Exploring circular RNAs as biomarkers for Parkinson's disease and their expression changes after aerobic exercise rehabilitation.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are circularized single-stranded ribonucleic acids that interacts with DNA, RNA, and proteins to play critical roles in cell biology. CircRNAs regulate microRNA content, gene expression, and may code for specific peptides. Indeed, circRNAs are differentially expressed in neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's disease (PD), playing a potential role in the mechanisms of brain pathology. The RNA molecules with aberrant expression in the brain can cross the blood-brain barrier and reach the bloodstream, which enable their use as non-invasive PD disease biomarker. Promising targets with valuable discriminatory ability in combined circRNA signatures include MAPK9_circ_0001566, SLAIN1_circ_0000497, SLAIN2_circ_0126525, PSEN1_circ_0003848, circ_0004381, and circ_0017204. On the other hand, regular exercises are effective therapy for mitigating PD symptoms, promoting neuroprotective effects with epigenetic modulation. Aerobic exercises slow symptom progression in PD by improving motor control, ameliorating higher functions, and enhancing brain activity and neuropathology. These improvements are accompanied by changes circRNA expression, including hsa_circ_0001535 (circFAM13B) and hsa_circ_0000437 (circCORO1C). The sensitivity of current methods for detecting circulating circRNAs is considered a limitation. While amplification kits already exist for low-abundant microRNAs, similar kits are needed for circRNAs. Alternatively, the use of digital PCR can help overcome this constraint. The current review examines the potential use of circRNAs as non-invasive biomarkers of PD and to assess the effects of rehabilitation. Although circRNAs hold promise as targets for PD diagnosis and therapeutics, further validation is needed before their clinical implementation.

Electrothermal mineralization of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances for soil remediation.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent and bioaccumulative pollutants that can easily accumulate in soil, posing a threat to environment and human health. Current PFAS degradation processes often suffer from low efficiency, high energy and water consumption, or lack of generality. Here, we develop a rapid electrothermal mineralization (REM) process to remediate PFAS-contaminated soil. With environmentally compatible biochar as the conductive additive, the soil temperature increases to >1000 °C within seconds by current pulse input, converting PFAS to calcium fluoride with inherent calcium compounds in soil. This process is applicable for remediating various PFAS contaminants in soil, with high removal efficiencies ( >99%) and mineralization ratios ( >90%). While retaining soil particle size, composition, water infiltration rate, and cation exchange capacity, REM facilitates an increase of exchangeable nutrient supply and arthropod survival in soil, rendering it superior to the time-consuming calcination approach that severely degrades soil properties. REM is scaled up to remediate soil at two kilograms per batch and promising for large-scale, on-site soil remediation. Life-cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis demonstrate REM as an environmentally friendly and economic process, with a significant reduction of energy consumption, greenhouse gas emission, water consumption, and operation cost, when compared to existing soil remediation practices.

Comparative analysis of the incidence of enteroparasitosis andthe COVID-19 pandemic profile in the city of Bananeiras - PB / Análise comparativa da incidência de enteroparasitoses e doperfil pandêmico da COVID-19 na cidade de Bananeiras - PB

Enteroparasitosis are diseases caused by parasitic agents present in the environment and in the gastrointestinal tract of living beings. In addition, they are still considered neglected diseases, but of great importance for public health, especially when they are related to secondary infections and currently their co-infection profile with COVID-19. The interaction of protozoa and/or helminths with the SARS-CoV-2 virus is timely and its signs and symptoms are confused with other pathogen relationships. In this way, this study aims to correlate the incidence of enteroparasitosis and COVID-19, in the pandemic period from 2020 to April 2022. This is a documentary and exploratory study of secondary data from laboratory tests of patients who were treated and diagnosed with COVID-19 and enteroparasitosis at Hospital Doutor Cloves Bezerra Cavalcante, Municipal Hospital of Bananeiras, Paraíba, Brazil. In the analysis of the database, a significant increase of approximately 48.85% in the incidence of COVID-19 cases from 2020 to 2021 stands out, remaining high until 2022. In contrast, cases of enteroparasites peaked at 48.74% in 2021, followed by an average reduction of 23.12%, with a deviation of 1.49%, in relation to the years 2020 and 2022. It was concluded that COVID-19 is predominantly associated with an increase in secondary infections, highlighting the crucial need to promote health education, improve basic sanitation and guarantee access to health services as essential components in combating the increase in parasitic infections, especially those related to viral pathologies.

