Alkaline lignins from Morinda citrifolia leaves are potential immunomodulatory, antitumor, and antimicrobial agents.

Morinda citrifolia, commonly known as noni, is a plant belonging to the Rubiaceae family. This plant has a high biological potential, which has different biological properties, including antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antitumor and anti-inflammatory. In this work, the immunomodulatory, antitumor and antimicrobial activities of lignin isolated from Morinda citrifolia leaves were investigated. The results showed that this lignin was not cytotoxic and that it was able to promote activation and differentiation of immune cells in addition to inducing the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, it was able to inhibit the growth of different tumor and microbial cells in vitro. This pioneering study on these different activities shows that the lignin isolated in this study can be used as a raw material to obtain biomedical and pharmaceutical products.

Adverse effects of daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis in men who have sex with men and transgender women: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The adverse effects of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) using tenofovir disoproxil fumarate are barriers to PrEP initiation and continuation. Although serious effects are rare and predictable, evidence for this assessment among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) is still limited. This study assesses the adverse effects of daily oral PrEP in MSM and TGW. This is a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials and cohort studies on the use of daily oral PrEP selected from the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases. Data extraction included adverse effects and changes in renal and hepatic markers. Random effects models were used to summarize the risk of adverse effects throughout the study. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochran's Q test and the inconsistency test (I2). The risk of bias and the certainty of the evidence were assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration recommendations. The search identified 653 references. Of these, 10 were selected. All studies assessed the eligibility of renal and hepatic markers. The use of daily oral PrEP was not associated with grade 3 or 4 adverse events (RR = 0.99; 95%CI: 0.83-1.18; I2 = 26.1%), any serious adverse event (RR = 1.04; 95%CI: 0.58-1.87; I2 = 88.4%), grade 3+4 creatinine level (RR = 0.66; 95%CI: 0.24-1.84; I2 = 79.9%), and grade 3 or 4 hypophosphatemia (RR = 0.56; 95%CI: 0.15-2.10). The certainty of the evidence ranged from high to moderate for the outcomes analyzed. Daily oral PrEP is safe and well tolerated by MSM and TGW. Adverse effects were minimal and evenly distributed between intervention and control.

Conexão Noronha-Brasil: curva de contágio e itinerários de parto entre a ilha de Fernando de Noronha e o continente / Noronha-Brazil connection: contagion curve and childbirth itineraries between the island of Fernando de Noronha and mainland / Conexión Noronha-Brasil: curva de contagio e itinerarios de parto entre la isla de Fernando de Noronha y el continente

Objetivo: analisar a gestão de risco e cuidado adotado por duas gestantes, ao se deslocarem da ilha de Fernando de Noronha para o continente, durante a pandemia de COVID-19, em face da proibição explícita de parto em território insular. Metodologia: realizou-se análise das normativas e orientações sobre partos, notadamente a necessidade de rede de atenção obstétrica e neonatal, além das políticas relacionadas à saúde reprodutiva. Também foram conduzidas entrevistas com mulheres que, temporariamente, se deslocaram para o continente a fim de dar à luz. Resultados: a proibição de partos em região insular advém de uma análise complexa que envolve dimensões biomédicas, econômicas e ambientais. A gestão de riscos e cuidados das parturientes demonstrou diferenças a partir da experiência particular de cada uma das gestantes entrevistadas, apesar da regulamentação sanitária única. Foram destacados aspectos como: falta de rede de apoio, distanciamento da família, maior segurança no parto etc, demonstrando que as políticas públicas devem considerar também as questões locais e diversidade de experiências. Conclusão: a análise evidenciou que, além da imposição coercitiva da proibição de parto na ilha, a garantia da melhor forma de parir no continente nem sempre foi assegurada, destacando os limites dos direitos reprodutivos nesse contexto. Esse cenário ressalta a necessidade de uma abordagem mais abrangente na formulação de políticas voltadas à promoção efetiva dos direitos reprodutivos.

Objective: to scrutinize the risk management and care strategies adopted by two pregnant women relocating from Fernando de Noronha Island to the mainland during the COVID-19 pandemic, given the explicit prohibition of childbirth on the island.Methods:an analysis was conducted on regulations and guidelines pertaining to childbirth, with a specific focus on obstetric and neonatal care networks and reproductive health policies. Additionally, interviews were carried out with pregnant women who temporarily moved to the mainland for childbirth. Results:the prohibition of childbirth on island regions stems from a multifaceted analysis involving biomedical, economic, and environmental factors. Despite a uniform sanitary regulation, the risk management and care practices of the pregnant individuals differed, reflecting their unique experiences. Factors such as the absence of support networks, separation from family, and heightened concerns for birth safety were highlighted, emphasizing the necessity for public policies to address local issues and diverse experiences. Conclusion:the analysis underscores that, beyond the coercive prohibition of childbirth on the island, ensuring optimal conditions for giving birth on the mainland was not consistently guaranteed, revealing limitations in reproductive rights within this context. This scenario underscores the imperative for a more comprehensive policy approach to effectively promote reproductive rights.

