Two-Step Synthesis of Bismuth-Based Hybrid Halide Perovskite Thin-Films.

Lead halide perovskites have been revolutionary in the last decade in many optoelectronic sectors. Their bismuth-based counterparts have been considered a good alternative thanks to their composition of earth-abundant elements, good chemical stability, and low toxicity. Moreover, their electronic structure is in a quasi-zero-dimensional (0D) configuration, and they have recently been explored for use beyond optoelectronics. A significant limitation in applying thin-film technology is represented by the difficulty of synthesizing compact layers with easily scalable methods. Here, the engineering of a two-step synthesis in an air of methylammonium bismuth iodide compact thin films is reported. The critical steps of the process have been highlighted so that the procedure can be adapted to different substrates and application areas.

Physical activity as a key issue for promoting human health on a local and global scale: evidences and perspectives.

Physical inactivity represents the fourth leading risk factor with the highest epidemiological impact on population health worldwide, as estimated by the epidemiological measures used in global surveillance systems as the Global Burden of Disease Study. Scientific research has provided compelling evidence to establish and clarify the causal relationships and to devise effective intervention strategies, including the development of both national and international recommendations and the planning of whole-of-system and integrated actions. Over the last few years, new paradigms have been identified, such as the distinction between physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour, the different methods to integrate enough levels of physical activity in daily life, and the relevance of sleep in normal lifestyle activities. The experience in programs planning and in their assessments has led to the definition of a whole-of-system and global approach for the promotion of an active lifestyle, specifically the Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018 - 2030 by the World Health Organization, with the definition of overlapping areas with further objectives of public health as established by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Thus, the action plan aims to ensure access to inclusive and equitable opportunities for people to be physically active in their daily life (with reference to more socially disadvantaged groups, such as women, people with disabilities, people of low socioeconomic status) and to improve planetary health.

A new bladder-emptying method in females with neurogenic bladder: A randomized, phase II trial.

AIM: To evaluate the performance of the new device compared with clean intermittent catheterization (CIC). METHODS: From March 2015 to March 2018, patients who were admitted to the urologic outpatient clinic. A new intraurethral self-retaining device (ISRD) was made of medical grade silicone and it was inspired by similar catheters that use sliding disks to adjust or fix tubes used to drain the bladder. Patients were randomized into two groups (experimental group [GI]-ISRD vs control group [GII]-CIC). The evaluation was performed at the time of enrollment and 6 months after treatment. Intervention was initiated from the antisepsis of the perineal region and subsequent introduction of the device through the external urethral meatus. The primary outcome was quality of life (QOL). Urinary tract infections (UTIs) episodes, data on urodynamic parameters, adverse effects and number of diapers per day. RESULTS: A total of 177 subjects were analyzed. We found a significant improvement on QOL analysis in the ISRD group (P < .01). ISRD group presented an important reduction (two episodes after ISRD use) on number of UTIs (P < .01) and diaper use, and significant improvement on bladder capacity (80 mL of the average improvement) (P < .01) and compliance (P = .01). Among all registered serious adverse effects, ISRD presented with lower proportion. CONCLUSIONS: The new device has shown to be a safe and promising alternative for adequate emptying of the neurogenic bladder in female patients. Our study has a limitation that is related to a limited period of observation.

Egos has a reduced capacity to predicts GBS prognosis in Northeast Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: The Erasmus Guillain Barre Outcome Score (EGOS) is a prognostic model that predicts the chance of being able to walk independently at 6 months after Guillain Barré syndrome (GBS). This study was conducted aiming to determine the validity of EGOS in a Brazilian population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data collected from GBS patients in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, were used to determine the validity of EGOS. GBS disability score was assessed in the second week of disease and at 6 months. RESULTS: A total of 206 subjects were studied. The Brazilian patients were younger, with a more severe clinical presentation, with higher percentage of cranial nerve involvement and upper respiratory infection. There was no difference relative to sex or presence of anti-gangliosides antibodies. The demyelinating variant was more common (73.9%). However, only 24% of the Brazilians with EGOS 5.5-7 were not able to walk after 6 months, compared to 52% to European Group. Nine patients (3.8%) presented nodopathies, of these four had an EGOS >5, but only one of the latter group was unable to walk after 6 months of GBS. CONCLUSIONS: Erasmus Guillain Barre Outcome Score was not a good predictor for the ability to walk after 6 months of GBS in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Differences could be that the Brazilian GBS were younger, or alternatively, it could be due to a different infection profile or in the incidence of nodopathies.

Potential anti-cancer and anti-Candida activity of Zn-derived foams.

