Implementation of the São Paulo Nursing Courses Consortium for the Progress Test: experience report.

OBJECTIVE: To report the experience of implementing the São Paulo Nursing Courses Consortium for the Progress Test. METHOD: This is an experience report of the consortium's work in Progress Test preparation and application for Public Schools of Nursing in São Paulo in 2019, 2021 and 2022, with a descriptive analysis of the work process and the results obtained. RESULTS: The consortium's activities are structured into the following stages: planning; theme review; distributing and requesting questions; professor training; question elaboration; question reception; question selection; question validation; student registration; test application; analysis and dissemination of results. A total of 57.3% of enrolled students participated. There was a predominance of questions of medium difficulty and a gradual progression in the level of discrimination of the questions, with, in 2022, 82.5% being considered adequate. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: The consortium has allowed the test to be applied interinstitutionally, with greater scope, accuracy, and quality of questions. Through this experience, it is expected to encourage progress testing in undergraduate nursing courses in other contexts.

Relação enfermeiro-pessoa afetada pela Tuberculose fundamentada na teoria do alcance de metas de imogene king / La relación enfermería-Persona afectada por la Tuberculosis, según la Teoría del logro de objetivos de imogene king / The nurse-tuberculosis patient relationship according to Imogene King's theory of goal achievement

Resumo Introdução: As ações desenvolvidas na Atenção Primária à Saúde são um dos pontos fortes de combate à tuberculose. Nesse nível de atenção, o contato contínuo do enfermeiro por meio da consulta de enfermagem permite manter relação com a população adoecida. Diante da relação enfermeiro-pessoa cuidada para o estabelecimento do vínculo e adesão ao tratamento contra tuberculose, compreende-se a importância do referencial teórico de Imogene King para estruturar a interação enfermeiro-pessoa cuidada e oferecer uma dinâmica para esse processo. Objetivo: Analisar a relação enfermeiro-pessoa afetada pela tuberculose fundamentada na Teoria do Alcance de Metas de Imogene King. Método: Estudo descritivo com abordagem qualitativa, com 14 enfermeiros da APS, selecionadas por conveniência. A coleta de dados ocorreu de agosto a novembro de 2018, por meio de entrevista semiestruturada, elaborada com base no Registro Meta-Orientado de Enfermagem de Imogene King. Os dados foram analisados de forme qualitativa pelo Software IRAMUTEQ. A pesquisa foi aprovada pelo Comitê de Ética. Resultados: Após a análise, emergiram quatro classes: 1) relação estabelecida com base no acolhimento; 2) relação enfermeiro-pessoa com tuberculose e o apoio de outros profissionais e familiares; 3) relação estabelecida com vistas ao cumprimento do tratamento; e 4) relação estabelecida para enfrentamento do preconceito diante da tuberculose. Conclusão: O acolhimento, a família e o vínculo entre profissional, paciente e equipe da Atenção Primária à Saúde fortalecem o enfrentamento da doença e reforçam a adesão ao tratamento medicamentoso.

Resumen Introducción: Uno de los puntos fuertes de la lucha contra la tuberculosis son las acciones desarrolladas en la atención primaria de salud. En este nivel asistencial, el contacto continuo de las enfermerías a través de la consulta de enfermería permite mantener una relación con la población enferma. Frente a la relación enfermería-persona para el establecimiento del vínculo y la adherencia al tratamiento contra la tuberculosis, se entiende la importancia del referente teórico de Imogene King para estructurar la interacción enfermería-persona y ofrecer una dinámica para este proceso. Objetivo: Análisis de la relación entre el personal de enfermería y las personas afectadas por la tuberculosis, a partir de la teoría del logro de objetivos de Imogene King. Método: Estudio descriptivo con abordaje cualitativo, con 14 enfermeras de atención primaria de salud, seleccionadas por conveniencia. La recolección de datos ocurrió de agosto a noviembre de 2018, a través de una entrevista semiestructurada, elaborada con base en el registro meta-orientado de enfermería de Imogene King. Los datos fueron analizados cualitativamente utilizando el software IRAMUTEQ. La investigación fue aprobada por el Comité de Ética. Resultados: Después del análisis, surgieron cuatro clases: 1) relación establecida con base en la recepción, 2) relación enfermería-persona con tuberculosis y apoyo de otras personas profesionales y familiares, 3) relación establecida con miras al cumplimiento del tratamiento y 4) relación establecida para combatir los prejuicios contra la tuberculosis. Conclusión: La acogida, la familia y el vínculo entre profesional, paciente y equipo de atención primaria de salud fortalecen el afrontamiento de la enfermedad y refuerzan la adherencia al tratamiento farmacológico.

