Mapping of SINEs in the genome of Proechimys (Mammalia: Rodentia).

This study aimed to analyze the distribution of short interspersed elements (SINEs) in the chromosomes of five species of rodents of the genus Proechimys and in a variant karyotype of P. guyannensis. Molecular cytogenetic techniques were used to characterize the sequences of the B1, B4, MAR and THER SINEs, which were used as probes for hybridization in metaphase chromosomes. A wide distribution of SINEs was observed in the chromosomes of the Proechimys species examined, thus indicating differentiation of these retroelements. The signal of the B4 SINE was more evident than that of the B1 SINE, especially in P. echinothrix, P. longicaudatus, and P. cuvieri. Although the signal of the MAR SINE was more explosive than that of the THER SINE, in the species P. echinothrix, P. guyannensis (2n = 46) and P. longicaudatus, its distribution in the karyotypes was similar. The signals of these retroelements occurred at specific heterochromatic sites and were centromeric/pericentromeric and at the terminal regions in most chromosomes. This appears to be a typical distribution pattern of the SINEs and may indicate involvement with rearrangements during karyotypic diversification in Proechimys. The variation of the SINEs in the genome of Proechimys species demonstrates that these elements are distributed in a specific way in this genus and the preference for some sites, considered hotspots for chromosomal breakage, allows us to propose that these elements are related to the karyotypic evolution of Proechimys.

Leprosy and its impact on the quality of life of people with physical disabilities: a scoping review.

OBJECTIVES: to identify and synthesize, from the literature, the impacts of physical disability caused by leprosy on the quality of life of individuals receiving care within the Health Care Network. METHODS: this is a scoping review conducted following the JBI recommendations. The databases used in the search included the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Lilacs, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Scopus, Embase, Leprosy Information Services, and Google Scholar. RESULTS: 1690 documents were identified, of which 36 were included in the review. Physical disability caused by leprosy affects the quality of life in the areas of daily activities, socioeconomic aspects, psychological well-being, pain, and overall well-being. CONCLUSIONS: we identified the impairments caused by physical disability in the quality of life, highlighting the need for prevention, promotion, and rehabilitation actions, such as screening, case management, and health education.

Polymeric Fibers with High Strength and High Toughness at Extreme Temperatures.

Developing strong and simultaneously tough polymeric materials with excellent thermal stability and mechanical performance even under extreme temperatures is truly a challenge. In a disruptive progress, continuous polymeric yarns are developed with a combination of high tensile strength of (1145 ± 44) MPa and ultrahigh toughness of (350 ± 24) J g-1 and high thermomechanical properties from -196 to 200 °C. The comprehensive thermomechanical performance of this yarn surpasses that of previously developed polymeric materials and dragline spider silks. The results demonstrate that the molecular structure of polyimide (PI) with the incorporation of flexible-rigid macromolecular, hierarchically spiral-oriented fibers, and high glass transition temperature (248 °C) are keys for the yarn's notable comprehensive performance in thermomechanical properties. The materials are ideal for technical components exposed to high thermomechanical loadings, such as those encountered in spacecraft or automotive engineering for safety-critical applications.

Efficacy of different in-office treatments for dentin hypersensitivity: randomized and parallel clinical trial.

The aim of this clinical, prospective, randomized, and parallel study was to evaluate different in-office treatments for dentin hypersensitivity (DH). One hundred ninety-two teeth with non-cavitated root exposures were treated using different desensitizers: fluoride varnish (Duraphat - FLU); bioactive ceramic solution (Biosilicate - BIOS); universal self-etching adhesive (Single Bond Universal - SBU); bioactive photoactivated varnish (PRG filler - SPRG). The degree of DH was analyzed using a visual analog scale (VAS) and computerized visual scale (CoVAS), before treatments and after 7, 15, and 30 days from the first session. Comparisons among desensitizers were performed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's tests. Friedman test was used to compare between times (p ≤ 0.05). Comparing desensitizers FLU presented a higher value of DH than BIOS using VAS at 7 days, however, no differences were found using CoVAS analysis. Comparing times, BIOS and SBU showed a reduction in DH after 7 days and SBU showed a reduction at 30 days compared to 7 days using VAS. FLU and SPRG groups reduced DH from 15 days to 30 days using VAS. There was a reduction in DH for FLU, BIOS, and SBU after 7 days and for BIOS this reduction also occurred at 30 days when compared to 15 days using CoVAS. SPRG group showed a reduction from 15 to 30 days. All desensitizers tested were able to reduce the initial sensitivity. The bioactive ceramic solution reduced the DH gradually after 30 days using computerized analysis.

