Energy poverty in Brazil: A systematic analysis

The utilization of firewood for cooking in approximately 13 million Brazilian households in 2022 raises pressing concerns regarding its multifaceted impact on key development indicators. This impact stems from the profound connection between access to modern energy sources and fundamental rights, including education, health, housing, and leisure. Despite Brazil’s remarkable diversity in its energy matrix, the equitable distribution of this essential resource remains a persistent and significant challenge. To construct the present work, it was undertaking a systematic review of the technical literature, uncovering a stark disparity in energy access closely correlated with income levels. This inequality in energy access underscores the urgent need for comprehensive analysis and intervention. The present work endeavors to delve deeper into this complex issue, aiming to illuminate the profound implications of both broad energy access and the consequences of energy deprivation on individual well-being and broader socio-economic dynamics. Also, this work aims to provide a holistic understanding of the challenges faced by communities with limited access to modern energy sources and, concurrently, the opportunities and improvements that can be brought about through enhanced energy accessibility. In addition, this study seeks to identify and evaluate potential solutions to address this critical issue. This work is driven by the recognition that equitable energy distribution is not only a matter of environmental sustainability but also a fundamental human right, pivotal to social and economic progress

Perspectivas metodológicas da utilização do cinema na Educação Superior

This study starts from the perspective that the film acts as a cultural element and intellectual improvement of students in higher education. The research was conducted at the State University of Mato Grosso (Unemat) Campus Teles Pires Valley (Colíder/MT), the Bachelor's Degree in Computer, linked to the Study Group on University (GEU/Unemat). Initially, we used bibliographical research, following documentary and field research through a questionnaire with students of the Bachelor's Degree in Computing. From these data, there was a qualitative/quantitative analysis use of cinema as a methodological perspective in higher education. Also an analysis was performed to verify that the subjects of the films were related to the subjects. Therefore, he used the syllabi of the course in question to identify if teachers did mention the use of cinema as a methodological perspective. It was found that this approach is widely used by teachers, although often not informed of their plans. It was also found a significant number of films watched by academics throughout his training. Thus, it is concluded with this research that the film is able to transform educational routines in dynamic methodologies. It is inferred that, as a methodological perspective, can be an important tool in the pursuit of a teaching process more meaningful learning.Este estudo parte da perspectiva de que o cinema atua como um elemento de aprimoramento cultural e intelectual dos discentes na Educação Superior. A investigação foi realizada na Universidade do Estado de Mato Grosso (Unemat), Campus Universitário do Vale do Teles Pires (Colíder/MT), no curso de Licenciatura em Computação, vinculada ao Grupo de Estudos sobre Universidade (GEU/Unemat). Inicialmente, utilizou-se de pesquisa bibliográfica, na sequência pesquisa documental e de campo por meio de questionário com acadêmicos do curso de Licenciatura em Computação. A partir destes dados, fez-se uma análise quali/quantitativa do uso do cinema enquanto perspectiva metodológica na Educação Superior. Também foi realizada uma análise para verificar se os temas dos filmes se relacionaram com as disciplinas. Para tanto, se recorreu aos planos de ensino do curso em questão para identificar se os docentes faziam menção ao uso do cinema, enquanto perspectiva metodológica. Verificou-se que essa abordagem é muito utilizada pelos docentes, embora muitas vezes, não a informam em seus planos. Apurou-se ainda, um número significativo de filmes assistidos pelos acadêmicos ao longo de sua formação. Desta forma, conclui-se com esta investigação que o cinema é capaz de transformar rotinas educacionais em metodologias dinâmicas. Infere-se que, como perspectiva metodológica, pode ser importante ferramenta na busca de um processo de ensino aprendizagem mais significativo.

