Enhanced filtration membranes with graphene oxide and tannic acid for textile industry wastewater dye removal.

A novel modification technique employing a layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly method, integrated with a pressure-assisted filtration system, was developed for enhancing a commercial polyethersulfone (PES) microfiltration (MF) membrane. This modification involved the incorporation of tannic acid (TA) in conjunction with graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets. The effectiveness of the LbL method was confirmed through comprehensive characterization analyses, including ATR-FTIR, SEM, water contact angle (WCA), and mean pore size measurements, comparing the modified membrane with the original commercial one. Sixteen variations of PES MF membranes were superficially modified using a three-factorial design, with the deposited amount of TA and GO as key factors. The influence of these factors on the morphology and performance of the membranes was systematically investigated, focusing on parameters such as pure water permeability (PWP), blue corazol (BC) dye removal efficiency, and flux recovery rate (FRR). The membranes produced with the maximum amount of GO (0.1 mg, 0.55 wt%) and TA as the inner and outer layers demonstrated remarkable FRR and significant BC removal, exceeding 80%. Notably, there was no significant difference observed when using either 0.2 (1.11 wt%) or 0.4 mg (2.22 wt%) in the first layer, as indicated by the Tukey mean test. Furthermore, the modified membrane designated as MF/TA0.4GO0.1TA0.4 was evaluated in the filtration of a simulated dye bath wastewater, exhibiting a BC removal efficiency of 49.20% and a salt removal efficiency of 27.74%. In conclusion, the novel PES MF membrane modification proposed in this study effectively enhances the key properties of pressure-driven separation processes.

Quantum mechanics of particles constrained to spiral curves with application to polyene chains.

CONTEXT: Due to advances in synthesizing lower-dimensional materials, there is the challenge of finding the wave equation that effectively describes quantum particles moving on 1D and 2D domains. Jensen and Koppe and Da Costa independently introduced a confining potential formalism showing that the effective constrained dynamics is subjected to a scalar geometry-induced potential; for the confinement to a curve, the potential depends on the curve's curvature function. METHOD: To characterize the π electrons in polyenes, we follow two approaches. First, we utilize a weakened Coulomb potential associated with a spiral curve. The solution to the Schrödinger equation with Dirichlet boundary conditions yields Bessel functions, and the spectrum is obtained analytically. We employ the particle-in-a-box model in the second approach, incorporating effective mass corrections. The π - π ∗ transitions of polyenes were calculated in good experimental agreement with both approaches, although with different wave functions.

Midterm Outcomes of Multimodal Approach to Treating Severe Scoliosis in Patients With Osteogenesis Imperfecta.

INTRODUCTION: The surgical management of severe scoliosis in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is challenging because of curve rigidity, small stature, and inherent bone fragility. This study evaluated the midterm outcomes of our multimodal approach to address these issues, integrating perioperative bisphosphonate therapy, preoperative/intraoperative traction, various osteotomies, segmental pedicle screw instrumentation with cement augmentation, and bone morphogenetic protein-2 application. METHODS: A single-center retrospective review of 30 patients (average age 14.1 ± 2.2 years; 18 were female) diagnosed with OI and scoliosis was conducted. These patients underwent posterior spinal fusion between 2008 and 2020 and completed a minimum follow-up of 2 years. We measured radiographic parameters at each visit and reviewed the incidence of complications. A mixed-effects model was used to evaluate changes in radiographic parameters from preoperative measurements to the first and latest follow-ups. RESULTS: The patient cohort consisted of 2 individuals with type I OI, 20 with type III, 6 with type IV, and 2 with other types (types V and VIII). Surgical intervention led to a notable improvement in the major curve magnitude from 76° to 36°, with no notable correction loss. In addition, the minor curve, apical vertical translation, lowest instrumented vertebra tilt, and pelvic obliquity were also improved. In the sagittal plane, thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis remained unchanged while thoracolumbar kyphosis markedly improved. Two patients experienced proximal junctional kyphosis with screw pullout, one of whom required revision surgery. One patient developed a superficial infection that was successfully treated with oral antibiotics. No instances of neurologic deficits or cement extravasation were observed. DISCUSSION: This study demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of our multimodal approach to treating scoliosis in patients with OI, achieving a 53% major curve correction with minimal complications over 2-year follow-up. These findings provide notable insights into managing scoliosis in this population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV (case series).

