Application of Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy for the Assessment of Wine Spoilage Indicators: A Feasibility Study.

Wine aroma is one of the most frequently used and explored quality indicators. Typically, its assessment involves estimating the volatile composition of wine or highly trained assessors conducting sensory analysis. However, current methodologies rely on slow, expensive and complicated analytical procedures. Additionally, sensory evaluation is inherently subjective in nature. Therefore, the aim of this work is to verify the feasibility of using FTIR spectroscopy as a fast and easy methodology for the early detection of some of the most common off-odors in wines. FTIR spectroscopy was combined with partial least squares (PLS) regression for the simultaneous measurement of isoamyl alcohol, isobutanol, 1-hexanol, butyric acid, isobutyric acid, decanoic acid, ethyl acetate, furfural and acetoin. The precision and accuracy of developed calibration models (R2P > 0.90, range error ratio > 12.1 and RPD > 3.1) proved the ability of the proposed methodology to quantify the aforementioned compounds.

Randomized crossover clinical trial of a Mindfulness-based intervention for nurse leaders: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the effects of a Mindfulness-based intervention on nurse leaders' emotional intelligence and resilience. METHOD: a pilot study of a randomized crossover clinical trial. The sample (n=32) was randomized into Group A (n=18) and Group B (n=14) and evaluated at the pre-test, post-test and follow-up moments. The outcomes were assessed using the Emotional Intelligence Measure, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Questionnaire and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, and analyzed using Generalized Linear Mixed Models. RESULTS: a total of 32 nurses with a mean age of 42.6 years old were evaluated. The analyses showed significant interactions between the effects of the group x moment factors on the Self-motivation (p=0.005), Sociability (p<0.001), Self-control (p=0.013), and Total (p=0.002) emotional intelligence skill scores; as well as on the Observe (p=0.042), Describe (p=0.008), Non-judgment (p<0.001), Act with awareness (p=0.004) and Total (p<0.001) mindfulness facets. Post-test: there was a statistically significant increase in the Sociability (p=0.009) and Self-control (p=0.015) emotional intelligence skills; as well as in the Non-judgment (p=0.022) and Total (p=0.002) mindfulness facets. Follow-up: a significant increase was observed in the Non-judgment (p=0.024) and Total (p=0.026) mindfulness facets. The "resilience" variable did not present statistical significance in the "group x moment" factor, both in the post-test and during follow-up. CONCLUSION: the Mindfulness-based intervention used proved to be effective in increasing nurse leaders' emotional intelligence and dispositional mindfulness skills. Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (RBR-3c62gy), registered on March 4 th , 2020, updated on September 16 th , 2022. BACKGROUND: (1) Unpublished study of a Mindfulness-based intervention with nurse leaders. BACKGROUND: (2) Positive effect on the participants' emotional intelligence and mindfulness. BACKGROUND: (3) Advances in knowledge about emotional intelligence and leadership resilience. BACKGROUND: (4) It encourages the implementation of sensitive and innovative health strategies.

Randomized crossover clinical trial of a Mindfulness-based intervention for nurse leaders: A pilot study / Ensayo clínico aleatorizado cruzado de una intervención basada en mindfulness con enfermeros líderes: estudio piloto / Ensaio clínico randomizado cruzado de uma intervenção baseada em mindfulness em enfermeiros líderes: estudo-piloto

Objective: to analyze the effects of a Mindfulness-based intervention on nurse leaders' emotional intelligence and resilience. Method: a pilot study of a randomized crossover clinical trial. The sample (n=32) was randomized into Group A (n=18) and Group B (n=14) and evaluated at the pre-test, post-test and follow-up moments. The outcomes were assessed using the Emotional Intelligence Measure, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Questionnaire and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, and analyzed using Generalized Linear Mixed Models. Results: a total of 32 nurses with a mean age of 42.6 years old were evaluated. The analyses showed significant interactions between the effects of the group x moment factors on the Self-motivation (p=0.005), Sociability (p<0.001), Self-control (p=0.013), and Total (p=0.002) emotional intelligence skill scores; as well as on the Observe (p=0.042), Describe (p=0.008), Non-judgment (p<0.001), Act with awareness (p=0.004) and Total (p<0.001) mindfulness facets. Post-test: there was a statistically significant increase in the Sociability (p=0.009) and Self-control (p=0.015) emotional intelligence skills; as well as in the Non-judgment (p=0.022) and Total (p=0.002) mindfulness facets. Follow-up: a significant increase was observed in the Non-judgment (p=0.024) and Total (p=0.026) mindfulness facets. The "resilience" variable did not present statistical significance in the "group x moment" factor, both in the post-test and during follow-up. Conclusion: the Mindfulness-based intervention used proved to be effective in increasing nurse leaders' emotional intelligence and dispositional mindfulness skills. Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (RBR-3c62gy), registered on March 4 th , 2020, updated on September 16 th , 2022.