As enteroparasitoses são enfermidades originadas por agentes parasitários presentes no meio ambiente e no trato gastrointestinal dos seres vivos. Ademais, ainda são consideradas doenças negligenciadas, porém de grande importância para a saúde pública, em especial, quando estão relacionadas com infecções secundárias e atualmente seu perfil de coinfecção com a COVID-19. A interação de protozoários e/ou helmintos com o vírus SARS-CoV-2 é oportuna e seus sinais e sintomas são confundidos com outras relações de patógenos. Desta maneira, este estudo visa correlacionar a incidência de enteroparasitoses e COVID-19, no período pandêmico de 2020 a abril de 2022. Trata--se de uma pesquisa documental e exploratória, de dados secundários dos exames laboratoriais de pacientes que foram atendidos e diagnosticados com COVID-19 e enteroparasitoses no Hospital Doutor Cloves Bezerra Cavalcante, Hospital Municipal de Bananeiras, Paraíba, Brasil. Na análise da base de dados, destaca-se um aumento significativo de aproximadamente 48,85% na incidência de casos de COVID-19 de 2020 a 2021, mantendo-se elevado até 2022. Em contraste, os casos de enteroparasitas atingiram um pico de 48,74% em 2021, seguido por uma redução média de 23,12%, com um desvio de 1,49%, em relação aos anos de 2020 e 2022. Conclui-se que a COVID-19 está predominantemente associada ao aumento de infecções secundárias, destacando a necessidade crucial de promover a educação em saúde, melhorar o saneamento básico e garantir o acesso aos serviços de saúde como componentes essenciais no combate ao aumento de infecções parasitárias, especialmente aquelas relacionadas a patologias virais.

The invisibility of the cognitive cost of military police work.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the cognitive cost of work for military police officers in the state of Rio de Janeiro. METHOD: This is a cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, carried out with 446 military police officers, of both sexes, distributed between non-commissioned officers and officers, in the 7th, 15th, 20th, 24th and 41st Military Police Battalions. An instrument was used to depict sociodemographic, work, lifestyle and health conditions and a scale for assessing the human cost of work, which analyses the demands of the job through physical, cognitive and affective costs. The data was organized, processed and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 13.1. RESULTS: The cognitive cost had the highest means, with severe results (µ = 3.86; SD = 0.86), representing greater demands in relation to the human cost of work among military police officers in the state of Rio de Janeiro and significant associations in relation to obesity, cognitive alterations in attention and memory, age and hours of sleep. CONCLUSION: In assessing the human cost of work, the cognitive cost was the most demanding in the work context of the military police officers surveyed, presenting a serious risk of illness.

Graphene Derived from Municipal Solid Waste.

Landfilling is long the most common method of disposal for municipal solid waste (MSW). However, many countries seek to implement different methods of MSW treatment due to the high global warming potential associated with landfilling. Other methods such as recycling and incineration are either limited to only a fraction of generated MSW or still produce large greenhouse gas emissions, thereby providing an unsustainable disposal method. Here, the production of graphene from treated MSW is reported that including treated wood waste, using flash Joule heating. Results indicated a 71%-83% reduction in global warming potential compared to traditional disposal methods at a net cost of -$282 of MSW, presuming the graphene is sold at just 5% of its current market value to offset the cost of the flash Joule heating process.

Electric Field Effects in Flash Joule Heating Synthesis.

Flash Joule heating has emerged as an ultrafast, scalable, and versatile synthesis method for nanomaterials, such as graphene. Here, we experimentally and theoretically deconvolute the contributions of thermal and electrical processes to the synthesis of graphene by flash Joule heating. While traditional methods of graphene synthesis involve purely chemical or thermal driving forces, our results show that the presence of charge and the resulting electric field in a graphene precursor catalyze the formation of graphene. Furthermore, modulation of the current or the pulse width affords the ability to control the three-step phase transition of the material from amorphous carbon to turbostratic graphene and finally to ordered (AB and ABC-stacked) graphene and graphite. Finally, density functional theory simulations reveal that the presence of a charge- and current-induced electric field inside the graphene precursor facilitates phase transition by lowering the activation energy of the reaction. These results demonstrate that the passage of electrical current through a solid sample can directly drive nanocrystal nucleation in flash Joule heating, an insight that may inform future Joule heating or other electrical synthesis strategies.

Transcription Factors in Prostate Cancer: Insights for Disease Development and Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches.

Transcription factors (TFs) are proteins essential for the regulation of gene expression, and they regulate the genes involved in different cellular processes, such as proliferation, differentiation, survival, and apoptosis. Although their expression is essential in normal physiological conditions, abnormal regulation of TFs plays critical role in several diseases, including cancer. In prostate cancer, the most common malignancy in men, TFs are known to play crucial roles in the initiation, progression, and resistance to therapy of the disease. Understanding the interplay between these TFs and their downstream targets provides insights into the molecular basis of prostate cancer pathogenesis. In this review, we discuss the involvement of key TFs, including the E26 Transformation-Specific (ETS) Family (ERG and SPDEF), NF-κB, Activating Protein-1 (AP-1), MYC, and androgen receptor (AR), in prostate cancer while focusing on the molecular mechanisms involved in prostate cancer development. We also discuss emerging diagnostic strategies, early detection, and risk stratification using TFs. Furthermore, we explore the development of therapeutic interventions targeting TF pathways, including the use of small molecule inhibitors, gene therapies, and immunotherapies, aimed at disrupting oncogenic TF signaling and improving patient outcomes. Understanding the complex regulation of TFs in prostate cancer provides valuable insights into disease biology, which ultimately may lead to advancing precision approaches for patients.