Spatial Deconvolution of Cell Types and Cell States at Scale Utilizing TACIT.

Identifying cell types and states remains a time-consuming, error-prone challenge for spatial biology. While deep learning is increasingly used, it is difficult to generalize due to variability at the level of cells, neighborhoods, and niches in health and disease. To address this, we developed TACIT, an unsupervised algorithm for cell annotation using predefined signatures that operates without training data. TACIT uses unbiased thresholding to distinguish positive cells from background, focusing on relevant markers to identify ambiguous cells in multiomic assays. Using five datasets (5,000,000-cells; 51-cell types) from three niches (brain, intestine, gland), TACIT outperformed existing unsupervised methods in accuracy and scalability. Integrating TACIT-identified cell types with a novel Shiny app revealed new phenotypes in two inflammatory gland diseases. Finally, using combined spatial transcriptomics and proteomics, we discovered under- and overrepresented immune cell types and states in regions of interest, suggesting multimodality is essential for translating spatial biology to clinical applications.

Alternative to antimicrobial growth promoters in the diets of broilers challenged with subclinical necrotic enteritis.

Necrotic enteritis (NE) is a disease of worldwide distribution, which affects young broilers and causes economic losses on a scale of 6 billion dollars per year. For decades, NE was controlled in poultry flocks by dietary administration of low doses of antimicrobial growth promoters (AGPs). However, an increase in NE incidence was noted after the AGP ban. This study aimed to compare the effect of an antibiotic (Enramycin) diet to a combination of sodium butyrate, hydrolyzed yeast, and zinc proteinate (ViligenTM) on broiler diets regarding performance, blood parameters, intestinal permeability, morphology and lesions, and carcass yield of broilers challenged with Eimeria spp. and Clostridium perfringens to simulate subclinical necrotic enteritis. A total of 1,150 one-day-old male broiler chickens with an initial average weight of 43.9 ± 0.65 g were allocated to 50 experimental pens. Animals were divided into 5 groups: Negative control (NC) without additives; Positive control (PC) with 0.12 g/ton of Enramycin (8%); V500, V1000, and V1500 with the addition of 500, 1.000, and 1.500 g/ton of Viligen, respectively. All animals were challenged by Eimeria spp. at 7 d of age and by C. perfringens at 17, 18, and 19 d for induction of subclinical NE. The broilers fed with all concentrations of Viligen showed similar performance, blood parameters, intestinal permeability, and carcass yield compared to PC broilers. However, NC broilers showed higher FCR compared to PC broilers from 1 to 33 d (1.42 vs. 1.39) (P = 0.048) and from 1 to 42 d (1.51 vs. 1.49) (P < 0.001). V1500 broilers had fewer intestinal lesions at 28 d when compared to the PC treatment (P < 0.05) and showed that higher Viligen inclusion resulted in lower intestinal damage. At 21 d, the V500 group showed higher intestinal morphology characteristics (VH:VD 4.9 vs. 3.5) compared to the PC treatment (P < 0.001). Thus, in this study, the dietary addition of Viligen to broilers challenged by an experimental model of subclinical NE resulted in lower intestinal damage and similar performance to that obtained by the addition of Enramycin.

Predominance of CD137+ And TNF-α Expressing CD8+ Central Memory T Cells in Mild COVID-19 Recovered Patients Upon SARS-CoV-2 Re-Exposure.

INTRODUCTION: Memory CD8+ T cells are essential for long-term immune protection in viral infections, including COVID-19. METHODS: This study examined the responses of CD8+ TEM, TEMRA, and TCM subsets from unvaccinated individuals who had recovered from mild and severe COVID-19 by flow cytometry. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The peptides triggered a higher frequency of CD8+ TCM cells in the recovered mild group. CD8+ TCM and TEM cells showed heterogeneity in CD137 expression between evaluated groups. In addition, a predominance of CD137 expression in naïve CD8+ T cells, TCM, and TEM was observed in the mild recovered group when stimulated with peptides. Furthermore, CD8+ TCM and TEM cell subsets from mild recovered volunteers had higher TNF-α expression. In contrast, the expression partner of IFN-γ, IL-10, and IL-17 indicated an antiviral signature by CD8+ TEMRA cells. These findings underscore the distinct functional capabilities of each memory T cell subset in individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 upon re-exposure to SARS-CoV-2 antigens.

