BiSim Tool: a binding simulation tool to aid and simplify ligand-binding assay design and development.

Ligand-binding assays (LBAs) rely on the reversible, noncovalent binding between the analyte of interest and the assay reagents, and understanding their dynamic equilibrium is key to building robust LBA methods. Although the dynamic interplay of free and bound fractions can be calculated using mathematical models, these are not routinely applied. This approach is costly in terms of both assay development time and reagents, and can result in an under-exploration of the possible parameter combinations. Therefore, we have created a user-friendly simulation tool to facilitate LBA development (the BiSim Tool). We describe the models driving the mathematical simulations and the main features of our software solution by means of case studies, illustrating the tool's value in drug development. To support drug development for all patients worldwide, the BiSim Tool is now available as an open-source code project and as a free web-based tool at https://proteinbindingsimulation.shinyapps.io/BiSim-ProteinBindingSimulation [1].

Deficit Irrigation with Silicon Application as Strategy to Increase Yield, Photosynthesis and Water Productivity in Lettuce Crops.

In regions where water is a limited resource, lettuce production can be challenging. To address this, water management strategies like deficit irrigation are used to improve water-use efficiency in agriculture. Associating this strategy with silicon (Si) application could help maintain adequate levels of agricultural production even with limited water availability. Two lettuce crop cycles were conducted in a completely randomized design, with a factorial scheme (2 × 3), with three irrigation levels (60%, 80% and 100%) of crop evapotranspiration (ETc), and with and without Si application. To explore their combined effects, morphological, productive, physiological and nutritional parameters were evaluated in the crops. The results showed that deficit irrigation and Si application had a positive interaction: lettuce yield of the treatment with 80% ETc + Si was statistically similar to 100% ETc without Si in the first cycle, and the treatment with 60% ETc + Si was similar to 100% ETc without Si in the second cycle. Photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO2 concentration, transpiration rate and total chlorophyll content increased under water-stress conditions with Si application; in the first cycle, the treatment with 80% ETc + Si increased by 30.1%, 31.3%, 7.8%, 28.46% and 50.3% compared to the same treatment without Si, respectively. Si application in conditions of water deficit was also beneficial to obtain a cooler canopy temperature and leaves with higher relative water content. In conclusion, we found that Si applications attenuate water deficit effects and provide a strategy to ameliorate the yield and water productivity in lettuce crops, contributing to more sustainable practices in agriculture.

Renal deficit and associated factors in children born with low birth weight / Déficit renal e fatores associados em crianças nascidas com baixo peso

ABSTRACT Introduction: Kidney problems may be due to low birth weight alone or may occur in association with other conditions. The objective this study was to evaluate the association between maternal and birth characteristics, anthropometric measurements, and kidney function deficit in low birth weight infants. Methods: Cross-sectional study with children who were born weighing < 2500 grams and were under outpatient follow-up. Maternal factors investigated were prenatal care and presence of hypertension, diabetes, and infection during pregnancy. The children's variables were sex, gestational age, birth weight, Apgar score, use of nephrotoxic medications, age, body weight at the time of evaluation, height, and serum creatinine and cystatin C dosages. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated with the combined Zapittelli equation. Multivariate logistic regression model was used for identification of associated factors, with renal function deficit (GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) as the dependent variable. Results: Of the 154 children evaluated, 34.42% had kidney function deficit. Most of them had a gestational age > 32 weeks (56.6%), a mean birth weight of 1439.7 grams, and mean estimated GFR of 46.9 ± 9.3 mL/min/1.73 m2. There was a significant association of GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 with children's current weight and use of nephrotoxic drugs. Discussion: Children born with low birth weight had a high prevalence of kidney function deficit and current normal weight was a protective factor while the use of nephrotoxic drugs during perinatal period increased the chance of kidney deficit. These findings reinforce the need to evaluate the kidney function in these children, especially those who use nephrotoxic drugs.

RESUMO Introdução: Problemas renais podem ser devido apenas ao baixo peso ao nascer ou podem ocorrer em associação com outras condições. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a associação entre características maternas e de nascimento, medidas antropométricas e déficit da função renal em bebês de baixo peso ao nascer. Métodos: Estudo transversal com crianças que nasceram com peso < 2500 gramas e estavam sob acompanhamento ambulatorial. Os fatores maternos investigados foram cuidados pré-natal e presença de hipertensão, diabetes e infecção durante a gravidez. As variáveis das crianças foram sexo, idade gestacional, peso ao nascer, índice Apgar, uso de medicamentos nefrotóxicos, idade, peso corporal no momento da avaliação, altura e dosagens séricas de creatinina e cistatina C. A taxa de filtração glomerular (TFG) foi estimada com a equação combinada de Zapittelli. Utilizou-se um modelo de regressão logística multivariada para identificação de fatores associados, com déficit da função renal (TFG < 60 mL/min/1,73 m2) como variável dependente. Resultados: Das 154 crianças avaliadas, 34,42% apresentaram déficit da função renal. A maioria tinha idade gestacional > 32 semanas (56,6%), peso médio ao nascer de 1439,7 gramas, e TFG média estimada de 46,9 ± 9,3 mL/min/1,73 m2. Houve uma associação significativa da TFG < 60 mL/min/1,73 m2 com o peso atual das crianças e o uso de medicamentos nefrotóxicos. Discussão: Crianças nascidas com baixo peso apresentaram alta prevalência de déficit da função renal e o peso atual normal foi um fator de proteção, enquanto o uso de medicamentos nefrotóxicos durante o período perinatal aumentou a chance de déficit renal. Estes achados reforçam a necessidade de avaliar a função renal destas crianças, especialmente aquelas que usam medicamentos nefrotóxicos.