Objetivo: analizar los efectos de una intervención basada en mindfulness sobre la inteligencia emocional y la resiliencia de enfermeros líderes. Método: estudio piloto de un ensayo clínico aleatorizado cruzado. Muestra (n=32) aleatorizada en el grupo A (n=18) y grupo B (n=14), se los evaluó en el pretest, postest y seguimiento. Los resultados fueron evaluados mediante la Medida de Inteligencia Emocional, el Cuestionario de Resiliencia de Connor-Davidson y el Cuestionario Mindfulness de Cinco Facetas, y analizados por el Generalized Linear Mixed Models . Resultados: fueron evaluadas 32 enfermeras con una edad promedio de 42,6 años. Los análisis mostraron interacciones significativas de los efectos de los factores grupo vs. momento en los puntajes de las habilidades de automotivación (p=0,005), sociabilidad (p<0,001), autocontrol (p=0,013) y total (p=0,002) de inteligencia emocional; de las facetas observar (p=0,042), describir (p=0,008), no juzgar (p<0,001), actuar con conciencia (p=0,004) y total (p<0,001) de mindfulness. Postest: hubo un aumento estadísticamente significativo de las habilidades de sociabilidad (p=0,009) y autocontrol (p=0,015) de inteligencia emocional; de las facetas no juzgar (p=0,022) y total (p=0,002) de mindfulness . Seguimiento: se observó un aumento significativo en las facetas no juzgar (p=0,024) y total (p=0,026) de mindfulness . La variable resiliencia no presentó significación estadística en el factor grupo vs. momento en el postest y seguimiento. Conclusión: la intervención basada en mindfulness utilizada demostró ser eficaz para aumentar la inteligencia emocional y las habilidades de mindfulness disposicional de los enfermeros líderes. Registro Brasileño de Ensayos Clínicos (RBR-3c62gy), registrado el 4 de marzo de 2020, actualizado el 16 de septiembre de 2022.

Objetivo: analisar os efeitos de uma intervenção baseada em mindfulness na inteligência emocional e resiliência de enfermeiros líderes. Método: estudo-piloto de ensaio clínico randomizado cruzado. Amostra (n=32) randomizada em grupo A (n=18) e grupo B (n=14), avaliados nos momentos pré-teste, pós-teste e seguimento. Os desfechos foram avaliados pela Medida de Inteligência Emocional, pelo Questionário de Resiliência Connor-Davidson e pelo Questionário das Cinco Facetas de Mindfulness , e analisados pelo Generalized Linear Mixed Model . Resultados: foram avaliadas 32 enfermeiras com idade média de 42,6 anos. As análises mostraram interações significativas dos efeitos dos fatores Grupo x Momento nos escores das habilidades de automotivação (p=0,005), sociabilidade (p<0,001), autocontrole (p=0,013) e total (p=0,002) de inteligência emocional; das facetas observar (p=0,042), descrever (p=0,008), não julgar (p<0,001), agir com consciência (p=0,004) e total (p<0,001) de mindfulness . Pós-teste: houve aumento estatisticamente significante das habilidades de sociabilidade (p=0,009) e autocontrole (p=0,015) de inteligência emocional; das facetas não julgar (p=0,022) e total (p=0,002) de mindfulness . Seguimento: observou-se aumento significativo das facetas não julgar (p=0,024) e total (p=0,026) de mindfulness . A variável resiliência não apresentou significância estatística no fator Grupo x Momento, no pós-teste e seguimento. Conclusão: a intervenção baseada em mindfulness utilizada mostrou-se efetiva no aumento das habilidades de inteligência emocional e mindfulness disposicional de enfermeiros líderes. Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos (RBR-3c62gy), registrado em 04 de março de 2020, atualizado em 16 de setembro de 2022.

A Case of Primary Lung Adenocarcinoma With Two Uncommon Presentations: Neurological Paraneoplastic Syndrome and Pericardial Effusion.

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide and remains the first cause of cancer death. The diagnosis of lung cancer is mostly made following evaluation for respiratory signs and symptoms but sometimes the first presentation may be atypical. Some symptoms may be related to the invasion of adjacent structures and others caused by an autoimmune-mediated process when cross-reactivity between tumor antigens and normal nervous tissues is responsible for paraneoplastic syndromes. We present a case of a young woman with a smoking history who first manifested with two uncommon presentations of lung cancer: a paraneoplastic neurological syndrome and a hemorrhagic pericardial effusion with cardiac tamponade.

