New Perspectives about Drug Candidates Targeting HTLV-1 and Related Diseases.

Among the human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) types, HTLV-1 is the most prevalent, and it has been linked to a spectrum of diseases, including HAM/TSP, ATLL, and hyperinfection syndrome or disseminated strongyloidiasis. There is currently no globally standard first-line treatment for HTLV-1 infection and its related diseases. To address this, a comprehensive review was conducted, analyzing 30 recent papers from databases PubMed, CAPES journals, and the Virtual Health Library (VHL). The studies encompassed a wide range of therapeutic approaches, including antiretrovirals, immunomodulators, antineoplastics, amino acids, antiparasitics, and even natural products and plant extracts. Notably, the category with the highest number of articles was related to drugs for the treatment of ATLL. Studies employing mogamulizumab as a new perspective for ATLL received greater attention in the last 5 years, demonstrating efficacy, safe use in the elderly, significant antitumor activity, and increased survival time for refractory patients. Concerning HAM/TSP, despite corticosteroid being recommended, a more randomized clinical trial is needed to support treatment other than corticoids. The study also included a comprehensive review of the drugs used to treat disseminated strongyloidiasis in co-infection with HTLV-1, including their administration form, in order to emphasize gaps and facilitate the development of other studies aiming at better-directed methodologies. Additionally, docking molecules and computer simulations show promise in identifying novel therapeutic targets and repurposing existing drugs. These advances are crucial in developing more effective and targeted treatments against HTLV-1 and its related diseases.

WHAT IS THE KNOWLEDGE OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHERS ABOUT SCOLIOSIS?

Objective: To evaluate the knowledge about scoliosis in teachers of municipal public schools. Methods: In total, 126 professionals were interviewed using a standard questionnaire containing issues related to scoliosis. Results: 31% of interviewees did not know what scoliosis is. Of those who knew 89.65% were partially correct about the definition. Of those who claimed to know how the scoliosis diagnosis is made, only 25.58% were completely correct. When questioned about the Adams test, 84.9% did not know it. Among the interviewees, 57.9% answered that it is impossible to identify scoliosis by a simple examination of their students and, off these, 86.3% stated the lack of knowledge about the subject; and 92.1% considered that training for the diagnosis and early identification of scoliosis in students. Conclusion: This study holds social impact since the interviewed teachers were not knowledgeable about the subject and had difficulty in providing a definition of the condition and in how to proceed with the investigation. Continuous education activities and the inclusion of this subject on the curricula of teacher education programs would improve the early diagnosis and treatment of scoliosis, with high success rates. Level of Evidence IV, Economic and Decision Analyses.

Objetivo: Avaliar o conhecimento de professores de escola municipal sobre escoliose. Métodos: Foram entrevistados 126 profissionais por meio de formulário online padronizado contendo perguntas relativas à escoliose. Resultados: Dos entrevistados, 31% não sabiam o que é escoliose. Dos que sabiam, 89,65% estavam parcialmente corretos quanto à definição. Dos professores que responderam saber como era feito o diagnóstico de escoliose, apenas 25,58% estavam totalmente corretos. Quando questionados sobre o teste de Adams, 84,9% não sabiam do que se tratava. Dos entrevistados, 57,9% disseram que não é possível identificar escoliose por meio de um exame simples de seus alunos em sala de aula e, destes, 86,3% alegaram falta de conhecimento sobre o assunto; e 92,1% consideraram que é importante haver uma capacitação sobre o diagnóstico de escoliose para identificação precoce nos alunos. Conclusão: Este estudo tem impacto social, pois os professores entrevistados não apresentavam domínio sobre o assunto, demonstrando dificuldade em definir a condição e como proceder com a investigação. A realização de capacitações e a inclusão dessas questões no currículo profissional aumentaria o diagnóstico precoce de escoliose nas escolas, possibilitando o tratamento precoce e maiores chances de sucesso terapêutico. Nível de Evidência IV, Análise Econômica e de Decisão.

What is the knowledge of elementary school teachers about scoliosis? / Qual o conhecimento de professores de ensino fundamental sobre escoliose?