Renal deficit and associated factors in children born with low birth weight.

INTRODUCTION: Kidney problems may be due to low birth weight alone or may occur in association with other conditions. The objective this study was to evaluate the association between maternal and birth characteristics, anthropometric measurements, and kidney function deficit in low birth weight infants. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with children who were born weighing < 2500 grams and were under outpatient follow-up. Maternal factors investigated were prenatal care and presence of hypertension, diabetes, and infection during pregnancy. The children's variables were sex, gestational age, birth weight, Apgar score, use of nephrotoxic medications, age, body weight at the time of evaluation, height, and serum creatinine and cystatin C dosages. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated with the combined Zapittelli equation. Multivariate logistic regression model was used for identification of associated factors, with renal function deficit (GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) as the dependent variable. RESULTS: Of the 154 children evaluated, 34.42% had kidney function deficit. Most of them had a gestational age > 32 weeks (56.6%), a mean birth weight of 1439.7 grams, and mean estimated GFR of 46.9 ± 9.3 mL/min/1.73 m2. There was a significant association of GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 with children's current weight and use of nephrotoxic drugs. DISCUSSION: Children born with low birth weight had a high prevalence of kidney function deficit and current normal weight was a protective factor while the use of nephrotoxic drugs during perinatal period increased the chance of kidney deficit. These findings reinforce the need to evaluate the kidney function in these children, especially those who use nephrotoxic drugs.

Production of dental prosthetics in the SUS in Brazilian older population and impact of the covid-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: Describe the trends in the production of dental prosthetics by the Unified Health System (SUS) in older people aged 60 years or older in Brazil and country regions from 2010 to 2019 and the impact of the covid-19 pandemic on the expected production for 2020 and 2021. METHODS: A time series study using secondary data from the SUS database (Datasus-Tabnet) and the Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics - IBGE) from 2010 to 2021. Age-standardized rates were calculated for Brazil and regions for each year analyzed. Generalized linear regressions estimated production trends using the Prais-Winstein estimation method. RESULTS: A growth trend occurred in the standardized production rate of complete dentures and other prosthetics per 100,000 inhabitants in Brazil and all country regions. The increase in the production of complete dentures was higher in the Northeast region (50.3%/year) and lower in the North region (19.1%/year). Trends in the production of other prosthetics were higher in the Southeast region (120.7%/year) and lower in the North region (24.5%/year). The output of prosthetics for both groups decreased in the pandemic years. In 2020, the relative difference ranged from -36.4% (North) to -61.7% (Northeast) for producing complete dentures and from -17.9% (North) to -68.4% (Northeast) for other prosthetics. In 2021, standardized rates and total production increased compared to the previous year. However, compared with expected values, the differences were close to those in 2020. CONCLUSION: Policies aimed at producing complete dentures and other prosthetics have been increasing. However, production remains far from the population's needs, and there is no equity in providing services. The covid-19 pandemic negatively impacted the production of dental prosthetics by SUS.

What is the role of attitudinal barriers on cervical cancer screening non-attendance? Findings from a cross-sectional study with migrant women in Portugal.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is a common disease which can be effectively and timely detected by cervical cancer screening. However, access to cervical cancer screening is unequal, and it is known that migrant women have a lower attendance to cervical cancer screening. These inequalities are associated with several factors, including attitudes and beliefs of the women regarding screening practices, which prevents them from participating. This study aims to explore the attitudinal barriers to cervical cancer screening among migrant women in Portugal. METHODS: A web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted with 1100 migrant women residing in Portugal. Women were recruited through social media platforms. The survey included items on socioeconomic characteristics, cervical cancer screening history and an 11-item attitudinal questionnaire to assess attitudinal barriers. Logistic regression models were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The attitudinal barriers to CCS most often reported by participants were fear of the test result (25.3%), worry about seeing a male health professional (23.8%), perceiving the test as painful (23.1%), embarrassment (18.5%), difficulties scheduling the test (14.3%), and having a negative experience in screening (12.4%). Low perceived need in absence of symptoms and lack of motivation to be screened were reported by less than 5% of the women. However, the results suggest that most of the attitudinal barriers with higher agreement percentage have no association with cervical cancer screening attendance. Among all the attitudinal barriers, low perceived need of screening and lack of motivation were associated with CCS non-attendance. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings, out of all the factors analyzed, low perceived need of screening and lack of motivation are the most relevant factors associated with non-attendance among migrants in Portugal. Promoting health literacy and empowering women with knowledge about benefits of screening may help overcoming these barriers. Therefore, this study provides a foundation for stakeholders on which areas should be prioritized when developing strategies aiming to reduced cervical cancer screening non-attendance among migrant women.