Exploring the Potential of Myrcia Genus Essential Oils: A Review of Biological Activities and Recent Advances.

The present study provides a comprehensive analysis of the chemical composition of essential oils from species of the Myrcia genus and their applications. The compiled results highlight the chemical diversity and biological activities of these oils, emphasizing their potential importance for various therapeutic and industrial applications. The findings reveal that Myrcia essential oils present a variety of bioactive compounds, such as monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, which demonstrate antimicrobial activities against a range of microorganisms, including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as yeasts. Furthermore, this study highlights the phytotoxic activity of these oils, indicating their potential for weed control. The results also point to the insecticidal potential of Myrcia essential oils against a range of pests, showing their viability as an alternative to synthetic pesticides. Additionally, species of the genus Myrcia have demonstrated promising hypoglycemic effects, suggesting their potential in diabetes treatment. This comprehensive synthesis represents a significant advancement in understanding Myrcia essential oils, highlighting their chemical diversity and wide range of biological activities. However, the need for further research is emphasized to fully explore the therapeutic and industrial potential of these oils, including the identification of new compounds, understanding of their mechanisms of action, and evaluation of safety and efficacy in different contexts.

MiR-9-3 hypermethylation is associated with stages of diabetic retinopathy.

Purpose: To investigate the potential relation between methylation of miR-9-3 and stages of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Additionally, we explored whether miR-9-3 methylation impacts the serum levels of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 170 participants with type 2 diabetes, including a control group (n = 64) and a diabetes retinopathy group (n = 106), which was further divided into NPDR (n = 58) and PDR (n = 48) subgroups. Epidemiological, clinical, anthropometric, biochemical ELISA assay were analysed. DNA extracted from leukocytes was used to profile miR-9-3 methylation using PCR-MSP. Results: MiR-9-3 hypermethylated profile was higher in the DR group (p < 0.001) and PDR subgroup compared to DM2 control group (p < 0.001). The hypermethylated profile in the PDR subgroup was also higher compared to NPDR subgroup (p < 0.001). There was no difference between DM2 control and NPDR group (p = 0.234). Logistic regression showed that miR-9-3 hypermethylation increases the odds of presenting DR (OR: 2.826; p = 0.002) and PDR (OR: 5.472; p < 0.001). In addition, hypermethylation of miR-9-3 in the DR and NPDR subgroup was associated with higher serum VEGF-A levels (p = 0.012 and p = 0.025, respectively). Conclusion: The methylation profile of the miR-9-3 promoter increases the risk of developing PDR. Higher levels of VEGF-A are associated with miR-9-3 hypermethylated profile in patients in the DR and NPDR stages. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-024-01411-9.

Spatial Deconvolution of Cell Types and Cell States at Scale Utilizing TACIT.

Identifying cell types and states remains a time-consuming and error-prone challenge for spatial biology. While deep learning is increasingly used, it is difficult to generalize due to variability at the level of cells, neighborhoods, and niches in health and disease. To address this, we developed TACIT, an unsupervised algorithm for cell annotation using predefined signatures that operates without training data, using unbiased thresholding to distinguish positive cells from background, focusing on relevant markers to identify ambiguous cells in multiomic assays. Using five datasets (5,000,000-cells; 51-cell types) from three niches (brain, intestine, gland), TACIT outperformed existing unsupervised methods in accuracy and scalability. Integration of TACIT-identified cell with a novel Shiny app revealed new phenotypes in two inflammatory gland diseases. Finally, using combined spatial transcriptomics and proteomics, we discover under- and overrepresented immune cell types and states in regions of interest, suggesting multimodality is essential for translating spatial biology to clinical applications.

Humane Endpoints in Swiss Webster Mice Infected with Toxoplasma gondii RH Strain.

The highly virulent Toxoplasma gondii RH strain is maintained through successive passages in mice, but there is still a lack of studies that refine these procedures from a 3Rs perspective, where humanitarian ideals aim to minimize the stress, pain, or suffering of the animals used in the research without the loss of results. The aim of this study was to establish humane endpoints in Swiss Webster mice inoculated with the T. gondii RH strain. A total of 52 mice were infected with 5 × 106 tachyzoites/mL and monitored for periods of up to 5 days. The parameters body weight; hair condition; higher than normal body temperature; hypothermia; respiratory function; pain; soft stools or diarrhea; bloody diarrhea; tense, nervous, or in distress during handling; and ascites were recorded daily in score tables. The results showed that prominent piloerection, respiratory function, pain parameters, and ascites are important clinical signs to be used as a cut-off point for implementing euthanasia. The application of this refinement method helped to avoid animal suffering and pain without compromising the number of parasites recovered. We therefore suggest adopting these parameters in research protocols that require the maintenance of the T. gondii RH strain in murine models to avoid and reduce animal suffering.