Objetivo: analizar la gestión de riesgo y cuidado adoptada por dos gestantes al desplazarse de la isla de Fernando de Noronha al continente durante la pandemia de COVID-19, frente a la prohibición explícita de dar a luz en territorio insular. Metodología:se llevó a cabo un análisis de las normativas y orientaciones sobre los partos, especialmente en lo que respecta a la necesidad de una red de atención obstétrica y neonatal, además de las políticas relacionadas con la salud reproductiva. También se realizaron entrevistas con mujeres que se desplazaron temporalmente al continente para dar a luz. Resultados: la prohibición de partos en regiones insulares surge de un análisis complejo que involucra dimensiones biomédicas, económicas y ambientales. La gestión de riesgos y cuidados de las parturientas mostró diferencias basadas en la experiencia única de cada una de las gestantes entrevistadas, a pesar de la regulación sanitaria uniforme. Se destacaron aspectos como la falta de una red de apoyo, la separación de la familia, una mayor seguridad en el parto, etc., lo que demuestra que las políticas públicas también deben tener en cuenta las cuestiones locales y la diversidad de experiencias. Conclusión: el análisis evidenció que, además de la imposición coercitiva de la prohibición de parto en la isla, no siempre se garantizó la mejor manera de pariren el continente, resaltando las limitaciones de los derechos reproductivos en este contexto. Este escenario destaca la necesidad de un enfoque más integral en la formulación de políticas destinadas a promover eficazmente los derechos reproductivos.

In vitro activity, ultrastructural analysis and in silico pharmacokinetic properties (ADMET) of thiazole compounds against adult worms of Schistosoma mansoni.

The present work aimed to carry out in vitro biological assays of thiazole compounds against adult worms of Schistosoma mansoni, as well as the in silico determination of pharmacokinetic parameters to predict the oral bioavailability of these compounds. In addition to presenting moderate to low cytotoxicity against mammalian cells, thiazole compounds are not considered hemolytic. All compounds were initially tested at concentrations ranging from 200 to 6.25 µM against adult worms of S. mansoni parasites. The results showed the best activity of PBT2 and PBT5 at a concentration of 200 µM, which caused 100% mortality after 3 h of incubation. While at 6 h of exposure, 100% mortality was observed at the concentration of 100 µM. Subsequent studies with these same compounds allowed classifying PBT5, PBT2, PBT6 and PBT3 compounds, which were considered active and PBT1 and PBT4 compounds, which were considered inactive. In the ultrastructural analysis the compounds PBT2 and PBT5 (200 µM) promoted integumentary changes with exposure of the muscles, formation of integumentary blisters, integuments with abnormal morphology and destruction of tubercles and spicules. Therefore, the compounds PBT2 and PBT5 are promising antiparasitics against S. mansoni.

Biomaterials for Testicular Bioengineering: How far have we come and where do we have to go?

Traditional therapeutic interventions aim to restore male fertile potential or preserve sperm viability in severe cases, such as semen cryopreservation, testicular tissue, germ cell transplantation and testicular graft. However, these techniques demonstrate several methodological, clinical, and biological limitations, that impact in their results. In this scenario, reproductive medicine has sought biotechnological alternatives applied for infertility treatment, or to improve gamete preservation and thus increase reproductive rates in vitro and in vivo. One of the main approaches employed is the biomimetic testicular tissue reconstruction, which uses tissue-engineering principles and methodologies. This strategy pursues to mimic the testicular microenvironment, simulating physiological conditions. Such approach allows male gametes maintenance in culture or produce viable grafts that can be transplanted and restore reproductive functions. In this context, the application of several biomaterials have been proposed to be used in artificial biological systems. From synthetic polymers to decellularized matrixes, each biomaterial has advantages and disadvantages regarding its application in cell culture and tissue reconstruction. Therefore, the present review aims to list the progress that has been made and the continued challenges facing testicular regenerative medicine and the preservation of male reproductive capacity, based on the development of tissue bioengineering approaches for testicular tissue microenvironment reconstruction.