(Des)conhecimentos de gestantes atendidas na atenção primária à saúde sobre diabetes mellitus gestacional / (De)knowledge of pregnant women cared for in primary health care about gestational diabetes mellitus / (De)conocimiento de los gestantes asistidos a la atención primaria de la salud sobre la diabetes gestacionales mellitus

Introdução: O Diabetes Mellitus Gestacional é uma das síndromes metabólicas mais comuns em gestantes e é caracterizada pela baixa tolerância à glicose, resultando em graves consequências materno-fetais. Objetivo: Traçar o perfil epidemiológico de gestantes atendidas na Atenção Primária à Saúde; elencar os fatores de risco sobre Diabetes Mellitus Gestacional entre gestantes atendidas na Atenção Primária à Saúde e analisar os conhecimentos de gestantes sobre Diabetes Mellitus Gestacional na Atenção Primária à Saúde. Metodologia: Estudo com abordagem quanti- qualitativa, descritiva e exploratória, realizado em uma Unidade de Saúde da Família na Bahia, com 15 gestantes maiores de 18 anos, em qualquer trimestre gestacional e que tivessem realizado ao menos uma consulta de pré-natal. A coleta dos dados foi feita através de um roteiro de entrevista semiestruturada e do acesso ao prontuário físico de cada participante. A análise dos dados do perfil foi feita por estatística descritiva simples e as questões abertas da entrevista pela técnica de conteúdo temática proposta por Bardin. Principais Resultados: Percebe-se que a maioria das gestantes era jovem, negra, possuía ensino médio, tinha mais de três filhos, encontrava-se no segundo trimestre gestacional e detinha baixa renda. Com relação aos fatores de risco, destacam-se o histórico familiar de diabetes mellitus, o sobrepeso/obesidade e o sedentarismo. Aponta-se ainda o desconhecimento total ou insuficiência nas informações sobre diabetes mellitus gestacional entre as participantes. Conclusão: O desconhecimento aliado aos fatores de risco evidenciados e à situação de vulnerabilidade social e econômica pode contribuir para o desenvolvimento do Diabetes Mellitus Gestacional na população estudada, sendo fundamental estratégias multidisciplinares para a sua prevenção e/ou controle.

Introduction: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus is one of the most common metabolic syndromes in pregnant women and is characterized by low glucose tolerance, resulting in severe maternal-fetal consequences. Objective: To trace the epidemiological profile of pregnant women attended in Primary Health Care; to list the risk factors about Gestational Diabetes Mellitus among pregnant women attended in Primary Health Care and to analyze the knowledge of pregnant women about Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Primary Health Care. Methodology: A study with a quanti-qualitative, descriptive and exploratory approach, carried out in a Family Health Unit in Bahia, with 15 pregnant women over 18 years of age, in any gestational trimester and who had carried out at least one prenatal visit. The data collection was done through a semi-structured interview script and access to the physical records of each participant. The analysis of the profile data was done by simple descriptive statistics and the open questions of the interview by the thematic content technique proposed by Bardin. Main Results: It is noticed that most pregnant women were young, black, had high school, had more than three children, was in the second gestational trimester and had low income. With regard to risk factors, family history of diabetes mellitus, overweight/obesity and sedentary lifestyle are highlighted. It is also pointed out the total lack of knowledge or insufficiency in the information about gestational diabetes mellitus among the participants. Conclusion: The lack of knowledge coupled with the risk factors evidenced and the situation of social and economic vulnerability can contribute to the development of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in the studied population, being fundamental multidisciplinary strategies for its prevention and/or control.

Introducción: La diabetes mellitus gestacional es uno de los síndromes metabólicos más comunes en mujeres embarazadas y se caracteriza por una baja tolerancia a la glucosa, lo que tiene graves consecuencias maternofetales. Objetivo: Seguir el perfil epidemiológico de las mujeres embarazadas a las que se presta atención primaria de la salud; enumerar los factores de riesgo de la diabetes mellitus gestacional entre las mujeres embarazadas a las que se presta atención primaria de la salud y analizar los conocimientos de las mujeres embarazadas sobre la diabetes mellitus gestacional en la atención primaria de la salud. Metodología: estudio con enfoque cuantitativo- cualitativo, descriptivo y exploratorio, realizado en una Unidad de Salud Familiar de Bahía, con 15 mujeres embarazadas mayores de 18 años, en cualquier trimestre gestacional y que hayan realizado al menos una consulta prenatal. Los datos se recopilaron mediante una hoja de ruta semiestructurada para las entrevistas y el acceso a los registros físicos de cada participante. El análisis de los datos del perfil se realizó por simple estadística descriptiva y las preguntas abiertas de la entrevista por la técnica de contenido temático propuesta por Bardin. Principales resultados: Se observó que la mayoría de las mujeres embarazadas eran jóvenes, negras, tenían educación secundaria, tenían más de tres hijos, estaban en el segundo trimestre gestacional y tenían bajos ingresos. En cuanto a los factores de riesgo, destacan la historia familiar de diabetes mellitus, sobrepeso/obesidad y estilo de vida sedentario. Además, la información sobre la diabetes mellitus gestacional es totalmente desconocida o insuficiente entre los participantes. Conclusión: El desconocimiento, junto con los factores de riesgo evidenciados y la situación de vulnerabilidad social y económica, puede contribuir al desarrollo de la Diabetes Mellitus Gestacional en la población estudiada, y las estrategias multidisciplinarias son fundamentales para su prevención y/o control.

