Averaged electron collision cross sections for thermal mixtures of alpha-alanine conformers in the gas phase

A theoretical study of elastic electron collisions with 9 conformers of the gas-phase amino acid $\alpha$-alanine (CH$_3$CH(NH$_2$)COOH) is performed. The eigenphase sums, resonance features, differential and integral cross sections are computed for each individual conformer. Resonance positions for the low-energy $\pi^*$ shape resonance are found to vary from 2.6 eV to 3.1 eV and the resonance widths from 0.3 eV to 0.5 eV. Averaged cross sections for thermal mixtures of the 9 conformers are presented. Both theoretical and experimental population ratios are considered. Thermally-averaged cross sections obtained using the best theoretical estimates give reasonable agreement with the observed thermal cross sections. Excited conformers IIA and IIB make a large contribution to this average due to their large permanent dipole moments

Ocorrência de ovos de Capillaria sp. em filé de peixe Saramunete (Pseudupneus maculatus) comercializado na Região Metropolitana de Recife-PE/Brasil

O peixe Saramunete (Pseudupneus maculatus), típico do Litoral Norte do Estado de Pernambuco - Brasil, constitui um recurso pesqueiro emergente de grande  importância econômica na pesca artesanal efetivada  no litoral de Ponta de Pedras. Atualmente, o consumo de peixe tem aumentado em várias regiões, no entanto, quando consumido cru ou semi-cru, sem as medidas higiênicas adequadas, o consumo deste alimento pode-se tornar um problema de saúde pública. Objetivou-se relatar a ocorrência de ovos de Capillaria sp. em filé de peixe Saramunete (Pseudupneus maculatus) comercializado na Região Metropolitana da Cidade de Recife-PE. Amostras de filé do referido peixe foram encaminhadas ao Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias dos Animais Domésticos do Departamento de Medicina Veterinária da Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco em caixa isotérmica contendo gelo. Após a inspeção das amostras e análise através de microscópio óptico, constatou-se a presença de ovos de Capillaria sp., constituindo-se no primeiro relato de parasitismo em peixe Saramunete (Pseudupneus maculatus).&nbsp

Characterization and inhibitory activity of chitosan on hyphae growth and morphology of Botrytis cinerea plant pathogen

Summary. Low and high molecular weight chitosan were tested in different concentrations and growth times with the aim to evaluate the inhibitory activity against Botrytis cinerea, a very important plant pathogen. Tested chitosans were characterized by vibratory spectroscopy and elementary analyzes to determine the deacetylation degree. In addiction molar mass was estimated by viscosity measuring. Scanning electron microscopy was utilized for antimicrobial activity observation. Results showed that both chitosans markedly inhibited fungal growth, which was effected by incubation time and chitosan concentration. Scanning electron microscopy observations revealed that chitosan induced changes in surface morphology. The present study show that chitosan is capable of inhibit the growth and cause serious damage to the cell structure of the B. cinerea, as well as have the ability to form an impervious layer around the cell. Therefore, chitosan could be considered as a potential alternative for synthetic fungicides. Industrial relevance. Ultrastructural analysis showed that chitosan is capable of causing serious damage to the cell structure of the B. cinerea, as well as have the ability to form an impervious layer around the cell. Chitosan could inhibit the growth of B. cinerea in vitro and consequently may be considered as a potential alternative in replacement of synthetic fungicides.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Estratégias de gestão de conflitos utilizadas por enfermeiros gestores portugueses

Objectives: to analyze the perception and conflict management strategies used by nurses in the management of people in Portuguese health services. Methods: descriptive, correlational study, carried out in Portuguese health services, with an intentional non-probabilistic sample, totaling 95 nurse managers. A questionnaire and Conflict Management Scale were used, analyzing the variables of managerial activities and conflict management, with the aid of software. Results: it was identified that 60% of the managers, report having to mediate conflicts daily, and the majority report adopting dialogue in conduct. However, through the Kruskal-Wallis test, it was shown that enforcement strategies in conflict management prevail (p = 0.008), with collaborative ones being more restricted to monthly intervals (p = 0.049). Conclusions: managers perceive the importance of collaboration in the mediation of conflicts, however, in their daily lives; they tend to maintain imposing behaviors, signaling for a little transformational leadership style.Objetivos: analisar a percepção e estratégias de gerenciamento de conflitos utilizadas por enfermeiros na gestão de pessoas em serviços de saúde portugueses. Métodos: estudo descritivo, correlacional, realizado em serviços de saúde portugueses, com amostra não probabilística intencional, totalizando 95 enfermeiros gestores. Utilizou-se um questionário e Escala de Gestão de Conflitos, sendo analisadas as variáveis de atividades gerenciais e de gestão de conflitos, com auxílio de software. Resultados: identificou-se que 60% dos gestores referem ter que mediar conflitos diariamente, e a maioria relata adotar o diálogo na conduta. Entretanto, mediante teste Kruskal-Wallis, evidenciou-se que prevalecem as estratégias de imposição na gestão de conflitos (p = 0,008), sendo as colaborativas mais restritas à periodicidade mensal (p = 0,049). Conclusões: os gestores percebem a importância da colaboração na mediação dos conflitos, contudo, no cotidiano, tendem a manter as condutas impositivas, sinalizando para um estilo de liderança pouco transformacionalinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Averaged electron collision cross sections for thermal mixtures of beta-alanine conformers in the gas phase

