Graphene-Based Coating to Mitigate Biofilm Development in Marine Environments

Due to its several economic and ecological consequences, biofouling is a widely recognized concern in the marine sector. The search for non-biocide-release antifouling coatings has been on the rise, with carbon-nanocoated surfaces showing promising activity. This work aimed to study the impact of pristine graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) on biofilm development through the representative marine bacteria Cobetia marina and to investigate the antibacterial mechanisms of action of this material. For this purpose, a flow cytometric analysis was performed and a GNP/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surface containing 5 wt% GNP (G5/PDMS) was produced, characterized, and assessed regarding its biofilm mitigation potential over 42 days in controlled hydrodynamic conditions that mimic marine environments. Flow cytometry revealed membrane damage, greater metabolic activity, and endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by C. marina when exposed to GNP 5% (w/v) for 24 h. In addition, C. marina biofilms formed on G5/PDMS showed consistently lower cell count and thickness (up to 43% reductions) than PDMS. Biofilm architecture analysis indicated that mature biofilms developed on the graphene-based surface had fewer empty spaces (34% reduction) and reduced biovolume (25% reduction) compared to PDMS. Overall, the GNP-based surface inhibited C. marina biofilm development, showing promising potential as a marine antifouling coating

OS REFLEXOS DE UMA ABOLIÇÃO MAL-ACABADA NO BRASIL: DA COROA AO ALGORITMO.

Este texto discute as implicações éticas no sistema de reconhecimento facial (SRF) no Brasil, com destaque à vulnerabilidade da população negra em um país marcado pelo racismo estrutural. O objetivo é compreender de que maneira a ética pode auxiliar nas discussões sobre a política de reconhecimento facial na segurança pública. Baseia-se em pesquisa bibliográfica e documental em uma abordagem preliminar, portanto, sem a pretensão de esgotar a problemática. A abordagem deste estudo é a pesquisa documental e a revisão bibliográfica. Concluiu-se ser imprescindível ampliar as discussões sobre o assunto em uma perspectiva multidimensional do SRF, inclusive sobre seu monitoramento e avaliação, fases de extrema importância para o aprimoramento da política ou a extinção, no caso de uma avaliação negativa. Esbarra-se na falta de precisão sobre os dados coletados, na falibilidade do sistema, na proteção de dados sensíveis e no racismo algorítmico, como pontos de incongruência para a política em questão

HOXB5 expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Human HOX genes encode transcription factors that act as master regulators of embryonic development. They are important in several processes such as cellular morphogenesis and differentiation. The HOXB5 gene in particular has been reported in some types of neoplasm, but not in oral cancer. OBJECTIVE: The present study investigated the expression of HOXB5 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and in non-tumoral adjacent tissues, focusing on verifying its possible role as a broad tumor-associated gene and its association with histopathological and clinical (TNM) characteristics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: RT-PCR was performed to amplify HOXB5 mRNA in 15 OSCCs and adjacent non-tumoral epithelium. A possible association with TNM and histopathologic data was verifed by the chi-square and post-hoc t-test. RESULTS: HOXB5 was amplifed in 60% non-tumoral epithelium and in 93.3% carcinomas. No statistically signifcant differences were found regarding the HOXB5 mRNA expression and TNM or histological grade. CONCLUSION: HOXB5 is expressed in OSCCs and its role in cancer progression should be further investigated.FAPESPCoordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior (CAPES

CONHECIMENTO DOS AGENTES COMUNITÁRIOS DE SAÚDE SOBRE TRANSTORNO MENTAL E DE COMPORTAMENTO, EM UMA CIDADE DE MINAS GERAIS

RESUMO: Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar o conhecimento de Agentes Comunitários de Saúde (ACS) sobre os transtornos mentais e de comportamento de portadores de transtorno mental, em uma cidade do interior de Minas Gerais.Trata-se de um estudo de natureza descritivo-exploratório, realizado em duas unidades de Estratégia de Saúde da Família.Teve como sujeito os 13 ACSs que responderam a uma entrevista relacionada ao tema. Os ACSs possuem conhecimentoempírico sobre Doença Mental, têm dificuldades de perceber manifestações indicativas de sinais e sintomas da doença esuas principais formas de tratamento. Destaca-se o encaminhamento ao médico como principal conduta realizada pelosACS e quanto aos desafios no atendimento ao portador de transtorno mental, à resistência ao tratamento e a falta deconhecimento dos profissionais. Referem não ter participado de nenhuma capacitação sobre o assunto, tornando-senecessário os esforços neste sentido.ABSTRACT: This study aims to assess the knowledge of Community Health Agents (CHA) on the mental and behavioral disorders in individuals suffering from mental disorders in a city in the interior of Minas Gerais. This is a descriptiveexploratorystudy in nature carried out in two units of Strategy for Family Health. Thirteen (13) CHAs were the subjectswho participated in a theme-related interview. The CHAs have empirical knowledge on Mental Illness, have difficulties inperceiving manifestations indicating signs and symptoms of the disease as well as its main forms of treatment. It is pointedout that the main action taken by the CHAs is to forward the individual to the doctor, the challenges in delivering care tothe mental patient, resistance to treatment and professionals’ lack of knowledge. They reported that they did not attendany training on the subject, thus efforts to provide them such training are deemed necessary.RESUMEN: Este estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar el conocimiento de agentes comunitarios de salud (ACS) en los trastornos mentales y del comportamiento de personas con esas enfermedades en una ciudad en el interior de MinasGerais. Es um estudio descriptivo y de caráter exploratorio, realizado en dos unidades de salud familiar. Fueron 13 sujetosACSs que repondieron una entrevista relacionada con el tema. El ACS tienen conocimientos empíricos sobre las enfermedadesmentales, tienen dificultades para entender los acontecimientos indicativos y síntomas de la enfermedad y sus formasprincipales de tratamiento. Se destaca el encaminamento médico como principal acción realizada por los ACS. Acerca delos desafios en el servicio al portador de trantorno mental, hay resistencia al tratamiento y falta de conocimientos de losprofesionales, que no tienen formación sobre el tema, siendo necesarios esfuerzos para eso

