential risk of unwanted neurological effects resulting from excessive deafferentation. While there is evidence of the short- and long-term benefits and complications of SDR, no studies have compared the effectiveness of each technique regarding gait function and preservation of the force-generating capacity of the muscles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Instrumented three-dimensional gait analysis was used to evaluate two groups of patients with spastic cerebral palsy treated by the same neurosurgeon in different time periods, initially using a classic technique (cutting 50% of the nerve rootlets) and subsequently a conservative technique (cutting no more than 33% the nerve rootlets). RESULTS: In addition to an increase in knee joint range of motion (ROM), in children who underwent SDR with the conservative technique, a statistically significant increase (p = 0.04) in the net joint power developed by the ankle was observed. Patients who underwent SDR with the conservative technique developed a maximum net ankle joint power of 1.37 ± 0.61 (unit: W/BW), whereas those who were operated with the classic technique developed a maximum net ankle joint power of 0.98 ± 0.18 (unit: W/BW). The conservative group not only showed greater improvement in net ankle joint power but also demonstrated more significant enhancements in minimum knee flexion during the stance phase and knee extension at initial contact. CONCLUSION: Our results show that both techniques led to a reduction in spasticity with a positive impact on the gait pattern. In addition, patients treated with the conservative technique were able to develop greater net ankle joint power, leading to a better scenario for rehabilitation and subsequent gait.

Relationship between Consumers' Perceptions about Goat Kid Meat and Meat Sensory Appraisal.

The goat meat preferred by consumers in Spain comes from suckling goat kids, slaughtered at a live weight of 8-10 kg. However, consumption of this meat is very uncommon, so it is necessary to show its value. To achieve this, we planned to investigate consumers' perceptions about goat kid meat and to study whether their perceptions are related to their sensory appraisal of the meat, measured by the mean of the consumers' home tests. The experiment was conducted with 30 volunteer families (from two cities with different consumption patterns), who were surveyed regarding their sociodemographic parameters, purchasing and eating habits, and the importance of the meat's attributes. As a result, four clusters were obtained, which were labeled "negative," "idealistic," "positive," and "concerned about fat content". The parameters of the animal production system were valued differently by the clusters. Meat tenderness, taste, and amount of fat were considered very decisive factors by most respondents. When the goat kid meat was valued, tenderness was considered more important than taste among older people ("negative" cluster), whereas there was not so much difference between the appraisal of all parameters for the other three clusters. We conclude that it is necessary to improve the information received by consumers about goat production systems and meat quality parameters. There is certainly potential for creating new markets, especially targeted toward young consumers and considering specific strategies for the different groups of consumers, depending on the region and habits of consumption.

Unprecedented recent regional increase in organic carbon and lithogenic fluxes in high altitude Pyrenean lakes.

We have conducted a monitoring survey and paleolimnological study of a W-E transect of six high altitude lakes (1870-2630 m asl) in the western and central Pyrenees (Spain) to evaluate the regional response to current global change in high altitude Mediterranean mountains. The reconstructed Total Organic Carbon (TOCflux) and lithogenic (Lflux) fluxes during the last 1200 years show the expected variability as lakes differ in altitude, geological and climate settings, limnological properties and human impact history. However, all show unique patterns after 1850 CE, particularly during the Great Acceleration (after 1950 CE). Recent Lflux increase could be related to higher erodibility by rainfall and run-off during the longer snow-free season in the Pyrenees. In all sites, higher TOCflux and geochemical (lower δ13COM, lower C/N) and biological (diatom assemblages) signatures since 1950 CE suggest an increase in algal productivity, likely favored by warmer temperatures and higher nutrient deposition. These recent, unprecedented Lflux and TOCflux increases, in spite of their diverse history and limnological properties of the lakes, demonstrate the regional impact of the Great Acceleration not only in the ecological dynamics of alpine lakes but also in the hydrological cycle in high altitude mountain watersheds.

Changes in the Current Patterns of Beef Consumption and Consumer Behavior Trends-Cross-Cultural Study Brazil-Spain-Turkey.

