Clinical Management and Neurosurgical Approach of Pott's Puffy Tumor: A Case Report.

Pott's puffy tumors are assumed to be infrequent concomitant intra- and extracranial abscesses, mainly secondary to complicated frontal sinusitis during infancy. Due to the close proximity to the superior sagittal sinus, there is a risk of developing venous infections, thrombosis, and morbidity. In this case report, we present a case of an 11-year-old girl who presented with headache and face edema. After recognizing the Pott's puffy tumor pattern on the CT scan and brain MRI, the neurosurgical approach involved pus evacuation and frontal sinus blockage, and the patient received antibiotic therapy and was evaluated for total recovery. To our knowledge, the prompt diagnosis and treatment of such conditions are paramount to avoid complications, and differential diagnosis should be encouraged in medical practice.

Preoperative diagnostic criteria for scleroatrophic gallbladder: A systematic review protocol.

BACKGROUND: Although scleroatrophic gallbladder is a rare condition, it presents significant clinical challenges in diagnosis and management. More agreement is needed on this disorder's diagnostic criteria and optimal management approach. We will conduct a systematic review to summarise the scleroatrophic gallbladder's preoperative diagnostic criteria, including imaging modalities. METHODS: A systematic review will be undertaken using the PRISMA guidelines. The protocol has been registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024503701). We will search in Medline (via PubMed), Embase, SCOPUS, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to find original studies reporting about scleroatrophic gallbladder or synonymous. Two reviewers will independently screen the titles and abstracts following the eligibility criteria. We will include all types of studies that describe any diagnostic criteria or tools. After retrieving the full text of the selected studies, we will conduct a standardised data extraction. Finally, a narrative synthesis will be performed. The quality of the identified studies will be assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies- 2 tool. DISCUSSION: This systematic review will provide information on the preoperative diagnostic criteria of the scleroatrophic gallbladder and the value of imaging studies in its diagnosis. In addition, this work will aid doctors in the decision-making process for diagnosing scleroatrophic gallbladder and propose treatment approaches to this condition. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: The protocol has been registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024503701).

A simple and inexpensive method to monitor and minimize exposure from manipulation of cytotoxic drugs.

Pharmacy personnel that manipulate cytotoxic drugs are under continuous exposure risk. Therefore, training and strict adherence to recommended practices should always be promoted. The main objective of this study was to develop and apply a safe, effective and low-cost method for the training and assessment of the safe handling of cytotoxic drugs, using commercially available tonic water. To evaluate the potential of tonic water as a replacement marker for quinine hydrochloride, deliberate spills of 1 mL of four different tonic waters (one coloured and three non-coloured) were analysed under ultraviolet light (300-400 nm). The pigmented sample did not produce fluorescence under ultraviolet (UV) light. The three commercially available tonic waters that exhibited fluorescence were further analysed by UV/Vis spectrophotometry (300-500 nm). Afterwards, a protocol of simulated manipulation of cytotoxic drugs was developed and applied to 12 pharmacy technicians, that prepared 24 intravenous bags according to recommended routine procedures using tonic water. Participants responded to a brief questionnaire to evaluate the adequacy and applicability of the activity. Seven of the participants had spillages during manipulation, the majority of which recorded during manipulation with needles. All participants scored the tonic water manipulation simulation with 4 or 5 points for simplicity, efficiency and feasibility. The obtained results suggest that tonic water can be used to simulate the manipulation of cytotoxic drugs in training and assessment programs. By using this replacement marker for quinine hydrochloride, it is possible to perform a more cost-effective, yet equally effective, assessment.

Snake and arthropod venoms: Search for inflammatory activity in human cells involved in joint diseases.

Most anti-inflammatory drugs currently adopted to treat chronic inflammatory joint diseases can alleviate symptoms but they do not lead to remission. Therefore, new and more efficient drugs are needed to block the course of joint inflammatory diseases. Animal venoms, rich in bioactive compounds, can contribute as valuable tools in this field of research. In this study, we first demonstrate the direct action of venoms on cells that constitute the articular joints. We established a platform consisting of cell-based assays to evaluate the release of cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, TNFα, IL-1ß, and IL-10) by human chondrocytes, synoviocytes and THP1 macrophages, as well as the release of neuropeptides (substance-P and ß-endorphin) by differentiated sensory neuron-like cells, 24 h after stimulation of cells with 21 animal venoms from snake and arthropod species, sourced from different taxonomic families and geographic origins. Results demonstrated that at non-cytotoxic concentrations, the venoms activate at varying degrees the secretion of inflammatory mediators involved in the pathology of articular diseases, such as IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α by chondrocytes, synoviocytes, and macrophages and of substance P by neuron-like cells. Venoms of the Viperidae snake family were more inflammatory than those of the Elapidae family, while venoms of Arthropods were less inflammatory than snake venoms. Notably, some venoms also induced the release of the anti-inflammatory IL-10 by macrophages. However, the scorpion Buthus occitanus venom induced the release of IL-10 without increasing the release of inflammatory cytokines by macrophages. Since the cell types used in the experiments are crucial elements in joint inflammatory processes, the results of this work may guide future research on the activation of receptors and inflammatory signaling pathways by selected venoms in these particular cells, aiming at discovering new targets for therapeutic intervention.

