Estimation of economic losses due to leptospirosis in dairy cattle.

There are few studies that effectively quantify the economic losses resulting from problems caused by leptospirosis in naturally infected dairy cattle. Given this gap, the objective of this study was to propose and apply a method to quantify the economic losses resulting from productive and reproductive problems in a commercial dairy herd naturally infected by Leptospira spp. For this study, the zootechnical and economic indicators at a property with Jersey cattle were analyzed during the period from 2014 to 2017. The leptospirosis outbreak occurred in 2014, and the therapeutic approach was carried out between 2015 and 2017, with the latter considered the year of control of the outbreak. The adopted integrated control strategy consisted of dividing the herd according to the serological results obtained through the microscopic agglutination test, the treatment of reagents with streptomycin, and vaccination against leptospirosis of non-reagent heifers and cows. The method used to evaluate the economic indicators of the property was the calculation of the gross margin by taking into account the implicit and explicit cost parameters associated with the manifestation of leptospirosis. The prevalence rate of leptospirosis decreased from 49.4 % in 2015 to 21.6 % in 2017. There was a reduction in the abortion rate (from 40.00 % in 2014 to 9.00 % in 2017), in the stillborn rate (from 2.63 % in 2014 to 1.69 % in 2017) and an increase in the calving rate (from 65.00 % in 2014 to 86.00 % in 2017). In addition, there were increases in the number of lactating cows (from 38 in 2014-57 in 2017) and the mean times of lactation duration, which increased from 275 days in 2014-295 days in 2017. As a result, the average annual production of milk increased from 164,655 liters in 2014-248,521 liters in 2017. In 2014, when treatment hadn't yet started, the gross margin per liter of milk sold, considering implicit and explicit costs, was US$0.00. In 2015 and 2016, US$0.27 and US$0.30 were obtained, respectively, for this variable. In 2017, with the disease under control on the property, the gross margin per liter of milk reached US$0.36. The gross margin per liter of milk sold was higher in the period when the disease was controlled, showing losses of up to 84 % of the gross margin during the outbreak. Immediate treatment of positive cows and preventive measures had a significant impact on improving the productive and economic efficiency of the property.

Adapting lean management to prevent healthcare-associated infections: a low-cost strategy involving Kamishibai cards to sustain bundles' compliance.

Lean healthcare visual management has been successfully integrated into infection control programs, leading to lower healthcare-associated infection (HAI) rates and greater provider compliance with evidence-based prevention practices; however, its implementation during quality improvement (QI) initiatives in limited-resource settings has not yet been well exploited. We aimed to describe a low-cost strategy involving Kamishibai cards to sustain bundles' adherence to prevent HAIs in a middle-income country. This descriptive case study evaluated the implementation of a lean healthcare visual management tool-Kamishibai board (K-board)-during a nationwide QI collaborative preventing three critical HAIs in 189 adult and pediatric/neonatal intensive care units (ICUs) from September 2021 to January 2023. Considering a limited-resource setting, our team adapted a K-board using simple, cheap, and easy-to-handle materials for routine monitoring of QI procedures, including safety bundles' compliance. After test prototypes, the final K-board version was implemented. The chart materials and assembly cost BRL 80.00 (USD 15.48). Before launching, expert working group meetings were held to shape the contents, refine technical issues, and prepare the ICU teams for implementation. After starting, plan-do-study-act cycles were conducted according to the Breakthrough Series model. Participating ICU teams, including leaders and front-line health workers, performed bedside audits following a weekly chronogram. Two indicators were calculated: the percentage of ICUs in which K-boards were being implemented and whether bundles' compliance was addressed in the K-board. Audit data were recorded in 'SimpleQI'. After 17 months of this initiative, 177 (93.7%) participating ICUs had included this visual management tool in their daily care routines. When more than 94 (>50%) ICUs posted K-board data, the mean compliance for the bundles for each HAI was sustained above 85%. A lean healthcare visual management tool can be adapted to local settings, including healthcare facilities with limited resources. K-board seems to be a feasible method for auditing evidence-based practices in medical care, including safety bundles to simultaneously prevent three types of HAIs.

Tales of me: storytelling identity work, authenticity, and impression management during new CEOs' work role transitions.