Adverse effects of daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis in men who have sex with men and transgender women: a systematic review and meta-analysis / Efeitos adversos da profilaxia pré-exposição oral diária para homens que fazem sexo com homens e mulheres trans: revisão sistemática e metanálise / Efectos adversos de la profilaxis preexposición oral diaria para hombres que tienen relaciones sexuales con hombres y mujeres trans: revisión sistemática y metaanálisis

Abstract: The adverse effects of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) using tenofovir disoproxil fumarate are barriers to PrEP initiation and continuation. Although serious effects are rare and predictable, evidence for this assessment among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) is still limited. This study assesses the adverse effects of daily oral PrEP in MSM and TGW. This is a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials and cohort studies on the use of daily oral PrEP selected from the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases. Data extraction included adverse effects and changes in renal and hepatic markers. Random effects models were used to summarize the risk of adverse effects throughout the study. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochran's Q test and the inconsistency test (I2). The risk of bias and the certainty of the evidence were assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration recommendations. The search identified 653 references. Of these, 10 were selected. All studies assessed the eligibility of renal and hepatic markers. The use of daily oral PrEP was not associated with grade 3 or 4 adverse events (RR = 0.99; 95%CI: 0.83-1.18; I2 = 26.1%), any serious adverse event (RR = 1.04; 95%CI: 0.58-1.87; I2 = 88.4%), grade 3+4 creatinine level (RR = 0.66; 95%CI: 0.24-1.84; I2 = 79.9%), and grade 3 or 4 hypophosphatemia (RR = 0.56; 95%CI: 0.15-2.10). The certainty of the evidence ranged from high to moderate for the outcomes analyzed. Daily oral PrEP is safe and well tolerated by MSM and TGW. Adverse effects were minimal and evenly distributed between intervention and control.

Resumo: Os efeitos adversos da profilaxia pré-exposição (PrEP) oral com fumarato de tenofovir desoproxila são barreiras para o início e a continuidade da PrEP. Embora os efeitos graves sejam raros e previsíveis, as evidências dessa avaliação entre homens que fazem sexo com homens (HSH) e mulheres transgênero (MTG) ainda são limitadas. Este estudo avalia os efeitos adversos da PrEP oral diária em HSH e MTG. Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática e metanálise de ensaios clínicos e coortes que demonstram o uso de PrEP oral diária selecionados nas bases de dados PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS e Cochrane CENTRAL. A extração de dados incluiu os efeitos adversos e alterações nos marcadores renais e hepáticos. Modelos de efeitos aleatórios foram usados para resumir o risco de efeitos adversos ao longo do estudo. A heterogeneidade foi avaliada pelo teste Q de Cochran e inconsistência (I2). O risco de viés e a certeza da evidência foram avaliados por meio das recomendações da Colaboração Cochrane. Foram identificadas 653 referências. Destes, dez foram selecionadas. Todos os estudos avaliaram marcadores renais de elegibilidade e marcadores hepáticos. O uso diário de PrEP oral não foi associado a eventos de grau 3 ou 4 (RR = 0,99; IC95%: 0,83-1,18; I2 = 26,1%), a qualquer evento adverso grave (RR = 1,04; IC95%: 0,58-1,87; I2 =88,4%), à creatinina grau 3 ou 4 (RR = 0,66; IC95%: 0,24-1,84; I2 = 79,9%) e à hipofosfatemia grau 3 ou 4 (RR = 0,56; IC95%: 0,15-2,10). A certeza das evidências variou de alta a moderada para os desfechos analisados. A PrEP oral diária é segura e bem tolerada por HSH e MTG. Os efeitos adversos foram mínimos e distribuídos uniformemente entre a intervenção e o controle.

Resumen: Los efectos adversos de la profilaxis preexposición (PrEP) oral con fumarato de disoproxilo de tenofovir son barreras para el inicio y la continuación de la PrEP. Aunque los efectos graves son raros y predecibles, la evidencia de esta evaluación entre hombres que tienen sexo con hombres (HSH) y mujeres transgénero (MTG) sigue siendo limitada. Este estudio evalúa los efectos adversos de la PrEP oral diaria en HSH y MTG. Se trata de una revisión sistemática y un metaanálisis de ensayos clínicos y cohortes que demuestran el uso de la PrEP oral diaria seleccionada de las bases de datos PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS y Cochrane CENTRAL. La recolección de datos incluyó efectos adversos y cambios en los marcadores renales y hepáticos. Se utilizaron modelos de efectos aleatorios para resumir el riesgo de efectos adversos a lo largo del estudio. La heterogeneidad se evaluó mediante la prueba Q de Cochran y la inconsistencia (I2). El riesgo de sesgo y la certeza de la evidencia se evaluaron utilizando las recomendaciones de la Colaboración Cochrane. Se identificaron 653 referencias. De estas, se seleccionaron diez. Todos los estudios evaluaron los marcadores renales de elegibilidad y los marcadores hepáticos. El uso diario de la PrEP oral no se asoció con eventos de grado 3 o 4 (RR = 0,99; IC95%: 0,83-1,18; I2 = 26,1%), con ningún evento adverso grave (RR = 1,04; IC95%: 0,58-1,87; I2 = 88,4%), con creatinina de grado 3 o 4 (RR = 0,66; IC95%: 0,24-1,84; I2 = 79,9%) y con hipofosfatemia de grado 3 o 4 (RR = 0,56, IC95%: 0,15-2,10). La certeza de la evidencia varió de alta a moderada para los resultados analizados. La PrEP oral diaria es segura y bien tolerada por HSH y MTG. Los efectos adversos fueron mínimos y se distribuyeron uniformemente entre la intervención y el control.

