Prevalence and parasite burden of oocysts in captive and free-living saffron finches, Sicalis flaveola.

The saffron finch, Sicalis flaveola, a passerine bird, can be found in nearly all Brazilian territory and is also raised in captivity. The objective of this work was to determine the prevalence and load of oocysts in captive saffron finches in the municipality of Campos dos Goytacazes, state of Rio de Janeiro and in free-living saffron finches in the municipality of Eugenopolis, state of Minas Gerais. In this analysis, 30 captive and 30 wild birds were assessed. Feces eliminated in a 24-hour period were collected and weighed to determine the number of oocysts per gram of feces (OoPG). Statistical analyses were performed using Microsoft Excel and GraphPad Prism Software. All birds in the present study were positive for one or more species of coccidia. Captive birds had a mean total oocyst count higher than that of wild birds. No significant differences in OoPG counts were observed when comparing males and females or captive and wild birds. We can conclude that due to the fact that birds both eat and defecate in their cages, it is essential to keep them as clean as possible, since captive birds have a higher prevalence of coccidia.

Deconstructing the steps of pull-type PEG tube insertion.

Video 1Deconstructed steps of the pull-type PEG insertion technique.

Deconstructing the steps of PEG tube insertion using the introducer technique.

Video 1Deconstructed steps of the introducer-type PEG insertion technique.

Impact of Pregestational Obesity on the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Brazilian Pregnant Women: A Cohort Study.

The oral health-related quality of life of pregnant women and its effects on health conditions are important topics to be investigated in scientific research. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of pre-pregnancy obesity on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in pregnant women. A prospective cohort study was carried out with 93 pregnant women who were evaluated in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy (T1) and after delivery (T2). The following were analyzed: dental caries (DMFT), OHRQoL (OHIP-14), anthropometric data (BMI), socioeconomic, demographic, oral hygiene behavioral habits and the use of dental services. Unadjusted and adjusted Poisson regression analyses were performed to determine the impact of predictors on OHRQoL. The results of the adjusted analysis showed lower education relative risk (RR) (1.37; 95%CI 1.02-1.83; <0.00), low income (RR 2.19; 95%CI 1.63-2.93; <0.00) and higher BMI pre-pregnancy (RR 1.03; 95% CI 1.01-1.04; <0.00) were associated with worse OHRQoL in postpartum pregnant women. Flossing was a predictor of better OHRQoL at T2 (RR 0.73; 95%CI 0.57-0.93; <0.01). Higher BMI, low education, low income and inadequate oral hygiene habits were predictors of worse OHRQOL of pregnant women after the birth of the baby.

Heterotopic ovarian allotransplantation in a caprine model: Effects of implant site on morphological parameters.

This study aimed to investigate a new implantation site (intra-auricular subcutaneous - IA) compared to intramuscular (IM) in the cervical portion (cervical splenius muscle) of the neck for ovarian transplantation in goats. Morphological aspects of the implant, follicular activation and morphology, and type I and III collagen deposits of the transplanted tissue were evaluated. Four fragments of the ovarian cortex were allotransplanted at the IA and IM sites in all goat recipients and recovered 7 (IA-7; IM-7) or 15 (IA-15; IM-15) days later and submitted to histological analysis. Two fragments/animal were separated for the fresh control (FC) group. There was a higher percentage of normal and developing primordial follicles at the IA-7 site (P < 0.05) compared to the other treatments, with similar values to the fresh control. Type I and III collagen fibers differed between the groups (P < 0.05), showing a considerable decrease in type I collagen fibers at the IA-7 site compared to the FC. However, the IM-7 and IA-15 sites showed higher values of type I collagen fibers, showing similarity to the FC. Therefore, we conclude that the IA site in goats is an effective site for ovarian tissue transplantation, as it is easily accessible, low invasive and has presented satisfactory rates of morphology and follicular activation.

Comparison between cryotherapy and radiofrequency energy sources for parahisian accessory pathway percutaneous ablation.

