Effectiveness of a new toothbrush design versus a conventional tongue scraper in improving breath odor and reducing tongue microbiota

For centuries, specific instruments or regular toothbrushes have routinely been used to remove tongue biofilm and improve breath odor. Toothbrushes with a tongue scraper on the back of their head have recently been introduced to the market. The present study compared the effectiveness of a manual toothbrush with this new design, i.e., possessing a tongue scraper, and a commercial tongue scraper in improving breath odor and reducing the aerobic and anaerobic microbiota of tongue surface. The evaluations occurred at 4 moments, when the participants (n=30) had their halitosis quantified with a halimeter and scored according to a 4-point scoring system corresponding to different levels of intensity. Saliva was collected for counts of aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms. Data were analyzed statistically by Friedman's test (p<0.05). When differences were detected, the Wilcoxon test adjusted for Bonferroni correction was used for multiple comparisons (group to group). The results confirmed the importance of mechanical cleaning of the tongue, since this procedure provided an improvement in halitosis and reduction of aerobe and anaerobe counts. Regarding the evaluated methods, the toothbrush's tongue scraper and conventional tongue scraper had a similar performance in terms of breath improvement and reduction of tongue microbiota, and may be indicated as effective methods for tongue cleaning

O contraditório direito à saúde de pessoas em privação de liberdade: o caso de uma unidade prisional de Minas Gerais

Este trabalho tem por objetivo analisar a efetivação do direito à saúde das pessoas em privação de liberdade, por meio de grupos focais realizados com três grupos focais com sujeitos envolvidos no contexto carcerário: pessoas presas, agentes penitenciários e profissionais de saúde de uma unidade prisional masculina em Ribeirão das Neves (MG). As discussões foram gravadas, transcritas e submetidas a análise de discurso. O direito à saúde, compreendido como acesso integral a serviços de saúde de qualidade, é questionado enquanto fenômeno real, uma vez que, estando os serviços públicos sucateados, esse acesso está restrito a quem pode pagar. O descaso do Estado em relação ao direito à saúde das pessoas presas é justificado pela função disciplinar da prisão. As precárias condições de trabalho e o julgamento moral sobre a conduta do preso indicam uma recusa em reconhecer a legitimidade de seu direito à saúde. Ainda que as leis brasileiras afirmem saúde como direito de todos e dever do Estado, constata-se a não realização desse direito tanto para as pessoas presas como para os profissionais que atuam no presídio.This paper aims to analyze the realization of the right to health of people deprived of liberty, by means of focus groups conducted with three subjects involved in the prison context: imprisoned people, prison officers, and health professionals in a male prison in Ribeirão das Neves, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The discussions were recorded, transcribed, and underwent discourse analysis. The right to health, understood as full access to good-quality health services, is put into question as an actual phenomenon, since, considering that public services are scrapped, this access is restricted to those who can pay for it. State neglect with regard to the right to health of imprisoned people is justified by the disciplinary role played by prison. Poor working conditions and moral judgment on the prisoner’s behavior indicate a refusal to recognize the legitimacy of his right to health. Although the Brazilian laws claim that health is a right of all and a duty of the State, we find out the lack of realization of this right both for imprisoned people and for the professionals working in the prison

Association between the physical activity environment in schools and childhood obesity: a view under the light of complex systems

Objective: to analyse the relationship between physical activity (PA) environment at schools and obesity in children, the light of complex systems. Methods: this is a cross sectional study involved 1.200 children (8.1 ± 1.0 years old and 50% boys) from eight public schools from socially vulnerable neighbourhoods of Petrolina, Brazil. Weight and height measurements were assessed to calculate the Body Mass Index (BMI) and classified as normal weight and overweight. To assess the PA environment at the school, a questionnaire about the structural and organizational environment of the school was applied through a face-to-face interview with the school´s manager was conducted. The association between the PA environment at school and obesity was tested using a Machine Learning technique (Network Analysis) performed on the Jasp software. Results: positive associations between BMI and Physical Education classes (0.847), physical education teacher (0.349), break duration (0.564) and indoor sports court (0.662) were observed. Negative associations were seen with sex (-0.212) age (- 0.387), extracurricular PA (-0.492) and playground (-0.557). Additionally, the centrality indicators highlighted extracurricular PA (1.789) as the variables with the highest betweenness values, and BMI with the highest closeness (2.239) and strength (1.230) values. Conclusion: Extracurricular PA and the presence of playgrounds at school´s environment are associated with a healthier weight status low-income children

Desempenho da laranjeira 'Jaffa' em diferentes porta-enxertos para pomares do nordeste Brasileiro