Underreporting of transfusion incidents.

BACKGROUND: Blood transfusion is an effective therapeutic practice. However, even adopting all procedures for transfusion safety, there are risks, one of which is immediate adverse reactions. The aim of this study was, by active search, to evaluate the occurrence of immediate adverse reactions estimating the occurrence rate within the first 24 h. METHODS: An exploratory, descriptive, prospective study with quantitative analysis was carried out of patients undergoing surgery who received blood component transfusions during hospitalization from October 2018 to August 2019. Data on blood component request forms were collected from the transfusion agency by reviewing medical records and interviewing the patient or family members. Descriptive statistics and the chi-square test were used to analyze the association of demographic variables with the presence or absence of transfusion reactions. RESULTS: A total of 1042 blood component units were transfused in 393 transfusions performed on 184 patients. The main transfused blood component was packed red blood cells. Seventeen reactions were identified in the medical records, using the active search method, none of which had been reported. The transfusion reaction rate was 16.3 occurrences per 1000 transfused units, while the notification rate for the 9389 blood component units transfused by the transfusion agency in the study period was 3.83/1000. There was no statistically significant association between the occurrences or not of transfusion reactions and demographic variables. CONCLUSION: Through the active search method, it was possible to observe the underreporting of adverse reactions, showing inadequate compliance with current legislation, which is essential to minimize errors and increase transfusion safety.

Nonpharmacologic Therapies for Postoperative Pain in Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVES: To search for studies that address the efficacy of nonpharmacologic methods for pain relief in adults undergoing cardiac surgeries. DESIGN: A systematic review registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) under number CRD42020168681. DATA SOURCE: PubMed, LILACS, CINAHL, the Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. REVIEW/ANALYSIS METHODS: The review used a PRISMA guideline that selected primary randomized controlled trials on the efficacy of nonpharmacologic pain relief therapies in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, with no time or language restrictions. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Randomized Clinical Trials was used to assess methodological rigor. RESULTS: After screening, 23 of the 140 studies found in the databases were selected. The studies examined the efficacy of 13 different nonpharmacologic therapies, as well as a combination of therapies, with massage therapy being the most commonly examined, followed by musical intervention and hypnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Some interventions, when combined with pharmacologic therapy, were effective in relieving postoperative pain after cardiac surgeries, according to the studies analyzed. However, most studies had significant methodological flaws, and further studies with high methodological quality are needed.

Safety performance analysis of horizontal curves in urban areas.

While numerous studies have examined horizontal curve risk factors in rural areas, there is only one study for urban areas. Moreover, previous studies have used limited datasets, which tend to generate an intrinsic bias on results either by the sample size or due to a lack of understanding of all the risk factors associated with curve safety. This study aims to narrow this knowledge gap in three aspects: it focuses on urban areas; it uses a large novel GIS dataset of about 25,000 urban curves; and it expands the traditional curve risk factor pool by examining the spatial relationship of curves to adjacent curves and intersections. Using this curve dataset and six years of statewide fatal and injury crash data in the state of Florida, the study develops customized safety performance functions (SPFs) for urban curves based on different spatial relationships of curves to intersections. The results confirm that the traditional risk factors for rural curves, such as traffic volume, curve radius and length, speed limit, functional classification, and the number of lanes, also apply to curves in urban areas. However, the new finding is that curve safety in urban areas is affected by the proximity of curves to adjacent curves and intersections. The curves with intersections and isolated curves (with no adjacent nearby curves) are at high risk. There are also risk factor differences between single and dual-centerline roads. We also observed differences between the travel directions on divided roadway curves, but these differences will require more research.

The invisibility of the cognitive cost of military police work / La invisibilidad del costo cognitivo del trabajo de la policía militar / A invisibilidade do custo cognitivo no trabalho de policiais militares