Snake and arthropod venoms: search for inflammatory activity in human cells involved in joint diseases

Most anti-inflammatory drugs currently adopted to treat chronic inflammatory joint diseases can alleviate symptoms but they do not lead to remission. Therefore, new and more efficient drugs are needed to block the course of joint inflammatory diseases. Animal venoms, rich in bioactive compounds, can contribute as valuable tools in this field of research. In this study, we first demonstrate the direct action of venoms on cells that constitute the articular joints. We established a platform consisting of cell-based assays to evaluate the release of cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-10) by human chondrocytes, synoviocytes and THP1 macrophages, as well as the release of neuropeptides (substance-P and β-endorphin) by differentiated sensory neuron-like cells, 24 h after stimulation of cells with 21 animal venoms from snake and arthropod species, sourced from different taxonomic families and geographic origins. Results demonstrated that at non-cytotoxic concentrations, the venoms activate at varying degrees the secretion of inflammatory mediators involved in the pathology of articular diseases, such as IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α by chondrocytes, synoviocytes, and macrophages and of substance P by neuron-like cells. Venoms of the Viperidae snake family were more inflammatory than those of the Elapidae family, while venoms of Arthropods were less inflammatory than snake venoms. Notably, some venoms also induced the release of the anti-inflammatory IL-10 by macrophages. However, the scorpion Buthus occitanus venom induced the release of IL-10 without increasing the release of inflammatory cytokines by macrophages. Since the cell types used in the experiments are crucial elements in joint inflammatory processes, the results of this work may guide future research on the activation of receptors and inflammatory signaling pathways by selected venoms in these particular cells, aiming at discovering new targets for therapeutic intervention.

Patient safety in hemodialysis clinics: perception of the nursing team.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the perception of the nursing team regarding patient safety in hemodialysis clinics. METHOD: Descriptive-exploratory study with a qualitative approach, conducted with 37 professionals from the nursing team of five hemodialysis clinics, located in the cities of Sobral and Fortaleza, in Ceará, Brazil. Data were collected from October to December 2021, through semi-structured interviews recorded and analyzed by Descending Hierarchical Classification. RESULTS: Four classes emerged: operation of hemodialysis clinics; role of companions and patients in their safety in hemodialysis clinics; role of the nursing team in the safe care of patients undergoing hemodialysis; international patient safety goals in hemodialysis clinics. CONCLUSION: The participants recognize the existence of shortcomings in international patient safety goals, mainly errors in patient identification and medication administration.

Material Extrusion to Manufacture Carbide-Based Advanced Cutting Tools.

Material extrusion (MEX) allows for the production of advanced cutting tools with new internal cooling systems, which are suitable for new machining equipment. To produce cutting tools via this process, hardmetal and cermet feedstock must be prepared for the extrusion of 3D printing filaments. After shaping the 3D object (green), debinding and sintering must be performed to achieve densification. Defects and microstructural heterogeneities were studied according to the powder material. The present study shows that, although MEX is a viable solution for hardmetals, it needs to produce homogeneous filaments for cermets. The WC-Co bulk microstructures versus hardness were similar to the ones that were measured with pressing and sintering. While cermet (Ti(CN)/WC-Ni/Co) microstructures were heterogeneous, their hardness, when compared with that from the pressing and sintering manufacturing process, decreased significantly.

Fast and Simple UPLC-Q-TOF MS Method for Determination of Bitter Flavan-3-ols and Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins: Impact of Vegetable Protein Fining Agents on Red Wine Composition.