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of nine rootstocks on 'Jaffa' sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) for its vegetative, productive, and qualitative traits, and for its susceptibility to three pest mites (Eutetranychus banksi, Tetranychus mexicanus and Phyllocoptruta oleivora). The following parameters were evaluated: vegetative growth, yield, physiochemical characteristics of fruit, and density of pest mites. 'Sunki Tropical' mandarin conferred high cumulative yields whereas 'Orlando' tangelo and 'Rugoso Vermelho' lemon imparted bigger fruit with low brix, and less acidity to 'Jaffa'. Indio and 'Riverside' citrandarins induced more acid fruit of smaller sizes, as well as low-cumulated yields and canopy volumes. Also, the 'Cravo Santa Cruz' lime, 'San Diego' citrandarin, and the hybrids HTR-051 and LVK x LCR-010 conferred lower-cumulated yields to 'Jaffa'. The rootstocks did not influence the population levels of the evaluated mites. 'Sunki Tropical' mandarin, 'Cravo Santa Cruz' lime and 'Rugoso Vermelho' lemon stand up as excellent rootstock options for 'Jaffa' sweet orange in the Northeastern Brazil.O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de nove porta-enxertos sobre os parâmetros vegetativos, produtivos e qualitativos da laranjeira-doce 'Jaffa' (Citrus sinensis) e sobre a sua suscetibilidade a três ácaros-praga (Eutetranychus banksi, Tetranychus mexicanus e Phyllocoptruta oleivora). Os seguintes parâmetros foram avaliados: crescimento vegetativo, produtividade, características fisioquímicas dos frutos e densidade de ácaros-praga. A tangerineira 'Sunki Tropical' conferiu elevada produtividade à laranjeira 'Jaffa', enquanto o tangeleiro 'Orlando' e o limoeiro 'Rugoso Vermelho' induziram frutos maiores, com baixos valores Brix e menos ácidos à laranjeira 'Jaffa'. Os citrandarins 'Indio' e 'Riverside' induziram frutos mais ácidos e de tamanhos menores, assim como baixa produtividade acumulada e menor copa. Adicionalmente, o limoeiro 'Cravo Santa Cruz', o citrandarin 'San Diego' e os híbridos HTR-051 e LVK x LCR–010 conferiram menor produção acumulada à laranjeira 'Jaffa'. Os porta-enxertos não influenciaram os níveis populacionais dos ácaros avaliados. A tangerineira 'Sunki Tropical', o limoeiro 'Cravo Santa Cruz' e o limoeiro 'Rugoso Vermelho' se destacam como excelentes opções de porta-enxertos para a laranjeira 'Jaffa' na região Nordeste do Brasil

Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia in a Bitch Triggered by Drugs

Background: Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) is characterized by an autoimmune response with production of auto-antibodies and destruction of erythrocytes resulting in anemia. Primary IMHA is referred to a condition when the cause is unknown (idiopathic), whereas secondary IMHA involves changes in red blood cells caused by the action of drugs, neoplasms, or infectious diseases. The diagnosis can be made through changes in the blood count, usually of a regenerative character, Coombs test, and autoagglutination test. The present study aimed to report a case of drug-induced hemolytic anemia, with emphasis on the clinical signs, diagnostic methods, and treatment, in a female dog.Case: A 9-year-old mixed-breed bitch weighing 29.6 kg was referred to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (HCV-UFRGS) with a previous diagnosis of gallbladder mucocele that was unresponsive to clinical treatment. After laboratory tests, cholecystectomy was performed, and the procedure required conversion from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy. Therapy included administration of amoxicillin, dipyrone, tramadol hydrochloride, and meloxicam. Three days after surgery, the dog presented with apathy, lethargy, hyporexia, and a pale and subicteric mucosa. The patient developed hypochromic macrocytic anemia with reticulocytosis, spherocytosis, anisocytosis, and leukocytosis with neutrophilia. The result of the autoagglutination test was positive, confirming the diagnosis. All medications were suspended, and immunosuppressive treatment with dexamethasone was included, with a subsequent switch to prednisolone. After 10 days of treatment, the patient experienced significant improvement, and therapy was discontinued.Discussion: Based on the patient's history, the cause of the IMHA was secondary to drug administration, and it is not possible to distinguish if it was due to one or a combination of drugs, as they were all started and stopped simultaneously. The patient had hypothyroidism, which may have contributed to the production of antibodies against TSH receptors, blocking the hormone's action, thereby causing tissue damage due to T cell-mediated cytotoxicity and the effect of cytokines. The pale and subicteric mucosa, apathy, weakness, lethargy, exercise intolerance, and dyspnea resulted from extravascular hemolysis and bilirubin released from erythrocyte rupture with a subsequent decrease in the number of red blood cells, leading to oxygen transport deficiency. The diagnosis is based on the blood count and results of autoagglutination supported by the response to immunosuppressive therapy. Anemia results in increased production and release of precursor cells from the bone marrow, accompanied by reticulocytosis and increased mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). The treatment of IMHA consists of supportive care and immunosuppressive therapy with corticosteroids to ensure suppression of the immune system, preventing response against erythrocytes. Initially, tramadol hydrochloride, dipyrone, and amoxicillin with potassium clavulanate were suspended to interrupt the cause of IMHA, and administration of dexamethasone in an immunosuppressive dose was started. Therefore, it is important to include drug-induced IMHA in the differential diagnosis of patients who present with anemia after using medications. Early diagnosis, initiation of therapy, and adequate care were important factors for the recovery of the animal.Título: Anemia hemolítica imunomediada medicamentosa em uma cadelaKeywords: dog, hypochromic macrocytic anemia, erythrocyte, hemoglobin, spherocyte.Descritores: cão, anemia macrocítica hipocrômica, eritrócito, hemoglobina, esferócito.