BACKGROUND: Catheter ablation of parahisian accessory pathways (PHAP) are challenging due to their proximity to the normal conduction system. Retrospective studies suggest that cryoablation has a better safety profile but a higher recurrence rate when compared to radiofrequency ablation (RFCA). The objective of this study was to compare the results of parahisian AP ablation performed by electrophysiologists with experience in both technologies. METHODS: Prospective single-center, non-blinded and 1:1 model was used. Patients included had parahisian AP confirmed by an electrophysiological study and referred for radiofrequency or cryotherapy ablation according to current guidelines, under fluoroscopic guidance. No electroanatomic mapping was used. RESULTS: A total of 30 patients (mean age of 25±9.4 years; 90% male) were enrolled between Oct/2018 to Feb/2020. Acute success rate between RFCA and CRYO were similar (93% vs. 87%, p = 0.54). A nonsignificant reduction in short-term recurrence rate for RFCA (14% vs. 30%, p = 0.3) and mechanical trauma (6% vs. 20%; p = 0.28) was observed. Long-term recurrence rate and event-free survival time were similar in both groups after 1-year follow-up (p = 0.286). No persistent complete AV block or conduction disturbance was also observed. CONCLUSION: Considering the limitation of a small sample size and the lack of use of electroanatomic mapping for RFCA, the efficacy and safety profile of parahisian AP ablation with RFCA was not different from CRYO, when performed by experienced electrophysiologists. No cases of permanent complete AV block were reported with either energy modalities.

Predictive potential of serum and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers for disease activity in treated multiple sclerosis patients.

BACKGROUND: Our objective was to explore various biomarkers for predicting suboptimal responses to disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) in patients with MS (pwMS). METHODS: We conducted a longitudinal, bicentric study with pwMS stratified based on their DMTs responses. Treatment failure (TF) was defined as the onset of a second relapse, presence of two or more T2 new lesions, or disability progression independent of relapse during the follow-up period. We evaluated intrathecal synthesis (ITS) of IgG and IgM using OCB, linear indices, and Reibergrams. Free kappa light chains ITS was assessed using the linear index (FKLCi). NfL and GFAP in serum and CSF, and CHI3L1 in CSF were quantified. Quantitative variables were dichotomized based on the third quartile. Predictive efficacy was assessed through bivariate and multivariate analyses, adjusting for age, sex, EDSS, acute inflammatory activity (AI) -defined as the onset of a relapse or gadolinium-enhancing lesions within a 90-day window of lumbar puncture-, treatment modality, study center, and time from disease onset to treatment initiation. In case of collinearity, multiple models were generated or confounding variables were excluded if collinearity existed between them and the biomarker. The same methodology was used to investigate the predictive potential of various combinations of two biomarkers, based on whether any of them tested positive or exceeded the third quartile. RESULTS: A total of 137 pwMS were included. FKLCi showed no differences based on AI, no correlation with EDSS and was significantly higher in pwMS with TF (p = 0.008). FKLCi>130 was associated with TF in bivariate analysis (Log-Rank p = 0.004). Due to collinearity between age and EDSS, two different models were generated with each of them and the rest of the confounding variables, in which FKLCi>130 showed a Hazard Ratio (HR) of 2.69 (CI: 1.35-5.4) and 2.67 (CI: 1.32-5.4), respectively. The combination of either FKLC or sNfL exceeding the third quartile was also significant in bivariate (Log-Rank p = 0.04) and multivariate (HR=3.1 (CI: 1.5-6.5)) analyses. However, when analyzed independently, sNfL did not show significance, and FKLCi mirrored the pattern obtained in the previous model (HR: 3.04; CI: 1.51-6.1). Treatment with highefficacy DMTs emerged as a protective factor in all models. DISCUSSION: Our analysis and the fact that FKLCi is independent of EDSS and AI suggest that it might be a valuable parameter for discriminating aggressive phenotypes. We propose implementing high-efficacy drugs in pwMS with elevated FKLCi.

Double balloon enteroscopy versus single balloon enteroscopy: A comparative study.

