Escala de alerta precoce na identificação de pacientes com risco de deterioração clínica / Early warning scale for identifying patients at risk of clinical deterioration / Escala de alerta temprana en la identificación de pacientes con riesgo de deterioro clínico

Objetivo: avaliar pontuação da National Early Warning Score (NEWS) em relação ao tipo de desfecho e perfil dos pacientes da enfermaria clínica médica de um hospital em Teresina, Piauí, Brasil. Método: estudo quantitativo realizado num hospital público, em Teresina, com 150 prontuários de pacientes internados no setor clínica médica de fevereiro de 2022 a dezembro de 2022, a partir de registros demográficos, clínicos e valores da escala na admissão e desfecho. Resultados: houve associação dos valores da escala com a faixa etária (p=0,029), tempo de internação (p=0,023) e tipo de desfecho (p < 0,001). Alto risco clínico prevaleceu entre pacientes do sexo masculino (13%), na faixa etária de 60 a 94 anos (13%), com permanência de 21 a 57 dias (19,2%) e óbito como desfecho (100%). Conclusão: implementação da referida escala evidenciou ser fundamental para prever agravos clínicos e melhorar qualidade da assistência.

Objective: to evaluate the National Early Warning Score (NEWS) in relation to the type of outcome and profile of patients in the medical clinical ward of a hospital in Teresina, Piauí, Brazil. Method: a quantitative study conducted in a public hospital in Teresina, with 150 medical records of patients admitted to the medical clinic sector from February 2022 to December 2022, based on demographic and clinical records and scale values at admission and outcome. Results: there was an association between the scale values and the age group (p=0.029), length of stay (p=0.023) and type of outcome (p < 0.001). High clinical risk prevailed among male patients (13%), aged between 60 and 94 years (13%), with a stay of 21 to 57 days (19.2%), and death as an outcome (100%). Conclusion: implementation of the aforementioned scale proved to be fundamental for predicting clinical problems and improving care quality.

Objetivo: evaluar el puntaje de la National Early Warning Score (NEWS) con respecto al tipo de desenlace y el perfil de los pacientes de la enfermería clínica médica de un hospital en Teresina, Piauí, Brasil. Método: estudio cuantitativo realizado en un hospital público en Teresina, con 150 historiales médicos de pacientes internados en el sector de clínica médica desde febrero de 2022 hasta diciembre de 2022, a partir de registros demográficos, clínicos y valores de la escala en la admisión y desenlace. Resultados: hubo asociación de los valores de la escala con la edad (p=0,029), tiempo de internación (p=0,023) y tipo de desenlace (p < 0,001). El alto riesgo clínico prevaleció entre los pacientes del sexo masculino (13%), en la franja de edad entre 60 y 94 años (13%), con una estancia de 21 a 57 días (19,2%) y fallecimiento como desenlace (100%). Conclusión: la implementación de dicha escala demostró ser fundamental para prever agravios clínicos y mejorar la calidad de la asistencia.

Educational Intervention to Promote Parent/Caregiver Self-Efficacy in the Management and Control of Childhood Asthma: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is a leading cause of pediatric hospitalization and morbidity, necessitating the development of educational interventions for its management and control. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention in promoting parent/caregiver self-efficacy in the management and control of their children's asthma. METHODS: A clinical trial was conducted in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil, involving two randomized groups of parents/caregivers of children: the comparison group (CG) (n = 42) and the intervention group (IG) (n = 42). Data collection took place in two phases: the first included face-to-face sessions followed by the educational intervention in the IG, and the second included telephone follow-up. The educational intervention included the use of an educational booklet and a brief motivational interview. RESULTS: The groups were homogeneous at baseline. After the intervention, the mean self-efficacy scores of the IG were significantly higher than those of the CG (p < 0.05), and children whose parents/caregivers were in the CG were 1.43 times more likely to experience an asthma crisis than those in the IG. CONCLUSIONS: The educational intervention proved effective in increasing parent/caregiver self-efficacy in asthma management and control. Furthermore, children whose parents/caregivers did not receive the educational intervention were more likely to experience an asthma crisis.

Triatomines know no boundaries: Triatoma delpontei Romaña & Abalos, 1947 (Heteroptera: Reduviidae) discovered in Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil.

Triatominae are recognized as vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, a protozoan which is the etiological agent of Chagas disease. A specimen of Triatoma delpontei was found at Porto Murtinho in Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil. This is the first report of the occurrence of T. delpontei to the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. With the present finding, the total number of triatomines recorded in Mato do Grosso do Sul reaches 17 species, while T. delpontei, previously recorded only from Rio Grande do Sul, is now recorded to a second Brazilian state. Based on the information available in the literature, a meticulous and organized compilation has been crafted, highlighting the cytogenetics differentiations of the species occurring in this state. This work emphasizes the importance of continuous research and surveillance on Triatominae, recognized as vectors of T. cruzi.