Neurodevelopmental assessment of very low birth weight preterm infants at corrected age of 18-24 months by Bayley III scales

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of delay and factors associated with neurodevelopmental scores in premature infants. METHODS: Cross-sectional study to assess the development by Bayley Scales III, including very low birth weight preterm infants aged 18 to 24 months who were under follow-up at the outpatient clinic for preterm infants. Congenital malformation, genetic syndrome, symptomatic congenital infection at birth, deafness, and blindness were excluded. Numerical variables were compared by Mann-Whitney or Student t test and categorical variables by chi-square or Fisher's exact test. Factors associated with developmental scores were analyzed by linear regression, and statistical significance level was established at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Out of the 58 children included, four (6.9%) presented cognitive delay, four (6.9%) motor, 17 (29.3%) language, 16 (27.6%) social-emotional and 22 (37.0%) adaptive-behavior delay. By multiple linear regression, the variables: social classes CDE (-13.27; 95%CI: -21.23 to -5.31), oxygen dependency at 36 weeks of corrected age (-8.75; 95%CI: -17.10 to -0.39) decreased the cognitive developmental score. Periventricular leukomalacia decreased the cognitive (-15.21; 95%CI: -27.61 to -2.81), motor (-10.67; 95%CI:-19.74 to -1.59) and adaptive-behavior scores (-21.52; 95%CI: -35.60 to -7.44). The female sex was associated with higher motor (10.67; 95%CI: 2.77 to 12.97), language (15.74; 95%CI: 7.39 to 24.09) and social-emotional developmental scores (10.27; 95%CI: 1.08 to 19.46). CONCLUSIONS: Very low birth weight preterm infants aged from 18 to 24 months of corrected age presented more frequently language, social-emotional and adaptive-behavior delays. The variables: social classes CDE, periventricular leukomalacia, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and male sex reduced the neurodevelopmental scores.OBJETIVO: Avaliar a prevalência de atraso e fatores associados aos escores de desenvolvimento em crianças nascidas prematuras. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal para avaliar o desenvolvimento por escalas Bayley III, incluindo-se prematuros de muito baixo peso de 18 a 24 meses de idade corrigida, acompanhados no Ambulatório de Prematuros da instituição. Excluíram-se: malformação congênita, síndrome genética, infecção congênita sintomática ao nascimento, surdez e cegueira. As variáveis numéricas foram comparadas por teste t de Student ou Mann-Whitney, e as categóricas, por qui-quadrado ou teste exato de Fisher. Para análise dos fatores associados aos escores de desenvolvimento, utilizou-se a regressão linear, considerando-se significante p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: Das 58 crianças avaliadas, quatro (6,9%) apresentaram alteração cognitiva; quatro (6,9%), motora; 17 (29,3%), de linguagem; 16 (27,6%), socioemocional; e 22 (37,9%), de comportamento adaptativo. À regressão linear múltipla, os fatores classe socioeconômica CDE (-13,27; IC95% -21,23 a -5,31) e dependência de oxigênio com 36 semanas de idade corrigida (-8,75; IC95% -17,10 a -0,39) diminuíram o escore cognitivo. A leucomalácia periventricular diminuiu o escore cognitivo (-15,21; IC95% -27,61 a -2,81), motor (-10,67; IC95% -19,74 a -1,59) e de comportamento adaptativo (-21,52; IC95% -35,60 a -7,44). O sexo feminino se associou ao maior escore motor (10,67; IC95% 2,77-12,97), de linguagem (15,74; IC95% 7,39-24,09) e socioemocional (10,27; IC95% 1,08-19,46). CONCLUSÕES: Prematuros de muito baixo peso apresentaram com maior frequência alterações na linguagem, comportamento adaptativo e socioemocional. As variáveis classe socioeconômica CDE, leucomalácia periventricular, displasia broncopulmonar e sexo masculino contribuíram para reduzir os escores de desenvolvimento.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM) Departamento de PediatriaUNIFESP, EPM, Depto. de PediatriaSciEL