Introduction: This study aims to understand how new CEOs construct, revise, and maintain in their narrative, repertoire stories that represent their identity as it is associated with their new occupational role. Methods: For this purpose, we conducted a qualitative study using the Grounded Theory method, involving 47 CEOs from different sectors residing in Brazil. Results: Our results allowed for the construction of a central category called Storytelling Identity Work, which refers to stories that individuals tell about themselves, and enable them to propose and redefine who they are during major life transitions. This paper seeks to explain: (a) under what conditions this phenomenon tends to occur; (b) what characterizes the success of Storytelling Identity Work and; (c) what leads to the revision or retention of stories in the self. Our results show that storytelling identity work tends to be used by new CEOs during their transition period into the role, and when their new position involves higher levels of visibility and alteration of prestige levels in comparison to their previous position. They also suggest that storytelling identity work tends to be more successful when the stories are co-constructed and validated with other significant individuals and when they enable new CEOs to feel "sufficiently authentic" and "sufficiently impressive." Finally, we theorize that such feelings, along with a sense of coherence between the story being told and other narratives consciously or unconsciously being narrated by the interviewees throughout their lives, lead to the retention of the story within the individual's self. Discussion: This article innovates by connecting the literature on personal storytelling with identity work and exploring processes that are not only useful during the process of transitioning into the role of new CEOs but also influence the constitution of the narrative repertoire and, consequently, the identity of these individuals.

CETP Expression in Bone-Marrow-Derived Cells Reduces the Inflammatory Features of Atherosclerosis in Hypercholesterolemic Mice.

CETP activity reduces plasma HDL-cholesterol concentrations, a correlate of an increased risk of atherosclerotic events. However, our recent findings suggest that CETP expression in macrophages promotes an intracellular antioxidant state, reduces free cholesterol accumulation and phagocytosis, and attenuates pro-inflammatory gene expression. To determine whether CETP expression in macrophages affects atherosclerosis development, we transplanted bone marrow from transgenic mice expressing simian CETP or non-expressing littermates into hypercholesterolemic LDL-receptor-deficient mice. The CETP expression did not change the lipid-stained lesion areas but decreased the macrophage content (CD68), neutrophil accumulation (LY6G), and TNF-α aorta content of young male transplanted mice and decreased LY6G, TNF-α, iNOS, and nitrotyrosine (3-NT) in aged female transplanted mice. These findings suggest that CETP expression in bone-marrow-derived cells reduces the inflammatory features of atherosclerosis. These novel mechanistic observations may help to explain the failure of CETP inhibitors in reducing atherosclerotic events in humans.

ProvOER model: A provenance model for Open Educational Resources.

Open Educational Resources (OER) can be adapted and combined to create new resources that better meet the specific needs of different kinds of users and scenarios. In this sense, OER strongly contributes to generating and sharing educational knowledge. Due to the possibility of creating a new OER through the revision and remix activities, the original OER and the transformation process should be adequately identified. This way, the user of the OER has enough information about the history of the resource and, thus, can use it with confidence and security. In this context, determining data provenance, which describes the history of a data from its origin to its current state, becomes very relevant. For OER, there are examples of metadata standards and digital repositories that help to obtain the data provenance. However, the information collected is insufficient to identify the entire history of the provenance of OER. This article proposes a Provenance Model for OER called the ProvOER Model, which allows the documentation and identification of the provenance of OER. For this purpose, a minimum set of metadata was defined that reflects the OER intrinsic properties and the activities that created a new OER. The experiments showed that the ProvOER Model produced a suitable representation of the provenance of OER. In addition, the ProvOER Model allowed identifying the original OER used in a revise or remix activity and the continuous stretch used to create a new resource.

Advances in Shared Decision Making in Brazil: The role of patient autonomy in curriculum reform, health system and clinical care.

Clinical practice in Brazil has rapidly transformed. Doctor-patient relationships are the focus of these transformations, either within health policies or in the context of medical training. The Brazilian Curriculum Guidelines have emphasized the doctor-patient relationship as part of medical skills and competences, based on patient-centered care. In this article, we present the political advances in patient-centered care. In addition, we address an overview of the Brazilian status quo of decision aids tools. Finally, we share experiences in curriculum reform for the advances of communication skills and the interfaces with narrative medicine and the arts in curricular medical training as a means to advance towards the practice of shared decision making.

In vivo and in vitro per se effect evaluation of Polycaprolactone and Eudragit® RS100-based nanoparticles.

