Assessing the reaction to and efficacy of the Screener drug discovery and development board game as a pedagogical tool in postgraduate courses

Screener, a board game supplemented with online resources, was introduced and distributed by the Brazilian Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics to postgraduate programs as an instructional tool for the process of drug discovery and development (DDD). In this study, we provided a comprehensive analysis of five critical aspects for evaluating the quality of educational games, namely: 1) description of the intervention; 2) underlying pedagogical theory; 3) identification of local educational gaps; 4) impact on diverse stakeholders; and 5) elucidation of iterative quality enhancement processes. We also present qualitative and quantitative assessments of the effectiveness of this game in 11 postgraduate courses. We employed the MEEGA+ online survey, comprising thirty-three close-ended unipolar items with 5-point Likert-type response scales, to assess student perceptions of the quality and utility of Screener. Based on 115 responses, the results indicated a highly positive outlook among students. In addition, we performed a preliminary evaluation of learning outcomes in two courses involving 28 students. Pre- and post-quizzes were applied, each consisting of 20 True/False questions directly aligned with the game's content. The analysis revealed significant improvement in students' performance following engagement with the game, with scores rising from 8.4 to 13.3 (P<0.0001, paired t-test) and 9.7 to 12.7 (P<0.0001, paired t-test). These findings underscore the utility of Screener as an enjoyable and effective tool for facilitating a positive learning experience in the DDD process. Notably, the game can also reduce the educational disparities across different regions of our continental country.

Aspectos parasitológicos da traíra (Hoplias malabaricus ) proveniente da cidade de São Bento, MA / Parasitologic aspects of traíra (Hoplias malabaricus) from the São Bento city, MA

The aim of this study was to verify the parasitologycal aspects of fish (Hoplias malabaricus), coming from São Bento city, Maranhão state. For this, 70 fish were used, verifying the parasitism indexes and coefficients. For the parasitological results nematodeos were identified, with zoonotical potential of the Contracaecum spp, Pseudoterranova spp, Eustrongylides spp; monogenetics Gyrodactirus spp, Dactylogirus spp and larva Acanthella of Acanthocephalo. Of the 70 (100%) fishes, 64 (91.4%) were sponged, with prevalence of 82.8% (58) for the nematodeo Contracaecum spp, 65.7% (46), Pseudoterranova spp, 7.1% (5), Eustrongylides spp, 71.4% (50), monogenetics and larva Acanthella of Acantocephalo, respectively. A maior amplitude de intensidade (1-30), coeficiente de variação foi verificado para o nematódeo Pseudoterranova spp., a intensidade média (7,3), índice de abundância (6,7), coeficiente de dominância (36,4) foi ao Contacaecum spp., todos os parasitos estavam no mesentério da cavidade abdominal, encistados em forma larval.The largest intensity width (1-30), variation coefficient was verified for the nematodeo Pseudoterranova spp, the medium intensity (7,3), abundance index (6,7), dominance coefficient (36,4) it went to the Contacaecum spp, all of the parasites were in the mesenterio of the abdominal cavity, encysted in larval form. The results show that fish from this region presented unsatisfactory sanitary conditions in parasitological aspect and can expose consumers to the risks of foodborne illnesses.(AU)

Response of phytoplankton to an experimental fish culture in net cages in a subtropical reservoir / Resposta do fitoplâncton ao cultivo experimental de peixes em tanques-rede em um reservatório subtropical

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate nutrients concentration and spatial-temporal changes in phytoplankton biovolume during an experimental fish culture in net cages in a lateral arm of Salto Caxias reservoir, Brazil. Two sampling stations were placed in the affected lateral arm and other two in a cageless lateral arm. Neither abiotic variables nor phytoplankton biovolume presented significant differences between the treatments. Only temporal changes were confirmed by the analysis performed. Both lateral arms were classified as oligotrophic, reflecting low influence of the net cages. Phytoplankton growth seems to be limited by nitrogen. Biovolume values were, in general, low and five major functional groups were recognized (E, F, G, K and P). In summer higher biovolume values were observed and representatives of Chlorophyceae and Cyanobacteria belonging to the functional groups F and K, respectively, were the most important. In winter phytoplankton was mainly composed by Bacillariophyceae taxa from P group. G group was also restricted to winter and E group occurred in winter and summer. The variations recorded in phytoplankton structure appear to have been mainly influenced by seasonal changes in temperature, precipitation and nutrients availability. The effects of net cages on the abiotic variables and phytoplankton biovolume appear to have been small, probably due to the small number of net cages employed and the system dilution capacity. However, a permanent monitoring of phytoplankton is recommended, since this environment has a carrying capacity, from which the trophic state may increase.

