Performance of immunological assays for universal and differential diagnosis of HTLV-1/2 infection in candidates for blood donations from the Brazilian Amazon.

The present study compares the ability of distinct immunological assays (chemiluminescence immunoassay-CLIA, western blot-WB and flow cytometry-FC-Simplex and Duplex) to detect anti-HTLV (human T-lymphotropic virus) antibodies in candidates for blood donations at the Amazonas State Blood Center (Brazil) between January 2018 and December 2022. Overall, 257,942 samples from candidates for blood donations were screened using CLIA, which led to 0.15% seropositivity for HTLV (409 samples). A total of 151 candidates for blood donations were enrolled for retesting with CLIA followed by additional testing using WB and FC-Simplex and Duplex analysis. Our results demonstrated that 62% (93/151), 20% (30/151) and 17% (26/151) of the samples presented positive results with retesting using CLIA, WB and FC-Simplex analysis, respectively. Additional analysis of the CLIA, WB and FC-Simplex results revealed an overall agreement of 56% for CLIA and WB (22 co-negative; 30 co-positive samples), 48% for CLIA and FC-Simplex (21 co-negative; 24 co-positive samples) and 80% for WB and FC-Simplex (51 co-negative; 23 co-positive samples). Considering the WB as the reference standard for the diagnosis of infection with HTLV-1/2, we observed that the CLIA results of ≤3.0 RLU and >10.0 RLU in the retest can be used define a negative or positive result, respectively, and could be used as new specific cut-off values. The overall agreement between WB and FC-Duplex for accomplishing the differential diagnosis was evaluated and demonstrated 100% correspondence for the diagnosis of HTLV-1 (15/15) and HTLV-2 (7/7). Our findings demonstrate that gaps in the diagnosis of infection with HTLV-1/2 could be overcome by the simultaneous use of distinct immunological assays during retesting of candidates for blood donations.

New blend of renewable bioplastic based on starch and acetylated xylan with high resistance to oil and water vapor.

Renewable materials of biological origin exhibit attractive properties in relation to traditional plastics, as they can be partially or completely replaced, thereby reducing environmental impacts. Hemicelluloses are a group of polysaccharides that have expanded applications when acetylated. Acetylation can improve the mechanical strength and water vapor barrier properties of xylan-based bioplastics. By partially acetylating xylan in the present study, it was possible to use water as a solvent for the film-forming solution and starch as a second polysaccharide in the formation of bioplastics. Xylan was modified via partial chemical acetylation by varying the reaction time, solvent, and catalyst content. The bioplastics were formed by non-acetylated xylan and acetylated xylan with degrees of substitution (DS) of 0.45 and 0.9, respectively, with starch to form blends using glycerol as a plasticizer. Acetylation with DS 0.45 showed better results in increasing the hydrophilicity of the bioplastic. On the other hand, acetylation influenced the thermal stability of bioplastics, increasing the maximum temperature of the degradation rate from 302 °C to 329 °C and 315 °C, owing to changes in the crystallinity of the polymers. In addition to the modulus of elasticity 2.99 to 290.61 and 274.67 MPa for the non-acetylated bioplastic and the bioplastic with DS of 0.45 and 0.90, respectively. Thus, the films obtained presented suitable physicochemical properties for use in various industrial applications, such as active and intelligent packaging in the food sector.

Quality of life and factors associated among public university employees retired due to disabilities / Qualidade de vida e fatores associados entre servidores aposentados por invalidez de universidades públicas / Calidad de vida y factores asociados de empleados jubilados por invalidez de universidades públicas

Abstract Objective: to analyze quality of life and factors associated among public university employees retired due to disabilities. Method: a cross-sectional study conducted with a sample of public university employees retired due to disabilities. A characterization questionnaire and the World Health Organization Quality of Life - Disabilities instrument were applied via telephone or online contacts from November 2019 to September 2020. The associated factors were verified through multiple linear regression. Results: of the 80 retirees due to disability, 15% were professors and 85% had a technical-administrative career. As for the factors associated with Quality of Life, continuous medication use (βadj: -0.25; p=0.02) and problems in the nervous system (βadj: -0.21; p<0.05) were associated with the Overall domain; continuous medication use (βadj: -0.23; p=0.04), to the Physical domain; smoking (βadj: -0.21; p<0.05) and mental and behavioral disorders (βadj: -0.21; p<0.01), to the Psychological domain; smoking (βadj: -0.46; p<0.01) and respiratory (βadj: -0.21; p=0.03) and circulatory (βadj: -0.21; p=0.03) problems, to the Social domain; smoking (βadj: -0.33; p<0.01) and problems in the nervous system (βadj: -0.22; p=0.04), to the Environmental domain; mental and behavioral disorders, to the Disabilities module (βadj: -0.29; p<0.01) and to the Discrimination domain (βadj: -0.21; p<0.05); and smoking (βadj: -0.32; p<0.01) and problems in the nervous system (βadj: -0.20; p<0.05), to the Inclusion domain. The Autonomy domain did not present any association. Conclusion: the retirees under study presented impaired Quality of Life.