Zinc (Zn)-derived foams have been prepared from an alkaline electrolyte solution by galvanostatic electrodeposition under different conditions. A detailed physico-chemical characterization was performed by Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A pioneer application of these foams in medical implant-related applications was investigated. The in vitro behaviour of these Zn-derived foams in simulated physiological conditions was studied. The results revealed that the presence of zinc oxide was important enough to change the in vitro behaviour of these materials. The potential of these Zn-derived foams in inhibiting bone cancer cell proliferation - osteoscarcoma cells - and important pathogenic fungi responsible for implant-related infections -Candida albicans- was examined. Furthermore, the foams were evaluated for cytocompatibility with normal human osteoblasts. The results obtained allowed us to conclude that Zn-derived foams have an interesting potential for anti-cancer and anti-Candida activity, targeted for bone-related implant applications, suggesting that this novel material may have potential for further clinical studies.

New device for intermittent emptying of the bladder in female children and adolescents: A pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a challenging problem for the urological community. Clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) is the most commonly used method to restore bladder emptying to the state close to the physiological condition. This procedure can cause negative aspects such as pain and possible urethral injury. In addition, there is a negative impact on self-image and decline in quality of patient's life. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new intraurethral self-retaining device (ISRD), in female children and adolescents, as an attractive alternative to CIC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective clinical pilot study was performed, in a single-institution, including female children and adolescent patients with urinary incontinence secondary to myelomeningocele who were already in an intermittent bladder catheterization program. Assessments included the use of a visual analogue scale in diagnosis of UI, reported adverse events, and the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ) to evaluate quality of life, which was answered by patients and the caregivers of younger patients before and 6 months after enrolment. DISCUSSION: The device was efficient and well tolerated by most patients (84%). The ISRD significantly improved quality of life in children and adolescents (p<0.0001 for both) (Table). The safe insertion and removal of the ISRD can be considered an advantage compared with CIC as eventual urethral trauma is significantly minimized. It was found that one of the main advantages of the ISRD is the possibility of management as an outpatient procedure both for initial insertion and replacement. The autonomy of patients to perform the bladder emptying process by themselves indicates the importance of this study, especially for school life and social interaction. ISRD use showed a tendency to improve the QoL. CONCLUSIONS: This new bladder-draining device (ISRD) was effective and secure in terms of insertion technique, and improved QoL of patients with urinary retention and incontinence, according to domains evaluated in the KHQ.

Calidad de la evaluación estatal en estomatología / Quality of the state assessment in stomatology

Introducción: la ampliación de matrícula ha constituido un reto en la educación médica y con el ejercicio del examen estatal se certifica la competencia de los egresados, por eso se hace necesario analizar la calidad de los resultados.Objetivo: evaluar la calidad obtenida en los exámenes estatales en la Facultad de Estomatología de Camagüey durante el quinquenio 2007-2012.Métodos: se realizó una investigación descriptiva del examen estatal de 384 estudiantes presentados en el periodo 2007-2012. Se utilizó el método porcentual, la media aritmética y mediana de las calificaciones. El examen teórico estatal del curso 2011-2012 se relacionó con el índice académico de los estudiantes.Resultados: de 36 estudiantes en el curso 2007-2008 se incrementó a 146 en el curso 2011-2012. En el quinquenio, el 53,6 por ciento de los estudiantes obtuvo notas de excelente, el 40,9 por ciento notas de bien, el 3,9 por ciento notas de aprobado y el 1,6 por ciento de desaprobados correspondieron a los dos cursos más numerosos.Conclusiones: la calidad de excelente de la evaluación estatal se mantiene durante el quinquenio, con una inclinación a disminuir la mediana y la media de las calificaciones finales relacionadas con el mayor número de estudiantes(AU)

Introduction: the enlargement of enrollment is a challenge in medical education, and the state owned test certifies the competition of the graduate that's why to analyze the quality of the results obtained in these stages becomes necessary.Objective: Assess the quality in the state-owned evaluation during the five year period 2007-2012 in Camagueys Faculty of Dentistry.Method: adescriptive research of the state-owned exam of 384 students in the period 2007-2012 was done. The percentage method, arithmetical mean and median were utilized. The results of the theoretic state-owned exam of the latter course were related with the academic index of every student.Results: students number increase from 36 in the course 2007-2008 up to 146 in the course 2011-2012. In the five year period, the 53,6 percent of the students achieved excellent marks, 40,9percent achieved good marks , 3,9 percent achieved pass mark and the 1,6 percent achieved a disapproved mark and corresponded to the two more numerous courses.Conclusions: the quality of Excellent is maintained in he five years period, but the arithmetical mean and median in more numerous students groups tails off.

