Long-term Efficacy of Pectoserratus Plane Block (PSPB) for Prevention of Post-mastectomy Pain Syndrome: Extended Follow-up From a Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES: Pectoserratus plane block (PSPB) leads to lower postoperative pain intensity. We examined whether PSPB could also reduce the incidence of post-mastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) in women undergoing breast cancer surgery. METHODS: We performed an extension study of a randomized trial that compared PSPB versus control in women undergoing mastectomy. The primary outcome was any chronic pain at the surgical site or adjacent areas, defined as persistent/recurrent pain lasting ≥3 months. Secondary outcomes included neuropathic pain (score ≥4 in the Douleur Neuropathique 4 questionnaire), use of analgesic/anti-inflammatory drugs, pain intensity through the short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire, and type, frequency, and location of the pain. RESULTS: Of the 60 patients that completed the 24-hour follow-up (short-term trial), 53 (88%) completed the long-term follow-up (27 in the PSPB group and 26 in the placebo group). Six of 27 patients (22%) in the PSPB group and 17 of 26 patients (65%) in the placebo group reported any chronic pain (relative risk [RR], 0.34; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]=0.16-0.73, P =0.005). The risk of neuropathic pain was also lower in the PSPB group than in the placebo group (18.5% vs. 54%, respectively; RR, 0.34; 95% CI=0.14-0.82, P =0.02). There were no differences regarding all other pain-related outcomes considering the patients who developed PMPS. DISCUSSION: The results suggest that, in the long term, PSPB-treated participants were associated with a statistically significantly lower risk of PMPS than those who received standard general anesthesia. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03966326).

Analysis of bone stress and primary stability of a dental implant using strain and torque measurements.

Introduction: The consensus among researchers is that early failure of dental implants is due to the lack of primary stability and compressive stress on the peri-implant bone that exceeds the physiological tolerance. Objective: The objective of this work is to propose a new methodology to quantify bone stress during dental implant insertion and to correlate it with primary stability. Materials and Methods: Titanium dental implants with a diameter of 3.75 mm were inserted in a 3.35 mm hole of a synthetic bone of polyurethane (PU) foam with a density of 20 PCF (0.32 g/cm3). During insertion, the insertion torque was measured with a digital torque meter and the bone strain was measured with strain gages located at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 mm from the coronal region. Results: The tests showed that the compressive strain is maximum in the third coronal region and decreases in the apical direction. The data also showed that there is a relationship between strain, insertion torque, and the primary stability of dental implants. Conclusion: The stress and strain on the bone progressively decreased from the coronal to the apical third. The maximum compressive stress (0.42 MPa) during insertion of the implant did not exceed bone strength. Insertion of 3.75 mm implants in type D2 bone with a 3.35 mm hole provides adequate primary stability without excessive compression of the bone. Clinical Significance: For the implant-bone combination used in the present study, the compressive stress generated during implant insertion did not exceed the physiological limit of cortical and medullary bone to the point of impairing osseointegration.

Physical performance testing in post-COVID-19 patients: protocol for a systematic review of psychometric measurement properties.

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 is an infectious disease that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome. A large variety of exercise capacity tests are used for the evaluation of post-COVID-19 patients, but the psychometric properties of these exercise tests remain undetermined in this population. This study aims to critically appraise, compare and summarise the psychometric properties (validity, reliability and responsiveness) of all physical performance tests that are used to assess exercise capacity in post-COVID-19 patients. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This systematic review protocol follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols guidelines. We will include studies with hospitalised adult post-COVID-19 patients (aged 18 years or older and with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19). The research will cover randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs and observational studies published in English and performed in the following settings: hospital, rehabilitation centre, outpatient clinic. We will search the following databases with no date restrictions: PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, SciELO, Cochrane Library, CINAHL and Web of Science. Two authors will independently assess the risk of bias (using the Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments Risk of bias checklist) and the certainty of evidence (using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations). According to the results obtained, data will be meta-analysed or reported narratively. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: No ethical approval is required for this publication since it will be based on published data. Results of this review will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42021242334.

