Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers of Symptomatic Neurosyphilis in People With HIV Compared with Uninfected Individuals.

We evaluated the diagnostic clinical performance characteristics (DCPC) of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) total protein (TP), white blood cell count (WBC), and lactate (LA) with different cutoff points as adjunct biomarkers of confirmed or presumptive symptomatic neurosyphilis (NS) and the impact of HIV infection. From 5,640 participants who underwent lumbar punctures, 236 participants were included, and classified as either people with HIV (PWH) or people without HIV (PWoH) according to the CDC criteria for confirmed NS (n = 42), presumptive NS (n = 74), systemic syphilis (SS) (n = 38), serological diagnosis of syphilis (n = 18), PWH without SS and NS (n = 10), and negative control (n = 72). In PWoH, for presumptive NS, the combination of CSF TP > 45 mg/dL and/or WBC > 5.0 cells/mm3 is valuable for screening, whereas in PWH, it is not recommended for either screening or case-finding NS, however the DCPC were better in the suppressed group. In PWoH, the value of CSF TP > 45 mg/dL is adequate for both screening and confirmation of presumptive NS, subject to prevalence. For WBC count > 20 cell/mm3, the positive predictive value (PPV) of the test is almost perfect, suggesting a confirmatory test. In PWH, CSF TP is an inadequate marker of NS. The WBC count, with cutoffs of > 10 or > 20 cells/mm3, was moderately applicable for screening.As conclusions: CSF WBC count and TP showed distinct DCPC in confirmed or presumptive NS, better in the former. These biomarkers could be included for presumptive NS diagnosis. DCPC of these biomarkers for the diagnosis of NS is greatly affected by HIV co-infection.

Anticandida and antibiofilm activities of extract from Schinopsis brasiliensis Engl. against Candida spp.

The pathogenic nature of infections caused by Candida spp. underscores the necessity for novel therapeutic agents. Extracts of Schinopsis brasilienses Engl are \ a promising source of agents with antifungal effects. This study aimed to assess the antifungal potential of the leaf extract of S. brasilienses. The antifungal activity was evaluated by determining the minimum inhibitory concentrations and fungicide concentrations (MIC and MFC). The antibiofilm potential was assessed by counting colony-forming units/mL. The study examined the inhibition kinetics of fungal growth and potential synergism between gallic acid or the extract and nystatin using the Checkerboard method. Cytotoxicity was evaluated through the MTT assay. The extract exhibited antifungal effect against all tested strains, with MIC and MFC ranging from 31.25-250 µg/mL. Gallic acid, the main isolated compound, displayed a MIC of 2000 µg/mL. The extract of S. brasilienses at 31.25 µg/mL inhibited the formation of biofilm by C. albicans and significantly reduced the mass of mature biofilm after 24 and 48 h (p < 0. 05). At a concentration of 125 µg/mL, the extract demonstrated significant inhibition of fungal growth after 6 hours. The combination of gallic acid or extract with nystatin did not exhibit synergistic or antagonistic effect. Furthermore, the extract did not induce cytotoxicity to a human cell line. The extract of S. brasiliensis demonstrates antifungal activity against Candida, generally exhibiting fungicidal action and capacity to inhibit biofilm formation as well as reduce mature biofilms. Additionally, the extract showed low cytotoxicity to human cells.

Estratégias de enfrentamento da covid-19 pela enfermagem no âmbito hospitalar: uma revisão integrativa / Strategies for coping with covid-19 through nursing in a hospital setting: an integrative review / Estrategias de afrontamiento de la covid-19 por la enfermería en el ámbito hospitalario: una revisión integradora

Com o surgimento da pandemia causada pelo vírus da severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2), necessitou-se implementar medidas de controle hospitalar, a fim de evitar a propagação e reinfecção dos pacientes acometidos. Assim, objetivou-se identificar as estratégias adotadas pela enfermagem no enfrentamento da covid-19, mediante revisão integrativa da literatura nas bases de dados: SciELO, LILACS e BVS, de 2019 a 2022. Selecionou-se palavras-chave seguindo os Descritores de Ciências da Saúde (DeCS) e operadores booleanos. A transmissão do novo coronavírus ocorre de pessoa para pessoa, por inalação ou contato com gotículas respiratórias do indivíduo infectado com incubação de dois a 14 dias. Os sintomas variam entre febre, tosse, dor de garganta, dificuldade respiratória, e outros. A alta transmissibilidade do vírus alastrou-se de forma rápida e frequente, sendo necessário se atentar à segurança dos profissionais de saúde e dos pacientes, por meio da correta utilização dos equipamentos de proteção individual (EPI) e da sistematização da assistência de enfermagem, na qual o enfermeiro direciona e coordena, de forma individualizada, a prestação da assistência ao paciente na unidade de saúde, observando os sinais e sintomas para determinar a gravidade do quadro clínico e prestar todos os cuidados necessários. Este trabalho proporcionou uma visão ampla das estratégias adotadas pelos profissionais de enfermagem, destacando a atuação corajosa, ativa e contínua deles na linha de frente do enfrentamento da pandemia, com prestação da assistência integral de qualidade aos pacientes.