Abstract Introduction: One of the main aspects in the fight against tuberculosis are the actions developed in Primary Health Care (PHC). At this level of care, the nurse's continuous contact through the nursing consultation allows them to maintain a relationship with the sick population. Regarding the nurse-patient relationship for establishing a bond and the compliance with tuberculosis treatment, we understand the importance of Imogene King's theoretical framework for structuring the nurse-patient interaction and offering a dynamic for this process. Objective: To analyze the nurse-tuberculosis patient relationship based on Imogene King's Theory of Goal Achievement. Method: A descriptive study with a qualitative approach, with 14 PHC nurses, selected by convenience. Data were collected from August to November 2018 through semi-structured interviews based on Imogene King's Meta-Oriented Nursing Record. The data were analyzed qualitatively using the IRAMUTEQ software. The research was approved by the Ethics Committee. Results: After the analysis, four classes emerged: 1) relationship established on the basis of welcoming; 2) nurse-tuberculosis patient relationship and the support of other professionals and family members; 3) relationship established towards treatment compliance; and 4) relationship established to confront prejudice associated with tuberculosis. Conclusion: The welcoming, the family, and the bond between the professional, the patient and Primary Health Care team strengthen the coping with the disease and reinforce the compliance with the pharmacological treatment.

Proliferation and apoptosis dynamics of the normal canine mammary gland during the oestrous cycle evaluated by Ki-67 and Caspase-3 indexes.

Understanding the normal physiology of the canine mammary gland (CMG) is crucial, as it provides a foundational reference for understanding canine mammary neoplasms. The relation between the Proliferation Index (PI) indicated by Ki-67 expression, along with the Apoptotic Index (AI) determined through Caspase-3 expression during the oestrous cycle, is inadequately documented in existing literature. This study seeks to offer insights into the interplay between PI and AI in the CMG across oestrous cycle phases. An extensive investigation was conducted on a diverse case series of bitches (n = 18). Oestrous cycle stages were determined through vaginal cytology, histological examination of the reproductive tract and serum progesterone and oestradiol concentrations. The entire mammary chain was histologically examined, and proliferation and apoptosis were assessed via double immunohistochemistry employing anti-Ki-67 and Caspase-3 antibodies. PI and AI were evaluated through a systematic random sampling approach, counting a minimum of 200 cells for each cell type. There was a significantly higher PI during early dioestrus in all mammary gland components, with a greater proportion of positive cells observed in epithelial cells compared to stromal cells. The highest PI was detected in epithelial cells within the end buds. Significant differences were found in Ki-67 labelling across the cranial mammary glands. A positive and strong correlation was noted between progesterone concentration and PI in epithelial cells. The AI remained consistently low throughout the oestrous cycle, with few differences observed across histological components. Caspase-3 labelling displayed the highest positivity in caudal mammary pairs. A negative and moderate correlation was identified between progesterone concentration and AI in interlobular mesenchymal cells. This study highlights the influence of endocrine regulation on cell proliferation indices in mammary tissue, emphasizing the need to consider these hormonal variations in toxicopathological studies involving canine mammary gland.

Inhibition of Microbicidal Activity of Canine Macrophages DH82 Cell Line by Capsular Polysaccharides from Cryptococcus neoformans.