Exposição ao cádmio e Síndromes Hipertensivas da Gestação: uma revisão sistemática / Cadmium exposure and Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: a systematic review

RESUMO As Síndromes Hipertensivas da Gestação (SHG) são uma das principais causas de morbimortalidade materna. Evidências crescentes indicam a associação entre a exposição ao cádmio e a hipertensão arterial na população em geral, mas não as SHG. Afim de investigar esse tema, realizou-se uma revisão sistemática seguindo as diretrizes PRISMA, nas bases de dados BVS/Lilacs, PubMed/Medline e SciELO e no repositório da Universidade de São Paulo (USP) até agosto de 2021. A qualidade metodológica foi avaliada pelo checklist Downs and Black. Selecionaram-se dezenove artigos, sendo treze caso-controle, quatro coortes e dois seccionais. No total, 11.451 participantes foram avaliadas, sendo 1.445 (12,6%) com SHG e, destas, 1.071 (74,1%) com pré-eclâmpsia. Observou-se o ajuste inadequado para confundimento em onze estudos. Dos sete estudos considerados de boa qualidade metodológica, quatro relataram associação positiva e três não a observaram, enquanto somente um estudo observou diferença de média, que foi maior nas gestantes com SHG. Atribuiu-se a divergência dos resultados às diferenças metodológicas e ao ajuste inadequado para os fatores de confusão. Como o cádmio é um metal tóxico que pode levar ao aumento do estresse oxidativo, que desempenha papel importante na fisiopatologia das SHG, estudos adicionais são necessários para elucidar esta associação.

ABSTRACT Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy (HDP) are one of the main causes of maternal morbimortality. Strong evidence point to an association between cadmium and hypertension in the general population, but not HDP. A systematic review was carried out to investigate this potential relationship, following PRISMA guidelines, in the BVS/LILACS, PubMed/MEDLINE, and SciELO databases and a repository (University of São Paulo - USP) until August 2021. The methodological quality was assessed using the Downs and Black checklist. Nineteen articles were selected, thirteen of which were case-control, four were cohorts, and two were cross-sectional. A total of 11.451 participants were evaluated, 1.445 (12.6%) with HDP, and of these 1.071 (74.1%) with preeclampsia. The inadequate adjustment for confounding was observed in eleven studies. Out of the seven studies considered good methodological quality, four reported a positive association, and three did not observe it. In contrast, only one observed a mean difference, which was higher in HDP. The inconsistency of the results was attributed to the methodological differences and inadequate adjustment for confounding. As cadmium is a toxic metal that can induce an increase in oxidative stress, which plays an essential role in the pathophysiology of HDP, additional studies are needed to elucidate this association.

Internal morphology of distal roots of mandibular first molars revealed by computed microtomography.

To evaluate the internal morphology of 100 distal roots of mandibular first molars using micro-CT. Teeth were scanned to characterise: Vertucci type, root length, canal shape, presence and location of accessory canals, and the number of foramina at 4 mm from the apex, presence of root isthmus and the length from the primary canal to the apical foramen. Vertucci type I was found in 57% of cases, followed by V (27%). The most common cross-section 1 mm from the apex was oval (49%) and circular (38%). The average root length was 16.06 mm (16.61-19.02 mm). The mean foramen size was 0.32 and 0.53 mm for the minor and major diameters, respectively. The volume, surface area and SMI were 7.84 mm3 , 68.87 mm2 and 1.52 mm, respectively. Root isthmi were found in 47% of the samples, and the length mean from the primary canal to the apical foramen was 2,03 mm. The internal morphology of the distal roots of mandibular first molars may be complex and shows variations.

New Insights into the Identity of the DFNA58 Gene.

Hearing loss is the most common sensory deficit, affecting 466 million people worldwide. The vast and diverse genes involved reflect the complexity of auditory physiology, which requires the use of animal models in order to gain a fuller understanding. Among the loci with a yet-to-be validated gene is the DFNA58, in which ~200 Kb genomic duplication, including three protein-coding genes (PLEK, CNRIP1, and PPP3R1's exon1), was found to segregate with autosomal dominant hearing loss. Through whole genome sequencing, the duplication was found to be in tandem and inserted in an intergenic region, without the disruption of the topological domains. Reanalysis of transcriptomes data studies (zebrafish and mouse), and RT-qPCR analysis of adult zebrafish target organs, in order to access their orthologues expression, highlighted promising results with Cnrip1a, corroborated by zebrafish in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence. Mouse data also suggested Cnrip1 as the best candidate for a relevant role in auditory physiology, and its importance in hearing seems to have remained conserved but the cell type exerting its function might have changed, from hair cells to spiral ganglion neurons.

Sequences and proteins that influence mRNA processing in Trypanosoma brucei: Evolutionary conservation of SR-domain and PTB protein functions.