Biodegradable polymeric nanocapsules (NC) present incredible characteristics as drug nanocarriers that optimize drug targeting. However, However, a more detailed isolated effect of polymer-based nanoparticles as drug carriers is required. This work aimed to evaluate the per se effect of blank-NC (NC-B) with different surface characteristics both in vitro and in vivo toxicity. NC1-B (Polysorbate 80 coated poly(ɛ-caprolactone) NC), NC2-B (polyethylene glycol 6000 coated poly(ɛ-caprolactone) NC), NC3-B (chitosan-coated poly(ɛ-caprolactone) NC) and NC4-B (Eudragit® RS100 NC) were prepared by nanoprecipitation method. Formulations were characterized by particle size, zeta potential, and pH. The in vitro cytotoxicity tests against tumor cell lines were performed (HepG2 and MCF-7). Antiviral activity was evaluated by MTT in Vero cells infected with HSV-1 (KOS strain). In vivo evaluation was performed in apomorphine-induced stereotypy in Wistar rats and locomotor activity distance, head movements, and rearing behavior were measured. NC1-B, NC2-B, NC3-B, and NC4-B had a diameter under 350 nm. The pH and zeta potential of formulations varied according to their coating. For in vitro evaluation of antitumor activity and antiviral activity, one-way ANOVA showed no significant differences in cell viability. In vivo tests showed low neurological effects. In conclusion, different surface characteristics of NC-B did not demonstrate toxicity against the evaluated cell lines HepG2 and MCF-7, antiviral effect against HSV-1, and the neurological effects in a stereotyping model were low and may be attributed to the per se effect of NC-B.

Estresse e burnout em trabalhadores de enfermagem de Unidade de Cirurgia Geral / Estrés y burnout en los trabajadores de enfermería de una unidad de cirugía general / Stress and burnout in nursing workers at a General Surgery Unit

Objetivo: avaliar os níveis de estresse e burnout dos trabalhadores de enfermagem de clínica cirúrgica antes e após a participação em grupo de apoio. Materiais e método: estudo quase-experimental, realizado em um hospital público com 16 trabalhadores. Os dados foram coletados entre maio e junho de 2015, e no mesmo período em 2016, por meio de instrumento de características biossociais e laborais, da Escala de Estresse no Trabalho e do Inventário Maslach de Burnout. Resultados: antes da participação no grupo de apoio em 2015, houve predomínio de médio nível de estresse (50 %). Quanto ao burnout, evidenciaram-se níveis de baixo desgaste emocional (43,8 %), baixa despersonalização (56,3 %), baixa realização profissional (43,8 %) e nenhum caso de burnout. Em 2016, após a participação no grupo de apoio, o nível médio de estresse manteve-se prevalente (56,6 %). Para o burnout, houve aumento dos níveis de desgaste emocional e despersonalização, e diminuição da realização profissional. Apesar disso, também não foram identificados casos da síndrome. Conclusões: a participação no grupo de apoio mobilizou o aumento do alto nível de estresse, apesar da manutenção da prevalência de nível médio. Quanto ao burnout, notaram-se piora na avaliação do desgaste emocional, despersonalização e, consequentemente, diminuição da realização profissional. Situação que sinaliza atenção, pois mostra condição favorável para o surgimento de casos da síndrome. Contudo, ainda são necessárias intervenções com foco no enfrentamento desses estressores ocupacionais.

Objetivo: evaluar los niveles de estrés y burnout de los trabajadores de enfermería de una clínica quirúrgica antes y después de participar en un grupo de apoyo. Materiales y método: estudio cuasiexperimental realizado en un hospital público sobre una muestra de 16 trabajadores. Los datos fueron recopilados entre mayo y junio de 2015, y durante el mismo periodo de 2016, a través de un instrumento de características biosociales y laborales, la Escala de Estrés Laboral y el Inventario de Burnout de Maslach. Resultados: antes de la participación en el grupo de apoyo, en 2015, los participantes reportaron un nivel medio de estrés (50 %). En cuanto al burnout, se evidenciaron niveles de baja angustia emocional (43,8 %), baja despersonalización (56,3 %), baja realización profesional (43,8 %) y ningún caso específico de burnout. En 2016, tras la participación en el grupo de apoyo, el nivel medio de estrés siguió siendo prevalente (56,6 %). En el caso del burnout, se observó un aumento de los niveles de malestar emocional y despersonalización, así como una disminución de los logros profesionales. A pesar de eso, tampoco fueron identificados casos del síndrome. Conclusiones: la participación en el grupo de apoyo generó un aumento del nivel alto de estrés, a pesar de que se mantuvo la prevalencia del nivel medio. En cuanto al burnout, se evidenció un incremento en la evaluación del malestar emocional, la despersonalización y, en consecuencia, una disminución en la realización profesional. Esta situación llama la atención, puesto que muestra una condición favorable para la aparición de casos del síndrome. Por lo anterior, las intervenciones centradas en el afrontamiento de estos factores de estrés laboral continúan siendo necesarias.