The emergence of the pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome virus (SARS-CoV-2) required implementing hospital control measures to prevent the spread and reinfection of affected patients. Thus, this study analyzes practices used by nurses to combat COVID-19 by means of an integrative literature review. Bibliographic search was conducted in the SciELO, LILACS and BVS databases from 2019 to 2022 using DeCS descriptors and Boolean operators. COVID-19 transmission occurs from person to person through inhalation or contact with respiratory droplets from infected individuals with incubation of 2 to 14 days. Symptoms range from fever, cough, sore throat, difficulty breathing to more severe reactions. Its high transmissibility lead to a quick and frequent spread, demanding better attention to professional and patient safety through the correct use of PPEs and the systematization of nursing care, in which nurses direct and coordinate the provision of individualized care to patients the health unit, observing signs and symptoms to determine clinical severity and provide all necessary care. The present work gave a broad view of the strategies adopted by nursing professionals, highlighting their courageous, active and continuous actions on the front line to combat the pandemic, providing comprehensive quality care to patients.

La pandemia provocada por el virus del síndrome respiratorio agudo severo (SARS-CoV-2) requirió la implementación de medidas de control hospitalario para evitar la propagación y reinfección de los pacientes afectados. En este contexto, se pretende identificar las estrategias de afrontamiento de la covid-19 utilizadas por la enfermería; para ello, se realizó una revisión integradora de la literatura en las bases de datos SciELO, LILACS y BVS en el período de 2019 a 2022. Las palabras clave se seleccionaron siguiendo los Descriptores de las Ciencias de la Salud (DeSC) y los operadores booleanos. El nuevo coronavirus se propaga de persona a persona mediante la inhalación o contacto con gotículas respiratorias de la persona infectada en un período de incubación de 2 días a 14 días. Los síntomas van desde fiebre, tos, dolor de garganta, dificultad para respirar, entre otros. La propagación del virus se dio de manera rápida y frecuente, por lo que se requirió prestar atención a la seguridad de los profesionales de la salud y de los pacientes, mediante el uso correcto de los equipos de protección individual (EPI) y la sistematización de los cuidados de enfermería, en que el enfermero dirige y coordina, de manera individualizada, la atención al paciente en la unidad de salud, observando sus signos y síntomas para determinar la gravedad del cuadro clínico y brindarle los cuidados necesarios. Este trabajo proporciona una visión amplia de las estrategias adoptadas por los profesionales de enfermería, con su acción valiente, activa y continua en primera línea en el afrontamiento a la pandemia, brindando una atención integral de calidad a los pacientes.

Anthropometric, Metabolic, and Endocrine Parameters as Predictors of Estimated Average Glucose and Other Biomarkers of Dysglycemia in Women with Different Phenotypes of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of anthropometric, metabolic, and endocrine abnormalities as predictors of estimated average glucose and other biomarkers of dysglycemia in women with different phenotypes of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This cross-sectional study included 648 women with PCOS and 330 controls. A single protocol of investigation was applied for all subjects. PCOS women were divided by phenotypes according to the Rotterdam criteria. Biomarkers of dysglycemia were considered dependent variables and anthropometric, lipid, and hormone alterations as independent variables using univariate and multivariate logistic regressions. Univariate logistic regression analysis, controlled for age and BMI, showed that many biomarkers of dysglycemia could be predicted by anthropometric, lipid, and endocrine variables. Multivariate logistic models showed that in non-PCOS women estimated average glucose (eAG) was predicted by lower TSH levels (OR=0.39; p=0.045); fasting glucose was predicted by increased T (OR=2.3). For PCOS, phenotype A, eAG was predicted by decreased HDL-C (OR=0.17, p=0.023) and high levels of free estradiol (OR=7.1, p<0.001). Otherwise, in PCOS, phenotype D, eAG was predicted by higher levels of HDL-C. The current study demonstrated that eAG was poorly predicted by anthropometric, lipid, and hormone parameters. Nevertheless, without adding significant benefits, it was comparable with other established markers of dysglycemia in women with different PCOS phenotypes.