BACKGROUND: Spliced leader trans splicing is the addition of a short, capped sequence to the 5' end of mRNAs. It is widespread in eukaryotic evolution, but factors that influence trans splicing acceptor site choice have been little investigated. In Kinetoplastids, all protein-coding mRNAs are 5' trans spliced. A polypyrimidine tract is usually found upstream of the AG splice acceptor, but there is no branch point consensus; moreover, splicing dictates polyadenylation of the preceding mRNA, which is a validated drug target. METHODOLOGY AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We here describe a trans splicing reporter system that can be used for studies and screens concerning the roles of sequences and proteins in processing site choice and efficiency. Splicing was poor with poly(U) tracts less than 9 nt long, and was influenced by an intergenic region secondary structure. A screen for signals resulted in selection of sequences that were on average 45% U and 35% C. Tethering of either the splicing factor SF1, or the cleavage and polyadenylation factor CPSF3 within the intron stimulated processing in the correct positions, while tethering of two possible homologues of Opisthokont PTB inhibited processing. In contrast, tethering of SR-domain proteins RBSR1, RBSR2, or TSR1 or its interaction partner TSR1IP, promoted use of alternative signals upstream of the tethering sites. RBSR1 interacts predominantly with proteins implicated in splicing, whereas the interactome of RBSR2 is more diverse. CONCLUSIONS: Our selectable constructs are suitable for screens of both sequences, and proteins that affect mRNA processing in T. brucei. Our results suggest that the functions of PTB and SR-domain proteins in splice site definition may already have been present in the last eukaryotic common ancestor.

Psychometric properties of the sit-to-stand test for patients with pulmonary hypertension: A systematic review protocol.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a complex syndrome characterized by increased pulmonary arterial pressure and classified into five groups, according to dyspnea on exertion and systemic muscle dysfunction. These symptoms can be identified using the sit-to-stand test (STS), which indirectly evaluates exercise tolerance and lower limb muscle strength. Previous studies used the STS in PH; however, psychometric properties to understand and validate this test were not described for patients with PH. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the psychometric properties (validity, reliability, and responsiveness) of different STS protocols in patients with PH. METHODS AND ANALYSES: This is a systematic review protocol that will include studies using STS in patients with PH. Searches will be conducted on PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, SciELO, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Web of Science databases following PICOT mnemonic strategy and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P). Rayyan software will be used for study selection. The Risk of bias will be assessed using the Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) tool, while the quality of evidence will be assessed using the modified Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). Two researchers will independently conduct the study, and a third researcher will be consulted in case of disagreement. The psychometric properties will be evaluated according to the COSMIN. This protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO, no. CRD42021244271). CONCLUSION: This systematic review will attempt to identify and show the available evidence on STS for different groups of PH and report validity, reliability, and responsiveness of different protocols.

Influence of antidepressant drugs on DNA methylation of ion channels genes in blood cells of psychiatric patients.

Aim: This study investigated the influence of antidepressant drugs on methylation status of KCNE1, KCNH2 and SCN5A promoters and ECG parameters in adult psychiatric patients. Materials & methods: Electrocardiographic evaluation (24 h) and blood samples were obtained from 34 psychiatric patients before and after 30 days of antidepressant therapy. Methylation of promoter CpG sites of KCNE1, KCNH2 and SCN5A was analyzed by pyrosequencing. Results: Three CpG and four CpG sites of KCNE1 and SCN5A, respectively, had increased % methylation after treatment. Principal component analysis showed correlations of the methylation status with electrocardiographic variables, antidepressant doses and patient age. Conclusion: Short-term treatment with antidepressant drugs increase DNA methylation in KCNE1 and SCN5A promoters, which may induce ECG alterations in psychiatric patients.

Influence of antidepressant drugs on DNA methylation of ion channels genes in blood cells of psychiatric patients

ABSTRACT AIM: This study investigated the influence of antidepressant drugs on methylation status of KCNE1, KCNH2 and SCN5A promoters and ECG parameters in adult psychiatric patients. MATERIALS & METHODS: Electrocardiographic evaluation (24 h) and blood samples were obtained from 34 psychiatric patients before and after 30 days of antidepressant therapy. Methylation of promoter CpG sites of KCNE1, KCNH2 and SCN5A was analyzed by pyrosequencing. RESULTS: Three CpG and four CpG sites of KCNE1 and SCN5A, respectively, had increased % methylation after treatment. Principal component analysis showed correlations of the methylation status with electrocardiographic variables, antidepressant doses and patient age. CONCLUSION: Short-term treatment with antidepressant drugs increase DNA methylation in KCNE1 and SCN5A promoters, which may induce ECG alterations in psychiatric patients.