Identifying Imaging Predictors of Intermediate Age-Related Macular Degeneration Progression.

Purpose: Intermediate age-related macular degeneration (iAMD) is a risk factor for progression to advanced stages, but rates of progression vary between individuals. Predicting individual risk is advantageous for programing timely and effective treatment and for patient stratification into future clinical trials. Methods: We conducted a prospective and noninterventional study following patients with iAMD for 24 months. Optical coherence tomography parameters related with drusen, hyper-reflective foci (HRF), presence of incomplete retinal pigment epithelial and outer retinal atrophy (iRORA) and ellipsoid zone (EZ) status were explored at the baseline. Patients were reclassified at the end of the follow-up period and divided according to their progression. A risk prediction model for progression to late AMD was developed. Results: A total of 135 patients were enrolled in the study and 30.4% developed late disease. A multivariate logistic regression model was created using those optical coherence tomography parameters, further optimized by backward feature elimination. Parameters offering the best fit in prediction progression were presence of iRORA, EZ status, drusen area and presence of HRF. iRORA is the feature that provides a higher probability of developing late AMD (odds ratio, 12.91; P = 0.000), followed by EZ disruption status (odds ratio, 3.54; P = 0.0018). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve calculated for the testing set was 0.77 (95% confidence interval, 0.56-0.98). Conclusions: The combination of iRORA and EZ disruption constitute a high risk of progression to complete RORA within 2 years. Translational Relevance: We propose a practical and useful model to help clinicians in their daily practice in predicting individual progression to advanced AMD.

The effect of non-pharmaceutical interventions on COVID-19 outcomes: A heterogeneous age-related generalisation of the SEIR model.

Successive generalisations of the basic SEIR model have been proposed to accommodate the different needs of the organisations handling the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic and the assessment of the public health measures adopted and named under the common umbrella of Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions (NPIs). So far, these generalisations have not been able to assess the ability of these measures to avoid infection by the SARS-CoV-2 and thus their contribution to contain the spread of the disease. This work proposes a new generalisation of SEIR model and includes a heterogeneous and age-related generation of infections that depends both on a probability that a contact generates the transmission of the disease and a contact rate. The results show (1) thanks to the universal wearing of facial coverings, the probability that a contact provokes the transmission of the disease was reduced by at least 50% and (2) the impact of the other NPI is so significant that otherwise Portugal would have gone into a non-sustainable situation of having 80% of its population infected in the first 300 days of the pandemic. This situation would have led to a number of deaths almost twenty times higher than the number that was actually recorded by December 26th, 2020. Moreover, the results suggest that even if the requirement of universal wearing of facial coverings was adopted sooner jointly with closing workplaces and resorting to teleworking would have postponed the peak of the incidence, altought the epidemic path would have result in a number of infections hardly managed by the National Health System. Complementary, results confirm that (3) the health authorities adopted a conservative approach on the criteria to consider an infected individual not infective any longer; and (4) the most effective NPIs and stringency levels either impacting on self-protection against infection or reducing the contacts that would eventually result in infection are, in decreasing order of importance, the use of Facial coverings, Workplace closing and Stay at home requirements.

Prevalence of Polypharmacy of Older People in a Large Brazilian Urban Center and its Associated Factors.

BACKGROUND: With the aging population comes greater risks associated with polypharmacy, a significant public health problem. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the prevalence of polypharmacy and its associated factors through Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) among older adults treated in primary health care (PHC) in a large Brazilian urban center. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study with a random sampling of 400 older adults using primary health care. Polypharmacy was defined as the cumulative use of five or more daily medications. An assessment of a sociodemographic and health survey, fear of falling, and physical disabilities affecting activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living was conducted. RESULTS: The mean age was 75.23 (SD: 8.53) years. The prevalence of polypharmacy and hyperpolypharmacy was 37% (n = 148) and 1% (n = 4), respectively. The adjusted logistic regression showed that participants with chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs) (OR = 9.24; p = 0.003), diabetes (OR = 1.93; p = 0.003), and obesity (OR = 2.15; p = 0.005) were associated with a greater propensity to use polypharmacy. CONCLUSION: Our results show that older adults with CNCDs, diabetes, and obesity were more likely to use polypharmacy. The results reinforce the importance of using CGA in clinical practice in PHC.