Molecular Signatures of Senescence in Periodontitis: Clinical Insights.

Most of the elderly population is afflicted by periodontal diseases, creating a health burden worldwide. Cellular senescence is one of the hallmarks of aging and associated with several chronic comorbidities. Senescent cells produce a variety of deleterious secretions, collectively termed the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). This disrupts neighboring cells, leading to further senescence propagation and inciting chronic inflammation, known as "inflammaging." Detrimental repercussions within the tissue microenvironment can trigger senescence at a younger age, accelerate biological aging, and drive the initiation or progression of diseases. Here, we investigated the biological signatures of senescence in healthy and diseased gingival tissues by assessing the levels of key senescence markers (p16, lipofuscin, and ß-galactosidase) and inflammatory mediators (interleukin [IL]-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, matrix metalloproteinase [MMP]-1, MMP-3, and tumor necrosis factor-α). Our results showed significantly increased senescence features including p16, lipofuscin, and ß-galactosidase in both epithelial and connective tissues of periodontitis patients compared with healthy sites in all age groups, indicating that an inflammatory microenvironment can trigger senescence-like alterations in younger diseased gingival tissues as well. Subsequent analyses using double staining with specific cell markers noted the enrichment of ß-galactosidase in fibroblasts and macrophages. Concurrently, inflammatory mediators consistent with SASP were increased in the gingival biopsies obtained from periodontitis lesions. Together, our findings provide the first clinical report revealing susceptibility to elevated senescence and inflammatory milieu consistent with senescence secretome in gingival tissues, thus introducing senescence as one of the drivers of pathological events in the oral mucosa and a novel strategy for targeted interventions.

Schistosoma mansoni infection in residents of a riverside community in Eastern Amazon.

Schistosoma mansoni worms cause a waterborne parasitic disease called schistosomiasis. It commonly affects individuals in lack of sanitation structure. In Brazil, Pará state has Belém as one of the worst sanitation-ranking places in 2023, where schistosomiasis transmission was already documented. This study reports the occurrence of schistosomiasis in residents of Ilha das Onças, an island next to Belém. Stool samples were obtained from participants over 2 years old, all residents from Furo do Rio Grande, one of the rivers on the island. The Kato-Katz technique was performed for parasite investigation in the stool samples. Each participant responded to a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire. The residences were georeferenced for map designing. Three out of 263 participants were S. mansoni positive, all men, ages ranging from 19 to 41 years old, with low parasitic load. Malacological surveys were carried out, but no Biomphalaria snails were found. Risk factors for schistosomiasis establishment are present on the island, and the lack of sanitation makes it a potential risk area. Malacological surveys are highly encouraged as preventive measures, as well as health surveillance for riverside populations, generating data that will help health authorities in the management and planning of preventive control actions.

Uso de analgésicos não opioides entre estudantes de Enfermagem no Amazonas, Brasil / Uso de analgesicos no-opioides entre estudiantes de Enfermería em Amazonas, Brasil / Use of non-opioid analgesics among nursing students in the Amazonas, Brazil