Chemotherapy-induced acute kidney injury: epidemiology, pathophysiology, and therapeutic approaches.

Despite significant advancements in oncology, conventional chemotherapy remains the primary treatment for diverse malignancies. Acute kidney injury (AKI) stands out as one of the most prevalent and severe adverse effects associated with these cytotoxic agents. While platinum compounds are well-known for their nephrotoxic potential, other drugs including antimetabolites, alkylating agents, and antitumor antibiotics are also associated. The onset of AKI poses substantial risks, including heightened morbidity and mortality rates, prolonged hospital stays, treatment interruptions, and the need for renal replacement therapy, all of which impede optimal patient care. Various proactive measures, such as aggressive hydration and diuresis, have been identified as potential strategies to mitigate AKI; however, preventing its occurrence during chemotherapy remains challenging. Additionally, several factors, including intravascular volume depletion, sepsis, exposure to other nephrotoxic agents, tumor lysis syndrome, and direct damage from cancer's pathophysiology, frequently contribute to or exacerbate kidney injury. This article aims to comprehensively review the epidemiology, mechanisms of injury, diagnosis, treatment options, and prevention strategies for AKI induced by conventional chemotherapy.

Quantitative and Qualitative Research in the Field of 'Spirituality and Health': An Introductory How-to-Guide from a Brazilian Perspective.

The present article aims to describe the different steps on how to design, develop and conduct quantitative and qualitative Spirituality and Health (S/H) studies from a Brazilian perspective, discussing definitions and instruments, and proposing a "how-to guide" for those interested in this field of research. A narrative review of the literature has been conducted by experts in the field of S/H aiming to develop a "how-to-guide". Spirituality is a very complex concept that has several challenges in the current scientific literature, including the lack of consensus in the definitions, the numerous dimensions assessed, the diverse instruments for measurement, the criticisms from other scholars, the great diversity of religious and cultural traditions and the growing number of "spiritual but not religious" individuals. This review supports that S/H studies may follow the high scientific standards, using consolidated research procedures and solid methods for both qualitative and quantitative research. Some peculiarities of the research methods for this field are discussed. S/H research is still under development, and there are several future directions for S/H studies, aiming to minimize previous criticisms and generating stronger evidence.

Evaluation of 1,9-Dimethyl-Methylene Blue nanoencapsulation using rhamnolipid nanoparticles to potentiate the Photodynamic Therapy technique in Candida albicans: In vitro study.

With the rapid development of nanotechnology, various functional nanomaterials have shown exciting potential in biomedical areas such as drug delivery, antitumor, and antibacterial therapy. These nanomaterials improve the stability and selectivity of loaded drugs, reduce drug-induced side effects, realize controlled and targeted drug release, and increase therapeutic efficacy. The increased resistance to antifungal microbicides in medical practice and their side effects stimulate interest in new therapies, such as Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), which do not generate resistance in microorganisms and effectively control the pathology. The present study aimed to evaluate, in vitro, the efficacy of photodynamic therapy on Candida albicans using 1,9-Dimethyl-Methylene Blue (DMMB) as photosensitizer, red LED (λ630), and nanoencapsulation of DMMB (RL-NPs/DMMB) using rhamnolipids produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa to evaluate if there is better performance of DMMB + RL particles compared to DMMB alone via the characterization of DMMB + RL and colony forming count. The tests were carried out across six experimental groups (Control, DMMB, RL-NPs, RL-NPs/DMMB, PDT and PDT + RL-NPs/DMMB) using in the groups with nanoparticles, DMMB (750 ng/mL) encapsulated with rhamnolipids in a 1:1 ratio, the light source consisted of a prototype built with a set of red LEDs with an energy density of 20 J/cm2. The results showed that applying PDT combined with encapsulation (RL-NPs/DMMB) was a more practical approach to inhibit Candida albicans (2 log reduction) than conventional applications, with a possible clinical application protocol.

Social determinants and access to health services in patients with COVID-19: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the association between social determinants of health and access to health services for COVID-19 patients. METHOD: Analytical, cross-sectional study, carried out in three states in the Northeast of Brazil (Ceará, Maranhão and Pernambuco), with 968 patients, using questionnaires with sociodemographic data, determinants and the Primary Care Assessment Tool, adapted to the reality of COVID-19, with 58 items, classified as high (score ≥ 6.6) and low (score < 6.6), whose high value reveals better standards of access to health services. The Chi-square test was used for comparative analysis. RESULTS: There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the domains of the instrument and the following determinants: age, skin color, body mass index, origin, schooling, employment, services close to home, first service, income and means of transport. CONCLUSION: Access to health services for people with COVID-19 was associated with various determinants, including individual, behavioural and social ones, correlated with the structural and organizational aspects of the health services offered by the three states of Northeastern Brazil.