Cryptococcus neoformans is a lethal fungus that primarily affects the respiratory system and the central nervous system. One of the main virulence factors is the capsule, constituted by the polysaccharides glucuronoxylomannan (GXM) and glucuronoxylomanogalactan (GXMGal). Polysaccharides are immunomodulators. One of the target cell populations for modulation are macrophages, which are part of the first line of defense and important for innate and adaptive immunity. It has been reported that macrophages can be modulated to act as a "Trojan horse," taking phagocytosed yeasts to strategic sites or having their machinery activation compromised. The scarcity of information on canine cryptococcosis led us to assess whether the purified capsular polysaccharides from C. neoformans would be able to modulate the microbicidal action of macrophages. In the present study, we observed that the capsular polysaccharides, GXM, GXMGal, or capsule total did not induce apoptosis in the DH82 macrophage cell line. However, it was possible to demonstrate that the phagocytic activity was decreased after treatment with polysaccharides. In addition, recovered yeasts from macrophages treated with polysaccharides after phagocytosis could be cultured, showing that their viability was not altered. The polysaccharides led to a reduction in ROS production and the mRNA expression of IL-12 and IL-6. We observed that GXMGal inhibits MHC class II expression and GXM reduces ERK phosphorylation. In contrast, GXMGal and GXM were able to increase the PPAR-γ expression. Furthermore, our data suggest that capsular polysaccharides can reduce the microbicidal activity of canine macrophages DH82.

Cyanopeptides occurrence and diversity in a Brazilian tropical reservoir: Exploring relationships with water quality.

Microcystins (MCs) are a class of toxic secondary metabolites produced by some cyanobacteria strains that endanger aquatic and terrestrial organisms in various freshwater systems. Although patterns in MC occurrence are being recognized, divergences in the global data still hamper our ability to predict the toxicity of cyanobacterial blooms. This study aimed (i) to determine the dynamics of MCs and other cyanopeptides in a tropical reservoir, (ii) to investigate the correlation between peptides and potential cyanotoxin producers (iii) identifying the possible abiotic factors that influence the peptides. We analyzed, monthly, eight MC variants (MC-RR, -LA, -LF, -LR, -LW, -YR, [D-Asp3]-RR and [D-Asp3]-LR) and other peptides in 47 water samples collected monthly, all season long, from two sampling sites in a tropical eutrophic freshwater reservoir, in southeastern Brazil. The cyanopeptides were assessed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The biomass of potential cyanobacterial producers and water quality variables were measured. MCs were detected in both sampling sites year-round; the total MC concentration varied from 0.21 to 4.04 µg L-1, and three MC variants were identified and quantified (MC-RR, [D-Asp3]-RR, -LR). Additionally, we identified 28 compounds belonging to three other cyanopeptide classes: aeruginosin, microginin, and cyanopeptolin. As potential MC producers, Microcystis spp. and Dolichospermum circinalis were dominant during the study, representing up to 75% of the total phytoplankton. Correlational and redundancy analysis suggested positive effects of dissolved oxygen, nitrate, and total phosphorus on MC and microginins concentration, while water temperature appeared to favor aeruginosins. A comparison between our results and historical data showed a reduction in total phosphorus and cyanobacteria, suggesting increased water quality in the reservoir. However, the current MC concentrations indicate a rise in cyanobacterial toxicity over the last eight years. Moreover, our study underscores the pressing need to explore cyanopeptides other than MCs in tropical aquatic systems.

Chick heterophils release DNA extracellular traps (DETs) in vitro and in vivo upon Aspergillus fumigatus conidia exposure.

Aspergillosis is a common fungal disease in avian species, causing high mortality in young chicks in agricultural farms and yards. It is caused by fungi belonging to the genus Aspergillus. Aspergillosis occurs by inhalation of fungal conidia, and in chickens, effective infection control relies on a rapid and large influx of heterophils to the lungs. Heterophils, upon different stimuli, release to the extracellular milieu their chromatin associated with several proteins that ensnare and kill different pathogens similarly to neutrophil extracellular traps. Here, we showed that Aspergillus fumigatus conidia and the peptidogalactomannan (PGM), isolated from the fungus cell wall, induce the release of DNA extracellular traps (DETs) in chicks' blood and lung heterophils. We demonstrated that reactive oxygen species, elastase and peptidyl arginine deiminase (PAD) were involved in DETs extrusion, the occurrence of DETs in the lungs of A. fumigatus-exposed chicks in vivo, and its role in chick survival. These results may contribute to developing more efficient tools for the therapeutic and diagnosis of aspergillosis.