Device assisted enteroscopy (DAE) like the double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) and single balloon enteroscopy (SBE) are postulated to ease small bowel examination and performance of therapy. However, studies comparing the effectiveness of these 2 modalities have yielded varying results. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of SBE and DBE. We retrospectively reviewed records of patients who underwent DBE (n = 82) or SBE (n = 45) for small bowel exam in our unit from January 2014 to January 2022. Our primary outcomes were to compare the technical success and diagnostic success rates between DBE and SBE. Our secondary outcomes were to compare the therapeutic success, and complication rates. The main indications were suspected GI bleeding (DBE 41.5% vs SBE 48.9%), iron deficiency anemia (DBE 9.8% vs SBE 4.4%) and small bowel lesions (DBE 28.0% vs SBE 44.4%) detected either from prior capsule endoscopy or radiological imaging. Majority of the enteroscopy exam was by antegrade approach (DBE 67.1% vs SBE 77.8%). We found no significant difference in the technical success (DBE 95.1% vs SBE 97.8%, P = .46), diagnostic success (DBE 69.5% vs SBE 77.8%, P = .36) and the therapeutic success rate (DBE 63.2% vs SBE 54.3%, P = .09) between the groups. Complications occurred in 1 case from each group (mucosal tear). None of the complications were major. In patients who underwent enteroscopy, the diagnostic and therapeutic performance of SBE is similar to DBE. Both procedures were safe with low complication rates.

Reduction of microorganisms in carious dentin by photodynamic therapy mediated by potassium iodide added to methylene blue and red laser.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of the association of potassium iodide to antimicrobial photodynamic therapy on human carious dentin produced with a microcosm biofilm model. METHODS: A microcosm biofilm model was used to generate a caries lesion on human dentin. Pooled human saliva diluted with glycerol was used as an inoculum on specimens immersed on McBain artificial saliva enriched with 1 % sucrose (24 h at 37 °C in 5 % CO2). After refreshing culture media for 7 days, the dentin specimens were divided in 5 groups (3 specimens per group, in triplicate; n = 9): C (NaCl 0.9 %), CX (2 % chlorhexidine), PKI (0.01 % methylene blue photosensitizer+50 mM KI), L (laser at 15 J, 180 s, 22.7 J/cm2), and PKIL (methylene blue + KI + Laser). After the treatments, dentin was collected, and a 10-fold serial dilution was performed. The number of total microorganisms, total lactobacilli, total streptococci, and Streptococcus mutans was analyzed by microbial counts (CFU/mL). After normality and homoscedasticity analysis, the Welch's ANOVA and Dunnett's tests were used for CFU. All tests used a 5 % significance level. RESULTS: CX and PKIL groups showed significant bacterial decontamination of dentin, compared to group C (p < 0.05) reaching reductions up to 3.8 log10 for CX for all microorganisms' groups and PKIL showed 0.93, 1.30, 1.45, and 1.22 log10 for total microorganisms, total lactobacilli, total streptococci, and S. mutans, respectively. CONCLUSION: aPDT mediated by the association of KI and methylene blue with red laser reduced the viability of microorganisms from carious dentin and could be a promising option for cavity decontamination.

Phytochemical profile and determination of cytotoxicity, acute oral toxicity, genotoxicity, and mutagenicity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Pseudobombax marginatum (A. St.-Hil.) A. Robyns.

Pseudobombax marginatum, popularly known as "embiratanha," is widely used by traditional communities as anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent. This study aimed to determine the phytochemical profile as well as cytotoxicity, acute oral toxicity, genotoxicity, and mutagenicity attributed to exposure to aqueous (AqEx) and ethanolic (EtEx) extracts of embiratanha bark. Phytochemical screening was conducted using thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Cell viability was analyzed using MTT assay with human mammary gland adenocarcinoma (MDA-MB-231) and macrophage (J774A.1) cell lines, exposed to concentrations of 12.5, 25, 50, or 100 µg/ml of either extract. For acute oral toxicity, comet assay and micronucleus (MN) tests, a single dose of 2,000 mg/kg of either extract was administered orally to Wistar rats. TLC analysis identified classes of metabolites in the extracts, including cinnamic acid derivatives, flavonoids, hydrolyzable tannins, condensed tannins, coumarins, and terpenes/steroids. In the cytotoxicity assay, the varying concentrations of extracts derived from embiratanha induced no significant alterations in the viability of MDA-MB-231 cells. The lowest concentration of EtEx significantly increased macrophage J774A.1 viability. However, the higher concentrations of AqEx markedly lowered macrophage J774A.1 viability. Animals exhibited no toxicity in the parameters analyzed in acute oral toxicity, comet assay, and MN tests. Further, EtEx promoted a significant reduction in DNA damage index and DNA damage frequency utilizing the comet assay, while the group treated with AqEx exhibited no marked differences. Thus, data demonstrated that AqEx or EtEx of embiratanha may be considered safe at a dose of 2,000 mg/kg orgally under our experimental conditions tested.