Aromaterapia na redução dos sintomas de estresse na equipe de enfermagem: revisão integrativa de literatura / Aromaterapia para reducir síntomas de estrés en equipos de enfermería: revisión integradora de la literatura / Aromatherapy in reducing stress symptoms in the nursing team: an integrative literature review

Objetivo: analisar as evidências científicas em relação ao uso da aromaterapia na redução de sintomas relacionados ao estresse na equipe de Enfermagem. Método: revisão integrativa da literatura realizada em 01 de julho de 2022, a partir dos descritores "Aromatherapy", "Stress" e "Nursing", com utilização da plataforma Rayyan para seleção dos estudos realizados por dois pesquisadores independentes. Foram incluídos documentos de acesso digital na íntegra e gratuitos nos idiomas português, inglês ou espanhol, que analisaram a aromaterapia e a população de interesse separadamente. Resultados: doze estudos foram incluídos com predominância de ensaios clínicos randomizados e estudos quase experimentais. Destacou-se aromaterapia inalatória com o óleo essencial de Lavandula angustifolia. A utilização de grupo-controle e múltiplas medições dos desfechos foram os critérios que apresentaram maior fragilidade entre os estudos analisados. Considerações finais: a aromaterapia demonstrou efetividade e segurança na redução de sintomas de estresse para a equipe de Enfermagem.

Objetivo: analizar las evidencias científicas en relación con utilizar Aromaterapia para reducir síntomas relacionados con el estrés en equipos de Enfermería. Método: revisión integradora de la literatura realizada el 1 de julio de 2022 a partir de los siguientes descriptores: "Aromatherapy", "Stress" y "Nursing", y empleando la plataforma Rayyan para seleccionar los estudios a cargo de dos investigadores independientes. Se incluyeron documentos con acceso digital a sus textos completos y gratuitos en portugués, inglés o español, y que analizaran la Aromaterapia y la populación de interés en forma separada. Resultados: se incluyeron doce estudios, con predominio de ensayos clínicos aleatorizados y estudios cuasiexperimentales. Se destacó la Aromaterapia por inhalación con aceite esencial de Lavandula angustifolia. Emplear un Grupo Controle y de múltiples mediciones de los desenlaces fueron los criterios que presentaron mayor fragilidad entre los estudios analizados. Consideraciones finales: la Aromaterapia demostró ser efectiva y segura para reducir síntomas de estrés en equipos de Enfermería.

Objective: to analyze the diverse scientific evidence regarding the use of aromatherapy in reducing stress-related symptoms in the Nursing team. Method: an integrative literature review carried out on July 1st, 2022, based on the "Aromatherapy", "Stress" and "Nursing" descriptors and using the Rayyan platform to select the studies, all in charge of two independent researchers. Full-text and free digital access documents in Portuguese, English or Spanish were included, which analyzed aromatherapy and the population of interest separately. Results: twelve studies were included, with predominance of randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies. Inhalation aromatherapy with Lavandula angustifolia essential oil stood out. The use of a Control Group and multiple outcome measures were the criteria that presented the greatest weakness among the studies analyzed. Final considerations: Aromatherapy showed effectiveness and safety in reducing stress symptoms for the Nursing team.

Routine Ultrasound at 30th-33rd weeks versus 30th-33rd and 35th-37th weeks in Low-Risk Pregnancies: A Randomized Trial.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of 35-37 weeks' ultrasound for fetal growth restriction (FGR) detection and the impact of 30th-33rd weeks versus 30th-33rd and 35th-37th weeks' ultrasound on perinatal outcomes. METHODS: This was a randomized controlled trial that enrolled 1,061 low-risk pregnant women: 513 in the control group (routine ultrasound performed at 30th-33rd weeks) and 548 in the study group (with an additional ultrasound at 35th-37th weeks). FGR was defined as a fetus with an estimated fetal weight (EFW) below the 10th percentile. p values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The ultrasound at 35-37 weeks had an overall accuracy of FGR screening of 94%. Spearman's correlation coefficient between EFW and birthweight centile was higher for at 35-37 weeks' ultrasound (ρ = 0.75) compared with 30-33 weeks' ultrasound (ρ = 0.44). The study group had a lower rate of operative vaginal deliveries (24.4% vs. 39.3%, p = 0.005) and cesarean deliveries for nonreassuring fetal status (16.8% vs. 38.8%, p < 0.001). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: A later ultrasound (35-37 weeks) had a high accuracy for detection of FGR and had a higher correlation between EFW and birthweight centiles. Furthermore, it was also associated with lower adverse perinatal outcomes compared to an earlier ultrasound.