Resumo Objetivo: analisar a qualidade de vida e os fatores associados entre servidores de universidades públicas aposentados por invalidez. Método: estudo transversal, com amostra de servidores aposentados por invalidez de universidades públicas. Um questionário de caracterização e o World Health Organization Quality of Life - Disabilities foram aplicados por contato telefônico ou online no período de novembro de 2019 a setembro de 2020. Verificaram-se os fatores associados por regressão linear múltipla. Resultados: dos 80 aposentados por invalidez, 15% eram docentes e 85% da carreira técnica-administrativa. Quanto aos fatores associados à qualidade de vida, o uso de medicação contínua (βaj: -0,25; p=0,02) e os problemas do sistema nervoso (βaj: -0,21; p<0,05) associaram-se ao domínio Overall; o uso de medicação contínua (βaj: -0,23; p=0,04) ao domínio físico; o tabagismo (βaj: -0,21; p<0,05) e os transtornos mentais e comportamentais (βaj: -0,21; p<0,01) ao domínio psicológico; o tabagismo (βaj: -0,46; p<0,01), os problemas respiratórios (βaj: -0,21; p=0,03) e circulatórios (βaj: -0,21; p=0,03) ao domínio social; o tabagismo (βaj: -0,33; p<0,01) e os problemas do sistema nervoso (βaj: -0,22; p=0,04) ao domínio ambiental; os transtornos mentais e comportamentais ao módulo incapacidades (βaj: -0,29; p<0,01) e ao domínio discriminação (βaj: -0,21; p<0,05); o tabagismo (βaj: -0,32; p<0,01) e os problemas do sistema nervoso (βaj: -0,20; p<0,05) ao domínio inclusão. O domínio autonomia não apresentou associação. Conclusão: os aposentados estudados apresentaram uma qualidade de vida prejudicada.

Resumen Objetivo: analizar la calidad de vida y los factores asociados de empleados de universidades públicas jubilados por invalidez. Método: estudio transversal, con una muestra de trabajadores jubilados por invalidez de universidades públicas. Se aplicó un cuestionario de caracterización y el World Health Organization Quality of Life - Disabilities mediante contacto telefónico u online desde noviembre de 2019 hasta septiembre de 2020. Los factores asociados se verificaron mediante regresión lineal múltiple. Resultados: de los 80 jubilados por invalidez, el 15% era docente y el 85% era técnico-administrativo. En cuanto a los factores asociados a la calidad de vida, el uso continuo de medicamentos (βaj: -0,25; p=0,02) y los problemas del sistema nervioso (βaj: -0,21; p<0,05) se asociaron al dominio overall; el uso continuo de medicamentos (βaj: -0,23; p=0,04) el dominio físico; el tabaquismo (βaj: -0,21; p<0,05) y los trastornos mentales y conductuales (βaj: -0,21; p<0,01) al dominio psicológico; el tabaquismo (βaj: -0,46; p<0,01), los problemas respiratorios (βaj: -0,21; p=0,03) y circulatorios (βaj:-0,21;p=0,03) al dominio social; el tabaquismo (βaj: -0,33; p<0,01) y los problemas del sistema nervioso (βaj: -0,22; p=0,04) al dominio ambiental; los trastornos mentales y conductuales al módulo discapacidad (βaj: -0,29; p<0,01) y al dominio discriminación (βaj: -0,21; p<0,05); el tabaquismo (βaj: -0,32; p<0,01) y los problemas del sistema nervioso (βaj: -0,20; p<0,05) al dominio inclusión. El dominio autonomía no mostró asociación. Conclusión: la calidad de vida de los jubilados por invalidez que participaron del estudio estaba deteriorada.

Factors associated with work activity of technical-administrative staff from state universities retired due to disability.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the factors associated with the type of work activity performed by university technical-administrative staff retired due to disability. METHOD: Cross-sectional research with 68 workers, conducted using an electronic questionnaire between November 2019 and September 2020. Data were collected on sociodemographic, occupational characterization and causes of disability. Data were analyzed descriptively and by multiple logistic regressions. RESULTS: Health professionals were more likely to have mental and behavioral disorders, associated with females and regardless of age. The chances of the nervous system diseases were higher in workers who performed administrative work, being associated with higher education. Operational employees were more likely to have musculoskeletal diseases associated with primary and secondary education and were male, regardless of age. CONCLUSION: There was an association between work activity performed before retirement and the diseases responsible for disability, with differences between gender, age, and educational levels.

"Hora do colinho": colo como terapia humanizada para recém-nascidos de unidade de cuidados intermediários neonatal / "Colinho time": colo as humanized therapy for newborns / "Colinho time": colo como terapia humanizada para recién nacidos

Objetivo: Relatar a importância da oferta do colo para recén nascidos que estão em uma Unidade de Cuidados Intermediários Neonatal com vínculo materno ou familiar rompido pelo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo do tipo relato experiência embasado na implantação do projeto "hora do colinho" em um hospital público de referência, localizado na cidade de João Pessoa/Paraíba. Resultados: Foi observado que a oferta do colo não tinha impacto apenas na redução do estresse e da dor nos recémnascidos, mas no ganho ponderal do peso à medida que o gasto de energia era minimizado através da diminuição do choro. O tempo de permanência na unidade influenciado pelo peso também sofreu decréscimo ao se comparar com os meses anteriores ao estudo. Conclusão: A hora do colinho proporcionou o fortalecimento do acolhimento em ambientes que são notoriamente reconhecidos como estressantes, tanto para pacientes quanto para profissionais. Ampliou-se a humanização na assistência de enfermagem neonatal durante o período pandêmico e o relacionamento entre equipe e familiares dos recém nascidos. (AU)