Objetivo: Estimar a prevalência do uso de analgésicos não opioides para alívio da dor entre graduandos de Enfermagem. Método: Estudo transversal, realizado com 142 estudantes de Enfermagem no interior do estado do Amazonas, Região Norte do Brasil. Os dados foram coletados no segundo semestre de 2017, utilizando questionário autoaplicável. Resultados: A prevalência do consumo de analgésicos não opioides foi de 68,3%; sendo o alívio das dores de cabeça (64,9%) e dores abdominais (14,4%) os principais motivos para uso. A maioria afirmou que: a dor interfere na realização de atividades diárias (77,3%); reconhecem que os analgésicos podem fazer mal à saúde (76,3%); consumiam analgésicos por conta própria (58,8%). Ainda, 47,4% indicavam medicamentos a terceiros e 93,8% estocavam medicamentos em suas casas. Conclusão: Constatou-se elevado consumo de analgésico, destacando o uso irracional -sem prescrição de profissional. Faz-se necessário fortalecer o ensino sobre o uso racional de medicamentos entre os alunos de Enfermagem, visando minimizar os riscos desta prática.

Objetivo: Estimar la prevalencia de analgésicos no opioides para el alivio del dolor entre los estudiantes de enfermería. Método: Estudio transversal, realizado con 142 estudiantes de enfermería en el interior del estado de Amazonas, Región Norte de Brasil. Los datos se recopilaron en el segundo semestre de 2017 utilizando un cuestionario autoadministrado. Resultados: La prevalencia del uso analgésico no opioide fue del 68,3%; ser el alivio de los dolores de cabeza (64,9%) y dolor abdominal (14,4%) las principales razones de uso. La mayoría declaró que: el dolor interfiere con el desempeño de las actividades diarias (77,3%); reconocen que los analgésicos pueden dañar la salud (76,3%); consumieron analgésicos por sí solos (58,8%). Además, el 47,4% reportó medicamentos a terceros y el 93,8% dijo que almacenaba los medicamentos en sus hogares. Conclusión: Hubo un alto consumo de analgésicos, destacando el uso irracional ­sin prescripción profesional. Es necesario fortalecer la enseñanza sobre el uso racional de los medicamentos entre los estudiantes de enfermería, con el objetivo de minimizar los riesgos de esta práctica.

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of non-opioid analgesics for pain relief among nursing undergraduates. Method: Cross-sectional study, conducted with 142 nursing students in the interior of the state of Amazonas, Northern Region of Brazil. Data were collected in the second half of 2017 using a self-administe redquestionnaire. Results: The prevalence of non-opioid analgesic use was 68,3%; being the relief of headaches (64,9%) and abdominal pain (14,4%) the main reasons for use. The majority stated that: pain interferes with the performance of daily activities (77.3%); they recognize that analgesics can harm health (76.3%); they consumed analgesics on their own (58.8%). Still, 47.4% indicated medicines to third parties and 93.8% reported that they stocked medicines in their homes. Conclusion: There was a high consumption of analgesics, highlighting irrational use -without professional prescription. It is necessary to strengthen the teaching on the rational use of medicines among nursing students, aiming to minimize the risks of this practice.

The impact of the integration of digital platforms and active teaching strategies (Kahoot!) on the performance of Brazilian medical course students in the discipline of histology.

Teaching human histology is part of understanding the tissues of the human body and, therefore, it is part of the training curriculum of all health courses. The increase in technologies and active teaching methodologies has a positive impact on student learning, as it reduces the challenges present in the subject. Therefore, this work aimed to compare the performance of students in the histology discipline, when compared to traditional teaching methodology and its association with game-based learning and a basic histology teaching platform. Three classes of the medical course were selected between the years 2022 and 2023, each of which was separated into a group. One group did not have access to any platform, being called the Traditional Group (TG), a group that used Kahoot!, being called the Kahoot Group (KG), and a group that used the teaching platform, being called the Histoatlas Group (HG). Both KG and HG groups showed greater effectiveness in learning and improved performance, when compared to TG. These improvements in KG and HG were also highlighted as learning aids and easy to use. KG students performed better in the practical test when comparing groups. However, this difference was not observed in the students' averages. However, students pointed out the relevance of trying to improve the traditional teaching methodology. Therefore, this study points out that, even though the traditional teaching methodology is efficient in the student's teaching and learning process, there is a need on the part of students to make the subject more dynamic.

Home caregiver strategies for feeding older adults with dysphagia after dehospitalization.