Start-up delay in syringe infusion pumps with different rates and priming techniques of intravenoust sets.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate infusion pumps start-up delay according to different brands of infusion pumps, flow rates and intravenous sets priming techniques. METHOD: The experimental study simulated clinical practice under controlled conditions, using a 50 mL syringe with NaCl 0.9% solution, two syringe infusion pumps (A and B), six rates (0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 5, 10 and 20 mL/h), two purging techniques (manually or infusion pump's electronic bolus). Data were analyzed according to mean, standard deviation, Student's t and ANOVA tests (p<0.05). RESULTS: The start-up delay was greater in low rates regardless the priming technique. The electronic bolus increased the infusion pump A accuracy at 0.3mL/h (p=0.010), 0.5 mL/h (p=0.002) and 1.0mL/h (p=0.004). Pump's accuracy in all studied rates and manual IV sets filling was similar. CONCLUSION: In low infusion rates the start-up delay was greater despite the infusion pump brand and electronic bolus improved pumps accuracy.

Perfil de pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdio em um pronto socorro do distrito federal / Perfil de los pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio en una urgencias del distrito federal / Profile of patients with acute myocardial infarction in an emergency room of the federal district

Objetivo: identificar o perfil sociodemográfico, epidemiológico, clínico e os desfechos dos pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdio em um pronto socorro. Método: estudo descritivo, transversal, quantitativo, realizado através de dados secundários de pacientes infartados. Resultados: a idade predominante foi entre 50-59 anos, sendo em sua maioria homens, pardos, casados. Foram acometidos com infarto com Supradesnivelamento de ST, apresentando precordialgia, sendo hipertensos, diabéticos, com sobrepeso/obesidade além de histórico de tabagismo. Os infartados apresentaram quadro hipertensivo na admissão, e durante a internação necessitaram de drogas vasoativas e suporte de oxigênio. O principal tratamento utilizado foi uso de fibrinolíticos, tendo como desfecho a transferência para hospitais cardiológicos. Conclusão: Há necessidade de aprimorar e intensificar a prevenção de fatores de riscos, elaborar protocolos e dispor de recursos capazes de proporcionar um atendimento adequado(AU)

Objective: to identify the sociodemographic, epidemiological, clinical profile and outcomes of patients with acute myocardial infarction in an emergency department. Method: descriptive, cross-sectional, quantitative study carried out using secondary data from infarcted patients. Results: the predominant age was between 50-59 years, being mostly men, brown, married. They were affected with infarction with ST elevation, presenting chest pain, being hypertensive, diabetic, overweight/ obese, in addition to a history of smoking. The infarcted patients presented with hypertension on admission, and during hospitalization they required vasoactive drugs and oxygen support. The main treatment used was the use of fibrinolytics, with the outcome being transfer to cardiology hospitals. Conclusion: There is a need to improve and intensify the prevention of risk factors, develop protocols and have resources capable of providing adequate care.(AU)

Objetivo: identificar el perfil sociodemográfico, epidemiológico, clínico y evolución de los pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio en un servicio de urgencias. Método: estudio descriptivo, transversal, cuantitativo, realizado con datos secundarios de pacientes infartados. Resultados: la edad predominante fue entre 50-59 años, siendo en su mayoría hombres, morenos, casados. Se encontraban afectados de infarto con elevación del segmento ST, presentaban dolor torácico, eran hipertensos, diabéticos, con sobrepeso/obesidad, además de antecedentes de tabaquismo. Los pacientes infartados presentaban hipertensión arterial al ingreso y durante la hospitalización requirieron fármacos vasoactivos y soporte de oxígeno. El principal tratamiento utilizado fue el uso de fibrinolíticos, con resultado de traslado a hospitales de cardiología. Conclusión: Existe la necesidad de mejorar e intensificar la prevención de los factores de riesgo, desarrollar protocolos y contar con recursos capaces de brindar una atención adecuada(AU)

Tratamento de ceratocistos na síndrome de Gorlin Goltz / Diagnosis and treatment of oral keratocysts in Gorlin Goltz Syndrome / Tratamento de ceratocistos na Síndrome de Gorlin Goltz