Actuación de enfermería ante complicaciones mamarias relacionadas con la lactancia materna / Nursing Action in the Face of Breast Complications Related to Breastfeeding

Introducción: Las complicaciones mamarias relacionadas con la lactancia materna suelen aparecer entre el primer y el décimo día posparto, las cuales pueden provocar lesiones en la salud de la mujer y en el destete precoz. Por lo tanto, la acción de la enfermera frente a estas condiciones es de gran importancia social. Objetivo: Comprender la actuación de enfermería ante complicaciones mamarias relacionadas con la lactancia materna. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo con enfoque cualitativo basado en la Teoría de las Representaciones Sociales, realizado con 17 enfermeras que trabajan en las 29 Unidades de Salud de la Familia del municipio de Porto Seguro, Bahía, Brasil, en el período de febrero a junio de 2021. Como técnica de recolección de datos, se utilizó la entrevista guiada por un guion semiestructurado. Los datos empíricos se analizaron mediante el análisis de contenido temático propuesto por Bardin. Resultados: Los resultados obtenidos tras el análisis fueron interpretados y apoyados en la Teoría de las Representaciones Sociales, que permitió la construcción de la categoría: Praxis de las enfermeras frente a las complicaciones mamarias. La categoría demostró que el conocimiento de las enfermeras sobre las complicaciones mamarias es insuficiente para anclar la práctica del cuidado. Conclusión: El conocimiento de las enfermeras sobre las complicaciones mamarias relacionadas con la lactancia materna demostró ser insuficiente para ofrecer prácticas asistenciales eficaces y actualizadas, necesarias para una actuación adecuada y que favorezcan el mantenimiento de la lactancia materna durante el tratamiento, por lo que se requiere educación permanente sobre el tema.

Introduction: Breast complications related to breastfeeding usually appear between the first and tenth postpartum day. They may appear with lesions to women's health and early weaning. Therefore, the nurse's action in the face of these conditions is of great social importance. Objective: To understand the nursing action in the face of breast complications related to breastfeeding. Methods: A descriptive study with a qualitative approach and based on the social representations theory was conducted with 17 nurses working in the 29 family health units of Porto Seguro Municipality, Bahia State, Brazil, in the period from February to June 2021. The used data collection technique was the interview guided by a semistructured script. The empirical data were analyzed using the thematic content analysis proposed by Bardin. Results: The results obtained after the analysis were interpreted and supported by the social representations theory, which allowed the construction of the category praxis of nurses in the face of breast complications. The category showed that the nurses' knowledge about breast complications is insufficient to anchor the practice of care. Conclusion: The nurses' knowledge about breast complications related to breastfeeding proved to be inept to offer effective and updated care practices, necessary for an adequate performance and favoring the maintenance of breastfeeding during treatment; therefore, permanent education on the subject is required.

Cuidado de enfermagem na atenção primária à saúde às crianças com microcefalia relacionada ao Zika vírus / Nursing care in primary health care for children with microcephaly related to Zika virus / Cuidados de enfermería en atención primaria a niños con microcefalia relacionada con el virus Zika

Introdução: A microcefalia é uma condição neurológica que se caracteriza por anormalidades no crescimento craniano e pode ser causada por vários fatores como a desnutrição, o uso de drogas, as infecções e mais recentemente pela contaminação pelo Zika Vírus. Apenas em 2015, o Ministério da Saúde (MS) estabeleceu pela primeira vez a possibilidade de relação entre as crianças portadoras de microcefalia e a infecção congênita pelo vírus Zika, sendo confirmada pelo Instituto Evandro Chagas (IEC), laboratório de referência nacional e internacional em ciências biológicas, meio ambiente e medicina tropical das arboviroses. Objetivo: analisar as ações realizadas pelas enfermeiras na assistência às crianças com microcefalia relacionada ao Zika Vírus na Atenção Primária à Saúde. Metodologia: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, com abordagem qualitativa, realizado com enfermeiras que assistiram crianças com microcefalia por Zika Vírus em cinco municípios do NRS SUL/Itabuna. Os dados foram coletados por entrevista semiestruturada, entre agosto e setembro de 2020. A análise do perfil biopsicossocial das enfermeiras foi realizada por estatística descritiva e as entrevistas foram processadas pela análise de conteúdo temática proposta por Bardin. Principais Resultados: Revelou-se que, as ações de acompanhamento realizadas pelas enfermeiras se restringiram à imunização e ao Programa de Crescimento e Desenvolvimento, demonstrando a importância de um olhar ampliado para as complicações/sequelas da Zika nas crianças assistidas. Conclusão: Identificou-se que, a assistência de enfermagem é restritiva, sendo necessária ações de educação permanente para estas profissionais qualificarem o cuidado às crianças com microcefalia por Zika Vírus.

Introduction: Microcephaly is a neurological condition that is characterized by abnormalities in head growth and can be caused by several factors such as malnutrition, drug use, infections and, more recently, contamination by the Zika Virus. Only in 2015, the Ministry of Health (MS) established for the first time the possibility of a relationship between children with microcephaly and congenital Zika virus infection, which was confirmed by the Evandro Chagas Institute (IEC), a national and international reference laboratory in biological sciences, environment and tropical medicine of arboviruses. Objective: to analyze the actions performed by nurses in the care of children with microcephaly related to the Zika Virus in Primary Health Care. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study, with a qualitative approach, carried out with nurses who assisted children with microcephaly due to Zika Virus in five municipalities of NRS SUL/Itabuna. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, between August and September 2020. The analysis of the nurses' biopsychosocial profile was performed using descriptive statistics and the interviews were processed using the thematic content analysis proposed by Bardin. Main Results: It was revealed that the follow-up actions carried out by the nurses were restricted to immunization and the Growth and Development Program, demonstrating the importance of an expanded look at the complications/sequelae of Zika in the assisted children. Conclusion: It was identified that nursing care is restrictive, requiring continuing education actions for these professionals to qualify the care of children with microcephaly due to the Zika Virus.

