Comparison of hyperspectral imaging and spectrometers for prediction of cheeses composition.

Artisanal cheeses are part of the heritage and identity of different countries or regions. In this work, we investigated the spectral variability of a wide range of traditional Brazilian cheeses and compared the performance of different spectrometers to discriminate cheese types and predict compositional parameters. Spectra in the visible (vis) and near infrared (NIR) region were collected, using imaging (vis/NIR-HSI and NIR-HSI) and conventional (NIRS) spectrometers, and it was determined the chemical composition of seven types of cheeses produced in Brazil. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that spectral variability in the vis/NIR spectrum is related to differences in color (yellowness index) and fat content, while in NIR there is a greater influence of productive steps and fat content. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLSDA) models based on spectral information showed greater accuracy than the model based on chemical composition to discriminate types of traditional Brazilian cheeses. Partial least squares (PLS) regression models based on vis/NIR-HSI, NIRS, NIR-HSI data and HSI spectroscopic data fusion (vis/NIR + NIR) demonstrated excellent performance to predict moisture content (RPD > 2.5), good ability to predict fat content (2.0 < RPD < 2.5) and can be used to discriminate between high and low protein values (∼1.5 < RPD < 2.0). The results obtained for imaging and conventional equipment are comparable and sufficiently accurate, so that both can be adapted to predict the chemical composition of the Brazilian traditional cheeses used in this study according to the needs of the industry.

[Food insecurity and household water insecurity: a population-based study in a municipality in the Amazon River basin, Brazil]. / Insegurança alimentar e insegurança hídrica domiciliar: um estudo de base populacional em um município da bacia hidrográfica do Rio Amazonas, Brasil.

This study analyzed food insecurity and associated factors in the urban area of a municipality in the Amazon River basin, Western Amazon. This is a cross-sectional population-based study conducted from August to November 2021 with 983 households selected by stratified probability sampling. A multinomial logistic regression model was used, adopting the following criteria: p-value < 20% in the bivariate analysis and p-value < 5% for the multivariate adjustment. The results of the analyses were described as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI). The following variables were significantly associated with mild or moderate food insecurity: household water insecurity; number of residents ≥ 5 in the household; belonging to socioeconomic class D or E; having a father, mother or another as the head of the family; and having any resident as a beneficiary of the Brazilian Income Transfer Program. The analysis model for severe food insecurity showed that living with household water insecurity; belonging to socioeconomic class D or E; having a father, mother or another as the head of the family; age of the head of the family < 55 years; and family income lower that two minimum wages increased the chances of severe food insecurity when compared to those with food security. In conclusion, this study found a high prevalence of food insecurity in the Municipality of Itapiranga, State of Amazonas, North Region of Brazil, associated with social and economic vulnerability, lack of public services, and household water insecurity.

Este estudo analisa a insegurança alimentar e os fatores a ela associados na área urbana de um município na bacia hidrográfica do Rio Amazonas, Amazônia Ocidental. Trata-se de pesquisa transversal, de base populacional, realizada de agosto a novembro de 2021, com 983 domicílios selecionados por amostragem probabilística estratificada. Empregou-se o modelo de regressão logística multinomial, adotando-se os seguintes critérios: valor de p < 20% na análise bivariada e valor de p < 5% para o ajuste multivariado. Os resultados das análises foram descritos como odds ratios (OR) e intervalo de 95% de confiança (IC95%). Foram significantemente associadas à insegurança alimentar leve ou moderada as seguintes variáveis: insegurança hídrica domiciliar, número de moradores ≥ 5 no domicílio, pertencer à classe socioeconômica D ou E, ter pai, mãe ou outro, como chefe da família e ter algum morador beneficiário do Programa Bolsa Família. No modelo de análise para a insegurança alimentar grave constatou-se que viver em insegurança hídrica domiciliar, pertencer à classe socioeconômica D ou E, ter pai, mãe ou outro chefe da família, e tendo este menos que 55 anos, e renda familiar menor que dois salários mínimos aumentaram as chances de insegurança alimentar grave, comparativamente àqueles em segurança alimentar. Em conclusão, verificou-se alta prevalência de insegurança alimentar no Município de Itapiranga, Amazonas, Região Norte do Brasil, associada à situação de vulnerabilidade social e econômica, à falta de serviços públicos e à insegurança hídrica domiciliar.