Objective: To report the importance of offering the cervix for newborns who are in a Neonatal Intermediate Care Unit with a maternal or family bond broken by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Methods: This is a descriptive study of the experience report type, based on the implementation of the "colo time" project in a public reference hospital, located in the city of João Pessoa/Paraíba. Results: It was observed that the offer of the cervix had an impact not only on reducing stress and pain in newborns, but on the weight gain in weight as energy expenditure was minimized through the reduction of crying. The length of stay in the unit influenced by weight also decreased when compared to the months prior to the study. Conclusion: Colinho time provided the strengthening of reception in environments that are notoriously recognized as stressful, both for patients and professionals. The humanization of neonatal nursing care during the pandemic period and the relationship between the team and the newborns' families was expanded. (AU)

Objetivo: Informar sobre la importancia de ofrecer toque y regazo a los RN que se encuentran en una Unidad de Cuidados Intermedios Neonatales y que tuvieron sus vínculos maternos os familiares quebrantados por el SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Métodos: Se trata de un estudio descriptivo del tipo relato de experiencia, basado en la implementación del proyecto "tiempo colinho" en una Unidad de Atención Neonatal Intermedia en un hospital público de referencia para Covid-19, ubicado en la ciudad de João Pessoa, Paraíba. Resultados: Se observó que la oferta del cérvix no solo incidió en la reducción del estrés y el dolor en los recién nacidos, sino en el aumento de peso en peso ya que se minimizó el gasto energético a través de la reducción del llanto. En consecuencia, la estancia en la unidad influida por el peso también disminuyó con respecto a los últimos meses previos a este estudio. Conclusión: colinho time proporcionó el fortalecimiento de la recepción en entornos notoriamente reconocidos como estresantes tanto para pacientes como para profesionales. Además, amplió la humanización de los cuidados de enfermería neonatal durante el período pandémico y posibilitó la relación entre el equipo y las familias de los RN, brindando oportunidades para un mayor vínculo entre ellos, sin mencionar claramente una mayor implicación entre profesionales y pacientes. (AU)

Quality of life and factors associated among public university employees retired due to disabilities.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze quality of life and factors associated among public university employees retired due to disabilities. METHOD: a cross-sectional study conducted with a sample of public university employees retired due to disabilities. A characterization questionnaire and the World Health Organization Quality of Life - Disabilities instrument were applied via telephone or online contacts from November 2019 to September 2020. The associated factors were verified through multiple linear regression. RESULTS: of the 80 retirees due to disability, 15% were professors and 85% had a technical-administrative career. As for the factors associated with Quality of Life, continuous medication use (ßadj: -0.25; p=0.02) and problems in the nervous system (ßadj: -0.21; p<0.05) were associated with the Overall domain; continuous medication use (ßadj: -0.23; p=0.04), to the Physical domain; smoking (ßadj: -0.21; p<0.05) and mental and behavioral disorders (ßadj: -0.21; p<0.01), to the Psychological domain; smoking (ßadj: -0.46; p<0.01) and respiratory (ßadj: -0.21; p=0.03) and circulatory (ßadj: -0.21; p=0.03) problems, to the Social domain; smoking (ßadj: -0.33; p<0.01) and problems in the nervous system (ßadj: -0.22; p=0.04), to the Environmental domain; mental and behavioral disorders, to the Disabilities module (ßadj: -0.29; p<0.01) and to the Discrimination domain (ßadj: -0.21; p<0.05); and smoking (ßadj: -0.32; p<0.01) and problems in the nervous system (ßadj: -0.20; p<0.05), to the Inclusion domain. The Autonomy domain did not present any association. CONCLUSION: the retirees under study presented impaired Quality of Life.

Influencing factors for microplastic intake in abundant deep-sea lanternfishes (Myctophidae).

Plastic debris is ubiquitous in the hydrosphere. Yet, we lack an understanding of contamination among deep-sea species and primarily how each trait can influence microplastic intake. We investigated microplastic contamination in the digestive tract of hyper-abundant mesopelagic lanternfishes (n = 364 individuals) from the Southwestern Tropical Atlantic, captured from 90 to 1000 m depth. Overall, microplastics were detected in most individuals analysed (frequency of occurrence = 68 %). Large microplastics, mostly of a filamentous shape were the most frequent, followed by smaller fragments and foams. Microplastics made of high-density polymers (PET, PVC, PA, SBR rubber) were more prevalent than low-density ones (PE, EVA and PBD rubber), especially under deeper layers. Larger microplastics were detected in lanternfishes captured off the northeastern Brazilian coast (mean 0.88 ± SE 0.06 mm) compared to those from around the Rocas Atoll and Fernando de Noronha Archipelago (0.70 ± 0.07 mm; p≤ 0.05), ∼350 km from the continent. Moreover, lanternfishes that migrate from the upper mesopelagic (200-500 m) to the epipelagic layers (<200 m) had simultaneously the highest intake and the smallest particles (1.65 ± 0.17 particles individual-1 and 0.55 ± 0.07 mm; p≤ 0.05). Biological mediated transport of microplastics from the epipelagic to the mesopelagic waters was evinced, but fishes foraging in shallower layers had the lowest intake (1.11 ± 0.10 part. ind.-1; p≤ 0.05). Furthermore, the jaw length was positively associated with an increment in microplastic intake (Incidence Rate Ratio = 1.1; p≤ 0.05). The lanternfishes that preferably prey upon fish larvae are more prone to microplastic intake than their counterparts, which forage mostly on crustaceans and gelatinous zooplankton (p≤ 0.05).

