Phytol recycling: essential, yet not limiting for tomato fruit tocopherol accumulation under normal growing conditions.

Tocopherols are potent membrane-bound antioxidant molecules that are paramount for plant physiology and also important for human health. In the past years, chlorophyll catabolism was identified as the primary source of phytyl diphosphate for tocopherol synthesis by the action of two enzymes, PHYTOL KINASE (VTE5) and PHYTHYL PHOSPHATE KINASE (VTE6) that are able to recycle the chlorophyll-derived phytol. While VTE5 and VTE6 were proven essential for tocopherol metabolism in tomato fruits, it remains unknown whether they are rate-limiting steps in this pathway. To address this question, transgenic tomato plants expressing AtVTE5 and AtVTE6 in a fruit-specific manner were generated. Although ripe transgenic fruits exhibited higher amounts of tocopherol, phytol recycling revealed a more intimate association with chlorophyll than with tocopherol content. Interestingly, protein-protein interactions assays showed that VTE5 and VTE6 are complexed, channeling free phytol and phytyl-P, thus mitigating their cytotoxic nature. Moreover, the analysis of tocopherol accumulation dynamics in roots, a chlorophyll-devoid organ, revealed VTE5-dependent tocopherol accumulation, hinting at the occurrence of shoot-to-root phytol trafficking. Collectively, these results demonstrate that phytol recycling is essential for tocopherol biosynthesis, even in chlorophyll-devoid organs, yet it is not the rate-limiting step for this pathway under normal growth conditions.

Multidetector computed tomography imaging planning for bronchoscopy stent and valve placement in the treatment of COPD, air leaks, and airway stenosis.

Bronchoscopy using a flexible bronchoscope is considered a safe procedure and has been used for diagnosing and treating airway and parenchymal lung diseases. Bronchoscopic interventions in selected patients with emphysema, airway stenosis, and air leaks provide new treatment options. The application of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) planning prior to bronchoscopy is comprehensively addressed. Using MDCT scan for pre-procedural planning, ensures precise navigation and device placement during bronchoscopy, ultimately improving patient outcomes. Radiological features can be correlated with bronchoscopy findings, linking MDCT images with direct bronchoscopy observations. This educational statement provides a comprehensive overview of the integration of computed tomography and bronchoscopy in managing different pulmonary conditions treated with endobronchial valve and airway stent placement, focusing on key aspects to enhance understanding and application in clinical practice. Emphasis is placed on their role in treating airway stenosis (AS), air leaks, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), highlighting the conditions under which these procedures are most beneficial. It explores how MDCT imaging contributes to the diagnosis and treatment planning of these conditions and the correct interpretation of MDCT image findings during follow-up after the procedure.

Designing a Nurse-Led Program for Self-Management of Substance Addiction Consequences: A Modified e-Delphi Study.

Therapeutic interventions for people with problematic use of psychoactive substances can help tackle specific needs related to substance addiction consequences. This modified e-Delphi study aimed to establish consensus on a training program for self-management of substance addiction consequences. The study was conducted between February and April 2022, with an experts' sample of 28 participants in the first round and 24 in the second. A priori consensus criteria were defined for each round. The results revealed a very strong consensus was achieved on the structure of the program and on clinical areas, such as the problematic use of substances, general health knowledge, health-seeking behavior and adherence, self-knowledge and well-being, social role and personal dignity, and family process. Additionally, over 80% participant consensus was achieved on an extensive number of interventions categorized as psychoeducational, psychotherapeutic, socio therapeutic, brief interventions, social skills training, problem solving techniques, relaxation techniques, and counseling. These findings may be able to fulfill a gap concerning structured treatment approaches for people with problematic use of psychoactive substances. Supporting self-management of the consequences of substance addiction and its application can change nurses' interventions.

Acceptability and applicability of an intervention programme with substance addicts. / Aceitabilidade e aplicabilidade de um programa de intervenção com usuários dependentes de substâncias.

The complexity of the problems related to the harmful use of substances requires regular questioning of practices. This article aims to explore the acceptability and applicability of an intervention programme for patients with problematic substance use. Qualitative study. Data collection, through a focus group with 6 nurses and 6 semi-structured interviews with patients under treatment. We have used lexicographic textual analysis. From the focus group, 151 text segments were analysed, retaining 85.8% of the total for the creation of five classes. An analysis of similarity led to the formation of two central nuclei, represented by the words "Nursing" and "Intervention". From interviews, 252 text segments were analysed, retaining 71.83% for the creation of 5 classes. An analysis of similarity led to the formation of three central nuclei, represented by the words "want", "programme" and "see". Nurses recognise the need for a more structured and flexible approach focused on people's needs. Users also affirm the need for flexible interventions, without a pre-established time frame, that promote labour integration, therapeutic support for abstinence and management of comorbidities.

