Establishing a Standardized DNA Extraction Method Using NaCl from Oral Mucosa Cells for Its Application in Imprinting Diseases Such as Prader-Willi and Angelman Syndromes: A Preliminary Investigation.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosing imprinting defects in neonates and young children presents challenges, often necessitating molecular analysis for a conclusive diagnosis. The isolation of genetic material from oral swabs becomes crucial, especially in settings where blood sample collection is impractical or for vulnerable populations like newborns, who possess limited blood volumes and are often too fragile for invasive procedures. Oral swab samples emerge as an excellent source of DNA, effectively overcoming obstacles associated with rare diseases. METHODS: In our study, we specifically addressed the determination of the quality and quantity of DNA extracted from oral swab samples using NaCl procedures. RESULTS: We compared these results with extractions performed using a commercial kit. Subsequently, the obtained material underwent MS-HRM analysis for loci associated with imprinting diseases such as Prader-Willi and Angelman syndromes. CONCLUSIONS: Our study emphasizes the significance of oral swab samples as a reliable source for obtaining DNA for MS-HRM analysis. NaCl extraction stands out as a practical and cost-effective method for genetic studies, contributing to a molecular diagnosis that proves particularly beneficial for patients facing delays in characterization, ultimately influencing their treatment.

Eugenia uniflora (pitanga) juice as a new alternative vehicle for Limosilactobacillus fermentum ATCC 23271: evaluation of antioxidant and anti-infective effects.

Probiotic-containing foods are among the most appreciated functional foods; however, probiotic-based dairy products cannot be consumed by people who are lactose intolerant, allergic to milk, or vegetarian or vegan individuals. Thus, new non-dairy matrices have been tested for probiotics delivery. This study evaluated the growth and viability of Limosilactobacillus fermentum ATCC 23271 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus ATCC 9595 in Pitanga juice (Eugenia uniflora L.). The effects of the fermentation on the antioxidant and anti-infective properties of the juice were also analyzed. The E. uniflora juice allowed lactobacilli growth without supplementation, reaching rates around 8.4 Log CFU/mL and producing organic acids (pH values < 4) after 72 h of fermentation. The strain remained viable after 35 days of refrigerated storage. Fermentation by these bacteria increases the antioxidant capacity of the juice. The central composite rotational design was employed to evaluate the effects of bacterial inoculum and pulp concentration on growth and organic acids production by L. fermentum ATCC 23271. The strain was viable and produced organic acids in all tested combinations. L. fermentum-fermented juice and its cell-free supernatant significantly increased the survival of Tenebrio molitor larvae infected by enteroaggregative Escherichia coli 042. The results obtained in this study provide more insights into the potential of Pitanga juice to develop a functional non-dairy probiotic beverage with antioxidant and anti-infective properties.

Performance of castor oil polyurethane resin in composite with the piassava fibers residue from the Amazon.

The use of castor oil in producing polyurethane resins has been identified as one of the most promising options for the industry. The piassava fibers waste generated by the industry on a large scale presents excellent properties as a reinforcing agent due to its high lignin content characterized by chemical tests and FTIR. Composite boards consisting of a higher content of mercerized piassava fibers (10 mm, 85 wt.%) reinforced polyurethane castor oil-based resin (prepolymer (PP) and polyol (OM)) exhibited excellent performance. Composites with these properties have strong potential for medium-density applications ranging from biomedical prosthetics to civil partition walls and insulation linings. Alkali treatment removed the superficial impurities of piassava fibers, activating polar groups, and physical characterization reported excellent performance for all composites. Among the composites, the CP3 sample (composite reinforced with piassava fibers (85 wt.% fibers; 1.2:1-PP:OM)) stood out with higher density and lower swelling and water absorption percentage than other composites. FTIR results indicated NCO traces after the resin cured in the PU3 (1.2:1-PP:OM), possibly contributing to the interaction with the fibers. DMA results reported relevant information about more flexibility to CP1 (composite reinforced with piassava fibers (85 wt.% fibers; 0.8:1-PP:OM)) and CP3 than CP2 (composite reinforced with piassava fibers (85 wt.% fibers; 1:1-PP:OM)). The results suggest that the proper combination with natural products must lead to composites with potential applications as engineering materials.

Feasibility, acceptability, and outcome responsiveness of the SYMPERHEART intervention to support symptom perception in persons with heart failure and their informal caregivers: a feasibility quasi-experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Symptom perception is an important process of heart failure (HF) self-care that persons with HF need in order to master self-care management. It also leads to better patient outcomes. Symptom perception consists of body observation and analysis, which are both challenging. We aimed to test the feasibility, acceptability, and outcome responsiveness of a novel intervention (SYMPERHEART) delivered to persons with HF with their informal caregiver. METHODS: We designed SYMPERHEART as a complex evidence-informed education and support intervention targeting body observation and analysis. We conducted a feasibility quasi-experimental study with a single group pre-post-test design. We included three subsamples: persons with HF receiving home-based care, their informal caregivers exposed to SYMPERHEART, and home-care nurses who delivered SYMPERHEART during 1 month. We assessed feasibility by recruitment time, time to deliver SYMPERHEART, eligibility rate, and intervention fidelity. We assessed acceptability by consent rate, retention rate, persons with HF engagement in body observation, and treatment acceptability. Outcome responsiveness was informed by patient-reported (PRO) and clinical outcomes: HF self-care and the informal caregivers' contribution to HF self-care, perception of HF symptom burden, health status, caregivers' burden, and HF events. We performed descriptive analyses for quantitative data and calculated Cohen's d for PROs. A power analysis estimated the sample size for a future full-scale effectiveness study. RESULTS: We included 18 persons with HF, 7 informal caregivers, and 9 nurses. Recruitment time was 112.6 h. The median time to deliver SYMPERHEART for each participant was 177.5 min. Eligibility rate was 55% in persons with HF. Intervention fidelity revealed that 16 persons with HF were exposed to body observation and analysis. Consent and retention rates in persons with HF were 37.5% and 100%, respectively. Participants engaged actively in symptom and weight monitoring. Treatment acceptability scores were high. Symptom perception and informal caregivers' contribution to symptom perception were found to be responsive to SYMPERHEART. We estimate that a sample size of 50 persons with HF would be needed for a full-scale effectiveness study. CONCLUSIONS: SYMPERHEART was found to be feasible and acceptable. This feasibility study provides information for a subsequent effectiveness study. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN. ISRCTN18151041 , retrospectively registered on 4 February 2021, ICTRP Search Portal.