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the knowledge about scoliosis in teachers of municipal public schools. Methods: In total, 126 professionals were interviewed using a standard questionnaire containing issues related to scoliosis. Results: 31% of interviewees did not know what scoliosis is. Of those who knew 89.65% were partially correct about the definition. Of those who claimed to know how the scoliosis diagnosis is made, only 25.58% were completely correct. When questioned about the Adams test, 84.9% did not know it. Among the interviewees, 57.9% answered that it is impossible to identify scoliosis by a simple examination of their students and, off these, 86.3% stated the lack of knowledge about the subject; and 92.1% considered that training for the diagnosis and early identification of scoliosis in students. Conclusion: This study holds social impact since the interviewed teachers were not knowledgeable about the subject and had difficulty in providing a definition of the condition and in how to proceed with the investigation. Continuous education activities and the inclusion of this subject on the curricula of teacher education programs would improve the early diagnosis and treatment of scoliosis, with high success rates. Level of Evidence IV, Economic and Decision Analyses.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o conhecimento de professores de escola municipal sobre escoliose. Métodos: Foram entrevistados 126 profissionais por meio de formulário online padronizado contendo perguntas relativas à escoliose. Resultados: Dos entrevistados, 31% não sabiam o que é escoliose. Dos que sabiam, 89,65% estavam parcialmente corretos quanto à definição. Dos professores que responderam saber como era feito o diagnóstico de escoliose, apenas 25,58% estavam totalmente corretos. Quando questionados sobre o teste de Adams, 84,9% não sabiam do que se tratava. Dos entrevistados, 57,9% disseram que não é possível identificar escoliose por meio de um exame simples de seus alunos em sala de aula e, destes, 86,3% alegaram falta de conhecimento sobre o assunto; e 92,1% consideraram que é importante haver uma capacitação sobre o diagnóstico de escoliose para identificação precoce nos alunos. Conclusão: Este estudo tem impacto social, pois os professores entrevistados não apresentavam domínio sobre o assunto, demonstrando dificuldade em definir a condição e como proceder com a investigação. A realização de capacitações e a inclusão dessas questões no currículo profissional aumentaria o diagnóstico precoce de escoliose nas escolas, possibilitando o tratamento precoce e maiores chances de sucesso terapêutico. Nível de Evidência IV, Análise Econômica e de Decisão.

3D-printed electrochemical platform with multi-purpose carbon black sensing electrodes.

The 3D printing is described of a complete and portable system comprising a batch injection analysis (BIA) cell and an electrochemical platform with eight sensing electrodes. Both BIA and electrochemical cells were printed within 3.4 h using a multimaterial printer equipped with insulating, flexible, and conductive filaments at cost of ca. ~ U$ 1.2 per unit, and their integration was based on a threadable assembling without commercial component requirements. Printed electrodes were exposed to electrochemical/Fenton pre-treatments to improve the sensitivity. Scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements upon printed materials revealed high-fidelity 3D features (90 to 98%) and fast heterogeneous rate constants ((1.5 ± 0.1) × 10-3 cm s-1). Operational parameters of BIA cell were optimized using a redox probe composed of [Fe(CN)6]4-/3- under stirring and the best analytical performance was achieved using a dispensing rate of 9.0 µL s-1 and an injection volume of 2.0 µL. The proof of concept of the printed device for bioanalytical applications was evaluated using adrenaline (ADR) as target analyte and its redox activities were carefully evaluated through different voltammetric techniques upon multiple 3D-printed electrodes. The coupling of BIA system with amperometric detection ensured fast responses with well-defined peak width related to the oxidation of ADR applying a potential of 0.4 V vs Ag. The fully 3D-printed system provided suitable analytical performance in terms of repeatability and reproducibility (RSD ≤ 6%), linear concentration range (5 to 40 µmol L-1; R2 = 0.99), limit of detection (0.61 µmol L-1), and high analytical frequency (494 ± 13 h-1). Lastly, artificial urine samples were spiked with ADR solutions at three different concentration levels and the obtained recovery values ranged from 87 to 118%, thus demonstrating potentiality for biological fluid analysis. Based on the analytical performance, the complete device fully printed through additive manufacturing technology emerges as powerful, inexpensive, and portable tool for electroanalytical applications involving biologically relevant compounds.

Tacrolimus therapeutic efficacy in post-liver transplant patients with Cytochrome P450 3A5 (CYP3A5) genetic polymorphisms. / Eficácia terapêutica do Tacrolimo em pacientes pós-transplante hepático com polimorfismos genéticos do citocromo P450 3A5 (CYP3A5).

Genetic polymorphisms of CYP3A5 have been pointed out as factors that influenciates tacrolimus immunosuppressive efficacy in post liver transplant patients. This study aims to review the literature on the influence of cytochrome P450 3A5 (CYP3A5) genetic polymorphisms of tacrolimus in post-liver transplant patients. This study is a literature review. A combination of the descriptors "tacrolimus", "liver transplant", "cytochrome P-450 CYP3A inhibitors" and "genetic polymorphism" were used in the databases PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus and Scielo, being evaluated only studies between 2009 and 2019 in English, Portuguese or Spanish. A total of six studies, each from a different population were summarized. Initially, the pharmacological aspects of tacrolimus were discussed, including details on its pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and toxicity After that, we analyzed the studies that correlates CYP3A5 genetic polymorphisms and tacrolimus efficacy, including the ethnical specifications and the general limittions of the studies. The CYP3A5 polymorphisms have pointed to alterations in the metabolism of tacrolimus according to the ethnic and populational genotype, specially the *1 and *3*3 alleles, reflecting in the need for dose adjustment and also in post liver transplant rejection.