Objective: To evaluate the levels of stress and burnout among nursing workers at a surgical clinic before and after their participation in a support group. Materials and method: Quasi-experimental study conducted in a public hospital over a sample of 16 workers. Data were collected between May and June 2015 and in the same period of 2016, through a biosocial and work characteristics instrument, the Work Stress Scale, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Results: Prior to participation in the support group, in 2015, there was a predominance of medium level of stress (50 %). As for burnout, low emotional distress (43.8 %), low depersonalization (56.3 %), low professional fulfillment (43.8 %), and no cases of burnout were observed. In 2016, after participating in the support group, the average level of stress among individuals remained stable (56.6 %). Regarding burnout, there was an increase in the levels of emotional distress and depersonalization, as well as decreased professional achievement. Despite this, no cases of the burnout syndrome were identified. Conclusions: Participating in the support group mobilized an increase in the high level of stress, despite the steady prevalence of the medium level. As for burnout, we noticed a worsening in the evaluation of emotional distress, depersonalization, and, consequently, a decrease in professional fulfillment. This situation is particularly important, since it shows favorable conditions for the emergence of cases of the syndrome. Therefore, interventions focused on coping with these occupational stressors are still necessary.

Novel production of biodispersant by Serratia marcescens UCP 1549 in solid-state fermentation and application for oil spill bioremediation.

Oil spills in aquatic ecosystems cause irreparable damage to marine life and the coastal populations of affected areas. In recent years, chemical dispersants have been extensively used to remedy these impacted ecosystems, although these agents have been increasingly restricted due to their toxic potential. In this context, biosurfactants are emerging as a promising alternative to chemical dispersants, which have some advantages including low toxicity, high biodegradability and good ecological acceptability. Thus, this study aimed to the production of biosurfactant by the bacteria Serratia marcescens UCP 1549 for application as biodispersant. The experiment was carried out using wheat bran as substrate in solid-state fermentation (SSF) as low-cost technology. Biosurfactant production was verified by the reduction of surface tension (28.4 mN/m) and interfacial tension (4.1 mN/m) with n-hexadecane. Also, promising result of emulsification (94%) with burned motor oil was obtained. Acid precipitation yielded 52.0 g/kg dry substrate of biosurfactant, that was identified as an anionic compound of a lipopeptide nature by the Zeta potential and FTIR spectrum, respectively. The biomolecule showed stability under extreme conditions of temperature, pH and salinity, as well as low toxicity against the microcrustacean Artemia salina. In addition, the biosurfactant demonstrated excellent properties to dispersing burned motor oil in water (ODA = 50.24 cm2) and to washing of marine stones (100% removal of burned motor oil). Therefore, these results confirm SSF as a sustainable technology for the production of biodispersant by S. marcescens UCP 1549, promising in the bioremediation of marine ecosystems impacted by petroderivatives.

Gill Histopathological Biomarkers in Fish Exposed to Trace Metals in the Todos os Santos Bay, Brazil.

Histopathologies are widely recognized as biomarkers of environmental pollution. In this sense, we evaluated the putative relationship of gill histopathologies and distinct ecological impacts in two regions of Todos os Santos Bay (BTS), Brazil, the largest bay in Northeastern Brazil, South Atlantic. We compared the presence and concentration of metals (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn) in water, sediments, and gills and gill histopathologies of a demersal fish (Diapterus rhombeus) and a benthic fish (Ogcocephalus vespertilio). As expected, fish and sediment samples from historically contaminated areas (Aratu) showed more remarkable traces of metals than apparently low-impact areas (Jaguaripe). Likewise, the DTC (degree of tissue change) index and the volume densities were higher in fish caught in Aratu. In addition, the Diapterus rhombeus species showed more potential than Ogcocephalus vespertilio for risk assessment as it showed more responses to the environment reflected on more histopathologies. These data support the effectiveness of incorporating functional gill morphology to monitor impacts on estuarine biota that can be used as a reference to improve the management of ecosystems and prevent harm to human health.