Resumo Este estudo objetivou avaliar alterações nas variáveis abióticas e no biovolume fitoplanctônico durante o cultivo experimental de peixes em tanques-rede em um braço lateral do reservatório de Salto Caxias, Brasil. Foram selecionadas duas estações de amostragem no braço com tanques-rede e outras duas em um braço sem tanques. As variáveis abióticas e o biovolume fitoplanctônico não apresentaram diferenças significativas entre os locais estudados. Apenas mudanças temporais foram confirmadas pelas análises utilizadas. Os dois braços laterais foram classificados como oligotróficos, refletindo a baixa influência dos tanques-rede. O crescimento do fitoplâncton parece ter sido limitado principalmente por nitrogênio. Os valores de biovolume foram, em geral, baixos e cinco principais grupos funcionais foram observados (E, F, G, K e P). No verão, os maiores valores de biovolume foram observados e representantes de Chlorophyceae e Cyanobacteria dos grupos funcionais F e K, respectivamente, se destacaram. No inverno, o fitoplâncton foi composto principalmente por táxons de Bacillariophyceae do grupo P. O grupo G também foi restrito ao inverno e o grupo E ocorreu no inverno e verão. As variações registradas na estrutura do fitoplâncton parecem ter sido principalmente influenciadas pelas mudanças sazonais de temperatura, precipitação e disponibilidade de nutrientes. Os efeitos dos tanques-rede sobre as variáveis abióticas e biovolume fitoplanctônico parecem ter sido pequenos, provavelmente devido ao pequeno número de tanques utilizados e a capacidade de diluição do sistema. Entretanto, o monitoramento permanente do fitoplâncton é recomendado, uma vez que este ambiente possui uma capacidade de suporte, a partir da qual o estado trófico pode aumentar.

Interannual variability of phytoplankton in the main rivers of the Upper Paraná River floodplain, Brazil: influence of upstream reservoirs / Variabilidade Interanual do Fitoplâncton dos principais rios da planície de inundação do Alto Rio Paraná, Brasil: influência de reservatórios a montante

The interannual variation of phytoplankton communities in the three main rivers of the Upper Paraná River floodplain is evaluated in relation to changes in the hydrosedimentological regime. These changes are a result of climatic variability and the formation of Porto Primavera Reservoir, located at the upper Paraná River. Phytoplankton species richness and density were investigated in rivers during a prior period (1993-1994) and eight years after reservoir impoundment (2000-2007). Multiple analyses were conducted to test the differences between these time periods in order to find predictor variables for phytoplankton attributes. A total of 454 phytoplanktonic taxa were found. The regression analysis revealed significant differences between periods. In the years following construction of the Porto Primavera dam, species richness was lower in the Paraná River and density was higher in the three rivers. In general, the algal density decreased from 2005 to 2007. Diatoms and cyanobacteria contributed significantly to the total density during the period from March 1993 to February 1994. The years 2000-2007 presented the lowest diatom contribution to species richness and the highest cyanobacteria contribution. From 2000 on, cryptomonads and cyanobacteria dominated. The interannual variability of phytoplankton was probably influenced by changes in hydrosedimentological regime due to climatic variations (La Niña and El Niño - Southern Oscillation events - ENSO) and the operational procedures associated with an upstream reservoirs. Studies on climatic variability and its effects on hydrosedimentological regimes of the Paraná, Baía and Ivinhema rivers and the biota therein are necessary to obtain subsidies for management, including decisions related to the operation of dams upstream and downstream of the study area, with the purpose of minimizing risks to the Environmental Protection Area.

A variação interanual da estrutura fitoplanctônica nos três principais rios da planície de inundação do Alto Rio Paraná foi avaliada em relação às modificações no regime hidrossedimentológico. Essas modificações são resultantes da variabilidade climática e da formação do reservatório de Porto Primavera, localizado no Alto Rio Paraná. Foi avaliada a riqueza de espécies e a densidade, em um período anterior à construção da UHE de Porto Primavera (1993-1994) e nos 8 anos seguintes (2000-2007) a formação do reservatório. Foram realizadas análises de regressão múltipla para testar as diferenças entre os períodos e buscar variáveis preditoras dos atributos fitoplanctônicos analisados. Foram registrados 454 táxons. A análise de regressão evidenciou variações significativas entre os períodos analisados. A riqueza de espécies foi menor no Rio Paraná e a densidade fitoplanctônica foi maior nos três rios nos anos seguintes à formação do reservatório de Porto Primavera. Registrou-se um decréscimo nos valores de densidade nos anos de 2005 a 2007. Diatomáceas e cianobactérias contribuíram significativamente para a densidade durante o período de março de 1993 a fevereiro de 1994. No período de 2000 a 2007 ocorreu menor contribuição de diatomáceas e, maior contribuição de cianobactérias para a riqueza de espécies. A partir de 2000, criptofíceas e cianobactérias dominaram. As alterações nos atributos analisados também estiveram associadas às flutuações no regime hidrossedimentológico dos rios estudados, provavelmente, influenciadas pelas fases La Niña e El Niño (Oscilação Sul - ENOS). Estes resultados salientam a necessidade de estudos enfocando a variabilidade climática e seus efeitos sobre o regime hidrossedimentológico do Rio Paraná e, sobre sua biota, de modo a fornecer subsídios para o manejo adequado, incluindo decisões quanto à operação das barragens situadas a montante e jusante da região de estudo, para minimizar as perdas de biodiversidade nesta ...