Este estudio analiza la inseguridad alimentaria y los factores asociados, en el área urbana de un municipio de la cuenca hidrográfica del río Amazonas, Amazonia occidental. Se trata de una encuesta transversal, de base poblacional, realizada en el período de agosto a noviembre del 2021, con 983 hogares seleccionados mediante muestreo probabilístico estratificado. Se utilizó el modelo de regresión logística multinomial, adoptando los siguientes criterios: valor de p < 20% en el análisis bivariado y valor de p < 5% para el ajuste multivariado. Los resultados de los análisis se describieron como odds ratios (OR) e intervalo de 95% de confianza (IC95%). Las siguientes variables se asociaron significativamente con la inseguridad alimentaria leve o moderada: inseguridad hídrica en el hogar, número de residentes ≥ 5 en el hogar, pertenecer a la clase socioeconómica "D" o "E", tener padre, madre u otra persona como cabeza de familia y tener a algún residente como beneficiario del Programa Bolsa Familia. En el modelo de análisis para la inseguridad alimentaria severa se encontró que vivir en hogar con inseguridad hídrica, pertenecer a la clase socioeconómica D o E, tener padre, madre u otra persona como cabeza de familia, edad del jefe de familia < 55 años, y un ingreso familiar más bajo que dos salarios mínimos aumentó las probabilidades de sufrir inseguridad alimentaria grave, en comparación con aquellos en situación de seguridad alimentaria. En conclusión, se constató una alta prevalencia de inseguridad alimentaria en el Municipio de Itapiranga, en el interior del Amazonas, Región Norte de Brasil, asociada a la situación de vulnerabilidad social y económica, a la falta de servicios públicos y a la inseguridad hídrica de los hogares.

Breads formulated with avocado pulp powder as a fat substitute: Quality parameters and in vitro inhibition activities.

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the influence of increasing contents (5%-25%) of avocado pulp powder (APP) produced by foam-mat drying (FMD) as a substitute for hydrogenated vegetable fat in bread on its nutritional composition, physical properties, α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and lipase inhibition, total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, color, structure, and x-ray diffraction patterns. The increase in the APP content decreased the values of lipids, carbohydrates, energy, firmness, and specific volume of breads. The inhibition of lipase activity showed a pronounced increase, while the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were significantly elevated. The color parameters a* and b* were higher in the breads with added APP. The crystalline structure transitioned from type A to type V with 15% APP incorporation. Taken together, these results suggest that APP has potential to act as a healthier substitute for saturated fats in breads, paving the way to develop creative and innovative solutions for the functionalization of bakery food products.

Effects of Dignity Therapy on individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Case studies.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the effects of Dignity Therapy (DT) on the physical, existential, and psychosocial symptoms of individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). METHODS: This is a mixed-methods case study research that used the concurrent triangulation strategy to analyze the effects of DT on 3 individuals with ALS. Data collection included 3 instances of administering validated scales to assess multiple physical symptoms, anxiety, depression, spiritual well-being, and the Patient Dignity Inventory (PDI), followed by the implementation of DT and a semi-structured interview. RESULTS: The scale results indicate that DT led to an improvement in the assessment of physical, social, emotional, spiritual, and existential symptoms according to the score results. It is worth noting that the patient with a recent diagnosis showed higher scores for anxiety and depression after DT. Regarding the PDI, the scores indicate improvements in the sense of dignity in all 3 cases, which aligns with the positive verbal reports after the implementation of DT. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: This study allowed us to analyze the effects of DT on the physical, existential, and psychosocial symptoms of individuals with ALS, suggesting the potential benefits of this approach for this group of patients. Participants reported positive effects regarding pain and fatigue, could reflect on their life trajectories, and regained their value and meaning.

Intersectorality in a conditional cash transfer programme: Actors, convergences and conflicts.

This study aimed to analyse intersectoral arrangements among the health, education and social assistance sectors in the operationalization of the Bolsa Família Program (BFP). A qualitative approach was carried out, in a peripheral region of a large urban centre of Southeast Brazil. Data content analysis was performed on the basis of reference in the Actor-Network Theory (ANT) using statements by the actors and considering ideas in dispute and work processes in the geopolitical territorial context. Seventeen managers of Municipal Secretariats of Health, Education and Social Assistance were interviewed, as were basic education, primary health care and social assistance professionals. One-off, episodic and discontinuous intersectoral actions were identified, with limited integration among sectors. Convergences and conflicts were found with respect to the institutional processes of BFP. The convergences referred to the conceptions shared among the actors about the role of intersectoral collaboration, as they recognize themselves as providing care to the same vulnerable population. Considering the multiple vulnerabilities of these families, the convergence of actions from different sectors can impact factors that condition inequalities. The conflicts were related to institutional conditions, to sectorized work processes and to a lack of understanding by professionals about the duties of their respective sectors.