Conhecimento e prática de enfermeiros da atenção primáriasobre o transtorno do espectro autista / Knowledge and practice of primary care nurses about autism spectrum disorder

Objetivo:Avaliar conhecimento e prática de enfermeiros de unidades de atenção primária à saúde acerca do Transtorno do Espectro Autista. Método:Estudo transversal, quantitativo, com 42 enfermeiros da atenção primária de Teresina, Piauí. Utilizou-se questionário sobre características profissionais e conhecimento. Realizaram-se análises de frequência simples e associações entre variáveis, adotando-seteste da razão de máxima verossimilhança com p<0,05. Resultados:Predominaram enfermeiros com 23 a 72 anos, sexo feminino (95,2%) e com mais de dez anos de atuação (78,6%). A maioria (95,2%) referiu conhecimento insuficiente na graduação, 88,1% atenderam ou suspeitaram de crianças com características do Transtorno do Espectro Autista nas consultas de puericultura, 85,7% não conheciam instrumentos de triagem e nenhum recebeu capacitação pelo serviço. Prevaleceu nível médio de conhecimento (66,7%), porém com déficits em conteúdos sobre características e etiologia. Associação estatisticamente significativa entre nível de conhecimento e faixa etária (p=0,033). Conclusão:Há necessidade de formação apropriada na graduação e de educação continuada para os profissionais.

Objective:To evaluate the knowledge and practice of nurses from primary health care units about autism spectrum disorder. Method:Cross-sectional, quantitative study with 42 primary care nurses from Teresina, Piauí. A questionnaire on professional characteristics and knowledge was used. Simple frequency analyses and associations between variables were performed, adopting a maximum likelihood test with p<0.05. Results:There was a predominance of nurses aged 23 to 72 years, female (95.2%) and with more than ten years of experience (78.6%). Most (95.2%) reported insufficient knowledge during the graduation, 88.1% assisted or suspected ofchildren with characteristics of autism spectrum disorder in childcare consultations, 85.7% did not know screening instruments and none received training from the service. Medium level of knowledge (66.7%) prevailed, but with deficits in content on characteristics and etiology. There was a statistically significant association between level of knowledge and age group (p=0.033). Conclusion:There is a need for appropriate undergraduate training and continuing education for professionals.

Social determinants and access to health services in patients with COVID-19: a cross-sectional study / Determinantes sociales y acceso a los servicios sanitarios en pacientes con COVID-19: un estudio transversal / Determinantes sociais e acesso aos serviços de saúde em pacientes com COVID-19: estudo seccional

ABSTRACT Objective: To verify the association between social determinants of health and access to health services for COVID-19 patients. Method: Analytical, cross-sectional study, carried out in three states in the Northeast of Brazil (Ceará, Maranhão and Pernambuco), with 968 patients, using questionnaires with sociodemographic data, determinants and the Primary Care Assessment Tool, adapted to the reality of COVID-19, with 58 items, classified as high (score ≥ 6.6) and low (score < 6.6), whose high value reveals better standards of access to health services. The Chi-square test was used for comparative analysis. Results: There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the domains of the instrument and the following determinants: age, skin color, body mass index, origin, schooling, employment, services close to home, first service, income and means of transport. Conclusion: Access to health services for people with COVID-19 was associated with various determinants, including individual, behavioural and social ones, correlated with the structural and organizational aspects of the health services offered by the three states of Northeastern Brazil.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Verificar la asociación de los determinantes sociales de la salud con el acceso de los pacientes con COVID-19 a los servicios de salud. Método: Estudio analítico, transversal, realizado en tres estados del Nordeste de Brasil (Ceará, Maranhão y Pernambuco), con 968 pacientes, utilizando cuestionarios con datos sociodemográficos, determinantes y la Herramienta de Evaluación de la Atención Primaria (PCATool), adaptada a la realidad de la COVID-19, con 58 ítems, clasificados en alto (puntuación ≥ 6,6) y bajo (puntuación < 6,6), cuyo valor alto revela mejores estándares de acceso a los servicios de salud. Se utilizó la prueba de chi-cuadrado para analizar las comparaciones. Resultados: Hubo diferencia significativa (p < 0,05) entre los dominios del instrumento y los siguientes determinantes: edad, color de piel, índice de masa corporal, origen, escolaridad, empleo, servicios cercanos al domicilio, primer servicio, ingreso y medio de transporte. Conclusión: El acceso a los servicios de salud de las personas con COVID-19 se asoció a diversos determinantes, entre ellos individuales, comportamentales y sociales, correlacionados con los aspectos estructurales y organizativos de los servicios de salud ofrecidos por los tres estados del nordeste de Brasil.