OBJECTIVE: To understand caregivers' strategies for offering food to older adults with oropharyngeal dysphagia after dehospitalization. METHOD: Qualitative research carried out with caregivers of older adults with oropharyngeal dysphagia, who were discharged after hospitalization at a university hospital in Bahia. Data collection was carried out between January and February 2023 through a semi-structured interview, whose data were organized based on content analysis and analyzed with the help of IRaMuTeQ software. RESULTS: Three categories emerged: Caregivers' strategies for safely offering food to older adults with dysphagia; Caregiver strategies for oral hygiene for older adults; Recognition of continuity of speech therapy after dehospitalization. CONCLUSION: Caregivers' strategies for offering food to older adults with oropharyngeal dysphagia were supported by tacit knowledge and effective care in the hospital-home transition.

Mentha spp. essential oils: toxicity to Alphitobius diaperinus, activity against poultry pathogenic bacteria, and Beauveria bassiana compatibility.

The botanical insecticide market is growing because of limitations placed on the use of certain synthetic chemical insecticides. In this sense, the lesser mealworm Alphitobius diaperius (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) is the main poultry pest. The insect causes weight loss and damage to the digestive system of poultry, and it is a vector and reservoir of pathogens. Consequently, this study explored the following hypotheses: (i) essential oils (EOs) derived from Mentha spp. are toxic to A. diaperius; (ii) these EOs are compatible with Beauveria bassiana, the natural enemy of the poultry pest, that parasite A. diaperinus; (iii) these EOs also exhibit activity against bacteria that are pathogenic to poultry. In topical applications and ingestion tests, EOs from Mentha arvensis, Mentha spicata, and Mentha piperita were toxic to A. diaperinus. Chromatographic analyses revealed that menthol is the predominant compound in M. arvensis and M. piperita, whereas carvone is the major compound in M. spicata. Both (-)- and (+)-menthol, along with (-)- and (+)-carvone, underwent testing with A. diaperinus. Nevertheless, their activity was not as potent as those of the EOs, suggesting a possible synergistic and/or additive effect. The EOs did not have any adverse effects on the conidial germination, vegetative growth, or conidia production per colony of the entomopathogenic fungus B. bassiana. Consequently, these EOs are compatible with this natural enemy. The EO extracted from M. spicata exhibited significant toxicity against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), whereas the remaining EOs displayed moderate toxicity against this bacterium. The EOs derived from Mentha spp., as assessed in this study, hold promise for the development of botanical insecticides tailored for the control of A. diaperinus. These insecticides are selective in favor of the natural enemy B. bassiana and can also serve as effective sanitizers, thanks to their antibacterial properties.

Oxidative responses in small juveniles of Colossoma macropomum anesthetized and sedated with Ocimum gratissimum L. essential oil.

This study evaluated the use of essential oil of Ocimum gratissimum (EOOG) for anesthesia and in transport of Colossoma macropomum. Experiment 1, Test 1, anesthesia induction and recovery times were determined using different EOOG concentrations (0, 20, 50, 100, 200, 300 mg L-1), with two size classes: Juveniles I (0.86 g) and Juveniles II (11.46 g) (independent tests in a completely randomized design). Based on the results of Test 1, in Test 2 Juveniles II were exposed to EOOG concentrations: 0, 20, 100 mg L-1. Tissue samples were collected immediately after induction and 1 h post-recovery, to assess oxidative status variables. Experiment 2, Juveniles I (0.91 g) and Juveniles II (14.76 g) were submitted to transport in water with different concentrations of EOOG (0, 5, 10 mg L-1) (independent tests in a completely randomized design). The effects on oxidative status variables were evaluated. Concentrations between 50 and 200 mg L-1 EOOG can be indicated for Juveniles I, while concentrations between 50 and 100 mg L-1 EOOG for Juveniles II. The concentration of 100 mg L-1 EOOG was able to prevent oxidative damage in the liver. In Experiment 2, the concentrations of 5 and 10 mg L-1 EOOG added to the transport water caused sedation for both studied size classes of juveniles and did not cause oscillations in water quality variables nor any mortality. The concentration of 10 mg L-1 EOOG improved the oxidative status. It can be concluded that EOOG can be used for anesthesia and transport of C. macropomum.