Leiomyosarcoma of Inferior Vena Cava in an Immunocompetent Young-adult Female Patient.

Leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava is an extremely rare malignancy originating from the smooth muscle of the vessel wall, with only a few hundred cases reported in the literature. There are no clear guidelines for treatment, but surgical resection is currently the only curative option. Further research is needed to better understand the disease and guide its management. We report a case of a 39-year woman who presented to the emergency room with a four-day history of nonspecific abdominal pain, nausea and fever. An abdominal computed tomography revealed a mass in relation with the inferior vena cava and hepatic nodules. Histological examination proved it to be a leiomyosarcoma of inferior vena cava with liver metastases. Key Words: Leiomyosarcoma, Inferior vena cava, Sarcoma.

Effects of Cognitively Based Compassion Training in the outskirts: A mixed study. / Efeitos do Treinamento Cognitivo de Compaixão na quebrada: estudo misto.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the effects of Cognitively Based Compassion Training (CBCT®) among people in situations of social vulnerability. METHOD: a mixed, sequential and transformative study with the same QUAL→QUAN weight. Focus Groups were applied at the beginning (n=24) and three months (n=11) after CBCT®, to understand the participants' knowledge about emotions, (self)care and stress situations. Content analysis was performed in the WebQDA software. The participants (n=65) were randomized into control (n=31) and intervention (n=34) to assess self-compassion, perceived stress, and positive and negative affects at three time moments. The mixed factorial ANOVA analysis considered within-participants (time) and between-participants (place and group) factors. RESULTS: mean age (37), female gender (88%), single (51%) and black-skinned people (77%). The following thematic categories emerged before the course: "Reducing others' suffering as a bridge to conscious self-care" and "Social vulnerability as a potentiator of low emotional literacy". Subsequently, self-compassion and awareness of the mental states for social activism. The quantitative analysis showed a significant increase in self-compassion within-participants (p=0.003); group factor (p<0.001); perceived stress reduction (p=0.013); negative affects group factor (p=0.005); and increase in positive affects (p<0.001) within-participants. CONCLUSION: CBCT®ï¸ exerted a positive effect on individual well-being and a positive impact on community engagement to promote social well-being in the outskirts. Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (RBR-3w744z.) in April 2019.

Beyond comorbidities, sex and age have no effect on COVID-19 health care demand.

This paper explores the associations between sex, age and hospital health care pressure in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in Portuguese mainland municipalities. To represent the impact of sex and age, we calculated COVID-19 standardised incidence ratios (SIR) in Portuguese mainland municipalities over fourteen months daily, especially focusing on the Porto metropolitan area. A daily novel indicator was devised for hospital health care pressure, consisting of an approximation to the ratio of hospitalisations per available hospital medical doctor (HPI). In addition, 14-day incidence rates were also calculated daily (DIR14), both as an approach and an alternative to the current national pandemic surveillance indicator (which is not calculated with such regularity). Daily maps were first visualised to evaluate spatial patterns. Pearson's correlation coefficients were then calculated between each proposed surveillance indicator (SIR and DIR14) and the HPI. Our results suggest that hospital pressure is not strongly associated with SIR (r = 0.34, p value = 0.08). However, DIR14 bears a stronger correlation with hospital pressure (r = 0.84, p value < 0.001). By establishing the importance of tackling sex and age through the inclusion of these factors explicitly in an epidemiological monitoring indicator, and assessing its relationship with a hospital pressure indicator, our findings have public policy implications that could improve COVID-19 incidence surveillance in Portugal and elsewhere, contributing to advancing the management of potential pandemics in the near future, with a particular focus on local and regional territorial scales.

Efeitos do Treinamento Cognitivo de Compaixão na quebrada: estudo misto / Effects of Cognitively Based Compassion Training in the outskirts: A mixed study / Efectos del Entrenamiento de la Compasión Cognitiva en la población de los barrios periféricos: un estudio mixto