Tying the successor's hands or following the neighbor? Diffusion of access to information in Brazilian municipalities / ¿Atar las manos del sucesor o seguir al vecino? Difusión del acceso a la información en municipios brasileños / Atar as mãos do sucessor ou seguir o vizinho? Difusão do acesso à informação nos municípios brasileiros

Abstract Why do political actors promote public transparency? Studies show that adherence to transparency can be both politically strategic, i.e., to tie the hands of the successor, and a result of observing the adoption of the policy made by other municipalities, i.e., to minimize the cost of information. We test both the political and the informational motivations to explain the adoption of transparency laws with a subnational analysis of the diffusion of LAI in Brazilian municipalities (2011-2019). Results show that both the informational and the political strategy motivations affect the probability of adopting the LAI. Socioeconomic factors are also important explanatory factors. However, an analysis of heterogeneous effects shows that the learning mechanism is relevant for reducing the impact of socioeconomic factors. This means that learning from neighboring municipalities minimizes the cost of information and the reliance on structural factors to promote transparency at the local level.

Resumen ¿Por qué los actores políticos promueven la transparencia pública? Los estudios muestran que la adhesión a la transparencia puede ser tanto políticamente estratégica, es decir, para atar las manos del sucesor, como resultado de la observación de la adopción de la política hecha por otros municipios, esto es, para minimizar el costo de la información. Probamos las motivaciones políticas e informativas para explicar la adopción de leyes de transparencia con un análisis subnacional de la difusión de la LAI en los municipios brasileños (2011-2019). Los resultados muestran que tanto las motivaciones de aprendizaje como las de estrategia política afectan la probabilidad de adopción de la LAI. Los factores socioeconómicos también son factores explicativos importantes. Sin embargo, un análisis de los efectos heterogéneos muestra que el mecanismo de aprendizaje es relevante para reducir el impacto de los factores socioeconómicos. Esto significa que aprender de los vecinos minimiza el costo de la información y la dependencia de factores estructurales para promover la transparencia a nivel local.

Resumo Por que os atores políticos promovem a transparência pública? Estudos mostram que a adesão à transparência pode ser tanto politicamente estratégica, ou seja, para atar as mãos do sucessor, quanto resultado da observação da adoção da política feita por outros municípios, isto é, para minimizar o custo da informação. Testamos as motivações políticas e informacionais para explicar a adoção de leis de transparência com uma análise subnacional da difusão da LAI nos municípios brasileiros (2011-2019). Os resultados mostram que tanto o aprendizado quanto as motivações da estratégia política afetam a probabilidade de adoção da LAI. Fatores socioeconômicos também são importantes fatores explicativos. No entanto, uma análise dos efeitos heterogêneos mostra que o mecanismo de aprendizagem é relevante para reduzir o impacto dos fatores socioeconômicos. Isso significa que aprender com os vizinhos minimiza o custo da informação e a dependência de fatores estruturais para promover a transparência em nível local.

Activity of the genus Zanthoxylum against diseases caused by protozoa: A systematic review.