A Síndrome de Gorlin Goltz apresenta características com comprometimento craniofaciais que incluem carcinomas basocelulares, ceratocístos odontogênicos e fenda labial e/ou palatina. Ceratocísticos odontogênico aparecem durante as primeiras décadas de vida, mais comumente na mandíbula, associados a dentes impactados. O diagnóstico precoce possibilita a cura da lesão, minimiza as deformidades ósseas e pode ser concluído com exames como radiográfico e histopatológico. Relato de caso: Com o objetivo descrever o diagnóstico e analisar as possibilidades de tratamento das manifestações faciais da Síndrome de Gorlin Goltz será relatado um caso clínico de uma paciente infantil. A paciente tem um acompanhamento clínico multidisciplinar com geneticista, oncologista e cirurgião-dentista de 6 anos. Apresentou 5 ceratocisticos odontogênicos, carcinomas basocelulares na região do pescoço, calcificação da foice cerebral, ceratose palmo-plantar e macrocefalia. O tratamento para as lesões císticas foi a enucleação, seguida de osteotomia periférica. O defeito ósseo produzido pela enucleação de cisto mandibular foi enxertado com bloco de osso alógeno do banco de tecidos do INTO-RJ. Conclusão: Constata-se que o Cirurgião-dentista é capacitado para fazer o diagnóstico desta síndrome e encaminhar para o tratamento multidisciplinar. O enxerto alógeno é uma opção adequada de reconstrução de cavidades císticas, beneficiando pacientes do Sistema Único de Saúde... (AU)

Gorlin Goltz Syndrome has features with craniofacial involvement that include basal cell carcinomas, odontogenic keratocysts, and cleft lip and/or palate. Odontogenic keratocysts appear during the first decades of life, most commonly in the mandible, associated with impacted teeth. Early diagnosis enables healing of the lesion, minimizes bone deformities and can be completed with exams such as radiographic and histopathological exams. Case report: In order to describe the diagnosis and analyze the treatment possibilities of the facial manifestations of Gorlin Goltz Syndrome, a clinical case of a child patient will be reported.The patient has a multidisciplinary clinical follow-up with a 6-year geneticist, oncologist and dental surgeon. She had 5 odontogenic keratocystic keratocysts, basal cell carcinomas in the neck region, sickle cerebral calcification, palmoplantar keratosis and macrocephaly. The treatment for cystic lesions was enucleation, followed by peripheral osteotomy. The bone defect produced by the enucleation of a mandibular cyst was grafted with an allogeneic bone block from the tissue bank of INTO-RJ. Conclusion: It is concluded that the dentist is trained to make the diagnosis of this syndrome and refer to multidisciplinary treatment. Allogeneic graft is an appropriate option for the reconstruction of cystic cavities, benefiting patients from the Unified Health System... (AU)

El Síndrome de Gorlin Goltz tiene características con compromiso craneofacial que incluyen carcinomas de células basales, queratoquistes odontogénicos y labio leporino o paladar hendido. Los queratoquistes odontogénicos aparecen durante las primeras décadas de vida, más comúnmente en la mandíbula, asociados con dientes retenidos. El diagnóstico precoz permite la curación de la lesión, minimiza las deformidades óseas y se puede concluir con exámenes como exámenes radiográficos e histopatológicos. Reporte de caso: Con el fin de describir el diagnóstico y analizar las posibilidades de tratamiento de las manifestaciones faciales del Síndrome de Gorlin Goltz, se reportará un caso clínico de un paciente infantil. El paciente tiene un seguimiento clínico multidisciplinario con un genetista, oncólogo y cirujano dentista de 6 años. Presentó 5 queratocísticos odontogénicos, carcinomas basocelulares en la región del cuello, calcificación de la hoz cerebral, queratosis palmoplantar y macrocefalia. El tratamiento de las lesiones quísticas fue la enucleación, seguida de una osteotomía periférica. El defecto óseo producido por la enucleación de un quiste mandibular se injertó con un bloque óseo alogénico del banco de tejidos de INTO-RJ. Conclusión: Parece que el odontólogo está capacitado para realizar el diagnóstico de este síndrome y derivar al tratamiento multidisciplinario. El injerto alogénico es una opción adecuada para la reconstrucción de cavidades quísticas, beneficiando a los pacientes del Sistema Único de Salud... (AU)

Fabrication and characterization of a bioactive polymethylmethacrylate-based porous cement loaded with strontium/calcium apatite nanoparticles.