Impact of Metabolic Syndrome and Cardiovascular Risk on the Quality of Life of People Living with HIV.

BACKGROUND: The time elapsed since HIV infection diagnosis (TdiagHIV) affects the quality of life (QoL) and can get worse when chronic illnesses start. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cardiovascular risk (CVR) on the QoL of people living with HIV (PLHIV). METHODS: Cross-sectional study, with 60 PLHIV followed at a Reference Center in the city of Jataí, Goiás, Brazil. Data collection involved sociodemographic, clinical, CVR, MetS, and QoL information. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, with the BioEstat 5.3 program adopting p0.05. RESULTS: There was a predominance of men (61.7%), aged ≥38 years (53.3%), with a TdiagHIV of 97.88Añ85.65 months and use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) of 80.13Añ69.37 months. The worst domain of QoL was concern about confidentiality (40 points), and the best was medication concerns (95 points). MetS predominated at 18.3% and a moderate CVR at 11.7%. MetS was positively associated with age 38 years, the female sex, with the lowest score in QoL for general function, and the highest for TdiagHIV and the use of ART (p0.05). A moderate CRV was positively related to higher TdiagHIV and ART use, and low HDL-c, and the lowest score for QoL was found for trust in a professional (p0.05). CONCLUSION: PLHIV who are older, have a higher TdiagHIV, and use ART are more likely to develop MetS and moderate CVR. The presence of these diseases in PLHIV causes impairment in areas of QoL.

Cutaneous inflammasome driving ASC / gasdermin-D activation and IL-1ß-secreting macrophages in severe atopic dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory skin disease with intense pruritus, and chronic skin colonization by Staphylococcus aureus. To understand the inflammatory status in AD, we investigated the inflammasome complex, that activates ASC (Apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD), caspase-1 and GSDMD (gasdermin-D), and production of IL-1ß and IL-18. We aimed to evaluate the expression of the inflammasome pathway in the skin of adults with AD. Thirty patients with moderate to severe AD and 20 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. We performed the analysis of the inflammasome components NLRP1, NLRP3, AIM-2, IL-1ß, IL-18, Caspase-1, ASC, GSDMD, and CD68 expression (macrophage marker) by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. The main findings included increased expression of NLRP3, NLRP1 and AIM-2 at dermal level of severe AD; augmented IL-18 and IL-1ß expression at epidermis of moderate and severe patients, and in the dermis of severe AD; augmented expression of ASC, caspase-1 and GSDMD in both epidermis and dermis of moderate and severe AD. We detected positive correlation between caspase-1, GSDMD and IL-1ß (epidermis) and caspase-1 (dermis) and AD severity; NLRP3, AIM-2 and IL-1ß, and NLRP3 with IL-18 in the epidermis; ASC, GSDMD and IL-1ß, and NLRP3, AIM-2, caspase-1, and IL-18 in the dermis. We also evidenced the presence of CD68+ macrophages secreting GSDMD, ASC and IL-1ß in moderate and severe AD. Cutaneous macrophages, early detected in moderate AD, have its role in the disease inflammatory mechanisms. Our study indicates a canonical activation pathway of inflammasomes, reinforced by the chronic status of inflammation in AD. The analysis of the inflammasome complex evidenced an imbalance in its regulation, with increased expression of the evaluated components, which is remarkably in severe AD, emphasizing its relevance as potential disease biomarkers and targets for immunomodulatory interventions.

Effect of Starch and Paperboard Reinforcing Structures on Insulative Fiber Foam Composites.