Incidence of depression among community-dwelling older adults: A systematic review.

We aimed to synthesise information related to the incidence of depression and depressive symptoms (DDS) in a community-dwelling older adult population at a global level. In this systematic review, we included articles with a cohort study design that evaluated the incidence of depression or depressive symptoms in older adults aged 60 years or more in a community-dwelling environment. Six databases were used: Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, LILACS, SciELO, and Cochrane, and the entire selection process was independently performed by peers. We divided the included articles into subgroups according to the DDS assessment instrument: (i) Geriatric Depression Scale; (ii) Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale; (iii) miscellaneous scales; and (iv) diagnostic interviews. Each cumulative incidence value obtained per item was adjusted for a 1-year follow-up period, which generated an annual cumulative incidence (AcI). From 46 articles, 42 used scales to evaluate the depressive variable, with an AcI estimate of around 4.5%. The articles that assessed depression categorically observed a variation in AcI between 0.2% and 7.0%. Among all the materials included, the group that used the Geriatric Depression Scale observed the lowest and the highest AcI, 1.3% and 26.6% respectively. Most of the productions were from countries in the Asian continent (52.2%), followed by Europe (30.4%), the Americas (13%), and Oceania (4.4%). Despite the variation of AcI, we found a frequent occurrence of DDS in older adults in the community-dwelling environment, which highlights the need for preventive actions and better-targeted early care, especially in terms of primary health care.

Contrasting water-use strategies revealed by species-specific transpiration dynamics in the Caatinga dry forest.

In forest ecosystems, transpiration (T) patterns are important for quantifying water and carbon fluxes and are major factors in predicting ecosystem change. Seasonal changes in rainfall and soil water content can alter the sensitivity of sap flux density to daily variations in vapor pressure deficit (VPD). This sensitivity is species-specific and is thought to be related to hydraulic strategies. The aim of this work is to better understand how the sap flux density of species with low versus high wood density differ in their sensitivity to VPD and soil water content and how potentially opposing water-use strategies influence T dynamics, and ultimately, correlations to evapotranspiration (ET). We use hysteresis area analysis to quantify the sensitivity of species-specific sap flux density to changes in the VPD, breakpoint-based models to determine the soil water content threshold instigating a T response and multiscalar wavelet coherency to correlate T to ET. We found that low wood density Commiphora leptophloeos (Mart.) Gillett had a more dynamic T pattern, a greater sensitivity to VPD at high soil water content, required a higher soil water content threshold for this sensitivity to be apparent, and had a significant coherency correlation with ET at daily to monthly timescales. This behavior is consistent with a drought avoidance strategy. High wood density Cenostigma pyramidale  (Tul.)  E. Gagnon & G. P. Lewis, conversely, had a more stable T pattern, responded to VPD across a range of soil water content, tolerated a lower soil water content threshold to T, and had a significant coherency correlation with ET at weekly timescales. This behavior is consistent with a drought-tolerant strategy. We build on previous research to show that these species have contrasting water-use strategies that should be considered in large-scale modeling efforts.

The potential exploitation of the Malay-red apple (Syzygium malaccense) seed as source of a phosphorylated starch.

This work presents the characterization of a novel naturally phosphorylated starch extracted from an unconventional and non-utilized source, the seeds of the stone fruit Syzygium malaccense. The morphology and chemical characteristics of the extracted starch were examined by scanning electron microscopy, FTIR, 1H/13C/31P NMR and 13C-CP/MAS-NMR, HPAEC-PAD chromatography, XRD, DSC, and RVA. The extraction yielded a highly pure starch (95.6 %) with an average granule size of 13 µm. The analysis of the starch components revealed an amylose content of 28.1 % and a predominance (65 %) of B-chains (B1-B3 65 %) in the amylopectin, as shown through HPAEC-PAD chromatography. The X-ray diffractogram was compatible with B-type starch, which was confirmed by the deconvolution of the C1 peak in the 13C-CP/MAS-NMR. X-Ray diffractogram also showed that S. malaccense has 28.5 % of crystallinity. DSC analysis showed values of 82.6 °C and -12.41 J g-1 for Tc and ΔH, respectively, which is compatible with a highly ordered starch granule structure. The values observed for peak (4678 mPa•s), trough (3055 mPa•s), and final viscosity (6526 mPa•s) indicated that S. malaccense may be used as a thickener in hot food.