Should we be targeting type 1 interferons in antiphospholipid syndrome?

Systemic autoimmune diseases are characterized by increased production of type I interferon (IFN-1) and upregulation of IFN-1-inducible genes, suggesting an important role of the IFN-1 pathway in their pathogenesis. Recent studies have demonstrated increased IFN-1 expression in both primary and secondary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), along with increased toll-like receptor type 9 activity and plasmacytoid dendritic cell function. The increasing knowledge of the association between IFN-1 and APS pathology may provide a rationale for conducting clinical trials to assess the efficacy of IFN-1-targeting drugs in reducing APS-related complications. In this narrative review, we summarize the current knowledge on the role of IFN-1 in APS pathogenesis, explore its clinical implications, and examine the existing evidence regarding therapeutic options that have been investigated to date.

A multicomponent complex intervention for supportive follow-up of persons with chronic heart failure: a randomized controlled pilot study (the UTILE project).

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) is a progressive disease associated with a high burden of symptoms, high morbidity and mortality, and low quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and potential outcomes of a novel multicomponent complex intervention, to inform a future full-scale randomized controlled trial (RCT) in Switzerland. METHODS: We conducted a pilot RCT at a secondary care hospital for people with HF hospitalized due to decompensated HF or with a history of HF decompensation over the past 6 months. We randomized 1:1; usual care for the control (CG) and intervention group (IG) who received the intervention as well as usual care. Feasibility measures included patient recruitment rate, study nurse time, study attrition, the number and duration of consultations, intervention acceptability and intervention fidelity. Patient-reported outcomes included HF-specific self-care and HF-related health status (KCCQ-12) at 3 months follow-up. Clinical outcomes were all-cause mortality, hospitalization and days spent in hospital. RESULTS: We recruited 60 persons with HF (age mean = 75.7 years, ± 8.9) over a 62-week period, requiring 1011 h of study nurse time. Recruitment rate was 46.15%; study attrition rate was 31.7%. Follow-up included 2.14 (mean, ± 0.97) visits per patient lasting a total of 166.96 min (mean, ± 72.55), and 3.1 (mean, ± 1.7) additional telephone contacts. Intervention acceptability was high. Mean intervention fidelity was 0.71. We found a 20-point difference in mean self-care management change from baseline to 3 months in favour of the IG (Cohens' d = 0.59). Small effect sizes for KCCQ-12 variables; less IG participants worsened in health status compared to CG participants. Five deaths occurred (IG = 3, CG = 2). There were 13 (IG) and 18 (CG) all-cause hospital admissions; participants spent 8.90 (median, IQR = 9.70, IG) and 15.38 (median, IQR = 18.41, CG) days in hospital. A subsequent full-scale effectiveness trial would require 304 (for a mono-centric trial) and 751 participants (for a ten-centre trial) for HF-related QoL (effect size = 0.3; power = 0.80, alpha = 0.05). CONCLUSION: We found the intervention, research methods and outcomes were feasible and acceptable. We propose increasing intervention fidelity strategies for a full-scale trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN10151805 , retrospectively registered 04/10/2019.

Escherichia coli O157:H7 strains in bovine carcasses and the impact on the animal production chain.

Foodborne diseases are characterized by conditions that can induce symptomatic illnesses in their carriers, and therefore represent a serious problem. They are important conditions from a clinical and epidemiological point of view, and are associated with the occurrence of serious public health problems, with a strong impact on morbidity and mortality. The Escherichia coli (E. coli) is an enterobacterium associated with enteric conditions of variable intensity and which are accompanied by blood. The transmission routes are mainly based on the consumption of contaminated food and water sources. Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) are considered a serogroup of E. coli, are capable of producing Shiga-type toxins (Stx 1 and Stx 2) and the O157:H7 strain is one of the best-known serotypes. The early detection of this pathogen is very important, especially due to the capacity of contamination of carcasses destined for food consumption and supply of productive markets. Sanitary protocols must be developed and constantly reviewed in order to prevent/control the presence of the pathogen.

Short-Term Intake of Theobroma grandiflorum Juice Fermented with Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus ATCC 9595 Amended the Outcome of Endotoxemia Induced by Lipopolysaccharide.