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)-based cements are used for bone reparation due to their biocompatibility, suitable mechanical properties, and mouldability. However, these materials suffer from high exothermic polymerization and poor bioactivity, which can cause the formation of fibrous tissue around the implant and aseptic loosening. Herein, we tackled these problems by adding Sr2+ -substituted hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (NPs) and a porogenic compound to the formulations, thus creating a microenvironment suitable for the proliferation of osteoblasts. The NPs resembled the structure of the bone's apatite and enabled the controlled release of Sr2+ . Trends in the X-ray patterns and infrared spectra confirmed that Sr2+ replaced Ca2+ in the whole composition range of the NPs. The inclusion of an effervescent additive reduced the polymerization temperature and lead to the formation of highly porous cement exhibiting mechanical properties comparable to the trabecular bone. The formation of an opened and interconnected matrix allowed osteoblasts to penetrate the cement structure. Most importantly, the gas formation confined the NPs at the surface of the pores, guaranteeing the controlled delivery of Sr2+ within a concentration sufficient to maintain osteoblast viability. Additionally, the cement was able to form apatite when immersed into simulated body fluids, further increasing its bioactivity. Therefore, we offer a formulation of PMMA cement with improved in vitro performance supported by enhanced bioactivity, increased osteoblast viability and deposition of mineralized matrix assigned to the loading with Sr2+ -substituted hydroxyapatite NPs and the creation of an interconnected porous structure. Altogether, our results hold promise for enhanced bone reparation guided by PMMA cements.

Start-up delay in syringe infusion pumps with different rates and priming techniques of intravenoust sets / Retardo en la puesta en marcha en bombas de infusión de jeringa con diferentes velocidades de infusión y purga del sistema de infusión / Atraso na inicialização em bombas de infusão por seringa com diferentes velocidades de infusão e técnicas de preenchimento do sistema de infusão

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate infusion pumps start-up delay according to different brands of infusion pumps, flow rates and intravenous sets priming techniques. Method: The experimental study simulated clinical practice under controlled conditions, using a 50 mL syringe with NaCl 0.9% solution, two syringe infusion pumps (A and B), six rates (0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 5, 10 and 20 mL/h), two purging techniques (manually or infusion pump's electronic bolus). Data were analyzed according to mean, standard deviation, Student's t and ANOVA tests (p<0.05). Results: The start-up delay was greater in low rates regardless the priming technique. The electronic bolus increased the infusion pump A accuracy at 0.3mL/h (p=0.010), 0.5 mL/h (p=0.002) and 1.0mL/h (p=0.004). Pump's accuracy in all studied rates and manual IV sets filling was similar. Conclusion: In low infusion rates the start-up delay was greater despite the infusion pump brand and electronic bolus improved pumps accuracy.

RESUMEN Objetivo: El objetivo fue investigar el retraso en la operación de bombas de infusión de acuerdo con diferentes marcas de bombas de infusión, velocidades de infusión y técnicas de purga de lo sistema de infusión. Método: Estudio experimental que simuló la práctica clínica en condiciones controladas con jeringas de 50 mL y solución de NaCl 0,9%, dos bombas de infusión de jeringa (A y B), seis velocidades (0,3; 0,5; 1,0; 5; 10 y 20 mL/h), dos modos de purga (manual o electrónico por la bomba de infusión - bolo). Los datos se analizaron según media, desviación estándar, Test-T y ANOVA (p<0,05). Resultados: El retraso de la operación de las bombas ocurrió en tasas bajas independientemente de la técnica de purga. El modo electrónico aumentó la precisión de la bomba de infusión A en 0,3 mL/h (p=0,010), 0,5 mL/h (p = 0,002) y 1,0 mL/h (p=0,004). Con la técnica manual la precisión fue similar. Conclusión: Los retrasos de operación fueran significantes en bajas velocidades de infusión y el modo electrónico optimizó la precisión.

RESUMO Objetivo: Verificar o atraso de inicialização de bomba de infusão, segundo diferentes marcas de bombas de infusão, velocidades e técnicas de preenchimento do sistema de infusão intravenosa. Método: Estudo experimental que simulou a prática clínica, utilizando seringas de 50 mL com solução de NaCl 0,9%, duas marcas de bombas de infusão por seringa (A e B), seis velocidades (0,3; 0,5; 1,0; 5; 10 e 20 mL/h), dois modos de preenchimento do sistema (manual ou eletrônico pelo modo bolus do equipamento). Os dados foram analisados segundo média, desvio padrão e testes t de Student e ANOVA (p<0,05). Resultados: O atraso na inicialização foi maior em velocidades baixas, independentemente da marca e modo de preenchimento. O preenchimento eletrônico aumentou a acurácia na bomba A em 0,3 mL/h (p=0,010), 0,5 mL/h (p=0,002) e 1,0 mL/h (p=0,004). A acurácia em preenchimento manual foi semelhante. Conclusão: Em baixas velocidades de infusão o atraso de inicialização foi maior e o preenchimento do sistema de infusão pelo modo eletrônico melhorou a acurácia dos equipamentos.