Anticandida and antibiofilm activities of extract from Schinopsis brasiliensis Engl. against Candida spp

Abstract The pathogenic nature of infections caused by Candida spp. underscores the necessity for novel therapeutic agents. Extracts of Schinopsis brasilienses Engl are / a promising source of agents with antifungal effects. This study aimed to assess the antifungal potential of the leaf extract of S. brasilienses. The antifungal activity was evaluated by determining the minimum inhibitory concentrations and fungicide concentrations (MIC and MFC). The antibiofilm potential was assessed by counting colony-forming units/mL. The study examined the inhibition kinetics of fungal growth and potential synergism between gallic acid or the extract and nystatin using the Checkerboard method. Cytotoxicity was evaluated through the MTT assay. The extract exhibited antifungal effect against all tested strains, with MIC and MFC ranging from 31.25-250 μg/mL. Gallic acid, the main isolated compound, displayed a MIC of 2000 μg/mL. The extract of S. brasilienses at 31.25 μg/mL inhibited the formation of biofilm by C. albicans and significantly reduced the mass of mature biofilm after 24 and 48 h (p < 0. 05). At a concentration of 125 μg/mL, the extract demonstrated significant inhibition of fungal growth after 6 hours. The combination of gallic acid or extract with nystatin did not exhibit synergistic or antagonistic effect. Furthermore, the extract did not induce cytotoxicity to a human cell line. The extract of S. brasiliensis demonstrates antifungal activity against Candida, generally exhibiting fungicidal action and capacity to inhibit biofilm formation as well as reduce mature biofilms. Additionally, the extract showed low cytotoxicity to human cells.

Construção e validação de instrumento para avaliação socioestrutural e comportamental associado à infecção pelo HIV em jovensa / Construcción y validación de un instrumento de evaluación sociológica y comportamental asociado con la infección por VIH en jóvenes / Construction and validity of an instrument for sociological and behavioral assessment associated with HIV infection in young peoplea

RESUMO Objetivo construir e validar conteúdo de instrumento para avaliação socioestrutural e comportamental associado à infecção pelo HIV em jovens. Método estudo metodológico, desenvolvido em duas etapas: elaboração do instrumento; e validação de conteúdo. Os itens que compuseram o instrumento foram selecionados através de revisão literária, tendo como referencial os domínios multiníveis do Modelo Social Ecológico Modificado, categorizados em componentes socioestruturais e comportamentais. O conteúdo foi avaliado por especialistas em duas rodadas conduzidas pela técnica Delphi, admitindo-se um índice de concordância de, no mínimo, 80%. Resultados a primeira versão do instrumento continha 52 itens, distribuídos em três domínios. Na primeira rodada, 19 itens (36,5%) obtiveram Índice de Validade de Conteúdo inferior a 0,80, dois itens foram excluídos e os demais foram reformulados. Na segunda rodada, 2 itens foram excluídos e 3 foram incorporados como subitem, totalizando 45 itens. O Índice de Validade de Conteúdo do Instrumento foi de 95%. Conclusão e implicações para a prática as recomendações dos especialistas contribuíram para a qualificação do instrumento Avaliação Socioestrutural e Comportamental-HIV, possibilitando a reorganização do conteúdo. O instrumento é válido para a identificação de fatores socioestruturais e comportamentais associados à infecção pelo HIV em jovens, com potencial para constituir planejamento de cuidados preventivos.

RESUMEN Objetivo construir y validar el contenido de un instrumento de evaluación socioestructural y conductual asociada a la infección por VIH en jóvenes. Método estudio metodológico, desarrollado en dos etapas: elaboración del instrumento; y validación de contenido. Los ítems que conformaron el instrumento fueron seleccionados a través de una revisión literaria, tomando como referencia los dominios multinivel del Modelo Ecológico Social Modificado, categorizados en componentes socioestructurales y conductuales. El contenido fue evaluado por expertos en dos rondas realizadas mediante la técnica Delphi, suponiendo una tasa de acuerdo de al menos el 80%. Resultados la primera versión del instrumento contuvo 52 ítems, distribuidos en tres dominios. En la primera ronda, 19 ítems (36,5%) tuvieron un Índice de Validez de Contenido inferior a 0,80, dos ítems fueron excluidos y el resto fueron reformulados. En la segunda ronda, se excluyeron 2 ítems y se incorporaron 3 como subítems, totalizando 45 ítems. El Índice de Validez de Contenido del Instrumento fue del 95%. Conclusión e implicaciones para la práctica las recomendaciones de los expertos contribuyeron para la calificación del instrumento Evaluación Socioestructural y del Comportamiento-VIH, permitiendo la reorganización del contenido. El instrumento es válido para identificar factores socioestructurales y conductuales asociados a la infección por VIH en jóvenes, con potencial para constituir una planificación de atención preventiva.