Calidad de la evaluación estatal en estomatología / Quality of the state assessment in stomatology

Introducción: la ampliación de matrícula ha constituido un reto en la educación médica y con el ejercicio del examen estatal se certifica la competencia de los egresados, por eso se hace necesario analizar la calidad de los resultados. Objetivo: evaluar la calidad obtenida en los exámenes estatales en la Facultad de Estomatología de Camagüey durante el quinquenio 2007-2012. Métodos: se realizó una investigación descriptiva del examen estatal de 384 estudiantes presentados en el periodo 2007-2012. Se utilizó el método porcentual, la media aritmética y mediana de las calificaciones. El examen teórico estatal del curso 2011-2012 se relacionó con el índice académico de los estudiantes. Resultados: de 36 estudiantes en el curso 2007-2008 se incrementó a 146 en el curso 2011-2012. En el quinquenio, el 53,6 por ciento de los estudiantes obtuvo notas de excelente, el 40,9 por ciento notas de bien, el 3,9 por ciento notas de aprobado y el 1,6 por ciento de desaprobados correspondieron a los dos cursos más numerosos. Conclusiones: la calidad de excelente de la evaluación estatal se mantiene durante el quinquenio, con una inclinación a disminuir la mediana y la media de las calificaciones finales relacionadas con el mayor número de estudiantes(AU)

Introduction: the enlargement of enrollment is a challenge in medical education, and the state owned test certifies the competition of the graduate that's why to analyze the quality of the results obtained in these stages becomes necessary. Objective: Assess the quality in the state-owned evaluation during the five year period 2007-2012 in Camaguey's Faculty of Dentistry. Method: adescriptive research of the state-owned exam of 384 students in the period 2007-2012 was done. The percentage method, arithmetical mean and median were utilized. The results of the theoretic state-owned exam of the latter course were related with the academic index of every student. Results: student's number increase from 36 in the course 2007-2008 up to 146 in the course 2011-2012. In the five year period, the 53,6 percent of the students achieved excellent marks, 40,9 percent achieved good marks , 3,9 percent achieved pass mark and the 1,6 percent achieved a disapproved mark and corresponded to the two more numerous courses. Conclusions: the quality of Excellent is maintained in he five years period, but the arithmetical mean and median in more numerous students' groups tails off(AU)

Occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii DNA in sheep naturally infected and slaughtered in abattoirs in Pernambuco, Brazil / Ocorrência de DNA de Toxoplasma gondii em ovelhas naturalmente infectadas e abatidas em matadouros de Pernambuco

The aim of the present study was to assess the occurrence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii and to detect genomic DNA of the parasite in the reproductive organs, fetuses and fetal membranes of sheep in slaughterhouses in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. The Indirect Immunofluorescence technique (IFA) was used for screening. The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used to detect DNA of T. gondii in the animals that were positive in the serology. In the serology, 13/50 samples were positive and genomic DNA of T. gondii was detected in one uterus, tube, ovary, placenta and fetus (heart, brain and umbilical cord) sample from a sheep that was positive in the serology. The present study provides evidence of the occurrence of T. gondii DNA in the organs of the reproductive system, placenta and fetus of a naturally infected sheep.

Objetivou-se estudar a ocorrência de anticorpos contra Toxoplasma gondii e detectar o DNA genômico do parasito em órgãos reprodutivos, fetos e anexos fetais de ovelhas em matadouros no estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. Foram coletadas amostras de soro sanguíneo, útero, trompas e ovários, além de fetos e placentas. Para a triagem utilizou-se a técnica de Imunofluorescência Indireta (RIFI) e para a detecção do DNA de T. gondii empregou-se a Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase (PCR) nos animais positivos na sorologia e em todos os fetos e anexos fetais. Na sorologia, 13/50 amostras foram positivas e o DNA genômico de T. gondii foi detectado em uma amostra de útero, trompa, ovário, placenta e feto (coração, cérebro e cordão umbilical) de uma ovelha positiva na sorologia. A identidade molecular dos produtos amplificados foi confirmada por sequenciamento. Neste estudo comprova-se a ocorrência do DNA de T. gondii em órgãos do sistema reprodutivo, placenta e feto de ovelha naturalmente infectada.

Detection of Mycobacterium bovis in bovine and bubaline tissues using nested-PCR for TbD1.

