Intravenous administration of recombinant Phα1ß: Antinociceptive properties and morphine tolerance reversal in a cancer-associated pain model.

Cancer-related pain is considered one of the most prevalent symptoms for those affected by cancer, significantly influencing quality of life and treatment outcomes. Morphine is currently employed for analgesic treatment in this case, however, chronic use of this opioid is limited by the development of analgesic tolerance and adverse effects, such as digestive and neurological disorders. Alternative therapies, such as ion channel blockade, are explored. The toxin Phα1ß has demonstrated efficacy in blocking calcium channels, making it a potential candidate for alleviating cancer-related pain. This study aims to assess the antinociceptive effects resulting from intravenous administration of the recombinant form of Phα1ß (r-Phα1ß) in an experimental model of cancer-related pain in mice, tolerant or not to morphine. The model of cancer-induced pain was used to evaluate these effects, with the injection of B16F10 cells, followed by the administration of the r-Phα1ß, and evaluation of the mechanical threshold by the von Frey test. Also, adverse effects were assessed using a score scale, the rotarod, and open field tests. Results indicate that the administration of r-Phα1ß provoked antinociception in animals with cancer-induced mechanical hyperalgesia, with or without morphine tolerance. Previous administration of r-Phα1ß was able to recover the analgesic activity of morphine in animals tolerant to this opioid. r-Phα1ß was proved safe for these parameters, as no adverse effects related to motor and behavioral activity were observed following intravenous administration. This study suggests that the concomitant use of morphine and r-Phα1ß could be a viable strategy for pain modulation in cancer patients.

Perfil do egresso médico de uma instituição de ensino superior do Nordeste do Brasil / Profile of medical graduates from a higher education institution in Northeastern Brazil

Resumo Introdução: Nos últimos anos, ocorreu um aumento da quantidade de faculdades médicas no Brasil, e, concomitante a isso, houve a ampliação do interesse em melhorar a qualidade do ensino na Medicina. Um questionamento resultante dessa mudança é se esse aumento de faculdades de Medicina implicará a formação de profissionais capazes de atender às demandas da sociedade contemporânea. Uma forma de responder a esse questionamento é conhecer o perfil dos egressos das instituições. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o perfil dos egressos médicos formados em uma instituição de ensino superior do Nordeste do Brasil. Método: Realizou-se um estudo transversal do tipo pesquisa de campo com abordagem quantitativa. Egressos do curso de Medicina de uma instituição de ensino superior, formados no período de 2012-2019, foram avaliados por meio de um questionário enviado via e-mail, com perguntas de múltipla escolha. O estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética da instituição. Resultado: Analisaram-se 127 questionários, o que corresponde a uma taxa de resposta de 13,8%, e o sexo feminino predominou ao representar 67,7% da amostra. O conhecimento sobre as Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais durante a graduação foi relatado por 24,2% dos participantes. A maioria dos egressos demonstrou satisfação com o curso realizado e sentimento de preparo para atuação profissional como generalista. Em relação à residência médica, 90,5% dos egressos realizaram esse tipo de programa de especialização. A atuação profissional dos egressos na Estratégia Saúde da Família e no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) foi identificada em 66,9% e 84,3%, respectivamente. Sentimento de aptidão e de habilidade para lidar com educação em saúde, gestão da saúde e atenção à saúde da população foi identificado na maioria dos egressos. Conclusão: Identificamos uma boa satisfação ao final do curso e um sentimento de confiança para atuação profissional na maioria dos egressos. Aperfeiçoamento por meio de residência médica é um objetivo frequente entre os egressos. O SUS é um campo de trabalho para a maioria destes. Além disso, aptidões recomendadas pelas Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais foram percebidas pelos egressos ao final da graduação. Futuros trabalhos com amostras maiores e multicêntricos são necessários para a avaliação do perfil dos egressos no Brasil.