Nutritional and Bioactive Properties of an Amazon Wild Oyster Culinary-Medicinal Mushroom, Pleurotus ostreatus (Agaricomycetes): Contributions to Functional Food and Human Health.

A wild Amazonian strain of Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq.: Fr.) P. Kumm. was cultivated using local agroindustrial wastes-açai seeds (AS) and elephant grass straw (EGS)-as substrates and evaluated for its nutritional composition and bioactivities. Basidiomata presented higher contents of protein (27.19%) and dietary fiber (18.57%) when grown on AS, while lipids (2.26%), nonfiber carbohydrates (53.21%), and metabolizable energy (304.02 kcal/100 g) were higher on EGS substrate. Methanolic extracts of P. ostreatus grown on AS also provided a higher phenolic content (31.24 mg gallic acid equivalents/g extract) and greater antioxidant activity, scavenging 82.60% and 91.13% of DPPH· and ABTS·+ radicals, respectively, while chelating ability of Fe2+ was higher on EGS mushroom extracts (74.34%). Hemagglutinating activity of 1,997 HA U/mg protein was observed solely in the aqueous extracts of AS-grown mushrooms. Higher proteolytic activity was observed in aqueous extracts from mushrooms grown on EGS (219.10 U/mg protein), and their saline extract was the sole one with fibrinolytic activity (3.14 mm2). Both substrates and extractions yielded similar activity of protease inhibitors, with higher inhibition of serine than cysteine proteases. Sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis profiling showed protein bands related to lectins, proteases, fibrinolytic enzymes, and protease inhibitors. Thus, this wild Amazonian strain has great nutritional potential and produces biomolecules that can contribute to important applications in food, health, and industry.

Perfil metacognitivo de estudantes de enfermagem e desempenho acadêmico / Metacognitive profile of nursing students and academic performance / Perfil metacognitivo de estudiantes de enfermería y rendimiento académico

Objetivo: identificar o perfil metacognitivo de ingressantes na graduação em enfermagem e seu potencial de predizer o desempenho acadêmico durante o primeiro semestre letivo. Método: estudo observacional longitudinal prospectivo, descritivo e explicativo. Utilizou-se o Inventário de Consciência Metacognitiva de Schraw e Dennison para identificar características do perfil metacognitivo dos ingressantes e as notas finais alcançadas nas disciplinas cursadas no primeiro semestre como indicativo do desempenho acadêmico. Resultados: os ingressantes eram predominantemente mulheres, com menos de 21 anos, solteiras, autodeclaradas pardas e com alguma forma de bolsa de estudo. A habilidade metacognitiva de Estratégia de Correção foi a que os estudantes mais colocaram em prática. Observou-se correlação (p<0,05 e r=0,2844) entre a habilidade de Planejamento e a nota de aproveitamento final. Conclusão: a habilidade de Planejamento foi a única com potencial de predizer melhor desempenho acadêmico, embora ela não seja a habilidade mais praticada pelos estudantes.(AU)

Objective: to identify the metacognitive profile of newcomers in nursing undergraduate courses and their potential to predict academic performance during the first academic semester. Method: prospective, descriptive and explanatory longitudinal observational study. We used the Schraw and Dennison's Metacognitive Awareness Inventory to identify characteristics of the metacognitive profile of the students and the final grades achieved in the subjects taken in the first semester as an indication of academic performance. Results: the newcomers were predominantly women, under 21 years, single, self-declared brown and with some form of scholarship. The Correction Strategy metacognitive skill was the most put into practice by the surveyed students. We noted a correlation (p<0.05 and r=0.2844) between the Planning skill and the final yield grade. Conclusion: the Planning skill was the only one with the potential to predict better academic performance, although it is not the skill most practiced by students.(AU)

Objetivo: identificar el perfil metacognitivo de los principiantes en cursos de pregrado en enfermería y su potencial para predecir el rendimiento académico durante el primer semestre lectivo. Método: estudio observacional longitudinal prospectivo, descriptivo y explicativo. Se utilizó el Inventario de Conciencia Metacognitiva de Schraw y Dennison para identificar las características del perfil metacognitivo de los principiantes y las calificaciones finales obtenidas en las materias cumplidas en el primer semestre como indicador del rendimiento académico. Resultados: los participantes eran predominantemente mujeres, menores de 21 años, solteras, autodeclaradas pardas y con algún tipo de beca. La habilidad metacognitiva de la Estrategia de Corrección fue la que la mayoría de los estudiantes pusieron en práctica. Se notó una correlación (p<0.05 y r=0.2844) entre la habilidade de Planificación y la calificación de rendimiento final. Conclusión: la habilidad de Planificación fue la única con potencial para predecir un mejor rendimiento académico, aunque no es la habilidad más practicada por los estudiantes.(AU)

Functional insights from a surface antigen mRNA-bound proteome.