Efficiency of cavitary varnishes containing experimental bioglass particles in the occlusion of dentinal tubules.

This research aims to evaluate the efficiency of cavitary varnishes containing experimental bioglasses in the occlusion of dentinal tubules. One hundred and sixty-eight cervical buccal dentin samples were obtained from bovine teeth. Samples were randomized into the following groups: I. Distilled Water (DW); II. Cavity Varnish (CV); III. Colgate® Sensitive Pro-Relief™ (CS); IV. 45S5 Bioglass (45S5); V. KSr Bioglass strontium potassium (KSr); VI. P Bioglass phosphorus (P); and VII. PSi Bioglass phosphorus silica (PSi). The treatments were applied to the surfaces of the samples, which were then subjected to simulated brushing. The samples were analyzed for a) characterization of bioactive glasses; b) surface roughness; c) descriptive analysis of the dentin surface; d) total versus occluded number of dentinal tubules; e) diameter of the dentinal tubules; f) chemical composition of the dentin surfaces, and g) dentin permeability. All groups treated with biomaterials without the brushing challenge showed an increase in roughness and (total or partial) occlusion of the dentinal tubules. The PSi group had the best values for occlusion, while the KSr group had the highest calcium and phosphorus concentrations. After the brushing challenge the roughness was controlled by the presence of biomaterials; 45S5, KSr, and PSi showed occlusion of the dentin tubules. All bioactive glasses showed reduced tooth permeability compared to distilled water. The PSi group had the smallest tubule diameter and highest phosphorus concentration. KSr and PSi bioglasses are promising materials for dentin occlusion and remineralization and are promising new biomaterials for the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity.

Polymeric Nanocapsules Loaded with Lidocaine: A Promising Formulation for Topical Dental Anesthesia.

Lidocaine is the most commonly used local anesthetic worldwide, known for its rapid onset and moderate duration of anesthesia. However, it is short-lived and does not effectively promote effective topical anesthesia in the oral cavity when used alone. Our aim was to investigate whether an approximate 50% encapsulation of lidocaine in poly(ε-caprolactone) nanocapsules (LDC-Nano) would be able to increase its permeation and analgesic efficacy and reduce cytotoxicity. In this study, we characterized LDC-Nano and conducted MTT tests with HaCaT cells to assess their in vitro cytotoxicity. Additionally, in vitro permeation assays across the pig esophageal epithelium and the anesthetic efficacy of the hind paw incision model in rats were performed. Plain lidocaine (LDC) was compared with LDC-Nano and lidocaine hydrochloride plus epinephrine (LDC-Epi). The physicochemical characteristics of LDC-Nano were satisfactory (pH: 8.1 ± 0.21; polydispersity index: 0.08 ± 0.01; mean diameter (nm): 557.8 ± 22.7; and encapsulation efficiency (%): 51.8 ± 1.87) and remained stable for up to 4 months. LDC-Nano presented similar in vitro cytotoxicity to LDC but was higher than LDC-Epi (LD50: LDC = 0.48%; LDC-Nano = 0.47%; and LDC-Epi = 0.58%; p < 0.0001). Encapsulation increased the permeability coefficient about 6.6 times and about 7.5 the steady-state flux of lidocaine across the mucosal epithelium. Both encapsulation and epinephrine improved anesthesia duration, with epinephrine demonstrating superior efficacy (100% of animals were anesthetized up to 100, 30, and 20 min when LDC-Epi, LDC-nano, and LDC were used, respectively). Although LDC-Epi demonstrated superior in vivo anesthetic efficacy, the in vitro permeation and cytotoxicity of LDC-Nano indicate promising avenues for future research, particularly in exploring its potential application as a topical anesthetic in the oral cavity.