Resumo Objetivo: analisar os efeitos do Treinamento Cognitivo de Compaixão (CBCT®) entre pessoas em situação de vulnerabilidade social. Método: estudo misto tipo transformativo sequencial com mesmo peso QUAL→QUAN. Grupos Focais aplicados no início (n=24) e três meses (n=11) após o CBCT®, para compreender o conhecimento dos participantes sobre emoções, (auto)cuidado e situações de estresse. A análise de conteúdo utilizou o software WebQDA ®. Os participantes (n=65) foram randomizados em controle (n=31) e intervenção (n=34), para avaliação de autocompaixão, estresse percebido e afetos positivos e negativos em três tempos. A ANOVA fatorial mista considerou fator dentre-participantes (tempo) e entre-participantes (local e grupo). Resultados: idade média (37), sexo feminino (88%), solteiras (51%) e pessoas negras (77%). Emergiram, antes do curso, as categorias temáticas: "Redução do sofrimento alheio como ponte para o autocuidado consciente" e "Vulnerabilidade social como potencializadora do baixo letramento emocional". Em seguida, autocompaixão e consciência dos estados mentais para o ativismo social. A análise quantitativa demonstrou aumento significativo de autocompaixão dentre-participantes (p= 0,003); fator grupo (p< 0,001); redução do estresse percebido (p= 0,013); afetos negativos fator grupo (p= 0,005); e aumento dos afetos positivos (p< 001) dentre-participantes. Conclusão: o CBCT®️ teve efeito positivo sobre o bem-estar individual e promoveu impacto positivo no engajamento comunitário para a promoção do bem-estar social na quebrada. Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos (RBR-3w744z.) em abril de 2019.

Abstract Objective: to analyze the effects of Cognitively Based Compassion Training (CBCT®) among people in situations of social vulnerability. Method: a mixed, sequential and transformative study with the same QUAL→QUAN weight. Focus Groups were applied at the beginning (n=24) and three months (n=11) after CBCT®, to understand the participants' knowledge about emotions, (self)care and stress situations. Content analysis was performed in the WebQDA software. The participants (n=65) were randomized into control (n=31) and intervention (n=34) to assess self-compassion, perceived stress, and positive and negative affects at three time moments. The mixed factorial ANOVA analysis considered within-participants (time) and between-participants (place and group) factors. Results: mean age (37), female gender (88%), single (51%) and black-skinned people (77%). The following thematic categories emerged before the course: "Reducing others' suffering as a bridge to conscious self-care" and "Social vulnerability as a potentiator of low emotional literacy". Subsequently, self-compassion and awareness of the mental states for social activism. The quantitative analysis showed a significant increase in self-compassion within-participants (p=0.003); group factor (p<0.001); perceived stress reduction (p=0.013); negative affects group factor (p=0.005); and increase in positive affects (p<0.001) within-participants. Conclusion: CBCT®️ exerted a positive effect on individual well-being and a positive impact on community engagement to promote social well-being in the outskirts. Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (RBR-3w744z.) in April 2019.

Resumen Objetivo: analizar los efectos del Entrenamiento en Compasión Cognitiva (CBCT®) en personas en situación de vulnerabilidad social. Método: estudio mixto del tipo transformativo secuencial con el mismo peso QUAL→QUAN. Grupos Focales aplicados al inicio (n=24) y tres meses (n=11) después del CBCT®, para comprender el conocimiento que tienen los participantes sobre emociones, (auto)cuidado y situaciones de estrés. El análisis de contenido utilizó el software WebQDA. Los participantes (n=65) fueron aleatorizados en el grupo control (n=31) y experimental (n=34) para evaluar la autocompasión, el estrés percibido y los afectos positivos y negativos en tres momentos. El ANOVA factorial mixto consideró factor de participantes (tiempo) y entre participantes (lugar y grupo). Resultados: edad promedio (37), sexo femenino (88%), solteras (51%) y negras (77%). Las categorías temáticas que surgieron antes del curso fueron: "Reducción del sufrimiento de los demás como puente para el autocuidado consciente" y "La vulnerabilidad social como potenciadora de la baja alfabetización emocional". Luego la autocompasión y la conciencia de los estados mentales para el activismo social. El análisis cuantitativo mostró un aumento significativo en la autocompasión de los participantes (p=0,003); factor grupo (p< 0,001); reducción del estrés percibido (p=0,013); afectos negativos factor grupo (p= 0,005); y aumento de los afectos positivos (p< 001) de los participantes. Conclusión: El CBCT®️ tuvo un efecto positivo en el bienestar individual y tuvo un impacto positivo en la participación de la comunidad para promover el bienestar social en la población de los barrios periféricos. Registro Brasileño de Ensayos Clínicos (RBR-3w744z.) en abril de 2019.