Endotoxemia is a condition caused by increasing levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) characterized by an impaired systemic response that causes multiple organ dysfunction. Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus ATCC 9595 is a strain with probiotic potential which shows immunomodulatory properties. The incorporation of this bacterium in food rich in bioactive compounds, such as cupuaçu juice (Theobroma grandiflorum), could result in a product with interesting health properties. This work evaluated the effects of the oral administration of cupuaçu juice fermented with L. rhamnosus on the outcome of LPS-induced endotoxemia in mice. C57BL/6 mice (12/group) received oral doses (100 µL) of saline solution and unfermented or fermented cupuaçu juice (108 CFU/mL). After 5 days, the endotoxemia was induced by an intraperitoneal injection of LPS (10 mg/kg). The endotoxemia severity was evaluated daily using a score based on grooming behavior, mobility, presence of piloerection, and weeping eyes. After 6 h and 120 h, the mice (6/group) were euthanized for analysis of cell counts (in peritoneal lavage and serum) and organ weight. L. rhamnosus grew in cupuaçu juice and produced organic acids without the need for supplementation. The bacteria counts were stable in the juice during storage at 4 °C for 28 days. The fermentation with L. rhamnosus ATCC 9595 changed the metabolites profile of cupuaçu juice due to the biotransformation and enhancement of some compounds. In general, the administration of L. rhamnosus-fermented juice allowed a significant improvement in several characteristics of endotoxemic status (weight loss, hypothermia, severity index, cell migration). In addition, treatment with fermented juice significantly reduced the weight of the spleen, liver, intestine, and kidneys compared to the saline-treated endotoxemic group. Taken together, our data show that short-term intake therapy of cupuaçu juice fermented with L. rhamnosus ATCC 9595 can reduce systemic inflammation in an experimental model of LPS-induced endotoxemia in mice.

Impacto do racismo nas vivências de mulheres negras brasileiras: um estudo fenomenológico / The impact of racism on brazilian black women's experiences: a phenomenological study / Impacto del racismo en las experiencias de las mujeres negras brasileñas: un estudio fenomenológico

Este artigo teve como objetivo compreender, a partir de uma análise fenomenológica, o impacto do racismo sobre vivências de mulheres negras. Foram analisados relatos escritos por mulheres que se autodeclaravam negras encontrados em sites e blogs da internet. Esta pesquisa qualitativa fenomenológica foi inspirada na proposta filosófica de Edmund Husserl, consistindo na elaboração de uma narrativa síntese que resumiu os elementos essenciais das vivências dessas mulheres. Os resultados possibilitaram compreender que as experiências de racismo vivenciadas por mulheres negras têm início na infância e as acompanham ao longo de toda a vida, causando impactos sobre sua saúde mental. A insatisfação em relação ao cabelo natural e a cor da pele surgem como sinais concretos de recusa da identidade negra; enquanto o processo de tomada de consciência, reconhecimento e aceitação da negritude impulsionam a autoaceitação e a construção de uma nova identidade como mulher negra. A troca de experiências com outras pessoas negras sobre racismo favoreceu o reconhecimento da negritude. Conclui-se que o suporte emocional de pessoas que vivenciam o mesmo tipo de sofrimento social pode ser de grande relevância no processo de superação, assim como os processos de intervenção psicológica quando pautados por atitudes de empatia e aceitação. Nesse sentido, a formação de psicólogos deve incluir conteúdos e práticas que abordem o tema do racismo como parte da realidade social.(AU)

This article aimed to understand, based on qualitative research, the impact of racism on Black women's experiences. To this end, accounts authored by women who self-identify as Black, found on websites and internet blogs were used as data sources. The phenomenological analysis of data was based on Edmund Husserl's philosophical proposal, and consisted of a narrative synthesis that summed the essential elements of these women's experiences. Results of this research enabled the understanding that experiences of racism, lived by Black women, start during childhood and accompany them throughout their lifetime, impacting their mental health. Dissatisfaction with their natural hair and skin color appear as concrete signs of turning down their Black identity; sharing their experiences with other Black people about racism helps them recognize their Blackness. The process of awareness, recognition and acceptance of Blackness drive them to self-acceptance and the construction of an identity that integrates their condition as Black women. We conclude that the emotional support given by people who live similar social suffering can be essential to the process of overcoming it, as should be the process of psychological intervention, when founded on attitudes of comprehensive empathy and acceptance. In this regard, we suggest that psychologists' education include both courses and practice that encompass the theme of racism as part of our social reality.(AU)

Este artículo tuvo como objetivo comprender, a partir de una investigación cualitativa, el impacto del racismo en las experiencias de las mujeres negras. Fueron utilizados relatos escritos por mujeres que decían ser negras como fuentes de datos, en sitios de Internet y blogs. El análisis fenomenológico de los datos se realizó a partir de la propuesta filosófica de Edmund Husserl y consistió en la construcción de una narrativa síntesis que presentaba los elementos esenciales de las vivencias de estas mujeres. Los resultados permitieron comprender que las experiencias de racismo, vividas por las mujeres negras, comienzan en la infancia y las acompañan a lo largo de la vida, con un impacto en la salud mental. La insatisfacción con el color natural del cabello y la piel aparece como signos concretos de rechazo a la identidad negra; el intercambio de experiencias con otros negros sobre el racismo favorece el reconocimiento de la negritud. El proceso de toma de conciencia, reconocimiento y aceptación de la negritud impulsa la autoaceptación y la construcción de una identidad que integra la condición de la mujer negra. Se concluye que el apoyo emocional que brindan las personas que experimentan el mismo tipo de sufrimiento social puede ser de gran relevancia en el proceso de superación, así como los procesos de intervención psicológica, cuando se guían por actitudes de comprensión y aceptación empáticas. En este sentido, se sugiere que los cursos de formación para psicólogos incluyan contenidos y prácticas que aborden el tema del racismo como parte de la realidad social.(AU)