Surface-functionalized curcumin-loaded polymeric nanocapsules could block apomorphine-induced behavioral changes in rats.

BACKGROUND: Surface functionalization enhances the properties and characteristics of polymeric nanocapsules (NCs) mainly due to the surface charge, surfactants, and polymer coating type. Curcumin (CUR) is a bioactive compound with several proven pharmacological properties and low bioavailability. This study aimed to develop anionic (poly-ɛ-caprolactone; PCL) and cationic (Eudragit® RS100 (EUD)) NCs prepared with sorbitan monostearate (Span 60®) or sorbitan monooleate (Span 80®), coated with d-α-tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) and optimized using 23 factorial analysis. Subsequently, the biological activity was evaluated. METHODS: A two-level, three-factor design (polymer, Span type, and TPGS concentration) was used. The biological effects of CUR-loaded TPGS-coated cationic and anionic NCs were assessed in apomorphine-induced stereotyped behavior in rats. RESULTS: The type of polymer (anionic or cationic) and Span® had a factorial influence on the physical and chemical characteristics of NCs according to the changes in TPGS concentrations. Both cationic and anionic CUR-NCs could block apomorphine-induced behavioral changes. CONCLUSIONS: The CUR-loaded TPGS-coated NCs proved to be a promising brain delivery system.

Molecular testing and analysis of disease spreading during the emergence of COVID-19 in Macaé, the Brazilian National Capital of Oil.

The Brazilian strategy to overcome the spread of COVID-19 has been particularly criticized due to the lack of a national coordinating effort and an appropriate testing program. Here, a successful approach to control the spread of COVID-19 transmission is described by the engagement of public (university and governance) and private sectors (hospitals and oil companies) in Macaé, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a city known as the National Oil Capital. In 2020 between the 17th and 38th epidemiological week, over two percent of the 206,728 citizens were subjected to symptom analysis and RT-qPCR testing by the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, with positive individuals being notified up to 48 h after swab collection. Geocodification and spatial cluster analysis were used to limit COVID-19 spreading in Macaé. Within the first semester after the outbreak of COVID-19 in Brazil, Macaé recorded 1.8% of fatalities associated with COVID-19 up to the 38th epidemiological week, which was at least five times lower than the state capital (10.6%). Overall, considering the successful experience of this joint effort of private and public engagement in Macaé, our data suggest that the development of a similar strategy countrywise could have contributed to a better control of the COVID-19 spread in Brazil. Quarantine decree by the local administration, comprehensive molecular testing coupled to scientific analysis of COVID-19 spreading, prevented the catastrophic consequences of the pandemic as seen in other populous cities within the state of Rio de Janeiro and elsewhere in Brazil.

Risk of violence and functional capacity of hospitalized elderly: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the risk of violence associated to functional capacity and sociodemographic characteristics of hospitalized elderly. METHOD: Quantitative, cross-sectional, multicenter study conducted with elderly receiving care at university hospitals of the municipalities of João Pessoa and Campina Grande, in the state of Paraíba, Brazil. The scales Katz and Hwalek-Sengstock Elder Abuse Screening Test were applied. The data was analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics using Chi-squared Pearson test, Spearman correlation test, and multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: The participating elderly amounted to 323. The risk of violence was predominant among female elders aged 60 to 70 who are unable to read or write, live with someone, perform no labor activity, and whose income is higher than a minimum wage. Elders who were dependent for basic and instrumental activities presented a 2.11 score (Confidence Interval = 1.22-3.64; p = 0.000) and 1.70 (1.01-2.85; p = 0.044) and a higher risk of violence. CONCLUSION: Elders who depended on other people to perform both complex and basic activities are the most exposed to situations of violence.

Enhanced production of prodigiosin by Serratia marcescens UCP 1549 using agrosubstrates in solid-state fermentation.