This cross-cultural study aimed to determine the main factors behind potential changes in eating habits by analyzing changes in the patterns of beef consumption currently observed in Brazil, Spain, and Turkey. To achieve this aim, 412 regular beef consumers from Brazil, 407 from Spain, and 424 from Turkey answered a self-administered questionnaire. The study surveyed the effects of economic factors, switching from beef to other sources of protein, aspects of credence, health-related concerns, the influence of lifestyle on beef consumption patterns, and purchasing decision factors. The most important factors that changed consumer behavior and resulted in a decrease in consumption, mostly among Brazilian and Turkish consumers, were the economics and accessibility of the products. Beef was replaced by other alternative sources of protein that were likewise derived from animals. The consumers whose purchasing intentions were most significantly influenced by credence factors (e.g., indiscriminate use of agricultural products, substandard animal welfare requirements, among others) were Brazilian and Turkish and, to a lesser degree, Spanish consumers. Lifestyle factors (e.g., consumption of out-of-home meals, available time to cook, among others) were demonstrated to alter consumption patterns and therefore must be carefully considered by the industry, taking into account cultural differences and consumer needs. The population under investigation considered that eating beef had no impact on their health.

The role of female intimate hygiene practices in the management of vulvovaginal candidiasis: A randomized, controlled open-label trial.

In this multicenter, observational, controlled open-label trial, researchers randomized 200 women with vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) to: Group 1, 6-days clotrimazole 2% vaginal cream once-daily plus 15-days concomitant acid pH thymol and zinc-containing cleansing wash (SaugellaActi3) twice-daily; Group 2, 6-days clotrimazole treatment alone. In both groups, pruritus and burning VAS scores improved from baseline at Days 6, 10 and 15. On Day 10 and Day 15, the pruritus score was significantly lower in Group 1 versus Group 2 (P <0.005 at both timepoints), suggesting acid pH thymol and zinc-containing cleansing wash ameliorates VVC-associated pruritus as part of a female hygiene regimen.

Resultados materno y perinatal de pacientes con diagnóstico prenatal de gastrosquisis en un centro de Medellín / Maternal and perinatal outcomes of patients with prenatal diagnosis of gastroschisis in a center in Medellin

Objetivo: Describir los resultados maternos y perinatales de pacientes con diagnóstico prenatal de gastrosquisis atendidos en un centro de referencia obstétrica de Medellín. Método: Estudio observacional, descriptivo y retrospectivo, llevado a cabo en la Clínica Universitaria Bolivariana en fetos con diagnóstico prenatal de gastrosquisis desde el 1 de enero de 2010 hasta el 31 de julio de 2021. Resultados: Se identificaron 54 gestantes con diagnóstico prenatal de gastrosquisis. En el 63% era su primer embarazo y el 27,8% eran adolescentes. La duración promedio de la gestación fue de 35 semanas y 6 días. La cesárea fue la vía más común (98,1%) y la indicación más frecuente fue sufrimiento de asa 66,7%. El 55,6% de los neonatos requirieron más de una intervención quirúrgica para el cierre de la pared abdominal. Las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron anemia (66,7%) e íleo posoperatorio (72,2%). La mortalidad fue del 13%. Conclusiones: Se evidencian algunas características similares a las reportadas en otras series. La mayor presentación fue en primer embarazo, la causa de finalización de la gestación fue sufrimiento de asas (demostrando la importancia del seguimiento ecográfico), y las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron anemia e íleo posoperatorio presentados por la prematuridad. La mortalidad comparada con la de otras instituciones locales fue menor.

Objective: To describe the outcomes of maternal and perinatal in patients diagnosed with prenatal gastroschisis that received medical care at an obstetric reference center in Medellin. Method: Observational, descriptive and retrospective study in fetuses with a prenatal diagnosis of gastroschisis performed in the Clínica Universitaria Bolivariana between January 1st 2010 and July 31st 2021. Results: Were included 54 pregnant women with prenatal diagnosis of gastroschisis. The 63% were their first pregnancy and 27,8% were adolescents. The average duration of gestation was 35 weeks and 6 days. Cesarean section was the most common way of delivery (98,1%) and the most frequent indication was suffering from loop (66,7%). The 55,6% of neonates required more than one surgical intervention for closure of the abdominal wall. The most frequent complications were anemia (66,7%) and postoperative ileus (72,2%). A mortality of 13% was presented. Conclusions: Some characteristics like reported in other series are evident. The greatest presentation was in the first pregnancy, the cause of termination of pregnancy was suffering from loops (demonstrating the importance of ultrasound monitoring) and the most frequent complications were anemia and postoperative ileus presented by prematurity. Mortality, compared to other local institutions, was lower.