RESUMO Objetivo: Verificar a associação dos determinantes sociais da saúde com o acesso de pacientes com COVID-19 aos serviços de saúde. Método: Estudo analítico, transversal, desenvolvido em três estados do Nordeste brasileiro (Ceará, Maranhão e Pernambuco), com 968 pacientes, utilizando-se de questionários de dados sociodemográficos, determinantes e do Primary Care Assessment Tool, adaptado para realidade da COVID-19, com 58 itens, classificado em alto (escore ≥ 6,6) e baixo (escore < 6,6), cujo valor alto revela melhores padrões de acesso aos serviços de saúde. Para análise comparativa, empregou-se o teste do Qui-quadrado. Resultados: Verificou-se diferença significativa (p < 0,05) entre os domínios do instrumento e os seguintes determinantes: idade, cor da pele, índice de massa corporal, procedência, escolaridade, vínculo empregatício, serviços próximos à residência, primeiro serviço de atendimento, renda e meios de transporte. Conclusão: O acesso aos serviços de saúde de pessoas com COVID-19 esteve associado aos diversos determinantes, sendo estes individuais, comportamentais, sociais, correlacionados aos aspectos estruturais e organizacionais dos serviços de saúde ofertados pelos três estados do Nordeste brasileiro.

Publicações científicas sobre direção veicular por pessoas idosas: revisão de escopo / Scientific publications on driving by older adults: scope review

Resumo Objetivo Mapear evidências científicas nacionais e internacionais sobre a condução veicular por pessoas idosas. Método Revisão de escopo baseada no manual proposto pelo Joanna Briggs Institute. Para as buscas foram acessadas as bases MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, SciELO e a literatura cinzenta, por meio do Google Scholar. Resultados Dos 1.194 estudos encontrados, selecionaram-se 189 artigos submetidos aos critérios de elegibilidade. Os países precursores nas publicações foram Austrália e Estados Unidos, e o ápice das pesquisas ocorreu entre 2013 e 2014. Os participantes dos estudos eram pessoas idosas saudáveis, 63,49% (120); seguidos de 17,46% (33) com doença de Alzheimer; 11,11% (21) com Transtorno Neurocognitivo Leve; 6,88% (13) com doença de Parkinson; e 19,58% (37) com outras comorbidades. Diferentes tipos de intervenções foram identificadas nos estudos, destas, 94,02% (178) avaliaram a eficácia de instrumentos que mensuram a aptidão do motorista idoso. Conclusão Houve predominância de estudos na busca de instrumentos de avaliação que mensurassem a funcionalidade do condutor idoso. Esse fato ratifica a importância de avaliação padronizada, validada e economicamente viável que colabore na identificação do motorista em risco. Evidenciou-se a necessidade de intervenções para a prática da geriatria e gerontologia, por meio de ações para formação de equipe multidisciplinar especializada em condução veicular, de modo a adequar as diretrizes de licenciamento a fim de atender às especificidades dos condutores idosos, considerando os aspectos sociais, econômicos, políticos e educacionais, especialmente nos departamentos de trânsito brasileiro.

Abstract Objective To map national and international scientific evidence regarding driving by older adults. Method Scope review based on the manual proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Searches were conducted in the MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, SciELO databases, and grey literature through Google Scholar. Results Out of 1,194 studies identified, 189 papers meeting eligibility criteria were selected. Pioneering countries in publications were Australia and the United States, with the peak of research occurring between 2013 and 2014. Study participants included healthy older adults (63.49%, 120), followed by those with Alzheimer's disease (17.46%, 33), Mild Neurocognitive Disorder (11.11%, 21), Parkinson's disease (6.88%, 13), and other comorbidities (19.58%, 37). Various interventions were identified, with 94.02% (178) assessing the effectiveness of instruments measuring the fitness of older drivers. Conclusion There was a prevalence of studies aimed at identifying assessment tools to measure the functionality of older drivers. This underscores the importance of standardized, validated, and economically viable assessments that contribute to identifying at-risk drivers. The need for interventions in geriatrics and gerontology was evident, emphasizing the necessity for actions to establish a specialized multidisciplinary team in vehicular driving. This approach seeks to align licensing guidelines with the specific needs of older drivers, taking into account social, economic, political, and educational aspects, particularly within the Brazilian traffic departments.