Representações sociais de pessoas vivendo com hiv: do abandono do tratamento à motivação para a retomada / Representaciones sociales de las personas que viven con vih: del abandono del tratamiento a la motivación para reanudar / Social representations of people living with hiv: from treatment abandonment to motivation for resuming

Introdução: O uso contínuo da terapia antirretroviral é eficiente para interromper a replicação viral causada pelo Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana impedindo o comprometimento do sistema imunológico e o aparecimento das infecções oportunistas. Estima-se que em 2021, 10,2 milhões de pessoas infectadas pelo HIV não se beneficiaram com o uso dos antirretrovirais em todo o mundo. No mesmo ano esse indicador atingiu 333 mil pessoas, e na esfera municipal de Londrina, 288 pessoas vivendo com HIV encontravam-se em abandono do tratamento. Objetivo: Apreender as representações sociais de pessoas vivendo com HIV acerca do abandono do tratamento e a motivação para a retomada. Percurso metodológico: Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo pautado na Teoria das Representações Sociais de Serge Moscovici. O cenário foi um Serviço de Atendimento Especializado em HIV/aids localizado na região Sul do Brasil. A população foi composta por 288 pessoas diagnosticadas com HIV em abandono do tratamento por período superior a 100 dias. Destas, 250 foram excluídas em função de critérios relacionados a informações cadastrais incompletas ou equivocadas, e aspectos impeditivos do comparecimento ao serviço e de contato. Outras 18 pessoas foram consideradas perdas por desistência. A amostra foi composta por 20 pessoas que se enquadraram aos critérios de elegibilidade e aceitaram participar do estudo. A coleta das informações ocorreu entre junho de 2021 e junho de 2022 em entrevistas semiestruturadas audiogravadas e transcritas na íntegra. Para análise das falas foi utilizado o discurso do sujeito coletivo. Resultados: Participaram do estudo 20 pessoas vivendo com HIV, sendo 12 homens e oito mulheres, com idade entre 27 e 55 anos. O tempo de abandono variou entre 210 e 1580 dias. A análise das entrevistas permitiu a emersão de 18 ideias centrais e duas ancoragens, as quais foram agrupadas em quatro grandes temas: 1) Abandono do tratamento por questões intrínsecas à pessoa vivendo com HIV; 2) Abandono do tratamento por questões ligadas à terapia medicamentosa; 3) Abandono do tratamento por dogmas sociais; 4) Forças propulsoras para a retomada do tratamento. Considerações finais: A análise qualitativa das representações sociais das pessoas vivendo com HIV indicou que o abandono da terapia antirretroviral é multifatorial, e envolve questões socioculturais, geográficas, familiares e biológicas. É essencial considerar todas as questões que permeiam e impactam as vidas das pessoas vivendo com HIV em abandono do tratamento para além das questões biológicas, viabilizando a implementação de ações que contribuam para a efetividade das políticas públicas de saúde no intuito de estimular a adesão e encorajar a retomada ao tratamento. Almeja-se que esta investigação possa despertar para as questões subjetivas ao universo da pessoa que vive com HIV e estas respeitadas na prática humanizada, voltadas ao incentivo do tratamento contínuo para controle da infecção e promoção da qualidade de vida.

Introduction: The continuous use of antiretroviral therapy is efficient to interrupt viral replication caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, preventing the compromise of the immune system and the appearance of opportunistic infections. It is estimated that in 2021, 10.2 million people infected with HIV did not benefit from the use of antiretrovirals worldwide. In the same year, this indicator reached 333,000 people, and at the municipal level of Londrina, 288 people living with HIV were abandoning treatment. Objective: To apprehend the social representations of people living with HIV about abandoning treatment and the motivation for resuming it. Methodological path: This is a qualitative study based on Serge Moscovici's Theory of Social Representations. The setting was a Specialized Care Service for HIV/AIDS located in the south of Brazil. The population consisted of 288 people diagnosed with HIV who had abandoned treatment for more than 100 days. Of these, 250 were excluded due to criteria related to incomplete or wrong registration information, and aspects that impeded attendance at the service and contact. Another 18 people were considered dropout losses. The sample consisted of 20 people who met the eligibility criteria and agreed to participate in the study. Data collection took place between June 2021 and June 2022 in semi-structured interviews that were audio-recorded and transcribed in full. For the analysis of the speeches, the collective subject discourse was used. Results: 20 people living with HIV participated in the study, 12 men and eight women, aged between 27 and 55 years. The abandonment time varied between 210 and 1580 days. The analysis of the interviews allowed the emergence of 18 central ideas and two anchors, which were grouped into four major themes: 1) Abandonment of treatment due to issues intrinsic to the person living with HIV; 2) Abandonment of treatment due to issues related to drug therapy; 3) Abandonment of treatment by social dogmas; 4) Driving forces for the resumption of treatment. Final considerations: The qualitative analysis of the social representations of people living with HIV indicated that the abandonment of antiretroviral therapy is multifactorial, and involves sociocultural, geographic, family and biological issues. It is essential to consider all the issues that permeate and impact the lives of people living with HIV who abandon treatment in addition to biological issues, enabling the implementation of actions that contribute to the effectiveness of public health policies in order to stimulate adherence and encourage resumption of treatment. It is hoped that this investigation may awaken to the subjective issues of the universe of the person living with HIV and these respected in humanized practice, aimed at encouraging continuous treatment to control the infection and promote quality of life.