“Friagem” in the Pantanal Region, Brazil

The incursion of cold air in the tropics of South America is called friagem, the effects on weather conditions are well known in Amazon region, however there is a minimum knowledge in the literature with respect the influence of the friagem in the Pantanal. Therefore, this study aimed quantify and analyze the effect of weather variables while friagem events in the Pantanal region, represented by Aquidauana and Coxin cities, from 2007 to 2012. Frontal Systems e Frontogenesis sections was used to identify the friagem from monthly climate analysis report and then, friagem’s events was considered as frontal systems events which reached Cuiabá. Thus, to select friagem occurrences, air temperature and precipitation data have been used for two locations in Pantanal region. It was noted that the period from May to September has been presented the highest occurrence of the phenomenon, and the maximum temperature was the most affected variable by friagem. The temperatures decreased in the first two days of the event, and it increased after the third day. Each event had a mean duration of 5 days and in the majority of the events have been recorded precipitation. During June, July and August, most of the rain occurred in periods of friagem

Analysis of the Perroca Scale in Palliative Care Unit

Objetivo Analizar la complejidad del cuidado de enfermería con el uso de la escala de Perroca en una Unidad de Cuidados Paliativos. Método Estudio retrospectivo descriptivo con análisis cuantitativo. Resultados Entre 2008 y 2016, fueron ingresados 2.486 pacientes, la mediana de tiempo de estancia hospitalaria fue de 12 días. De esos pacientes, 1.568 tuvieron por lo menos una evaluación por la escala de Perroca, clasificados en cuidados mínimos o intermedios (910, 58%), obteniendo el alta (602, 66%). Como cuidados semintensivos e intensivos, fueron 658 (42%) pacientes, entre los que el 64% fallecieron y solo el 36% recibieron el alta hospitalaria. Conclusión La escala de Perroca es una herramienta para identificar a los pacientes con mayor necesidad de cuidados y de posible pronóstico para los pacientes ingresados.Objective To analyze the complexity of nursing care with use of the Perroca scale in a Palliative Care Unit. Method Retrospective descriptive study of quantitative analysis. Results Between 2008 and 2016, the total of 2,486 patients were hospitalized, and their median length of hospital stay was 12 days. Of these patients, 1,568 had at least one Perroca scale evaluation. Nine hundred and ten patients (58%) were classified as minimal or intermediate care. Of these, 602 (66%) were discharged. As semi-intensive and intensive care were classified 658 (42%) patients, of whom 64% died and only 36% were discharged. Conclusion The Perroca scale is a tool to identify patients with greater need for care and the possible prognosis for hospitalized patients.Objetivo Analisar a complexidade do cuidado de enfermagem com o uso da escala de Perroca em uma Unidade de Cuidados Paliativos. Método Estudo retrospectivo descritivo com análise quantitativa. Resultados Entre 2008 e 2016, foram internados 2.486 pacientes, a mediana de tempo de internação foi de 12 dias. Desses pacientes, 1.568 tiveram pelo menos uma avaliação pela escala de Perroca, classificados em cuidados mínimos ou intermediários (910, 58%), obtendo alta (602, 66%). Como cuidados semi-intensivos e intensivos, foram 658 (42%) pacientes, dentre os quais 64% morreram e apenas 36% receberam alta hospitalar. Conclusão A escala Perroca é uma ferramenta para identificar os pacientes com maior necessidade de cuidados e de possível prognóstico para os pacientes internados

Indoor Dust as a Source of Virulent Strains of the Agents of Cryptococcosis in the Rio Negro Micro-Region of the Brazilian Amazon.

Cryptococcosis, a potentially fatal mycosis in humans, is acquired via exposure to exogenous environmental sources. This study aimed to investigate the frequency, genetic diversity, and virulence of cryptococcal strains isolated from indoor dust in the Rio Negro micro-region of the Brazilian Amazon. A total of 8.9% of the studied houses were positive, recovering nine Cryptococcus neoformans VNI and 16 C. gattii VGII isolates, revealing an endemic pattern in domestic microenvironments. The International Society for Human and Animal Mycology (ISHAM) consensus multilocus sequence typing (MLST) scheme for the C.&nbsp;neoformans/C. gattii species complexes identified two sequence types (STs), ST93 and ST5, amongst C. neoformans isolates and six STs amongst C. gattii isolates, including the Vancouver Island Outbreak ST7 (VGIIa) and ST20 (VGIIb), the Australian ST5, and ST264, ST268 and ST445, being unique to the studied region. Virulence studies in the Galleria mellonella model showed that five C. gattii strains and one C. neoformans strain showed a similar pathogenic potential to the highly virulent Vancouver Island outbreak strain CDR265 (VGIIa). The findings of this study indicate that humans can be exposed to the agents of cryptococcosis via house dust, forming the basis for future studies to analyze the impact of early and continuous exposure to indoor dust on the development of subclinical or clinical infections