Manejo familiar da criança que espera por um transplante de órgãos / Family management of child waiting for a organ transplant / Manejo familiar del niño en espera de un trasplante de órganos

Objetivo: conhecer a experiência de manejo familiar da criança à espera de um transplante de órgãos sólidos de acordo com o Modelo de estilos de manejo familiar. Método: foi realizado um estudo qualitativo que utilizou o modelo supracitado como referencial teórico. Foram aplicadas entrevistas, de forma remota, a nove familiares de crianças que aguardavam por um transplante de órgãos. Os dados foram analisados através do modelo híbrido de análise temática. Resultados: as famílias definem que essa fase oscila entre o medo do transplante, da rejeição do órgão e possibilidade de morte em fila de espera, e a esperança na melhora do quadro clínico. Considerações finais: identificar as necessidades da família que aguarda por um transplante possibilita ao profissional de saúde implementar intervenções

Objective: to understand the family management experience of children waiting for a solid organ transplant in accordance with the Family Management Styles Model. Method: a qualitative study was carried out using the aforementioned model as a theoretical framework. Interviews were conducted remotely with nine family members of children waiting for an organ transplant. Data were analyzed using the hybrid thematic analysis model. Results: families define that this phase oscillates between fear of transplantation, organ rejection and the possibility of death on the waiting list, and hope for an improvement in the clinical condition. Final considerations: identifying the needs of the family waiting for a transplant allows the health professional to implement interventions

Objetivos:comprender la experiencia de gestión familiar de niños en espera de trasplante de órgano sólido de acuerdo con el Modelo de Estilos de Gestión Familiar. Método: se realizó un estudio cualitativo utilizando como marco teórico el modelo antes mencionado. Las entrevistas se realizaron de forma remota con nueve familiares de niños que esperaban un trasplante de órgano. Los datos se analizaron utilizando el modelo de análisis temático híbrido. Resultados: las familias definen que esta fase oscila entre el miedo al trasplante, el rechazo del órgano y la posibilidad de muerte en lista de espera, y la esperanza de mejora del cuadro clínico. Consideraciones finales: identificar las necesidades de la familia en espera de un trasplante permite al profesional de la salud implementar intervenciones

Manejo familiar da criança que espera por um transplante de órgãos / Family management of child waiting for a organ transplant / Manejo familiar del niño en espera de un trasplante de órganos

Objetivo: conhecer a experiência de manejo familiar da criança à espera de um transplante de órgãos sólidos de acordo com o Modelo de estilos de manejo familiar. Método: foi realizado um estudo qualitativo que utilizou o modelo supracitado como referencial teórico. Foram aplicadas entrevistas, de forma remota, a nove familiares de crianças que aguardavam por um transplante de órgãos. Os dados foram analisados através do modelo híbrido de análise temática. Resultados: as famílias definem que essa fase oscila entre o medo do transplante, da rejeição do órgão e possibilidade de morte em fila de espera, e a esperança na melhora do quadro clínico. Considerações finais: identificar as necessidades da família que aguarda por um transplante possibilita ao profissional de saúde implementar intervenções

Objective: to understand the family management experience of children waiting for a solid organ transplant in accordance with the Family Management Styles Model. Method: a qualitative study was carried out using the aforementioned model as a theoretical framework. Interviews were conducted remotely with nine family members of children waiting for an organ transplant. Data were analyzed using the hybrid thematic analysis model. Results: families define that this phase oscillates between fear of transplantation, organ rejection and the possibility of death on the waiting list, and hope for an improvement in the clinical condition. Final considerations: identifying the needs of the family waiting for a transplant allows the health professional to implement interventions

Objetivos:comprender la experiencia de gestión familiar de niños en espera de trasplante de órgano sólido de acuerdo con el Modelo de Estilos de Gestión Familiar. Método: se realizó un estudio cualitativo utilizando como marco teórico el modelo antes mencionado. Las entrevistas se realizaron de forma remota con nueve familiares de niños que esperaban un trasplante de órgano. Los datos se analizaron utilizando el modelo de análisis temático híbrido. Resultados: las familias definen que esta fase oscila entre el miedo al trasplante, el rechazo del órgano y la posibilidad de muerte en lista de espera, y la esperanza de mejora del cuadro clínico. Consideraciones finales: identificar las necesidades de la familia en espera de un trasplante permite al profesional de la salud implementar intervenciones