In the present study, a nested-PCR system, targeting the TbD1 region, involving the performance of conventional PCR followed by real-time PCR, was developed to detect Mycobacterium bovis in bovine/bubaline tissue homogenates. The sensitivity and specificity of the reactions were assessed with DNA samples extracted from tuberculous and non-tuberculous mycobacteria, as well as other actinomycetales species and DNA samples extracted directly from bovine and bubaline tissue homogenates. In terms of analytical sensitivity, the DNA of M. bovis AN5 was detected up to 1.56 ng with conventional PCR, 97.6 pg with real-time PCR, and 1.53 pg with nested-PCR in the reaction mixture. The nested-PCR exhibited 100% analytical specificity for M. bovis when tested with the DNA of reference strains of environmental mycobacteria and closely-related Actinomycetales. A clinical sensitivity value of 76.0% was detected with tissue samples from animals that exhibited positive results in the comparative intradermal tuberculin test (CITT), as well as from those with lesions compatible with tuberculosis (LCT) that rendered positive cultures. A clinical specificity value of 100% was detected with tissue samples from animals with CITT- results, with no visible lesions (NVL) and negative cultures. No significant differences were found between the nested-PCR and culture in terms of detecting CITT+ animals with LCT or with NVL. No significant differences were recorded in the detection of CITT- animals with NVL. However, nested-PCR detected a significantly higher number of positive animals than the culture in the group of animals exhibiting LCT with no previous records of CITT. The use of the nested-PCR assay to detect M. bovis in tissue homogenates provided a rapid diagnosis of bovine and bubaline tuberculosis.

Ecocardiograma transesofágico tridimensional em tempo real: avaliação de próteses valvares / Evaluation of prosthetic valves by real time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography at PROCAPE/UPE

O ecocardiograma tem-se tornado um dos mais importantes instrumentos de imagem na cardiologia atual, favorecido por significativa evolução tecnológica permitindo seu avanço em curto espaço de tempo, desde uma representação unidimensional seguida pelo estudo bidimensional, pela inclusão das diversas técnicas de Doppler e, mais recentemente, da tecnologia tridimensional. O ecocardiograma tridimensional em tempo real foi introduzido nos anos noventa limitado, inicialmente, ao estudo transtorácico. Somente a partir de 2007, tornou-se disponível comercialmente uma sonda transesofágica capaz de obter imagens tridimensionais em tempo real. Objetivo: Descrever a experiência do laboratório de ecocardiografia do Pronto Socorro Cardiológico da Universidade de Pernambuco (PROCAPE-PE) no estudo de próteses valvares, avaliando a qualidade das imagens obtidas pelo ecocardiograma transesofágico tridimensional (ETE3D), comparando-as com os achados do exame bidimensional e a correlacionando-as com os dados obtidos nos casos de procedimentos cirúrgicos associados. Material e Métodos: Durante o período de março/2009 a julho/2012 foram avaliadas 273 próteses em 208 pacientes com o ecocardiógrafo Philips iE33 equipado com sonda transesofágica X7-2t(Philips Medical Systems, Bothell, WA,USA). As imagens tridimensionais adquiridas nos exames foram enviadas à estação de trabalho equipada com o software QLab 6.0(Philips Medical System) para posterior revisão off-line. Foram avaliados 105(50,5%) pacientes do sexo masculino e 103 (49,5%) do sexo feminino. A idade variou de 14 a 81 anos (51 + ou menos 2,2 anos). Do total das próteses avaliadas, 221 (81%) eram biológicas (150 na posição mitral, 68 na posição aórtica e 3 na posição tricúspide) e 52 (19%) eram mecânicas (35 na posição mitral e 17 na posição aórtica). As imagens foram adquiridas preferencialmente no modo 3D zoom e forneceram informação adicional considerada útil na maioria dos casos, sobretudoi no estudo das próteses na...

Echocardiography is the technique of choice for the anatomical and functional assessment of cardiac structures. From 2007 onwards was commercially available a probe for the performance of three-dimensional transesophageal examinations in real time. Objective: We describe the experience of the echocardiography laboratory from PROCAPE/University of Pernambuco/Brazil with the real time 3D TEE in the evaluation of prosthetic valves Material and methods: From March/2009 to July/2012 had been evaluated 273 valve prostheses in 208 patients. The equipment used was a Philips iE33 (Philips Medical Systems®, Bothell, WA, USA) equipped with transesophageal probe X7-2t. Three-dimensional images, acquired by modes 3D zoom and full volume, were processed and reviewed, when necessary, in a work station equipped with the program QLab 6.0®. The patients were male (105 – 50.5 %) and female (103 – 49.5 %). The age ranged from 14 to 81 years (51±2.2 years). Total of prostheses evaluated, 221 (81 %) were biological (150 in the mitral position, 68 in the aortic position and 3 in the tricuspid position) and 52 (19 %) were mechanical (35 in the mitral position and 17 in the aortic position).Three-dimensional images have provided additional information, allowing the identification of severa...