Association between maxillary sinus floor perforation by dental implants and mucosal thickening: A cone-beam computed tomography study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of perforation of the maxillary sinus floor by dental implants with mucosal thickening and to describe its characteristics in perforated cases. STUDY DESIGN: One-hundred and twenty-nine maxillary sinuses of 93 patients presenting 202 dental implants in the maxillary posterior region were retrospectively assessed in cone-beam computed tomography scans and classified according to maxillary sinus perforation, bone graft, mucosal thickening, and mucosal appearance. Logistic regression determined the chance of mucosal thickening in perforated maxillary sinuses. The chi-square test compared categorical variables between maxillary sinus perforated or not by implants and maxillary sinus with or without mucosal thickening. The significance level assumed was 5 % (α = 0.05). RESULTS: There was perforation of 60 maxillary sinuses floor (46.5 %) by 74 dental implants. The chance of mucosal thickening was higher when the implant tip was trespassing on the maxillary sinus floor (p < 0.001). There was a significant association between maxillary sinus mucosal thickening and perforation by a dental implant with the tip trespassing the maxillary sinus floor (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Maxillary sinus mucosal thickening is associated with sinus floor perforation by dental implants and does not depend on the number of implants perforating it. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: There is an association between dental implants' perforation of the maxillary sinus floor and the thickening of the maxillary sinus. In those cases, the appearance of the mucosa thickening may be irregular, local, or total opacification of the sinus cavity.

ORTHOSTATIC SUPPORT IN PARAPLEGIC AND AMPUTEE PATIENTS: A CONTROLLED TRIAL.

Introduction: Functional incapacity caused by physical alterations leads to significant limitations in daily activities and has a major impact on the return of people with disabilities to the social space and the workplace. This calls for an evaluation of the long-term influence of the use of a device specially developed for orthostatic posture on the physiological, biomechanical and functional parameters of amputees and spinal cord patients. Objective: The objective was evaluate the effect of postural support device use on function, pain, and biomechanical and cardiologic parameters in spinal cord injury and amputees patients compared to a control group. Methods: The orthostatic device was used by the participants for a period of ten consecutive days, for three cycles of 50 minutes each day, and a 15-day follow-up. Participants were positioned and stabilized using adjustable straps on the shoulders, trunk, and hips. The primary outcome was brief pain inventory. Fifteen participants were included the control group, 15 in the amputee group, and 15 in the spinal cord group. Results: Our results demonstrate that the use of the device allows the orthostatic position of amputees and spinal cord patients evaluated for ten days, leading to improved functionality and pain in the spinal cord and amputee groups compared to the control group. In addition, no changes were observed for secondary outcomes, indicating that the use of the device did not cause harm interference to patients. Conclusion: The long-term use of the orthostatic device is beneficial for improving functionality, reduce pain in amputees and spinal cord injury patients. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic Studies - Investigating the results of treatment.

Introdução: A incapacidade funcional causada por alterações físicas leva a limitações significativas nas atividades diárias e gera um grande impacto no retorno das pessoas com deficiência ao espaço social e ao local de trabalho, demandando a avaliação da influência em longo prazo do uso de um dispositivo especialmente desenvolvido para a postura ortostática nos parâmetros fisiológicos, biomecânicos e funcionais de pacientes amputados e com medula espinhal. Objetivo: O objetivo foi avaliar o efeito do uso do dispositivo de suporte postural na função, dor e parâmetros biomecânicos e cardiológicos em pacientes com lesão medular e amputados em comparação com um grupo controle. Métodos: O aparelho ortostático foi utilizado pelos participantes por um período de dez dias consecutivos, em três ciclos de 50 minutos diários, com acompanhamento de 15 dias. Os participantes foram posicionados e estabilizados por meio de alças ajustáveis nos ombros, tronco e quadris. O desfecho primário foi o questionário Breve Inventário de Dor. Quinze participantes foram incluídos no grupo controle, 15 no grupo amputado e 15 no grupo medular. Resultados: Nossos resultados demonstram que o uso do dispositivo permite a posição ortostática de amputados e pacientes com lesão medular avaliados por dez dias, levando a melhora da funcionalidade e dor nos grupos de amputados e medula espinhal em relação ao grupo controle. Além disso, não foram observadas alterações nos resultados secundários, indicando que o uso do dispositivo não causou interferência prejudicial aos pacientes. Conclusão: O uso prolongado do dispositivo ortostático é benéfico para melhorar a funcionalidade, reduzir a dor em amputados e pacientes com lesão medular. Nível de Evidência II; Estudos Terapêuticos - Investigação dos resultados de tratamento.