A complexidade dos problemas relacionados com o uso problemático de substâncias requer questionamento regular das práticas. O objetivo deste artigo é explorar a aceitabilidade e a aplicabilidade de um programa de intervenção com pessoas dependentes de substâncias. Estudo qualitativo. Recolha de dados, realizada através de 1 grupo focal com 6 enfermeiros e 6 entrevistas semiestruturadas a usuários em tratamento. Utilizou-se à análise textual lexicográfica. No grupo focal, foram analisados 151 segmentos de texto, retendo 85,8% do total para a criação de cinco classes. A análise de similitude conduziu à formação de dois núcleos centrais, representados pelas palavras: Enfermeiro e Intervenção. Das entrevistas, foram analisados 252 segmentos de texto, retendo 71,83% para a criação de 5 classes. A análise de similitude conduziu à formação de três núcleos centrais, representados pelas palavras: querer, programa e ver. Os enfermeiros reconhecem a necessidade de uma abordagem mais estruturada, centrada nas necessidades das pessoas e flexível. Os usuários, acrescentam a necessidade de ser flexível, sem tempo definido à partida, promovendo trabalho, suporte terapêutico para abstinência e gestão das comorbilidades.

Last millennium environmental changes and climate inferences in the Southeastern Atlantic forest, Brazil.

This study presents paleoenvironmental data based on pollen, elemental and isotopic compositions of organic matter (TOC, N, δ(13)C and δ(15)N) and (14)C dating of 170 cm lake sediment record. Samplings have been made in Lagoa Grande at Parque Estadual Turístico do Alto Ribeira - PETAR, Southern São Paulo State, Southeastern Brazil. The variations in relative frequencies (in percentage) of arboreal pollen along the core range between 40 and 80%. The δ(13)C values ranged from -23% to -30% and C/N of ~10 to 15, indicating the contribution of terrestrial C(3) plants and algae in the sediment organic matter. The δ(15)N results presented values from 3 to 4.5%, also suggesting a mixture of algae and terrestrial C(3) plants. The (14)C dating indicates modern age for the shallow horizons to ~1030 BP at the base of the core. A probable wetter climate in the period of ~370 BP to ~340 BP was inferred from the data set, which corresponds to a part of the period covered by the Little Ice Age (LIA).

Aceitabilidade e aplicabilidade de um programa de intervenção com usuários dependentes de substâncias / Acceptability and applicability of an intervention programme with substance addicts

Resumo A complexidade dos problemas relacionados com o uso problemático de substâncias requer questionamento regular das práticas. O objetivo deste artigo é explorar a aceitabilidade e a aplicabilidade de um programa de intervenção com pessoas dependentes de substâncias. Estudo qualitativo. Recolha de dados, realizada através de 1 grupo focal com 6 enfermeiros e 6 entrevistas semiestruturadas a usuários em tratamento. Utilizou-se à análise textual lexicográfica. No grupo focal, foram analisados 151 segmentos de texto, retendo 85,8% do total para a criação de cinco classes. A análise de similitude conduziu à formação de dois núcleos centrais, representados pelas palavras: Enfermeiro e Intervenção. Das entrevistas, foram analisados 252 segmentos de texto, retendo 71,83% para a criação de 5 classes. A análise de similitude conduziu à formação de três núcleos centrais, representados pelas palavras: querer, programa e ver. Os enfermeiros reconhecem a necessidade de uma abordagem mais estruturada, centrada nas necessidades das pessoas e flexível. Os usuários, acrescentam a necessidade de ser flexível, sem tempo definido à partida, promovendo trabalho, suporte terapêutico para abstinência e gestão das comorbilidades.

Abstract The complexity of the problems related to the harmful use of substances requires regular questioning of practices. This article aims to explore the acceptability and applicability of an intervention programme for patients with problematic substance use. Qualitative study. Data collection, through a focus group with 6 nurses and 6 semi-structured interviews with patients under treatment. We have used lexicographic textual analysis. From the focus group, 151 text segments were analysed, retaining 85.8% of the total for the creation of five classes. An analysis of similarity led to the formation of two central nuclei, represented by the words "Nursing" and "Intervention". From interviews, 252 text segments were analysed, retaining 71.83% for the creation of 5 classes. An analysis of similarity led to the formation of three central nuclei, represented by the words "want", "programme" and "see". Nurses recognise the need for a more structured and flexible approach focused on people's needs. Users also affirm the need for flexible interventions, without a pre-established time frame, that promote labour integration, therapeutic support for abstinence and management of comorbidities.