Aptidão funcional e qualidade de vida de idosos praticantes de Lian Gong, Tai Chi e Qigong / Aptitud funcional y calidad de vida de adultos mayores que practican Lian Gong, Tai Chi y Qigong / Functional fitness and quality of life of elderly Lian Gong, Tai Chi and Qigong practitioners

Resumo Objetivo Comparar a aptidão funcional e as dimensões da qualidade de vida de idosos participantes e não participantes das práticas orientadas Lian Gong, Tai Chi e Qigong. Métodos Estudo caso-controle, desenvolvido no município de São Paulo - SP, Brasil, com 118 idosos, pareados por sexo e idade: 59 no grupo caso, participantes das práticas corporais, divididos em subgrupos por tempo de adesão:< 24 meses e ≥ 24 meses; e 59 no grupo controle, não participantes das práticas. Para a coleta de dados, aplicaram-se: questionário com variáveis sociodemográficas e de saúde, testes funcionais e o instrumento Medical Outcomes Study 36- Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF36). As análises estatísticas foram realizadas com o programa R versão 3.3.2. Os dados foram inicialmente analisados de forma descritiva e, em seguida, efetuou-se regressão logística univariada e o teste Kruskal Wallis. Os aspectos éticos da pesquisa com seres humanos foram obedecidos. Resultados Verificou-se que, no grupo caso, idosos com tempo de adesão às práticas ≥ 24 meses apresentaram resultado superior no teste funcional de levantar e sentar da cadeira (p=0,006), bem como melhor desempenho nos seguintes domínios da qualidade de vida: dor (p= 0,003), vitalidade (p=0,021), aspectos emocionais (p=0,034) e saúde mental (p=0,020). Conclusão A participação nas práticas corporais, orientadas, Lian Gong, Tai Chi e Qigong pode contribuir para a qualidade de vida e a aptidão funcional de idosos.

Resumen Objetivo Comparar la aptitud funcional y las dimensiones de la calidad de vida de adultos mayores que participan y que no participan en prácticas orientadas Lian Gong, Tai Chi y Qigong. Métodos Estudio caso-control, realizado en el municipio de São Paulo - estado de São Paulo, Brasil, con 118 adultos mayores, pareados por sexo y edad: 59 en el grupo caso, participantes de las prácticas corporales, divididos en subgrupos por tiempo de participación: < 24 meses y ≥ 24 meses; y 59 en el grupo control, no participantes de las prácticas. Para la recopilación de datos, se aplicó un cuestionario con variables sociodemográficas y de salud, pruebas funcionales y el instrumento Medical Outcomes Study 36- Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF36). Los análisis estadísticos se realizaron con el programa R versión 3.3.2. Los datos se analizaron inicialmente de forma descriptiva y, a continuación, se realizó regresión logística univariada y la prueba de Kruskal Wallis. Los aspectos éticos de la investigación con seres humanos fueron cumplidos. Resultados Se verificó que, en el grupo caso, los adultos mayores con tiempo de participación en las prácticas ≥ 24 meses presentaron un resultado superior a la prueba funcional de levantarse y sentarse en la silla (p=0,006), como también un mejor desempeño en los siguientes dominios de calidad de vida: dolor (p= 0,003), vitalidad (p=0,021), aspectos emocionales (p=0,034) y salud mental (p=0,020). Conclusión La participación en las prácticas corporales orientadas Lian Gong, Tai Chi y Qigong puede contribuir para la calidad de vida y para la aptitud funcional de adultos mayores.

Abstract Objective To compare functional fitness and quality of life dimensions of elderly participants and non-participants of Lian Gong, Tai Chi and Qigong guided practices. Methods This is a case-control study, carried out in the city of São Paulo, SP, Brazil, with 118 elderly people, matched by sex and age: 59 in the case group, participants in body practices, divided into subgroups by time of compliance: < 24 months and ≥ 24 months; and 59 in the control group, non-participants in body practices. For data collection, the following were applied: a questionnaire with sociodemographic and health variables, functional tests and the Medical Outcomes Study 36- Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Statistical analyzes were performed using R version 3.3.2. The data were initially analyzed in a descriptive way and, then, a univariate logistic regression and the Kruskal Wallis test were performed. The ethical aspects of research with human beings were obeyed. Results It was found that, in the case group, elderly people with a time of compliance with practices ≥ 24 months showed a superior result in the functional 30-second chair stand test (p=0.006), as well as better performance in the following quality of life domains: bodily pain (p=0.003); vitality (p=0.021); role emotional (p=0.034); and mental health (p=0.020). Conclusion Participation in guided body practices, Lian Gong, Tai Chi and Qigong, can contribute to elderly people's quality of life and functional fitness.

Addressing hospitalisations with non-error-free data by generalised SEIR modelling of COVID-19 pandemic.