Condições de trabalho de enfermeiros da atenção primária à saúde nas capitais da região sudeste do Brasil / Working conditions of primary health care nurses in the capitals of the southeastern of Brazil / Condiciones de trabajo de las enfermeras de atención primaria de salud en las capitales de la región sureste de Brasil

Introdução: As condições de trabalho de enfermeiros que atuam na Atenção Primária à Saúde se relacionam a questões de ordem interpessoal, política, organizacional e de infraestrutura. Objetivo: analisar a categoria "condições de trabalho" oriunda da pesquisa "Práticas de Enfermagem na Atenção Primária à Saúde: estudo nacional de métodos mistos", com foco nas capitais da região Sudeste do Brasil. Métodos: estudo qualitativo que analisou 108 entrevistas de enfermeiros residentes em Belo Horizonte, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo e Vitória, realizadas entre novembro de 2020 e setembro de 2021. Os dados foram submetidos à análise temática, com apoio do software MAXQDA®. Resultados: os participantes eram majoritariamente do sexo feminino (88,0%), idade média de 42 anos, cor ou raça parda e tempo de atuação em atenção primária superior a 12 anos. Há uma diversidade temática quanto às condições de trabalho referidas por enfermeiros, destacando-se positivamente relacionamentos interpessoais. Infraestrutura das unidades de saúde e a fragilidade dos vínculos empregatícios foram referidos como dificultadores do trabalho na APS. Conclusão: Há uma diversidade de fatores que se relacionam com as condições de trabalho dos enfermeiros, sendo necessário intervenções sobre aquelas que trazem prejuízos, como o excesso de atribuições e infraestrutura das unidades de saúde. (AU)

Background: The working conditions of nurses working in Primary Health Care are related to interpersonal, political, organizational and infrastructure issues. Objective: to analyze the category "working conditions" from the research "Nursing Practices in Primary Health Care: a national study of mixed methods", focusing on the capitals of the Southeast region of Brazil. Methods: qualitative study that analyzed 108 interviews with nurses residing in Belo Horizonte, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Vitória, carried out between November 2020 and September 2021. Data were subjected to thematic analysis, with the support of the MAXQDA® software. Results: the participants were mostly female (88.0%), mean age of 42 years, brown color or race, and working in primary care for more than 12 years. There is a thematic diversity regarding the working conditions mentioned by nurses, with positive emphasis on interpersonal relationships. Infrastructure of the health units and the fragility of employment relationships were mentioned as obstacles to work in PHC. Conclusion: There are a variety of factors that are related to the working conditions of nurses, requiring interventions on those that bring harm, such as excess attributions and infrastructure of health units. (AU)

Introducción: Las condiciones de trabajo de los enfermeros que actúan en la Atención Primaria de Salud están relacionadas con cuestiones interpersonales, políticas, organizativas y de infraestructura. Objetivo: analizar la categoría "condiciones de trabajo" de la investigación "Prácticas de Enfermería en la Atención Primaria de Salud: un estudio nacional de métodos mixtos", con foco en las capitales de la región Sudeste de Brasil. Métodos: estudio cualitativo que analizó 108 entrevistas con enfermeros residentes en Belo Horizonte, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo y Vitória, realizadas entre noviembre de 2020 y septiembre de 2021. Los datos fueron sometidos a análisis temático, con el apoyo del software MAXQDA®. Resultados: los participantes eran mayoritariamente del sexo femenino (88,0%), edad media de 42 años, color moreno o raza, y actuaban en la atención primaria hace más de 12 años. Hay diversidad temática en cuanto a las condiciones de trabajo mencionadas por los enfermeros, con énfasis positivo en las relaciones interpersonales. La infraestructura de las unidades de salud y la fragilidad de las relaciones laborales fueron mencionadas como obstáculos para el trabajo en la APS. Conclusión: Hay una variedad de factores que se relacionan con las condiciones de trabajo de los enfermeros, requiriendo intervenciones sobre aquellos que traen perjuicio, como el exceso de atribuciones e infraestructura de las unidades de salud. (AU)

Um olhar sobre a autonomia: percepções de enfermeiras sobre suas práticas na atenção primária / A look at autonomy: nurses' perceptions about their practices in primary care / Una mirada a la autonomía: percepciones de los enfermeros sobre sus prácticas en la atención primaria