This work aimed to investigate the production of prodigiosin by S. marcescens UCP 1549 in solid-state fermentation (SSF), as a sustainable alternative for reducing the production costs and environmental impact. Thus, different agro-industrial substrates were used in the formulation of the prodigiosin production medium, obtaining the maximum yield of pigment (119.8 g/kg dry substrate) in medium consisting of 5 g wheat bran, 5% waste soybean oil and saline solution. The pigment was confirmed as prodigiosin by the maximum absorbance peak at 535 nm, Rf 0.9 in TLC, and the functional groups by infrared spectrum (FTIR). Prodigiosin demonstrated stability at different values of temperature, pH and NaCl concentrations and antimicrobial properties, as well as not show any toxicity. These results confirm the applicability of SSF as a sustainable and promising technology and wheat bran as potential agrosubstrate to produce prodigiosin, making the bioprocess economic and competitive for industrial purposes.

Fisioterapia no pós-operatório de artroplastia de quadril: uma revisão sistemática / Physiotherapy in the post-operative hip arthroplasty: a systematic review

Introdução: À medida que a sociedade envelhece, as incidências de doenças do quadril aumentam a cada ano e a artroplastia do quadril é reconhecida como método cirúrgico mais eficaz, necessitando de intervenção fisioterapêutica no período pós-operatório. Objetivo: Identificar estudos que demonstrem os efeitos da reabilitação através de exercícios terapêuticos no pós-operatório de artroplastia de quadril. Métodos: Realizou-se uma revisão sistemática na qual levantou-se uma busca nas bases de dados: Pubmed, Lilacs, Scielo, Cochrane, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct e Google Scholar, nos últimos 10 anos e utilizando os descritores respectivos para estudos em inglês, português e espanhol. Resultados: Foram selecionados 3 ensaios clínicos randomizados, somando um total de 225 indivíduos participantes das pesquisas, de ambos os sexos, para realização de artroplastia de quadril, apresentando diversas comparações nas aplicações de exercícios terapêuticos no pós-operatório. Conclusão: Os resultados apresentados nesta revisão demonstram os efeitos positivos da fisioterapia iniciada precocemente após a cirurgia de artroplastia de quadril, sendo perceptível que a reabilitação fisioterapêutica imediata através de exercícios iniciados ainda no ambiente hospitalar pode ser benéfica para melhora da mobilidade, funcionalidade e qualidade de vida dos pacientes. (AU)

Introduction: As society ages, the incidences of hip disease increase each year and hip arthroplasty is recognized as the most effective surgical method, requiring physical therapy intervention in the postoperative period. Objective: To identify studies that demonstrate the effects of rehabilitation through therapeutic exercises in the postoperative period of hip arthroplasty. Methods: A systematic review was carried out using the following database searches: Pubmed, Lilacs, Scielo, Cochrane, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct and Google Scholar, in the last 10 years and using the evaluated descriptors for studies in English, Portuguese and Spanish. Results: Three randomized clinical trials were selected, with a total of 225 research participants, of both sexes, for performing hip arthroplasty, presenting several comparisons and applications of therapeutic exercises in the postoperative period. Conclusion: The results demonstrate the positive effects of physical therapy right after hip arthroplasty surgery. It is noticeable that beginning physiotherapeutic rehabilitation with exercises in the hospital environment can be beneficial for improving mobility, performance and quality of life of patients. (AU)

Co-nanoencapsulated meloxicam and curcumin improves cognitive impairment induced by amyloid-beta through modulation of cyclooxygenase-2 in mice.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive brain disorder and complex mechanisms are involved in the physiopathology of AD. However, there is data suggesting that inflammation plays a role in its development and progression. Indeed, some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as meloxicam, which act by inhibiting cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) have been used as neuroprotective agents in different neurodegenerative disease models. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of co-nanoencapsulated curcumin and meloxicam in lipid core nanocapsules (LCN) on cognitive impairment induced by amyloid-beta peptide injection in mice. LCN were prepared by the nanoprecipitation method. Male Swiss mice received a single intracerebroventricular injection of amyloid-beta peptide aggregates (fragment 25-35, 3 nmol/3 µL) or vehicle and were subsequently treated with curcumin-loaded LCN (10 mg/kg) or meloxicam-loaded LCN (5 mg/kg) or meloxicam + curcumin-co-loaded LCN (5 and 10 mg/kg, respectively). Treatments were given on alternate days for 12 days (i.e., six doses, once every 48 hours, by intragastric gavage). Our data showed that amyloid-beta peptide infusion caused long-term memory deficits in the inhibitory avoidance and object recognition tests in mice. In the inhibitory avoidance test, both meloxicam and curcumin formulations (oil or co-loaded LCN) improved amyloid-beta-induced memory impairment in mice. However, only meloxicam and curcumin-co-loaded LCN attenuated non-aversive memory impairment in the object recognition test. Moreover, the beneficial effects of meloxicam and curcumin-co-loaded LCN could be explained by the anti-inflammatory properties of these drugs through cortical COX-2 downregulation. Our study suggests that the neuroprotective potential of meloxicam and curcumin co-nanoencapsulation is associated with cortical COX-2 modulation. This study was approved by the Committee on Care and Use of Experimental Animal Resources, the Federal University of Pampa, Brazil (approval No. 02-2015) on April 16, 2015.