A theoretical study of elastic electron scattering by gas-phase amino acid molecule β-alanine (NH2–CH2–CH2–COOH) is presented. R-matrix calculations are performed for each of the ten lowest-lying, thermally-accessible conformers of β-alanine. Eigenphase sums, resonance features, differential and integral cross sections are computed for each conformer. The positions of the low-energy shape resonance associated with the unoccupied ${\pi }^{* }$ orbital of the −COOH group are found to vary from 2.5 to 3.3 eV and the resonance widths from 0.2 to 0.5 eV depending on the conformation. The temperature-dependent population ratios are derived, based on temperature-corrected Gibbs free energies. Averaged cross sections for thermal mixtures of the 10 conformers are presented. A comparison with previous results for the α-alanine isomer is also presented

Ajuste psicosocial y salud en ancianos: análisis de clusters

Enquadramento: O envelhecimento saudável tem uma dimensão física e psicossocial, o que justifica a necessidade de melhor compreender o ajuste psicossocial das pessoas idosas. Objetivos: Estudar o processo de ajustamento psicossocial em idosos e explorar a sua associação com as variáveis sociodemográficas e clínicas. Metodologia: Estudo exploratório, quantitativo e transversal. Participaram 922 idosos residentes na comunidade, com idades entre os 64 e 99 anos. Foram estudadas as variáveis sociodemográficas e clínicas, perceção de saúde, afeto positivo e negativo, suporte social percebido e adesão aos medicamentos. Resultados: Identificou-se a existência de 3 perfis de ajustamento psicossocial. O perfil caracterizado pelos piores resultados em todos os indicadores, denominado de pior ajustamento, agrega os idosos com uma idade intermédia (M = 74,7; DP = 7,08) e que relatam mais sintomas e patologias. Conclusão: Este estudo sugere a existência de um grupo mais vulnerável de idosos, apontando para a necessidade de se desenvolverem intervenções de enfermagem focadas em recursos adaptativos promotores de uma melhor saúde e capacitação psicossocial.Background: Healthy aging has both a physical and a psychosocial dimension, which justifies the need to better understand older people’s psychosocial adjustment. Objectives: To study the psychosocial adjustment process in older people and explore its association with sociodemographic and clinical variables. Methodology: A quantitative, cross-sectional, and exploratory study was conducted with 922 community- dwelling older people aged 64 to 99 years. The following sociodemographic and clinical variables were analyzed: perceived health; positive and negative affect; perceived social support; and medication adherence. Results: Three psychosocial adjustment profiles were identified. The profile with the lowest scores in all indicators, called the worst adjustment, was composed of intermediate-age older people (M = 74.7; SD = 7.08), who also reported more symptoms and diseases. Conclusion: This study suggests the existence of a group of particularly vulnerable older people and highlights the need to develop nursing interventions focused on adaptive resources that can improve their health and psychosocial adjustment.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Studies on the antimicrobial activity and brine shrimp toxicity of Zeyheria tuberculosa (Vell.) Bur. (Bignoniaceae) extracts and their main constituents

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Due to the indiscriminate use of antimicrobial drugs, the emergence of human pathogenic microorganisms resistant to major classes of antibiotics has been increased and has caused many clinical problems in the treatment of infectious diseases. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate for the first time the <it>in vitro </it>antimicrobial activity and brine shrimp lethality of extracts and isolated compounds from <it>Zeyheria tuberculosa </it>(Vell.) Bur., a species used in Brazilian folk medicine for treatment of cancer and skin diseases.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Using the disc diffusion method, bioautography assay and brine shrimp toxicity test (<it>Artemia salina </it>Leach), we studied the antimicrobial activity and lethality of extracts and isolated compounds against three microorganisms strains, including Gram-positive (<it>Staphylococcus aureus</it>) and Gram-negative (<it>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</it>) bacteria and yeasts (<it>Candida albicans</it>).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In this study, the extracts inhibited <it>S. aureus </it>(8.0 ± 0.0 to 14.0 ± 0.0 mm) and <it>C. albicans </it>(15.3 ± 0.68 to 25.6 ± 0.4 mm) growth. In the brine shrimp test, only two of them showed toxic effects (LC₅₀29.55 to 398.05 μg/mL) and some extracts were non-toxic or showed weak lethality (LC₅₀705.02 to > 1000 μg/mL). From these extracts, four flavones [5,6,7,8-tetramethoxyflavone (1), 5,6,7-trimethoxyflavone (2), 4'-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetramethoxyflavone (3), and 4'-hydroxy-5,6,7-trimethoxyflavone (4)] were isolated through bioassay-guided fractionation and identified based on the 1D and 2D NMR spectral data. By bioautography assays, compounds 1 [<it>S. aureus </it>(16.0 ± 0.0 mm) and <it>C. albicans </it>(20.0 ± 0.0 mm)] and 3 [<it>S. aureus </it>(10.3 ± 0.6 mm) and <it>C. albicans </it>(19.7 ± 0.6 mm)] inhibited both microorganisms while 2 inhibited only <it>S. aureus </it>(11.7 ± 0.6 mm). Compound 4 did not restrain the growth of any tested microorganism.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our results showed that extracts and isolated flavones from <it>Z. tuberculosa </it>may be particularly useful against two pathogenic microorganisms, <it>S. aureus </it>and <it>C. albicans</it>. These results may justify the popular use this species since some fractions tested had antimicrobial activity and others showed significant toxic effects on brine shrimps. However, in order to evaluate possible clinical application in therapy of infectious diseases, further studies about the safety and toxicity of isolated compounds are needed.</p