Successive generalisations of the basic SEIR model have been proposed to accommodate the different needs of the organisations handling the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic. These generalisations have not been able until today to represent the potential of the epidemic to overwhelm hospital capacity until today. This work builds on previous generalisations, including a new compartment for hospital occupancy that allows accounting for the infected patients that need specialised medical attention. Consequently, a deeper understanding of the hospitalisations rate and probability as well as of the recovery rates for hospitalised and non-hospitalised individuals is achieved, offering new information and predictions of crucial importance for the planning of the health systems and global epidemic response. Additionally, a new methodology to calibrate epidemic flows between compartments is proposed. We conclude that the two-step calibration procedure is able to recalibrate non-error-free data and showed crucial to reconstruct the series in a specific situation characterised by significant errors over the official recovery cases. The performed modelling also allowed us to understand how effective the several interventions (lockdown or other mobility restriction measures) were, offering insight for helping public authorities to set the timing and intensity of the measures in order to avoid the implosion of the health systems.

Decreased endostatin in db/db retinas is associated with optic disc intravitreal vascularization.

Endostatin, a naturally cleaved fragment of type XVIII collagen with antiangiogenic activity, has been involved in the regulation of neovascularization during diabetic retinopathy. Here, the intracellular distribution of endostatin in healthy mouse and human neuroretinas has been analyzed. In addition, to study the effect of experimental hyperglycemia on retinal endostatin, the db/db mouse model has been used. Endostatin protein expression in mouse and human retinas was studied by immunofluorescence and Western blot, and compared with db/db mice. Eye fundus angiography, histology, and immunofluorescence were used to visualize mouse retinal and intravitreal vessels. For the first time, our results revealed the presence of endostatin in neurons of mouse and human retinas. Endostatin was mainly expressed in bipolar cells and photoreceptors, in contrast to the optic disc, where endostatin expression was undetectable. Diabetic mice showed a reduction of endostatin in their retinas associated with the appearance of intravitreal vessels at the optic disc in 50% of db/db mice. Intravitreal vessels showed GFAP positive neuroglia sheath, basement membrane thickening by collagen IV deposition, and presence of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the vascular wall. All together, these results point that decreased retinal endostatin during experimental diabetes is associated with optic disc intravitreal vascularization. Based on their phenotype, these intravitreal vessels could be neovessels. However, it cannot be ruled out the possibility that they may also represent persistent hyaloid vessels.

Encephalitis: A rare complication of mediterranean spotted fever.

Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) is an emerging zoonosis caused by Rickettsia conorii. The MSF typically presents with a triad of fever, generalized cutaneous rash and inoculation eschar, but its clinical spectrum may range from a mild febrile illness to a potentially life-threatening condition, being central nervous system involvement highly rare. We report the clinical case of a 63-year-old male patient with MSF complicated by acute encephalitis and multi-organic failure.

Reiki therapy in the Unified Health System: meanings and experiences in integral health care.

OBJECTIVES: to understand the meanings of Reiki therapy in the Unified Health System, based on the experiences of users and therapists. METHODS: thematic oral history study, conducted with 12 users and 11 Reiki therapists, in three public health services, in the city of São Paulo, SP, in 2018. The interviews were transcribed and categorized, through thematic content analysis, with the help of the Atlas.ti software. RESULTS: for the interviewees, Reiki activates a universal energy, offering benefits to the body, mind, and spirit. The engagement of therapists in such practice was motivated by the desire to carry out voluntary work. Users claim to seek this therapy to overcome a state of suffering and use natural practices. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: the meanings and experiences with Reiki therapy are many, but they converge in the understanding of this practice as a producer of health, well-being, and quality of life, through care centered on the integral human being.

TIM2 modulates retinal iron levels and is involved in blood-retinal barrier breakdown.

Careful control of iron availability in the retina is central to maintenance of iron homeostasis, as its imbalance is associated with oxidative stress and the progression of several retinopathies. Ferritin, known for its role in iron storage and detoxification, has also been proposed as an iron-transporter protein, through its binding to Scara5 and TIM2 membrane receptors. In this study, the presence and iron-related functions of TIM2 in the mouse retina were investigated. Our results revealed for the first time the presence of TIM2 receptors in the mouse retina, mainly in Müller cells. Experimental TIM2 downregulation in the mouse retina promoted, probably due to a compensatory mechanism, Scara5 overexpression that increased retinal ferritin uptake and induced iron overload. Consecutive reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) overexpression led to impaired paracellular and transcellular endothelial transport characterized by tight junction degradation and increased caveolae number. In consequence, blood-retinal barrier (BRB) breakdown and retinal edema were observed. Altogether, these results point to TIM2 as a new modulator of retinal iron homeostasis and as a potential target to counteract retinopathy.