Meanings of nurses' role in Child and Adolescent Psychosocial Care Centers.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the meaning attributed to nurses' role in mental health care in Child and Adolescent Psychosocial Care Centers. METHODS: qualitative research, anchored in the paradigm of complexity. Data collection was carried out through online semi-structured interviews with ten nurses from São Paulo, between March and September 2022, being analyzed thematically. RESULTS: the diversity and specificity of a child and adolescent mental health clinic, with the need for expanded, territorial and intersectoral care, were unveiled in addition to a fragmented training in the area. There was a need for a deconstruction of being a nurse to make it possible to produce more inclusive and salutogenic practices. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: the need for training nurses with adequate knowledge and skills to care for the mental health of children, adolescents and their families is reinforced as well as permanent education of working teams.

Evaluación de la dilatación cervical en simuladores comparada con una herramienta visual: estudio aleatorizado / Cervical dilation assessment in simulators compared to a visual tool: A randomized study / Avaliação da dilatação cervical em simuladores comparada a uma ferramenta visual: estudo randomizado

Objetivo: comprobar la tasa de evaluación correcta mediante la comparación visual directa de las medidas de dilatación cervical en modelos de cuello uterino de consistencia dura. Método: estudio aleatorizado abierto con 63 estudiantes de obstetricia a los que se les asignó usar o no la comparación visual directa con una guía de dilatación. Los estudiantes estimaron de forma ciega la dilatación cervical en simuladores con diferentes dilataciones. El resultado primario fue la tasa de evaluación correcta. Resultados: los estudiantes realizaron 441 pruebas. Se observó una mayor tasa de evaluación correcta en el grupo experimental que en el grupo control (47,3% versus 27,2%; p < 0,001; Odds Ratio = 2,41; intervalo de confianza del 95% = 1,62-3, 58). Conclusión: la comparación visual directa aumentó la precisión de la evaluación de la dilatación cervical en modelos de simulación de cuello, lo que podría ser beneficioso en el entrenamiento de laboratorio. Registro Brasileño de Ensayos Clínicos n.º U1111-1210-2389.

Objective: to verify the correct assessment rate when using direct visual comparison in the cervical dilation measures in hard-consistency cervix simulation models. Method: an open-label and randomized study conducted with 63 Obstetrics students that were designated either to use direct visual comparison in a dilation guide or not. The students estimated cervical dilation blindly in simulators with different dilations. The primary outcome was the correct assessment rate. Results: the students performed 141 tests. A higher correct assessment rate was found in the Experimental Group than in the Control Group (47.3% versus 27.2%; p<0.001; Odds Ratio = 2.41; 95% Confidence Interval = 1.62-3.58). Conclusion: the direct visual comparison increased precision of the cervical dilation assessment in cervix simulation models, with the possibility of being beneficial in laboratory training. Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials No. U1111-1210-2389.

Objetivo: verificar a taxa de avaliação correta com o uso da comparação visual direta nas medidas de dilatação cervical em modelos de simulação de colo com consistência dura. Método: estudo randomizado aberto com 63 estudantes de obstetrícia que foram designados para usar comparação visual direta em um guia de dilatação ou não. Os estudantes estimaram cegamente a dilatação cervical em simuladores com diferentes dilatações. O desfecho primário foi a taxa de avaliação correta. Resultados: os estudantes realizaram 441 testes. Foi encontrada maior taxa de avaliação correta no grupo experimental do que no grupo controle (47,3% versus 27,2%; p <0,001; Odds Ratio = 2,41; intervalo de confiança de 95% = 1,62-3,58). Conclusão: a comparação visual direta aumentou a precisão da avaliação da dilatação cervical em modelos de simulação de colo, podendo ser benéfica no treinamento em laboratório. Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos nº U1111-1210-2389.