Surgical treatment analysis of idiopathic esophageal achalasia.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic esophageal achalasia is an inflammatory disease of unknown origin, characterized by aperistalsis of the esophageal body and failure of the lower esophageal sphincter in response to swallowing, with consequent dysphagia. AIM: To demonstrate the results of surgical therapy in these patients, evaluating the occurred local and systemic complications. METHODS: Were studied retrospectively 32 patients, 22 of whom presented non-advanced stage of the disease (Stage I/II) and 10 with advanced disease (Stage III/IV). All of them had the clinical conditions to be submitted to surgery. The diagnoses were done by clinical, endoscopic, cardiological, radiological and esophageal manometry analysis. Pre-surgical evaluation was done with a questionnaire based on the most predisposing factors in the development of the disease and the surgical indication was based on the stage of the disease. RESULTS: The patients with non-advanced stages were submitted to cardiomyotomy with fundoplication, wherein in the post-surgical early assessment, only one (4,4%) presented pulmonary infection, but had a good outcome. In patients with advanced disease, seven were submitted to esophageal mucosectomy preserving the muscular layer, wherein one patient (14,2%) presented dehiscence of gastric cervical esophagus anastomosis as well as pulmonary infection; all of these complications were resolved with proper specific treatment; the other three patients with advanced stage were submitted to transmediastinal esophagectomy; two of them presented hydropneumothorax with good evolution, and one of them also presented fistula of the cervical esophagogastric anastomosis, but with spontaneous healing after conservative treatment and nutritional support. The two patients with fistula of the cervical anastomosis progressed to stenosis, with good results after endoscopic dilations. In the medium and long term assessment done in 23 patients, all of them reported improvement in life quality, with return to swallowing. CONCLUSION: The strategy proposed for the surgical treatment of idiopathic esophageal achalasia according to the stages of the disease was of great value, due to post-surgical low morbidity complications and proper recovery of swallowing.

Smear layer removal in canals shaped with reciprocating rotary systems.

The aim was to assess the presence of smear layer after canal instrumentation with two reciprocating rotary systems and a continuous motion one. Thirty canals were shaped with Reciproc, WaveOne or Mtwo systems. Smear layer was assessed following a three value scale at coronal, middle and apical levels with a scanning electron microscopy. Reciproc scores: coronal third, 20% of the cases: 0, 60%: 1, 20%: 2; middle third, 10%: 0, 20%: 1, 70%:2; apical third: 2 in all cases. WaveOne scores: coronal third, 0 (40%), 1 (30%) and 2 (30%); middle third, 0 (20%), 1 (50%), 2 (30%); apical third, 0 (20%), 2 (80%) of cases. MTwo scores: coronal third 0 (50%), 1 (30%) 2 (20%); middle third 0 (20%), 1 (50%), 2 (30%); apical third, 0 (10%), 1 (10%), 2 (80%). No significant differences (p>0.05) were found between the three used systems. Key words:Endodontics, reciprocating motion files, rotary file, SEM, smear layer.

Surgical treatment analysis of idiopathic esophageal achalasia / Análise da terapêutica cirúrgica da acalásia idiopática do esôfago

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic esophageal achalasia is an inflammatory disease of unknown origin, characterized by aperistalsis of the esophageal body and failure of the lower esophageal sphincter in response to swallowing, with consequent dysphagia. AIM: To demonstrate the results of surgical therapy in these patients, evaluating the occurred local and systemic complications. METHODS: Were studied retrospectively 32 patients, 22 of whom presented non-advanced stage of the disease (Stage I/II) and 10 with advanced disease (Stage III/IV). All of them had the clinical conditions to be submitted to surgery. The diagnoses were done by clinical, endoscopic, cardiological, radiological and esophageal manometry analysis. Pre-surgical evaluation was done with a questionnaire based on the most predisposing factors in the development of the disease and the surgical indication was based on the stage of the disease. RESULTS: The patients with non-advanced stages were submitted to cardiomyotomy with fundoplication, wherein in the post-surgical early assessment, only one (4,4%) presented pulmonary infection, but had a good outcome. In patients with advanced disease, seven were submitted to esophageal mucosectomy preserving the muscular layer, wherein one patient (14,2%) presented dehiscence of gastric cervical esophagus anastomosis as well as pulmonary infection; all of these complications were resolved with proper specific treatment; the other three patients with advanced stage were submitted to transmediastinal esophagectomy; two of them presented hydropneumothorax with good evolution, and one of them also presented fistula of the cervical esophagogastric anastomosis, but with spontaneous healing after conservative treatment and nutritional support. The two patients with fistula of the cervical anastomosis progressed to stenosis, with good results after endoscopic dilations. In the medium and long term assessment done in 23 patients, all of them reported ...