Wine phenolic compounds, particularly proanthocyanidins (PAs), play a significant role in wine sensory characteristics, specifically bitterness and astringency. Although not consensual, flavan-3-ols and oligomeric PAs are generally considered the primary contributors to wine bitterness. Patatin, a vegetable protein fining agent, has been explored as an alternative to animal and synthetic fining agents for reducing wine bitterness. However, contradictory results exist regarding its effectiveness in removing flavan-3-ols and oligomeric PAs in red wines. In this work, a UPLC-Q-TOF MS/MS method was optimized and validated for accurately measuring flavan-3-ols, as well as dimeric and trimeric PAs, in red wines. The MS/MS analysis of flavan-3-ols, in addition to the typical fragmentation described in the literature, revealed an intense mass fragment resulting from the loss of C3O2 and C3O2 + H2O from the parent ion. It was observed that flavan-3-ols and PAs undergo oxidation during sample preparation, which was reversed by the addition of 5 g/L of ascorbic acid. The method demonstrated good linearity range (2 mg/L to 20 mg/L), detection limit (0.3 mg/L to 0.7 mg/L), quantification limit (0.8 mg/L to 2.2 mg/L), precision (repeatability 2.2% to 7.3%), and accuracy (recovery 98.5% to 100.5%). The application of patatin at different doses (5 g/L to 30 g/L) in two different red wine matrices did not reduce the levels of monomeric, dimeric, and trimeric PAs in red wines. However, similar behaviors were observed for pea protein and gelatin. Therefore, wine fining trials and efficiency measurements of the treatments in each matrix are strongly advised.

Melanophoroma in a Lichtenstein's green racer snake.

Melanophoroma is a neoplasm of reptilian pigment cells, considered uncommon and part of a group of neoplasms called chromatophoromas. The objective of this work was to describe a case of melanophoroma in a free-living Lichtenstein's green racer snake (Philodryas olfersii), presenting with an ulcerative nodular neoformation in the integument of the head region. In the neurologic evaluation, a proprioceptive deficit was observed. Ultrasound, X-ray, and mass cytology examinations were performed. Radiographic and ultrasound findings of the tumor indicated infiltrative behavior, and cytology indicated a presumptive diagnosis of a melanocytic neoplasm. Based on the results of the examinations and the patient's clinical condition, euthanasia was chosen. At necropsy, there was a nodule measuring 4.5 × 2.5 × 2.0 cm, with a blackish-colored cut surface, mottled by gray areas, which infiltrated soft tissue and bone, and extended dorsally from the mouth to the cervical musculature. On microscopy, a non-delimited, non-encapsulated, and invasive neoplastic proliferation was observed, with moderate cellularity, which was predominantly composed of fusiform cells with distinct borders and foci of epithelioid cells. The cells had ample cytoplasm, which had a brown to black (melanocytic) granular pigment compatible with a melanophoroma. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is a unique description of a melanophoroma in P. olfersii.

Experience of ambulance drivers on transfer of suspected or confirmed patients for COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: To unveil the experience of ambulance drivers regarding the transfer of suspected or confirmed patients for COVID-19. METHOD: Exploratory study with a qualitative approach conducted in October 2021 with 18 drivers from the Northwestern Mesoregion of the State of Ceará-Brazil. The individual interviews occurred virtually, via Google Meet®, and for data processing the IRAMUTEQ® software was used. RESULTS: Six classes were obtained: Feelings experienced during transfers; Concern about contamination of the work team and family members; Therapeutic itinerary, patients' clinical status and increase in the number of transfers; Disinfection of ambulances between transfers of patients with suspected and/or diagnosed COVID-19; Gowning for patient transfers and Psychospiritual aspects of drivers during the pandemic. CONCLUSION: The experience was marked by challenges in adapting to the new routine and procedures during transfers. It was evidenced feelings of fear, insecurity, tension and anguish in the worker's reports.

Effects of aromatherapy on anxiety symptoms in women with breast cancer: a systematic review / Efectos de la aromaterapia sobre los síntomas de ansiedad en mujeres con cáncer de mama: una revisión sistemática / Efeitos da aromaterapia nos sintomas de ansiedade em mulheres com câncer de mama: revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT Objective: to assess the effect of aromatherapy on anxiety symptoms in women undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Method: a systematic review, carried out from the PEOT strategy: what are the effects of aromatherapy in reducing anxiety symptoms in women undergoing treatment for breast cancer? The research was conducted in six databases and in eight other data sources. Randomized clinical trials without date and language restrictions were included. Results: the sample consisted of seven studies. Aromatherapy was applied by inhalation (57.1%) and massage (42.8%), and was adopted alone or in conjunction with other interventions, demonstrating a reduction in anxiety symptoms in 71.4% of studies. The predominance of lavender, bergamot, frankincense and sandalwood essential oils is highlighted for their anxiolytic, relaxing, sedative, invigorating, antidepressant and muscle tension reducing effects. Conclusion: aromatherapy showed positive and significant results in reducing anxiety symptoms in women undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