Risk of violence and functional capacity of hospitalized elderly: a cross-sectional study / Riesgo de violencia y capacidad funcional de los ancianos hospitalizados: estudio transversal / Risco de violência e capacidade funcional de idosos hospitalizados: estudo transversal

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the risk of violence associated to functional capacity and sociodemographic characteristics of hospitalized elderly. Method: Quantitative, cross-sectional, multicenter study conducted with elderly receiving care at university hospitals of the municipalities of João Pessoa and Campina Grande, in the state of Paraíba, Brazil. The scales Katz and Hwalek-Sengstock Elder Abuse Screening Test were applied. The data was analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics using Chi-squared Pearson test, Spearman correlation test, and multiple logistic regression. Results: The participating elderly amounted to 323. The risk of violence was predominant among female elders aged 60 to 70 who are unable to read or write, live with someone, perform no labor activity, and whose income is higher than a minimum wage. Elders who were dependent for basic and instrumental activities presented a 2.11 score (Confidence Interval = 1.22-3.64; p = 0.000) and 1.70 (1.01-2.85; p = 0.044) and a higher risk of violence. Conclusion: Elders who depended on other people to perform both complex and basic activities are the most exposed to situations of violence.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar el riesgo de violencia asociado a la capacidad funcional y a las características sociodemográficas de los ancianos hospitalizados. Método: Estudio cuantitativo, transversal y multicéntrico, desarrollado con pacientes ancianos atendidos en hospitales universitarios de los municipios de João Pessoa y Campina Grande, en el estado de Paraíba, en Brasil. Se aplicaron la escala de Katz y el Hwalek-Sengstock Elder Abuse Screening Test. Los datos se analizaron mediante estadística descriptiva e inferencial utilizando las pruebas de chi-cuadrado de Pearson, de correlación de Spearman y la regresión logística múltiple. Resultados: Participaron 323 ancianos. El riesgo de violencia fue predominante entre las ancianas con una edad de entre 60 y 70 años, que no saben leer ni escribir, viven con alguien, no ejercen ninguna actividad laboral y tienen una renta superior a un salario mínimo. Los ancianos dependientes para las actividades básicas e instrumentales presentaron una puntuación de 2,11 (Intervalo de Confianza = 1,22-3,64; p = 0,000) y 1,70 (1,01- 2,85; p = 0,044) y un mayor riesgo de violencia. Conclusión: Los ancianos que dependen de otros para realizar tanto las actividades más complejas como las más básicas son los que están más expuestos a situaciones de violencia.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar o risco de violência associado à capacidade funcional e características sociodemográficas de idosos hospitalizados. Método: Estudo quantitativo, transversal e multicêntrico, desenvolvido com idosos atendidos em hospitais universitários dos municípios de João Pessoa e Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brasil. Foram aplicadas as escalas de Katz e a Hwalek-Sengstock Elder Abuse Screening Test. Os dados foram analisados por estatística descritiva e inferencial utilizando testes qui-quadrado de Pearson, correlação de Spearman e regressão logística múltipla. Resultados: Participaram 323 idosos. O risco de violência foi predominante entre idosas, com idade entre 60 e 70 anos, que não sabem ler e escrever, moram com alguém, não exercem atividade laboral e possuem renda acima de um salário mínimo. Os idosos dependentes para as atividades básicas e instrumentais apresentam escore de 2,11 (Intervalo de Confiança = 1,22-3,64; p = 0,000) e 1,70 (1,01-2,85; p = 0,044) e maior risco de violência. Conclusão: Os idosos que dependem de terceiros para realizar tanto as atividades mais complexas quanto as mais básicas são aqueles que estão mais expostos às situações de violência.

The Anti-atherogenic Role of Exercise Is Associated With the Attenuation of Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophage Activation and Migration in Hypercholesterolemic Mice.