Natural infection of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva, 1912) by Leishmania infantum in a municipality with a high incidence of visceral leishmaniasis in the Brazilian Midwest.

BACKGROUND: Here, Leishmania presence in sand flies from Três Lagoas, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, after visceral leishmaniasis (VL) was investigated. METHODS: In April 2022, two light traps were deployed within and around the residence for two days post-VL case report. RESULTS: A total of 120 Lutzomyia longipalpis were collected. Suprapyloric flagellates were found in a female sand fly with eggs and residual blood during midgut dissection. Sequencing of ITS1 and cytb fragments confirmed Leishmania infantum DNA and identified Homo sapiens as the blood source, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study emphasizes the importance of monitoring sand flies in VL endemic areas.

Pesquisa participativa baseada na comunidade: intencionalidades e enfoques presentes na literatura da área da saúde / Community based participatory research: intentions and approaches toparticipation in the health field

Este artigo teve como objetivo discutir como a Pesquisa Participativa Baseada na Comunidade vem sendo incorporada nas pesquisas brasileiras na área da saúde, quais os temas mais frequentes e quais suas intencionalidades teórico-metodológicas. Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa realizada nas bases de dados LILACS e SciELO, incluindo a produção científica publicada no Brasil, entre 2018 e 2021. Os 15 artigos selecionados, com diferentes abordagens metodológicas, apresentam diversidades de temas (segurança alimentar e nutricional, bullying, arte-educação, saúde da criança, trabalho com reciclagem e em saúde, pandemia, desastres e emergências em saúde) e participantes (profissionais e gestores da saúde, estudantes, comunidade). Os estudos anunciam as diversas vertentes das pesquisas participativas (pesquisa-ação, pesquisa-intervenção, pesquisa-participante) e estratégias de acompanhamento, como os comitês de pesquisa, que podem fortalecer a inclusão dos participantes processualmente em todas as etapas da pesquisa. O uso de múltiplas ferramentas metodológicas (oficinas, grupo focal, entrevistas) e a triangulação de dados também são anunciados como estratégias para fortalecer a participação de profissionais e comunidade em um processo de pesquisar "com". A denominação de pesquisas participativas, suas origens e pressupostos não se efetiva de forma uniforme. Independentemente das denominações e escolhas metodológicas, a revisão aponta que a Pesquisa Participativa Baseada na Comunidade, nas pesquisas brasileiras na área da saúde, aparece em estudos de diversos temas, que têm em comum a intenção de romper com a dicotomia pesquisador-pesquisado, sujeito-objeto e investir em uma "política de participação", sensível às realidades e demandas sociais, com vistas à transformação social.

This paper aimed to discuss how Community Based Participatory Research has been incorporated into Brazilian health research around, the most frequent themes and their theoretical-methodological intentions.This is an integrative review carried out in LILACS and SciELO databases, including scientific production published in Brazil, between 2018 and 2021. There were fifteen selected articles, with different methodological approaches that show a diversity of themes (food and nutritional security, bullying, arteducation, child health, recycling and health work, Covid-19, and health emergencies), also it was targeted audiences them (health professionals and managers, students, and community). These studies announce the different aspects of participatory research(action research, intervention research, and participant research) which follow-up strategies, such as research committees, which can strengthen the inclusion of participants in all research ́s stages. The use of multiple methodological tools (workshops, focus groups, interviews) and data triangulation are also heralded as strategies to strengthen the participation of professionals and the community into a process of researching 'within'. The participatory research ́s title, and its origins and assumptions have not been applied uniformly. Regardless of the denominations and methodological choices, the review points out that Community-Based Participatory Research, in Brazilian research in the health area, appears in studies of various themes, which have in common the intention of breaking with the 'researcher-researched', subject-object dichotomy and invest in a 'participation policy', which could be sensitive to social realities and demands, with a view to social transformation.

Pesticide exposure and risk of Central Nervous System tumors in children: a systematic review with meta-analysis. / Exposição a agrotóxicos e o risco de tumores do Sistema Nervoso Central em crianças: revisão sistemática com metanálise.

Central Nervous System (CNS) tumors represent more than half of all childhood malignant neoplasms. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between environmental exposure to pesticides and the development of CNS tumors in children. We conducted a systematic review of the literature in the PubMed/MEDILINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and CINAHL databases. The inclusion criteria were cohort and case-control studies investigating the association between exposure to pesticides and CNS tumors (all histological types included in group III of the WHO Classification of Childhood Cancer) in children aged 0-14 years. The meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model and the Mantel-Haenszel method. Strength of association was measured using odds ratios (OR). The review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) under identification number CRD42021209354. The search identified 1,158 studies, 14 of which were included in the review. There was evidence of an association between the development of astrocytomas and exposure to all classes of pesticides (OR 1.50; 95%CI 1.15-1.96; p=0.03). The synthesis of the evidence pointed to a relationship between exposure to pesticides and some histological types of CNS tumors in childhood.