An umbrella systematic review of the effect of physical exercise on mental health of women in menopause.

IMPORTANCE: The menopausal transition has been related to worsening mental health. The literature also points out that being physically active during menopause is associated with a favorable effect on climacteric symptoms, specifically on psychological aspects. OBJECTIVES: The aims of the study are to analyze the effects of physical activity on mental health during menopause through an umbrella review and to evaluate the quality of the included Systematic Reviews and meta-analyses (MAs). EVIDENCE REVIEW: A MeaSurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the included studies and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation was applied to assess the level of the evidence of the results. In addition, the effect size of the revised meta-analyses (MAs) was calculated. FINDINGS: A total of 9 systematic reviews/MAs were included, published between 2014 and 2020. In the A MeaSurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews methodological quality assessment, 8 studies were classified as "high quality" and 1 as "low quality." In terms of quality of the evidence for each result through the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation classification, approximately 75% of the studies were classified as "moderate quality," 22.2% as "high quality," and 22.2% as "low quality," with the greatest bias concerning the high heterogeneity of the included studies. In addition, the studies showed low overlap. Despite the high heterogeneity, we can highlight the importance of the practice of physical activity by women in menopause, to prevent and/or reduce problems related to mental health. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: There was a positive effect of the interventions on depression, however, with no difference between durations (short or long). Regarding stress, the interventions applied did not show a positive effect. The studies that investigated depression linked to anxiety presented conflicting results.

Mat Pilates and belly dance: Effects on patient-reported outcomes among breast cancer survivors receiving hormone therapy and adherence to exercise.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer treatment leads to several side effects. Exercise can help to reduce these side effects. However, it is unknown whether a mat Pilates or a belly dance intervention can improve the patient-reported outcomes of these women. OBJECTIVE: Examine the effects of a 16-week exercise intervention (mat Pilates or belly dance) on patient reported outcomes (PROs) among breast cancer survivors, at 16 weeks, six months, and 12 months; and investigate sociodemographic and clinical predictors of intervention adherence. METHODS: Seventy-four breast cancer survivors who were receiving hormone therapy were randomly allocated into mat Pilates (n = 25), belly dance (n = 25) or control group (educational sessions) (n = 24). Mat Pilates and belly dance groups received a 16-week intervention, delivered three days a week and 60 min a session. The control group received three education sessions and continue usual care. The patient reported outcomes assessed were depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory), stress (Perceived Stress Scale), optimism (Life Orientation Test), fatigue (FACT-F), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) and pain (VAS), clinical and sociodemographic characteristics, and habitual physical activity (IPAQ short). RESULTS: All three groups showed a significant improvement in fatigue, and this effect was maintained during follow-up. No significant effects were found for depressive symptoms, optimism, stress, or pain. A history of exercise prior to breast cancer and be inactive after diagnosis were significant predictors of adherence to interventions. CONCLUSION: Mat Pilates, belly dance and a few educational sessions can be effective in improving fatigue after 16 weeks of intervention. REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03194997).

Association between menopausal symptoms, sexual function, and sexual activity - a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: To analyse the possible association between menopausal symptoms (somatic-vegetative, psychological, and urogenital) and sexual function with the maintenance of the sexual activity of women in menopause. Material and methods: This cross-sectional study comprised 96 menopausal women aged 40-59 (52.88 ±4.05) years, who presented a positive score to the menopause rating scale (MRS) and had serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone ≥ 25 IU/ml. Participants who used hormone replacement therapy were excluded. Results: It was observed that participants who had an active sexual life had lower medians in the somatic-vegetative (p < 0.001) and psychological symptoms (p = 0.006), as well as in the general score (p = 0.001) at the MRS; in addition, they had better sexual function in 4 domains (p < 0.005): excitement, lubrication, orgasm, and pain, as well as in the total score of the female sexual function index questionnaire (p < 0.005). It was also found that, regardless of the type of menopause (surgical or natural), women who did not engage in sexual activity had a score of 5.651 points more in the MRS (p = 0.004), demonstrating that the practice of sexual activity predicts in 10.4% the variation in the symptom score. Conclusions: Menopausal women who maintain sexual activity had a lower score on the menopause symptom score and better sexual function compared to those who did not perform sexual activity.