Effects of platelet-rich fibrin produced by three centrifugation protocols on bone neoformation in defects created in rat calvaria.

This study evaluated the potential of Leukocyte-platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF; fixed angle centrifugation protocol), Advanced-platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF; low-speed fixed angle centrifugation protocol), and Horizontal-platelet-rich fibrin (H-PRF; horizontal centrifugation protocol) in bone neoformation in critical size defects (CSDs) in rat calvaria. Thirty-two rats were divided into groups: Control (C), L-PRF, A-PRF, and H-PRF. 5 mm diameter CSDs were created in the animals' calvaria. Defects from group Control (C) were filled with blood clots, while defects from groups L-PRF, A-PRF, and H-PRF were filled with respective platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) membranes. L-PRF, A-PRF, and H-PRF were prepared from animal blood collection and specific centrifugation protocols. At 14 and 30 days, calcein (CA) and alizarin (AL) injections were performed, respectively. Animals were euthanized at 35 days. Microtomographic, laser confocal microscopy, and histomorphometric analyzes were performed. Data were statistically analyzed (ANOVA, Tukey, p < .05). L-PRF, A-PRF, and H-PRF groups showed higher values of bone volume (BV), newly formed bone area (NFBA), and precipitation of CA and AL than the C group (p < .05). The H-PRF group showed higher values of BV, number of trabeculae (Tb. N), NFBA, and higher precipitation of AL than the A-PRF and L-PRF groups (p < .05). Therefore, it can be concluded that: i) L-PRF, A-PRF, and H-PRF potentiate bone neoformation in CSDs in rat calvaria; ii) H-PRF demonstrated more biological potential for bone healing.

After tooth loss, the alveolar bone (which supports the teeth) undergoes a natural process called bone remodeling, which can lead to significant decreases in bone height and thickness over time. Faced with the need to replace missing teeth, especially when it comes to dental implants, the lack of supporting tissues can compromise their correct positioning, leading to negative impacts on the success and longevity of the treatment. Therefore, over the years, several materials and procedures have been proposed to preserve and regenerate oral tissues. Leukocyte-platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) consists of a membrane obtained by centrifuging the patient's blood in a fixed-angle centrifuge, allowing cells to be available to stimulate tissue regeneration directly at the place of action. Several reports demonstrate high potential in stimulating the formation of new tissues using L-PRF. In recent years, new protocols have been proposed to increase cell concentration and improve the regenerative potential of these membranes, changing the speed and time of centrifugation and introducing horizontal centrifugation. However, there still needs to be concrete evidence of the superiority of the new protocols in relation to the original protocol. In this study, we evaluated the healing of defects created in rat calvaria using platelet aggregates obtained through different centrifugation protocols. Within the limits of this study, it can be concluded that platelet aggregates improve bone healing, and horizontal centrifugation promotes more satisfactory results compared to fixed-angle protocols.

Existing as a being-with-heart-disease-who-developed-pressure-wounds: an understanding based on Martin Heidegger.

OBJECTIVE: To understand, using Martin Heidegger's phenomenological framework, the Being who experiences a heart disease and develops a pressure injury. METHOD: Qualitative, phenomenological study using Martin Heidegger's theoretical-philosophical-methodological framework. Nine participants were interviewed at their residences, from October to December 2015, Ceará. RESULTS: Six meaning units were revealed: experiencing difficulties; dealing with the treatment of pressure wounds; not knowing the cardiac disease; being supported by family and friends; experiencing changes caused by disease; and maintaining faith in God. These Daily life was apprehended in an inauthentic life, chatter, curiosity, and ambivalence. Imprisoned to the vigor of having been, they live in anguish, supported by the faith in God and being-with-others in a movement of attentiveness. CONCLUSION: The phenomenon interferes with patients and families' daily lives rendering them vulnerable. There is a need for nursing to reflect on this experience and incorporate care that reaches human existence.