Porta‑enxertos promissores, alternativos ao limoeiro 'Cravo', nos Tabuleiros Costeiros de Sergipe

The objective of this work was to identify alternative rootstocks to 'Rangpur' lime, for production of 'Pêra' orange, under the conditions of the Coastal Tablelands of the state of Sergipe, Brazil. Forty‑three rootstocks were evaluated for plant height, canopy, photosynthetic rate, proline content, productive efficiency, yield, and productivity. The 'Rangpur' common lime was considered as standard. The rootstocks TSKC x (LCR x TR) ‑ 059 hybrid, 'Riverside' citrandarin, 'Rangpur CNPMF ‑ 03' lime, and other 12 exceeded 'Rangpur' common lime in inducing crown production efficiency; 'Red Rough' lime, 'Indio' citrandarin, and other four promoted greater productivity; TSKC x CTRK ‑ 001 and TSKFL x CTC13 ‑ 012 stood out for magnitude of CO2 assimilation; and TSKC x (LCR x TR) ‑ 040 and TSKC x CTRK ‑ 001 showed higher proline accumulation. The following rootstocks are considered promising alternatives: TSKC x (LCR x TR) - 059 hybrid; 'Indio', 'Riverside', and 'San Diego' citrandarins; 'Rugoso Vermelho' and 'Rangpur CNPMF ‑ 03' limes; and TSKC x CTRK ‑ 001, TSKFL x CTC13 ‑ 012, TSKC x (LCR x TR) ‑ 040, TSKC x LHA ‑ 006, TSKC x CTQT1434 ‑ 001, TSKC x CTSW ‑ 058, and TSKFL x CTARG ‑ 028 hybrids.O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar porta‑enxertos alternativos ao limoeiro 'Cravo' comum, para produção de laranja 'Pêra', nas condições dos Tabuleiros Costeiros de Sergipe. Foram avaliados 43 porta‑enxertos quanto a altura, copa, taxa fotossintética, teor de prolina, eficiência produtiva, produção e produtividade por planta. O limoeiro 'Cravo' comum foi considerado como padrão. Os porta‑enxertos híbrido TSKC x (LCR x TR) ‑ 059, citrandarim 'Riverside', limoeiro 'Cravo CNPMF ‑ 03' e outros 12 superaram o limoeiro 'Cravo' comum na indução de eficiência produtiva à copa; limoeiro 'Rugoso Vermelho', citrandarim 'Indio' e mais quatro promoveram maior produtividade; TSKC x CTRK ‑ 001 e TSKFL x CTC13 ‑ 012 se destacaram pela magnitude da assimilação de CO2; e TSKC x (LCR x TR) ‑ 040 e TSKC x CTRK ‑ 001 apresentaram maior acúmulo de prolina. São considerados alternativas promissoras os seguintes porta‑enxertos: híbrido TSKC x (LCR x TR) ‑ 059; citrandarins 'Indio', 'Riverside' e 'San Diego'; limoeiros 'Rugoso Vermelho' e 'Cravo CNPMF ‑ 03'; e híbridos TSKC x CTRK ‑ 001, TSKFL x CTC13 ‑ 012, TSKC x (LCR x TR) ‑ 040, TSKC x LHA ‑ 006, TSKC x CTQT1434 ‑ 001, TSKC x CTSW ‑ 058 e TSKFL x CTARG ‑ 028

Classificação do Conteúdo dos Relatórios de Sustentabilidade de Empresas Premiadas por suas Práticas de Responsabilidade Socioambiental

Dada a importância do relatório de sustentabilidade – instrumento de gestão e de divulgação de informações acerca da interação da empresa com o meio em que atua –, o presente estudo tem por objetivo analisar o conteúdo da divulgação de informações acerca das dimensões da sustentabilidade empresarial – econômica, social e ambiental – nos relatórios de empresas premiadas por suas práticas de responsabilidade socioambiental. Trata-se de estudo descritivo, de natureza qualitativa, utilizando-se da pesquisa documental e da Análise de Conteúdo. Os resultados apontam a preponderância da dimensão social, especialmente de âmbito externo, e do disclosurequantitativo não-monetário. Sugerem ainda o efeito da atividade no meio ambiente e a estrutura de propriedade do capital como fatores indicativos dos níveis de evidenciação nos relatórios de sustentabilidade das empresas pesquisadas, dentre aquelas premiadas por suas práticas de responsabilidade socioambiental