Descripción de una población de embarazadas con incompatibilidad Rh (D) / Description of a population of pregnant women with Rh (D) incompatibility

Resumen OBJETIVO: Describir los desenlaces maternos y perinatales en embarazadas con incompatibilidad Rh D. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio de cohorte retrospectiva efectuado en la Unidad Materno Infantil de Medellín, Colombia, en pacientes embarazadas atendidas entre 2013 y 2018 con incompatibilidad Rh. Se realizó un muestreo no probabilístico de casos consecutivos y un análisis univariado. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 250 pacientes con mediana de edad de 26 años y tipo de sangre O-, que fue el más prevalente (55.2%). El 49.2% de las pacientes había tenido entre 2 y 3 embarazos previos. El 88% de las pacientes no había tenido ningún evento sensibilizante durante el embarazo. El 65.2% tuvo un reporte negativo del primer Coombs y la media de semanas de embarazo al primer Coombs fue de 28. El 48% de las pacientes recibió la inmunoglobulina G anti-D a una mediana de 28 semanas de gestación. CONCLUSIÓN: El estudio confirma datos clínicos y sociodemográficos y sugiere que se requiere fortalecer la oportunidad en la captación temprana de las pacientes para el seguimiento con el Coombs y para la indicación de la profilaxis.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To determine the maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnant women with Rh D incompatibility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A Retrospective cohort study carried out in the Maternal and Child Unit of Medellín, Colombia, in pregnant patients attended between 2013 and 2018. RESULTS: 250 patients were included, in which the median age was 26 years. The O- blood type was the most prevalent in pregnant women with 55.2% and 49.2% of the patients had had between 2 and 3 previous pregnancies, in addition, 88% of the patients had not presented any sensitizing event during her pregnancy. 65.2% had a negative first Coombs result and the mean gestational age of the first Coombs was 28 weeks. 48% of patients received immunoglobulin G anti D at a median gestational age of 28 weeks. CONCLUSION: The present study confirms the clinical and sociodemographic data, however it suggests that it may be necessary to strengthen the opportunity in the early recruitment of patients for follow-up with Coombs and for the indication of prophylaxis.

Effect of the Intake of Lean Red-Meat from Beef-(Pirenaica Breed) versus Lean White-Meat on Body Composition, Fatty Acids Profile and Cardiovascular Risk Indicators: A Randomized Cross-Over Study in Healthy Young Adults.

The main dietary guidelines recommended a restriction of total and saturated fat intake in the management of cardiovascular risk. These recommendations are overgeneralized, and all red meats should be limited and replaced by white meat. The aim is to assess the effect of the consumption of beef (from the Pirenaica breed) or chicken-based diets on body composition, fatty acid profile and cardiovascular (CV) risk indicators in healthy adults. A randomized cross-over study was carried out in three University accommodation halls. Participants consumed either the Pirenaica breed beef or chicken three times per week for 8-week periods with their usual diet. Body composition, clinical, biochemical and dietary variables were evaluated at baseline and at the end of each period. A validated diet questionnaire was used to assess nutrient intake and monitor compliance. Intervention and control group comparisons were done with the general linear regression model for repeated measures. Forty-seven healthy adults were included (51.6% males, mean age 19.9 ± 1.75 years). No significant differences were found in body composition, fatty acid profile or CV risk indicators from baseline in either diet group. Consumption of lean red meat (Pirenaica breed) or lean white meat (chicken) as part of the usual diet is associated with a similar response. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT04832217 (accessed on 6 September 2022).