Suicide attempts by adolescents assisted in an emergency department: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: to identify and characterize the care provided to adolescents admitted to an emergency department due to a suicide attempt. METHODS: an observational, cross-sectional, descriptive study with a retrospective approach, carried out with medical records of adolescents aged 10 to 19 admitted for suicide attempts, between January 2015 and July 2020, in an emergency department. Data were subjected to descriptive and inferential analysis. RESULTS: eighty-eight service occurrences were identified, mainly to females, exposed to multiple risk factors. Exogenous intoxication was the main method used, occurring at home and on weekdays. There were systemic repercussions, requiring multiple interventions and hospitalizations. Only 26% of cases were notified. CONCLUSIONS: adolescents treated for suicide attempts were exposed to multiple risk factors, with intoxication as the main means used. There is concern about the underreporting of cases and the logic of clinical care and medicalization.

Macro and microscopic characteristics of the placenta and its relationship with the weight and the Apgar score of canine neonates.

The placenta is the main organ of pregnancy and is directly related to the proper development of the fetus. The correlation among some placental measurements and their respective neonates is widely studied in the human species. However, the studies regarding bitches are still limited. Therefore, the aim of this work was to evaluate if there is a relationship between placental weight and volume and the weight of neonates at birth in the canine species, as well as its influence on their viability. In this work, 7 bitches, 18 neonates and their placentas were evaluated. The weight of the placentas was measured using an analytical balance and the volume was calculated by measuring the volume of water displaced after placing it in a container of water. The neonates were weighed and classified according to the Apgar score after birth. Samples from each placenta were fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin, then placed on slides and stained in hematoxylin and eosin. From these samples, the microvascular density (MVD) was calculated, as well as the presence or absence of necrosis, calcification and haemorrhage, classified in scores from 0 to 2. Data were analyzed using Kendall's test. The mean weight of the placentas was 29.11 ± 11.06 g and the volume was 21.33 ± 10.65 cm³. The mean weight of the neonates was 282.94 ± 123.28 g and the Apgar score was 8.83 ± 2.06. The mean MVD of the placentas was 0.04 ± 0.01. A positive correlation was observed between birth weight and placental weight and volume. Placental weight also positively correlated with placental volume. Also, no significant correlation was found between MVD and alterations with placental weight and volume and with the weight and Apgar score of neonates. Among the microscopic changes, only necrosis showed a moderate correlation with placental weight and volume. It can be concluded that the placenta has an influence on the weight of neonates, which is essential for its development in intra and extrauterine life. However, more studies are required in the described species, to better elucidate these questions.

CA 15-3, CRP, and LDH correlates with prognostic parameters in canine mammary neoplasms.

The identification of putative prognostic factors in canine mammary neoplasms (CMNs) has been focused on tissue-specific biomarkers, but the serum biomarkers, including cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3), c-reactive protein (CRP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) have been demonstrated to display clinical application in cases of CMNs. The aim of the study was to evaluate the levels of these serum biomarkers and their association with well-established prognostic factors in CMNs. Samples from 15 female canines with CMNs and 15 clinically healthy ones were collected. The results were evaluated using the Tukey's, Pearson, or Spearman tests. The cut-off point, sensitivity, specificity, and area under curve (AUC) were evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis in a logistic regression model (P<0.05). The levels of CA 15-3, CRP and LDH were significantly higher in the serum of female dogs with CMNs compared to the healthy ones. Moreover, these factors were positively correlated with ulceration, tumor size, histopathological grade, metastatic lymph node, and clinical staging. Female dogs with CMNs were found to exhibit highest serum levels of CA 15-3, CRP, and LDH. Therefore, they can be applied to improve the efficacy of the diagnosis and prognostic evaluation in casas of CMNs.

Cervical dilation assessment in simulators compared to a visual tool: A randomized study. / Evaluación de la dilatación cervical en simuladores comparada con una herramienta visual: estudio aleatorizado.

OBJECTIVE: to verify the correct assessment rate when using direct visual comparison in the cervical dilation measures in hard-consistency cervix simulation models. METHOD: an open-label and randomized study conducted with 63 Obstetrics students that were designated either to use direct visual comparison in a dilation guide or not. The students estimated cervical dilation blindly in simulators with different dilations. The primary outcome was the correct assessment rate. RESULTS: the students performed 141 tests. A higher correct assessment rate was found in the Experimental Group than in the Control Group (47.3% versus 27.2%; p<0.001; Odds Ratio = 2.41; 95% Confidence Interval = 1.62-3.58). CONCLUSION: the direct visual comparison increased precision of the cervical dilation assessment in cervix simulation models, with the possibility of being beneficial in laboratory training. Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials No. U1111-1210-2389.