Os polimorfismos genéticos do CYP3A5 têm sido apontados enquanto fatores influenciadores na eficácia farmacológica com tacrolimo em pacientes em terapia imunossupressora no pós-transplante hepático. O presente estudo objetiva realizar uma revisão da literatura acerca da influência dos polimorfismos genéticos do citocromo P450 3A5 (CYP3A5) na eficácia terapêutica com tacrolimo em indivíduos pós-transplante hepático. Revisão da literatura. Foi utilizada a combinação dos descritores "tacrolimo", "transplante de fígado", "inibidores do citocromo P-450 CYP3A" e "polimorfismo genético", nas bases de dados: PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Scopus e Scielo, sendo avaliados apenas estudos publicados entre 2009 e 2019 em inglês, português ou espanhol. Ao todo foi feita a sumarização de seis estudos, cada um avaliando uma diferente população. Inicialmente, foram abordados os aspectos farmacológicos do tacrolimo, incluindo detalhes sobre sua farmacodinâmica, farmacocinética e toxicidade. Na seção seguinte, foi realizada a avaliação de estudos que tratam da relação entre os polimorfismos genéticos do CYP3A5 e a eficácia farmacológica com o tacrolimo, incluindo as especificações étnicas e as limitações gerais dos estudos. Os polimorfismos genéticos do CYP3A5 têm apontado para alterações no metabolismo do tacrolimo de acordo com um recorte étnico e populacional, com destaque para os alelos *1 e *3*3, refletindo na necessidade de ajuste de dose ou até mesmo nas taxas de rejeição do órgão.

Adsorption of organic and inorganic arsenic from aqueous solutions using MgAl-LDH with incorporated nitroprusside.

An evaluation was made of the use of MgAl-LDH with incorporated nitroprusside as an adsorbent to remove inorganic arsenic (As(III) and As(V)) and organic arsenic (DMA) from aqueous matrices. The material was synthesized by the co-precipitation method at constant pH and was characterized by Raman spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, X-ray diffraction, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, before and after use in the adsorption process. The effects on adsorption of contact time, initial metalloid concentration, and pH were investigated. For an initial concentration of 10 mg L-1 and pH 2.00, the MgAl-LDH with incorporated nitroprusside was only able to adsorb the DMA and As(V) species, with removal percentages of 25.10 and 103.8%, respectively. At pH 6.02 and 12.00, only the inorganic species were adsorbed, with removal percentages of 22.93% and 60.07%, respectively, for As(III), and 89.81% and 71.64%, respectively, for As(V). Application of the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models indicated that the features of the adsorption process depended on the pH of the medium and the arsenic species. The results showed that the use of MgAl-LDH with incorporated nitroprusside has potential for the development of techniques for the speciation of arsenic species.

Eficácia terapêutica do Tacrolimo em pacientes pós-transplante hepático com polimorfismos genéticos do citocromo P450 3A5 (CYP3A5) / Tacrolimus therapeutic efficacy in post-liver transplant patients with Cytochrome P450 3A5 (CYP3A5) genetic polymorphisms

RESUMO Os polimorfismos genéticos do CYP3A5 têm sido apontados enquanto fatores influenciadores na eficácia farmacológica com tacrolimo em pacientes em terapia imunossupressora no pós-transplante hepático. O presente estudo objetiva realizar uma revisão da literatura acerca da influência dos polimorfismos genéticos do citocromo P450 3A5 (CYP3A5) na eficácia terapêutica com tacrolimo em indivíduos pós-transplante hepático. Revisão da literatura. Foi utilizada a combinação dos descritores "tacrolimo", "transplante de fígado", "inibidores do citocromo P-450 CYP3A" e "polimorfismo genético", nas bases de dados: PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Scopus e Scielo, sendo avaliados apenas estudos publicados entre 2009 e 2019 em inglês, português ou espanhol. Ao todo foi feita a sumarização de seis estudos, cada um avaliando uma diferente população. Inicialmente, foram abordados os aspectos farmacológicos do tacrolimo, incluindo detalhes sobre sua farmacodinâmica, farmacocinética e toxicidade. Na seção seguinte, foi realizada a avaliação de estudos que tratam da relação entre os polimorfismos genéticos do CYP3A5 e a eficácia farmacológica com o tacrolimo, incluindo as especificações étnicas e as limitações gerais dos estudos. Os polimorfismos genéticos do CYP3A5 têm apontado para alterações no metabolismo do tacrolimo de acordo com um recorte étnico e populacional, com destaque para os alelos *1 e *3*3, refletindo na necessidade de ajuste de dose ou até mesmo nas taxas de rejeição do órgão.