Neglected diseases (NDs) are treated with a less varied range of drugs, with high cost and toxicity, which makes the search for therapeutic alternatives important. In this context, plants, such as those from the genus Zanthoxylum, can be promising due to active substances in their composition. This study evaluates the potential of species from this genus to treat NDs. Initially, a protocol was developed to carry out a systematic review approved by Prospero (CRD42020200438). The databases PubMed, BVS, Scopus, Science Direct, and Web of Science were used with the following keywords: "zanthoxylum," "xanthoxylums," "fagaras," "leishmaniasis," "chagas disease," "malaria," and "African trypanosomiasis." Two independent evaluators analyzed the title and abstract of 166 articles, and 122 were excluded due to duplicity or for not meeting the inclusion criteria. From the 44 selected articles, results of in vitro/in vivo tests were extracted. In vitro studies showed that Z. rhoifolium, through the alkaloid nitidine, was active against Plasmodium (IC50 <1 µg/ml) and Leishmania (IC50 <8 µg/ml), and selective for both (>10 and >30, respectively). For Chagas disease, the promising species (IC50 <2 µg/ml) were Z. naranjillo and Z. minutiflorum, and for sleeping sickness, the species Z. zanthoxyloides (IC50 <4 µg/ml) stood out. In the in vivo analysis, the most promising species were Z. rhoifolium and Z. chiloperone. In summary, the species Z. rhoifolium, Z. naranjillo, Z. minutiflorum, Z. zanthoxyloides, and Z. chiloperone are promising sources of active molecules for the treatment of NDs.

A new biocompatible silver/polypyrrole composite with in vitro antitumor activity.

We used an in situ chemical oxidation method to prepare a new composite of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with polypyrrole (PPy), whose properties were optimized through a 23-factorial design of the synthesis conditions. The successful formation of the AgNPs/PPy composite was confirmed by UV-Visible and FTIR spectroscopies. Transmission electron microscopy revealed the presence of AgNPs smaller than 100 nm, dispersed into the PPy matrix. This hybrid composite exhibits a blue fluorescence emission after excitation in the ultraviolet region. In MTT assays, the AgNPs/PPy composite exhibited low cytotoxicity toward non-tumoral cell lines (fibroblast, Vero, and macrophages) and selectively inhibited the viability of HeLa cells. The AgNPs/PPy composite induces ultrastructural changes in HeLa cells that are consistent with the noticeable selectivity exhibited toward them when compared to its action against non-tumoral cell lineages. Also, the AgNPs/PPy exhibited a hemolytic activity below 14% for all blood groups tested, at concentrations up to 125 µg/mL. These results suggest that the AgNPs/PPy composite has a promising potential for use as an antitumoral agent.

Flavonoids from Siparuna cristata as Potential Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Replication.

The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has been affecting the world, causing severe pneumonia and acute respiratory syndrome, leading people to death. Therefore, the search for anti-SARS-CoV-2 compounds is pivotal for public health. Natural products may present sources of bioactive compounds; among them, flavonoids are known in literature for their antiviral activity. Siparuna species are used in Brazilian folk medicine for the treatment of colds and flu. This work describes the isolation of 3,3',4'-tri-O-methyl-quercetin, 3,7,3',4'-tetra-O-methyl-quercetin (retusin), and 3,7-di-O-methyl-kaempferol (kumatakenin) from the dichloromethane extract of leaves of Siparuna cristata (Poepp. & Endl.) A.DC., Siparunaceae, using high-speed countercurrent chromatography in addition to the investigation of their inhibitory effect against SARS-CoV-2 viral replication. Retusin and kumatakenin inhibited SARS-CoV-2 replication in Vero E6 and Calu-3 cells, with a selective index greater than lopinavir/ritonavir and chloroquine, used as control. Flavonoids and their derivatives may stand for target compounds to be tested in future clinical trials to enrich the drug arsenal against coronavirus infections. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43450-021-00162-5.

Influence of creep feeder position on the behavior and performance of preweaning piglets and sows in a hot climate environment.

The use of creep feeding for preweaning piglets is important to improve the performance of the piglets. The objective of this experiment was evaluate the effect of using or altering the position of piglet's creep feeder during lactation on piglet's performance and on behavior of piglets and sows kept in a hot climate environment. Forty-five sows and their litters at 10 days of lactation were randomly distributed into three treatments: front feeder (FF) - near the side of the sow's head; back feeder (BF) - near the side of the rump of the sow; and no feeder (NF). All piglets were weighed individually to evaluate the average weight, weight gain and coefficient of variation of the weight. Behavior assessments of the piglets and sows were recorded in 3 period. At 15 and 21 d, piglets of the FF treatment were heavier (P ≤ 0.0001) than piglets of the other treatments. At 10-21d piglets of FF treatment had 76.2% less belly nosing behavior than the NF piglets (P=0.015). The treatments had no impact on behavior of the sows. The creep feeders positioned in the front of the farrowing crate increased piglet growth rate and decreased frequency of belly nosing behavior.