Introducción: La microcefalia es una condición neurológica que se caracteriza por anomalías en el crecimiento de la cabeza y puede ser causada por varios factores como la desnutrición, el consumo de drogas, infecciones y, más recientemente, la contaminación por el Virus Zika. Sólo en 2015, el Ministerio de Salud (MS) estableció por primera vez la posibilidad de relación entre niños con microcefalia e infección congénita por el virus Zika, lo que fue confirmado por el Instituto Evandro Chagas (IEC), laboratorio de referencia nacional e internacional en ciencias biológicas, medio ambiente y medicina tropical de arbovirus. Objetivo: analizar las acciones realizadas por enfermeros en la atención de niños con microcefalia relacionada al virus Zika en la Atención Primaria de Salud. Metodología: Se trata de un estudio transversal, con abordaje cualitativo, realizado con enfermeros que atendieron niños con microcefalia por Virus Zika en cinco municipios de NRS SUL/Itabuna. Los datos fueron recolectados a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas, entre agosto y septiembre de 2020. El análisis del perfil biopsicosocial de las enfermeras se realizó mediante estadística descriptiva y las entrevistas se procesaron mediante el análisis de contenido temático propuesto por Bardin. Principales resultados: Se reveló que las acciones de seguimiento realizadas por las enfermeras se restringían a la inmunización y al Programa de Crecimiento y Desarrollo, demostrando la importancia de una mirada ampliada a las complicaciones/secuelas del Zika en los niños asistidos. Conclusiones: Se identificó que los cuidados de enfermería son restrictivos, requiriendo acciones de educación continuada para que estos profesionales cualifiquen el cuidado de los niños con microcefalia debido al Virus Zika.

Production of dental prosthetics in the SUS in Brazilian older population and impact of the covid-19 pandemic / Produção de próteses dentárias no SUS em idosos brasileiros e impacto da pandemia covid-19

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE Describe the trends in the production of dental prosthetics by the Unified Health System (SUS) in older people aged 60 years or older in Brazil and country regions from 2010 to 2019 and the impact of the covid-19 pandemic on the expected production for 2020 and 2021. METHODS A time series study using secondary data from the SUS database (Datasus-Tabnet) and the Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics - IBGE) from 2010 to 2021. Age-standardized rates were calculated for Brazil and regions for each year analyzed. Generalized linear regressions estimated production trends using the Prais-Winstein estimation method. RESULTS A growth trend occurred in the standardized production rate of complete dentures and other prosthetics per 100,000 inhabitants in Brazil and all country regions. The increase in the production of complete dentures was higher in the Northeast region (50.3%/year) and lower in the North region (19.1%/year). Trends in the production of other prosthetics were higher in the Southeast region (120.7%/year) and lower in the North region (24.5%/year). The output of prosthetics for both groups decreased in the pandemic years. In 2020, the relative difference ranged from -36.4% (North) to -61.7% (Northeast) for producing complete dentures and from -17.9% (North) to -68.4% (Northeast) for other prosthetics. In 2021, standardized rates and total production increased compared to the previous year. However, compared with expected values, the differences were close to those in 2020. CONCLUSION Policies aimed at producing complete dentures and other prosthetics have been increasing. However, production remains far from the population's needs, and there is no equity in providing services. The covid-19 pandemic negatively impacted the production of dental prosthetics by SUS.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Descrever as tendências na produção de próteses odontológicas pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) em idosos de 60 anos ou mais no Brasil e nas regiões do país de 2010 a 2019, e o impacto da pandemia de covid-19 na produção esperada para 2020 e 2021. MÉTODOS Estudo de séries temporais que utilizou dados secundários provenientes do banco de dados do SUS (Datasus-Tabnet), e do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística, no período de 2010 a 2021. Calcularam-se as taxas padronizadas por idade para o Brasil e regiões de cada ano analisado. Regressões lineares generalizadas, pelo método de estimação de Prais-Winstein, estimaram as tendências das produções. RESULTADOS Houve tendência de crescimento na taxa padronizada de produção das próteses totais e das demais próteses para cada 100 mil habitantes, no Brasil e em todas as regiões do país. O aumento na produção de próteses totais foi maior na região Nordeste (50,3%/ano) e menor na região Norte (19,1%/ano). As tendências na produção das demais próteses foram maiores na região Sudeste (120,7%/ano) e menores na região Norte (24,5%/ano). A produção de próteses para ambos os grupos diminuiu nos anos de pandemia. Em 2020, a diferença relativa variou de -36,4% (Norte) até -61,7% (Nordeste) para a produção de próteses totais e de -17,9% (Norte) até -68,4% (Nordeste) para as demais próteses. Em 2021, as taxas padronizadas e a produção absoluta aumentaram quando comparadas ao ano anterior, todavia, em relação aos valores esperados, as diferenças foram próximas às encontradas em 2020. CONCLUSÃO Políticas voltadas para a produção de próteses totais e das demais próteses vêm tomando forças e crescendo. Todavia, a produção se mantém distante da necessidade da população e não há equidade na oferta dos serviços. A pandemia de covid-19 impactou negativamente na produção de próteses dentárias pelo SUS.

Immune and spermatogenesis-related loci are involved in the development of extreme patterns of male infertility.

We conducted a genome-wide association study in a large population of infertile men due to unexplained spermatogenic failure (SPGF). More than seven million genetic variants were analysed in 1,274 SPGF cases and 1,951 unaffected controls from two independent European cohorts. Two genomic regions were associated with the most severe histological pattern of SPGF, defined by Sertoli cell-only (SCO) phenotype, namely the MHC class II gene HLA-DRB1 (rs1136759, P = 1.32E-08, OR = 1.80) and an upstream locus of VRK1 (rs115054029, P = 4.24E-08, OR = 3.14), which encodes a protein kinase involved in the regulation of spermatogenesis. The SCO-associated rs1136759 allele (G) determines a serine in the position 13 of the HLA-DRß1 molecule located in the antigen-binding pocket. Overall, our data support the notion of unexplained SPGF as a complex trait influenced by common variation in the genome, with the SCO phenotype likely representing an immune-mediated condition.