Single-use plastic foams are used extensively as interior packaging to insulate and protect items during shipment but have come under increasing scrutiny due to the volume sent to landfills and their negative impact on the environment. Insulative compression molded cellulose fiber foams could be a viable alternative, but they do not have the mechanical strength of plastic foams. To address this issue, a novel approach was used that combined the insulative properties of cellulose fiber foams, a binder (starch), and three different reinforcing paperboard elements (angular, cylindrical, and grid) to make low-density foam composites with excellent mechanical strength. Compression molded foams and composites had a consistent thickness and a smooth, flat finish. Respirometry tests showed the fiber foams mineralized in the range of 37 to 49% over a 46 d testing period. All of the samples had relatively low density (Dd) and thermal conductivity (TC). The Dd of samples ranged from 33.1 to 64.9 kg/m3, and TC ranged from 0.039 to 0.049 W/mk. The addition of starch to the fiber foam (FF+S) and composites not only increased Dd, drying time (Td), and TC by an average of 18%, 55%, and 5.5%, respectively, but also dramatically increased the mechanical strength. The FF+S foam and paperboard composites had 240% and 350% higher average flexural strength (σfM) and modulus (Ef), respectively, than the FF-S composites. The FF-S grid composite and all the FF+S foam and composite samples had equal or higher σfM than EPS foam. Additionally, FF+S foam and paperboard composites had 187% and 354% higher average compression strength (CS) and modulus (Ec), respectively, than the FF-S foam and composites. All the paperboard composites for both FF+S and FF-S samples had comparable or higher CS, but only the FF+S cylinder and grid samples had greater toughness (Ωc) than EPS foam. Fiber foams and foam composites are compatible with existing paper recycling streams and show promise as a biodegradable, insulative alternative to EPS foam internal packaging.

Use of nitrate, sulphate, and iron (III) as electron acceptors to improve the anaerobic degradation of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate: effects on removal potential and microbiota diversification.

Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) is a synthetic anionic surfactant that is found in certain amounts in wastewaters and even in water bodies, despite its known biodegradability. This study aimed to assess the influence of nitrate, sulphate, and iron (III) on LAS anaerobic degradation and biomass microbial diversity. Batch reactors were inoculated with anaerobic biomass, nutrients, LAS (20 mg L-1), one of the three electron acceptors, and ethanol (40 mg L-1) as a co-substrate. The control treatments, with and without co-substrate, showed limited LAS biodegradation efficiencies of 10 ± 2% and 0%, respectively. However, when nitrate and iron (III) were present without co-substrate, biodegradation efficiencies of 53 ± 4% and 75 ± 3% were achieved, respectively, which were the highest levels observed. Clostridium spp. was prominent in all treatments, while Alkaliphilus spp. and Bacillus spp. thrived in the presence of iron, which had the most significant effect on LAS biodegradation. Those microorganisms were identified as crucial in affecting the LAS anaerobic degradation. The experiments revealed that the presence of electron acceptors fostered the development of a more specialised microbiota, especially those involved in the LAS biodegradation. A mutual interaction between the processes of degradation and adsorption was also shown.

Acidentes de trabalho com exposição a material biológico entre profissionais de enfermagem no Paraná / Work accidents with exposure to biological material among nursing professionals in Paraná / Accidentes de trabajo con exposición a material biológico en profesionales de enfermería en Paraná

Objetivou-se analisar o perfil epidemiológico das notificações de acidentes de trabalho com exposição a materiais biológicos entre profissionais de enfermagem no Paraná, por meio da série histórica determinada pelos anos de 2013 a 2022. Estudo epidemiológico observacional descritivo do tipo levantamento, fundamentado na epidemiologia descritiva, a partir de dados do Sistema de Informações de Agravos de Notificação e do Cadastro Nacional de Estabelecimentos de Saúde. Foram Identificados 48.405 casos, com prevalência de 98,54/1.000 profissionais. Destaca-se maior ocorrência no ano de 2019, na Regional de Saúde Metropolitana, entre técnicos de enfermagem, do sexo feminino, com faixa etária entre 31 e 40 anos. Entre enfermeiros, a faixa etária prevaleceu entre 18 e 30 anos, com evolução de alta sem conversão sorológica e fontes negativas para doenças. Destaca-se o alto número de tratamentos abandonados e subnotificações. Investir na formação profissional, na educação permanente, em equipamentos de proteção de qualidade e na efetivação dos protocolos para tratamento profilático é fundamental para prevenir o agravo.