Consumo de alcohol y factores relacionados en estudiantes universitarios cubanos / Factors associated with alcohol consumption in Cuban university students

Introducción: El consumo de alcohol constituye un problema de salud, complejo y multifactorial. Los factores de riesgo y/o protección y la percepción de riesgo pudieran actuar como variables moduladoras del consumo de alcohol. Objetivo: Explorar la relación entre los factores de protección y/o riesgo, la percepción de riesgo y el consumo de alcohol en estudiantes universitarios cubanos. Material y Métodos: Se asumió la metodología cuantitativa con un diseño no experimental transversal (ex-post-facto) con un alcance correlacional. Participaron 1 377 estudiantes universitarios. Se utilizaron como instrumentos el Autorreporte Vivencial, Cuestionario para la evaluación de factores protectores de la salud mental en estudiantes universitarios, Cuestionario para la evaluación de la percepción de riesgo sobre consumo de alcohol y el Cuestionario para la identificación de trastornos asociados con el alcohol. Se empleó la estadística descriptiva e inferencial para analizar las relaciones entre las diferentes variables. Resultados: Los hombres mostraron mayores dificultades en la adecuación de la percepción de riesgo y un mayor consumo de alcohol que las mujeres. Se establecieron relaciones altamente significativas entre la percepción de riesgo, los factores de protección, el consumo de alcohol y otras variables sociodemográficas incluidas en el estudio como el año académico, la condición de ser becado y la zona de residencia. Se encontró una relación directa entre el desarrollo de los factores de protección y la percepción de riesgo y una relación inversa entre esta última y el consumo de alcohol en los estudiantes universitarios. Conclusiones: Se analizó, de forma exploratoria, la relación entre los factores de riesgo y protección, la percepción de riesgo y el consumo de alcohol en estudiantes universitarios(AU)

Introduction: Alcohol consumption is a complex and multifactorial health-related problem. Risk and/or protective factors and risk perception may act as modulating variables of alcohol consumption. Objective: To explore the relationship between protective and/or risk factors, risk perception and alcohol consumption in Cuban university students. Material and Methods: A quantitative non-experimental cross-sectional ex post facto correlation study was conducted. A total of 1,377 university students participated in the study. The instruments used included the Experiential Self-Report, a questionnaire for the evaluation of protective factors of mental health in university students, a questionnaire for the evaluation of risk perception of alcohol consumption, and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the relationships between the different variables. Results: Men showed greater difficulties in the adequacy of risk perception and higher alcohol consumption than women. Highly significant relationships were established between risk perception, protective factors, alcohol consumption and other sociodemographic variables included in the study such as academic year, the condition of being granted a scholarship, and area of residence. A direct relationship between the development of protective factors and risk perception and an inverse relationship between the latter and alcohol consumption were found in university students. Conclusions: The relationship between risk and protective factors, risk perception and alcohol consumption in university students was analyzed. Introducción: El consumo de alcohol constituye un problema de salud, complejo y multifactorial. Los factores de riesgo y/o protección y la percepción de riesgo pudieran actuar como variables moduladoras del consumo de alcohol(AU)

Crescimento pôndero-estatural de crianças e adolescentes submetidos à adenoamigdalectomia / Weight and height growth of children and adolescents after adenoton sillectomy

Objetivo: documentar de forma sistemática o padrão de desenvolvimento pôndero-estatural de pacientes submetidos à adenoamigdalectomia. Métodos: coleta de dados secundários dos prontuários de pacientes atendidos no ambulatório de Otorrinolaringologia Pediátrica, antes e depois da cirurgia de adenoamigdalectomia. Resultados: de forma individual, os pacientes apresentaram elevação no escore Z e percentis das variáveis ao peso e a altura no período entre as análises. Especificamente em relação ao peso, a média antes do procedimento e quatro meses depois do procedimento foi, respectivamente, de 29,1 kg e 32,8 kg; no que diz respeito à altura, a média foi de 1,22 m e 1,25 m, respectivamente. Ao aplicar o Teste T de Student foi possível notar significância estatística para ambas as variáveis em estudo. Aspecto não percebido ao avaliar os indivíduos reunidos em grupos etários (pré-escolares, escolares e adolescentes). Conclusões: as crianças submetidas à adenoamigdalectomia apresentaram ganho pôndero-estatural após a cirurgia. A atuação cirúrgica diante do diagnóstico da hipertrofia e da hiperplasia das amígdalas e tonsila faríngea deve ser precoce, desde que haja indicação formal, a fim de evitar a manutenção do atraso no crescimento nesses pacientes.