Abstract Introduction: In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of medical schools in Brazil and, concomitantly, the interest in improving the quality of teaching in medicine has increased. One question resulting from this change is whether this increase in medical schools will imply the training of professionals capable of meeting the demands of contemporary society. One way to answer this question is to know the profile of the institutions' graduates. Objective: To evaluate the profile of medical graduates trained at a higher education institution in northeast Brazil. Method: A cross-sectional field research study with a quantitative approach was carried out. Graduates of the medical course of a higher education institution, graduated from 2012 to 2019, were evaluated through a questionnaire sent via e-mail, with multiple choice questions. The study was approved by the institution's ethics committee. Results: A total of 127 questionnaires were analyzed, which corresponds to a response rate of 13.8%; females predominated, representing 67.7% of the sample. Knowledge about the National Curriculum Guidelines during undergraduate school was reported by 24.2% of the participants. Most graduates demonstrated satisfaction with the course taken and a feeling of being prepared for professional work as a generalist. Regarding medical residency, 90.5% of the graduates attended this type of specialization program. Professional performance of graduates in the Family Health Strategy and in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) was identified in 66.9% and 84.3%, respectively. A feeling of aptitude and ability to deal with health education, health management and health care for the population was identified in most graduates. Conclusion: We identified good satisfaction at the end of the course and a feeling of confidence for professional performance in most graduates. Improvement through medical residency is a frequent goal among graduates. The SUS is a field of work for most of these professionals. In addition, skills recommended by the National Curriculum Guidelines were perceived by them at the end of undergraduate school. Future studies with larger and multicenter samples are needed to assess the profile of graduates in Brazil.

Cuidados omissos em contexto de cuidados domiciliários: Razões na perspetiva dos enfermeiros / Nurses' perspectives on the reasons for missed care in home care settings / Cuidados omitidos en la atención domiciliaria: Razones desde la perspectiva de los enfermeros

Resumo Enquadramento: Os cuidados às pessoas dependentes no autocuidado a viver no domicílio e a sua provisão são uma realidade complexa e multidimensional, não estando em muitas situações garantida a sua completude. São escassos os estudos que analisam as razões deste fenómeno. Objetivo: Conhecer as razões que, na perspetiva dos enfermeiros, subjazem à existência de cuidados que não são realizados ou que não são realizados com a frequência esperada às pessoas dependentes referenciadas para cuidados pelas equipas de cuidados continuados domiciliários. Metodologia: Estudo de natureza qualitativa com recurso à técnica do focus group. Resultados: Os cuidados incompletos são concetualizados pelos enfermeiros como um fenómeno que se inicia num problema - escassez de recursos/tempo - associado a fatores organizacionais e condições da família para o exercício do papel de cuidador, que leva à decisão de priorizar cuidados resultando em cuidados omissos ou incompletos. Este é um processo que gera mal-estar nos enfermeiros. Conclusão: É necessário um modelo de cuidados domiciliários que dê resposta em completude às necessidades.

Abstract Background: The delivery of care to people who live at home and depend on others for care is a complex and multidimensional reality where there are often situations of unfinished care. Few studies analyze the reasons for this phenomenon. Objective: To explore nurses' perspectives on the reasons for missed care or care that is not provided as frequently as expected to dependent people referred to home-based long-term care teams. Methodology: Qualitative study using the focus group technique. Results: Nurses conceptualize unfinished care as a phenomenon that starts with a problem - lack of resources/time - associated with organizational factors and the family's conditions to assume the caregiver role, which leads to the decision to prioritize care resulting in missed or unfinished care. This process causes discomfort among nurses. Conclusion: There is a need for a home care model that fully meets the needs.

Resumen Marco contextual: Los cuidados que se prestan a las personas dependientes en el autocuidado que viven en su domicilio es una realidad compleja y multidimensional, y en muchas situaciones no se garantiza que sea completa. Hay pocos estudios que analicen las razones de este fenómeno. Objetivo: Conocer las razones que, desde la perspectiva de los enfermeros, subyacen a la existencia de cuidados que no se prestan o que no se prestan con la frecuencia esperada a las personas dependientes derivadas por los equipos de atención continuada a domicilio. Metodología: Estudio cualitativo llevado a cabo mediante la técnica del grupo focal. Resultados: Los cuidados incompletos son conceptualizados por los enfermeros como un fenómeno que parte de un problema - la falta de recursos/tiempo - asociado a factores organizativos y a las condiciones familiares para el ejercicio del papel del cuidador, lo que lleva a la decisión de priorizar los cuidados, que se traduce en una falta de cuidados omitidos o incompletos. Este es un proceso que genera malestar en los profesionales. Conclusión: Es necesario un modelo de atención domiciliaria que satisfaga plenamente las necesidades.

Ground-based and Satellite Measurements of Solar Spectral Irradiances at 305 nm and 380 nm at a Tropical Site.