Plants from the Brazilian Cerrado with antimycobacterial effect

Tuberculosis constitutes a serious public health problem because it has multi-resistant forms that require treatment that is both difficult and extensive. There is a need to develop new antimycobacterial compounds, and plants represent a source of therapeutic resources. This study analyzed antimycobacterial action in eight extracts from plants found in the Brazilian Cerrado. The results showed significant inhibitory concentrations in relation to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, especially from the extracts of Apuleia molaris and Ouratea spectabilis, both of which presented reduced cytotoxic effects. Fractionation revealed a hexane fraction of A. molaris with significant and promising activity regarding future in vivo assays

Impacto da análise do proto-oncogene RET na conduta clínica da neoplasia endócrina múltipla tipo 2

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) is an autosomal dominant disease characterized by the presence of medullary thyroid carcinoma, primary hyperparathyroidism, and pheochromocytoma. Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 is still an underdiagnosed, or late-diagnosed condition in many areas of the world. Since 1993, when the first missense RET proto-oncogene (RET) mutations were reported in MEN2, up to 46 different RET-causing disease mutations have been described. Since a strong genotype-phenotype correlation exists for MEN2, the detection of RET mutations has produced a major impact in early recognition and treatment of MTC and MEN2. Presently, RET mutation analysis should be performed for all MEN2 cases and their at-risk familial relatives. Further, prophylactic total thyroidectomy is indicated in all cases harboring activating gametic RET mutations. In most RET mutation carriers, prophylactic total thyroidectomy is indicated at ages as early as a few months to 4 years of age, promoting longer survival and improvement of quality of life or even definitive cure. We discuss the large impact of RET proto-oncogene analysis on the clinical management of MEN2 and the role of early RET molecular DNA diagnosis in providing clinicians and surgeons with valuable information that enables them to indicate early total thyroidectomy.A neoplasia endócrina múltipla tipo 2 (NEM2) é caracterizada pela ocorrência do carcinoma medular de tireóide (CMT), hiperparatiroidismo primário (HPT) e feocromocitoma (FEO).1-12 Desde 1993, quando as primeiras mutações do tipo missense no proto-oncogene RET (RET), associadas a NEM2 foram identificadas, 46 diferentes mutações causadoras de doenças foram descritas.13-17 Como há uma forte correlação genótipo-fenótipo na NEM2, a detecção de mutações no RET adquiriu grande impacto no tratamento precoce do CMT e NEM2. A NEM2 persiste como uma doença subdiagnosticada e/ou tardiamente diagnosticada em várias áreas geográficas do globo. A análise de mutações do RET deve ser realizada em todas os casos de NEM2 e atualmente, a tireoidectomia total profilática é indicada para todos os indivíduos portadores de mutações no RET.¹ Para a grande maioria dos portadores de mutações gaméticas ativadoras no RET este procedimento cirúrgico é indicado nos primeiros anos de vida, promovendo melhora na qualidade de vida, aumento da sobrevida ou mesmo levando à cura definitiva.¹ Discutimos nesta revisão, o impacto da análise do proto-oncogene RET na conduta clínica da neoplasia endócrina múltipla tipo 2. Além disso, o diagnóstico molecular do RET fornece à clínicos e cirurgiões a mais valiosa das informações, permitindo indicação de tireoidectomia total profilática

Low-grade inflammation and spinal cord injury: exercise as therapy?

An increase in the prevalence of obesity in people with spinal cord injury can contribute to low-grade chronic inflammation and increase the risk of infection in this population. A decrease in sympathetic activity contributes to immunosuppression due to the lower activation of immune cells in the blood. the effects of physical exercise on inflammatory parameters in individuals with spinal cord injury have not been well described. We conducted a review of the literature published from 1974 to 2012. This review explored the relationships between low-grade inflammation, spinal cord injury, and exercise to discuss a novel mechanism that might explain the beneficial effects of exercise involving an increase in catecholamines and cytokines in people with spinal cord injury.Associação Fundo de Incentivo à Pesquisa (AFIP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Centro Multidisciplinar em Sonolência e Acidentes (CEMSA)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Centros de Pesquisa, Expansão e Difusão do Instituto do Sono CEPID/SONOCEPIDUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)Centro de Estudos em Psicobiologia e Exercicio (CEPE)Universidade Federal de São Paulo, UNIFESP, Dept Psicobiol, BR-04020050 São Paulo, BrazilCtr Estudos Psicobiol & Exercicio, BR-04020050 São Paulo, BrazilUniv Extremo Sul Catarinense, Programa Posgrad Ciencias Saude, Lab Fisiol & Bioquim Exercicio, Criciuma, SC, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, UNIFESP, Dept Biociencias, BR-04020050 São Paulo, BrazilUniv Sao Judas Tadeu, Lab Movimento Humano, BR-04020050 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, UNIFESP, Dept Psicobiol, BR-04020050 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, UNIFESP, Dept Biociencias, BR-04020050 São Paulo, BrazilCEPID: 98/143003-3Web of Scienc