The objective was to analyze the epidemiological profile of notifications of work accidents with exposure to biological material among nursing professionals in Parana, through the historical series determined for the years 2013 to 2022. Descriptive observational epidemiological study of the survey type, based on descriptive epidemiology, based on data from the System Information on Notifiable Diseases and the National Registry of Health Establishments. 48,405 cases were identified, with a prevalence of 98.54/1,000. More occurrences among female nursing technicians aged between 31 and 40 years old, from the Metropolitan Health Regional Facilities, in year 2019, stand out. Among nurses, the age range was between 18 and 30 years old, with discharge progressing without serological conversion and negative sources of disease. The high number of abandoned treatments and underreporting stands out. Investing in professional training, continuing education, quality protective equipment and implementing protocols for prophylactic treatment are essential to prevent the disease.

El objetivo fue analizar el perfil epidemiológico de las notificaciones entre profesionales de enfermería de Paraná, a través de la serie histórica determinada para los años 2013 a 2022. Estudio epidemiológico observacional descriptivo, tipo encuesta, con base en epidemiología descriptiva, a partir de datos del Sistema de Información de Enfermedades de Notificación Obligatoria. Se identificaron 48.405 casos, con una prevalencia de 98,54/1.000. Sobresalen más ocurrencias en 2019 entre técnicos de enfermería, del sexo femenino, edades entre 31 y 40 años, en la Regional de Salud Metropolitana. Entre los enfermeros, el rango de edad estuvo comprendido entre 18 y 30 años, progresando el alta sin conversión serológica y focos negativos de enfermedad. Destaca elevado número de tratamientos abandonados y subregistro. Invertir en formación profesional, educación continua, equipos de protección de calidad e implementar protocolos de tratamiento profiláctico son fundamentales para prevenir la enfermedad.

Fechar o cerco: estratégias na busca ativa de comunicantes de tuberculose / Closing the siege: strategies in the active search for tuberculosis contacts

A tuberculose é uma das doenças mais antigas do mundo. Os fatores de vulnerabilidade social, individual, programática, permitem que a tuberculose fique em latência por vários anos no indivíduo. Objetivo: Analisar, por meio de dados secundários, incidência e protocolo de infecção latente de tuberculose no município de São Paulo. Método: Trata-se de revisão sistemática da literatura. Em 29 de agosto de 2023, com a busca no Descritores em ciências da saúde: Tuberculose AND Infecção Latente, foram encontrados 4.527 artigos, após aplicação dos filtros: Base de dados LILACS e MEDLINE, texto completo, em Português, 2018 a 2023, restaram 38 documentos que foram submetidos ao checklist PRISMA. Resultados: Restaram 16 artigos que embasaram os resultados e a discussão. Conclusão: Iniciativas, como a busca ativa de comunicantes de tuberculose, devem ser construídas a partir de estratégias propostas em conjunto com pesquisadores e gestores alinhados ao Ministério da Saúde.(AU)

Tuberculosis is one of the oldest diseases in the world. Social, individual and programmatic vulnerability factors allow tuberculosis to remain latent for several years in the individual. Objective: To analyze, using secondary data, the incidence and protocol of latent tuberculosis infection in the city of São Paulo. Method: This is a systematic literature review. On August 29, 2023, 4,527 articles were found after applying the filters in the Health Sciences Descriptors: Tuberculosis AND Latent Infection: LILACS and MEDLINE database, full text, in Portuguese, 2018 to 2023, 38 documents remained that were submitted to the PRISMA checklist. Results: 16 articles were found to support the results and discussion. Conclusion: Initiatives, such as the active search for tuberculosis communicants, should be built on strategies proposed jointly with researchers and managers in line with the Ministry of Health.(AU)

La tuberculosis es una de las enfermedades más antiguas del mundo. Factores sociales, individuales y programáticos de vulnerabilidad permiten que la tuberculosis permanezca latente por varios años en el individuo. Objetivo: Analizar, a partir de datos secundarios, la incidencia y el protocolo de infección tuberculosa latente en el municipio de São Paulo. Método: Se trata de una revisión sistemática de la literatura. El 29 de agosto de 2023, fueron encontrados 4.527 artículos después de la aplicación de los filtros en los Descriptores de Ciencias de la Salud: Tuberculosis E Infección Latente: Base de datos LILACS y MEDLINE, texto completo, en portugués, 2018 a 2023, permanecieron 38 documentos que fueron sometidos a la lista de verificación PRISMA. Resultados: Quedaron 16 artículos, que constituyeron la base de los resultados y la discusión. Conclusión: Iniciativas como la búsqueda activa de comunicantes de tuberculosis deben construirse a partir de estrategias propuestas conjuntamente por investigadores y gestores en consonancia con el Ministerio de Salud.(AU)

Influence of environmental variables on students' cognitive performance in indoor higher education environments.