The solar radiation has been monitored through ground-based and satellite instruments all over the world for decades. This is also important for both checking and validation of satellite probing. In this work, we compare spectral irradiances at 305 nm (UV-B) and 380 nm (UV-A) from a ground-based radiometer and the Ozone monitoring instrument (OMI) for a tropical site in 2019-2020. Measurements had the auxiliary support of a ground-based imager to identify cloud cover. The presence of clouds introduces the largest differences between satellite and ground-based measurements. In fact, on average, for all-sky (AS, only cloudy skies) conditions such differences (satellite - ground-based) were 46% and 30% at 305 nm and 380 nm, respectively, while for cloud-free-sky (CFS) conditions, the differences dropped to 17% and 8%. In addition, the linear fitting between ground-based and satellite measurements yielded a coefficient of determination (r2 ) of 0.857 (for AS) and 0.984 (for CFS) at 305 nm and 0.774 (for AS) and 0.950 (for CFS) at 380 nm. The differences between these AS and CFS values of r2 were 95% statistically significant. Such results imply the hindrance clouds (and also aerosols based on the results for CFS) still set to obtain UV-B and UV-A surface irradiance from satellite probing.

Nursing knowledge of people with paresis of voluntary muscles: a living scoping review protocol.

OBJECTIVE: This review aims to continuously map the nursing knowledge about people with paresis of voluntary muscles in any context of care. INTRODUCTION: Muscle paresis is a condition that significantly impacts quality of life. Nurses have a crucial role in managing this condition, particularly paresis of voluntary movement muscles. However, nursing knowledge about patients with paresis of voluntary muscles is dispersed, hampering the integration of evidence within the structure of information systems. Mapping how the nursing process components are identified is the first step in creating a Nursing Clinical Information Model for this condition, capable of integrating evidence into information systems. INCLUSION CRITERIA: This scoping review will consider studies focusing on the nursing process regarding people with paresis of voluntary muscles in all care contexts. The review will include quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods study designs, systematic reviews, clinical guidelines, dissertations, and theses. METHODS: The review process will follow JBI's scoping review guidance, as well as the Cochrane Collaboration's guidance on living reviews. Screening of new literature will be performed regularly, with the review being updated according to new findings. The search strategy will map published and unpublished studies. The databases to be searched will include MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, JBI Evidence Synthesis , and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Searches for unpublished studies will include OpenGrey and Repositorios Científicos de Acesso Aberto de Portugal. Studies published in English and Portuguese from 1975 will be considered for inclusion. REGISTRATION: Open Science Framework: https://osf.io/d7c9g/.

Self-Care Dependency Evaluation Form: Psychometric properties of the revised version with 27 items.

INTRODUCTION: The Self-Care Dependency Evaluation Form assesses dependency in performing self-care activities, but its original version is extensive and provides redundant information. The present study aims to scrutinise the items of the scale with the purpose of creating a revised version and to evaluate its psychometric properties. METHODS: The study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, an exploratory and correctional analysis of the items of the original form was performed from a database with 282 participants, followed by a review by a panel of experts who analysed the discriminatory ability and the contribution and relevance of each item, which resulted in the revised version. In the second phase, a new study with a sample comprising 150 participants was conducted to test the psychometric properties of the revised version. All ethical aspects and matters of confidentiality and privacy were assured. RESULTS: The scale with 27 items shows good internal consistency, ranging from 0.67 (taking medication) to 0.96 (walking). It was moderately correlated with the Barthel Index and the Lawton and Brody Scale, proven to be a discriminatory measurement instrument. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: This measure will enable health professionals to better evaluate self-care activities and provide more efficient, simple and effective prescriptions.

Nursing knowledge on skin ulcer healing: a living scoping review protocol.

OBJECTIVE: This review aims to continuously map the nursing knowledge on skin ulcer healing in any context of care. INTRODUCTION: Chronic wounds are an increasing concern for society and health care providers. Pressure ulcers and venous ulcers, among others, have devastating effects on morbidity and quality of life and require a systematic approach. The nursing process is an important method that allows a better organization and overall care quality for a systematic and continuous professional approach to nursing management of skin ulcers. The integration of this nursing knowledge in informatics systems creates an opportunity to embed decision-support models in clinical activity, promoting evidence-based practice. INCLUSION CRITERIA: This scoping review will consider articles on nursing data, diagnosis, interventions, and outcomes focused on people with skin ulcers in all contexts of care. This review will include quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods study designs as well as systematic reviews and dissertations. METHODS: JBI's scoping review guidance, as well as the Cochrane Collaboration's guidance on living reviews, will be followed to meet the review's objective. Screening of new literature will be performed regularly, with the review updated according to new findings. The search strategy will map published and unpublished studies. The databases to be searched include MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, JBI Evidence Synthesis, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and PEDro. Searches for unpublished studies will include OpenGrey and Repositórios Científicos de Acesso Aberto de Portugal. Studies published in English and Portuguese since 2010 will be considered for inclusion. SCOPING REVIEW PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: Open Science Framework: https://osf.io/f6s4e/.

Developing nursing clinical data models addressing delusion and hallucination with Meleis transitions theory as the theoretical reference model: A focus group study.

PURPOSE: To build the final clinical data models regarding the nursing focuses "Delusion" and "Hallucination" with Meleis transitions theory as the theoretical reference model. DESIGN AND METHODS: A qualitative descriptive design was adopted, using two focus groups. FINDINGS: The clinical data models obtained by this study recognize a perspective centered on the client's transition, which emphasizes the role of nursing in relation to a client suffering from delusion and hallucination. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: These clinical data models may contribute towards improving nursing clinical decision-making and nursing care quality regarding these areas.

Surveillance of Chagas disease vectors in Ceará State, Northeastern Brazil / Vigilância dos vetores da Doença de Chagas no Estado do Ceará, Nordeste do Brasil

Objective: Describe the spatial distribution, temporal trend and the natural infection rates by Trypanosoma cruzi in triatomines captured in Ceará State, between 2003 and 2014. Methods: Chagas Disease Control Program data were used to describe triatomine species circulating, their distribution in the state, the capture places (intradomicile and peridomicile), and the rates of natural infection by T. cruzi, between 2003 and 2014. Results: During this period, 401,721 triatomines were captured in 89.1% of the municipalities of the State, belonging to the species Triatoma pseudomaculata (53.9%), Triatoma brasiliensis (40.5%), Rhodnius nasutus (1.9%), Panstrongylus megistus (1.5%), Panstrogylus lutzi (1.3%), Triatoma rubrofasciata (0.8%), Panstrongylus geniculatus (< 0.1%), and Triatoma petrochiae (< 0.1%). Most of the specimens were caught in peridomicile areas (83.0%), with emphasis on T. pseudomaculata and T. brasiliensis, while P. lutzi was predominant in the intradomicile. P. lutzi had the highest infection rate by T. cruzi (7.8%), while T. pseudomaculata (0.9%), T. brasiliensis (1.0%), and P. megistus (1.3%) had the lowest rates. Conclusions: The occurrence of an enzootic cycle of T. cruzi and the presence of synanthropic animals that provide a source of blood meals to triatomines increases the risk of its transmission to humans, requiring constant vigilance by the sanitary authorities.

Objetivo: Descrever a distribuição especial, tendência temporal e a as taxas de infecção natural por T. cruzi em triatomíneos capturados no Estado do Ceará, entre 2003 e 2014. Métodos: Dados do Programa de Controle da Doença de Chagas foram utilizados para descrever as espécies de triatomíneos circulantes, sua distribuição no Estado, os locais de captura (intradomicílio e peridomicílio) e as taxas de infecção natural por T. cruzi entre os anos de 2003 e 2014. Resultados: Durante este período, 401.721 triatomíneos foram capturados em 89,1% dos municípios do Estado, pertencendo às espécies Triatoma pseudomaculata (53,9%), T. brasiliensis (40,5%), Rhodnius nasutus (1,9%), Panstrongylus megistus (1,5%), P. lutzi (1,3%), T. rubrofasciata (0,8%), P. geniculatus (< 0,1%) e T. petrochiae (< 0,1%). A maioria dos espécimes foi capturada no peridomicílio (83,0%), com destaque para T. pseudomaculata e T. brasiliensis, enquanto P. lutzi foi predominante no intradomicílio. P. lutzi teve a maior taxa de infecção por T. cruzi (7,8%), enquanto T. pseudomaculata (0,9%), T. brasiliensis (1,0%) e P. megistus (1,3%) tiveram as menores taxas. Conclusões: A ocorrência de um ciclo enzoótico de T. cruzi e a presença de animais sinantrópicos que proporcionam uma fonte de alimentação sanguínea aos triatomíneos aumentam o risco de sua transmissão aos humanos, exigindo das autoridades sanitárias uma vigilância constante desses vetores

Idosos a cuidar de idosos: um desafio à organização dos cuidados domiciliários / Older people caring for older people: a challenge to the organization of home care / Ancianos que cuidan de ancianos: un reto para la organización de los cuidados domiciliarios

RESUMO Objetivo conhecer quais os cuidados de enfermagem que as pessoas dependentes no autocuidado, que vivem em suas casas, necessitam, e quem lhes presta esses cuidados e com que frequência. Métodos estudo observacional, quantitativo, descritivo, realizado na região central de Portugal. Amostra constituída por 130 pessoas dependentes no autocuidado, admitidas para cuidados no domicílio nas Equipes de Cuidados Continuados de um Agrupamento de Centros de Saúde da Região Centro de Portugal, entre julho de 2019 e março de 2020. Os dados foram analisados a partir dos resultados da estatística descritiva e inferencial. Resultados cuidadores com mais de 75 anos foram prevalentes, 15,6% com mais de 80 anos, são mulheres e cônjuges, não apresentando, em muitos casos, capacidade para assegurar os cuidados necessários ao dependente. Conclusão o estudo revela a necessidade de se pensar em estratégias que permitam uma oferta de cuidados profissionais, de modo a reduzir as omissões de assistência.

ABSTRACT Objective To identify the nursing care needs of individuals who live in their homes and are dependent on others for self-care, who cares for them, and how often. Methods Cross-sectional, observational, quantitative, descriptive study conducted in central Portugal. The sample consisted of 130 individuals dependent on others for self-care who were admitted to home care services by the Continuous Care Teams of a Cluster of Healthcare Centers in central Portugal between July 2019 and March 2020. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results The majority of caregivers were women, spouses, over 75 years of age; 15.6% of caregivers were over 80 years of age. They were often unable to ensure the dependent person's care needs. Conclusion The study points to the need to design professional care delivery strategies to reduce care omissions.

RESUMEN Objetivo saber qué cuidados de enfermería necesitan las personas dependientes en el autocuidado que viven en su domicilio, quiénes los prestan y con qué frecuencia. Métodos estudio observacional, cuantitativo y descriptivo, realizado en la región central de Portugal. Muestra compuesta por 130 personas dependientes en el autocuidado, admitidas para atención domiciliaria en los Equipos de Cuidados de Larga Duración de un Agrupamiento de Centros de Salud de la Región Centro de Portugal, entre julio de 2019 y marzo de 2020. Los datos se analizaron a partir de los resultados de las estadísticas descriptivas e inferenciales. Resultados predominan los cuidadores mayores de 75 años, el 15,6% mayores de 80 años, son mujeres y cónyuges, y no presentan, en muchos casos, capacidad para garantizar los cuidados necesarios a la persona dependiente. Conclusión el estudio revela la necesidad de pensar en estrategias que permitan una oferta de cuidados profesionales, para reducir las omisiones de asistencia.

Idosos a cuidar de idosos: um desafio à organização dos cuidados domiciliários / Older people caring for older people: a challenge to the organization of home care / Ancianos que cuidan de ancianos: un reto para la organización de los cuidados domiciliarios

RESUMO Objetivo conhecer quais os cuidados de enfermagem que as pessoas dependentes no autocuidado, que vivem em suas casas, necessitam, e quem lhes presta esses cuidados e com que frequência. Métodos estudo observacional, quantitativo, descritivo, realizado na região central de Portugal. Amostra constituída por 130 pessoas dependentes no autocuidado, admitidas para cuidados no domicílio nas Equipes de Cuidados Continuados de um Agrupamento de Centros de Saúde da Região Centro de Portugal, entre julho de 2019 e março de 2020. Os dados foram analisados a partir dos resultados da estatística descritiva e inferencial. Resultados cuidadores com mais de 75 anos foram prevalentes, 15,6% com mais de 80 anos, são mulheres e cônjuges, não apresentando, em muitos casos, capacidade para assegurar os cuidados necessários ao dependente. Conclusão o estudo revela a necessidade de se pensar em estratégias que permitam uma oferta de cuidados profissionais, de modo a reduzir as omissões de assistência.

ABSTRACT Objective To identify the nursing care needs of individuals who live in their homes and are dependent on others for self-care, who cares for them, and how often. Methods Cross-sectional, observational, quantitative, descriptive study conducted in central Portugal. The sample consisted of 130 individuals dependent on others for self-care who were admitted to home care services by the Continuous Care Teams of a Cluster of Healthcare Centers in central Portugal between July 2019 and March 2020. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results The majority of caregivers were women, spouses, over 75 years of age; 15.6% of caregivers were over 80 years of age. They were often unable to ensure the dependent person's care needs. Conclusion The study points to the need to design professional care delivery strategies to reduce care omissions.

RESUMEN Objetivo saber qué cuidados de enfermería necesitan las personas dependientes en el autocuidado que viven en su domicilio, quiénes los prestan y con qué frecuencia. Métodos estudio observacional, cuantitativo y descriptivo, realizado en la región central de Portugal. Muestra compuesta por 130 personas dependientes en el autocuidado, admitidas para atención domiciliaria en los Equipos de Cuidados de Larga Duración de un Agrupamiento de Centros de Salud de la Región Centro de Portugal, entre julio de 2019 y marzo de 2020. Los datos se analizaron a partir de los resultados de las estadísticas descriptivas e inferenciales. Resultados predominan los cuidadores mayores de 75 años, el 15,6% mayores de 80 años, son mujeres y cónyuges, y no presentan, en muchos casos, capacidad para garantizar los cuidados necesarios a la persona dependiente. Conclusión el estudio revela la necesidad de pensar en estrategias que permitan una oferta de cuidados profesionales, para reducir las omisiones de asistencia.

Effects of gold nanoparticles administration through behavioral and oxidative parameters in animal model of Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is recognized as the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, after Alzheimer's disease. Reserpine administration to animals has been suggested as a PD model based on the effects of this monoamine-depleting agent on motor activity. Studies show that gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are effective for treating neurodegenerative diseases when used at certain concentrations. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of GNPs administration under behavioral and oxidative stress conditions in an experimental model of PD. Fourty male C57BL/6 mice (20-30 g) were used, The animals were divided into four groups (N = 6): Sham; Sham and GNPs; Reserpine; Reserpine and GNPs. Three doses at the concentration of 0.25 mg/kg reserpine were administered subcutaneously at 48 h intervals. Treatment with GNPs was administered with 2.5 mg/kg GNPs (20 nm) for five consecutive days. Our results showed the therapeutic potential of GNPs, where the parameters observed in behavioral tests and oxidative stress were reverted in GNP-treated mice. It also partially improved neurotrophic factors, which are necessary for the survival of neurons. GNPs reversed the symptoms of PD caused by the use of alkaline reserpine in C57BL/6 mice, especially without toxicity. The results of this study suggest that GNPs could have clinical potential as an inhibitor of inflammation and oxidative stress in the CNS, thereby alleviating the secondary neurodegenerative processes and neuronal cell death caused by reserpine. These beneficial effects of GNPs provide support for new analyses to better understanding in the process of PD degeneration.

The Shadow Rule, the UV Index, and the 5S Steps in the Tropics.

Solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) induces the production of vitamin D (VD), but it also causes erythema and skin cancer among other diseases. The amount of UVR to get benefit and avoid harm is unknown. Some principles were proposed to provide accessible information on how to avoid overexposure to the Sun. They are (1) the Shadow Rule (SR); (2) the UV Index (UVI); and (3) the Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide (5S) steps. This work discusses these principles in the tropics, considering measurements of solar UVR, total ozone column, and cloudiness. Indeed, the SR leads to overexposures. The UVI is adequate for cloudless skies, but it does not consider radiation enhancement events by clouds. "Seek shade" in the 5S steps should be more emphasized as it is both the most efficient step in terms of avoiding direct sun and the friendliest step toward the environment. Therefore, photoprotection attitudes in the tropics should focus on the UVI and the 5S steps in addition to considering both VD sufficiency and environmental outcomes. The SR is clearly inaccurate.

Different susceptibilities of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus larvae to plant-derived products.

INTRODUCTION: Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are important vectors that transmit arboviruses to human populations. METHODS: Natural products were obtained and tested against larvae collected from the field in Fortaleza, capital of Ceará state. RESULTS: The essential oils of Syzygium aromaticum (Ae. aegypti LC50 = 32.7 ppm and Ae. albopictus LC50 = 138.1 ppm) and Croton nepetaefolius (Ae. aegypti LC50 = 81.7 ppm and Ae. albopictus LC50 = 76.1 ppm) showed the most intense larvicidal activity. CONCLUSIONS: The essential oils and methyl esters showed greater larvicidal activity than did the ethanol extracts.

Daily Maximum Erythemal Dose Rates in the Tropics.

The maximum erythemal dose rate (EDRmax ) at the Earth's surface tends to occur at local noon. However, clouds can make the timing of EDRmax significantly away from local noon. In fact, EDRmax and its time of occurrence depend mainly on the solar zenith angle at noon (SZAn ), site's altitude, the total ozone column (TOC), cloud cover, cloud genera and aerosols. This work depicts the daily incidence of EDRmax for Belo Horizonte (19.92°S, 43.94°W, 858 m a.s.l.) in the Southern Hemisphere tropics for a period of five years (2005-2010). Daily values of EDRmax ranged from 0.063 W m-2 (1σ > 6.9%, Moderate UV-Index of 3, winter) to 0.486 W m-2 (Extreme UVI of 19, summer). Indicative values of EDRmax for cloudless days were 0.336 W m-2 (summer, TOC = 258 Dobson Units), 0.311 W m-2 (fall, 260 DU), 0.253 W m-2 (spring, 274 DU) and 0.143 W m-2 (winter, 246 DU). Radiation enhancement events by clouds made EDRmax up to 45% higher than the reference EDRmax for cloudless summer skies at a time resolution of a few minutes. The main cloud genera to be associated with such events are Cumulus, Altocumulus, Altostratus and Stratocumulus. The EDR can also be significantly affected by aerosols, which attenuated on average 0.031 W m-2 (22%) of the erythemal UV in a case study at the site.

Different susceptibilities of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus larvae to plant-derived products

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are important vectors that transmit arboviruses to human populations. METHODS: Natural products were obtained and tested against larvae collected from the field in Fortaleza, capital of Ceará state. RESULTS: The essential oils of Syzygium aromaticum (Ae. aegypti LC50 = 32.7 ppm and Ae. albopictus LC50 = 138.1 ppm) and Croton nepetaefolius (Ae. aegypti LC50 = 81.7 ppm and Ae. albopictus LC50 = 76.1 ppm) showed the most intense larvicidal activity. CONCLUSIONS: The essential oils and methyl esters showed greater larvicidal activity than did the ethanol extracts.

Evaluation of the self-eye examination method for health promotion.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the self-eye examination practice as a tool to promote the ocular self-evaluation. METHOD: Quasi-experimental study developed in a university of Piauí with sample of 324 students between January and May 2014. A team of thirteen researchers made observations during the self-examination followed by an ocular screening. RESULTS: There was no agreement on the hypothesis of defense that the ocular exam could help to observe the eyes health, p-value>0.3. However, the exam was considered as easy to accomplish (99.7%) and that not only the physician can perform the eye exam (99.4%). The awareness about eye care is identified as the main purpose of this booklet (97.6%), (χ2= 186.01; p=0.001). The results highlight the booklet can be used in the teaching process of self-eye examination (84.6%). Although the defense that its fulfilment can replace the consultation with the ophthalmologist (23.8%%) cannot be accepted (χ2= 46.34), the self-exam must be done routinely (82.4%). CONCLUSION: The results prove that the learning through virtual booklet is possible and supports self-care with the eyes by performing the self-exam.

Structures of human plasma ß-factor XIIa cocrystallized with potent inhibitors.

Activated factor XIIa (FXIIa) is a serine protease that has received a great deal of interest in recent years as a potential target for the development of new antithrombotics. Despite the strong interest in obtaining structural information, only the structure of the FXIIa catalytic domain in its zymogen conformation is available. In this work, reproducible experimental conditions found for the crystallization of human plasma ß-FXIIa and crystal growth optimization have led to determination of the first structure of the active form of the enzyme. Two crystal structures of human plasma ß-FXIIa complexed with small molecule inhibitors are presented herein. The first is the noncovalent inhibitor benzamidine. The second is an aminoisoquinoline containing a boronic acid-reactive group that targets the catalytic serine. Both benzamidine and the aminoisoquinoline bind in a canonical fashion typical of synthetic serine protease inhibitors, and the protease domain adopts a typical chymotrypsin-like serine protease active conformation. This novel structural data explains the basis of the FXII activation, provides insights into the enzymatic properties of ß-FXIIa, and is a great aid toward the further design of protease inhibitors for human FXIIa.

A Semiempirical Approach to the Determination of Daily Erythemal Doses.

The maintenance of ground-based instruments to measure the incidence of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the Sun demands strict and well-developed procedures. A piece of equipment can be out of service for a couple of weeks or months for calibration, repair or even the improvement of the facilities where it has been set up. However, the replacement of an instrument in such circumstances can be logistically and financially prohibitive. On the other hand, the lack of data can jeopardize a long-term experiment. In this study, we introduce a semiempirical approach to the determination of the theoretical daily erythemal dose (DEDt ) for periods of instrumental absence in a tropical site. The approach is based on 5 years of ground-based measurements of daily erythemal dose (DED) linearly correlated with parameters of total ozone column (TOC) and reflectivity (RPC ) from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) and the cosine of solar zenith angle at noon (SZAn ). Seventeen months of missing ground-based data were replaced with DEDt , leading to a complete 5-year series of data. The lowest and the highest values of typical DED were 2411 ± 322 J m-2 (1σ) (winter) and 5263 ± 997 J m-2 (summer). The monthly integrated erythemal dose (mED) varied from 59 kJ m-2 (winter) to 162 kJ m-2 (summer). Both of them depended mainly on cos(SZAn ) and RPC . The 12-month integrated erythemal dose (12-ED) ranged from 1350 kJ m-2 to 1546 kJ m-2 , but it can depend significantly on other atmospheric parameter (maybe aerosols) not explicitly considered here.

Evaluation of the self-eye examination method for health promotion / Avaliação do método de autoexame ocular para a promoção da saúde / Evaluación del método de autoexamen ocular para promoción de la salud

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the self-eye examination practice as a tool to promote the ocular self-evaluation. Method Quasi-experimental study developed in a university of Piauí with sample of 324 students between January and May 2014. A team of thirteen researchers made observations during the self-examination followed by an ocular screening. Results There was no agreement on the hypothesis of defense that the ocular exam could help to observe the eyes health, p-value>0.3. However, the exam was considered as easy to accomplish (99.7%) and that not only the physician can perform the eye exam (99.4%). The awareness about eye care is identified as the main purpose of this booklet (97.6%), (χ2= 186.01; p=0.001). The results highlight the booklet can be used in the teaching process of self-eye examination (84.6%). Although the defense that its fulfilment can replace the consultation with the ophthalmologist (23.8%%) cannot be accepted (χ2= 46.34), the self-exam must be done routinely (82.4%). Conclusion The results prove that the learning through virtual booklet is possible and supports self-care with the eyes by performing the self-exam.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a prática do autoexame como uma ferramenta para promover a autoavaliação ocular. Método Estudo quase-experimental, desenvolvido em uma universidade do Piauí, com uma amostra de 324 estudantes, entre janeiro e maio de 2014, por uma equipe de 13 pesquisadores, os quais fizeram observações durante o autoexame seguido de uma triagem ocular. Resultados Não houve concordância sobre a hipótese de que o exame ocular poderia ajudar a observar a saúde do olho (p-valor> 0,3), no entanto, foi considerado de fácil realização (99,7%), e que não só o médico pode realizá-lo (99,4%). A conscientização do cuidado com os olhos é identificada como o principal objetivo do uso da cartilha (97,6%), (χ2 = 186,01; p = 0,001). O resultado destaca que o material educativo pode ser utilizado no processo de ensino do autoexame ocular (84,6%). Embora a realização do autoexame não possa substituir a consulta com o oftalmologista (23,8%), (χ2 = 46,34), ele deve ser feito rotineiramente (82,4%). Conclusão Os resultados comprovam que o aprendizado por meio de uma cartilha virtual é possível, apoiando o autocuidado com os olhos através da realização do autoexame.

RESUMEN Objetivo Evaluar la práctica del autoexamen como herramienta para promocionar la autoevaluación ocular. Método Estudio cuasi-experimental, desarrollado en una universidad de Piauí, con una muestra de 324 estudiantes, entre enero y mayo de 2014, por un equipo de trece investigadores, quienes hicieron observaciones durante el autoexamen seguido de un cribado ocular. Resultados No hubo concordancia acerca del supuesto de que el examen ocular podría ayudar a observar la salud ocular (valor-p >; 0,3). Sin embargo, se consideró como de fácil realización (99,7%) y que no solo el médico puede llevar a cabo el examen ocular (99,4%). Se identifica la concienciación acerca del cuidado ocular como la razón principal para el empleo de la cartilla (97,6%), (χ2 = 186,01; p =0,001). El resultado subraya que el método educativo se puede utilizar en el proceso de enseñanza del autoexamen ocular (84,6%). Aunque la realización del autoexamen no pueda reemplazar la consulta con el oftalmólogo (23,8%), (χ2= 46,34), se debe hacerlo de rutina (82,4%). Conclusión Los resultados comprueban que el aprendizaje mediante una cartilla virtual es posible, sosteniendo el autocuidado con los ojos mediante la realización del autoexamen.