“I Was... Put in a Cage” : The Experience of COVID-19 Home Confinement among Older Adults Living Alone in Portugal

This article presents findings of a qualitative study reporting older adults' experiences of solitary home confinement during Portugal's first COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. Home confinement was marked by negative experiences, with the exception of one participant who had a particularly favorable combination of resources and circumstances. Negative experiences involved losses in several areas, such as being deprived of out-of-home activities, independence and face-to-face social interactions. Losing out-of-home activi-ties and independence promoted a sense of imprisonment, while losing face-to-face social interactions triggered a feeling of physical loneliness. Considering the potential negative implications of these losses, it is crucial to create innovative solutions that can mitigate them in future lockdowns.Peer reviewe

Differential distribution in vitamin D receptor gene variants and expression profile in Northeast Brazil influences upon active pulmonary tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease with variable outcomes. This variability is due to host immune capacity in containing the infection process initiated by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). Vitamin D is able to modulate a very specific immune response against MTB infection, and its action relies on vitamin D receptor (VDR) binding. Altered VDR forms may compromise vitamin D pathway and proper immune response after MTB infection. Herein we assessed the relationship of five potentially functional polymorphisms from VDR: rs2228570 FokI, rs11568820 Cdx-2, rs2248098, rs1540339 and rs4760648, with tuberculosis susceptibility. The SNP rs4760648 T/T was associated with differential susceptibility to tuberculosis (OR\u2009=\u20092.50, 95%CI\u2009=\u20091.20-5.36, p\u2009=\u20090.01). The SNP rs1540339 presented association to both T allele (OR\u2009=\u20090.55, 95%CI\u2009=\u20090.35-0.88, p\u2009=\u20090.01) and the T/T genotype (OR\u2009=\u20090.404, 95%CI\u2009=\u20090.20 - 0.78, p\u2009=\u20090.005). The FokI T allele was identified as associated to diminished susceptibility (OR\u2009=\u20090.67, 95% CI\u2009=\u20090.45-0.99, p\u2009=\u20090.04) to active TB, as well as T/T genotype (OR\u2009=\u20090.15, 95%CI\u2009=\u20090.04-0.45, p\u2009=\u20099.58\u2009 7\u200910-5). We also performed the expression analyses and observed a down-regulation of VDR in patients (-10.717 FC, p\u2009=\u20098.42e-12), and according to the presence of associated FokI SNP, we observed that the C/T and T/T genotypes presence increases VDR expression (+\u20091.25 and\u2009+\u20092.35 FC, p\u2009=\u20090.425 and p\u2009=\u20090.506, respectively). This study shows that vitamin D receptor variants can influence upon pulmonary tuberculosis susceptibility and VDR mRNA levels are decreased in those patients

Functional anatomy of the sternoglossus muscle of the tamandua tetradactyla (linnaeus, 1758)

The lesser anteater (Tamandua tetradactyla) (Linnaeus, 1758) presents a feed mechanism triggered thanks to the synergistic activity of the extrinsic muscles related to it, with the example sternoglossus muscle. This paper proposes characterizing this muscle, considering the origins and insertions, and discussing the results compared to similar species studied. Five anteaters donated by ICMBio were used. The samples were subjected to dissection procedures for access to the thoracic cavity and visualization of the muscle. The sternoglossus muscle of the lesser anteater originates on the side of the xiphoid process and continues with two bundles of muscles in the cranial direction that join near the base of the tongue, as part of its constitution. During the course of the muscle there is no connection to the hyoid bone and adjacent structures, connecting the cranium to the tongue, which justifies the nomenclature sternoglossus rather than sternohyoglossus. Thus, the combined muscle characteristics demonstrate a specific aspect within the analyzed species and highlight the main function performed by the muscles to move the tongue out of the oral cavity. Therefore, the absence of this muscle makes impossible the animal feed, since its directly related to the seizure of food through tongue