Introducción: El uso continuo de la terapia antirretroviral es eficaz para interrumpir la replicación viral provocada por el Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Humana, previniendo el compromiso del sistema inmunológico y la aparición de infecciones oportunistas. Se estima que en 2021, 10,2 millones de personas infectadas por el VIH no se beneficiaron del uso de antirretrovirales en todo el mundo. En el mismo año, este indicador alcanzó a 333.000 personas, ya nivel municipal de Londrina, 288 personas viviendo con VIH estaban abandonando el tratamiento. Objetivo: Aprehender las representaciones sociales de personas viviendo con VIH sobre el abandono del tratamiento y la motivación para retomarlo. Camino metodológico: Se trata de un estudio cualitativo basado en la Teoría de las Representaciones Sociales de Serge Moscovici. El escenario fue un Servicio de Atención Especializada en VIH/SIDA ubicado en el sur de Brasil. La población estuvo conformada por 288 personas diagnosticadas con VIH que habían abandonado el tratamiento por más de 100 días. De estos, 250 fueron excluidos por criterios relacionados con información de registro incompleta o incorrecta, y aspectos que impidieron la asistencia al servicio y contacto. Otras 18 personas fueron consideradas pérdidas por deserción. La muestra estuvo conformada por 20 personas que cumplieron con los criterios de elegibilidad y aceptaron participar en el estudio. La recolección de datos ocurrió entre junio de 2021 y junio de 2022 en entrevistas semiestructuradas que fueron grabadas en audio y transcritas en su totalidad. Para el análisis de los discursos se utilizó el discurso del sujeto colectivo. Resultados: Participaron del estudio 20 personas viviendo con VIH, 12 hombres y ocho mujeres, con edades entre 27 y 55 años. El tiempo de abandono varió entre 210 y 1580 días. El análisis de las entrevistas permitió el surgimiento de 18 ideas centrales y dos anclas, que fueron agrupadas en cuatro grandes temas: 1) Abandono del tratamiento por cuestiones intrínsecas a la persona que vive con VIH; 2) Abandono del tratamiento por cuestiones relacionadas con la farmacoterapia; 3) Abandono de tratamiento por dogmas sociales; 4) Fuerzas impulsoras de la reanudación del tratamiento. Consideraciones finales: El análisis cualitativo de las representaciones sociales de las personas viviendo con VIH indicó que el abandono de la terapia antirretroviral es multifactorial, e involucra cuestiones socioculturales, geográficas, familiares y biológicas. Es fundamental considerar todas las cuestiones que permean e impactan la vida de las personas que viven con el VIH que abandonan el tratamiento además de las cuestiones biológicas, posibilitando la implementación de acciones que contribuyan a la efectividad de las políticas públicas de salud para estimular la adherencia y alentar la reanudación. De tratamiento se espera que esta investigación pueda despertar a las cuestiones subjetivas del universo de la persona que vive con VIH y estas respetadas en la práctica humanizada, con el objetivo de incentivar el tratamiento continuo para el control de la infección y promover la calidad de vida.

Evaluation of Antioxidant Potential of Commercial Cinnamon Samples and Its Vasculature Effects.

Growing concerns on free radicals are the oxidative processes associated with physiological damage. The consumption of functional foods and use of plants with antioxidant capacity are widespread. Given the importance of determining antioxidant capacity in relation to the therapeutic effect, this study was aimed at evaluating cinnamon extract (Cinnamomum sp.) in commercial samples by spectrophotometric and voltammetric methods and assessing the vascular activity of some samples. The spectrophotometric methods performed were DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrihydrazine), ABTS (2,21-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)), and Folin-Ciocalteu radical sequestration assays. For the electrochemical experiments, a three-electrode system was used, consisting of carbon paste electrode, platinum wire, and Ag/AgCl/KClsat, representing the working, auxiliary, and reference electrodes, respectively. The electroanalytical methods used were differential pulse, square wave, and cyclic voltammetries. The extracts were prepared in hydroalcoholic solution. A calibration curve with gallic acid was calculated to quantify their equivalent amounts in the analyzed extract. The correlation between the electrochemical approach and the total phenols calculated by the ABTS, DPPH, and Folin-Ciocalteu methods was 0.63, 0.7, and 0.73, respectively, with 1 being an ideal directly proportional correlation. The correlation between spectrophotometric methods was 0.83. A biosensor was developed in a carbon paste electrode using the enzyme laccase, obtained by the fungus Marasmiellus colocasiae. It was observed that the antioxidant profile of the cinnamon samples had an analytical sign improvement of up to 4 times when compared with the electrode without the modification. The samples were analyzed by mass spectrometer, and the main chemical markers found were coumarin, cinnamaldehyde, and eugenol. Pharmacological trials showed that these samples also induce a significant vasorelaxant effect associated to antioxidant potential on vascular injury induced by oxidative stress. Thus, cinnamon showed a high antioxidant capacity, in agreement with the results obtained in other studies, emphasizing its importance as a functional food.