ABSTRACT Objective to construct and validate the content of an instrument for sociostructural and behavioral assessment associated with HIV infection in young people. Method a methodological study developed in two steps: instrument elaboration; and content validity. The items that made up the instrument were selected through a literary review using the Modified Social Ecological Model multilevel domains as a reference, categorized into sociostructural and behavioral components. Content was assessed by experts in two rounds conducted using the Delphi technique, assuming an agreement rate of at least 80%. Results the first version of the instrument contained 52 items, distributed across three domains. In the first round, 19 items (36.5%) had a Content Validity Index lower than 0.80, two items were excluded and the rest were reformulated. In the second round, 2 items were excluded and 3 were incorporated as subitems, totaling 45 items. The Instrument Content Validity Index was 95%. Conclusion and implications for practice experts' recommendations contributed qualifying the Sociostructural and Behavioral Assessment-HIV instrument, enabling content reorganization. The instrument is valid for identifying socio-structural and behavioral factors associated with HIV infection in young people, with the potential to constitute preventive care planning.

Unraveling the genetic background of individuals with a clinical familial hypercholesterolemia phenotype.

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a common genetic disorder of lipid metabolism caused by pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants in LDLR, APOB, and PCSK9 genes. Variants in FH-phenocopy genes (LDLRAP1, APOE, LIPA, ABCG5, and ABCG8), polygenic hypercholesterolemia, and hyperlipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] can also mimic a clinical FH phenotype. We aim to present a new diagnostic tool to unravel the genetic background of clinical FH phenotype. Biochemical and genetic study was performed in 1,005 individuals with clinical diagnosis of FH, referred to the Portuguese FH Study. A next-generation sequencing panel, covering eight genes and eight SNPs to determine LDL-C polygenic risk score and LPA genetic score, was validated, and used in this study. FH was genetically confirmed in 417 index cases: 408 heterozygotes and 9 homozygotes. Cascade screening increased the identification to 1,000 FH individuals, including 11 homozygotes. FH-negative individuals (phenotype positive and genotype negative) have Lp(a) >50 mg/dl (30%), high polygenic risk score (16%), other monogenic lipid metabolism disorders (1%), and heterozygous pathogenic variants in FH-phenocopy genes (2%). Heterozygous variants of uncertain significance were identified in primary genes (12%) and phenocopy genes (7%). Overall, 42% of our cohort was genetically confirmed with FH. In the remaining individuals, other causes for high LDL-C were identified in 68%. Hyper-Lp(a) or polygenic hypercholesterolemia may be the cause of the clinical FH phenotype in almost half of FH-negative individuals. A small part has pathogenic variants in ABCG5/ABCG8 in heterozygosity that can cause hypercholesterolemia and should be further investigated. This extended next-generation sequencing panel identifies individuals with FH and FH-phenocopies, allowing to personalize each person's treatment according to the affected pathway.

Antibacterial and antifungal activity of curcumin and methylene blue associated with laser on bacterial and fungal strains

Objective:To analyze the effect of methylene blue and 10% curcumin in fungi and bacteria through an in vitrostudy using photodynamic therapy (PDT). Methods:Curcumin and methylene blue were photosensitized by a Photon Lase III laser applied for 90 s in a dark environment within a laminar flow chamber. Enterococcus faecalisand Candida albicans strains were cultured and standardized.Then, a minimum inhibitoryconcentration (MIC) assay was conducted for these photosensitizers, with concentration variations and incubation to evaluate their antimicrobial activity. Results:With PDT, Curcumin had significant antibacterial activity against E. faecalis (MIC = 250 µg/mL).In contrast, methylene blue had antibacterial activity against E. faecalis (MIC < 12.5 µg/mL with PDT) and antifungal activity against C. albicans (MIC <12.5 µg/mL with or without PDT).Both agents showed greater efficacy in the presence of the laser.The results suggest that curcumin and methylene blue associated with laser may effectively treat microbial infections. Conclusion:Further research is needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of using these agents in animal and human models and theireffectiveness against different bacterial and fungal strains.

Optimising a landscape visual quality protocol. A Method for reducing respondent fatigue and obtaining site-specific indicators.

Evaluation of landscape visual quality is crucial for policymaking and planning but is still challenging. A wide range of visual assessment protocols is available, but there is still no consensus on appropriate indicators or approaches. Also, evaluation protocols can encompass many indicators, being exhaustive and complex and making the evaluation lengthy. Furthermore, protocols tend to be catered to a particular type of landscape or site-specific, and it can be tricky to ensure the protocol developed is adequate for the landscape under study. This paper proposes a methodology to optimise the selection of indicators for landscape visual assessments. There are two main goals: i) reduce the evaluation time to avoid respondent fatigue, and ii) make the protocol site-specific, choosing indicators that perform better and avoiding redundant indicators. •The presented method optimises the selection of indicators in expert visual assessments;•Indicators are rated in situ on a 5-point scale and go through a performance and redundancy test;•It helps to adapt complex evaluation protocols to the study landscape and to choose robust indicators in a supported and scientific way.