Manejo expectante en preeclampsia severa remota del término (24-33,6 semanas): experiencia en centro de alta complejidad / Expectant management in severe preeclampsia remote from term (24-33.6 weeks): experience in a high complexity center

Resumen Introducción: la preeclampsia severa antes de 34 semanas de gestación tiene alto riesgo de complicaciones maternas y fetales. El manejo expectante, pudiera reducir el riesgo de complicaciones de un parto prematuro. Objetivo: evaluar la efectividad comparativa del manejo expectante en la prevención de desenlaces adversos maternos y perinatales de las pacientes con preeclampsia severa remota del término. Metodología: estudio de cohorte retrospectivo en gestantes con preeclampsia severa entre la 24 a 33,6 semanas, admitidas en un centro de alta complejidad colombiano entre 2011 y 2019. Se compararon medidas descriptivas según el manejo expectante o intervencionistas como grupo de referencia y, de asociación con los desenlaces compuestos maternos y neonatales, además se ajustó por edad gestacional menor a 28 semanas al parto. Resultados: se analizaron 134 pacientes, 110 con manejo expectante y 24 con intervencionista. El manejo expectante tuvo menor probabilidad de cesárea (RR 0,79 IC95% 0,69-0,91) y de resultado compuesto materno (RR 0,67 IC95% 0,57-0,79), que no persistió luego del ajuste. El manejo expectante presentó menor probabilidad de APGAR <7 al minuto (21,6% vs. 40%, RR 0,53 IC95% 0,29-0,97) y de resultado neonatal compuesto (60% vs. 83,3%, RR 0,72 IC95% 0.57-0.90). Al realizar ajuste con edad menor a 28 semanas al parto, el manejo expectante mostró menor probabilidad de APGAR menor a 7 al minuto (RR 0,43 IC95% 0,24-0,75), resultado perinatal adverso compuesto (RR 0,62 IC95% 0,48-0,81), muerte neonatal (RR 0,26 IC95% 0,29-0,71), síndrome de dificultad respiratoria (RR 0,65 IC95% 0,48-0,88), hemorragia intraventricular (RR 0,31 IC95% 0,11-0,89) e ingreso a unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatales (RR 0,80 IC95% 0,70-0,92). Conclusión: la preeclampsia severa remota del término es una patología grave y compleja que enfrenta los intereses maternos y los fetales. Debido al controversial enfoque, su manejo debe realizarse en centros de alta complejidad, con participación interdisciplinaria y anteponiendo la individualidad de cada binomio; nuestros hallazgos sugieren que el manejo expectante es razonable cuando las condiciones maternas y fetales lo permiten, especialmente para gestaciones menores a 28 semanas en favor de mejorar los desenlaces fetales sin detrimento de los desenlaces maternos.

Abstract Introduction: severe preeclampsia before 34 weeks of gestational age has a high risk of maternal and fetal complications. Expectant management could decrease the risk of complications associated with premature birth. Objective: to evaluate the efficacy of expectant management in the prevention of maternal and perinatal adverse events of patients with severe preeclampsia remote from term. Methodology: a retrospective cohort study in pregnant women diagnosed with severe preeclampsia between 24 and 33.6 weeks of gestational age who were admitted in a Colombian high complexity medical center between 2011 and 2019 was carried out. Descriptive measurements of the expectant management and the interventionist management were compared and the association with maternal and neonatal composite outcomes. Results were adjusted by gestational age under 28 weeks of delivery. Results: 134 patients were analyzed; 110 patients with expectant management and 24 interventionist management. Expectant management had a lower probability of cesarean section (RR 0.79 CI95% 0.69-0.91) and maternal composite result (RR 0.67 CI95% 0.57-0.79) that did not persist after the adjustment. Expectant management had a lower probability of APGAR <7 the first minute (21.6% vs. 40%, RR 0.53 CI95% 0.29-0.97) and neonatal composite result (60% vs. 83.3%, RR 0.72 CI95% 0.57-0.90). When adjusting the age under 28 weeks of delivery, the expectant management showed a lower probability of APGAR under 7 at minute one (RR 0.43 CI95% 0.24-0.75), composite outcome of perinatal adverse events (RR 0.62 CI95% 0.48-0.81), neonatal death (RR 0.26 CI95% 0.29-0.71), respiratory distress syndrome (RR 0.65 CI95% 0.48-0.88), intraventricular hemorrhage (RR 0.31 CI95% 0.11-0.89) and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (RR 0.80 CI95% 0.70-0.92). Conclusion: severe preeclampsia remote from term is a severe and complex disease which faces maternal and neonatal interests. Due to approach controversies, management should be performed in high complexity centers with a multidisciplinary approach individualizing each binomial; our findings suggest expectant management is reasonable when both maternal and fetal conditions allow it, especially in pregnancies under 28 weeks of gestational age to improve fetal outcomes without risking maternal outcomes.