Enfoques e intervenciones de enfermería promotoras de la autonomía del anciano

Objectives: To describe the meaning attributed to the experiences of the clinical experience of specialist nurses in the implementation of nursing care focuses and respective interventions that promote the autonomy of the elderly. Method: Qualitative study based on Giorgi’s method. Eighteen specialist nurses were interviewed, recruited for convenience in two hospitals in the northern region of Portugal, between March and December 2018. Results: In the clinical experience of specialist nurses, regarding the nursing process, three themes emerged: focuses of nursing care; implementation of nursing interventions and hindering factors. Conclusions: The specialist nurses, most of whom are rehabilitation specialists, essentially promote the physical capacity of the elderly, within the scope of autonomy, revealing that working conditions, such as lack of time and information systems, are the limiting factor of their promotion.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The resolution of acute inflammation induced by cyclic AMP is dependent on annexin A1

Annexin A1 (AnxA1) is a glucocorticoid-regulated protein known for its anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving effects. We have shown previously that the cAMP-enhancing compounds rolipram (ROL; a PDE4 inhibitor) and Bt2cAMP (a cAMP mimetic) drive caspase-dependent resolution of neutrophilic inflammation. In this follow-up study, we investigated whether AnxA1 could be involved in the pro-resolving properties of these compounds using a model of LPS-induced inflammation in BALB/c mice. The treatment with ROL or Bt2cAMP at the peak of inflammation shortened resolution intervals, improved resolution indices, and increased AnxA1 expression. In vitro studies showed that ROL and Bt2cAMP induced AnxA1 expression and phosphorylation, and this effect was prevented by PKA inhibitors, suggesting the involvement of PKA in ROL-induced AnxA1 expression. Akin to these in vitro findings, H89 prevented ROL- and Bt2cAMP-induced resolution of inflammation, and it was associated with decreased levels of intact AnxA1. Moreover, two different strategies to block the AnxA1 pathway (by using N-t-Boc-Met-Leu-Phe, a nonselective AnxA1 receptor antagonist, or by using an anti-AnxA1 neutralizing antiserum) prevented ROL- and Bt2cAMP-induced resolution and neutrophil apoptosis. Likewise, the ability of ROL or Bt2cAMP to induce neutrophil apoptosis was impaired in AnxA-knock-out mice. Finally, in in vitro settings, ROL and Bt2cAMP overrode the survival-inducing effect of LPS in human neutrophils in an AnxA1-dependent manner. Our results show that AnxA1 is at least one of the endogenous determinants mediating the pro-resolving properties of cAMP-elevating agents and cAMP-mimetic drug

Laparoendoscopic single-site and natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery in urology: a critical analysis of the literature

CONTEXT: Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) and laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) have been developed to benefit patients by enabling surgeons to perform scarless surgery. OBJECTIVE: To summarize and critically analyze the available evidence on the current status and future perspectives of LESS and NOTES in urology. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A comprehensive electronic literature search was conducted in June 2010 using the Medline database to identify all publications relating to NOTES and LESS in urology. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: In urology, NOTES has been completed experimentally via transgastric, transvaginal, transcolonic, and transvesical routes. Initial clinical experience has shown that NOTES urologic surgery using currently available instruments is indeed possible. Nevertheless, because of the immaturity of the instrumentation, early cases have demanded high technical virtuosity. LESS can safely and effectively be performed in a variety of urologic settings. As clinical experience increases, expanding indications are expected to be documented and the efficacy of the procedure to improve. So far, the quality of evidence of all available studies remains low, mostly being small case series or case-control studies from selected centers. Thus, the only objective benefit of LESS remains the improved cosmetic outcome. Prospective, randomized studies are largely awaited to determine which LESS procedures will be established and which are unlikely to stand the test of time. Technology advances hold promise to minimize the challenging technical nature of scarless surgery. In this respect, robotics is likely to drive a major paradigm shift in the development of LESS and NOTES. CONCLUSIONS: NOTES is still an investigational approach in urology. LESS has proven to be immediately applicable in the clinical field, being safe and feasible in the hands of experienced laparoscopic surgeons. Development of instrumentation and application of robotic technology are expected to define the actual role of these techniques in minimally invasive urologic surgery