RESUMEN Objetivo: evaluar el efecto de la aromaterapia sobre los síntomas de ansiedad en mujeres en tratamiento por cáncer de mama. Método: revisión sistemática, basada en la estrategia PEOT: ¿Cuáles son los efectos de la aromaterapia en la reducción de los síntomas de ansiedad en mujeres en tratamiento por cáncer de mama? La investigación se llevó a cabo en seis bases de datos y en otras ocho fuentes de datos. Se incluyeron ensayos clínicos aleatorizados, sin restricción de fecha e idioma. Resultados: la muestra estuvo compuesta por siete estudios. La aromaterapia se aplicó por inhalación (57,1%) y masaje (42,8%), habiéndose adoptado sola o en conjunto con otras intervenciones, demostrando una reducción de los síntomas de ansiedad en el 71,4% de los estudios. Destaca el predominio de los aceites esenciales de lavanda, bergamota, incienso y sándalo por sus efectos ansiolíticos, relajantes, sedantes, tonificantes, antidepresivos y reductores de la tensión muscular. Conclusión: la aromaterapia ha mostrado resultados positivos y significativos en la reducción de los síntomas de ansiedad en mujeres en tratamiento por cáncer de mama.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar o efeito da aromaterapia sobre os sintomas da ansiedade em mulheres sob tratamento para câncer de mama. Método: revisão sistemática, realizada a partir da estratégia PEOT: quais os efeitos da aromaterapia na redução dos sintomas da ansiedade em mulheres sob tratamento para o câncer de mama? A pesquisa foi realizada em seis bases de dados e em oito outras fontes de dados. Incluiu-se ensaios clínicos randomizados, sem restrição de data e idioma. Resultados: a amostra foi composta por sete estudos. A aromaterapia foi aplicada por inalação (57,1%) e massagem (42,8%), tendo sido adotada sozinha ou em conjunto a outras intervenções, demonstrando redução dos sintomas da ansiedade em 71,4% dos estudos. Ressalta-se o predomínio dos óleos essenciais de lavanda, bergamota, olíbano e sândalo, pelos seus efeitos ansiolíticos, relaxantes, sedativos, revigorantes, antidepressivos e redutores da tensão muscular. Conclusão: a aromaterapia apresentou resultados positivos e significativos na redução dos sintomas da ansiedade em mulheres em tratamento para câncer de mama.

Experience of ambulance drivers on transfer of suspected or confirmed patients for COVID-19 / Experiencia de los conductores de ambulancias en el traslado de pacientes sospechosos o confirmados a COVID-19 / Vivência dos condutores de ambulância sobre transferência de pacientes suspeitos ou confirmados para COVID-19

ABSTRACT Objective: To unveil the experience of ambulance drivers regarding the transfer of suspected or confirmed patients for COVID-19. Method: Exploratory study with a qualitative approach conducted in October 2021 with 18 drivers from the Northwestern Mesoregion of the State of Ceará-Brazil. The individual interviews occurred virtually, via Google Meet®, and for data processing the IRAMUTEQ® software was used. Results: Six classes were obtained: Feelings experienced during transfers; Concern about contamination of the work team and family members; Therapeutic itinerary, patients' clinical status and increase in the number of transfers; Disinfection of ambulances between transfers of patients with suspected and/or diagnosed COVID-19; Gowning for patient transfers and Psychospiritual aspects of drivers during the pandemic. Conclusion: The experience was marked by challenges in adapting to the new routine and procedures during transfers. It was evidenced feelings of fear, insecurity, tension and anguish in the worker's reports.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Desvelar la experiencia de los conductores de ambulancias sobre el traslado de pacientes sospechosos o confirmados a COVID-19. Método: Estudio exploratorio con enfoque cualitativo realizado en octubre de 2021 con 18 conductores de la Mesorregión Noroeste del Estado de Ceará. Las entrevistas individuales se realizaron de forma virtual, a través de Google Meet®, y para el procesamiento de los datos se utilizó el software IRAMUTEQ®. Resultados: Se obtuvieron seis clases: Sentimientos experimentados durante los traslados; Preocupación por la contaminación del equipo de trabajo y de los familiares; Itinerario terapéutico, estado clínico de los pacientes y aumento del número de traslados; Desinfección de las ambulancias entre los traslados de pacientes con sospecha y/o diagnóstico de COVID-19; Paramentación por los traslados de pacientes y Aspectos psicoespirituales de los conductores durante la pandemia. Conclusión: La experiencia estuvo marcada por los retos de adaptación a la nueva rutina y procedimientos durante los traslados. En los informes de los trabajadores se evidenciaron sentimientos de miedo, inseguridad, tensión y angustia.