Objetivo: Analisar a percepção de enfermeiras sobre a autonomia no exercício de suas práticas no contexto da atenção primária à saúde. Métodos: Estudo descritivo de abordagem qualitativa que analisou 108 entrevistas realizadas com enfermeiras(os) das quatro capitais da região sudeste do Brasil. As entrevistas, guiadas por roteiro semiestruturado, foram gravadas e transcritas. Os dados produzidos foram tratados e explorados com auxílio do software NVIVO®. Resultados: A maior parte das participantes eram mulheres, brancas, residiam na mesma cidade onde trabalham, graduaramse em instituições privadas. Foram organizadas duas categorias: repercussões da autonomia e seus desdobramentos para a resolutividade das necessidades em saúde dos usuários; e (des)conhecimento sobre a regulamentação das práticas da enfermeira: desafios para a autonomia. Conclusão: As enfermeiras compreendem a importância da autonomia para suas práticas, mas enfrentam interferências no cotidiano do trabalho, tanto por parte da gestão, da estrutura dos serviços ou da necessidade do uso de protocolos que garantam o exercício de sua atividade profissional de modo autônomo. (AU)

Objective: To analyze nurses' perception of autonomy to exercise their practices in the context of primary health care. Methods: A descriptive study with a qualitative approach that analyzed 108 interviews carried out with nurses from the four capitals of the southeastern region of Brazil. The interviews, guided by a semi-structured script, were recorded and transcribed. The data produced were processed and explored with the help of the NVIVO® software. Results: Most of the participants were women, white, lived in the same city where they work, and graduated from private institutions. Two categories were organized: repercussions of autonomy and its consequences for solving users' health needs; and (lack of) knowledge about the regulation of nursing practices: challenges for autonomy. Conclusion: Nurses understand the importance of autonomy for their practices, but they face interference in their daily work, either by management, the structure of services or the need for protocols that guarantee the exercise of their professional activity. (AU)

Objetivo: Analizar la percepción de autonomía de los enfermeros para ejercer sus prácticas en el contexto de la atención primaria de salud. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo con enfoque cualitativo que analizó 108 entrevistas realizadas con enfermeros de las cuatro capitales de la región sureste de Brasil. Las entrevistas, guiadas por un guión semiestructurado, fueron grabadas y transcritas. Los datos producidos fueron procesados y explorados con la ayuda del software NVIVO®. Resultados: La mayoría de los participantes eran mujeres, de raza blanca, vivían en la misma ciudad donde trabajan y egresaron de instituciones privadas. Se organizaron dos categorías: repercusiones de la autonomía y sus consecuencias para la solución de las necesidades de salud de los usuarios; y (falta de) conocimiento sobre la regulación de las prácticas de enfermería: desafíos para la autonomía. Conclusión: Los enfermeros comprenden la importancia de la autonomía para sus prácticas, pero enfrentan interferencias en su trabajo diario, ya sea por parte de la dirección, la estructura de los servicios o la necesidad de protocolos que garanticen el ejercicio de su actividad profesional. (AU)

Use of eye tracking in medical education.

Eye tracking has become increasingly applied in medical education research for studying the cognitive processes that occur during the performance of a task, such as image interpretation and surgical skills development. However, analysis and interpretation of the large amount of data obtained by eye tracking can be confusing. In this article, our intention is to clarify the analysis and interpretation of the data obtained from eye tracking. Understanding the relationship between eye tracking metrics (such as gaze, pupil and blink rate) and cognitive processes (such as visual attention, perception, memory and cognitive workload) is essential. The importance of calibration and how the limitations of eye tracking can be overcome is also highlighted.

Production and purification of Clostridium perfringens type C beta-toxin and IgG and IgY antitoxins.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to produce and purify Clostridium perfringens type C beta-toxin, sheep anti-beta toxin immunoglobulin G (IgG) and chicken immunoglobulin Y (IgY). METHODS: Two methods were used for beta-toxin purification: single-step metal affinity chromatography (MAC) using zinc as a chelator and ion exchange chromatography (IEX). The purified and inactivated beta-toxoids were then administered to sheep and chickens in order to produce IgG and IgY. RESULTS: All assays using the IEX failed. In contrast, MAC purified more than 21 mg of toxin per run in a single-step protocol. The purified and inactivated beta-toxoids were then administered to sheep and chickens, and IgG and IgY were purified with a high yield, medium antibody titer of 50 IU/mL, and high avidity (73.2 %). CONCLUSIONS: C. perfringens type C beta-toxin and sheep or chicken anti-beta toxin IgG and IgY antibodies were successfully produced and purified using a simple protocol. This protocol can be used for the production of components used in the diagnosis and research of necrotic enteritis caused by C. perfringens type C, as well as for the evaluation of existing vaccines and the development of new preventive methods against this disease.