Os tumores do Sistema Nervoso Central (SNC) representam mais da metade das neoplasias infantis malignas que acometem crianças. Objetivou-se analisar o risco de exposição a agrotóxicos relacionado com o desenvolvimento de tumores do SNC em crianças. Realizou-se uma revisão sistemática da literatura nas bases de dados PubMed/MEDILINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus e CINAHL. Foram incluídos estudos de coorte e caso-controle sobre o desenvolvimento de tumores do SNC (todos os tipos histológicos do grupo III Classificação de Câncer Infantil) decorrentes da exposição a agrotóxicos em crianças de 0-14 anos. Na metanálise utilizou-se o modelo de efeito aleatório e o método estatístico de Mantel-Haenszel. A Razão de Chances (RC) ou Odds Ratio (OR) foi a medida de associação aplicada. A revisão foi registrada no International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) sob o número CRD42021209354. A busca identificou 1.158 estudos, dos quais 14 compuseram a revisão. Verificou-se evidência de associação entre o desenvolvimento de astrocitomas e a exposição a todas as classes de pesticidas (OR 1,50; IC95% 1,15-1,96; p=0,03). A síntese dos resultados apontou para uma relação da exposição aos agrotóxicos com o desfecho de alguns tipos histológicos de tumores do SNC na infância.

Traffic light optimization using non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA2).

Traffic congestion is a major concern in urban centers, as it can affect society, the environment, and the economy. There are many studies on the use of computational intelligence (CI) to improve mobility in urban centers. Some of these researches focus on developing strategies for traffic light programming, since traffic coordination is complex due to its many parameters, variables, and dynamic behavior, and also an inefficient traffic control plan can lead to increased delays and contribute to traffic congestion. Although there are many works in the literature on strategies for traffic control, there are still some contributions and gaps to be filled, especially because some studies do not consider the automatic optimization of traffic signals in real time, that is, according to the demand of vehicles on the roads, considering multiple objectives and the use of a network of intersections in their experiments. In addition, some of the proposed models are not independent of simulation to evaluate the solutions of CI algorithms, resulting in a more complex deployment in real situations. In this context, this paper presents a new method to optimize traffic light plan in a network of intersections and in real time, called Active Control of Traffic Signals (ACTS) associated with the Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm, considering multiple objectives in the optimization process (minimizing the average delay time and the number of vehicles stops per cycle). To test the applicability of the model, a real dataset of vehicle demand collected by the Company of Transport and Traffic of Belo Horizonte (BHTrans) is loaded into the AIMSUN simulator, then the method is applied and compared with the current traffic control plan used by BHTrans. The results show that the ACTS method reduces the average vehicle delay by almost half compared to the results obtained with the current solution used by BHTrans. In real life, this means less time spent in traffic, which promotes faster traffic flow, reducing traffic congestions.

Exposição a agrotóxicos e o risco de tumores do Sistema Nervoso Central em crianças: revisão sistemática com metanálise / Pesticide exposure and risk of Central Nervous System tumors in children: a systematic review with meta-analysis

Resumo Os tumores do Sistema Nervoso Central (SNC) representam mais da metade das neoplasias infantis malignas que acometem crianças. Objetivou-se analisar o risco de exposição a agrotóxicos relacionado com o desenvolvimento de tumores do SNC em crianças. Realizou-se uma revisão sistemática da literatura nas bases de dados PubMed/MEDILINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus e CINAHL. Foram incluídos estudos de coorte e caso-controle sobre o desenvolvimento de tumores do SNC (todos os tipos histológicos do grupo III Classificação de Câncer Infantil) decorrentes da exposição a agrotóxicos em crianças de 0-14 anos. Na metanálise utilizou-se o modelo de efeito aleatório e o método estatístico de Mantel-Haenszel. A Razão de Chances (RC) ou Odds Ratio (OR) foi a medida de associação aplicada. A revisão foi registrada no International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) sob o número CRD42021209354. A busca identificou 1.158 estudos, dos quais 14 compuseram a revisão. Verificou-se evidência de associação entre o desenvolvimento de astrocitomas e a exposição a todas as classes de pesticidas (OR 1,50; IC95% 1,15-1,96; p=0,03). A síntese dos resultados apontou para uma relação da exposição aos agrotóxicos com o desfecho de alguns tipos histológicos de tumores do SNC na infância.