Aims: to systematically document weight and height development in children after adenotonsillectomy. Methods: analysis of secondary data from the Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology clinic patient's medical records before and after adenotonsillectomy. Results: regarding weight, the average before the procedure and four months and the average after the procedure were, respectively, 29.1 kg and 32.8 kg; as regards height, the averages were 1.22 m and 1.25 m, respectively. By applying the Teste T de Student it was possible to notice statistical significance for both variables under study. Conclusions: children exhibited statistically significant weight and height gain after surgery. Surgical treatment should be performed early after the diagnosis of pharyngeal tonsil and tonsils hypertrophy and hyperplasia provided in case of a formal indication in order to avoid the maintenance growth retardation in these patients.

Antileishmanial activity of 4-phenyl-1-[2-(phthalimido-2-yl)ethyl]-1H-1,2,3-triazole (PT4) derivative on Leishmania amazonensis and Leishmania braziliensis: In silico ADMET, in vitro activity, docking and molecular dynamic simulations.

Organic compounds obtained by click chemistry reactions have demonstrated a broad spectrum of biological activities being widely applied for the development of molecules against pathogens of medical and veterinary importance. Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), caused by intracellular protozoa parasite of genus Leishmania, comprises a complex of clinical manifestations that affect the skin and mucous membranes. The available drugs for the treatment are toxic and costly, with long periods of treatment, and the emergence of resistant strains has been reported. In this study we investigated the in vitro effects of a phthalimide-1,2,3-triazole derivative, the 4-Phenyl-1-[2-(phthalimido-2-yl)ethyl]-1H-1,2,3-triazole (PT4) obtained by click chemistry, on mammalian cells and on L. amazonensis and L. braziliensis, the causative agents of CL in Brazil. In silico ADMET evaluation of PT4 showed that this molecule has good pharmacokinetic properties with no violation of Lipinski's rules. The in vitro assays showed that PT4 was more selective for both Leishmania species than to mammalian cells. This compound also presented low cytotoxicity to mammalian cells with CC50 > 500 µM. Treatment of promastigote forms with different concentrations of PT4 resulted in ultrastructural alterations, such as plasma membrane wrinkling, shortening of cell body, increased cell volume and cell rupture. The molecular dynamic simulations showed that PT4 interacts with Lanosterol 14 α-demethylase from Leishmania, an essential enzyme of lipid synthesis pathway in this parasite. Our results demonstrated PT4 was effective against both species of Leishmania. PT4 caused a decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential and increased production of reactive oxygen species, which may lead to parasite death. Taken together, our results pointed PT4 as promissing therapeutic agent against CL.

Projeto Vida em Quarentena: estratégia para promoção da saúde mental de enfermeiros diante da COVID-19 / Life in quarantine project: strategy for promoting mental health to nurses before COVID-19

Objetivo: relatar a experiência no desenvolvimento do projeto de extensão "Vida em Quarentena" com uma estratégia para promoção da saúde mental de enfermeiros atuantes na linha de frente do combate à COVID-19. Método: Relato de experiência do projeto Vida em Quarentena: Saúde Mental em Foco, com ações desenvolvidas nas redes sociais nos meses de março e abril de 2020 por discentes e docentes de duas universidades públicas mediante relatos de onze enfermeiros que estão na linha de frente no combate do COVID-19 com foco na expressão de sentimentos e comportamentos. Resultados: O projeto desenvolve atividades, como lives e postagens com temas pertinentes a saúde mental na quarentena, e vídeos com depoimentos dos participantes. Os profissionais da enfermagem demonstraram instabilidade emocional; altruísmo; apelo à população; crença na ciência; fé e esperança e medo da contaminação, além de formas de adaptação e de superação dos problemas instalados com mecanismos para vivenciar a situação. Considerações finais: A pandemia suscita a importância do gerenciamento da saúde mental com fatores que potencializem o bem-estar mental nos enfermeiros, e aponta a necessidade de medidas de segurança e conhecimentos sustentados pela ciência que operem na direção de diminuir impactos negativos, nos aspectos físicos e mentais nesse público. (AU)

Objective: Report the experience of developing the extension project "Life in Quarantine", with a strategy for mental health promotion to nurses acting at the front line of the combat against coronavirus (COVID-19). Method: Experience report of the Life During Quarantine Project: mental health in focus, with actions developed in social networks during March and April 2020 by students and professors of two public universities by means of reports of eleven nurses who are at the front line of the combat against COVID-19 with emphasis on the expression of feelings and behaviors. Results: The project develops activities such as live streams and posts with relevant topics about mental health during quarantine period, and videos with testimonials from participants. Nurse practitioners are experiencing, exponentially challenges already know to the profession, which showed some feelings regarding this situation, such as fear of contamination; emotional instability; altruism; appeal to the population; belief in science; faith, and hope. Final Considerations: This pandemic raises the importance of mental health management with factors that enhance mental wellbeing in nurses and points out to the need for security measures and knowledge sustained by science so that they work aimed at decreasing negative impacts in physical and mental aspects of this public. (AU)