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the cognitive cost of work for military police officers in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Method: This is a cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, carried out with 446 military police officers, of both sexes, distributed between non-commissioned officers and officers, in the 7th, 15th, 20th, 24th and 41st Military Police Battalions. An instrument was used to depict sociodemographic, work, lifestyle and health conditions and a scale for assessing the human cost of work, which analyses the demands of the job through physical, cognitive and affective costs. The data was organized, processed and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 13.1. Results: The cognitive cost had the highest means, with severe results (μ = 3.86; SD = 0.86), representing greater demands in relation to the human cost of work among military police officers in the state of Rio de Janeiro and significant associations in relation to obesity, cognitive alterations in attention and memory, age and hours of sleep. Conclusion: In assessing the human cost of work, the cognitive cost was the most demanding in the work context of the military police officers surveyed, presenting a serious risk of illness.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar los costos cognitivos producidos por el trabajo de los policías militares del estado de Rio de Janeiro. Método: Se trata de un estudio transversal con abordaje cuantitativo, realizado con 446 policías militares, de ambos sexos, distribuidos entre cuadros y oficiales, de los Batallones 7°, 15°, 20°, 24° y 41° de la Policía Militar. Se utilizó un instrumento para caracterizar las condiciones sociodemográficas, laborales, de estilo de vida y de salud, y una escala para evaluar el costo humano del trabajo, que analiza las exigencias del trabajo a través de los costos físicos, cognitivos y afectivos. Los datos fueron organizados, procesados y analizados utilizando el software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), versión 13.1. Resultados: El costo cognitivo presentó las medias más altas, con resultados graves (μ = 3,86; SD = 0,86), representando mayores exigencias en relación al costo humano del trabajo entre los policías militares del estado de Río de Janeiro y asociaciones significativas en relación a la obesidad, alteraciones cognitivas de atención y memoria, edad y horas de sueño. Conclusión: Al evaluar el coste humano del trabajo, el coste cognitivo fue el más exigente en el contexto laboral de los policías militares encuestados, presentando un grave riesgo de enfermedad.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar o custo cognitivo no trabalho dos policiais militares do estado do Rio de Janeiro. Método: Trata-se de um estudo de corte transversal com abordagem quantitativa, realizado com 446 policiais militares, de ambos os sexos, distribuídos entre praças e oficiais, nos 7°, 15°, 20°, 24° e 41° batalhões de Polícia Militar. Utilizou-se um instrumento para a caracterização sociodemográfica, laboral, hábitos de vida e condições de saúde e uma escala de avaliação do custo humano no trabalho, que analisa as exigências relativas ao trabalho por meio dos custos físico, cognitivo e afetivo. Os dados foram organizados, processados e analisados com o auxílio do programa Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), versão 13.1. Resultados: O custo cognitivo apresentou as maiores médias, com resultados graves (μ = 3,86; DP = 0,86), representando maior exigência em relação ao custo humano no trabalho entre os policiais militares do estado do Rio de Janeiro e associações significativas em relação à obesidade, alterações cognitivas de atenção e memória, idade e horas de sono. Conclusão: Na avaliação do custo humano no trabalho, o custo cognitivo foi o mais exigido no contexto de trabalho dos policiais militares pesquisados apresentando um risco grave para o adoecimento.

Advocacy e condições de trabalho na universidade: Estratégia para o empoderamento do docente de enfermagem / Advocacy and working conditions at the university: A strategy for the empowerment of nursing teachers / Advocacy y condiciones laborales en la universidad: Estrategia para el empoderamiento del profesorado de enfermería

Resumo Enquadramento: No campo da enfermagem a advocacy procura contribuir no direito à saúde, que se insere no campo dos direitos humanos, pois está intrinsecamente relacionado ao direito de todos a uma vida saudável. Objetivo: Analisar a perceção de docentes sobre a advocacy na enfermagem e discutir as estratégias de promoção de advocacy para o trabalhador docente universitário de enfermagem. Metodologia: Estudo descritivo e exploratório, de abordagem qualitativa realizado em duas universidades públicas situadas no município do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Os participantes foram 14 docentes de enfermagem. Utilizou-se o grupo focal e os dados foram analisados à luz da técnica de análise de conteúdo. Resultados: Destaca-se a advocacy como atividade imperativa para alcançar a defesa dos interesses da categoria profissional, bem como a utilização das mídias como estratégia de divulgação do trabalho da enfermagem, incluindo os docentes de enfermagem. Conclusão: A advocacy é uma estratégia de promoção e valorização dos docentes de enfermagem em universidades sendo necessário o investimento nessa estratégia como importante recurso para a promoção da valorização profissional.

Abstract Background: In nursing, advocacy seeks to contribute to the right to health, which is intrinsically related to the human right to a healthy life. Objective: To analyze university teachers' perceptions of advocacy in nursing and discuss strategies to promote advocacy for university nursing teachers. Methodology: A descriptive and exploratory study with a qualitative approach was carried out in two public universities in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The participants were 14 nursing teachers. A focus group was conducted, and data were analyzed using the content analysis technique. Results: Advocacy stands out as a crucial activity to defend the professional category's interests, using the media as a strategy for disseminating nursing work, including nursing teachers. Conclusion: An investment in advocacy is needed as it is a strategy for valuing university nursing teachers and promoting their professional development.