An early event in atherogenesis is the recruitment and infiltration of circulating monocytes and macrophage activation in the subendothelial space. Atherosclerosis subsequently progresses as a unresolved inflammatory disease, particularly in hypercholesterolemic conditions. Although physical exercise training has been a widely accepted strategy to inhibit atherosclerosis, its impact on arterial wall inflammation and macrophage phenotype and function has not yet been directly evaluated. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aerobic exercise training on the inflammatory state of atherosclerotic lesions with a focus on macrophages. Hypercholesterolemic LDL-receptor-deficient male mice were subjected to treadmill training for 8 weeks and fed a high-fat diet. Analyses included plasma lipoprotein and cytokine levels; aortic root staining for lipids (oil red O); macrophages (CD68, MCP1 and IL1ß); oxidative (nitrotyrosine and, DHE) and endoplasmic reticulum (GADD) stress markers. Primary bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) were assayed for migration activity, motility phenotype (Rac1 and F-actin) and inflammation-related gene expression. Plasma levels of HDL cholesterol were increased, while levels of proinflammatory cytokines (TNFa, IL1b, and IL6) were markedly reduced in the exercised mice. The exercised mice developed lower levels of lipid content and inflammation in atherosclerotic plaques. Additionally, lesions in the exercised mice had lower levels of oxidative and ER stress markers. BMDM isolated from the exercised mice showed a marked reduction in proinflammatory cytokine gene expression and migratory activity and a disrupted motility phenotype. More importantly, bone marrow from exercised mice transplanted into sedentary mice led to reduced atherosclerosis in the recipient sedentary mice, thus suggesting that epigenetic mechanisms are associated with exercise. Collectively, the presented data indicate that exercise training prevents atherosclerosis by inhibiting bone marrow-derived macrophage recruitment and activation.

Frailty Syndrome: A Risk Factor Associated With Violence in Older Adults.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to analyze the association between frailty syndrome as a risk factor associated with violence in older adults. METHOD: A cross-sectional study, carried out with older adults, in an emergency care unit of a northeastern Brazilian city was conducted. Three instruments were used: a form for sample characterization (i.e., demographics) and two more scales, namely, the Edmonton Frail Scale and the Hwalek-Sengstock Elder Abuse Screening Test. The results were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics, using chi-square or Fisher's exact tests, Spearman's correlation test, and simple logistic regression. RESULTS: The sample included 146 older adults who were over 70 years old (56.6%), male (56.2%), and at risk of violence (69.86%). Among the categorical variables, there was an association between risk and being of a higher age (80.7%, p < 0.001), unemployed (73.7%, p < 0.05), having more than six children (80.8%, p < 0.05), and frail older adults (88.1%, p < 0.001). There was a correlation (p < 0.05) between the numerical variables of the scales of violence and frailty, with a coefficient of 0.40. The simple logistic regression model showed that frailty syndrome increases the risk of violence among older adults. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that frailty is a factor that increases the occurrence of risk of violence and provides information to guide nursing action in the field of forensic sciences.

Osteoblastic Cell Behavior and Early Bacterial Adhesion on Macro-, Micro-, and Nanostructured Titanium Surfaces for Biomedical Implant Applications.

PURPOSE: Surface treatments may significantly affect physical-chemical properties and surface biologic responses. This study aimed to investigate the influence of alterations in the physical-chemical properties of pure titanium with different surface topographies on biocompatibility and early microbiologic response. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Titanium disks were exposed to five different surface treatments created through acid etching and anodizing methods. Surface morphology, 2D and 3D roughness, wettability, biocompatibility, and cell viability were evaluated. Osteoblast adhesion and bacterial adhesion tests were also executed. Data were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance followed by Tukey test, roughness (P < .05), and bacterial proliferation (P < .05). RESULTS: Five different surface morphologies were developed; double acid etching was shown to be significantly rougher than the others. The 2D roughness measurements were shown to be less consistent than the 3D measurements. All surfaces presented biocompatibility to allow cell behavior and differentiation. Osteoblasts presented better evolution in terms of adhesion and behavior in the nanomorphologies. High roughness significantly increased bacterial adhesion. CONCLUSION: Surface treatments may critically alter titanium properties and morphology. Therefore, roughness measurements with a wide area should be used in their evaluation. Nanotextured surfaces show a positive effect on bone cells and antibacterial response; their application is suggested when considering surface texturization for biomedical implants.