Objetivo: relatar el desarrollo del proyecto de extesión "Vida em Cuarentena" con una estrategia para la promoción de la salud mental de enfermeros que actúan en la línea de frente del combate al COVID-19. Método: Relato de experiencia del proyecto Vida en Cuarentena: salud mental en foco, con acciones desarrolladas en las redes sociales en marzo y abril de 2020 por discentes y docentes de dos universidades públicas mediante relatos de diez enfermeros que están en la línea de frente en el combate al COVID-19 con foco en la expresión de sentimientos y comportamientos. Resultados: El proyecto desarrolla actividades, como vidas y publicaciones con temas relevantes para la salud mental en cuarentena, y videos con testimonios de los participantes. Los profesionales de enfermería están vivenciando de forma potencializada los desafíos ya conocidos de la profesión, los cuales mostraron algunos sentimientos referentes a esta situación, como: inestabilidad emocional; altruismo; llamamiento a la población; creencia en la ciencia; fe y esperanza; miedo de la contaminación. Consideraciones finales: La pandemia suscita la necesidad mayor de gerenciamiento de la salud mental con factores que potencien el bienestar mental en los enfermeros, e indica la necesidad de medidas de seguridad y conocimientos sostenidos por la ciencia para que operen en la dirección de disminuir impactos negativos, en los aspectos físicos y mentales en este público. (AU)

An Integrated Dead Reckoning with Cooperative Positioning Solution to Assist GPS NLOS Using Vehicular Communications.

In Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), the Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs) paradigm based on the WAVE IEEE 802.11p standard is the main alternative for inter-vehicle communications. Recently, many protocols, applications, and services have been developed with a wide range of objectives, ranging from comfort to security. Most of these services rely on location systems and require different levels of accuracy for their full operation. The Global Positioning System (GPS) is an off-the-shelf solution for localization in VANETs and ITS. However, GPS systems present problems regarding inaccuracy and unavailability in dense urban areas, multilevel roads, and tunnels, posing a challenge for protocols, applications, and services that rely on localization. With this motivation, we carried out a characterization of the problems of inaccuracy and unavailability of GPS systems from real datasets, and regions around tunnels were selected. Since the nodes of the vehicular network are endowed with wireless communication, processing and storage capabilities, an integrated Dead Reckoning aided Geometric Dilution of Precision (GDOP)-based Cooperative Positioning solution was developed and evaluated. Leveraging the potential of vehicular sensors, such as odometers, gyroscopes, and digital compasses, vehicles share their positions and kinematics information using vehicular communication to improve their location estimations. With the assistance of a digital map, vehicles adjust the final estimated position using the road geometry. The situations of GPS unavailability characterized in the datasets were reproduced in a simulation environment to validate the proposed localization solution. The simulation results show average gains in Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) between 97% to 98% in comparison with the stand-alone GPS solution, and 83.00% to 88.00% against the GPS and Dead Reckoning (DR) only solution. The average absolute RMSE was reduced to the range of 3 to 5 m by vehicle. In addition, the proposed solution was shown to support 100% of the GPS unavailability zones on the evaluated scenarios.

Essential Oil of Aristolochia trilobata: Synthesis, Routes of Exposure, Acute Toxicity, Binary Mixtures and Behavioral Effects on Leaf-Cutting Ants.

Plants of the genus Aristolochia have been frequently reported as important medicinal plants. Despite their high bioactive potential, to date, there are no reports of their effects on leaf-cutting ants. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the insecticidal activity of the essential oil of Aristolochia trilobata and its major components on Atta sexdens and Acromyrmex balzani, two species of leaf-cutting ants. The bioassays were performed regarding routes of exposure, acute toxicity, binary mixtures of the major components and behavioral effects. Twenty-five components were identified in the essential oil of A. trilobata using a gas chromatographic system equipped with a mass spectrometer and a flame ionization detector. The components found in higher proportions were sulcatyl acetate, limonene, p-cymene and linalool. The essential oil of A. trilobata and its individual major components were efficient against A. balzani and A. sexdens workers when applied by fumigation. These components showed fast and efficient insecticidal activity on ants. The components acted synergistically and additively on A. balzani and A. sexdens, respectively, and caused a strong repellency/irritability in the ants. Thus, our results demonstrate the great potential of the essential oil of A. trilobata and its major components for the development of new insecticides.