Food consumption profile of rural riverside populations.

INTRODUCTION: The uniqueness of the way of life of rural riverside populations is of interest because they are the largest traditional Amazonian population. Their eating habits reveal their life conditions and relationship with the urban environment and is a poorly investigated subject. This research aimed to describe and analyze the food consumption of Amazonian riverside populations based on the food types consumed and reported by the families. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out on the rural riverside population occupying part of the riverbank of Rio Negro, in Manaus County, North Brazil. This population can only be accessed by river. Random, systematic, stratified sampling was conducted on 287 households. A questionnaire about consumed food, socioeconomic conditions and food obtainment was applied. The analysis was performed in R software. Descriptive statistical analysis and log-binomial regression were carried out. RESULTS: It was observed that eating habits were mainly based on in natura (unprocessed) or minimally processed foods, according to the food classification system NOVA. Food diversity was low and the most consumed food types were coffee, flour and rice. The influence of small local markets, income and traditional practices on food intake based on food processing level was also observed. Thus, the chances of eating fish in locations with a small grocery shop were lower (p=0.009) and of eating chicken were higher (p≤0.001). The chances of consuming in natura or minimally processed foods among the literate population (p=0.041) with higher income (p≤0.001) were higher. The chances of eating processed foods were lower where fishing (p=0.007) and farming (p=0.009) were practiced. CONCLUSION: Based on these unexpected results, the present research highlights the food consumption of a riverside population and reduces the shortage of information about the largest traditional Amazonian population.

Generation and validation of a classification model to diagnose familial hypercholesterolaemia in adults.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The early diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolaemia is associated with a significant reduction in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. While the recent use of statistical and machine learning algorithms has shown promising results in comparison with traditional clinical criteria, when applied to screening of potential FH cases in large cohorts, most studies in this field are developed using a single cohort of patients, which may hamper the application of such algorithms to other populations. In the current study, a logistic regression (LR) based algorithm was developed combining observations from three different national FH cohorts, from Portugal, Brazil and Sweden. Independent samples from these cohorts were then used to test the model, as well as an external dataset from Italy. METHODS: The area under the receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) and precision-recall (AUPRC) curves was used to assess the discriminatory ability among the different samples. Comparisons between the LR model and Dutch Lipid Clinic Network (DLCN) clinical criteria were performed by means of McNemar tests, and by the calculation of several operating characteristics. RESULTS: AUROC and AUPRC values were generally higher for all testing sets when compared to the training set. Compared with DLCN criteria, a significantly higher number of correctly classified observations were identified for the Brazilian (p < 0.01), Swedish (p < 0.01), and Italian testing sets (p < 0.01). Higher accuracy (Acc), G mean and F1 score values were also observed for all testing sets. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to DLCN criteria, the LR model revealed improved ability to correctly classify observations, and was able to retain a similar number of FH cases, with less false positive retention. Generalization of the LR model was very good across all testing samples, suggesting it can be an effective screening tool if applied to different populations.

Oxidative stress markers in the saliva of patients with oral lichen planus.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the levels of oxidative stress markers in the saliva of patients with oral lichen planus (OLP). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 22 patients diagnosed both clinically and histologically with OLP (reticular or erosive) and 12 individuals without OLP. Non-stimulated sialometry was performed and oxidative stress (myeloperoxidase - MPO and malondialdehyde - MDA) and antioxidant (superoxide dismutase - SOD and glutathione - GSH) markers were determined in the saliva. RESULTS: Among the patients with OLP, most were women (n = 19; 86.4%) and reported to have experienced menopause (63.2%). Patients with OLP were mostly in the active stage of the disease (n = 17; 77.3%) and the reticular form was predominant (n = 15; 68.2%). No statistically significant differences were observed when comparing SOD, GSH, MPO and MDA values between individuals with and without OLP, as well as between erosive and reticular forms of OLP (p > 0.05). Patients with inactive OLP presented higher SOD when compared to those with active disease (p = 0.031). CONCLUSION: Oxidative stress markers in the saliva of patients with OLP were similar to those found in people without OLP, which can be related to the high exposure of the oral cavity environment to several physical, chemical and microbiological stimuli, important generators of the oxidative stress.

Characteristics and Outcomes of COVID-19 Cancer Patients Admitted to a Portuguese Intensive Care Unit: A Case-Control Study.