Preferences and acceptance of Czech and Spanish consumers regarding beef with varying intramuscular fat content.

Understanding the factors affecting meat eating quality and consumer demand is essential for estimating future trends in meat consumption. The objective of the study was therefore to compare Czech and Spanish consumer attitudes and preferences in relation to beef intramuscular fat content. Three hundred and one consumers participated in the study; they completed a sociodemographic questionnaire and evaluated grilled beef samples of three varying intramuscular fat contents (low, medium, high). The low-fat meat had an average intramuscular fat content of 1.3%, medium had 3.1% and high-fat had 5.2%. Sensory assessment scores tended to show a positive linear relationship with beef intramuscular fat content. While Czech assessors only noted differences in tenderness and overall acceptance between the beef samples, Spanish assessors were able to detect significant differences in all the descriptors evaluated. Age and gender affected the assessment scores of beef with different intramuscular fat contents.

An Exploratory Study of the Purchase and Consumption of Beef: Geographical and Cultural Differences between Spain and Brazil.

Beef consumption and production in Spain and Brazil are different with the consumption of beef in Brazil being three times higher than in Spain. In addition, there are variations in the economic value of production and in the traceability system. Therefore, the aim of this research was to understand the purchasing and consumption patterns using the customer behavior analysis technique of focus groups, which analyzed motivations for the consumption of beef, classifying their preferences by the intrinsic and extrinsic attributes at the time of purchase. The key aspect of the consumption of beef, both for Spanish and Brazilian consumers, was personal satisfaction/flavor. Spanish consumers were more conscious than Brazilians of the beneficial and harmful qualities that meat provides. The presence of fat was the factor that most restricted intake in both countries. The most important intrinsic attributes for Spanish and Brazilian consumers were the visual aspects of the meat: color, freshness, and the quantity and disposition of fat. The most important extrinsic characteristics were the price and expiration date. Spanish consumers see packaged meat as convenient and safe, although it is considered by Brazilians to be over-manipulated. The traceability certification on the label provides credibility to the product for the Spanish but only partially for Brazilians.

Conhecimento dos estudantes da área da saúde sobre as condutas de biossegurança e prevençãoda transmissão da COVID-19 / Healthcare students' knowledge about biosafety and prevention of COVID-19

Apandemia de COVID-19impôs ainterrupção deatividades presenciais coletivaseos profissionais de saúde foram os mais afetados, por estarem na linha de frente no combate desta doença. Medidas de biossegurança tiveram que ser redobradas para evitar a propagação do vírus e assim ajudar a controlar apandemia. Procedimentos que geram aerossóis na Odontologia foram evitados, pois é de conhecimento que um dos meios de transmissão é a saliva. Alguns Equipamentos de Proteção Individual(EPs) foram adicionados para garantir a proteção, e protocolos de desinfecção do ambiente foram modificados. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o grau de conhecimento sobre biossegurança entre estudantes da área da saúde. Foiaplicado um questionário eletrônicopara a comunidade relacionada aos cursos da área da saúde na cidade de Curitiba/PR. Cento e cinquenta e novealunos responderam ao questionário, sendo 107 (67,3%) estudantesdaOdontologia, 28 (17,6%) da Medicina, 17 (10,7%) da Biomedicina e 7 (4,4%) daEnfermagem. Entre os participantes, 63,55% dos alunos de Odontologia, 100% de Medicina, 64,71% de Biomedicina e 85,71% de Enfermagem acreditam que os alunos da graduação não estão preparados para fazer atendimentos de urgência em pacientes com COVID-19. Apesar de toda a orientação sobre biossegurança, os alunos da área da saúde ainda devem desenvolver habilidades quanto aoscorretos procedimentos para atendimento de pacientes portadores ou não de doenças transmissíveis (AU).