Reversible Bitemporal Hemihypokinetic Pupil Without Hemianopia: A New Chiasmal Sign.

Chiasmal syndromes present mostly with visual problems, such as changes in visual fields, decreased visual acuity, or dyschromatopsia (and classically without pupillary reflex defects). The prototypical bitemporal hemianopia upon visual field testing can easily suggest chiasmal compression due to sellar/suprasellar involvement. However, because of the complexity of the decussation of fibres at the optic chiasm and the presence of anatomical variants, unpredictable visual fields defects can be detected in chiasmal diseases. In some patients, especially in those who have undergone neurosurgical procedures, visual field examination and neuroimaging may not completely reflect the classical pattern of chiasmal visual loss. We describe a novel semiological sign, reporting a patient in which a pupillary bitemporal hemihypokinesia was not accompanied by hemianopia, with the phenomenon being abolished by surgical resection of the causative pituitary macroadenoma. In addition, this finding was an important tool in making the diagnosis.

Protective measures feasibility for infants of low income SARS-CoV-2 positive breastfeeding mothers: a prospective multicenter cohort study.

AIM: The aim was to evaluate the feasibility of protective measures for infants of low-income SARS-CoV-2 positive breastfeeding mothers. BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding mothers with SARS-CoV-2 positive should avoid exposing the infant through protective measures (PM), but it could be challenging in a low-income population. METHODS: A prospective, multicenter study was conducted between July and October 2020 (BRACOVID). The participants were recruited at birth and interviewed through a structured questionnaire at seven and 14 days in the home environment. The feasibility of PM during breastfeeding at home was defined by guidelines recommendations (mask using, handwashing, and distancing from newborn when not breastfeeding). Three groups according to the feasibility of guidelines: complete guidelines feasibility (CG): all PM; partial guidelines feasibility (PG): at least one PM feasible; no guidelines (NG): infeasibility to all of PM. Flu-like neonatal symptoms, mothers' breastfeeding practices. We evaluated the association between PM feasibility and socioeconomic factors. RESULTS: 117 infected mothers from 17 Brazilian hospitals were enrolled. 47 (40%) mothers followed all recommendations, 14 (11.9%) could not practice at least one recommendation, and 50 (42.7%) did not execute any of them. The breastfeeding rate was 98%. Factors associated with infeasibility were monthly family income < 92.7 dollars/person, high housing density (>1 inhabitant/room), teenage mothers, responsive feeding, and poor schooling. Regarding infants' flu-like symptoms, 5% presented symptoms at fourteen days (NG group). CONCLUSION: The guidelines were not applied to infants of SARs-CoV-positive mothers in 54.6% of the dyads since the recommendations were unviable in their environments. During pandemics, we should look for feasible and effective guidelines to protect neonates from low-income populations. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Poor socioeconomic conditions lead to the unfeasibility of protective measures for infants of low-income SARS-CoV-2 positive breastfeeding mothers during the isolation period in the pandemics. The orientations and the support provided to dyad should consider the socioeconomic factors to guide feasible measures in the home environment and promote adequate protections; only an individual approach will allow a safe environment for low-income infants.

Newborn Skin Maturity Medical Device Validation for Gestational Age Prediction: Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Early access to antenatal care and high-cost technologies for pregnancy dating challenge early neonatal risk assessment at birth in resource-constrained settings. To overcome the absence or inaccuracy of postnatal gestational age (GA), we developed a new medical device to assess GA based on the photobiological properties of newborns' skin and predictive models. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to validate a device that uses the photobiological model of skin maturity adjusted to the clinical data to detect GA and establish its accuracy in discriminating preterm newborns. METHODS: A multicenter, single-blinded, and single-arm intention-to-diagnosis clinical trial evaluated the accuracy of a novel device for the detection of GA and preterm newborns. The first-trimester ultrasound, a second comparator ultrasound, and data regarding the last menstrual period (LMP) from antenatal reports were used as references for GA at birth. The new test for validation was performed using a portable multiband reflectance photometer device that assessed the skin maturity of newborns and used machine learning models to predict GA, adjusted for birth weight and antenatal corticosteroid therapy exposure. RESULTS: The study group comprised 702 pregnant women who gave birth to 781 newborns, of which 366 (46.9%) were preterm newborns. As the primary outcome, the GA as predicted by the new test was in line with the reference GA that was calculated by using the intraclass correlation coefficient (0.969, 95% CI 0.964-0.973). The paired difference between predicted and reference GAs was -1.34 days, with Bland-Altman limits of -21.2 to 18.4 days. As a secondary outcome, the new test achieved 66.6% (95% CI 62.9%-70.1%) agreement with the reference GA within an error of 1 week. This agreement was similar to that of comparator-LMP-GAs (64.1%, 95% CI 60.7%-67.5%). The discrimination between preterm and term newborns via the device had a similar area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.970, 95% CI 0.959-0.981) compared with that for comparator-LMP-GAs (0.957, 95% CI 0.941-0.974). In newborns with absent or unreliable LMPs (n=451), the intent-to-discriminate analysis showed correct preterm versus term classifications with the new test, which achieved an accuracy of 89.6% (95% CI 86.4%-92.2%), while the accuracy for comparator-LMP-GA was 69.6% (95% CI 65.3%-73.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The assessment of newborn's skin maturity (adjusted by learning models) promises accurate pregnancy dating at birth, even without the antenatal ultrasound reference. Thus, the novel device could add value to the set of clinical parameters that direct the delivery of neonatal care in birth scenarios where GA is unknown or unreliable. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): RR2-10.1136/bmjopen-2018-027442.