Resumen Marco contextual: En el ámbito de la enfermería, la advocacy pretende contribuir al derecho a la salud, que se enmarca en el ámbito de los derechos humanos, ya que está intrínsecamente relacionado con el derecho de todos a una vida sana. Objetivo: Analizar la percepción de los profesores sobre la advocacy en la enfermería y debatir estrategias para promover la advocacy para el trabajador docente universitario de enfermería. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo y exploratorio de enfoque cualitativo realizado en dos universidades públicas localizadas en el municipio de Río de Janeiro, Brasil. Los participantes fueron 14 profesores de enfermería. Se utilizó el grupo focal y los datos fueron analizados con la técnica de análisis de contenido. Resultados: Se destaca la advocacy como actividad imprescindible para lograr la defensa de los intereses de la categoría profesional, así como la utilización de los medios de comunicación como estrategia de difusión del trabajo de enfermería, incluidos los docentes de enfermería. Conclusión: La advocacy es una estrategia de promoción y valoración del profesorado de enfermería en las universidades y es necesario invertir en esta estrategia como recurso fundamental para la promoción de la valoración profesional.

Qualidade de vida no trabalho dos docentes de enfermagem universitários na modernidade líquida / Quality of work life of university nursing teacher in liquid modernity / Calidad de vida laboral de profesores universitarios del área de enfermería en la modernidad líquida

Objetivo: analisar a qualidade de vida no trabalho dos docentes de enfermagem universitários, considerando a configuração do mundo líquido. Método: estudo qualitativo, descritivo, de abordagem qualitativa, realizado em duas universidades públicas. Os participantes do estudo foram 14 docentes de enfermagem pertencentes às universidades. Para a coleta de dados foi utilizado o grupo focal e os dados foram analisados à luz da técnica de análise de conteúdo. Resultados: observa-se excesso de atividades e cobrança exacerbada refletindo na sobrecarga de trabalho, bem como desmonte das universidades públicas ocasionando instabilidade no processo de trabalho e consequente condições laborais inadequadas. Considerações finais: o trabalho docente no mundo líquido guarda características diferenciadas inerentes à prática da educação, quando comparada a outros grupos de trabalhadores. Assim, configura-se a necessidade de investimento nas universidades públicas a fim de proporcionar a disponibilização de verbas para o desenvolvimento do ensino, pesquisa e extensão, no incremento da ciência e tecnologia(AU)

Objective: to analyze the quality of life at work of university nursing professors, considering the configuration of the liquid world. Method: qualitative, descriptive study, with a qualitative approach, carried out in two public universities. Study participants were 14 nursing professors belonging to universities. For data collection, a focus group was used and the data were analyzed using the content analysis technique. Results: there is an excess of activities and exacerbated demands, reflecting on work overload, as well as the dismantling of public universities, causing instability in the work process and consequent inadequate working conditions. Final considerations: the teaching work in the liquid world has different characteristics inherent to the practice of education, when compared to other groups of workers. Thus, there is a need for investment in public universities in order to provide funds for the development of teaching, research and extension, in the increment of science and technology(AU)

Objetivo: analizar la calidad de vida en el trabajo de profesores universitarios de enfermería, considerando la configuración del mundo líquido. Método: estudio descriptivo, con enfoque cualitativo, realizado en dos universidades públicas. 14 profesores de enfermería pertenecientes a universidades participaron en el estudio. Para la recolección de datos se utilizó un grupo focal y se analizaron los datos mediante la técnica de análisis de contenido. Resultados: hay un exceso de actividades y exigencias exageradas, lo que se refleja en la sobrecarga de trabajo, así como el desmantelamiento de las universidades públicas, lo que provoca inestabilidad en el proceso de trabajo y consecuentemente condiciones de trabajo inadecuadas. Consideraciones finales: el trabajo docente en el mundo líquido tiene características diferentes inherentes a la práctica de la educación, cuando se compara con otros grupos de trabajadores. Por lo tanto, existe la necesidad de invertir en las universidades públicas con fines de poner a disposición fondos para el desarrollo de la enseñanza, la investigación y la extensión, en el incremento de la ciencia y la tecnología(AU)

Synthesis of Clean Hydrogen Gas from Waste Plastic at Zero Net Cost.

Hydrogen gas (H2 ) is the primary storable fuel for pollution-free energy production, with over 90 million tonnes used globally per year. More than 95% of H2 is synthesized through metal-catalyzed steam methane reforming that produces 11 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2 ) per tonne H2 . "Green H2 " from water electrolysis using renewable energy evolves no CO2 , but costs 2-3× more, making it presently economically unviable. Here catalyst-free conversion of waste plastic into clean H2 along with high purity graphene is reported. The scalable procedure evolves no CO2 when deconstructing polyolefins and produces H2 in purities up to 94% at high mass yields. The sale of graphene byproduct at just 5% of its current value yields H2 production at a negative cost. Life-cycle assessment demonstrates a 39-84% reduction in emissions compared to other H2 production methods, suggesting the flash H2 process to be an economically viable, clean H2 production route.