ABSTRACT Genetic polymorphisms of CYP3A5 have been pointed out as factors that influenciates tacrolimus immunosuppressive efficacy in post liver transplant patients. This study aims to review the literature on the influence of cytochrome P450 3A5 (CYP3A5) genetic polymorphisms of tacrolimus in post-liver transplant patients. This study is a literature review. A combination of the descriptors "tacrolimus", "liver transplant", "cytochrome P-450 CYP3A inhibitors" and "genetic polymorphism" were used in the databases PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus and Scielo, being evaluated only studies between 2009 and 2019 in English, Portuguese or Spanish. A total of six studies, each from a different population were summarized. Initially, the pharmacological aspects of tacrolimus were discussed, including details on its pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and toxicity After that, we analyzed the studies that correlates CYP3A5 genetic polymorphisms and tacrolimus efficacy, including the ethnical specifications and the general limittions of the studies. The CYP3A5 polymorphisms have pointed to alterations in the metabolism of tacrolimus according to the ethnic and populational genotype, specially the *1 and *3*3 alleles, reflecting in the need for dose adjustment and also in post liver transplant rejection.

Bovine cervical bursitis co-infection caused by Brucella abortus and Onchocerca sp.

The presence of Onchocerca guturosa in cattle is responsible for lesions similar to those observed in cases suspected of brucellosis, however, Onchocerca sp. is not a trade barrier, although it is also responsible for economic losses due to the removal of the affected parts of the carcasses. Brucella sp. is a zoonotic agent transmitted to humans through the consumption of contaminated animal products, the contact with infected animals and the handling of carcasses. This agent is also responsible for non-tariff trade barriers. Cervical bursitis is Brucella sp. suggestive lesions in bovine carcasses that requires laboratory tests to confirm the diagnosis. The objective of this study was to record the co-infection of Brucella abortus and Onchocerca sp. as a first report of co-infection of these two agents in the same lesion. The sample constituted of a nuchal bursitis in the cervical ligament, a suggestive lesion common to these two agents, submitted to histopathology and Brucella spp. isolation in the Brucellosis reference laboratory of the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply. Brucellosis serological diagnosis were also performed in the animal's serum sample. B. abortus was isolated from the lesion and filarid nematode structures were identified in histopathology. All serological tests were positive for brucellosis. Further studies are needed, however, to understand the co-infection by Onchocerca sp. and B. abortus.

Environmentally Friendly Manufacturing of Flexible Graphite Electrodes for a Wearable Device Monitoring Zinc in Sweat.

Electrochemical sensors based on graphite and polymers have emerged as powerful analytical tools for bioanalytical applications. However, most of the fabrication processes are not environmentally friendly because they often involve the use of toxic reagents and generate waste. This study describes an alternative method to produce flexible electrodes in plastic substrates using graphite powder and thermal laminating sheets by solid-solid deposition through hot compression, without the use of hazardous chemical reagents. The electrodes developed through the proposed approach have successfully demonstrated flexibility, robustness, reproducibility (relative standard deviation around 6%), and versatility. The electrodes were thoroughly characterized by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. As a proof of concept, the electrode surfaces were modified with bismuth and used for zinc analysis in sweat. The modified electrodes presented linearity (R2 = 0.996) for a wide zinc concentration range (50-2000 ppb) and low detection limit (4.31 ppb). The proposed electrodes were tested using real sweat samples and the achieved zinc concentrations did not differ statistically from the data obtained by atomic absorption spectroscopy. To allow wearable applications, a 3D-printed device was fabricated, integrated with the proposed electrochemical system, and fixed at the abdomen by using an elastic tape to collect, store, and analyze the sweat sample. The matrix effect test was performed, spiking the real sample with different zinc levels, and the recovery values varied between 85 and 106%, thus demonstrating adequate accuracy and robustness of the flexible electrodes developed based on the proposed fabrication method.

Synthesis and characterisation of the vibrational and electrical properties of antiferromagnetic 6L-Ba2CoTeO6 ceramics.

Optimal processing conditions for fabrication of dense single-phase 6L-Ba2CoTeO6 ceramics via the solid-state reaction method were determined. These ceramics possess a room-temperature crystal structure described by the centrosymmetric P3[combining macron]m1 space group. Polarized Raman spectroscopy enabled the observation of all the 25 predicted Raman modes and assignment of their symmetries. On cooling, BCTO ceramics exhibit two antiferromagnetic transitions at 3 K and 12.5 K, in broad agreement with a recent single-crystal study [P. Chanlert, N. Kurita, H. Tanaka, D. Goto, A. Matsuo and K. Kindo, Phys. Rev. B: Condens. Matter Mater. Phys., 2016, 93, 094420]. Low temperature Fourier-transform infrared reflectivity analyses suggest the antiferromagnetic phase transitions to be driven by small distortions of the CoO6 octahedra, lowering locally their C3v symmetry. This causes splitting of the associated vibrational modes, but without a long-range structural change. AC impedance spectroscopy revealed BCTO ceramics to be leaky insulators with an activation energy for conduction of ∼0.15-0.25 eV, which suggests electron hopping between mixed oxidation states of Co.

Batch injection analysis towards auxiliary diagnosis of periodontal diseases based on indirect amperometric detection of salivary α-amylase on a cupric oxide electrode.