Cancer patients appear to be a vulnerable group in the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to compare clinical characteristics and outcomes of cancer and non-cancer patients with COVID-19 admitted to the ICU. All COVID-19 cancer patients (cases) admitted to a Portuguese ICU between March 2020 and January 2021 were included and matched on age, sex and comorbidities with COVID-19 non-cancer patients (controls); 29 cases and 29 controls were enrolled. Initial symptoms were similar between the two groups. Anemia was significantly superior among cases (76% vs. 45%; p = 0.031). Invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) need at ICU admission was significantly higher among cases (48% vs. 7%; odds ratio (OR) = 12.600, 95% CI: 2.517-63.063, p = 0.002), but there were no differences for global need for IMV during all-length of ICU stay and mortality rates. In a multivariate model of logistic regression, the risk of IMV need at ICU admission among cases remained statistically significant (adjusted OR = 14.036, 95% CI: 1.337-153.111, p = 0.028). Therefore, compared to critical non-cancer patients, critical cancer patients with COVID-19 had an increased risk for IMV need at the moment of ICU admission, however, not for IMV need during all-length of ICU stay or death.

E-learning as a strategy in dentistry in the context of COVID-19: a path to follow?

The current study aims to assess the effectiveness of e-learning in compliance with the new biosafety recommendations in dentistry in the context of COVID-19 applied to the clinical staff of a dental school in Brazil. A quasi-experimental epidemiological study was carried out by means of a structured, pre-tested online questionnaire, applied before and after an educational intervention, using an e-learning format. After data collection, statistical tests were performed. A total of 549 members of the clinical staff participated in the study in the two collection phases, with a return rate of 26.9%. After the e-learning stage, a reduction was found in the reported use of disposable gloves, protective goggles, and surgical masks. The course had no impact on the staff's knowledge concerning the proper sequence for donning PPE and showed 100% effectiveness regarding proper PPE doffing sequence. Knowledge about avoiding procedures that generate aerosols in the clinical setting was improved. Despite the low rate of return, it can be concluded that online intervention alone was ineffective in significantly improving learning about the new clinical biosafety guidelines. Therefore, the use of hybrid teaching and repetitive training is highly recommended.

Effect of multidrug solution for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis in vivo.

Objective: Evaluate the effect of a multidrug solution, adopted by a referral hospital for cancer to control and treat chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis in rats. Methods: Oral mucositis (OM) was induced by 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), and the animals were treated with saline (n = 8, G1), 0.12% chlorhexidine (n = 8, G2); and multidrug solution (n = 8, G3). The animals were submitted to clinical and histological analysis of the lesion using mucosal fragments. The animals' food consumption during treatment was also evaluated. Results: Clinical improvement (p < 0.05) was observed in the groups treated with the multidrug solution and 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate. In G2 and G3, there was a prevalence of reepithelialization covering <50% of the lesion. Evaluation of the inflammatory infiltrate indicated that the G1 treatment permitted an intense inflammatory response in all animals, yet this evaluation parameter was moderate in groups G2 and G3. The G3 group (p < 0.05) presented higher food consumption than the other groups. Conclusions: The multidrug solution improved the clinical and histological parameters of the chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis, as well as promoted an increase in food intake.

Avaliação da percepção da equipe de enfermagem sobre a prática de higienização oral em unidade de terapia intensiva

INTRODUÇÃO: O cuidado com o paciente internado em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva abrange variadas esferas, incluindo a da higiene oral, frequentemente praticada por profissionais da equipe de enfermagem. Estes pacientes são constantemente expostos a fatores de risco que podem levar a complicações sistêmicas, como a pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica. A execução diária da higienização oral contribui para a redução de patógenos da cavidade oral, trazendo segurança ao paciente. Sua prática adequada demanda conhecimento e padronização, e, para tanto, protocolos e treinamentos eficazes são necessários. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado estudo diagnóstico situacional de caráter observacional, descritivo e transversal, com aplicação de questionário a equipe de enfermagem das Unidades de Terapia Intensiva de um hospital público de cardiologia do Estado de São Paulo. RESULTADOS: Foram obtidos 103 questionários respondidos, sendo 49 técnicos de enfermagem, 29 enfermeiros, 20 auxiliares de enfermagem e 5 enfermeiros residentes. Do total de participantes, 39,8% afirmaram não realizar a higienização do tubo orotraqueal e 58,3% não recebeu treinamento em higienização oral. A consideração de que a higienização oral é adequada foi de 73,8% e demonstrou-se independente estatisticamente de fatores como a higienização do tubo orotraqueal, e recebimento de treinamento. CONCLUSÃO: O papel da equipe de enfermagem é essencial para a sistematização da prática da higiene oral, colaborando para a prevenção de infecções. A presença de protocolo sistematizado e treinamentos eficazes favorecem as boas práticas assistenciais e beneficia o tratamento do paciente. O cirurgião-dentista inserido na equipe multidisciplinar possibilita enriquecimento para o atendimento do paciente crítico.