The effects of different metal posts, cements, and exposure parameters on cone-beam computed tomography artifacts.

Purpose: This study assessed the intensity of artifacts produced by 2 metal posts, 2 cements, and different exposure parameters using 2 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) units. Materials and Methods: The sample was composed of 20 single-rooted premolars, divided into 4 groups: Ni-Cr/zinc phosphate, Ni-Cr/resin cement, Ag-Pd/zinc phosphate, and Ag-Pd/resin cement. Samples were scanned before and after post insertion and cementation using a CS9000 3D scanner with 4 exposure parameters (85/90 kV and 6.3/10 mA) and an i-CAT scanner with 120 kV and 5 mA. The presence of artifacts was assessed subjectively by 2 observers and objectively by a trained observer using ImageJ software. The Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon, weighted kappa, and chi-square tests were used to assess data at a 95% confidence level (α<0.05). Results: In the subjective analyses, AgPd presented more hypodense and hyperdense lines than NiCr (P<0.05), and more hypodense halos were found using i-CAT (P<0.05) than using CS9000 3D. More hypodense halos, hypodense lines, and hyperdense lines were observed at 10 mA than at 6.3 mA (P<0.05). More hypodense halos were observed at 85 kV than at 90 kV (P<0.05). CS9000 3D presented more hypodense and hyperdense lines than i-CAT (P<0.05). In the objective analyses, AgPd presented higher percentages of hyperdense and hypodense artifacts than NiCr (P<0.05). Zinc phosphate cement presented higher hyperdense artifact percentages on CS9000 3D scans (P<0.05). CS9000 3D presented higher artifact percentages than i-CAT (P<0.05). Conclusion: High-atomic-number alloys, higher tube current, and lower tube voltage may increase the artifacts present in CBCT images.

Short implants: Influence of different diameters, torques, and transmucosal heights of straight prosthetic abutments on screw preload loss after cycling.

This study evaluated the influence of different implant diameters, insertion torques, and transmucosal heights on the loosening of abutments installed on short implants, after mechanical cycling. The Morse taper connection implants (n = 96) tested were 5 mm high, divided according to the platform diameter: 4 or 6 mm. A universal abutment was coupled to each implant (with different transmucosal heights: 1 or 5 mm). The sets were subdivided into 20- and 32-Ncm torque. After the cycle fatigue test, the detorque values were measured with a digital torque indicator. After mechanical cycling, the mean detorque values obtained for the abutment with 20-Ncm insertion torque were lower than for implants with 32-Ncm insertion torque, regardless of the platform diameter or transmucosal height. In the 20-Ncm torque group, there was no statistically significant difference in the detorque values between platform diameters or transmucosal heights. Otherwise, for 32-Ncm sets, a smaller platform diameter (4 mm), and a longer transmucosal height (5 mm) showed the lowest detorque values. In conclusion, implants placed with 32-Ncm insertion torque and abutments with 1 mm transmucosal height and a 6 mm implant diameter demonstrated the highest detorque values.

Field-Based Estimates of Muscle Quality Index Determine Timed-Up-and-Go Test Performance in Obese Older Women.

Objective: The muscle quality index (MQI) is associated with numerous health outcomes in adults; however, the effects of distinct MQI on functional capacity in obese older women have not yet been fully investigated. Thus, we investigated the contribution of different muscle quality indices on TUG performance prediction in obese older women. We secondarily evaluated the association between MQI, aerobic capacity performance (Treadmill performance and 6-minute walk test), and obesity indices (BMI, body fat percentage, and neck, waist, and hip circumference). Methods: Participants included 64 obese older women (mean age 67.05 ± 5.46 years, body fat ≥ 35%). General anthropometric, health history, body composition, treadmill exercise, and functional test (Time up and go) measures were collected. A hydraulic dynamometer was used to assess muscle strength, and Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) to identify body fat percentage. The field MQI was defined as the highest reading divided by the subject's body mass index (BMI), while the laboratory MQI was obtained by the ratio of grip strength to the entire arm muscle in kilograms measured by DXA. A hierarchical multiple regression was performed to predict TUG-test performance. Results: An increase in field MQI of one unit is associated with a decrease of 2.59 seconds in the TUG test (ß = -0.540; p = 0.004). There was no association between laboratory MQI and TUG performance (ß = 0.067; p = 0.712). Furthermore, field MQI displays a positive correlation (p < 0.05) with aerobic capacity performance (6-minute walk test and peak O2 consumption) and a negative correlation (p < 0.05) with diverse obesity indices (neck and waist circumference, body fat, and BMI). Conclusion: MQI displayed an important prediction with TUG-test, a positive correlation with aerobic capacity, and a negative correlation with obesity indices.

Upcycling of Waste Plastic into Hybrid Carbon Nanomaterials.