Environmental health of water bodies from a Brazilian Amazon Metropolis based on a conventional and metagenomic approach.

AIMS: The present study aimed to use a conventional and metagenomic approach to investigate the microbiological diversity of water bodies in a network of drainage channels and rivers located in the central area of the city of Belém, northern Brazil, which is considered one of the largest cities in the Brazilian Amazon. METHODS AND RESULTS: In eight of the analyzed points, both bacterial and viral microbiological indicators of environmental contamination-physical-chemical and metals-were assessed. The bacterial resistance genes, drug resistance mechanisms, and viral viability in the environment were also assessed. A total of 473 families of bacteria and 83 families of viruses were identified. Based on the analysis of metals, the levels of three metals (Cd, Fe, and Mn) were found to be above the recommended acceptable level by local legislation. The levels of the following three physicochemical parameters were also higher than recommended: biochemical oxygen demand, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity. Sixty-three bacterial resistance genes that conferred resistance to 13 different classes of antimicrobials were identified. Further, five mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance were identified and viral viability in the environment was confirmed. CONCLUSIONS: Intense human actions combined with a lack of public policies and poor environmental education of the population cause environmental degradation, especially in water bodies. Thus, urgent interventions are warranted to restore the quality of this precious and scarce asset worldwide.

Geospatial analysis and prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni and soil-transmitted helminth infections in an endemic area in Eastern Brazilian Amazon.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the occurrence of Schistosoma mansoni and soil-transmitted helminths in an endemic area in the Eastern Brazilian Amazon, analysing prevalence and spatial distribution. METHODS: The study was conducted in four localities of Primavera Municipality, in Pará state. Data was obtained from the Decit 40/2012 project and the participants were divided into five age range categories for evaluation: children, adolescents, young adults, adults and elderly individuals. For the diagnostic tests, Kato-Katz slides were prepared to detect S. mansoni and soil-transmitted helminths eggs. The spatial distribution map and the Kernel Density Estimation were performed to assess the presence and location of infections. RESULTS: Stool samples revealed the presence of hookworms, S. mansoni, Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura eggs. Mono-, bi- and poly-parasitic infections were observed, with a significant prevalence of hookworm monoparasitism. CONCLUSIONS: The high frequency of children infected with soil-transmitted helminths confirms their significance as an ongoing public health problem in the poorest municipalities of Brazil. The Geographic Information System plays a crucial role in environmental surveillance and in the control of epidemics and endemic diseases, enabling accurate assessment and informed decision-making for their control.

Síndrome de burnout y factores asociados en enfermeras de cuidados intensivos: un estudio transversal / Síndrome de burnout e fatores associados em enfermeiros de terapia intensiva: um estudo transversal / Burnout syndrome and associated factors in intensive care nurses: a cross-sectional study

Introducción: El Síndrome de Burnout (SB) surge en el contexto de condiciones laborales precarias, y se manifiesta a través de un conjunto de signos y síntomas que afectan la psicología del trabajador debido a la exposición a factores estresantes en el ambiente laboral.Objetivo: Analizar la prevalencia y los factores asociados al Síndrome de Burnout (SB) en enfermeras de cuidados intensivos. Método: Estudio transversal y analítico, realizado con 94 enfermeros asistenciales en unidades de cuidados intensivos de un hospital público en el estado de Bahía. Se utilizó el Inventario de Burnout de Maslach (MBI) y un cuestionario que contenía aspectos sociodemográficos, culturales y ocupacionales. Resultados: El 62,8% mostró alto agotamiento emocional; 64,9% alta despersonalización y 77,7% alta reducción de la realización profesional. Los factores asociados al SB fueron: edad hasta 38 años (RP: 2,38; IC 95%: 1,44-3,94), no tener pareja (RP: 1,97; IC 95%: 1,17-3,32), insatisfacción laboral (RP: 1,78; IC 95%: 1,15 -2,75), tener dolor de espalda (RP: 3,33; IC 95%: 1,72 -6,42), ansiedad (RP: 2,33; IC 95%: 1,22-4,46) y patrón de sueño hasta 5 horas (RP: 1,67; IC 95%: 1,08-2,59). Se encontró que tener hijos es un índice protector (RP: 0,55; IC 95%: 0,33-0,90). Enfermería GlobalNº 74 Abril 2024Página 224Conclusión: Se considera alto el porcentaje de enfermeros con diagnóstico sugestivo del síndrome (43,6%), así como la existencia de factores asociados. Es fundamental que la institución ofrezca un ambiente de trabajo sano, en el que la prevención sea la mejor vía para que estos profesionales no se conviertan en blancos del síndrome. (AU)