Nutrients and not temperature are the key drivers for cyanobacterial biomass in the Americas.

Cyanobacterial blooms imperil the use of freshwater around the globe and present challenges for water management. Studies have suggested that blooms are trigged by high temperatures and nutrient concentrations. While the roles of nitrogen and phosphorus have long been debated, cyanobacterial dominance in phytoplankton has widely been associated with climate warming. However, studies at large geographical scales, covering diverse climate regions and lake depths, are still needed to clarify the drivers of cyanobacterial success. Here, we analyzed data from 464 lakes covering a 14,000 km north-south gradient in the Americas and three lake depth categories. We show that there were no clear trends in cyanobacterial biomass (as biovolume) along latitude or climate gradients, with the exception of lower biomass in polar climates. Phosphorus was the primary resource explaining cyanobacterial biomass in the Americas, while nitrogen was also significant but particularly relevant in very shallow lakes (< 3 m depth). Despite the assessed climatic gradient water temperature was only weakly related to cyanobacterial biomass, suggesting it is overemphasized in current discussions. Depth was critical for predicting cyanobacterial biomass, and shallow lakes proved more vulnerable to eutrophication. Among other variables analyzed, only pH was significantly related to cyanobacteria biomass, likely due to a biologically mediated positive feedback under high nutrient conditions. Solutions toward managing harmful cyanobacteria should thus consider lake morphometric characteristics and emphasize nutrient control, independently of temperature gradients, since local factors are more critical - and more amenable to controls - than global external forces.

Chemical composition, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of six commercial essential oils.

Essential oils (EOs) and their components extracted from medicinal and aromatic plants are used in several areas, such as perfumery and chemical, cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical industries. Considering the different applications of EOs, this work aimed to screen the composition and the bioactivities properties of the EOs of Foeniculum vulgare, Helichrysum stoechas, Mentha pulegium, Pinus pinaster, Ruta graveolens, and Thymus mastichina. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed the presence of different compounds in EOs F. vulgare (12), H. stoechas (27), M. pulegium (8), P. pinaster (24), R. graveolens (8), and T. mastichina (16). All the EOs showed antioxidant activity acting through inhibition of lipid peroxidation, while only two EOs (H. stoechas and M. pulegium) scavenged the free radicals of DPPH. Mentha pulegium and T. mastichina EOs showed the strongest antimicrobial activity. Also, the effect on the fibroblast's viability was directly proportional to the EOs concentration, and the highest cytotoxic effect was registered with R. graveolens EO. The present study revealed significant bioactive properties of different EOs, highlighting M. pulegium and T. mastichina EOs to be considered in further studies for potential use in the food and pharmaceutical industries, due to their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

Melissa officinalis essential oil as an antimicrobial agent against Listeria monocytogenes in watermelon juice.

The burden of foodborne illness has a negative effect on public health, but also in countries' economy. Melissa officinalis is an aromatic plant known for its biological properties, including antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. This work highlighted M. officinalis essential oil's antioxidant potential and antimicrobial activity against L. monocytogenes, presenting a bactericidal action and being able to inhibit some virulence attributes, such as biofilm formation. The pre-exposure of the bacterium to subinhibitory levels of essential oil (0.125 µL/mL) did not induce high tolerance to stresses (such as high temperature, low pH, osmotic stress and desiccation) or cross-resistance with antibiotics, while not modifying the invasion ability to Caco-2 cells. When applied in food model media (lettuce, chicken and milk) and watermelon juice, the essential oil showed to have antimicrobial activity in a lettuce leaf model medium, further diminishing L. monocytogenes contamination and inhibiting the natural microbiota present in watermelon juice. M. officinalis essential oil shows potential to be used as control of L. monocytogenes in watermelon juice, while increasing the food's microbial shelf life.