Common Variation in the PIN1 Locus Increases the Genetic Risk to Suffer from Sertoli Cell-Only Syndrome.

We aimed to analyze the role of the common genetic variants located in the PIN1 locus, a relevant prolyl isomerase required to control the proliferation of spermatogonial stem cells and the integrity of the blood-testis barrier, in the genetic risk of developing male infertility due to a severe spermatogenic failure (SPGF). Genotyping was performed using TaqMan genotyping assays for three PIN1 taggers (rs2287839, rs2233678 and rs62105751). The study cohort included 715 males diagnosed with SPGF and classified as suffering from non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA, n = 505) or severe oligospermia (SO, n = 210), and 1058 controls from the Iberian Peninsula. The allelic frequency differences between cases and controls were analyzed by the means of logistic regression models. A subtype specific genetic association with the subset of NOA patients classified as suffering from the Sertoli cell-only (SCO) syndrome was observed with the minor alleles showing strong risk effects for this subset (ORaddrs2287839 = 1.85 (1.17-2.93), ORaddrs2233678 = 1.62 (1.11-2.36), ORaddrs62105751 = 1.43 (1.06-1.93)). The causal variants were predicted to affect the binding of key transcription factors and to produce an altered PIN1 gene expression and isoform balance. In conclusion, common non-coding single-nucleotide polymorphisms located in PIN1 increase the genetic risk to develop SCO.

Common genetic variation in KATNAL1 non-coding regions is involved in the susceptibility to severe phenotypes of male infertility.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies in animal models evidenced that genetic mutations of KATNAL1, resulting in dysfunction of its encoded protein, lead to male infertility through disruption of microtubule remodelling and premature germ cell exfoliation. Subsequent studies in humans also suggested a possible role of KATNAL1 single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the development of male infertility as a consequence of severe spermatogenic failure. OBJECTIVES: The main objective of the present study is to evaluate the effect of the common genetic variation of KATNAL1 in a large and phenotypically well-characterised cohort of infertile men because of severe spermatogenic failure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 715 infertile men because of severe spermatogenic failure, including 210 severe oligospermia and 505 non-obstructive azoospermia patients, as well as 1058 unaffected controls were genotyped for three KATNAL1 single-nucleotide polymorphism taggers (rs2077011, rs7338931 and rs2149971). Case-control association analyses by logistic regression assuming different models and in silico functional characterisation of risk variants were conducted. RESULTS: Genetic associations were observed between the three analysed taggers and different severe spermatogenic failure groups. However, in all cases, the haplotype model (rs2077011*C | rs7338931*T | rs2149971*A) better explained the observed associations than the three risk alleles independently. This haplotype was associated with non-obstructive azoospermia (adjusted p = 4.96E-02, odds ratio = 2.97), Sertoli-cell only syndrome (adjusted p = 2.83E-02, odds ratio = 5.16) and testicular sperm extraction unsuccessful outcomes (adjusted p = 8.99E-04, odds ratio = 6.13). The in silico analyses indicated that the effect on severe spermatogenic failure predisposition could be because of an alteration of the KATNAL1 splicing pattern. CONCLUSIONS: Specific allelic combinations of KATNAL1 genetic polymorphisms may confer a risk of developing severe male infertility phenotypes by favouring the overrepresentation of a short non-functional transcript isoform in the testis.

Assistência multiprofissional à gestante no contexto da pandemia pela COVID-19 / Asistencia multiprofesional a mujeres embarazadas en el contexto de pandemia por COVID-19 / Multiprofessional assistance to pregnant women in the context of pandemic by COVID-19

Objetivo: analisar a assistência multiprofissional à gestante no contexto da pandemia pela COVID-19. Método: tratase de um estudo exploratório, descritivo com abordagem qualitativa, aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa sob número de parecer 4.911.690. Foi realizado em duas Unidades de Saúde da Família em Itabuna-Bahia, em outubro de 2021. Participaram do estudo os profissionais das equipes, conforme critérios de inclusão pré-definidos. Os dados foram coletados através de entrevista semiestruturada e analisados por meio da técnica de conteúdo temática de Bardin. Resultados: a pandemia por Covid permitiu a reorganização do fluxo de atendimento as gestantes, utilização das Tecnologias de Informação e Comunicação, realização de busca ativa e a educação em saúde no consultório. Porém, houve desafios no contexto do pré-natal como a efetivação da Educação Permanente em Saúde e o compartilhamento de consultas. Conclusão: a assistência gestacional foi readequada durante a pandemia e a atuação multiprofissional garantiu qualidade no pré-natal(AU)

Objective: to analyze multiprofessional care to pregnant women in the context of the pandemic by COVID-19. Method: this is an exploratory, descriptive study with a qualitative approach, approved by the Research Ethics Committee under opinion number 4,911,690. It was held in two Family Health Units in Itabuna-Bahia, in October 2021. The professionals of the teams participated in the study, according to predefined inclusion criteria. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Bardin's thematic content technique. Results: the pandemic by Covid allowed the reorganization of the flow of care to pregnant women, use of Information and Communication Technologies, active search and health education in the office. However, there were challenges in the context of prenatal care, such as the implementation of Permanent Health Education and the sharing of consultations. Conclusion: gestational care was reappropriated during the pandemic and multiprofessional performance guaranteed quality in prenatal care(AU)