INTRODUCTION: The care of patients hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit covers several spheres, including oral hygiene, often practiced by professionals from the nursing team. These patients are constantly exposed to risk factors that can lead to systemic complications, such as ventilator-associated pneumonia. The daily execution of oral hygiene contributes to the reduction of pathogens in the oral cavity, bringing safety to the patient. Its proper practice demands knowledge and standardization, and, therefore, effective protocols and training are necessary. METHODS: A situational diagnostic observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out, with the application of a questionnaire to the nursing staff of the Intensive Care Units of a public cardiology hospital in the State of São Paulo. RESULTS: 103 questionnaires were answered, 49 nursing technicians, 29 nurses, 20 nursing assistants and 5 resident nurses. Of the total number of participants, 39.8% said they did not clean the orotracheal tube and 58.3% did not receive training in oral hygiene. The consideration that oral hygiene is adequate was 73.8% and proved to be statistically independent of factors such as cleaning the orotracheal tube, and receiving training. CONCLUSION: The role of the nursing team is essential for the systematization of the practice of oral hygiene, collaborating for the prevention of infections. The presence of a systematic protocol and effective training favor good care practices and benefit patient treatment. The dental surgeon inserted in the multidisciplinary team enables enrichment for the care of critical patients.

Acanthoscurria gomesiana spider-derived Mygalin in the prelimbic prefrontal cortex modulates neuropathic pain and depression comorbid.

Depression has a high rate of comorbidity with neuropathic pain. This study aims to investigate the effect of Mygalin, an acylpolyamine synthesized from a natural molecule in the hemolymph of the Acanthoscurria gomesiana spider, injected into the prelimbic (PrL) region of the medial prefrontal cortex on chronic neuropathic pain and depression comorbidity in rats. To investigate that comorbidity, neuropathic pain was induced by chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve in male Wistar rats. The biotinylated biodextran amine (BDA) bidirectional neural tract tracer was microinjected into the PrL cortex to study brain connections. Rodents were further subjected to von Frey (mechanical allodynia), acetone (cold allodynia), and forced swim (depressive-like behavior) tests. BDA neural tract tracer-labeled perikarya were found in the dorsal columns of the periaqueductal gray matter (dPAG) and the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN). Neuronal activity of DRN neurons decreased in CCI rats. However, PrL cortex treatment with Mygalin increased the number of spikes on DRN neurons. Mygalin treatment in the PrL cortex decreased both mechanical and cold allodynia and immobility behavior in CCI rats. PrL cortex treatment with N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor receptors attenuated the analgesic and antidepressive effects caused by Mygalin. The PrL cortex is connected with the dPAG and DRN, and Mygalin administration into the PrL increased the activity of DRN neurons. Mygalin in the PrL cortex produced antinociceptive and antidepressive-like effects, and the NMDA agonist reversed these effects.

Atuação odontológica no paciente cardiopata em cuidados paliativos na unidade de terapia intensiva / Dental performance in the patient with heart disease in palliative care in the intensive care unit

INTRODUÇÃO: A Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS) define Cuidados Paliativos como uma "abordagem que melhora a qualidade de vida de pacientes e suas famílias que enfrentam problemas associados a doenças que ameaçam a vida. Previne e alivia o sofrimento, através de identificação precoce, avaliação correta e tratamento da dor e de outros problemas físicos, psicossociais ou espirituais". Pacientes com doenças ameaçadoras de vida, sobretudo os cardiopatas, apresentam sinais e sintomas bucais decorrentes da doença de base ou do seu tratamento. Portanto, o cuidado bucal deve ser considerado como parte do plano integral de cuidados paliativos, para reduzir não apenas a carga microbiana bucal, mas também o risco de acidentes, dor, infecções e complicações sistêmicas. RELATO DE CASO: Paciente do gênero masculino, com 65 anos de idade. Apresenta diagnóstico de insuficiência cardíaca perfil B, hipertensão arterial sistêmica, doença renal crônica e diabetes mellitus tipo II, com antecedente de dois infartos agudos do miocárdio e internado na unidade de terapia intensiva de um hospital cardiológico terciário, em cuidados paliativos exclusivos. Observou-se ao exame físico extraoral o paciente ser não contactuante, acamado, intubado, com abertura mandibular reduzida à manipulação, lábios ressecados; e ao exame físico intraoral, ser dentado parcial superior e inferior sem uso de próteses dentárias, ter doença periodontal, dentes incisivos central e lateral superior do lado direito com mobilidade grau 3, lesões ulceradas em mucosa labial, língua ressecada, saburra lingual e fluxo salivar reduzido. Visto isso, elaborou-se um plano de cuidados bucais visando a prevenção do risco de broncoaspiração, aliviar e controlar os sinais bucais. Foi realizada exodontia dos dentes com mobilidade, laserterapia e biópsia incisional da lesão ulcerada, higiene oral com acompanhamento odontológico diariamente. CONSIDERAÇÕES FINAIS: O caso enfatiza a importância do cirurgião-dentista inserido numa equipe de Cuidados Paliativos, que através do atendimento especializado reduziu o risco de acidente e proporcionou alívio e conforto ao paciente em sua fase final de vida.