BACKGROUND: Educational environments can have environmental conditions that are incompatible with the needs of students, compromising their well-being and affecting their performance. OBJECTIVE: To identify the environmental variables that influence the performance of university students and measure this influence through an experiment in indoor environments. METHODS: The study applied an experimental methodology for three consecutive days in seven educational environments located in different regions of Brazil, measuring the environ-mental conditions, the students' perception of the environment, and their cognitive performance. The impact of environmental variables and environmental perception on student performance was analyzed using Generalized Linear Models and a Structural Equation Model. RESULTS: Students who took the test at air temperatures between 22.4°C and 24.7°C had a 74.20% chance of performing better than those outside this range. Air temperatures between 26.2°C and 29°C were associated with an 86% chance of taking less time to complete the test. High illuminance levels increased the chance of taking longer to answer the test by 41.7%. CONCLUSIONS: Three environmental variables (relative humidity, lighting and air temperature) and two perceptual dimensions (light and thermal perception) directly influence student performance.

Lung tissue expression of epithelial injury markers is associated with acute lung injury severity but does not discriminate sepsis from ARDS.

BACKGROUND: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a common cause of respiratory failure in critically ill patients, and diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) is considered its histological hallmark. Sepsis is one of the most common aetiology of ARDS with the highest case-fatality rate. Identifying ARDS patients and differentiate them from other causes of acute respiratory failure remains a challenge. To address this, many studies have focused on identifying biomarkers that can help assess lung epithelial injury. However, there is scarce information available regarding the tissue expression of these markers. Evaluating the expression of elafin, RAGE, and SP-D in lung tissue offers a potential bridge between serological markers and the underlying histopathological changes. Therefore, we hypothesize that the expression of epithelial injury markers varies between sepsis and ARDS as well as according to its severity. METHODS: We compared the post-mortem lung tissue expression of the epithelial injury markers RAGE, SP-D, and elafin of patients that died of sepsis, ARDS, and controls that died from non-pulmonary causes. Lung tissue was collected during routine autopsy and protein expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry. We also assessed the lung injury by a semi-quantitative analysis. RESULTS: We observed that all features of DAD were milder in septic group compared to ARDS group. Elafin tissue expression was increased and SP-D was decreased in the sepsis and ARDS groups. Severe ARDS expressed higher levels of elafin and RAGE, and they were negatively correlated with PaO2/FiO2 ratio, and positively correlated with bronchopneumonia percentage and hyaline membrane score. RAGE tissue expression was negatively correlated with mechanical ventilation duration in both ARDS and septic groups. In septic patients, elafin was positively correlated with ICU admission length, SP-D was positively correlated with serum lactate and RAGE was correlated with C-reactive protein. CONCLUSIONS: Lung tissue expression of elafin and RAGE, but not SP-D, is associated with ARDS severity, but does not discriminate sepsis patients from ARDS patients.

Neonatal nociceptive stimulation results in pain sensitization, reduction of hippocampal 5-HT1A receptor, and p-CREB expression in adult female rats.

Painful invasive procedures are often performed on newborns admitted to intensive care units (ICU). The acute and long-term effects caused by these stimuli can be investigated in animal models, such as newborn rats. Previous studies have shown that animals subjected to nociceptive stimuli in the neonatal period show sex-specific behavioral changes such as signs of anxiety or depression. Under the same conditions, neonatal stimuli also provoke an increase in the rate of neurogenesis and cell activation in the hippocampal dentate gyrus. So, this study aims to identify the possible roles of central monoamines, receptor expression (5-HT1A), and signaling factors (p-CREB) underlying the long-term effects of neonatal nociceptive stimulation. For this, noxious stimulation was induced by intra-plantar injection of Complete Freund´s adjuvant (CFA) on the postnatal day 1 (P1) or 8 (P8). Control animals were not stimulated. On P75 the behavioral tests were conducted (hotplate and elevated plus maze), followed by sacrifice and molecular studies. Our results showed that neonatal nociceptive stimulation alters pain sensitization specially in females, while stimulation on P1 increases pain threshold, P8-stimulated animals respond with reduced pain threshold (P < 0.001). Hippocampal expression of 5-HT1A receptor and p-CREB were reduced in P8 F group (P < 0.001) in opposition to the increased utilization rate of dopamine and serotonin in this group (P < 0.05). This study shows sex- and age-specific responses of signaling pathways within the hippocampus accompanied by altered behavioral repertoire, at long-term after neonatal painful stimulation.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT TRAINING FOR BRAZILIAN ORTHOPEDIC SURGEONS.