Abstract Central Nervous System (CNS) tumors represent more than half of all childhood malignant neoplasms. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between environmental exposure to pesticides and the development of CNS tumors in children. We conducted a systematic review of the literature in the PubMed/MEDILINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and CINAHL databases. The inclusion criteria were cohort and case-control studies investigating the association between exposure to pesticides and CNS tumors (all histological types included in group III of the WHO Classification of Childhood Cancer) in children aged 0-14 years. The meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model and the Mantel-Haenszel method. Strength of association was measured using odds ratios (OR). The review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) under identification number CRD42021209354. The search identified 1,158 studies, 14 of which were included in the review. There was evidence of an association between the development of astrocytomas and exposure to all classes of pesticides (OR 1.50; 95%CI 1.15-1.96; p=0.03). The synthesis of the evidence pointed to a relationship between exposure to pesticides and some histological types of CNS tumors in childhood.

Construção e validação de cartilha para pais/cuidadores de crianças com déficit de atenção e hiperatividade / Construction and validation of a booklet for parents/caregivers of children with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder

Introdução: Os materiais educativos, como as cartilhas, são instrumentos que ajudam no cuidar e elucidam intervenções relevantes e sensíveis ao contexto de saúde, especialmente no cuidado domiciliar a crianças desordem no neurodesenvolvimento. Objetivo: construir e validar cartilha para orientar pais e cuidadores de crianças com Transtorno de Déficit de Atenção e Hiperatividade. Materiais e Métodos: estudo metodológico para construção e validação de cartilha por juízes e pelo público-alvo. Desenvolveu-se redação, designer e layout do material com posterior validação por juízes, considerando-se o índice de validade de conteúdo para análise dos dados. Resultados: cartilha composta por 13 temas e 32 páginas. A validação contou com 21 juízes de conteúdo obtendo índice de 0,89. Sete juízes em aparência avaliaram e pontuou-se o índice de 0,91. 17 participantes do público-alvo avaliaram conteúdo geral com índice de 0,99. Após ajustes, o índice de legibilidade obteve percentual satisfatório de 54%. Discussão e Conclusão: O material construído retrata o cotidiano das famílias, apresenta ilustrações em serviços de saúde e de educação e é sensível ao público estudado. A cartilha foi considerada válida quanto ao conteúdo e aparência e apta para ser utilizada no cuidado da enfermagem à criança com o transtorno, contribuindo para orientação adequada de pais e cuidadores.

Introduction: Educational materials, such as booklets, are tools that help in caregiving and elucidate relevant and sensitive interventions to the health context, especially in home care for children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Objective: to build and validate a booklet to guide parents and caregivers of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Materials and Methods: methodological study for the construction and validation of a booklet by judges and the target audience. The material was written, designed, and laid out with subsequent validation by judges, considering the content validity index for data analysis. Results: booklet composed of 13 themes and 32 pages. The validation had 21 content judges obtaining an index of 0.89. Seven judges in appearance evaluated and scored the index of 0.91. 17 participants from the target audience evaluated general content with an index of 0.99. After adjustments, the readability index obtained a satisfactory percentage of 54%. Discussion and Conclusion: The constructed material portrays the daily life of families, presents illustrations in health and education services and is sensitive to the studied audience. The booklet was considered valid in terms of content and appearance and suitable for use in nursing care for children with the disorder, contributing to adequate guidance for parents and caregivers.

Introducción: los materiales educativos, como los cuadernillos, son herramientas que ayudan en el cuidado y dilucidan intervenciones pertinentes y sensibles al contexto sanitario, especialmente en la atención domiciliaria de niños con trastornos del neurodesarrollo. Objetivo: construir y validar un folleto para orientar a los padres y cuidadores de niños con Trastorno por Déficit de Atención e Hiperactividad. Materiales y Métodos: estudio metodológico para la construcción y validación de un cuadernillo por jueces y público objetivo. El material fue redactado, diseñado y diagramado, y posteriormente validado por jueces, considerando el índice de validez de contenido para el análisis de los datos. Resultados: folleto compuesto por 13 temas y 32 páginas. La validación contó con 21 jueces de contenido que obtuvieron un índice de 0,89. Siete jueces de apariencia evaluaron y puntuaron el índice de 0,91. 17 participantes del público destinatario evaluaron el contenido general con un índice de 0,99. Tras los ajustes, el índice de legibilidad obtuvo un porcentaje satisfactorio del 54%. Discusión y Conclusión: El material construido retrata la vida cotidiana de las familias, presenta ilustraciones en servicios de salud y educación y es sensible al público estudiado. El cuadernillo fue considerado válido en términos de contenido y apariencia y adecuado para uso en los cuidados de enfermería de niños con el trastorno, contribuyendo para la orientación adecuada de padres y cuidadores.