RESUMO Objetivo: Desvelar a vivência dos condutores de ambulância sobre transferência de pacientes suspeitos ou confirmados para COVID-19. Método: Estudo exploratório com abordagem qualitativa realizado em outubro de 2021 com 18 condutores da Mesorregião Noroeste do Estado do Ceará-Brasil. As entrevistas individuais ocorreram de forma virtual, via Google Meet®, e, para processamento dos dados, foi utilizado o software IRAMUTEQ®. Resultados: foram obtidas seis classes: Sentimentos vivenciados durante as transferências; Preocupação com a contaminação da equipe de trabalho e dos familiares; Itinerário terapêutico, quadro clínico dos pacientes e aumento na quantidade de transferências; Desinfecção das ambulâncias entre as transferências de pacientes com suspeita e/ou diagnóstico de COVID-19; Paramentação para as transferências de pacientes e Aspectos psicoespirituais dos condutores durante a pandemia. Conclusão: A vivência foi marcada por desafios na adaptação à nova rotina e procedimentos durante as transferências. Foram evidenciados sentimentos de medo, insegurança, tensão e angústia nos relatos dos trabalhadores.

Patient safety in hemodialysis clinics: perception of the nursing team / Seguridad del paciente en clínicas de hemodiálisis: percepción del equipo de enfermería / Segurança do paciente em clínicas de hemodiálise: percepção da equipe de enfermagem

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the perception of the nursing team regarding patient safety in hemodialysis clinics. Method: Descriptive-exploratory study with a qualitative approach, conducted with 37 professionals from the nursing team of five hemodialysis clinics, located in the cities of Sobral and Fortaleza, in Ceará, Brazil. Data were collected from October to December 2021, through semi-structured interviews recorded and analyzed by Descending Hierarchical Classification. Results: Four classes emerged: operation of hemodialysis clinics; role of companions and patients in their safety in hemodialysis clinics; role of the nursing team in the safe care of patients undergoing hemodialysis; international patient safety goals in hemodialysis clinics. Conclusion: The participants recognize the existence of shortcomings in international patient safety goals, mainly errors in patient identification and medication administration.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar la percepción del equipo de enfermería sobre la seguridad del paciente en clínicas de hemodiálisis. Método: Estudio descriptivo-exploratorio con abordaje cualitativo, realizado con 37 profesionales del equipo de enfermería de cinco clínicas de hemodiálisis, ubicadas en las ciudades de Sobral y Fortaleza, en Ceará, Brasil. Los datos fueron recolectados de octubre a diciembre de 2021, a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas grabadas y analizadas por Clasificación Jerárquica Descendente. Resultados: Surgieron cuatro clases: operación de clínicas de hemodiálisis; papel del acompañante y del paciente en su seguridad en las clínicas de hemodiálisis; actuación del equipo de enfermería en el cuidado seguro de los pacientes en hemodiálisis; objetivos internacionales para la seguridad del paciente en las clínicas de hemodiálisis. Conclusión: Los participantes reconocen la existencia de fallas en las metas internacionales de seguridad del paciente, principalmente la ocurrencia de errores en la identificación de pacientes y administración de medicamentos.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a percepção da equipe de enfermagem sobre a segurança do paciente em clínicas de hemodiálise. Método: Estudo descritivo-exploratório com abordagem qualitativa, realizado com 37 profissionais da equipe de enfermagem de cinco clínicas de hemodiálise, localizadas nos municípios de Sobral e Fortaleza, no Ceará, Brasil. Os dados foram coletados no período de outubro a dezembro de 2021, por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas gravadas e analisados por Classificação Hierárquica Descendente. Resultados: Emergiram quatro classes: funcionamento das clínicas de hemodiálise; papel do acompanhante e do paciente na sua segurança em clínicas de hemodiálise; atuação da equipe de enfermagem no cuidado seguro do paciente em tratamento hemodialítico; metas internacionais de segurança do paciente nas clínicas de hemodiálise. Conclusão: Os participantes reconhecem a existência de falhas nas metas internacionais de segurança do paciente, principalmente a ocorrência de erros na identificação dos pacientes e administração de medicamentos.