Trypanosoma brucei is the causative agent of human sleeping sickness. The parasites' variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) enables them to evade adaptive immunity via antigenic variation. VSG comprises 10% of total cell protein and the high stability of VSG mRNA is essential for trypanosome survival. To determine how VSG mRNA stability is maintained, we used mRNA affinity purification to identify all its associated proteins. CFB2 (cyclin F-box protein 2), an unconventional RNA-binding protein with an F-box domain, was specifically enriched with VSG mRNA. We demonstrate that CFB2 is essential for VSG mRNA stability, describe cis acting elements within the VSG 3'-untranslated region that regulate the interaction, identify trans-acting factors that are present in the VSG messenger ribonucleoprotein particle, and mechanistically explain how CFB2 stabilizes the mRNA of this key pathogenicity factor. Beyond T. brucei, the mRNP purification approach has the potential to supply detailed biological insight into metabolism of relatively abundant mRNAs in any eukaryote.

Physicochemical Studies on the Surface of Polyamide 6.6 Fabrics Functionalized by DBD Plasmas Operated at Atmospheric and Sub-Atmospheric Pressures.

This work proposes the use of a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor operating at atmospheric pressure (AP) using air and sub-atmospheric pressure (SAP) using air or argon to treat polyamide 6.6 (PA6.6) fabrics. Here, plasma dosages corresponding to 37.5 kW·min·m-2 for AP and 7.5 kW·min·m-2 for SAP in air or argon were used. The hydrophilicity aging effect property of untreated and DBD-treated PA6.6 samples was evaluated from the apparent contact angle. The surface changes in physical microstructure were studied by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). To prove the changes in chemical functional groups in the fibers, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used, and the change in surface bonds was evaluated by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). In addition, the whiteness effect was investigated by the color spectrophotometry (Datacolor) technique. The results showed that the increase in surface roughness by the SAP DBD treatment contributed to a decrease in and maintenance of the hydrophilicity of PA6.6 fabrics for longer. The SAP DBD in air treatment promoted an enhancement of the aging effect with a low plasma dosage (5-fold reduction compared with AP DBD treatment). Finally, the SAP DBD treatment using argon functionalizes the fabric surface more efficiently than DBD treatments in air.

The RNA-associated proteins MKT1 and MKT1L form alternative PBP1-containing complexes in Trypanosoma brucei.

Control of gene expression in kinetoplastids such as trypanosomes depends heavily on RNA-binding proteins that influence mRNA decay and translation. We previously showed that the trypanosome protein MKT1 forms a multicomponent protein complex: MKT1 interacts with PBP1, which in turn recruits LSM12 and poly(A)-binding protein. MKT1 is recruited to mRNAs by sequence-specific RNA-binding proteins, resulting in stabilization of the bound mRNA. We here show that PBP1, LSM12, and a 117-residue protein, XAC1 (Tb927.7.2780), are present in complexes that contain either MKT1 or an MKT1-like protein, MKT1L (Tb927.10.1490). All five proteins are present predominantly in the complexes, and we found evidence for a minor subset of complexes containing both MKT1 and MKT1L. XAC1-containing complexes reproducibly contained RNA-binding proteins that were previously found associated with MKT1. Moreover, XAC1- or MKT1-containing complexes specifically recruited one of the two poly(A)-binding proteins, PABP2, and one of the six cap-binding translation initiation complexes, EIF4E6-EIF4G5. Yeast two-hybrid assay results indicated that MKT1 directly interacts with EIF4G5. MKT1-PBP1 complexes can therefore interact with mRNAs via their poly(A) tails and caps, as well as through sequence-specific RNA-binding proteins. Correspondingly, MKT1 is associated with many mRNAs, although not with those encoding ribosomal proteins. Meanwhile, MKT1L resembles MKT1 at the C terminus but additionally features an N-terminal extension with low-complexity regions. Although MKT1L depletion inhibited cell proliferation, we found no evidence that it specifically interacts with RNA-binding proteins or mRNA. We speculate that MKT1L may compete with MKT1 for PBP1 binding and thereby modulate the function of MKT1-containing complexes.