Objective: To report on the experience and impressions of the Brazilian orthopedic trauma surgeons attending the Leadership Development Program (LDP) hosted by the Sociedade Brasileira do Trauma Ortopédico (SBTO) in Sao Paulo, Brazil on November 4, 2022. Methods: Forty-eight orthopedic trauma surgeons from five different regions throughout Brazil were provided a link to complete The Big Five Test, a validated online personality assessment. The questionnaire was available in Portuguese and was intended to provide a background on individual personality traits and their influence on interpersonal interactions. The LDP integrated content from literature reviews specific to Latin America, established leadership programs from leading business schools, and various subject matter experts. Prior to the start of the LDP, participants received a pre-course survey evaluating demographic information, a needs assessment, and the prioritization of leadership topics utilizing a 5-point Likert-scale. Attendees participated in the one-day, interactive LDP focusing on the fundamental principles of leadership development, communication, personal development, emotional intelligence and negotiation. Following the LDP, a post-course evaluation was administered to determine the participants' overall experience, and suggestions for LDP improvement. Results: Forty-one of the forty-eight course participants completed the pre-course evaluation, whereas forty-six of the forty-eight participants completed the post-course evaluations. Overwhelmingly, the lack of opportunity was most prevalently reported as the main obstacle to attending a leadership course, as cited by 56% of respondents. Conclusion: Expanding the accessibility, diversity, and customizability of leadership programs can facilitate the development of personal tools needed to move healthcare forward. Critical topics include emotional intelligence and other differentiating leadership qualities that distinguish true transformational and servant leaders. Advancing leadership skills can stimulate networking, expose learners to experiential learning styles, inspire others to create positive change, and engender creative solutions for systematic improvements and health outcomes. Level of Evidence III; Individual Case-Control Studies.

Objetivo: Relatar a experiência e as impressões de cirurgiões de trauma ortopédico brasileiros participantes do Programa de Desenvolvimento de Liderança (PDL), organizado pela Sociedade Brasileira do Trauma Ortopédico (SBTO), em São Paulo, Brasil, em 4 de novembro de 2022. Métodos: Quarenta e oito cirurgiões de trauma ortopédico de cinco regiões diferentes do Brasil receberam um link para preencher o The Big Five Test, uma avaliação de personalidade on-line validada. O questionário estava disponível em português e pretendia fornecer informações básicas sobre traços de personalidade individuais e sua influência nas interações interpessoais. O PDL integrou conteúdo de análises de literatura específicas da América Latina, e programas de liderança estabelecidos pelas principais escolas de negócios e por vários especialistas no assunto. Antes do início do PDL, os participantes receberam uma pesquisa pré-curso solicitando informações demográficas, uma avaliação de necessidades e a priorização de tópicos de liderança utilizando uma escala Likert de 5 pontos. Os participantes participaram do PDL interativo de um dia com foco nos princípios fundamentais de desenvolvimento de liderança, comunicação, desenvolvimento pessoal, inteligência emocional e negociação. Após o PDL, foi realizada uma avaliação pós-curso para determinar a experiência geral dos participantes e sugestões para melhoria do PDL. Resultados: Quarenta e um dos quarenta e oito participantes do curso concluíram a avaliação pré-curso, enquanto quarenta e seis dos quarenta e oito participantes concluíram a avaliação pós-curso. A falta de oportunidade foi relatada com maior prevalência como o principal obstáculo para frequentar um curso de liderança, conforme citado por 56% dos entrevistados. Conclusão: Expandir a acessibilidade, a diversidade e a personalização dos programas de liderança podem facilitar o desenvolvimento de ferramentas pessoais necessárias para fazer avançar os cuidados de saúde. Os tópicos críticos incluem inteligência emocional e outras qualidades de liderança diferenciadas, que distinguem verdadeiros líderes transformacionais e servidores O avanço das competências de liderança pode estimular o networking, expor os alunos a estilos de aprendizagem experiencial, inspirar outros a criar mudanças positivas e gerar soluções criativas para melhorias sistemáticas dos resultados na saúde. Nível de Evidência III; Estudos de caso-controle individuais.