Avaliação da condição bucal de pacientes cardiopatas com covid-19 em um hospital terciário de cardiologia / Evaluation of the oral condition of cardiac patients with covid-19 in a tertiary cardiology hospital

INTRODUÇÃO: a covid-19 é uma infecção respiratória aguda grave causada pelo vírus sars-cov-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2). as formas mais graves da doença são relacionadas a idosos e portadores de comorbidades, como pacientes com doenças cardiovasculares. o sars-cov-2 liga-se aos receptores da enzima conversora de angiotensina 2 (eca2) presentes em diversos tecidos do organismo, sendo em grande quantidade na mucosa oral, onde sofre replicação nas glândulas salivares e é capaz de promover alterações na cavidade oral. além das complicações próprias do vírus, a internação em ambiente hospitalar favorece o surgimento de agravos no sistema estomatognático relacionados à saúde debilitada do paciente e às intercorrências da internação. OBJETIVO: Caracterizar a condição oral dos pacientes cardiopatas com COVID-19 em um hospital terciário de cardiologia e descrever os principais diagnósticos e tratamentos realizados. MÉTODO: Estudo quantitativo, descritivo e retrospectivo de prontuários odontológicos de pacientes cardiopatas adultos com COVID-19 internados em Enfermaria e UTI COVID de um hospital cardiológico no período de Março de 2021 a Março de 2022. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 79 prontuários odontológicos, sendo o gênero masculino o mais prevalente (75%) e a idade média de 64,1 anos. Do local de internação, 59% estavam na UTI COVID. A Hipertensão Arterial Sistêmica foi o diagnóstico cardiovascular mais observado (78%). Na cavidade oral, a saburra lingual (25%) e higiene oral insatisfatória (63%) foram mais predominantes. Hemorragias em região orofacial e alterações no fluxo salivar também foram observadas em, respectivamente, 12,65% e 20,1% dos indivíduos. O principal tratamento odontológico realizado foi a higiene oral (34%), seguido de hidratação das mucosas (33%) e instrução de higiene oral ao paciente (24%). CONCLUSÃO: O estudo realizado demonstrou uma precariedade na condição oral dos pacientes cardiopatas infectados por Sars-Cov-2, com alta prevalência de saburra, doença periodontal e higiene oral insatisfatória entre os indivíduos. Ressalta a necessidade da implementação de práticas adequadas de higiene oral e a importância da presença do cirurgião-dentista em ambiente hospitalar.

Avaliação da percepção da equipe de enfermagem sobre a prática de higienização oral em unidade de terapia intensiva / Assessment of the nursing team's perception of the practice of oral hygiene in an intensive care unit

INTRODUÇÃO: O cuidado com o paciente internado em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva abrange variadas esferas, incluindo a da higiene oral, frequentemente praticada por profissionais da equipe de enfermagem. Devido ao acúmulo de microorganismos orais e às condições clínicas, os pacientes são constantemente expostos a fatores de risco que podem levar a complicações sistêmicas, como a pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica (PAVM). A execução diária da higienização oral contribui para a redução de patógenos da cavidade oral, auxilia na prevenção de infecções e na preservação da integridade da mucosa oral, trazendo segurança ao paciente. A prática adequada de higienização oral demanda conhecimento e padronização, e, para tanto, protocolos e treinamentos eficazes são necessários. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado estudo diagnóstico situacional de caráter observacional, descritivo e transversal, com aplicação de questionário a equipe de enfermagem das Unidades de Terapia Intensiva de um hospital público de cardiologia do Estado de São Paulo. RESULTADOS: Foram obtidos 103 questionários respondidos, sendo 49 técnicos de enfermagem, 29 enfermeiros, 20 auxiliares de enfermagem e 5 enfermeiros residentes. Do total de participantes, 39,8% afirmaram não realizar a higienização do tubo orotraqueal e 58,3% não recebeu treinamento em higienização oral. A consideração de que a higienização oral é adequada foi de 73,8% e demonstrou-se independente estatisticamente de fatores como a higienização ou não do tubo orotraqueal, recebimento ou não de treinamento. CONCLUSÃO: O papel da equipe de enfermagem é essencial para o cuidado e sistematização da prática da higiene oral, colaborando para a prevenção de infecções, como a PAVM. A presença de protocolo sistematizado e treinamentos eficazes favorece a disseminação de boas práticas assistenciais e beneficia o tratamento do paciente crítico. O cirurgião-dentista inserido na equipe multidisciplinar possibilita enriquecimento para o atendimento do paciente internado em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva.