Impact of implementation of front-of-package nutrition labeling on sugary beverage consumption and consequently on the prevalence of excess body weight and obesity and related direct costs in Brazil: An estimate through a modeling study.

RATIONALE: Intake of sugary beverages has been associated with obesity and chronic non-communicable diseases, thereby increasing the direct health costs related to these diseases. Front-of-package nutrition labeling (FoPNL) aims to help consumers understand food composition, thereby improving food choices and preventing the development of such diseases. OBJECTIVE: To estimate, over five years, the impact of implementing FoPNL in Brazil on the prevalence of excess body weight and obesity in adults who consume sugary beverages and the direct costs related to such problems. METHODS: A simulation study to performed to estimate the effect of FoPNL implementation on the prevalence of excess body weight and obesity. The VIGITEL research database (2019), published in the 2020 report, was used in this study (the final sample consisted of 12,471 data points representing 14,380,032 Brazilians). The scenarios were considered: base (trend in sugary beverage intake); 1 (base scenario associated with the changes in energy content of the purchased beverages observed after the first phase of the Chilean labeling law (-9.9%); and 2 (scenario 1 associated with reformulation of beverages, total energy reduction of -1.6%). Changes in body weight were estimated using the simulation model of Hall et al. (2011) over five years. A linear trend in the prevalence of obesity and excess body weight in the Brazilian population was considered. The impact of the prevalence of obesity and excess body weight on body mass index was estimated. In addition, the direct health costs related to obesity were estimated. RESULTS: Energy consumption from sugary beverages after FoPNL implementation is expected to be reduced by approximately 28 kcal/day (95% CI, -30 to -27) considering scenario 1. In scenarios 1 and 2, without FoPNL, the prevalence of obesity and excess body weight over five years was estimated to be 25.3% and 25.2%, and 64.4% and 64.2%, respectively. By extrapolating the results to the entire Brazilian population, it was observed that the implementation of FoPNL may reduce the prevalence of obesity by -0.32 percentage points and -0.35 percentage points (scenario 1 and 2, respectively) and excess body weight by -0.42 percentage points and -0.48 percentage points (scenarios 1 and 2, respectively) in five years. It is estimated that after five years of implementation, it will be possible to save approximately US$ 5,5 millions (95% CI 4,7 to 8,8) in scenario 1, reaching approximately US$ 6,1 millions (95% CI 5,3 to 9,8) in scenario 2. CONCLUSION: The results of this modeling study indicate that FoPNL may reduce prevalence of excess body weight and obesity, representing strategic public policies for obesity prevention.

Future of Artificial Intelligence Applications in Cancer Care: A Global Cross-Sectional Survey of Researchers.

Cancer significantly contributes to global mortality, with 9.3 million annual deaths. To alleviate this burden, the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) applications has been proposed in various domains of oncology. However, the potential applications of AI and the barriers to its widespread adoption remain unclear. This study aimed to address this gap by conducting a cross-sectional, global, web-based survey of over 1000 AI and cancer researchers. The results indicated that most respondents believed AI would positively impact cancer grading and classification, follow-up services, and diagnostic accuracy. Despite these benefits, several limitations were identified, including difficulties incorporating AI into clinical practice and the lack of standardization in cancer health data. These limitations pose significant challenges, particularly regarding testing, validation, certification, and auditing AI algorithms and systems. The results of this study provide valuable insights for informed decision-making for stakeholders involved in AI and cancer research and development, including individual researchers and research funding agencies.

Coexistence of high content of critical nutrients and claims in food products targeted at Brazilian children / Coexistência de altos teores de nutrientes críticos e alegações em produtos alimentícios voltados para crianças brasileiras

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to evaluate food labels targeted at children and identify the concomitant presence of claims and high levels of critical nutrients and/or the presence of sweeteners. As a secondary objective, it aimed to list different types of claims and check which marketing strategies are most used. Methods: We collected 409 products, from 8 popular food groups targeted at children, in Brazilian market (i.e., fruit drinks, dairy drinks, sandwich cookies, cakes, breakfast cereals, jellies, corn snacks, and yogurts). The contents of critical nutrients (e.g., sugar, total fat, saturated fat, and trans-fat, and sodium) and presence/absence of sweetener were calculated, considering Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) parameters. Then, we verified the presence and types of claims in these products. Results: Overall, 265 (64.7%) labels presented claims. In three of the eight categories (i.e., breakfast cereals, dairy drinks, and yogurt), all products with claims (50, 34, and 34 products, respectively) had one or more nutrients in harmful concentrations (critical nutrients above PAHO's nutritional profile and/or presence of sweeteners). In the other categories, only one product (of 63 sandwich cookies and 26 breakfast cereals with claims) and three products (of 22 cakes and 28 jellies with claims) had no nutrient in critical concentration. The presence of claims, like "rich/source" of micronutrient, was predominant in seven of the eight food groups. Conclusion: In the present study, there was a high presence of claims, of different types, in foods targeted at children, which, for the most part, also have excess of at least one critical nutrient, according to PAHO.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar rótulos de alimentos direcionados ao público infantil e identificar a presença concomitante de alegações e de altos teores de nutrientes críticos e/ou presença de adoçantes. Como objetivo secundário, listar os diferentes tipos de alegações e verificar quais estratégias de marketing são mais utilizadas. Métodos: Foram coletados 409 produtos provenientes das oito categorias de alimentos mais populares entre crianças brasileiras (bebidas à base de frutas, bebidas lácteas, biscoitos recheados, bolos, cereais matinais, gelatinas, salgadinhos de milho e iogurtes). Foram calculados os teores de nutrientes críticos (açúcares, gorduras totais, saturadas e trans e sódio) e presença/ausência de adoçante, considerando-se os parâmetros da Organização Pan-Americana de Saúde (OPAS). Em seguida, verificamos a presença e os tipos de alegações nesses produtos. Resultados: No total, 265 (64,7%) rótulos apresentaram alegações. Em três das oito categorias (cereais matinais, bebidas lácteas e iogurtes), todos os produtos com alegações (50, 34 e 34 produtos, respectivamente) continham um ou mais nutrientes em concentrações prejudiciais (nutrientes críticos acima do preconizado pela OPAS e/ou presença de edulcorantes). Nas demais categorias, apenas um produto (de 63 biscoitos recheados e 26 cereais matinais com alegação) e três (de 22 bolos e 28 gelatinas com alegação) não apresentavam nutrientes em concentração crítica. A presença de alegações, como "rico" ou "fonte" de micronutriente, foi predominante em sete dos oito grupos de alimentos. Conclusões: Observou-se alta presença de alegações, de diferentes tipos, em alimentos destinados a crianças, que, em sua maioria, também possuem excesso de pelo menos um nutriente crítico, de acordo com a OPAS.

Coexistence of high content of critical nutrients and claims in food products targeted at Brazilian children.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate food labels targeted at children and identify the concomitant presence of claims and high levels of critical nutrients and/or the presence of sweeteners. As a secondary objective, it aimed to list different types of claims and check which marketing strategies are most used. METHODS: We collected 409 products, from 8 popular food groups targeted at children, in Brazilian market (i.e., fruit drinks, dairy drinks, sandwich cookies, cakes, breakfast cereals, jellies, corn snacks, and yogurts). The contents of critical nutrients (e.g., sugar, total fat, saturated fat, and trans-fat, and sodium) and presence/absence of sweetener were calculated, considering Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) parameters. Then, we verified the presence and types of claims in these products. RESULTS: Overall, 265 (64.7%) labels presented claims. In three of the eight categories (i.e., breakfast cereals, dairy drinks, and yogurt), all products with claims (50, 34, and 34 products, respectively) had one or more nutrients in harmful concentrations (critical nutrients above PAHO's nutritional profile and/or presence of sweeteners). In the other categories, only one product (of 63 sandwich cookies and 26 breakfast cereals with claims) and three products (of 22 cakes and 28 jellies with claims) had no nutrient in critical concentration. The presence of claims, like "rich/source" of micronutrient, was predominant in seven of the eight food groups. CONCLUSION: In the present study, there was a high presence of claims, of different types, in foods targeted at children, which, for the most part, also have excess of at least one critical nutrient, according to PAHO.

From the most to the least flexible nutritional profile: Classification of foods marketed in Brazil according to the Brazilian and Mexican models.

Nutrient profiling is the science of classifying or ranking foods according to their nutritional composition, for reasons related to disease prevention and health promotion. To be effective, policies such as front-of-pack nutrition labeling (FoPNL) must have an adequate nutritional profile model, since it will determine which products will be eligible to receive a FoPNL. This study aimed to determine the percentage of packaged food and drink products available in Brazil that would be subject to FoPNL under two different legislations: Brazilian and Mexican. This is a cross-sectional study in which we collected information on food products (photos of the ingredients list, the front label, the barcode, and the nutrition facts table) from one of the largest stores of a supermarket chain in the city of Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil, from March to May 2021 (~6 months after the publication of the Brazilian legislation about FoPNL and a year and a half before the legislation came into force). The products were classified in relation to the BNPM (added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium) and the MNPM (energy, free sugars, saturated fats, trans fats, sodium, non-sugar sweeteners, and caffeine). A total of 3384 products were collected and, after applying the exclusion criteria, 3,335 products were evaluated. Of these, 2,901 would be eligible to receive FoPNL in Brazil and 2,914 would be eligible to receive FoPNL in Mexico. According to the BNPM, 56.7% (95% CI 54.9; 58.5%) of the products were "high in" critical nutrients, 27.1% (95% CI 25.5; 28.7%) of the products in added sugars, 26.7% (95% CI 25.2; 28.4%) of the products in saturated fats, and 21.4% (95% CI 19.9; 22.9%) of the products in sodium. As for the MNPM, 96.8% (95% CI 96.1; 97.4%) of them were "high in" up to five critical nutrients and up to two warning rectangles (caffeine and non-sugar sweeteners), 45.8% (95% CI 44.0; 47.6%) of them in free sugars, 43.7% (95% CI 41.9; 45.5%) of them in saturated fats, and 47.9% (95% CI 46.1; 49.7%) of them in sodium. We concluded that the eligibility to receive FoPNL by BNPM and MNPM was relatively similar between products; however, almost all products would have at least one FoPNL and/or warning rectangles according to Mexican legislation, and nearly half of them would have at least one FoPNL, considering BNPM. The MNPM is much more restrictive than the BNPM. The Nutrient Profile Model (NPM) that regulates FoPNL, and other health policies, must be carefully defined to ensure that foods are properly classified according to their healthiness.

The scientific publication of the Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (1909-2020): a history of contribution to the biomedical sciences.

BACKGROUND: The Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (MIOC) is one of the first scientific journals created in Brazil and currently one of the most important biomedical journals in South America. Knowledge of the main themes disseminated over time and its main contributors can contribute towards a better understanding of its trajectory and future. OBJECTIVES: Map the journal's scientific publication between 1909 and 2020. METHODS: Data from three scientific databases was combined, alongside bibliometrics and network analysis to analyse publication records between 1909 and 2020. FINDINGS: Publications increased substantially since the 1980s. The main publishing organisations are Brazilian. Excluding Brazil, the main publishing countries are the USA, Argentina, and Colombia. During the entire investigated period, the main themes refer to Chagas disease, schistosomiasis, and Leishmaniasis. During some periods, publications followed disease outbreaks in Brazil (e.g., dengue fever and yellow fever). MAIN CONCLUSIONS: Since its foundation in 1909, the MIOC has focused on infectious and parasitic diseases. The editorial changes implemented from the 1980s onwards led MIOC to a relevant growth concerning annual publications and its transformation into an important communication vehicle for researchers from several Brazilian organisations besides Fiocruz, as well as organisations from other countries, especially within Latin America.

Future of genetic therapies for rare genetic diseases: what to expect for the next 15 years?

Introduction: Rare genetic diseases affect millions of people worldwide. Most of them are caused by defective genes that impair quality of life and can lead to premature death. As genetic therapies aim to fix or replace defective genes, they are considered the most promising treatment for rare genetic diseases. Yet, as these therapies are still under development, it is still unclear whether they will be successful in treating these diseases. This study aims to address this gap by assessing researchers' opinions on the future of genetic therapies for the treatment of rare genetic diseases. Methods: We conducted a global cross-sectional web-based survey of researchers who recently authored peer-reviewed articles related to rare genetic diseases. Results: We assessed the opinions of 1430 researchers with high and good knowledge about genetic therapies for the treatment of rare genetic diseases. Overall, the respondents believed that genetic therapies would be the standard of care for rare genetic diseases before 2036, leading to cures after this period. CRISPR-Cas9 was considered the most likely approach to fixing or replacing defective genes in the next 15 years. The respondents with good knowledge believed that genetic therapies would only have long-lasting effects after 2036, while those with high knowledge were divided on this issue. The respondents with good knowledge on the subject believed that non-viral vectors are more likely to be successful in fixing or replacing defective genes in the next 15 years, while most of the respondents with high knowledge believed viral vectors would be more successful. Conclusion: Overall, the researchers who participated in this study expect that in the future genetic therapies will greatly benefit the treatment of patients with rare genetic diseases.

A global survey of researchers on the future of genetic therapies for rare genetic diseases Rare genetic diseases are caused by defective genes that result from one or more mutations in the genome. Today, the therapeutic options for these diseases are limited, and there are approved treatments for about 5% of them. In the future, genetic therapies (a group of techniques developed to correct defective genes) are expected to revolutionize the treatment of rare genetic diseases. Although promising, most of these therapies are currently under development and have a long way to go before their efficacy and safety can be proved. The uncertainty surrounding this topic therefore means the success of genetic therapies in treating or curing rare genetic diseases is not yet assured. To address this knowledge gap, we surveyed 1430 researchers working in rare genetic diseases about the future of genetic therapies for the treatment of these diseases over the next 15 years. Most of them expected gene therapies to be the standard of care for rare genetic diseases before 2036 and to be able to cure them after this date. CRISPR-Cas9 was felt to be the gene editing approach that was most likely to succeed in fixing or replacing defective genes in the next 15 years. The respondents with high knowledge about gene therapies for the treatment of rare diseases believed gene therapies would have long-lasting effects before 2036, while those with good knowledge expected this to be the case only after 2036. The former believed in viral vectors and the latter in non-viral vectors to fix or replace defective genes in the next 15 years.

The scientific publication of the Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (1909-2020): a history of contribution to the biomedical sciences

BACKGROUND The Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (MIOC) is one of the first scientific journals created in Brazil and currently one of the most important biomedical journals in South America. Knowledge of the main themes disseminated over time and its main contributors can contribute towards a better understanding of its trajectory and future. OBJECTIVES Map the journal's scientific publication between 1909 and 2020. METHODS Data from three scientific databases was combined, alongside bibliometrics and network analysis to analyse publication records between 1909 and 2020. FINDINGS Publications increased substantially since the 1980s. The main publishing organisations are Brazilian. Excluding Brazil, the main publishing countries are the USA, Argentina, and Colombia. During the entire investigated period, the main themes refer to Chagas disease, schistosomiasis, and Leishmaniasis. During some periods, publications followed disease outbreaks in Brazil (e.g., dengue fever and yellow fever). MAIN CONCLUSIONS Since its foundation in 1909, the MIOC has focused on infectious and parasitic diseases. The editorial changes implemented from the 1980s onwards led MIOC to a relevant growth concerning annual publications and its transformation into an important communication vehicle for researchers from several Brazilian organisations besides Fiocruz, as well as organisations from other countries, especially within Latin America.

Expert Opinions on the Most Promising Treatments and Vaccine Candidates for COVID-19: Global Cross-sectional Survey of Virus Researchers in the Early Months of the Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic presents a great public health challenge worldwide, especially given the urgent need to identify effective drugs and develop a vaccine in a short period of time. Globally, several drugs and vaccine candidates are in clinical trials. However, because these drugs and vaccines are still being tested, there is still no definition of which ones will succeed. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the opinions of over 1000 virus researchers with knowledge on the prevention and treatment of coronavirus-related human diseases to determine the most promising drug and vaccine candidates to address COVID-19. METHODS: We mapped the clinical trials related to COVID-19 registered at ClinicalTrials.gov. These data were used to prepare a survey questionnaire about treatments and vaccine candidates for COVID-19. In May 2020, a global survey was conducted with authors of recent scientific publications indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection related to viruses, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, coronaviruses, and COVID-19. RESULTS: Remdesivir, immunoglobulin from cured patients, and plasma were considered to be the most promising treatments in May 2020, while ChAdOx1 and mRNA-1273 were considered to be the most promising vaccine candidates. Almost two-thirds of the respondents (766/1219, 62.8%) believed that vaccines for COVID-19 were likely to be available in the next 18 months. Slightly fewer than 25% (289/1219, 23.7%) believed that a vaccine was feasible, but probably not within 18 months. CONCLUSIONS: The issues addressed in this study are constantly evolving; therefore, the current state of knowledge has changed since the survey was conducted. However, for several months after the survey, the respondents' expectations were in line with recent results related to treatments and vaccine candidates for COVID-19.

Prevalence and characteristics of new-onset pain in COVID-19 survivours, a controlled study.

BACKGROUND: We assessed whether COVID-19 is associated with de novo pain and de novo chronic pain (CP). METHODS: This controlled cross-sectional study was based on phone interviews of patients discharged from hospital after COVID-19 compared to the control group composed of individuals hospitalized during the same period due to non-COVID-19 causes. Patients were classified as having previous CP based on the ICD-11/IASP criteria, de novo pain (i.e. any new type of pain, irrespective of the pain status before hospital stay), and de novo CP (i.e. persistent or recurring de novo pain, lasting more than 3 months) after COVID-19. We assessed pain prevalence and its characteristics, including headache profile, pain location, intensity, interference, and its relationship with fatigue, and persistent anosmia. Forty-six COVID-19 and 73 control patients were included. Both groups had similar sociodemographic characteristics and past medical history. RESULTS: Length of in-hospital-stay and ICU admission rates were significantly higher amongst COVID-19 survivours, while mechanical ventilation requirement was similar between groups. Pre-hospitalisation pain was lower in COVID-19 compared to control group (10.9% vs. 42.5%; p = 0.001). However, the COVID-19 group had a significantly higher prevalence of de novo pain (65.2% vs. 11.0%, p = 0.001), as well as more de novo headache (39.1%) compared to controls (2.7%, p = 0.001). New-onset CP was 19.6% in COVID-19 patients and 1.4% (p = 0.002) in controls. These differences remained significant (p = 0.001) even after analysing exclusively (COVID: n = 40; controls: n = 34) patients who did not report previous pain before the hospital stay. No statistically significant differences were found for mean new-onset pain intensity and interference with daily activities between both groups. COVID-19 pain was more frequently located in the head/neck and lower limbs (p < 0.05). New-onset fatigue was more common in COVID-19 survivours necessitating inpatient hospital care (66.8%) compared to controls (2.5%, p = 0.001). COVID-19 patients who reported anosmia had more new-onset pain (83.3%) compared to those who did not (48.0%, p = 0.024). CONCLUSION: COVID-19 was associated with a significantly higher prevalence of de novo CP, chronic daily headache, and new-onset pain in general, which was associated with persistent anosmia. SIGNIFICANCE: There exists de novo pain in a substantial number of COVID-19 survivours, and some develop chronic pain. New-onset pain after the infection was more common in patients who reported anosmia after hospital discharge.

Perfil do adolescente usuário de crack em tratamento no Centro de Atenção Psicossocial Álcool e Drogas / Profile of adolescent user of crack in treatment in the Psychosocial Care Center Alcohol and Drugs / Perfil del adolescente usuario de crack en tratamiento en el Centro de Atención Psicosocial Alcohol y Drogas

Objetivo: Caracterizar o perfil dos adolescentes usuários de crack em tratamento no CAPS ADIII de Pelotas/ Rio Grande do Sul. Método: estudo descritivo de abordagem quantitativa realizado com 14 adolescentes usuários de crack em tratamento no CAPS ADIII. A coleta de dados ocorreu por meio de entrevistas utilizando o instrumento Teen Addiction Severity Index. Na análise dos dados empregou-se a estatística descritiva através de frequência simples. Resultados: a maioria é do sexo masculino, entre 13 e 17 anos, solteiros, negros. O início do uso de drogas variou de oito e 17 anos. Apresentam ensino fundamental incompleto e abandono escolar. Identificou-se o uso de cocaína/crack e a relação com atividades ilegais. Constatou-se a existência de conflitos familiares. O uso de substancias também é identificado entre os amigos próximos. Conclusão: os resultados apontam para a necessidade de investimentos em ações de promoção à saúde e prevenção ao uso de substâncias

Objective: To characterize the profile of adolescent user of crack in treatment in the CAPS ADIII in Pelotas/Rio Grande do Sul. Method: a descriptive study with a quantitative approach performed with 14 teenage users of crack treatment in the CAPS ADIII. The data collection occurred through interviews using the Teen Addiction Severity Index. In the data analysis was employed descriptive statistics through simple frequency. Results: the majority are male, between 13 and 17 years old, single, black. The onset of drug use ranged from eight to 17 years. They present incomplete elementary education and drop out of school. It was identified the use of cocaine/crack and the relation with illegal activities. The existence of family conflicts was verified. Substance use is also identified among close friends. Conclusion: the results point to the need for investments in actions to promote health and prevent substance use

Objetivo: Caracterizar el perfil del adolescente usuario de crack en tratamiento en el CAPS ADIII de Pelotas/Rio Grande do Sul. Método: estudio descriptivo de abordaje cuantitativo realizado con 14 adolescentes usuarios de crack en tratamiento en el CAPS ADIII. La recolección de datos ocurrió a través de entrevistas utilizando el instrumento Teen Addiction Severity Index. En el análisis de los datos se empleó la estadística descriptiva a través de frecuencia simple. Resultados: la mayoría es del sexo masculino, entre 13 y 17 años, solteros, negros. El inicio del uso de drogas varía de ocho a 17 años. Se presenta una enseñanza fundamental incompleta y abandono escolar. Se identificó el uso de cocaína/crack y la relación con actividades ilegales. Se constató la existencia de conflictos familiares. El uso de sustancias también se identifica entre los amigos cercanos. Conclusión: los resultados apuntan a la necesidad de inversiones en acciones de promoción a la salud y prevención del uso de sustancias

Fatores obstétricos relevantes na adolescência: uma revisão integrativa no contexto nacional e internacional / Relevant obstetric factors in adolescence: an integrative review in the national and international context

Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa de literatura, construída a partir de publicações científicas nacionais e internacionais publicadas entre 2008 e 2018, que versassem sobre os fatores obstétricos de risco na gestação de mulheres adolescentes. Os descritores empregados nesta busca foram: "gravidez na adolescência" AND "gravidez de alto risco" AND "cuidado pré-natal". A estratégia de busca convergeu em 202 resultados e após recorte temporal investigativo resultaram 48 publicações. Realizou-se leitura criteriosa dos títulos e resumos quanto aos critérios de elegibilidade, resultando em 19 artigos na íntegra que foram analisados e discutidos. A identificação dos fatores obstétricos agravantes na gestação de adolescentes demostra que existe fragilidade no atendimento a esse grupo. Número de consultas pré-natais inadequadas, baixa escolaridade, desemprego, escassez no uso de métodos contraceptivos e preventivos, foram manifestados na demanda das adolescentes.

This is an integrative literature review, built from national and international scientific publications published between 2008 and 2018, dealing with obstetric risk factors in the pregnancy of adolescent women. The descriptors used in this search were: "Pregnancy in Adolescence" AND "Pregnancy, High-Risk" AND "Prenatal Care". The search strategy found 202 results, and after the cut in the investigative period, a total of 48 publications were selected. A careful reading of the titles and abstracts regarding the eligibility criteria was performed, resulting in 19 articles in total to be analyzed and discussed. The identification of aggravating obstetric factors in the gestation of adolescents shows that there is fragility in caring for this group. The number of inadequate prenatal consultations, low schooling level, unemployment, and the lack of use of contraceptive and preventive methods were manifested in the demand of adolescents.

Gene Editing for Treatment and Prevention of Human Diseases: A Global Survey of Gene Editing-Related Researchers.

In the next decades, gene editing technologies are expected to be used in the treatment and prevention of human diseases. Yet, the future uses of gene editing in medicine are still unknown, including its applicability and effectiveness to the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases, cancer, and monogenic and polygenic hereditary diseases. This study aims to address this gap by analyzing the views of over 1,000 gene editing-related researchers from all over the world. Some of our survey results show that, in the next 10 years, DNA double-strand breaks are expected to be the main method for gene editing, and CRISPR-Cas systems to be the mainstream programmable nuclease. In the same period, gene editing is expected to have more applicability and effectiveness to treat and prevent infectious diseases and cancer. Off-targeting mutations, reaching therapeutic levels of editing efficiency, difficulties in targeting specific tissues in vivo, and regulatory and ethical challenges are among the most relevant factors that might hamper the use of gene editing in humans. In conclusion, our results suggest that gene editing might become a reality to the treatment and prevention of a variety of human diseases in the coming 10 years. If the future confirms these researchers' expectations, gene editing could change the way medicine, health systems, and public health deal with the treatment and prevention of human diseases.

Agenesia de artéria pulmonar direita: relato de caso / Agenesis of right pulmonary artery: case report

RESUMO: A agenesia de artéria pulmonar é uma malformação congênita rara, que ocorre devido ao não desenvolvimento do sexto arco aórtico. Entretanto, não é relacionada com malformações cardíacas. Além das artérias intrapulmonares, a vascularização pulmonar e a árvore brônquica geralmente não sofrem alterações. No presente relato, a paciente apresenta quadro de febre, tosse produtiva e taquipneia. Devido à clínica, optou-se por realizar radiografia simples de tórax, na qual se evidenciou a presença de opacidade interstício-alveolar peri-hilar à direita com desvio do mediastino à direita e assimetria da transparência pulmonar. Então, foi solicitada tomografia computadorizada de tórax que evidenciou pulmão direito de volume reduzido. Para melhor compreensão, realizou-se angiotomografia computadorizada do tórax, a qual detectou agenesia da artéria pulmonar direita. Importância do problema: relatar um caso de agenesia de artéria pulmonar direita. (AU)

ABSTRACT: Pulmonary artery agenesis is a rare congenital malformation, which occurs due to the non-development of the sixth aortic arch. However, it is not related to cardiac malformation, and also the intrapulmonary arteries, as well as the pulmonary vascularization and the bronchial tree usually do not change. In the present case study, the patient presents fever, productive cough, and tachypnea. A simple chest X-ray was performed because of the clinic, demonstrating right perihilar interstitial-alveolar opacity with right mediastinal deviation and asymmetry of pulmonary transparency. Due to the radiological finding, a computed tomography of the chest was requested, which showed the right lung of reduced volume. To provide a better understanding of the condition, the radiology team suggested computed angiotomography of the chest, which detected agenesis of the right pulmonary artery. The importance of the problem is to report a case of agenesis of the right pulmonary artery. (AU)

Tecnologias de cuidado para o alívio da dor na parturição / Care techniques for pain relief in birthing / Tecnologías de cuidado para el alivio del dolor en la partición

Objetivo: este estudo objetivou conhecer as tecnologias de cuidado no alívio da dor no processo de parturição em um hospital de ensino. Método: pesquisa qualitativa e descritiva com 10 puérperas internadas em uma unidade materno-infantil no período de maio a junho de 2017. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas individuais e analisados conforme a Proposta Operativa de Minayo. Resultados: as puérperas que usaram as tecnologias de alívio da dor no processo de parturição julgaram como excelente e de grande valia os métodos para o alívio da dor. Conclusão: conclui-se que estas tecnologias são importantes para a autonomia e protagonismo da mulher e a vivência positiva do seu processo de parturição, sendo fundamental o investimento em outros métodos de alívio da dor, de modo a qualificar e tornar o parto mais prazeroso e menos traumatizante

Objective: this study aimed to identify the care technologies in pain relief in the birthing process in a teaching hospital. Method: qualitative and descriptive research, in which ten women in labor were hospitalized in a hospital maternal unit, from May to June 2017. Data were collected through individual interviews and analyzed according to Minayo's Operative Proposal. Results: postpartum women who used pain relief technologies in the birthing process considered the methods of pain relief as excellent and of great value. Conclusion: we concluded that these technologies are important for the autonomy and protagonism of women and the positive experience of their process of birthing, recognizing the importance of investing in other methods of pain relief, in order to qualify and make birthing process more pleasurable and less traumatic

Objetivo: este estudio objetivó conocer las tecnologías de cuidado en el alivio del dolor en el proceso de parturición en un hospital de enseñanza. Método: investigación cualitativa y descriptiva, en la que participaron diez puérperas internadas en una unidad materna hospitalaria, en el período de mayo a junio de 2017. Los datos fueron recolectados a través de entrevistas individuales, y analizados conforme a la Propuesta Operativa de Minayo. Resultados: las puérperas que usaron las tecnologías de alivio del dolor en el proceso de parturiado juzgaron como excelente y de gran valor los métodos para el alivio del dolor. Conclusión: se concluye que estas tecnologías son importantes para la autonomía y protagonismo de la mujer y la vivencia positiva de su proceso de parturión, siendo importantes inversiones en otros métodos de alivio del dolor, para calificar y hacer el parto más placentero y menos traumatizante

Formação do enfermeiro por meio de metodologias ativas de ensino e aprendizado: influências no exercício profissional / Nurse education by means of active teaching and learning methodologies: influences on the professional activity / Formación del enfermero por medio de metodologías activas de enseñanza y aprendizaje: influencias en el ejercicio profesional

O objetivo da pesquisa foi conhecer a influência da proposta pedagógica da Faculdade de Enfermagem da Universidade Federal de Pelotas por meio de metodologias ativas de ensino e aprendizado no exercício profissional dos egressos. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa exploratória, realizada com vinte enfermeiros egressos que vivenciaram a mudança curricular e que tiveram vínculo direto com a assistência. A coleta de dados foi feita por meio de um questionário autoaplicado e a análise, por meio de análise temática. Os egressos referiram vivenciar articulação entre teoria e prática e o exercício do pensamento crítico e reflexivo, o que contribuiu no processo de tomada de decisão, além de dar ênfase às práticas do cuidado humanizado, da pesquisa e da escrita acadêmica. A proposta pedagógica na Faculdade de Enfermagem tem formado profissionais éticos, críticos e reflexivos, alinhados com os princípios das diretrizes curriculares nacionais em Enfermagem.(AU)

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of the pedagogical proposal of the Nursing School of the Federal University of Pelotas, characterized by the use of active teaching and learning methodologies, on graduates' professional activity. A qualitative exploratory research was carried out with twenty graduate nurses who experienced the curricular change and had a direct bond with healthcare. Data were collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire and were analyzed through thematic analysis. The graduates reported having experienced the articulation between theory and practice and having exercised critical and reflective thinking, which contributed to the decision-making process and emphasized humanized care practices, as well as academic research and writing practices. The pedagogical proposal in the Nursing School has educated ethical, critical and reflective professionals aligned with the principles of the National Curricular Guidelines for Nursing.(AU)

Conocer la influencia de la propuesta pedagógica de la Facultad de Enfermería de la Universidad Federal de Pelotas por medio de metodologías activas de enseñanza y aprendizaje en el ejercicio profesional de los egresados. Estudio cualitativo exploratorio, realizado con veinte enfermeros egresados que experimentaron el cambio curricular y que tuvieron vínculo directo con la asistencia. La colecta de datos se realizó por medio de un cuestionario autoaplicado y el análisis por medio de análisis temático. Los egresados refirieron experimentar articulación entre teoría y práctica y el ejercicio del pensamiento crítico y reflexivo, lo que contribuyó en el proceso de tomas de decisión, además de enfatizar las prácticas del cuidado humanizado, de la investigación y de la escritura académica. La propuesta pedagógica en la Facultad de Enfermería ha formado profesionales éticos, críticos y reflexivos, alineados con los principios de las directrices curriculares nacionales en enfermería.(AU)

Biodegradation of Moringa oleifera's polymer blends.

Vegetable oils are used as a base for the synthesis of polymers and monomers with structures similar to that of petroleum, as plasticizers for conventional polymers and biodegrading additives. The Moringa oleifera oil was extracted from seeds and polymerized after being submitted to 16 h of microwave irradiation without catalysers. This polymer was characterized and the efficiency of the oil polymerization was verified by the reduction of double bonds and the increase of molecular weight up to 50,000 g mol-1. Films produced by a mixture of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) with poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)/poly(lactic acid) (PBAT/PLA) present low tensile resistance and low biodegradation behaviour. In order to improve those properties, the Moringa polymer (PMO) was mixed with LDPE and PBAT/PLA in specific mass concentrations. The films produced with this mixture were characterized and submitted to biodegradation analysis. The PMO behaves as a compatibilizer by improving thermal properties, reducing the crystalline phase and improving the biodegradation behaviour. The biodegradation improved up to five times in comparison to conventional polymers and it restores the mechanical properties.

Physiological changes for drought resistance in different species of Phyllanthus.

The Phyllanthus genus is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical areas of the world and present several pharmacological applications. Drought is a restrictive factor for crop development and production, and is becoming a severe problem in many regions of the world. The species Phyllanthus amarus and Phyllanthus niruri were subjected to drought stress for varying periods of time (0, 3, 5, 7, and 10 days), and afterwards, leaves were collected and evaluated for physiological and biochemical responses, such as oxidative stress markers and drought-associated defense mechanisms. Results show that P. amarus has an endogenously higher level of variables of the oxidative/antioxidant metabolism, and P. niruri presents the most significant changes in those variables when compared to control and stressed plants. For both Phyllanthus species, drought stress induces higher levels of organic acids such as malic, succinic, and citric acids, and amino acids such as proline, GABA, alanine, and valine. Moreover, P. niruri plants respond with greater glucose and corilagin contents. Therefore, considering the evaluated metabolic changes, P. amarus is better adapted to drought-stress, while P. niruri presents an acclimation strategy that increases the corilagin levels induced by short-term drought stress.