Associated factors of professional burnout among faculty members of graduate stricto sensu programs in language teaching and linguistics: a cross-sectional study

Abstract BACKGROUND: The burnout syndrome can be avoided and/or have its signs and symptoms reduced by knowing the five associated factors that help identify the health and working conditions of the professors of graduate programs. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the factors associated with burnout among faculty members of graduate stricto sensu programs. DESIGN AND SETTING: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 585 faculty members of Graduate Programs in Language Teaching and Linguistics in Brazil. METHODS: Data were collected through an online questionnaire. The outcomes were the dimensions of burnout and its related factors identified through multiple templates of logistic regression. RESULTS: Faculty members with increased chances of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization mentioned the use of medications due to labor activities. The negative influence of pace and intensity of work, thoughts about quitting the program, and having to produce three or more scientific articles were associated with higher chances of emotional exhaustion, while having to achieve nine hours per week in undergraduate programs was related to reduced personal accomplishment. Having a conjugal relationship, satisfaction with health and work, post-doctoral degree, autonomy, and good interpersonal relationships with faculty members of the program reduced the chances of emotional exhaustion. Reduced chances of depersonalization occurred among those who were satisfied with work, had good interpersonal relationships with advisees and faculty members, and received productivity funding. CONCLUSION: Sociodemographic, health, and occupational factors related to the dimensions of burnout were identified.

Percepções de mulheres trabalhadoras sobre gestação e os sentidos do trabalho / Working women's perceptions on pregnancy and the meanings of work

Trabalhar é essencial para a vida dos indivíduos e seu sentido é construído a partir das percepções subjetivas e do contexto socio-histórico de cada um. No entanto, para muitas mulheres, alguns marcos da vida, como a gestação, exigem grande reorganização da sua própria identidade e de suas prioridades. Nesse sentido, esta pesquisa tentou compreender os sentidos do trabalho para mulheres em período gestacional. Oito gestantes trabalhadoras foram entrevistadas e os dados submetidos à análise de conteúdo. Logo, pôde-se verificar que, para as entrevistadas, um trabalho que tenha sentido é o que proporciona prazer, satisfação e realização. Sobre o trabalho e a gestação, apesar de notarem mudanças no modo de realização das atividades laborais, as mulheres não consideraram a gravidez um impeditivo, reforçando a ideia de trabalho como fonte de segurança financeira e de subsistência. Dessa forma, identifica-se um deslocamento dos sentidos do trabalho que antes eram predominantemente positivos, e, durante a gestação, um fortalecimento da perspectiva instrumental. Percepções sobre trabalho e gestação corroboram com a compreensão de centralidade dos fenômenos e com a reflexão sobre as mudanças que a gestação pode trazer à vida das trabalhadoras e ao seu vínculo com o trabalho

Working is central to the individuals' lives and its meaning is constructed from subjective perceptions and by the social-historical context of each person. However, for many women, life milestones such as pregnancy, require a great reorganization of their own identity and of their priorities. In this sense, this research tried to understand the meanings of work for pregnant women. Eight pregnant workers were interviewed, and the data were submitted to content analysis. Thus, we could observe that, for the interviewees, a meaningful job is what provides pleasure, satisfaction, and fulfillment. Regarding work and pregnancy, despite noticing changes in the way of carrying out work activities, women do not consider pregnancy to be an impediment, reinforcing the idea of work as a source of financial security and subsistence. In this way, we identified a shift in the meanings of work that were previously predominantly positive, and, during pregnancy, the strengthening of the instrumental perspective. Perceptions about work and pregnancy corroborate the understanding of the centrality of the phenomena and the reflection on the changes that pregnancy can bring to the worker's life and to the bond with work

The Effect of Body Practices and Physical Exercise on Sexual Function of Menopausal Women. A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

Objective: To review randomized clinical trials on Body Practices (BP) and Physical Exercise (PE) in menopausal women and describe their effect on sexual function. Methods: Searches carried out electronically in five databases, with a temporal criterion of 10 years of publication, from August to September 2022. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed using the Cochrane collaboration scale and PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database Physiotherapy Evidence Database) scale score. Results: The majority of the studies presented a "'low" or "'uncertain" risk of bias. The instruments for assessing sexual function were heterogeneous. Interventions included mindfulness, relaxation hypnosis, Kegel exercises, yoga, and aerobic exercise, and generally lasted 12 weeks. Seven studies were included, of which six made up the meta-analysis, showing high heterogeneity (I2 = 94.2%; p < 0.0001). The analysis of subgroups with BP showed high heterogeneity (I2 = 94.2%; p < 0.01); interventions with PE presented more favorable results (I2 = 0%; 0; p = 0.90); the sexual function instruments showed high heterogeneity (I2 = 90%; p < 0.01); and instruments of quality of life and menopausal symptoms with domains of sexual function presented favorable results for BP and PE (I2 = 0%; p = 0.63). The funnel chart presents the studies in a dispersed manner, which implies publication bias. Conclusions: Interventions with PE proved to be more efficient compared to BP, however, there are a low number of studies with PE, and those found are limited to aerobic training, without sufficient data on intensity, volume, and frequency. Further studies with PE are needed for the treatment of sexual function symptoms in order to more comprehensively describe their effect.