Optimization of Osmotic Dehydration of Sapodilla (Achras zapota L.).

Sapodilla (Achras zapota L.) is a fruit with a great nutritional potential; however, its perishable nature is a great obstacle for commercialization/exportation. Herein, osmotic dehydration was applied to sapodilla to reduce post-harvest losses and obtain a stable product with acceptable sensorial characteristics. Initially, a 2³ full-factorial design was performed to determine the effect of temperature (30−50 °C), sucrose concentration (40−60% °Brix) and immersion time (90−240 min) on the moisture loss (ML), solid gain (SG) and dehydration efficiency index (DEI). The samples with higher DEI values were subjected to sensory analysis, followed by physicochemical, microbiological and structural analyses. The temperature and the concentration of the osmotic solution had significant influence (p < 0.05) on ML and SG, whereas DEI was significantly influenced (p < 0.05) by the concentration of osmotic solution and the immersion time. The sample produced by osmotic dehydration using the optimized conditions (40 °C, 50 °Brix; 165 min) obtained higher scores on the sensorial attributes, greater compliance with microbiological standards and generated turgor reduction and ruptures of sapodilla cell walls.

Desafios da monitoria acadêmica de Estomatologia frente à pandemia COVID-19: relato de experiência / Challenges of academic monitoring of Stomatology in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic: experience report

O presente artigo possui caráter descritivo e tem como objetivo relatar a experiência da monitoria na disciplina de Estomatologia, desenvolvida no curso de graduação em Odontologia do [texto ocultado], frente à pandemia do novo Coronavírus (COVID-19). Diante do cenário pandêmico, o Ministério da Educação e Cultura (MEC), por meio da Portaria Nº 343, autorizou a utilização de recursos digitais como alternativa para a continuidade das atividades acadêmicas. Nesse contexto, a vivência do Programa de Monitoria Acadêmica ocorreu através da plataforma digital Blackboard, sendo necessário ressignificar as atividades do aluno-monitor e metodologias de ensino utilizadas, desenvolvendo habilidades inerentes à docência e contribuindo significativamente para o processo de ensino-aprendizagem dos discentes monitorados frente a nova realidade estabelecida pela pandemia. Conclui-se que a utilização de plataformas digitais foi fundamental para o exercício da atividade de monitoria e a continuidade do semestre letivo, possibilitando encontrar novas alternativas para o processo de educação em saúde (AU).

This article has a descriptive character and aims to report the experience of monitoring in the discipline of Stomatology, developed in the undergraduate course in Dentistry, in view of the new Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). In face of the pandemic scenario, the Ministry of Education and Culture (MEC), through Ordinance No. 343, authorized the use of digital resources as an alternative for continuing academic activities. In this context, the experience of the Academic Monitoring Program took place through the Blackboard digital platform, making it necessary to reframe the activities of the student-monitor and the teaching methodologies used, developing skills inherent to teaching and significantly contributing to the teaching-learning process of the monitored students facing the new reality established by the pandemic. It is concluded that the use of digital platforms was essential for the exercise of monitoring activity and the continuity of the school semester, making it possible to find new alternatives for the health education process (AU).

Scorpion species of medical importance in the Brazilian Amazon: a review to identify knowledge gaps.

Scorpionism is a relevant medical condition in Brazil. It is responsible for most accidents involving venomous animals in the country, which leads to severe symptoms that can evolve to death. In recent years, an increase of almost 50% in the incidence of scorpionism has been observed in the Northern Region, where the highest severity of envenoming has been notified since the beginning of the 21st century. This review aims to provide an in-depth assessment of public data and reports on symptoms and epidemiology of envenoming, ecological aspects of scorpions, and characterization of venoms and toxins to access the gaps that need to be filled in the knowledge of the scorpion species of medical importance from the Brazilian Amazon. A systematic search using the string words "Amazon" and "scorpion" was performed on 11 databases. No restriction on date, language or status of the publication was applied. Reports not related to the Brazilian Amazon were excluded. Therefore, 88 studies remained. It is shown that populations of scorpions of medical importance, even of the same species, may present significant toxic variations peculiar to some regions in the Brazilian Amazon, and commercial scorpion antivenoms were not able to shorten the intensity and duration of neurological manifestations in patients stung by T. silvestris, T. apiacas or T. obscurus. It is also highlighted that the toxins responsible for triggering these alterations have not been elucidated yet and this is a fruitful field for the development of more efficient antivenoms. Furthermore, the geographic distribution of scorpions of the genus Tityus in the Brazilian Amazon was revised and updated. The cumulative and detailed information provided in this review may help physicians and scientists interested in scorpionism in the Brazilian Amazon.