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, people all over the world had to interrupt their face-to-face interactions. Health professionals were most affected, as they were at the forefront of combating this disease. Biosecurity measures had to be re-doubled to prevent the spread of the virus and thus help control the pandemic. Procedures in dentistry that generated aerosols were avoided, as saliva is one of the means ofCOVID-19transmission. Complementary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was required to ensure protection, and environmental disinfection protocols had been modified. Thus, to assess the level of knowledge about biosafety and these new changes, particularly regarding COVID-19, a questionnaire was published for the community related to health courses in the city of Curitiba (PR, Brazil). This study included 159 students (dentistry, 107 (67.3%); medicine, 28 (17.6%); biomedicine, 17 (10.7%); and nursing, seven (4.4%)). Approximately 63.55% of dentistry, 100% of medicine, 64.71% of biomedical, and 85.71% of nursing students believe that undergraduate students are unprepared to provide urgent care to COVID-19 patients. Despite all the guidance on biosafety, students in healthcaremust still develop skills incorrect procedures for caring forpatients with or without communicable diseases (AU).

Conhecimento dos estudantes da área da saúde sobre as condutas de biossegurança e prevençãoda transmissão da COVID-19 / Healthcare students' knowledge about biosafety and prevention of COVID-19

Apandemia de COVID-19impôs ainterrupção deatividades presenciais coletivaseos profissionais de saúde foram os mais afetados, por estarem na linha de frente no combate desta doença. Medidas de biossegurança tiveram que ser redobradas para evitar a propagação do vírus e assim ajudar a controlar apandemia. Procedimentos que geram aerossóis na Odontologia foram evitados, pois é de conhecimento que um dos meios de transmissão é a saliva. Alguns Equipamentos de Proteção Individual(EPs) foram adicionados para garantir a proteção, e protocolos de desinfecção do ambiente foram modificados. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o grau de conhecimento sobre biossegurança entre estudantes da área da saúde. Foiaplicado um questionário eletrônicopara a comunidade relacionada aos cursos da área da saúde na cidade de Curitiba/PR. Cento e cinquenta e novealunos responderam ao questionário, sendo 107 (67,3%) estudantesdaOdontologia, 28 (17,6%) da Medicina, 17 (10,7%) da Biomedicina e 7 (4,4%) daEnfermagem. Entre os participantes, 63,55% dos alunos de Odontologia, 100% de Medicina, 64,71% de Biomedicina e 85,71% de Enfermagem acreditam que os alunos da graduação não estão preparados para fazer atendimentos de urgência em pacientes com COVID-19. Apesar de toda a orientação sobre biossegurança, os alunos da área da saúde ainda devem desenvolver habilidades quanto aoscorretos procedimentos para atendimento de pacientes portadores ou não de doenças transmissíveis (AU).

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, people all over the world had to interrupt their face-to-face interactions. Health professionals were most affected, as they were at the forefront of combating this disease. Biosecurity measures had to be re-doubled to prevent the spread of the virus and thus help control the pandemic. Procedures in dentistry that generated aerosols were avoided, as saliva is one of the means ofCOVID-19transmission. Complementary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was required to ensure protection, and environmental disinfection protocols had been modified. Thus, to assess the level of knowledge about biosafety and these new changes, particularly regarding COVID-19, a questionnaire was published for the community related to health courses in the city of Curitiba (PR, Brazil). This study included 159 students (dentistry, 107 (67.3%); medicine, 28 (17.6%); biomedicine, 17 (10.7%); and nursing, seven (4.4%)). Approximately 63.55% of dentistry, 100% of medicine, 64.71% of biomedical, and 85.71% of nursing students believe that undergraduate students are unprepared to provide urgent care to COVID-19 patients. Despite all the guidance on biosafety, students in healthcaremust still develop skills incorrect procedures for caring forpatients with or without communicable diseases (AU).

Feeding, Muscle and Packaging Effects on Lipid Oxidation and Color of Avileña Negra-Ibérica Beef.

In order to increase the economic profitability of Avileña-Negra Ibérica beef production, the inclusion of corn silage in total mixed rations was proposed during the fattening period. Twenty-four Avileña-Negra Ibérica breed entire young bulls were used to evaluate the effects of two feeding systems-concentrate (CON) and corn silage (SIL)-and two packaging systems-vacuum (VAC) and modified atmosphere (MAP)-on the lipid oxidation, color evolution and visual color acceptability of meat throughout display with either oxygen-permeable film (FILM) or modified atmosphere (MAP). Two muscles were assessed: Longissimus thoracis (LT) and Semitendinosus (ST). Meat from SIL-fed animals had higher TBA values than CON-fed animals after 7 days in MAP packaging. Lipid oxidation was prevented more effectively by VAC packaging than MAP. Display time highly influenced lipid oxidation, since oxidation rates were lower with VAC than MAP packaging. After 14 days of display in MAP, the LT from CON was lighter than the ST. Meat discoloration after 7 days of display was significantly different between packaging systems. Vacuum-packaged meat kept the same color throughout the storage time. Visual color acceptability for the LT was higher throughout display than for the ST. Samples from the MAP were well accepted by consumers, especially the meat from the SIL group. Alternatively, feeding with corn silage could be used for this type of animals without affecting important aspects of meat quality.