Factors Associated with Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Breast Cancer Survivors from the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil: Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Oxygen consumption (VO2 ) is indicative of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and lower levels are related to a higher risk of total mortality among individuals with cancer whose therapy can have adverse consequences on the cardiovascular system. Objective: To examine the associations of patient-reported sociodemographic, clinical, anthropometric outcomes and functional variables with CRF in 69 women (55±10 years) and to identify whether walking is a predictor of peak VO2 variation in this population with breast cancer (BC). Method: Female BC survivors receiving hormone therapy after two types of surgery (breast-conserving and mastectomy) underwent a CRF test on a cycle ergometer to measure peak VO2 . A questionnaire containing sociodemographic, clinical data, patient reported outcomes (PROs) (depressive symptoms, sleep quality, fatigue, body image) and self-reported walking and tests to measure body fat percentage, waist circumference, flexibility and shoulder range of motion (RoM) were performed. Results: Unemployment and retirement were associated with low CRF, as was the use of aromatase inhibitors instead of tamoxifen. Depressive symptoms, worse body image, greater waist circumference, less flexibility and shoulder RoM were also associated with low CRF. Walking duration, controlled for age and body mass index (BMI), is a 13% predictor of peak VO2 variance in this sample. Conclusion: These factors must be considered in understanding the CRF profile of BC survivors. As walking was a predictor of peak VO2 variance, it should be recommended as a type of physical activity for patients with BC using hormone therapy.

Introdução: O consumo de oxigênio (VO2 ) é indicativo de aptidão cardiorrespiratória (ACR), e níveis mais baixos estão relacionados a um maior risco de mortalidade total entre indivíduos com câncer cuja terapia pode ter consequências adversas no sistema cardiovascular. Objetivo: Examinar as associações de desfechos sociodemográficos, clínicos, antropométricos relatados pelo paciente e variáveis funcionais com a ACR de 69 mulheres (55±10 anos), e identificar se a caminhada é um preditor de variação do pico de VO2 nessa população com câncer de mama (CM). Método: Mulheres sobreviventes de CM recebendo terapia hormonal após dois tipos de cirurgias (conservadora e mastectomia) realizaram um teste de ACR em cicloergômetro para medir o VO2 pico. Um questionário contendo dados sociodemográficos e clínicos; resultados relatados pelos pacientes (RRP) (sintomas depressivos, qualidade do sono, fadiga, imagem corporal); caminhada autorreferida; e testes para medir o percentual de gordura, circunferência da cintura, flexibilidade e amplitude do movimento ADM do ombro foram realizados. Resultados: Desemprego e aposentadoria foram associados à baixa ACR, assim como o uso de inibidores de aromatase ao invés de tamoxifeno. Sintomas depressivos, pior imagem corporal, maior circunferência da cintura, menor flexibilidade e ADM do ombro também foram associados à baixa ACR. A duração da caminhada, controlada por idade e índice de massa corporal (IMC), é um preditor de 13% da variância do VO2 pico nesta amostra. Conclusão: Tais fatores devem ser considerados na compreensão do perfil de ACR de sobreviventes de CM. Como a caminhada foi um preditor da variância do VO2 pico, deve ser recomendada atividade física para pacientes com CM em uso de hormonioterapia.

Introducción: El consumo de oxígeno (VO2 ) es indicativo de aptitud cardiorrespiratoria (ACR) y los niveles más bajos se relacionan con un mayor riesgo de mortalidad total entre las personas con cáncer cuya terapia puede tener consecuencias adversas sobre el sistema cardiovascular. Objetivo: Examinar las asociaciones de los resultados sociodemográficos, clínicos, antropométricos y variables funcionales informados por las pacientes con la ACR en 69 mujeres (55±10 años) e identificar si caminar es un predictor de la variación del VO2 máximo en esta población con cáncer de mama (CM). Método: Mujeres sobrevivientes de CM que recibieron terapia hormonal después de dos tipos de cirugía (conservadora y mastectomía) se sometieron a una prueba de ACR en un cicloergómetro para medir el VO2 máximo. Se aplicó un cuestionario que contenía datos sociodemográficos, clínicos, resultados informados por los pacientes (RIP) (síntomas depresivos, calidad del sueño, fatiga, imagen corporal) y caminata autoinformada y pruebas para medir el porcentaje de grasa corporal, la circunferencia de la cintura, la flexibilidad y el rango de movimiento (RoM) del hombro. Resultados: El desempleo y la jubilación se asociaron con una baja ACR, al igual que el uso de inhibidores de la aromatasa en lugar de tamoxifeno. Síntomas depresivos, peor imagen corporal, mayor perímetro de cintura, menor flexibilidad y RoM de los hombros también se asociaron con una baja ACR. La duración de la caminata, controlada por edad e índice de masa corporal (IMC), es un predictor del 13% de la variación del VO2 pico en esta muestra. Conclusión: Estos factores deben ser considerados para comprender el perfil de ACR de los sobrevivientes de CM. Como la caminata fue un predictor de la variación del VO2 pico, debe recomendarse actividad física para pacientes con CM en terapia hormonal.