SYMPERHEART: an intervention to support symptom perception in persons with heart failure and their informal caregiver: a feasibility quasi-experimental study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Symptom perception in heart failure (HF) has been identified as crucial for effective self-care, and is related to patient and health system outcomes. There is uncertainty regarding the feasibility and acceptability of symptom perception support and doubts regarding how to include informal caregivers. This study aims to test the feasibility, acceptability and outcome responsiveness of an intervention supporting symptom perception in persons with HF and their informal caregiver. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A feasibility study with a quasi-experimental pretest and post-test single group design is conducted. The convenience sample consists of 30 persons with HF, their informal caregivers and six nurses. SYMPERHEART is an evidence-informed intervention that targets symptom perception by educational and support components. Feasibility is measured by time-to-recruit; time-to-deliver; eligibility rate; intervention delivery fidelity rate. Acceptability is measured by rate of consent, retention rate, treatment acceptability and the engagement in the intervention components. Outcome responsiveness includes: HF self-care (via the Self-care of Heart Failure Index V.7.2); perception of HF symptom burden (via the Heart Failure Somatic Perception Scale V.3); health status (via the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire-12); caregivers' contribution to HF self-care (via the Caregiver Contribution to Self-Care of Heart Failure Index 2); caregivers' burden (via the Zarit Burden Interview). Clinical outcomes include HF events, hospitalisation reason and length of hospital stay. Descriptive statistics will be used to report feasibility, acceptability, patient-reported outcomes (PRO) and clinical outcomes. PRO and caregiver-reported outcome responsiveness will be reported with mean absolute change and effect sizes. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study is conducted according to the Declaration of Helsinki. The Human Research Ethics Committee of the Canton of Vaud, Switzerland, has approved the study. Written informed consent from persons with HF and informal caregivers are obtained. Results will be published via peer reviewed and professional journals, and further disseminated via congresses. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN18151041.

Influência da espiritualidade na qualidade de vida de idosos hemodialíticos / Influence of spirituality on the quality of life of elderly people on hemodialysis / Influencia de la espiritualidad en la calidad de vida de los ancianos hemodialíticos

Objetivo: analisar o conhecimento científico existente acerca da influência da espiritualidade na qualidade de vida de idosos em Terapia Renal Substitutiva do tipo hemodiálise. Método: trata-se de um estudo bibliográfico, descritivo, tipo revisão integrativa, com delimitação temporal de 2013 a 2019. Realizou-se uma busca eletrônica nas bases de dados da Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde por meio de descritores controlados contemplados no Descritores de Ciências da Saúde. Selecionaram-se os estudos por título e resumo, com posteriores extrações de informações por meio de instrumento apropriado, hierarquizando-os de acordo com o seu nível de evidência. Resultados: perceberam-se três pontos importantes que compilam as evidências da influência da espiritualidade na qualidade de vida de idosos submetidos à hemodiálise, a saber: promoção da saúde mental; renovação de esperanças para um futuro promissor; promoção do autocuidado. Conclusão: percebe-se que a espiritualidade influencia a qualidade de vida, permitindo mudanças na saúde mental do idoso, estimulando o seu senso de esperanças na cura e suscitando meios para que ele se torne ativo no processo de autocuidado.(AU)

Objective: to analyze the existing scientific knowledge about the influence of spirituality on the quality of life of elderly people undergoing hemodialysis. Method: this is a bibliographic, descriptive, integrative review type study, with temporal delimitation from 2013 to 2019. An electronic search was conducted in the databases of the Virtual Health Library through controlled descriptors contemplated in the Descriptors of Health Sciences. Studies were selected by title and abstract, with subsequent extraction of information through an appropriate instrument, ranking them according to their level of evidence. Results: three important points were perceived that compile the evidence of the influence of spirituality on the quality of life of elderly people undergoing hemodialysis, namely: promotion of mental health; renewal of hope for a promising future; promotion of self-care. Conclusion: it is perceived that spirituality influences quality of life, enabling changes in the mental health of the elderly, stimulating their sense of hope for healing and raising means for them to become active in the self-care process.(AU)

Objetivo: analizar el conocimiento científico existente sobre la influencia de la espiritualidad en la calidad de vida de ancianos sometidos a Terapia Renal Sustitutiva del tipo hemodiálisis. Método: se trata de un estudio bibliográfico, descriptivo, tipo revisión integradora, con una delimitación temporal de 2013 a 2019. Se realizó una búsqueda electrónica en las bases de datos de la Biblioteca Virtual en Salud utilizando descriptores controlados incluidos en los Descriptores de Ciencias de Salud. Los estudios fueron seleccionados por título y resumen, con posteriores extracciones de informaciones mediante un instrumento adecuado, jerarquizándolos según su nivel de evidencia. Resultados: se percibieron tres puntos importantes que recogen las evidencias de la influencia de la espiritualidad en la calidad de vida de los ancianos en hemodiálisis, a saber: promoción de la salud mental; renovación de esperanzas para un futuro prometedor; promoción del autocuidado. Conclusión: Se percibe que la espiritualidad influye en la calidad de vida, permitiendo cambios en la salud mental de los ancianos, estimulando su sentido de esperanza en la cura y abriéndoles caminos para que se vuelvan activos en el proceso de autocuidado.(AU)

Self-care, symptom experience, needs, and past health-care utilization in individuals with heart failure: results of a cross-sectional study.