Contact with armadillos increases the risk of leprosy in Brazil: a case control study.

BACKGROUND: Mycobacterium leprae infection has recently been detected in wild armadillos in Brazil. Leprosy is still endemic in Brazil and although its transmission is mostly by person-to-person contact, many cases report no history of previously known leprosy contact. It has been suggested that other sources of M. leprae may contribute to the transmission of leprosy in some areas. Aim: Our objective was to investigate whether contact with armadillos is associated with leprosy. METHODS: A case-control study was carried out in Brazil. Data was collected from 506 leprosy patients and 594 controls on exposure to armadillos and age, sex, place of birth and living conditions. Univariate analysis and unconditional logistic regression were conducted to investigate whether leprosy was associated with exposure to armadillos. RESULTS: Direct armadillo exposure was reported by 68% of leprosy cases and by 48% of controls (P < 0.001) roughly doubling the risk of leprosy, with odds ratio (OR) 2.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.36-2.99]. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that direct exposure to armadillos is a risk factor for leprosy in Brazil.

Antiretroviral agents and acid-base balance at delivery of the neonate

Limited evidence is available regarding antiretroviral (ARV) safety for uninfected infants exposed to these drugs in utero. Our objective was to determine if ARV administered to pregnant women is associated with decreasing umbilical arterial pH and base excess in uninfected infants. A prospective study was conducted on 57 neonates divided into three groups: ZDV group, born to mothers taking zidovudine (N = 20), triple therapy (TT) group, born to mothers taking zidovudine + lamivudine + nelfinavir (N = 25), and control group (N = 12), born to uninfected mothers. Umbilical cord blood was used to determine umbilical artery gases. A test was performed to calculate the sample by comparing means by the unpaired one-tailed t-test, with a = 0.05 and ß = 20 percent, indicating the need for a sample of 18 newborn infants for the study groups to detect differences higher than 20 percent. The control and ARV groups were similar in gestational age, birth weight, and Apgar scores. Values of pH, pCO2, bicarbonate, and base excess in cord arterial blood obtained at delivery from the newborns exposed to TT were 7.23, 43.2 mmHg, 19.5 mEq/L, and -8.5 nmol/L, respectively, with no significant difference compared to the control and ZDV groups. We conclude that intrauterine exposure to ARV is not associated with a pathological decrease in umbilical arterial pH or base excess. While our data are reassuring, follow-up is still limited and needs to be continued into adulthood because of the possible potential for adverse effects of triple antiretroviral agents.

Associacao entre lesoes coronarianas, idade e angina em pacientes valvopatas. / Association of coronary lesions, age and angina in patients with heart valve diseases

Foram estudados, quanto a frequencia de lesao coronariana significativa (LCS) na cinecoronariografia e sua relacao com angina de peito tipica (APT) e idade, 181 pacientes com valvolopatias - aortica (114), mitral (48) e mitro-aortica (19), sendo 117 homens e 64 mulheres, de 26 a 70 anos, com media de 48,9.Vinte e seis pacientes (14,3% do total) evidenciaram LCS e estas mostraram-se: 1) mais frequentes nos valvopatas em APT (43,9%) que nos assintomaticos (4,3%) e nos com dor toracica atipica (8,3%); 2) ausentes nos pacientes com menos de 40 anos e nos com menos de 50 anos sem APT; dos 50 anos em diante, foi 3 vezes mais frequente (23,0%) que dos 40 aos 49 (7,0%); 3) 4 vezes mais frequente nos pacientes com 50 ou mais anos e APT (52,0%) que nos da mesma idade sem APT (12,1%); 4) 3 vezes mais frequente nos aorticos sem LCS (20%) que nos mitrais e mitro-aorticos sem LCS (6,5% e 6,6%, respectivamente). Conclui-se que a ausencia de APT em pacientes valvopatas abaixo de 50 anos praticamente exclui presenca de LCS, e que dos 50 anos em diante esta indicada a realizacao sistematica de cinecoronariografia nesses pacientes, quando candidatos a cirurgia corretiva da valvopatia