Factors associated with work activity of technical-administrative staff from state universities retired due to disability / Factoresasociados a laactividad laboral de técnicos-administrativos de universidades estatales jubilados por invalidez / Fatores associados à atividade laboral de técnico-administrativos de universidades estaduais aposentados por invalidez

ABSTRACT Objective: To verify the factors associated with the type of work activity performed by university technical-administrative staff retired due to disability. Method: Cross-sectional research with 68 workers, conducted using an electronic questionnaire between November 2019 and September 2020. Data were collected on sociodemographic, occupational characterization and causes of disability. Data were analyzed descriptively and by multiple logistic regressions. Results: Health professionals were more likely to have mental and behavioral disorders, associated with females and regardless of age. The chances of the nervous system diseases were higher in workers who performed administrative work, being associated with higher education. Operational employees were more likely to have musculoskeletal diseases associated with primary and secondary education and were male, regardless of age. Conclusion: There was an association between work activity performed before retirement and the diseases responsible for disability, with differences between gender, age, and educational levels.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Verificar los factores asociados al tipo de trabajo desempeñado por trabajadores universitarios técnico-administrativos jubilados por invalidez. Método: Studio transversal con 68 trabajadores, realizada mediante cuestionario electrónico entre noviembre de 2019 y septiembre de 2020. Se recolectaron datos sociodemográficos, ocupacionales y causas de discapacidad. Los datos se analizaron de forma descriptiva y mediante regresiones logísticas múltiples. Resultados: Los profesionales de la salud tenían mayor probabilidad de presentar trastornos mentales y del comportamiento, asociados al sexo femenino e independientemente de la edad. Las posibilidades de enfermedades del sistema nervioso fueron mayores en los trabajadores que realizaban labores administrativas. Los servidores operativos tenían más probabilidades de tener enfermedades musculoesqueléticas asociadas a la educación primaria y secundaria y eran del sexo masculino, independientemente de la edad. Conclusión: Hubo asociación entre el trabajo realizado antes de la jubilación y las enfermedades responsables de la invalidez, con diferencias entre sexo, edad y nivel educativo.

RESUMO Objetivo: Verificar os fatores associados ao tipo de atividade laboral exercida por trabalhadores técnico-administrativos universitários aposentados por invalidez. Método: Pesquisa transversal com 68 trabalhadores, realizada por meio de questionário eletrônico entre novembro de 2019 e setembro de 2020. Foram coletados dados sobre a caracterização sociodemográfica, ocupacional e causas da invalidez. Os dados foram analisados descritivamente e por regressões logísticas múltiplas. Resultados: Os profissionais da saúde tiveram mais chances de apresentarem os transtornos mentais e comportamentais, associados ao sexo feminino e independentemente da idade. As chances de doenças do sistema nervoso foram maiores em trabalhadores que exerceram trabalho administrativo, sendo associadas ao ensino superior. Servidores operacionais apresentaram maiores chances de doenças osteomusculares associadas ao ensino fundamental e médio e ao sexo masculino, independentemente da idade. Conclusão: Houve associação da atividade laboral exercida anteriormente à aposentadoria com as doenças responsáveis pela invalidez, com diferenças entre sexo, idade e níveis educacionais.

Effects of diet-induced hypercholesterolemia and gold nanoparticles treatment on peripheral tissues.

Cholesterol is a lipid molecule of great biological importance to animal cells. Dysregulation of cholesterol metabolism leads to raised blood total cholesterol levels, a clinical condition called hypercholesterolemia. Evidence has shown that hypercholesterolemia is associated with the development of liver and heart disease. One of the mechanisms underlying heart and liver alterations induced by hypercholesterolemia is oxidative stress. In this regard, in several experimental studies, gold nanoparticles (AuNP) displayed antioxidant properties. We hypothesized that hypercholesterolemia causes redox system imbalance in the liver and cardiac tissues, and AuNP treatment could ameliorate it. Young adult male Swiss mice fed a regular rodent diet or a high cholesterol diet for eight weeks and concomitantly treated with AuNP (2.5 µg/kg) or vehicle by oral gavage. Hypercholesterolemia increased the nitrite concentration and glutathione (GSH) levels and decreased the liver's superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Also, hypercholesterolemia significantly enhanced the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and GSH levels in cardiac tissue. Notably, AuNP promoted the redox system homeostasis, increasing the SOD activity in hepatic tissue and reducing ROS levels in cardiac tissue. Overall, our data showed that hypercholesterolemia triggered oxidative stress in mice's liver and heart, which was partially prevented by AuNP treatment.

Associated factors of professional burnout among faculty members of graduate stricto sensu programs in language teaching and linguistics: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The burnout syndrome can be avoided and/or have its signs and symptoms reduced by knowing the five associated factors that help identify the health and working conditions of the professors of graduate programs. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the factors associated with burnout among faculty members of graduate stricto sensu programs. DESIGN AND SETTING: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 585 faculty members of Graduate Programs in Language Teaching and Linguistics in Brazil. METHODS: Data were collected through an online questionnaire. The outcomes were the dimensions of burnout and its related factors identified through multiple templates of logistic regression. RESULTS: Faculty members with increased chances of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization mentioned the use of medications due to labor activities. The negative influence of pace and intensity of work, thoughts about quitting the program, and having to produce three or more scientific articles were associated with higher chances of emotional exhaustion, while having to achieve nine hours per week in undergraduate programs was related to reduced personal accomplishment. Having a conjugal relationship, satisfaction with health and work, post-doctoral degree, autonomy, and good interpersonal relationships with faculty members of the program reduced the chances of emotional exhaustion. Reduced chances of depersonalization occurred among those who were satisfied with work, had good interpersonal relationships with advisees and faculty members, and received productivity funding. CONCLUSION: Sociodemographic, health, and occupational factors related to the dimensions of burnout were identified.