Aplicativos móveis direcionados aos idosos para autogerenciamento do cuidado: revisão de escopo / Mobile apps aimed at the elderly for self-management of care: scoping review / Aplicaciones móviles dirigidas a personas mayores para la autogestión del cuidado: revisión del alcances

Introdução: o uso de aplicativos móveis pode facilitar o autogerenciamento em saúde e oportunizar a autonomia dos idosos no seu autocuidado. Objetivo: mapear a produção científica sobre aplicativos móveis para autogerenciamento do cuidado direcionados aos idosos. Materiais e Métodos: revisão de escopo realizada no período de setembro de 2020 a janeiro de 2021, a partir das bases de dados: MEDLINE, SciELO, Scopus, Web of Science e Science Direct, mediante a estratégia de busca: ("Self-management" OR "Self-care") AND (Elderly OR "Old man") AND ("Mobile Applications" OR Smartphone OR "Cell phone"), com a inclusão de artigos que tratassem do uso de aplicativos móveis por idosos para o autogerenciamento do cuidado, sem delimitação de tempo e idioma. Resultados: a amostra final compôs-se de 14 artigos, categorizados em três vertentes de gerenciamento, a saber: medicamentos, comorbidades e práticas saudáveis. Na maioria dos estudos, os aplicativos foram direcionados ao autogerenciamento dos medicamentos, seguidos dos cuidados de condições crônicas e por último a autoavaliação do risco de quedas e tratamentos não-farmacológicos da dor. Discussão: esta revisão contribui para a prática clínica e pesquisa em enfermagem, uma vez que seus resultados apontam o que há publicado sobre o desenvolvimento e uso de aplicativos móveis por idosos para o autogerenciamento do cuidado. Conclusões: o uso de aplicativos móveis facilita o autocuidado da população idosa, principalmente, na gestão de medicamentos para condições crônicas.

Introduction: the use of mobile applications can facilitate self-management in health and provide opportunities for the autonomy of the elderly in their self-care. Objective: to map the scientific production on mobile applications for self-management of care aimed at the elderly. Materials and Methods: scope review carried out from September 2020 to January 2021, based on the following databases: MEDLINE, SciELO, Scopus, Web of Science and Science Direct, using the search strategy: ("Self-management" OR "Self-care") AND (Elderly OR "Old man") AND ("Mobile Applications" OR Smartphone OR "Cell phone"), with the inclusion of articles dealing with the use of mobile applications by the elderly for self-management of care, without time and language limitations. Results: the final sample consisted of 14 articles, categorized into three aspects of management, namely: medications, comorbidities and healthy practices. In most studies, applications were aimed at self-management of medications, followed by care for chronic conditions and finally self-assessment of the risk of falls and non-pharmacological pain treatments. Discussion: this review contributes to clinical practice and nursing research, as its results point to what has been published about the development and use of mobile applications by the elderly for self-management of care. Conclusions: the use of mobile applications facilitates self-care for the elderly population, especially in the management of medication for chronic conditions.

Introducción: el uso de aplicaciones móviles puede facilitar la autogestión en salud y brindar oportunidades para la autonomía de las personas mayores en su autocuidado. Objetivo: mapear la producción científica en aplicaciones móviles para la autogestión del cuidado dirigido a las personas mayores. Materiales y Métodos: revisión de alcance realizada desde septiembre de 2020 a enero de 2021, con base en las siguientes bases de datos: MEDLINE, SciELO, Scopus, Web of Science y Science Direct, utilizando la estrategia de búsqueda: ("Self-management" OR "Self-care") AND (Elderly OR "Old man") AND ("Mobile Applications" OR Smartphone OR "Cell phone"), con la inclusión de artículos que tratan sobre el uso de aplicaciones móviles por parte de los ancianos para la autogestión de cuidado, sin limitaciones de tiempo e idioma. Resultados: la muestra final constó de 14 artículos, categorizados en tres aspectos del manejo, a saber: medicamentos, comorbilidades y prácticas saludables. En la mayoría de los estudios, las aplicaciones estuvieron dirigidas al autocontrol de los medicamentos, seguido de la atención de las condiciones crónicas y finalmente la autoevaluación del riesgo de caídas y los tratamientos no farmacológicos del dolor. Discusión: esta revisión contribuye a la práctica clínica y la investigación en enfermería, ya que sus resultados apuntan a lo publicado sobre el desarrollo y uso de aplicaciones móviles por parte de los ancianos para la autogestión del cuidado. Conclusiones: el uso de aplicaciones móviles facilita el autocuidado de la población anciana, especialmente en el manejo de la medicación para enfermedades crónicas.

Construction and validation of a serial album for companions of patients with stroke.

OBJECTIVES: to construct and validate a serial album, to be used in hospital discharge planning of patients with stroke. METHODS: a methodological study, with construction of a serial album, validity by 22 judges and assessment by 22 companions. Data were collected from the Health Education Content Validity Instrument, with the companions, from the Suitability Assessment of Materials. RESULTS: the serial album has 21 pages. The overall Content Validity Index was equal to 0.87 among expert judges and 1.0 among companions. CONCLUSIONS: the educational technology constructed was considered valid by the judges and assessed as understandable by the companions so that it presented itself as a viable technological resource for use in the health education of companions of patients with stroke.