Paper biosensors for detecting elevated IL-6 levels in blood and respiratory samples from COVID-19 patients.

Decentralizing COVID-19 care reduces contagions and affords a better use of hospital resources. We introduce biosensors aimed at detecting severe cases of COVID-19 in decentralized healthcare settings. They consist of a paper immunosensor interfaced with a smartphone. The immunosensors have been designed to generate intense colorimetric signals when the sample contains ultralow concentrations of IL-6, which has been proposed as a prognosis biomarker of COVID-19. This is achieved by combining a paper-based signal amplification mechanism with polymer-filled reservoirs for dispensing antibody-decorated nanoparticles and a bespoken app for color quantification. With this design we achieved a low limit of detection (LOD) of 10-3 pg mL-1 and semi-quantitative measurements in a wide dynamic range between 10-3 and 102 pg mL-1 in PBS. The assay time is under 10 min. The low LOD allowed us to dilute blood samples and detect IL-6 with an LOD of 1.3 pg mL-1 and a dynamic range up to 102 pg mL-1. Following this protocol, we were able to stratify COVID-19 patients according to different blood levels of IL-6. We also report on the detection of IL-6 in respiratory samples (bronchial aspirate, BAS) from COVID-19 patients. The test could be easily adapted to detect other cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-8 by changing the antibodies decorating the nanoparticles accordingly. The ability of detecting cytokines in blood and respiratory samples paves the way for monitoring local inflammation in the lungs as well as systemic inflammation levels in the body.

Knowledge, Utility, and Preferences for Beef Label Traceability Information: A Cross-Cultural Market Analysis Comparing Spain and Brazil.

The consumer environment determines consumers' buying behavior and product preferences, and understanding these factors allows businesses in the industry to identify market demands. In view of the different contexts, Spain and Brazil, there are differences in the consumption of beef, in the production and the regulatory process concerning beef, and in particular the traceability system. The traceability system is mandatory in Spain and voluntary in Brazil. From these prerogatives, this cross-cultural study carried out through a self-administered questionnaire with 2132 Spanish and Brazilian beef buyers/consumers, aimed at comparing and understanding the familiarity with the bovine traceability system and traceability information of the label as a food security indicator. It is concluded that traceability information is well received by consumers as an attribute of credibility, and consumers are interested in ensuring that the item they buy is of known and reliable origin. But more incentives may help clarify the advantages of purchasing food with certified traceability, making it more effective for consumers to use this knowledge.

Effect of Active-Edible Coating and Essential Oils on Lamb Patties Oxidation during Display.

The use of natural products to reduce the use of synthetic additives in meat products, reducing the oxidation and improving the shelf life is a current challenge. Meat quality from lamb patties during 10 days of display on modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and active-edible coating were tested under six treatments: uncoated patties without coating (CON); patties with alginate coating (EC) and patties with coating and 0.1 or 0.05% of essential oils (EOs) from either thyme (TH 0.1; TH 0.05) or oregano (OR 0.1; OR 0.05). Display and treatment significantly modified (P < 0.001) all the studied meat quality variables (pH, color, water holding capacity, weight losses, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), antioxidant activity). Display produced discoloration and lipid oxidation, however, the samples with essential oils presented lower (P < 0.001) lipid oxidation than the CON or EC groups. Coated samples with or without EOs showed better color (lower lightness but higher redness and yellowness) and lower water losses (P < 0.001) than the CON. The addition of thyme EO caused a decrease (P < 0.001) in the consumer's overall acceptability, whereas no statistical differences appeared between CON, EC and oregano EO addition. Thus, using EOs as natural antioxidants, especially those from oregano at low dosages (0.05%), could be considered a viable strategy to enhance the shelf life and the product quality of lamb meat patties without damaging the sensory acceptability.