Insights on the mechanism of flecainide in catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.

Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is an inherited arrhythmia syndrome characterized by defective cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2) calcium release during times of adrenergic stimulation, resulting in bidirectional or polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. Flecainide is a class 1c anti-arrhythmic drug that has demonstrated therapeutic efficacy in treating CPVT. However, its mechanism of action remains disputed. One group proposes a direct effect of flecainide on RyR2-mediated calcium release, while another proposes an indirect effect via sodium channel blockade and modulation of intracellular calcium dynamics. In light of recent studies, this commentary aims to explore and discuss the evidence base for these potential mechanisms.

Survival and Response Outcomes for Gastrointestinal Neuroendocrine Tumor (GEP-NETs) Patients Treated with Lutetium-177-DOTATATE in a Brazilian Reference Center: A Six-Year Follow-Up Experience.

BACKGROUND: PRRT can be an option for all-grade GEP-NETs, but selecting patients is challenging. In this scenario, clinical-pathological and radiological characteristics, such as pre-treatment Ga-68 DOTA PET/CT, might have the potential to help. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted on advanced GEP-NETs treated with at least one PRRT dose. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Krenning Score (KS), and the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) were derived from the pre-treatment scans. A maximally selected rank statistics test was used for SUVmax simple cut point estimate. RESULTS: Among 36 patients, 19 had primary pancreatic tumors. The numbers of G1, G2, and G3 tumors were 10, 18, and 7, respectively. During a median follow-up of 90.5 months, 4 patients died. Median OS was not reached for G1 and G2 tumors, and it was 30 months for G3 (p = 0.001). Median PFS was 23 months, with G3 showing lower PFS compared to G1 [7 versus 30 months; HR 8.41 (95%CI 2.2-31.0; p = 0.001)]. CONCLUSIONS: PRRT provides long-term PFS in patients with G1/G2 GEP-NETs independent of clinical characteristics and primary site. G3 has worse survival, but selected patients may experience long OS after PRRT treatment.

Improving Riparin-A Dissolution through a Laponite Based Nanohybrid.

(1) Background: Riparin-A presents several pharmacological activities already elucidated, such as antimicrobial modulator, antileishmania, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and antioxidant. Even with important bioactive effects, the applicability of Riparin-A is limited due to its low solubility in water, impairing its dissolution in biological fluids. Thus, the objective of this study was to develop a nanohybrid based on Riparin-A and Laponite to obtain a better dissolution profile and evaluate its cytotoxic potential. (2) Methods: The formation of a hybrid system was highlighted by X-ray powder diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and thermal analysis. Solubility, dissolution, and cytotoxicity studies were performed; (3) Results: An increase in the solubility and aqueous dissolution rate of Riparin-A was observed in the presence of clay. Diffractometric analysis of the hybrid system suggests the amorphization of Riparin-A, and thermal analyses indicated attenuation of decomposition and melting of the Riparin-A after interaction with clay. Furthermore, the nanosystem did not exhibit cytotoxic activity on normal and tumorigenic lines. (4) Conclusions: These results are promising for the development of the Riparin-A/Laponite nanosystem for therapeutic purposes, suggesting an increase in the range of possible routes of administration and bioavailability of this bioactive compound.

Portable near-infrared (NIR) spectrometer and chemometrics for rapid identification of butter cheese adulteration.

Artisanal cheeses are highly valued around the world for their distinct sensory characteristics, thus being prone to adulteration by substituting authentic material for cheaper products, such as vegetable oil. In this work, we developed a method based on a portable NIR spectrometer as a non-destructive and low-cost alternative to identify adulteration in butter cheese. Dataset consisted of authentic and intentionally adulterated cheeses in the laboratory and commercial cheeses, which were identified as authentic and adulterated with vegetable oil after analysis of the fatty acid profile. PLS-DA classification models identified adulterated samples with an accuracy of 94.44%. PLS prediction models showed excellent performance (RPD > 3.0) to predict the adulterant level. These results demonstrate that NIR spectra can be used to identify the replacement of authentic fat by soybean oil in butter cheese and that the developed models can be used to identify adulteration in external samples with good performance.