This study describes, for the first time, the use of a batch injection analysis system with amperometric detection (BIA-AD) to indirectly determine salivary α-amylase (sAA) levels in saliva samples for chronic periodontitis diagnosis. A chemical/thermal treatment was explored to generate a CuO film on a Cu electrode surface. This procedure offered good stability (RSD = 0.3%), good repeatability (RSD < 1.3%) and excellent reproducibility (RSD < 1.5%). The sAA concentration levels were determined based on the detection of maltose produced by enzymatic hydrolysis of starch. The analytical performance was investigated, and a linear correlation was observed for a maltose concentration range between 0.5 and 6.0 mmol L-1 with a correlation coefficient equal to 0.999. The analytical sensitivity and the limit of detection were 48.8 µA/(mmol L-1) and 0.05 mmol L-1, respectively. In addition, the proposed system provided an excellent analytical frequency (120 analysis h-1). The clinical feasibility of the proposed method was investigated by the determination of sAA levels in four saliva samples (two from healthy control persons (C1 and C2) and two from patients with chronic periodontitis (P1 and P2)). The accuracy provided by the BIA-AD system ranged from 93 to 98%. The sAA concentration levels achieved for each sample were compared to the values found by spectrophotometry and there was no statistically significant difference between them at a confidence level of 95%. Finally, the method reported herein emerges as a simple, low cost and promising tool for assisting periodontal diseases diagnosis.

Determination of Ascorbic Acid in Commercial Tablets Using Pencil Drawn Electrochemical Paper-based Analytical Devices.

This study describes the use of electrochemical paper-based analytical devices (ePADs) drawn with graphite pencil for the determination of ascorbic acid (AA) in commercial tablets. ePADs were fabricated using vegetal paper and graphite pencil. First, the three-electrode electrochemical cell drawn using a graphical software and toner lines were laser printed on the vegetal paper surface to delimit the electrode areas. Then, the electrode regions were manually painted with graphite pencil. Afterwards, the pseudo-reference electrode was defined with the deposition of silver ink over the graphite surface. Cyclic voltammetry and square wave voltammetry (SWV) experiments were performed to optimize the electroanalytical parameters as well as to quantitatively determine the AA concentration in two commercial tables. ePADs exhibited linear behavior for a concentration range between 0.5 and 3.0 mmol L-1. The achieved limit of detection and sensitivity were 70 µmol L-1 and 0.47 µA/mmol L-1, respectively. The AA concentration levels found by SWV experiments in both CenevitTM and Energil CTM were 2.80 ± 0.02 and 3.10 ± 0.01 mmol L-1, respectively. The accuracy of the proposed devices was investigated through recovery experiments in three concentration levels and it presented values between 95 and 115%.

Infrared dispersion analysis and Raman scattering spectra of taurine single crystals.

A comprehensive set of optical vibrational modes of monoclinic taurine crystals was determined by Raman scattering, and infrared reflectivity and transmission spectroscopies. By using appropriate scattering/reflection geometries, the vibrational modes were resolved by polarization and the most relevant modes of the crystal could be assigned. In particular, we were able to review the symmetry of the gerade modes and to resolve ambiguities in the literature. Owing to the non-orthogonal character of Bu modes in monoclinic crystals (lying on the optic axial plane), we carried out a generalized Lorentz dispersion analysis consisting of simultaneous adjust of infrared-reflectivity spectra at various light polarization angles. The Au modes (parallel to the C2-axis) were treated within the classical Lorentz model. The behavior of off-diagonal and diagonal terms of the complex dielectric tensors and the presence of anomalous dispersion were discussed as consequences of the low symmetry of the crystal.

Electromyography and instrumentation in patients with idiopathic scoliosis / Eletromiografia e instrumentação em pacientes com escoliose idiopática / Electromiografía e instrumentación en pacientes con escoliosis idiopática

ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of this study is to relate the use of intraoperative electromyography with surgical time, proper placement of screws, type of curve and time spent per screw in idiopathic scoliosis correction surgery in a group of surgeons from Belo Horizonte. This study used the database of protocol evaluation of patients operated in the service, and separately analyzed the results of motor and somatosensory potentials. Methods: Retrospective study of 80 patients undergoing surgery for correction of idiopathic scoliosis between December 2008 and January 2015. A single group of Belo Horizonte spine surgeons performed the intraoperative electromyographic (EMG) monitoring. EMG was performed with stimulation of pedicle screws in patients undergoing instrumentation with pedicle screws as fixation elements. Results: The sample consisted of 85% females (mean age 17 years) and 37.5% of cases had classification type 1AN of Lenke. Of the total surgical cases, 60% had EMG changes. Of the total cases analyzed, 66.3% were true positives for the result. Conclusion: Intraoperative monitoring with EMG is a very important tool for the surgical treatment of patients with scoliosis undergoing instrumentation with pedicle screws. It enables to check if the screw is located on the correct path, helping to decrease the error rate and providing corrections to the surgical approach through a change of strategies. Moreover, it contributes to decrease the time to screw positioning and the total surgical time.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo é relacionar a utilização da eletromiografia intraoperatória com tempo cirúrgico, posicionamento dos parafusos, tipo de curva e tempo por parafuso em cirurgias de correção de escoliose idiopática, em um grupo de cirurgiões de Belo Horizonte. Este trabalho utilizou o banco de dados de avaliação do protocolo de pacientes operados no serviço, e analisou separadamente os resultados do potencial motor e somatossensorial. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo de 80 pacientes submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico para correção de escoliose idiopática no período de dezembro de 2008 e janeiro de 2015. Foi realizada a monitorização eletromiográfica (EMG) intraoperatória por um único grupo de cirurgiões de coluna de Belo Horizonte. Foi realizada EMG com estimulação dos parafusos pediculares nos pacientes submetidos à instrumentação com parafusos pediculares como elementos de fixação. Resultados: A amostra foi constituída por 85% sendo indivíduos do sexo feminino (média de idade de 17 anos) e 37,5% dos casos tinham classificação do tipo 1AN de Lenke. Do total de casos cirúrgicos, 60% apresentaram alteração EMG. Do casos analisados, 66,3% eram verdadeiros positivos para o resultado. Conclusão: A monitorização intraoperatória com EMG é uma ferramenta importante para o tratamento cirúrgico de pacientes com escoliose submetidos à instrumentação com parafusos pediculares. É possível verificar se o parafuso está localizado no trajeto correto, contribuindo para diminuição do índice de erros e propiciando correções da abordagem cirúrgica, com a mudança de estratégias. Além disso, contribui diretamente para a redução de tempo de posicionamento do parafuso e do tempo cirúrgico total.

RESUMEN Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio es relacionar el uso de la electromiografía intraoperatoria con el tiempo quirúrgico, la colocación de los tornillos, el tipo de curva y el tiempo por tornillo en la cirugía de corrección de la escoliosis idiopática en un grupo de cirujanos de Belo Horizonte. Este trabajo utilizó la base de datos de evaluación de protocolos de los pacientes operados en el servicio y analizó los resultados de los potenciales motor y somatosensorial por separado. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de 80 pacientes que se sometieron a tratamiento quirúrgico para la corrección de la escoliosis idiopática entre diciembre de 2008 y enero de 2015. Un solo grupo de cirujanos de columna de Belo Horizonte realizó la monitorización electromiográfica (EMG) intraoperatoria. Se realizó EMG con la estimulación de los tornillos pediculares en pacientes sometidos a la instrumentación con tornillos pediculares como elementos de fijación. Resultados: La muestra consistió en 85% de mujeres (edad media de 17 años) y el 37,5% de los casos tenía clasificación del tipo 1AN de Lenke. Del total de los casos quirúrgicos, el 60% tenía cambio EMG. De los casos analizados, el 66,3% fueron verdaderos positivos para el resultado. Conclusión: La monitorización intraoperatoria con EMG es una herramienta importante para el tratamiento quirúrgico de los pacientes con escoliosis sometidos a la instrumentación con tornillos pediculares. Esto permite comprobar si el tornillo se encuentra en la trayectoria correcta, lo que ayuda a disminuir la tasa de errores y favorece correcciones del abordaje quirúrgico, con el cambio de las estrategias. Por otra parte, contribuye directamente a la reducción del tiempo de posicionamiento del tornillo y del tiempo quirúrgico total.

Thermal, vibrational and optical properties of PrLuO3 interlanthanides from hydrothermally-derived precursors.

PrLuO3 interlanthanides were prepared at temperatures ranging from 800 °C to 1600 °C using hydrothermally-derived precursors. The chemical reactions observed include the conversion and segregation of Pr(OH)3 and LuO(OH), respectively, into PrO2 and Lu2O3 cubic oxides below 1200 °C, followed by the production of a mixture of hexagonal P63/mmc and orthorhombic Pnma PrLuO3 phases at 1400 °C. Phase-pure orthorhombic PrLuO3 was obtained at 1600 °C, which was corroborated by Raman and micro far-infrared spectroscopic analyses. Photoluminescence, colorimetric and lifetime measurements were carried out in PrLuO3 samples. Dominant emission verified in samples calcined at 1400 °C corresponds to the hypersensitive 3P0 → 3F2 transition with a color purity of 97% (decay times of 12 µs and 3 µs), while emissions for the phase-pure samples correspond to the 3P0 → 3H6 and 3P0 → 3H5 transitions with a color purity of 94% (a single luminescence lifetime of 12 µs). The optical properties of PrLuO3 interlanthanides thereby suggest that they can be used as luminescent materials in both structural arrangements.