Prevalence of Tinnitus in Patients Diagnosed with Cerebral Arteriovenous Fistula Treated with Endovascular Technique

Abstract Introduction Tinnitus is characterized as the conscious and involuntary perception of sound, and it affects ~ 30% of the population. Despite careful physical examination, the etiology of tinnitus can be established for only 30% of patients. Tinnitus is a common symptom of cerebral arteriovenous fistulas and results from increased blood flow through the dural venous sinuses, leading to turbulent arterial flow, mainly related to sigmoid and transverse sinus lesions. Objectives To analyze the frequency of tinnitus, patient profile, and endovascular treatment characteristics in individuals diagnosed with cerebral arteriovenous fistulas. Methods A retrospective and observational study based on reviewed data from medical records on the PHILIPS Tasy system (Philips Healthcare, Cambridge, MA, USA) at the neurosurgery and interventional neuroradiology service of Hospital Santa Isabel in Blumenau-state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Results The profile of 68 individuals diagnosed with cerebral arteriovenous fistula who underwent endovascular treatment were analyzed. Most patients were female, aged 31 to 60. Tinnitus affected 18 individuals. Dural fistulas were the most prevalent in the sample, and computed tomography alone was the most used diagnostic method for initial investigation. Conclusion The prevalence of this symptom in patients diagnosed with cerebral arteriovenous fistula was found in 26.5% of this sample, mainly in women with associated comorbidities. Tinnitus remission was observed in all patients who underwent endovascular treatment to correct cerebral fistula.

Violência laboral contra professores da rede pública de nível fundamental e médio / Workplace violence against teachers of public elementar and high schools

O presente estudo teve por objetivo identificar a prevalência da violência laboral perpetrada contra professores da rede pública de nível fundamental e médio. Trata-se de um estudo transversal com dados coletados entre julho de 2018 e fevereiro de 2019, com 200 professores de 18 escolas públicas urbanas, de um município do interior do estado do Paraná, Brasil. Análises descritivas e inferenciais foram realizadas e razões de prevalência (RP) calculadas. A prevalência de atos violentos físicos e verbais foi de 3% e 28%, respectivamente, sendo cometidos principalmente por alunos do sexo masculino. A violência verbal foi mais frequente contra professores do sexo masculino (p=0,021; RP=1,12) e com mais de 40 anos (p=0,034; RP=1,10), ocorreu mais de três vezes no último ano, dentro da instituição e configurou-se em experiências que geraram perda da satisfação com o trabalho, permeadas por sentimento de injustiça e impotência. Pode-se concluir que os professores sofreram violência laboral de natureza física e verbal nos ambientes educacionais. (AU)

The objective of the present study is to identify theprevalence of workplace violence against teachers in public elementary and high schools. This is a cross-sectional study with data collected from July 2018 to February 2019, with 200 teachers from 18 urban public schools, in a municipality located in the center-west of the state of Paraná, Brazil. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed, and prevalence ratios (PR) were calculated. The prevalence of physical and verbal violent acts was 3% and 28%, respectively, and male students were the main agents. Verbal violence was more frequent against male teachers (p=0.021; PR=1.12) and those over 40 years old (p=0.034; PR=1.10), it occurred more than three times in the past year, within the educational environment and were events that resulted in loss of professional satisfaction associated with feelings of injustice and powerlessness. The study concluded that teachers suffered physical and verbal workplace violence in educational environments.(AU)

Effectiveness of the interventions against workplace violence suffered by health and support professionals: A meta-analysis. / Efetividade das intervenções contra violência no trabalho sofrida por profissionais de saúde e apoio: metanálise.

OBJECTIVE: to assess the effectiveness of the interventions targeted at preventing and reducing the workplace violence suffered by health and support professionals. METHOD: a systematic review with meta-analysis conducted in eight databases and in the gray literature. Risk of bias was assessed by means of the Cochrane tools and certainty of the evidence, through Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. The analysis was performed in a descriptive manner and through the meta-analysis, including a heterogeneity assessment. RESULTS: a total of 11 randomized and quasi-randomized studies were eligible, of which six (54.5%) implemented individual skills, four used a multiple approach (36.4%) and one (9.1%) resorted to governmental actions. Four studies (36.4%) exerted a positive and significant effect on reducing violence. Risk of bias was classified as high or uncertain. The meta-analysis was performed with two studies that tested individual skill (intervention group) versus individual skill (comparator group), although there was no scientific evidence (95% CI: -0.41 - 0.25, p=0.64) for the violence prevention/reduction outcome. CONCLUSION: this review did not obtain a high level of evidence in the prevention or reduction of workplace violence. The reduced number of randomized trials, the lack of studies with low risk of bias and the high consistency may have been factors that hindered recommending effective interventions.