MATERIALS MANAGEMENT: A REVERSE LOGISTICS CASE OF AGROTOXICS EMPTY CONTAINERS IN A SUGAR AND ALCOHOL COMPANY

With the advances in today's chemical pesticides, global agriculture has become extremely productive, which, from another point of view, brought many environmental problems, especially in relation to damage caused by pesticides and the improper disposal of their packages. Brazil, on the other hand, holds the world record in the collection and recycling of empty pesticides containers, which could only be configured within a process of compromise among all stakeholders: from the manufacturers of pesticides to the farmer (or rural enterprise). The objective of this study was to analyze the measures taken from storage, to transportation, and to collection posts of empty pesticides containers, by a large Brazilian sugar and ethanol company. The methodology has adopted of an exploratory nature within a qualitative approach, through a semi-structured interview with the logistics and material manager of the company investigated. It was found that the company follows a strict process of handling empty containers of pesticides, following the standards and laws of the country, aiming to achieve the ISO14000 certification, for the social compromise to the community in which it operates

CMT-3 targets different α-synuclein aggregates mitigating their toxic and inflammogenic effects

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder for which only symptomatic treatments are available. Repurposing drugs that target α-synuclein aggregation, considered one of the main drivers of PD progression, could accelerate the development of disease-modifying therapies. In this work, we focused on chemically modified tetracycline 3 (CMT-3), a derivative with reduced antibiotic activity that crosses the blood–brain barrier and is pharmacologically safe. We found that CMT-3 inhibited α-synuclein amyloid aggregation and led to the formation of non-toxic molecular species, unlike minocycline. Furthermore, CMT-3 disassembled preformed α-synuclein amyloid fibrils into smaller fragments that were unable to seed in subsequent aggregation reactions. Most interestingly, disaggregated species were non-toxic and less inflammogenic on brain microglial cells. Finally, we modelled the interactions between CMT-3 and α-synuclein aggregates by molecular simulations. In this way, we propose a mechanism for fibril disassembly. Our results place CMT-3 as a potential disease modifier for PD and possibly other synucleinopathies.Fil: González Lizarraga, Maria Florencia. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto de Investigaciones En Medicina Molecular y Celular Aplicada del Bicentenario. - Gobierno de la Provincia de Tucumán. Ministerio de Salud. Sistema Provincial de Salud. Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Molecular y Celular Aplicada del Bicentenario. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet Noa Sur. Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Molecular y Celular Aplicada del Bicentenario; ArgentinaFil: Ploper, Diego. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto de Investigaciones En Medicina Molecular y Celular Aplicada del Bicentenario. - Gobierno de la Provincia de Tucumán. Ministerio de Salud. Sistema Provincial de Salud. Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Molecular y Celular Aplicada del Bicentenario. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet Noa Sur. Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Molecular y Celular Aplicada del Bicentenario; ArgentinaFil: Avila, Cesar Luis. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto de Investigaciones En Medicina Molecular y Celular Aplicada del Bicentenario. - Gobierno de la Provincia de Tucumán. Ministerio de Salud. Sistema Provincial de Salud. Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Molecular y Celular Aplicada del Bicentenario. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet Noa Sur. Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Molecular y Celular Aplicada del Bicentenario; ArgentinaFil: Socias, Sergio Benjamin. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto de Investigaciones En Medicina Molecular y Celular Aplicada del Bicentenario. - Gobierno de la Provincia de Tucumán. Ministerio de Salud. Sistema Provincial de Salud. Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Molecular y Celular Aplicada del Bicentenario. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet Noa Sur. Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Molecular y Celular Aplicada del Bicentenario; ArgentinaFil: dos Santos Pereira, Mauricio. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Machín, Belén. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto de Investigaciones En Medicina Molecular y Celular Aplicada del Bicentenario. - Gobierno de la Provincia de Tucumán. Ministerio de Salud. Sistema Provincial de Salud. Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Molecular y Celular Aplicada del Bicentenario. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet Noa Sur. Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Molecular y Celular Aplicada del Bicentenario; ArgentinaFil: Del Bel, Elaine. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Michel, Patrick Pierre. Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique; FranciaFil: Pietrasanta, Lia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Física de Buenos Aires. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Física de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Raisman Vozari, Rita. Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique; FranciaFil: Chehin, Rosana Nieves. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto de Investigaciones En Medicina Molecular y Celular Aplicada del Bicentenario. - Gobierno de la Provincia de Tucumán. Ministerio de Salud. Sistema Provincial de Salud. Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Molecular y Celular Aplicada del Bicentenario. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet Noa Sur. Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Molecular y Celular Aplicada del Bicentenario; Argentin