Rapid antigen test as a tool for the identification of SARS-CoV-2 infection and its potential as a self-testing device.

BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 virus originated in Wuhan (China) in December (2019) and quickly spread worldwide. Antigen tests are rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) that produce results in 15-30 min and are an important tool for the scale-up of COVID-19 testing. COVID-19 diagnostic tests are authorized for self-testing at home in some countries, including Brazil. Widespread COVID-19 diagnostic testing is required to guide public health policies and control the speed of transmission and economic recovery. METHODS: Patients with suspected COVID-19 were recruited at the Hospital da Baleia (Belo Horizonte, Brazil). The SARS-CoV-2 antigen-detecting rapid diagnostic tests were evaluated from June 2020 to June 2021 using saliva, nasal, and nasopharyngeal swab samples from 609 patients. Patient samples were simultaneously tested using a molecular assay (RT-qPCR). Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive and negative predictive values were determined using the statistical program, MedCalc, and GraphPad Prism 8.0. RESULTS: The antigen-detecting rapid diagnostic tests displayed 98% specificity, 60% sensitivity, 96% positive predictive value, and moderate concordance with RT-qPCR. Substantial agreement was found between the two methods for patients tested < 7 days of symptom onset. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support the use of Ag-RDT as a valuable and safe diagnostic method. Ag-RDT was also demonstrated to be an important triage tool for suspected COVID-19 patients in emergencies. Overall, Ag-RDT is an effective strategy for reducing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and contributing to COVID-19 control.

Mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, ER stress and mitochondria-ER crosstalk alterations in a chemical rat model of Huntington's disease: Potential benefits of bezafibrate.

Redox homeostasis, mitochondrial functions, and mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum (ER) communication were evaluated in the striatum of rats after 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP) administration, a recognized chemical model of Huntington's disease (HD). 3-NP impaired redox homeostasis by increasing malondialdehyde levels at 28 days, decreasing glutathione (GSH) concentrations at 21 and 28 days, and the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione S-transferase at 7, 21, and 28 days, catalase at 21 days, and glutathione reductase at 21 and 28 days. Impairment of mitochondrial respiration at 7 and 28 days after 3-NP administration was also observed, as well as reduced activities of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and respiratory chain complexes. 3-NP also impaired mitochondrial dynamics and the interactions between ER and mitochondria and induced ER-stress by increasing the levels of mitofusin-1, and of DRP1, VDAC1, Grp75 and Grp78. Synaptophysin levels were augmented at 7 days but reduced at 28 days after 3-NP injection. Finally, bezafibrate prevented 3-NP-induced alterations of the activities of SOD, GPx, SDH and respiratory chain complexes, DCFH oxidation and on the levels of GSH, VDAC1 and synaptophysin. Mitochondrial dysfunction and synaptic disruption may contribute to the pathophysiology of HD and bezafibrate may be considered as an adjuvant therapy for this disorder.

O ensino do amálgama na formação odontológica ainda é necessário? Percepção de cirurgiões-dentistas / ¿Sigue siendo necesaria la enseñanza de la amalgama en la carrera odontológica? Percepción de los dentistas / Is the teaching of amalgam in dental training still necessary? Perceptions of dentists

A Odontologia tem vivenciado, nos últimos tempos, um declínio acentuado do uso do amálgama, em consequência da evolução dos materiais e técnicas adesivas e das discussões acerca dos riscos de contaminação pelo mercúrio. Assim, buscou-se identificar a percepção dos cirurgiões-dentistas sobre a necessidade da continuidade do ensino do amálgama nos cursos de Odontologia. Trata-se de um estudo transversal, usando um questionário semiestruturado com aspectos relativos às condições sociodemográficas, capacitação para executar os procedimentos, conhecimento acerca do manejo do material e gerenciamento dos resíduos. As respostas objetivas foram analisadas pela estatística descritiva e as subjetivas processadas no software IRaMuTeQ. Dos 257 respondentes, 60,7%afirmam utilizar esse material, 91,8% usam amálgama encapsulado e 95,7% descartam os resíduos em lixo hospitalar. Sobre a permanência do material, 63,4% acreditam ser necessária e 88% concordam que o ensino deva continuar sobretudo considerando o perfil do egresso sugerido pelas Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais. Dos dados subjetivos emergiram cinco classes/categorias que retratam a percepção dos profissionais sobre relação custo-benefício, acesso ao serviço, condições de trabalho e longevidade das restaurações. Conclui-se que, mesmo com a evolução dos materiais adesivos, o amálgama ainda é necessário, principalmente no serviço público, onde a demanda por restaurações de baixo custo e grande longevidade é alta. Assim, para essa amostra, enquanto não houver um material restaurador livre de mercúrio, barato, de fácil manuseio e durável, o ensino desse conteúdo deve permanecer nos cursos de graduação em Odontologia (AU).