Introdução: A Síndrome de Burnout (SB) emerge no contexto das condições laborais precárias, e se manifesta por meio de um conjunto de sinais e sintomas que afetam o psicológico do trabalhador devido à exposição a estressores no ambiente de trabalho.Objetivo: Analisar a prevalência e fatores a Síndrome de Burnout em enfermeiros de terapia intensiva. Método: Estudo transversal e analítico, realizado com 94 enfermeiros assistenciais de unidades de terapia intensiva de um hospital público do estado da Bahia, Brasil. Utilizou-se o Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) e um questionário contendo questões sociodemográficos, culturais e ocupacionais. Resultados: 62,8% apresentaram alta exaustão emocional; 64,9%, alta despersonalização; e 77,7%, alta redução da realização profissional. Os fatores associados à SB foram: idade até 38 anos (RP: 2,38; IC 95%: 1,44-3,94), não ter companheiro (RP: 1,97; IC 95%: 1,17-3,32), insatisfação com o trabalho (RP: 1,78; IC 95%: 1,15 -2,75), apresentar dores dorsais (RP: 3,33; IC 95%: 1,72 -6,42), ansiedade (RP: 2,33; IC 95%: 1,22-4,46) e padrão de sono até 05 horas (RP: 1,67; IC 95%: 1,08-2,59). Verificou-se que ter filhos é um índice protetor (RP: 0,55; IC 95%: 0,33-0,90). Conclusão: Existe um percentual considerado elevado de enfermeiros com diagnóstico sugestivo da síndrome (43,6%), assim como a existência de fatores associados. É imprescindível que a instituição ofereça um ambiente de trabalho sadio, no qual, a prevenção é a melhor maneira para que os profissionais não se tornem alvos da síndrome. (AU)

Introduction: Burnout Syndrome (BS) emerges in the context of precarious working conditions, and manifests itself through a set of signs and symptoms that affect the worker's psychology due to exposure to stressors in the work environment. Objective: to analyze the prevalence and factors associated with Burnout Syndrome (BS) in intensive care nurses. Method: cross-sectional and analytical study, carried out with 94 nurses in intensive care units of a public hospital in the state of Bahia. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and a questionnaire containing sociodemographic, cultural and occupational issues were used. Results: 62.8% showed high emotional exhaustion; 64.9% high depersonalization and 77.7% high reduction in professional achievement. The factors associated with BS were: age up to 38 years (PR: 2.38; 95% CI: 1.44-3.94), not having a partner (PR: 1.97; 95% CI: 1.17-3.32), job dissatisfaction (PR: 1.78; 95% CI: 1.15 -2.75), having back pain (PR: 3.33; 95% CI: 1.72 -6.42), anxiety (PR: 2.33; 95% CI: 1.22-4.46) and sleep pattern up to 5 hours (PR: 1.67; 95% CI: 1.08-2.59). It was found that having children is a protective index (PR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.33-0.90). Conclusion: there is a considered high percentage of nurses with a diagnosis suggestive of the syndrome (43.6%), as well as the existence of associated factors. It is essential that the institution offers a healthy work environment, in which prevention is the best way for these professionals not to become targets of the syndrome. (AU)