COVID-19 e saúde mental: preocupações de estudantes do ensino superior do estado do Ceará

Objetivo: Objetivou-se apresentar as principais preocupações de estudantes do ensino superior do estado do Ceará, durante a pandemia da COVID-19. Metodologia: Trata-se de recorte de pesquisa maior denominada "Repercussões da pandemia do novo coronavírus na saúde mental dos estudantes de ensino superior". Estudo descritivo e exploratório que utilizou abordagem transversal. A pesquisa contou com amostra de 3.691 alunos que participaram do estudo. Devido ao contexto da pandemia, a coleta de dados foi realizada por meio remoto, via Google Forms. Foram utilizados um questionário sociodemográfico e situacional relacionado à pandemia e ao isolamento social e o Inventário de Saúde Mental (MHI-38). Resultados: O estado de Saúde Mental, de forma global, as dimensões Bem-Estar Positivo e Distresse e as dimensões primárias apresentaram tendência para diminuir com o aumento da preocupação com a continuidade do curso de forma presencial. O estudo apresentou insegurança por parte dos estudantes universitários quanto ao retorno das aulas e de como seria o "novo normal". Quanto ao medo de ser infectado e em relação à preocupação ao sair de casa, respectivamente, 76,72% e 84,85% apresentaram estado de saúde mental inferior, demonstrando, assim, como a pandemia fragilizou a saúde mental. Conclusão: Os resultados apresentaram validação estatisticamente significativas tanto para a Escala global quanto para as dimensões primárias. À vista desse panorama, constata-se o quanto a pandemia e o isolamento social repercutiram em emoções de medo e preocupação, sendo estes sentimentos que interferiram negativamente na saúde mental dos acadêmicos pesquisados.

Uso de substâncias psicoativas entre adolescentes escolares de Distritos Municipais

Objetivo: analisar o uso de substâncias psicoativas entre adolescentes escolares. Método: estudo transversal, de abordagem quantitativa, realizado em 2021, com 199 alunos de quatro escolas estaduais de Ensino Médio localizadas nos Distritos de um Município do interior do Ceará. Utilizou-se um questionário autoaplicável, DUSI (Drug Use Screening Inventory). Resultados: 92 (46,2%) alunos cursavam o primeiro ano do ensino médio, eram do sexo feminino 114 (57,3%), com idade predominante de 15 a 16 anos (N 31 65,9%). Os adolescentes relataram o uso de todas as substâncias pesquisadas, ainda que fosse somente de uma a duas vezes no último mês. Foram prevalentes: analgésicos (25,6%), álcool (15,1%), tranquilizantes (4,5%) e maconha (3,5%). Quase a totalidade dos participantes negou o uso de tabaco nos últimos 30 dias. A maioria dos participantes negou ter problemas associados ao uso dessas substâncias psicoativas. Conclusão: o estudo auxiliou a compreensão das substâncias psicoativas mais consumidas entre os alunos do Ensino Médio de Distritos Municipais, permitindo ampliar os conhecimentos sobre o uso de drogas no ambiente escolar. Esse achado demonstra a presença dessas substâncias e o uso entre os adolescentes, mesmo nos locais mais distantes dos grandes centros urbanos.

Prevalence of trachoma in the non-indigenous Baixo Jaguaribe micro-region, Ceará State, Northeast Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the current study was to estimate the population prevalence of trachoma in non-indigenous populations in the Baixo Jaguaribe micro-region, in the state of Ceará, northeast region of Brazil, 2021-2022. METHODS: A population-based prevalence survey focusing on detecting cases of trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) in children aged 1-9 y and trachomatous trichiasis (TT) 'unknown to the health system' in people aged ≥15 y, was conducted in rural areas of the Baixo Jaguaribe micro-region in the state of Ceará. Indigenous populations will be further researched. RESULTS: There was no detection of cases of TF and TT. In 900 households, 2234 people were examined. In the Baixo Jaguaribe micro-region, females (54.6%; 1219/2234) and the mixed/Pardo-Brazilian ethnicity (68.1%; 1521/2234) predominated. The most commonly reported educational level was elementary and middle school (41.8%; 702/1679). In 56.2% (506/900) of households, there was a source of water within the household. The monthly income range of 50%-100% of the minimum wage predominated in the families of the Baixo Jaguaribe micro-region (43.1%; 388/900). CONCLUSIONS: Although no cases of TF and TT were detected in the Baixo Jaguaribe micro-region in the state of Ceará during the study period, considering the historical endemicity, we emphasise the need for monitoring and sustainability of surveillance actions in areas at risk for trachoma, common contexts for neglected populations.