The impact of the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) in gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Regarding the assessment of patients' immune and nutritional status, prognostic nutritional index (PNI) has been reported as a predictive marker for surgical outcomes in various types of cancer. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of PNI in prognosis of gastric cancer patients submitted to curative-intent resectional surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis with 637 gastric cancer cases submitted to curative-intent surgery, between 2010 and 2017, in an upper GI surgery unit. We analyzed 396 patients that met the inclusion criteria for this study. The median follow-up was 37 (0-113) months. RESULTS: According to Youden's method, the optimal PNI cutoff for OS was 41.625 (sensitivity 89.3% and specificity 41.3%). OS was significantly shorter in the lower-PNI group of patients when compared to the higher-PNI group (40.26 vs 77.49 months; p < 0.001). Higher PNI had a positive impact on OS in univariable analysis. When adjusted to pStage, higher PNI was still significantly associated with better OS (HR 0.405; CI 95% 0.253-0.649; p < 0.001). Regarding DFS, higher PNI was associated with better DFS (HR 0.421; CI 95% 0.218-0.815; p = 0.010). Higher-PNI group had a protective effect regarding postoperative morbidity and mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort, PNI was disclosed to significantly impact GC patients' OS and DFS, including in multivariable analysis when adjusting for classical prognostic features. PNI can be used to predict patients at increased risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality. This index may be of use in identifying candidate patients who would benefit from perioperative nutritional support to improve surgical outcomes.

ß-micrustoxin (Mlx-9), a PLA2 from Micrurus lemniscatus snake venom: biochemical characterization and anti-proliferative effect mediated by p53.

Background: Endogenous phospholipases A2 (PLA2) play a fundamental role in inflammation, neurodegenerative diseases, apoptosis and cellular senescence. Neurotoxins with PLA2 activity are found in snake venoms from the Elapidae and Viperidae families. The mechanism of action of these neurotoxins have been studied using hippocampal and cerebellar neuronal cultures showing [Ca2+]i increase, mitochondrial depolarization and cell death. Astrocytes are rarely used as a model, despite being modulators at the synapses and responsible for homeostasis and defense in the central nervous system. Preserving the cell division ability, they can be utilized to study the cell proliferation process. In the present work cultured astrocytes and glioblastoma cells were employed to characterize the action of ß-micrustoxin (previously named Mlx-9), a PLA2 isolated from Micrurus lemniscatus snake venom. The ß-micrustoxin structure was determined and the cell proliferation, cell cycle phases and the regulatory proteins p53, p21 and p27 were investigated. Methods: ß-micrustoxin was characterized biochemically by a proteomic approach. Astrocytes were obtained by dissociation of pineal glands from Wistar rats; glioblastoma tumor cells were purchased from ATCC and Sigma and cultured in DMEM medium. Cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay; cell proliferation and cell cycle phases were analyzed by flow cytometry; p53, p21 and p27 proteins were studied by western blotting and immunocytochemistry. Results: Proteomic analysis revealed fragments on ß-micrustoxin that aligned with a PLA2 from Micrurus lemniscatus lemniscatus previously identified as transcript ID DN112835_C3_g9_i1/m.9019. ß-micrustoxin impaired the viability of astrocytes and glioblastoma tumor cells. There was a reduction in cell proliferation, an increase in G2/M phase and activation of p53, p21 and p27 proteins in astrocytes. Conclusion: These findings indicate that ß-micrustoxin from Micrurus lemniscatus venom could inhibit cell proliferation through p53, p21 and p27 activation thus imposing cell cycle arrest at the checkpoint G2/M.

Mechanical and Tribological Characterization of WC-Co and WC-AISI 304 Composites by a Newly Developed Equipment.

Tungsten carbide-based composites are, in many cases, the materials of choice in applications requiring high wear resistance. In the present research work, the mechanical characterization of the WC-Co and WC-AISI 304 composites was carried out, with evaluation of the hardness and fracture toughness and tribological characterization of the composites that included the study of friction and wear rate coefficient through unlubricated sliding tests according to the Pin-on-Disc test method. It was possible to correlate the effect of the different binding phases on the mechanical and tribological properties of WC-based composites, and it can be concluded that the system composed by the tribological pair WC-AISI304/100Cr6 was the one that showed the lowest coefficient of friction while the tribological pair WC-Co/Al2O3 was the one that showed the lowest wear rate coefficient.