A supervisão acadênica no Projeto Mais Médicos para o Brasil: a experiência do grupo expecial de supervisão / Academic supervision in the Doctors Project for Brazil: the experience of the special supervisory group

A supervisão acadêmica é um dos eixos educacionais do Projeto Mais Médicos para o Brasil. É desenvolvida por instituições de ensino que firmaram termo de adesão junto ao Ministério da Educação (MEC) para acompanhar as atividades dos médicos do projeto nas unidades básicas de saúde. Iniciada em 2013, a supervisão foi implantada em todos os estados do país como sendo uma estratégia para fortalecimento da Educação Permanente, mediante a integração ensino serviço. Encontrou na região norte o maior desafio para realizar suas atividades em virtude da dificuldade de deslocamento. Em 2014 o MEC cria o Grupo Especial de supervisão (GES) para realizar o acompanhamento de médicos em regiões de difícil acesso no estado do Amazonas. O GES foi considerado pela equipe do MEC o grupo que conseguiu desenvolver a supervisão acadêmica o mais próximo do que foi preconizado pela legislação do Projeto Mais Médicos para o Brasil. Este trabalho, é um estudo de caso com abordagem qualitativa, que tem por objetivo analisar o processo de Supervisão Acadêmica realizada pelo Ministério da Educação aos médicos participantes do Projeto Mais Médicos para o Brasil acompanhados pelos supervisores do Grupo Especial de Supervisão (GES) que atuam no Estado do Amazonas. Verificou-se que o GES desenvolve todas as atividades preconizadas pela supervisão, o que tem facilitado a realização das mesmas tem sido o apoio logístico das forças armadas para o deslocamento na Floresta Amazônica, a formação em medicina de família e comunidade dos supervisores, a integração com os tutores e a organização do processo de trabalho para realizar tudo que é previsto para a atividade de visita in loco, em um curto intervalo de tempo devido à dificuldade de deslocamento para região. Discutir o processo de trabalho desta estratégia é uma estratégia de educação permanente para qualificação da supervisão como um todo.(AU)

Academic supervision is one of the educational axes of the More Doctors Project for Brazil. It is developed by educational institutions that have signed an adhesion agreement with the Ministry of Education (MEC) to follow the activities of the project doctors in the basic health units. Beginning in 2013, supervision was implemented in all states of the country as a strategy to strengthen Lifelong Learning through the integration of teaching service. He found in the north the greatest challenge to carry out his activities due to the difficulty of displacement. In 2014 the MEC creates the Special Supervision Group (GES) to carry out the monitoring of physicians in regions of difficult access in the state of Amazonas. The GES was considered by the team of the MEC the group that was able to develop the academic supervision that was closer to what was recommended by the legislation of the More Medical Project for Brazil. This study is a case study with a qualitative approach, which aims to analyze the process of Academic Supervision carried out by the Ministry of Education to the physicians participating in the Project More Doctors for Brazil accompanied by the Supervisors of the Special Group of Supervision (GES) In the State of Amazonas. It was verified that the GES develops all the activities advocated by the supervision, which has facilitated the accomplishment of these have been the logistical support of the armed forces for the displacement in the Amazon Forest, training in family medicine and community of supervisors, With the tutors and the organization of the work process to accomplish everything that is planned for the activity of on-site visit, in a short time due to the difficulty of moving to the region. Discussing the work process of this strategy is a strategy of continuing education to qualify supervision as a whole.(AU)

Nutritional Status Associated to Skipping Breakfast in Brazilian Health Service Patients.

Recent studies show that skipping breakfast is associated with an increased risk of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. In this context, this study evaluated 400 patients from the Brazilian health service who had their nutritional status defined based on the body mass index and were classified as physically active or insufficient active. The energy intake and macronutrients was also assessed by a 24-hour dietary recall where the association of overweight/obesity with the investigated variables was evaluated using chi-square, Student's t test and multivariate analysis (p < 0.05). The main results showed that more than half of the studied population have the habit of omitting breakfast (55.8%), and among those, 81.2% were overweight/obese (p < 0.0001). Almost three-fourths of these individuals consumed no more than 4 meals a day (73.0%), and regarding this meal frequency/day, 78.8% of the individuals who reported having 4 meals or less a day were overweight/obese compared with 57.8% who reported as having 5-6 meals/day (p < 0.0001). The individuals who reported to omit breakfast had a higher chance of being overweight compared with those who had this habit (OR 2.20; 95% CI 1.40-3.60) and the chance of the physically insufficient active individuals to be overweight/obese was 2.9 times higher when compared to the active individuals (p < 0.0001). Our findings suggest that regular breakfast consumption may decrease overweight and obesity risk.

Projeto Mais Médicos para o Brasil: a experiência pioneira do apoio institucional no Ministério da Educação / More Doctors for Brazil Project: the pioneerexperience of institutional support by the Ministry of Education / Proyecto Más Médicos a Brasil: una experiencia pionera del apoyo institucionale del Ministerio de la Educación

O Projeto Mais Médicos para o Brasil (PMMB) foi criado em 2013, em virtude da necessidade de fixar profissionais médicos na Atenção Primária à Saúde e reorientar a formação médica no Brasil. No intuito de fortalecer as ações do PMMB nos Estados, especialmente aquelas relacionadas ao processo de Supervisão Acadêmica dos médicos do PMMB, o Ministério da Educação estruturou uma proposta de apoio institucional (AIMEC), pioneira no âmbito desta Instituição. Os primeiros apoiadores foram contratados em março de 2014, para os estados de Minas Gerais, Bahia, Ceará e Rio Grande do Sul. Este trabalho vem relatar essa experiência, com a discussão sobre os pontos fortes e frágeis desta iniciativa pioneira, na perspectiva de apontar oportunidades de seu fortalecimento e consolidação. O AIMEC tem se apresentado como um novo e interessante modo de gestão e tem sido uma ferramenta valorizada entre os diversos atores do PMMB. Por meio do diálogo e trabalho colaborativo, resultados positivos têm sido observados, o que tem impactado diretamente no aperfeiçoamento do PMMB.