Graphitic 1D and hybrid nanomaterials represent a powerful solution in composite and electronic applications due to exceptional properties, but large-scale synthesis of hybrid materials has yet to be realized. Here, a rapid, scalable method to produce graphitic 1D materials from polymers using flash Joule heating (FJH) is reported. This avoids lengthy chemical vapor deposition and uses no solvent or water. The flash 1D materials (F1DM), synthesized using a variety of earth-abundant catalysts, have controllable diameters and morphologies by parameter tuning. Furthermore, the process can be modified to form hybrid materials, with F1DM bonded to turbostratic graphene. In nanocomposites, F1DM outperform commercially available carbon nanotubes. Compared to current 1D material synthetic strategies using life cycle assessment, FJH synthesis represents an 86-92% decrease in cumulative energy demand and 92-94% decrease in global-warming potential. This work suggests that FJH affords a cost-effective and sustainable route to upcycle waste plastic into valuable 1D and hybrid nanomaterials.

Direitos dos docentes de enfermagem na contemporaneidade: análise a partir de grupo focal / Rights of nursing teachers in the contemporany: analysis from focal group / Derechos de los profesores de enfermería en la contemporánea: análisis desde un grupo focal

Objetivo: verificar a percepção dos docentes universitários de enfermagem acerca dos seus direitos laborais e discutir tais direitos na contemporaneidade. Método: pesquisa descritiva e exploratória de abordagem qualitativa realizada em universidades públicas situadas no município do Rio de janeiro. Os participantes do estudo foram 14 docentes de enfermagem lotados em duas universidades públicas. Para a coleta de dados foi utilizado o grupo focal e os dados foram analisados à luz da técnica de análise de conteúdo. Resultados: emergiram três categorias: os direitos do docente de enfermagem nas universidades públicas no contexto neoliberal; educação como direito de todos para o desenvolvimento do Brasil; e direitos laborais sob a ótica dos docentes de enfermagem: respeito ao contrato de trabalho. Conclusão: destaca-se a necessidade de respeito aos direitos humanos, para a promoção da qualidade de vida no contexto do trabalho do docente

Objective: to verify the perception of university nursing professors about their labor rights and to discuss these rights in contemporary times. Method: descriptive and exploratory research with a qualitative approach carried out in public universities located in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Study participants were 14 nursing professors working at two public universities. For data collection, the focus group was used and the data were analyzed in the light of the content analysis technique. Results: three categories emerged: the rights of nursing professors in public universities in the neoliberal context; education as a right for all for the development of Brazil; and labor rights from the perspective of nursing professors: respect for the employment contract. Conclusion: the need to respect human rights is highlighted, in order to promote quality of life in the context of the teacher's work

Objetivo: verificar la percepción de los profesores universitarios de enfermería sobre sus derechos laborales y discutir esos derechos en la contemporaneidad. Método: investigación descriptiva y exploratoria con enfoque cualitativo realizada en universidades públicas ubicadas en la ciudad de Río de Janeiro. Los participantes del estudio fueron 14 profesores de enfermería que trabajaban en dos universidades públicas. Para la recolección de datos se utilizó el grupo focal y los datos fueron analizados a la luz de la técnica de análisis de contenido. Resultados: surgieron tres categorías: los derechos de los profesores de enfermería en las universidades públicas en el contexto neoliberal; la educación como derecho de todos para el desarrollo de Brasil; y derechos laborales en la perspectiva de los profesores de enfermería: respeto al contrato de trabajo. Conclusión: se destaca la necesidad de respetar los derechos humanos, con el fin de promover la calidad de vida en el contexto del trabajo docente

Efeitos de 16 semanas de exercícios multimodais na capacidade funcional e cognitiva em idosos / Effects of 16 weeks of multimodal exercise on functional and cognitive capacity in the elderly / Efectos de 16 semanas de ejercicios multimodales sobre la capacidad funcional y cognitiva de los ancianos