RACIONAL: A acalásia idiopática do esôfago é doença inflamatória de causa desconhecida, caracterizada por aperistalse do corpo do esôfago e falha do relaxamento do esfíncter esofágico inferior em resposta às deglutições, com consequente disfagia. OBJETIVO: Demonstrar os resultados da terapêutica cirúrgica desses pacientes, avaliando suas complicações locais e sistêmicas. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados retrospectivamente 32 pacientes portadores de acalásia idiopática do esôfago, sendo 22 com doença não avançada (Grau I/II) e 10 com doença avançada (Grau III/IV); todos tinham condições clínicas de serem submetidos à terapêutica cirúrgica. O diagnóstico foi realizado por meio de análise clínica, endoscópica, cardiológica, radiológica e manométrica. Foi realizada avaliação pré-operatória com questionário baseado nos fatores mais predisponentes ao desenvolvimento da doença, e a indicação da técnica cirúrgica foi baseada no grau da lesão. RESULTADOS: Os pacientes com doença não avançada foram submetidos à cardiomiotomia com fundoplicatura, sendo que na avaliação precoce do pós-operatorio apenas um deles (4,4%) apresentou infecção pulmonar, mas com boa evolução. Os pacientes com doença avançada em sete foi realizada a mucosectomia esofágica com conservação da túnica muscular, sendo que um paciente (14,2%) apresentou deiscência da anastomose esofagogástrica cervical e também infecção pulmonar, tendo ambas complicações sido resolvidas com tratamento específico; os outros três com doença avançada foram submetidos à esofagectomia transmediastinal, sendo que dois apresentaram hidropneumotórax, com boa evolução; um destes pacientes também apresentou fistula da anastomose esofagogástrica cervical, mas com fechamento espontâneo após tratamento conservador e suporte nutricional. Os dois pacientes que apresentaram fistula da anastomose cervical, evoluíram com estenose, mas com boa evolução após dilatações endoscópicas. Na avaliação a médio e longo prazos realizada ...

Exposição ocupacional a material biológico por pessoal de saúde: construção e proposição de instrumentos avaliativos / Healthcare personnelïs occupational exposure to biological material: elaboration and proposition of assessment instruments

No Brasil, os indicadores de exposição aos agentes biológicos apresentam lacunas acerca dos conhecimentos, das atitudes e dos comportamentos do pessoal de saúde e não há instrumento validado para avaliação desses aspectos. Neste trabalho, o objetivo foi elaborar questionários para a avaliação institucional e do pessoal de saúde sobre a exposição ocupacional a material biológico utilizando a literatura como fonte. Foram utilizadas as bases Medline, Lilacs e Scopus a partir de palavras-chave, termos análogos e descritores associados ao tema. Dos 557 artigos pré-selecionados, 91 (16,3%) foram efetivamente incluídos no estudo. Para obtenção, análise e interpretação dos dados, foram utilizadas técnicas de análise de conteúdo e de análise de dados secundários. Com base nesse estudo, foram definidas categorias e subcategorias temáticas que orientaram a construção de dois questionários: um para avaliação institucional e outro dirigido ao pessoal de saúde. A validade aparente dos instrumentos foi realizada por sete avaliadores ad hoc e independentes. Esses questionários, após estudo de validação em campo, poderão ser aplicados na investigação científica e na avaliação de aspectos associados ao tema aqui estudado, assim como fornecer dados à elaboração, à implantação e ao monitoramento de práticas profissionais e de gestão.

In Brazil, biologic agents exposure lack information about healthcare workers knowledge, attitudes and behavior, and there is no valid instrument to assess these issues. The purpose of the present work was to develop questionnaires to assess institutions and health care workers about their occupational exposure to biological material, using literature as a data source. Medline, Scopus and Lilacs databases were searched by key words, analogous expressions, and descriptors related to the subject. From the 557 preselected articles, 91 (16.3%) were effectively included in the study. To obtain, analyze, and interpret data, contend and secondary data analysis techniques were selected. Thematic categories andsub-categories were defined based on this study, and they guided the construction of two questionnaires one for institutional assessment and the other to assess healthcare workers. Seven independent ad hoc reviewers evaluated the apparent validity of the instruments. After the validation of these questionnaires in the , they can be used for scientific research and for assessment of the aspects associated to the issues studied in this paper, as well as provide data for elaboration,implementation, and monitoring of professional practices and management.