AIMS: Self-care in heart failure (HF) is generally sub-optimal and impacts morbidity and mortality. To describe self-care prevalence and explore its relationships with symptom experience, patient needs, and health-care utilization in a Swiss hospital providing regional secondary care. METHODS AND RESULTS: Cross-sectional study, convenience sample of individuals with HF from four campuses of one regional Swiss hospital. Self-care was assessed via the Self-Care of Heart Failure Index (SCHFI) and the European Heart Failure Self-care Behaviour Scale (EHFScBS), symptom experience via the M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory-HF (MDASI-HF) and needs via the Heart Failure Needs Assessment Questionnaire (HFNAQ). Healthcare utilization reflected the preceding year's hospitalization incidence. A cut-off level of ≥70% indicated adequate self-care. We analysed SCHFI, EHFScBS, MDASI-HF and HFNAQ scores' relationships with hospitalizations using Spearman's rho correlation; no prior hypotheses were stated. Sample of 310 individuals with HF (37.4% female; mean age 76.8; 55% NYHA III). Adequate self-care maintenance, management, and confidence were reported by 24%, 10%, and 61%. respectively. The sample's mean number of experienced symptoms was 12.8 (SD 4.0) and 14.0 (SD 5.8) for needs. Over the previous year, 269 hospitalizations had occurred (median: 0, IQR 1). Hospitalizations positively correlated with self-care; symptom experience with needs. Neither symptom experience nor needs correlated with hospitalizations. CONCLUSION: The findings indicated low self-care levels and suggest a need for increased support to maintain physiological stability, manage symptoms and prevent hospitalizations. This study is the first of its kind in Switzerland and among few studies worldwide to report on self-care, symptom experience, needs, and health-care utilization. Interventional studies are warranted considering baseline self-care capabilities, symptoms, and needs of individuals with HF.

Symptom perception in heart failure - Interventions and outcomes: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Symptom perception in heart failure has recently been described as essential in the self-care process bridging self-care maintenance and self-care management. Accordingly, symptom perception appears to be critical for improving patient outcomes such as decreased hospital readmission and increased survival. OBJECTIVES: To explore what interventions have been reported on heart failure symptom perception and to describe outcomes responsive to symptom perception. DESIGN: We conducted a scoping review using PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews. DATA SOURCES: Structured searches of Medline, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsychINFO, Web of Science, Cochrane, Joanna Briggs Institute and Grey literature databases. REVIEW METHODS: Two authors independently screened references for eligibility. Eligible articles were written in English, French, German, Swedish, Italian or Spanish and concerned symptom perception in adults with heart failure. Data were extracted and charted in tables by three reviewers. Results were narratively summarized. RESULTS: We identified 99 eligible studies from 3055 references. Seven interventional studies targeted symptom perception as the single intervention component. Mixed results have been found: while some reported decreased symptom frequency, intensity and distress, enhanced health-related quality of life, improved heart failure self-care maintenance and management as well as a greater ability to mention heart failure symptoms, others found more contacts with healthcare providers or no impact on anxiety, heart failure self-care nor a number of diary reported symptoms. Additional interventional studies included symptom perception as one component of a multi-faceted intervention. Outcomes responsive to symptom perception were improved general and physical health, decreased mortality, heart failure decompensation, as hospital/emergency visits, shorter delays in seeking care, more consistent weight monitoring, improved symptom recognition as well as self-care management, decreased hospital length of stay and decreased costs. CONCLUSIONS: While many studies allowed to map a comprehensive overview of interventions supporting symptom perception in heart failure as well as responsiveness to outcomes, only a few single component intervention studies targeting symptom perception have been reported and study designs preclude assessing intervention effectiveness. With regard to multiple component interventions, the specific impact of symptom perception interventions on outcomes remains uncertain to date. Well-designed studies are needed to test the effectiveness of symptom perception interventions and to elucidate relationships with outcomes.

Scorpion species of medical importance in the Brazilian Amazon: a review to identify knowledge gaps

Scorpionism is a relevant medical condition in Brazil. It is responsible for most accidents involving venomous animals in the country, which leads to severe symptoms that can evolve to death. In recent years, an increase of almost 50% in the incidence of scorpionism has been observed in the Northern Region, where the highest severity of envenoming has been notified since the beginning of the 21st century. This review aims to provide an in-depth assessment of public data and reports on symptoms and epidemiology of envenoming, ecological aspects of scorpions, and characterization of venoms and toxins to access the gaps that need to be filled in the knowledge of the scorpion species of medical importance from the Brazilian Amazon. A systematic search using the string words "Amazon" and "scorpion" was performed on 11 databases. No restriction on date, language or status of the publication was applied. Reports not related to the Brazilian Amazon were excluded. Therefore, 88 studies remained. It is shown that populations of scorpions of medical importance, even of the same species, may present significant toxic variations peculiar to some regions in the Brazilian Amazon, and commercial scorpion antivenoms were not able to shorten the intensity and duration of neurological manifestations in patients stung by T. silvestris, T. apiacas or T. obscurus. It is also highlighted that the toxins responsible for triggering these alterations have not been elucidated yet and this is a fruitful field for the development of more efficient antivenoms. Furthermore, the geographic distribution of scorpions of the genus Tityus in the Brazilian Amazon was revised and updated. The cumulative and detailed information provided in this review may help physicians and scientists interested in scorpionism in the Brazilian Amazon.(AU)

Strategies to Promote Patient Safety in Hemodialysis: An Integrative Review.

A way to promote patient safety is to create strategies that can contain the latent failures present in health organizations, especially in highly complexity services, such as hemodialysis units, which, by the characteristics of the treatment, offer potential risks for the occurrence of adverse events to their patients. The aim of this study was to identify strategies in the literature that contribute to the promotion of patient safety in hemodialysis. Eleven articles were identified, comprising 17 strategies to promote patient safety in hemodialysis, divided into three dimensions of care: teaching, assistance, and management. The category with the most strategies listed was management, with audit the most cited strategy in this category. All strategies found are interrelated and can be used together to optimize patient safety.