HIV or human papillomavirus co-infection among Brazilian individuals infected with hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence of co-infection with HIV and human papillomavirus (HPV) among Brazilian individuals with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted that enrolled 103 individuals from the Ceará region of Brazil between January 4, 2010, and August 9, 2012. Eligible participants were men (n=45) or women (n=58) infected with HBV and/or HCV. Pap smears were collected from female patients. Material from male (urethra) and female (cervix) patients was then collected via DNA-HPV test and visual inspection with acetic acid. RESULTS: In all, 48 participants tested positive for HBV and 55 tested positive for HCV; 2 had dual infection with HBV and HCV. Co-infection with HIV was detected among 15 participants, whereas 20 participants were found to be co-infected with HPV. CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of co-infection with HIV and HPV was detected among Brazilian individuals with HBV and/or HCV.

Sex-specific hemodynamic and non-hemodynamic determinants of aortic root size in hypertensive subjects with left ventricular hypertrophy.

Aortic root (AoR) dilatation is more frequently observed in hypertensive individuals and is independently associated with left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy. Although the LV structure has sex-specific predictors, it remains unknown whether there are gender-related differences in the determinants of AoR size. We carried out a cross-sectional analysis of clinical, laboratory, anthropometric, funduscopic and echocardiographic features of 438 hypertensive patients with LV hypertrophy (266 women and 172 men). Women with enlarged AoR had higher cardiac output (P=0.0004), decreased peripheral vascular resistance (P=0.009), higher prevalence of mild aortic regurgitation (P=0.02) and increased waist circumference (P=0.04), whereas AoR-dilated men presented with a higher prevalence of concentric LV hypertrophy (P=0.0008) and mild aortic regurgitation (P=0.005) and increased log C-reactive protein levels (P=0.02), compared with sex-matched normal AoR subjects. In women, AoR dilatation associated with cardiac output, mild aortic regurgitation and waist circumference in a multivariate model including age, body surface area, height, homeostasis model assessment index, LV mass index, diastolic blood pressure, menopause status and use of antihypertensive medications as independent variables. Conversely, AoR dilatation associated with LV relative wall thickness, log C-reactive protein and mild aortic regurgitation without contributions from diastolic blood pressure, height, body surface area, LV mass index, peripheral vascular resistance and antihypertensive medications in men. Taken together, these results suggest that both volume overload and abdominal obesity are related to AoR dilatation in hypertensive women, whereas AoR enlargement is associated more with inflammatory and myocardial growth-related parameters in hypertensive men with LV hypertrophy.

Laser surface treatment of hydroxyapatite for enhanced tissue integration: surface characterization and osteoblastic interaction studies.

Biocompatibility has long been associated with surface microtopography, microtexture, and microchemistry. The surface topography eventually affects the nature and the intensity of the interactions that occur at biomaterial-biological interface (cell adhesion, mobility, spreading, and proliferation). Therefore, it is necessary to produce and work with controlled microtopographical surfaces that present reproducible microdomains of a dimension similar to that of the biological elements of interest (in this case, osteoblasts). There are a number of substrates that already have been studied in terms of surface topography; however, few studies are related to hydroxyapatite (HA) substrates. As it is well established, HA is a well-known ceramic that is extremely used in medical applications, namely implants and coatings. In this work, the surface topography of dense HA substrates was altered by using KFr excimer laser. The surface was characterized by atomic force microscopy and contact angle measurements, while the cell distribution and morphology was assessed by scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Results revealed that the surface is characterized by a homogeneous columnar structure with high specific area. Moreover, cells were able to attach and spread on the surface of the samples, and gradually grow into nearly confluent monolayers.

Perfil de mulheres portadoras de lesões cervicais por HPV quanto aos fatores de rsico para câncer de colo uterino / Womens's profile with cervical lesions for HPV as for the risk factors for cancer of cervix

Objetiva identificar os fatores que contribuem para o desenvolvimento de alterações celulares malignas para o câncer cervical em mulheres portadoras de lesões por HPV

Câncer cervical: prevenção primária ou secundária? / Cervical cancer: primary or secondary level prevention?

O MInistério da Saúde tem como meta a prevenção da mortalidade materna por câncer cervical através de um programa de rastreamento com o teste de Papanicolaou, visando a detecção precoce da doença, prevenção secundária e o tratamento adequado das lesões