O presente estudo buscou verificar o efeito de 16 semanas de exercícios multimodais na capacidade funcional e cognitiva em idosos comunitários do município de Tocantinópolis-TO. A pesquisa teve caráter descritivo, longitudinal e quase- experimental. Participaram deste estudo 44 idosos, sendo 20 do sexo masculino, com média de idade de 69 ± 7,3 anos e 24 do sexo feminino, com média de idade de 66 ± 7,6 anos. A seleção dos participantes foi realizada por meio da técnica de amostragem por conveniência em utentes da Academia da Melhor Idade (AMI), em Tocantinópolis-TO. Antes e após as 16 semanas de intervenção com exercícios multimodais, foram aplicadas: a bateria Senior fitness test de Rikli & Jones (2013) e avaliação do estado cognitivo com o Mini Exame de Estado Mental (MEEM). Em relação às variáveis da capacidade funcional, apenas o teste de "Caminhada de 6 minutos" apresentou diferença significativa nos participantes do sexo masculino (C6Min pré = 516,2 metros vs. pós = 545,8 metros; p < 0,05). Nas mulheres foram observadas diferenças significativas nas variáveis "Levantar e Sentar da Cadeira" (LSC pré = 12,5 repetições vs. Pós = 14,1 repetições; p < 0,05), "Sentado, Caminhar 2,44 m e sentar" (SCS pré = 7,3 segundos vs. pós = 6,8 segundos; p < 0,05) e "Caminhada de 6 minutos" (C6Min pré = 483,1 m vs. pós = 514,1 m; p < 0,05). O nível de cognição apresentou diferença significativa após 16 semanas de intervenção em relação aos valores verificados no baseline, tanto para os homens (MEEM pré = 21,2 vs. pós = 23,9; p < 0,05), quanto para as mulheres (MEEM pré = 23,9 pontos vs. pós = 25,1 pontos; p < 0,05). Conclui-se que os exercícios multimodais foram efetivos na melhora da cognição em e em determinadas variáveis relacionadas à capacidade funcional nos idosos após 16 semanas de intervenção.

The present study sought to verify the effect of 16 weeks of multimodal exercises on functional and cognitive capacity in community elderly of the municipality of Tocantinópolis-TO. The research had a descriptive, longitudinal and quasi- experimental character. This study included 44 elderly subjects, 20 of whom were male, with mean age of 69 ± 7.3 years, and 24 of whom were female, with mean age of 66 ± 7.6 years. The selection of the participants was carried out by means of the technique of sampling for convenience in users of the Academy of the Best Age (AMI), in Tocantinópolis-TO. Before and after the 16 weeks of intervention with multimodal exercises, we applied: the Rikli & Jones Senior fitness test (2013) and cognitive status assessment with the Mini Mental State Examination (MEEM). Regarding the functional capacity variables, only the "6-minute walk" test showed a significant difference in the male participants (C6Min pre = 516.2 meters vs. post = 545.8 meters; p < 0.05). In women, significant differences were observed in the variables "Lift and Sit of the Chair" (LSC pre = 12.5 repetitions vs. Post = 14.1 repetitions; p < 0.05), "Sit, Walk 2.44 m and sit" (SCS pre = 7.3 seconds vs. post = 6.8 seconds; p < 0.05) and "Walk of 6 minutes" (C6Min pre = 483.1 m vs. post = 514.1 m; p < 0.05). The level of cognition was significantly different after 16 weeks of intervention from baseline values for both men (pre-MSE = 21.2 vs. post = 23.9; p < 0.05) and women (pre-MSE = 23.9 points vs. post = 25.1 points; p < 0.05). It is concluded that multimodal exercises were effective in improving cognition in and in certain variables related to functional capacity in the elderly after 16 weeks of intervention.

Este estudio buscó verificar el efecto de 16 semanas de ejercicio multimodal sobre la capacidad funcional y cognitiva de las personas mayores en el municipio de Tocantinópolis-TO. La investigación tenía un carácter descriptivo, longitudinal y casi experimental. Este estudio incluyó 44 sujetos de edad avanzada, 20 de los cuales eran hombres, de una edad media de 69 ± 7,3 años y 24 eran mujeres, con una edad media de 66 ± 7,6 años. La selección de los participantes se realizó mediante una técnica de muestreo para la conveniencia de los usuarios de la Academia de la Mejor Edad (AMI), en Tocantinópolis-TO. Antes y después de 16 semanas de intervención con ejercicios multimodales, se aplicó la Senior fitness test de Rikli & Jones (2013) y la evaluación del estado cognitivo con el Mini Examen de Estado Mental (MEEM). Para las variables de capacidad funcional, sólo el test de "caminata de 6 minutos" mostró una diferencia significativa en los participantes masculinos (C6Min pre = 516,2 metros vs. post = 545,8 metros; p < 0,05). En las mujeres se observaron diferencias significativas en las variables "Levantamiento y siéntate desde la silla" (pre = 12,5 repeticiones vs. Post = 14,1 repeticiones; p < 0,05), "Sitting, Walk 2,44 m y Sit" (pre-SCS = 7,3 segundos vs. Post = 6,8 segundos; p < 0,05) y "6 minutos de sentido" (C6S) Mínimo pre = 483,1 m vs. post = 514,1 m; p < 0,05). El nivel de cognición fue significativamente diferente después de 16 semanas de intervención respecto al valor baseline para ambos hombres (MEEM pre= 21,2 vs. post = 23,9; p < 0,05) y mujeres (MEEM pre= 23,9 puntos vs. post = 25,1 puntos; p < 0,05). Se concluye que los ejercicios multimodales fueron eficaces para mejorar la cognición en y sobre determinadas variables relacionadas con la capacidad funcional en las personas mayores después de 16 semanas de intervención.