La odontología ha experimentado recientemente una fuerte disminución en el uso de amalgamas como resultado de las discusiones sobre los riesgos de contaminación por mercurio, así como la evolución de los materiales y las técnicas adhesivas. Así, buscamos identificar la percepción de los odontólogos sobre la necesidad de continuar enseñando amalgama en los cursos de odontología. Se trata de un estudio transversal utilizando un cuestionario semiestructurado con aspectos relacionados con las condiciones sociodemográficas, capacitación para realizar los procedimientos, conocimientos sobre manejo de materiales y gestión de residuos. Las respuestas objetivas se analizaron mediante estadística descriptiva y las respuestas subjetivas se procesaron mediante el software IRaMuTeQ. De los 257 encuestados, el 60,7% afirma utilizar este material, el 91,8% utiliza amalgama encapsulada y el 95,7% desecha los residuos en la basura de hospital. En cuanto a la permanencia del material, el 63,4% cree que es necesario y el 88% está de acuerdo en que la enseñanza debe continuar, sobre todo para la graduación de profesionales que van al servicio público. A partir de los datos subjetivos, surgieron cinco clases/categorías que retratan la percepción de los profesionales sobre la rentabilidad, el acceso al servicio, las condiciones de trabajo y la longevidad de las restauraciones. Se concluye que, aún con la evolución de los materiales adhesivos, la amalgama sigue siendo necesaria, especialmente en el servicio público, donde la demanda de restauraciones de bajo costo y gran longevidad es alta. Así, mientras no exista un material restaurador libre de mercurio, económico, fácil de manejar y duradero, la enseñanza de este contenido O ensino do amálgama na formação odontológica ainda é necessário? Percepção de cirurgiões-dentistas debe permanecer en los cursos de graduación en odontología (AU).

Dentistry has recently experienced a sharp decline in the use of amalgam, as a result of the evolution of adhesive materials and techniques and discussions about the risks of mercury contamination. Thus, we sought to identify the perception of dentists about the need to continue teaching amalgam in dentistry courses. This is a cross-sectional study, using a semi-structured questionnaire with aspects related to sociodemographic conditions, training to perform the procedures, knowledge about material management and waste management. The objective responses were analyzed by descriptive statistics and the subjective ones processed in the IRaMuTeQ software. Of the 257 respondents, 60.7% claim to use this material, 91.8% use encapsulated amalgam and 95.7% dispose of waste in hospital waste. Regarding the permanence of the material, 63.4% believe it is necessary and 88% agree that teaching should continue, especially considering the profile of the graduate suggested by the National Curriculum Guidelines. From the subjective data emerged five classes/categories that portray the perception of professionals about cost-benefit ratio, access to service, working conditions and longevity of restorations. It is concluded that, even with the evolution of adhesive materials, amalgam is still necessary, especially in the public service, where the demand for low cost and high longevity restorations is high. Thus, for this sample, as long as there is no mercury-free, inexpensive, easy to handle and durable restorative material, the teaching of this content should remain in undergraduate courses in Dentistry (AU).

Comida de rua: perfil dos manipuladores de alimentos e necessidades de conhecimentos sobre a gestão do negócio e boas práticas de manipulação / Street food: food handlers profile and their needs knowledge about business management and good handling practices

Introdução: O consumo de comida de rua tem aumentado nos últimos anos, transformando este segmento em um importante comércio de alimentos, com geração de emprego e renda. Objetivo: Este trabalho teve como objetivo conhecer o perfil socioeconômico e analisar a percepção sobre a gestão do negócio e boas práticas de manipulação dos manipuladores de comida de rua no município de Niterói/RJ, participantes de um curso on-line sobre boas práticas de manipulação no comércio de comida de rua. Método: A metodologia foi aplicada e descritiva, de abordagem qualitativa e quantitativa. Foi utilizado questionário on-line, com 56 perguntas, aplicado a 67 participantes do curso. Resultados: 86,4 % eram mulheres; faixa etária predominante entre 27 e 62 anos; renda média de até 3 salários mínimos; 35,8% relataram possuir ensino superior incompleto. Apenas 29,9% possuem registro MEI; 72,7% atuam nesse comércio por escolha; 46,3% fazem controle de estoque e 62,5% fazem controle de caixa; 67,2% possuem cursos na área de alimentação; e 47,8% afirmaram ter experiências anteriores. Conclusão: À medida que se observa a consolidação desse segmento, com um potencial de risco sanitário associado, assim como a insuficiência de trabalhos científicos na área, faz-se necessário ampliar os estudos sobre a formação dos manipuladores.