Objetivo: analizar la atención multiprofesional a mujeres embarazadas en el contexto de la pandemia por COVID-19. Método: se trata de un estudio exploratorio, descriptivo y de enfoque cualitativo, aprobado por el Comité de Ética en Investigación con el número de dictamen 4.911.690. Se llevó a cabo en dos Unidades de Salud de la Familia en Itabuna-Bahía, en octubre de 2021. Los profesionales de los equipos participaron en el estudio, según criterios de inclusión predefinidos. Los datos fueron recolectados a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas y analizados utilizando la técnica de contenido temático de Bardin. Resultados: la pandemia por Covid permitió la reorganización del flujo de atención a las mujeres embarazadas, el uso de las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación, la búsqueda activa y la educación para la salud en la oficina. Sin embargo, existen problemas en el contexto de la atención prenatal, como la aplicación de la educación permanente en materia de salud y el intercambio de consultas. Conclusión: la atención gestacional fue reapropiada durante la pandemia y el desempeño multiprofesional garantizó la calidad en la atención prenatal.(AU)

Non-attendance in cervical cancer screening among migrant women in Portugal: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: Cervical cancer has a high mortality rate among women worldwide. Although cervical cancer screening (CCS) is an effective strategy in reducing mortality of the disease, inequalities in accessing screening exist, particularly among migrant women. This study aims to characterize migrant women's participation in CCS and determine factors associated with non-attendance to CCS. METHODS: A cross-sectional study based on a web-based survey targeting adult migrant women living in Portugal was conducted. Prevalence of non-attendance to CCS was examined, and its associations with socioeconomic, migration-related, and health-related factors were determined using adjusted logistic regression models. RESULTS: A total of 1100 migrant women were included in the study. Prevalence of CCS non-attendance was 24.5%. CCS non-attendance was associated with younger age, being born in Africa or Asia, being single/divorced/widowed, never having had a GP appointment in Portugal and not having regular gynecology appointments. Being born in South and Central America, shorter length of stay in Portugal, having had HPV vaccination, and not having children are associated with CCS attendance. CONCLUSION: These findings point out that an important percentage of migrant women do not attend CCS. Strategies to increase participation should be developed, considering the inequalities identified and designed to target the specific needs of migrant women to improve their CCS attendance and increase cervical cancer prevention.

Cell immortalization facilitates prelamin A clearance by increasing both cell proliferation and autophagic flux.

Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome is an ultrarare disease which is characterized by an accelerated senescence phenotype with deleterious consequences to people suffering this pathology. The production of an abnormal protein derived from lamin A, called progerin, presents a farnesylated domain, which is not eliminated by the causal mutation of the disease, and accumulates in the interior of the nucleus, provoking a disruption of nuclear membrane, chromatin organization and an altered gene expression. The mutation in these patients occurs in a single nucleotide change, which creates a de novo splicing site, producing a shorter version of the protein. Apart from this mutation, an alteration in the metalloproteinase Zmpste24, involved in the maturation of lamin A, causing a similar alteration than in progeria. However, in this case, patients accumulate a protein, called prelamin A, which generates similar alterations in the nucleus than progerin. The reduction of prelamin A protein levels facilitates the recovery of the phenotype in different mice models of the disease, reducing the aging process. Different strategies have been studied for eliminating this toxic protein. Here, we report that immortalization of primary cells derived from the Zmpste24 KO mice, facilitates prelamin A degradation by different mechanisms, being essential, the enhancing proliferative capacity that the immortalized cells present. Then, these data suggest that using different treatments for increasing proliferative capacity of these cells, potentially could have a beneficial effect, facilitating prelamin A toxicity.

Menstrual cycle among adolescents: girls' awareness and influence of age at menarche and overweight.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the menstrual cycle (regularity and menstrual flow length), the prevalence of dysmenorrhea and self-monitoring of the cycle in students from Lisbon region, and explore the effect of chronological age, age at menarche and body mass index (BMI) on menstrual disorders. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with 848 girls aged 12-18 years. A questionnaire about the sociodemographic context and characteristics of the menstrual cycle, and weight and height measures were assessed. BMI was classified according to International Obesity Taskforce criteria. A descriptive analysis of the variables was made, and Odds Ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were determined. RESULTS: Mean age at menarche was 12.4 years and mean BMI was 22.0kg/m2. Among adolescents, 59% have regular menstrual cycle, 83% have menstrual flow length of ≤6 days. 88% suffered from dysmenorrhea, among which 8,7% declare absenteeism from school and 49% took pain medication, and 65% self-monitor their menstrual cycle. Higher maternal education was associated with a higher self-monitoring of menstrual cycle among the sample (OR 1.60; 95%CI 1.15-2.17). Girls with menarche <12 years-of-age are more likely to have menstrual flow length of >6 days (OR 1.73; 95%CI 1.19-2.51) and dysmenorrhea (OR 1.87; 95%CI 1.11-3.16) than those with menarche ≥12 years-of-age. No significant association between BMI and menstrual cycle variables was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that menstrual disorders are frequent and may be associated with early menarche, but not with BMI. It is important to encourage self-monitoring of the menstrual cycle to detect menstrual disorders timely and promote health and well-being.