Last millennium environmental changes and climate inferences in the Southeastern Atlantic forest, Brazil

This study presents paleoenvironmental data based on pollen, elemental and isotopic compositions of organic matter (TOC, N, d13C and d15N) and 14C dating of 170 cm lake sediment record. Samplings have been made in Lagoa Grande at Parque Estadual Turístico do Alto Ribeira - PETAR, Southern São Paulo State, Southeastern Brazil. The variations in relative frequencies (in percentage) of arboreal pollen along the core range between 40 and 80 percent. The d13C values ranged from -23‰ to -30‰ and C/N of ~10 to 15, indicating the contribution of terrestrial C3 plants and algae in the sediment organic matter. The d15N results presented values from 3 to 4.5‰, also suggesting a mixture of algae and terrestrial C3 plants. The 14C dating indicates modern age for the shallow horizons to ~1030 BP at the base of the core. A probable wetter climate in the period of ~370 BP to ~340 BP was inferred from the data set, which corresponds to a part of the period covered by the Little Ice Age (LIA).

Este estudo apresenta dados paleoambientais baseados em análises de pólen, da composição elementar e isotópica da matéria orgânica (TOC, N, d13C e d15N) e datação 14C, de um testemunho sedimentar lacustre de 170 cm. A amostragem foi realizada na Lagoa Grande localizada no Parque Estadual Turistico do Alto Ribeira - PETAR, Vale do Ribeira, sul do estado de São Paulo, sudeste do Brasil. As variações nas frequências relativas de pólen arbóreo (em porcentagem) apresentaram-se entre 40 e 80 por cento ao longo de todo o testemunho. Os valores de d13C variaram de -23‰ à -30‰, indicando a contribuição de plantas C3 (terrestres) e algas na matéria orgânica sedimentar. Os resultados de d15N apresentaram valores entre 3 e 4,5‰, também sugerindo uma mistura de algas e plantas C3. A datação 14C indica idade moderna para as camadas superficiais do testemunho e uma idade de até 1030 anos AP para a camada mais profunda do mesmo. Um provável clima mais úmido para o período de ~ 370 anos AP até ~ 340 anos AP foi inferido a partir dos resultados apresentados, correspondendo a uma parte do período do Little Ice Age (LIA - Pequena Idade do Gelo).

A informação retida pelo paciente: estudo em um hospital escola

Resumo: O estudo avalia a informação retida pelo paciente no Hospital São Lucas/PUC RS - Porto Alegre. Dos entrevistados, 80,80% sabem qual parte do corpo é afetada; 66,90%, o nome da doença; 48,70%, o nome do médico; 45,20%, afina/idade dos medicamentos; 34,70%, o nome desses; e 20,80%, a causa da doença. Quanto ao atendimento, os pacientes classificaram-no como ótimo (50,4%), bom (43,5%), razoável (4,3%) e ruim (17%). A única variável sócio- demográfica a influenciar o nível de informação/e o grau de instrução atribuída a uma melhor compreensão, a uma melhor informação aos pacientes de nível cultural mais elevado ou a ambas. A diferença entre grau de satisfação, alto e porcentual de informação retida baixo é discutida pelos autores. Citam-se os aspectos médico-legais da informação e são feitas recomendações na tentativa de aumentar a retenção da informação prestada, melhorando com isso a qualidade da relação médico-paciente.

Summary This study evaluates the information retained by patients at São Lucas Hospital/PUCRS - Porto Alegre. Of those interviewed, 80,80% know what part of their body is affected, 69,90%; know the name of the disease, 48,70% know the name of/ their physician, 45,20% the purpose o/ the medication, 34,70% the name of the medication and 20,80% the cause of the disease. As to quality of care, the patients rated it as excellent (50,40%), good (43,50%), fair (4,30%) and bad (1,70%) The only social demographic variable which influenced the level of information was schooling, either because they found it easier to understand or because belter information was provided to patients with a higher level of education, or both. The Difference between a high degree of satisfaction and percentage of information retained is discussed by the authors. Legal aspects pertaining to medical information are mentioned in an attempt to increase the ability to recall the information provided, thus improving the doctor patient relationship.