Introduction: The Consumption of street food has increased in recent years, transforming this segment into an important food trade, with job and income. Objective: This work aimed to know the socioeconomic profile and analyze the perception about business management and good handling practices of street food handlers in the city of Niterói/RJ, participants of an online course on good handling practices in the food trade. Methods: The methodology was applied and descriptive, with a qualitative and quantitative approach. An online questionnaire was used, with 56 questions, applied to 67 course participants. Results: 86.4 % were women; predominant age group between 27 and 62 years; average income of up to 3 minimum wages; 35.8 % reported having incomplete higher education. Only 29.9 % have a MEI record; 72.7 % work in this trade by choice; 46.3 % carry out inventory control and 62.5% carry out cash control; 67.2 % have courses in the field of food; and 47.8 % claimed to have previous experiences.Conclusions:As the consolidation of this segment is observed, with a potential associated health risk, as well as the lack of scientific work in this area, it is necessary to expand studies on the training of handlers.

Direito humano à alimentação adequada: percepções de participantes do Programa Bolsa Família / Human Right to Adequate Food: perceptions from Bolsa Família Program participants

Introdução: A Política Nacional de Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional teve no Programa Bolsa Família (PBF) uma de suas principais expressões para combater a miséria e a fome. Objetivo: Identificar percepções e conhecimentos de titulares do PBF acerca das dimensões de Direito Humano à Alimentação Adequada (DHAA) e de alimentação saudável. Métodos: Estudo qualitativo com amostra representativa de mulheres titulares do PBF da região dos Morros de Santos-SP (n=190). Entrevistas semiestruturadas foram registradas em áudio e transcritas literalmente, para análise temática de conteúdo. Núcleos temáticos e categorias foram produzidos em cada uma das dimensões de interesse. Resultados: As participantes, com média de idade de 33 anos e consideradas de baixa renda, demonstraram desconhecimento sobre DHAA. Poucos discursos destacaram o combate à fome e a busca por cidadania, mas desvelaram ceticismo em relação às garantias consolidadas. A rotina nos serviços de saúde para o acompanhamento das condicionalidades do PBF emergiu na dimensão de direitos. A definição de alimentação saudável pelas participantes enfatizou a importância dos alimentos in natura e minimamente processados, mas revelou os produtos ultraprocessados como alternativa diante das dificuldades financeiras para acessar alimentos saudáveis. Conclusões: Os achados explicitam a necessidade de viabilizar políticas públicas e ações para emancipação e fortalecimento das famílias titulares do PBF, na perspectiva cidadã de defesa da exigibilidade do DHAA.

Introduction: The National Policy for Food and Nutrition Security instituted the BolsaFamília Program (BFP) as one of its main measures to combat extreme poverty and hunger. Objective: To identify the perceptions and knowledge of BFPparticipantsregarding the dimensions of the Human Right to Adequate Food (HRAF) and healthy eating. Methods: This was a qualitative study with a representative sample of women who participate in the BFP in the Morros de Santos region-SP (n=190). Semistructured interviews were audio recorded and transcribed for thematic content analysis. Thematic centres and categories were produced for each dimension of interest. Results: The participants, with a mean age of 33 years and considered low income, showed a lack of knowledge about HRAF. Few interviews highlighted the fight against hunger and the search for citizenship, but they revealed scepticism regarding the consolidated guarantees. The routine in the health services for monitoring the conditionalities of the BFP emerged in the rights dimension. The definition of healthy eating by the participants emphasized the importance of fresh and minimally processed foods but revealed the use of ultra-processed foods asalternatives given the financial difficulties in accessing healthy foods. Conclusions: The findings reveal the need to develop public policies and actions for the emancipation and strengthening of families entitled to the BFP from the citizen perspective of defending the enforceability of the HRAF.