The More Physicians for BrazilProject (PMMB) was created in 2013 because of the need to establish health professionals in Primary Health Care and reorient medical educationin Brazil. In order to strengthen the actions of PMMB in the States, especially those related to the Academic Supervision process for PMMB’s doctors, the Ministry of Education structuredan institutional support proposal (AIMEC), a pioneering effort within this Institution. The firstsupporters were hired in March 2014, in the states of Minas Gerais, Bahia, Ceará and Rio Grande do Sul. This research has been reporting this experience with an active discussion about the strengthsand weaknesses of this pioneering initiative, with the objective of pointing out an approach forits strengthening and consolidation. The AIMEC has emerged as a new and interesting way ofmanagement and has been a valuable tool between the various participants in the PMMB. Throughdialogue and collaborative work, positive results have been observed, which have a direct impacton the improvement of the PMMB.

El Proyecto Más Médicos a Brasil (PMMB) fue creado en 2013 por la necesidadde fijar los profesionales de salud en la Atención Primaria de Salud y reorientar la educaciónmédica en Brasil. Con el fin de fortalecer las acciones de PMMB en los Estados, sobre todo losrelacionados con el proceso de Supervisión Académica para los médicos do PMMB, el Ministeriode Educaciónha estructurado una propuesta de apoyo institucional (AIMEC), pionero dentro deesta Institución. Los primeros seguidores fueron contratados en marzo 2014, a los estados deMinas Gerais, Bahia, Ceará y Río Grande do Sul. Este trabajo ha sido la presentación de informesde esta experiencia a la discusión acerca de las fortalezas y debilidades de esta iniciativa pionera,con el fin de señalar las oportunidades de su fortalecimiento y consolidación. El AIMEC se haconvertido en una forma de gestión nuevo e interesante y ha sido una herramienta valiosa entrelos diversos actores de PMMB. Através del diálogo y del trabajo colaborativo, se han observadoresultados positivos, lo que ha impactado directamente en la mejora de PMMB.

Magnetic composites based on metallic nickel and molybdenum carbide: a potential material for pollutants removal.

New magnetic composites based on metallic nickel and molybdenum carbide, Ni/Mo(2)C, have been produced via catalytic chemical vapor deposition from ethanol. Scanning electron microscopy, thermal analysis, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction studies suggest that the CVD process occurs in a single step. This process involves the reduction of NiMo oxides at different temperatures (700, 800 and 900°C) with catalytic deposition of carbon from ethanol producing molybdenum carbide on Ni surface. In the absence of molybdenum the formation of Ni/C was observed. The magnetic molybdenum carbide was successfully used as pollutants removal by adsorption of sulfur and nitrogen compounds from liquid fuels and model dyes such as methylene blue and indigo carmine. The dibenzothiofene adsorption process over Ni/Mo(2)C reached approximately 20 mg g(-1), notably higher than other materials described in the literature and also removed almost all methylene blue dye. The great advantage of these carbide composites is that they may be easily recovered magnetically and reused.

Biological control of Fasciola hepatica eggs with the Pochonia chlamydosporia fungus after passing through the cattle gastrointestinal tract.

Fasciolosis is a disease caused by Fasciola hepatica responsible for causing significant losses in livestock. This study aimed to evaluate the Pochonia chlamydosporia fungus (isolate VC1) on F. hepatica eggs after passing through the cattle gastrointestinal tract. For this evaluation, 1 g pellet was given in sodium alginate matrix per kilogram live weight containing 25% of fungal mycelium from isolate VC1 per animal. Twelve animals were used, six treated and six untreated (control). Some stool samples were collected from the groups of treated and control animals, at the times of 12, 18, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h after the pellets' administration. Then, from each stool sample of treated and control groups, 2 g was placed in a Petri dish of 9 cm in diameter, containing 2% water-agar and 1,000 eggs of F. hepatica. It was observed that the fungus was effective in preying upon the eggs in the samples recovered at all of the schedules starting at 12 h. Furthermore, differences were observed (p < 0.01) in the destruction of eggs in the Petri dishes in the treated group compared with the control group. The ovicidal effect was observed after 7 days of interaction. The ovicidal P. chlamydosporia fungus was effective in destroying F. hepatica eggs; therefore, it is suggested that this fungus could be employed as agent for the control of helminth eggs.