β-micrustoxin (Mlx-9), a PLA2 from Micrurus lemniscatus snake venom: biochemical characterization and anti-proliferative effect mediated by p53

Background: Endogenous phospholipases A2 (PLA2) play a fundamental role in inflammation, neurodegenerative diseases, apoptosis and cellular senescence. Neurotoxins with PLA2 activity are found in snake venoms from the Elapidae and Viperidae families. The mechanism of action of these neurotoxins have been studied using hippocampal and cerebellar neuronal cultures showing [Ca2+]i increase, mitochondrial depolarization and cell death. Astrocytes are rarely used as a model, despite being modulators at the synapses and responsible for homeostasis and defense in the central nervous system. Preserving the cell division ability, they can be utilized to study the cell proliferation process. In the present work cultured astrocytes and glioblastoma cells were employed to characterize the action of β-micrustoxin (previously named Mlx-9), a PLA2 isolated from Micrurus lemniscatus snake venom. The β-micrustoxin structure was determined and the cell proliferation, cell cycle phases and the regulatory proteins p53, p21 and p27 were investigated. Methods: β-micrustoxin was characterized biochemically by a proteomic approach. Astrocytes were obtained by dissociation of pineal glands from Wistar rats; glioblastoma tumor cells were purchased from ATCC and Sigma and cultured in DMEM medium. Cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay; cell proliferation and cell cycle phases were analyzed by flow cytometry; p53, p21 and p27 proteins were studied by western blotting and immunocytochemistry. Results: Proteomic analysis revealed fragments on β-micrustoxin that aligned with a PLA2 from Micrurus lemniscatus lemniscatus previously identified as transcript ID DN112835_C3_g9_i1/m.9019. β-micrustoxin impaired the viability of astrocytes and glioblastoma tumor cells. There was a reduction in cell proliferation, an increase in G2/M phase and activation of p53, p21 and p27 proteins in astrocytes. Conclusion: These findings indicate that β-micrustoxin from Micrurus lemniscatus venom could inhibit cell proliferation through p53, p21 and p27 activation thus imposing cell cycle arrest at the checkpoint G2/M.

Construction and validation of a serial album for companions of patients with stroke / Construcción y validación de un álbum en serie para acompañantes de pacientes con accidente cerebrovascular / Construção e validação de álbum seriado para acompanhantes de pacientes com Acidente Vascular Cerebral

ABSTRACT Objectives: to construct and validate a serial album, to be used in hospital discharge planning of patients with stroke. Methods: a methodological study, with construction of a serial album, validity by 22 judges and assessment by 22 companions. Data were collected from the Health Education Content Validity Instrument, with the companions, from the Suitability Assessment of Materials. Results: the serial album has 21 pages. The overall Content Validity Index was equal to 0.87 among expert judges and 1.0 among companions. Conclusions: the educational technology constructed was considered valid by the judges and assessed as understandable by the companions so that it presented itself as a viable technological resource for use in the health education of companions of patients with stroke.

RESUMEN Objetivos: construir y validar un álbum en serie, para ser utilizado en la planificación del alta hospitalaria de pacientes con accidente cerebrovascular. Métodos: estudio metodológico, con construcción del álbum en serie, validación por 22 jueces y evaluación por 22 acompañantes. Resultados: el álbum en serie tiene 21 páginas. El Índice de Validez de Contenido global fue igual a 0,87 entre jueces expertos y 1,0 entre acompañantes. Los datos fueron recolectados del Instrumento de Validación de Contenido de Educación en Salud, con los acompañantes, del Suitability Assessment of Materials. Conclusiones: la tecnología educativa construida fue considerada válida por los jueces y evaluada como comprensible por los acompañantes, de manera que se presentó como un recurso tecnológico viable para ser utilizado en la educación en salud de los acompañantes de pacientes con accidente cerebrovascular.

RESUMO Objetivos: construir e validar álbum seriado, para ser utilizado no planejamento da alta hospitalar de pacientes com acidente vascular cerebral. Métodos: estudo metodológico, com construção do álbum seriado, validação por 22 juízes e avaliação por 22 acompanhantes. Os dados foram coletados a partir do Instrumento de Validação de Conteúdo Educacional em Saúde, com os acompanhantes, a partir do Suitability Assessment of Materials. Resultados: o álbum seriado possui 21 páginas. O Índice de Validade de Conteúdo global foi igual a 0,87 entre os juízes especialistas e 1,0 entre os acompanhantes. Conclusões: a tecnologia educacional construída foi considerada válida pelos juízes e avaliada como compreensível pelos acompanhantes, de forma que se apresentou como recurso tecnológico viável para utilização na educação em saúde de acompanhantes de pacientes com acidente vascular cerebral.