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Abstract Clostridioides difficile, a spore-forming anaerobic bacterium, is the primary cause of hospital antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Key virulence factors, toxins A (TcdA) and B (TcdB), significantly contribute to C. difficile infection (CDI). Yet, the specific impact of these toxins, particularly on enteric glial cells (EGCs), still needs to be fully understood. This study examines the role of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4), a calcium-permeable channel, in the inflammatory response and apoptosis of EGCs induced by TcdA and TcdB and evaluates TRPV4 expression in the cecum and colon of infected mice. EGCs were treated with TcdA (50ng/mL) or TcdB (1ng/mL) for 18 h, with or without the TRPV4 antagonist RN-1734 (100 µM), to assess TRPV4 gene and protein levels, inflammatory markers, and cell death. C. difficile infected mice were euthanized on day 3 post-infection for TRPV4 expression in the cecum and colon. Findings reveal that EGCs naturally express TRPV4, increasing its expression by TcdA and TcdB exposure. CDI significantly upregulates TRPV4 in the cecum and colon’s submucosal and myenteric plexus regions. TRPV4 mediates TNF-α release in EGCs and is partially involved in the increase in IL-6 gene expression triggered by these toxins. Our results highlight TRPV4’s role in triggering EGC apoptosis via caspase 3 activation and inhibiting the reduction of Bcl-2, an anti-apoptotic protein in EGCs caused by C. difficile toxins. These results highlight TRPV4’s significant role in CDI pathogenesis and its potential as a therapeutic target to counteract the detrimental effects of C. difficile toxins on enteric glia.

This research seeks to understand the determinants of student dropout in the courses offered at the Open University of Brazil system at the Federal University of Santa Maria. The research used the following methods: survival function, factorial analysis, and logistic function. Results indicated that male students, with higher levels of income, who live a greater distance from the pole and who travel to it more frequently have a higher probability to drop out. Conversely, greater agreement with the adequacy of academic aspects and lower technological difficulties reduce the chance of dropout. Contrary to the evidence, the adequacy of the nonacademic aspects, which refer to the infrastructure, equipment, and functioning of the hubs, increases the likelihood of dropout. However, e variation in the dropout due to the non-academic aspects of the pole is much smaller than the distance and frequency of going to the pole. Therefore, we suggested that the increase in face-to-face activities has a greater impact on the probability of dropout than the physical conditions of the pole.

Abstract Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) greatly enhance the capacity to identify the etiology of pediatric complicated pneumonia. However, the use of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines could reduce the importance of Streptococcus pneumoniae in pediatric complicated pneumonia with the potential emergence of other bacterial agents. Using an expanded NAAT in culture negative pleural fluid or empyema samples collected in 2010–2024 (n = 554) in Portugal, we show that S. pneumoniae remains the most frequent agent despite decades of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine use and the COVID-19 pandemic. A rebound in pediatric complicated pneumonia occurred post-pandemic, including a rise in cases by Streptococcus pyogenes and Haemophilus influenzae. Empiric therapy of pediatric complicated pneumonia should still consider S. pneumoniae as the most likely cause, even in countries where the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is in the national immunization program with a high uptake.

Abstract Measures reflecting cardiac sympathovagal activity, particularly those associated with heart rate variability (HRV), are widely recognized and utilized in both scientific and clinical contexts. This study aimed to assess the inter- and intra-examiner reliability of short-term HRV parameters in patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). A total of 103 patients (both sexes) diagnosed with COVID-19 were included in the study. HRV was analyzed using both linear and nonlinear methods. Reliability was evaluated through intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2.1), minimum detectable change (MDC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and coefficient of variation (CV). According to Fleiss’ criteria, excellent reliability was demonstrated, with ICC values ranging from 0.970 to 0.999 for Examiner 1, and from 0.956 to 0.999, for Examiner 2. In the inter-examiner analysis, the ICCs of HRV parameters ranged from 0.972 to 0.999. SEM values for intra-examiner reliability for Examiner 1 ranged from 0.02 to 5.64, with MDC values from 0.05 to 15.64, and CV (%) from 0.28 to 8.04. For Examiner 2, SEM values ranged from 0.02 to 8.18, MDC values from 0.05 to 22.68, and CV (%) from 0.24 to 8.14. For inter-examiner reliability, SEM values ranged from 0.02 to 6.17, MDC from 0.06 to 17.11, and CV (%) from 0.34 to 9.81. Across all analyses, CVs for HRV parameters remained below 10%. Considering different time points and different examiners, short-term resting HRV measurements in patients hospitalized with COVID-19, as evaluated using a portable heart rate device, exhibit high reliability.

Este artigo tem por objetivo analisar as ações de saúde e saneamento desenvolvidas por diferentes agências em territórios americanos durante a Segunda Guerra Mundial. Assim como o Serviço Especial de Saúde Pública (SESP), outras instituições foram criadas em parceria com os Estados Unidos com o intuito de promover a realização de programas sanitários para as Américas. Na condução das atividades estava o Instituto de Assuntos Interamericanos (IAIA), que liderado por representantes norte-americanos buscavam intervir em áreas estratégias, ricas em recursos naturais. Com o intuito de combater as doenças que grassavam nos países, uma série de medias foram tomadas, como: a construção de hospitais, laboratórios, escolas de enfermagem, sistemas de abastecimento d’água e esgotos, construção de privadas, formação de profissionais na área da saúde, entre outras. Jornais que circulavam no período e documentos oficiais produzidos pelo SESP estão entre as fontes pesquisadas. A leitura e análise crítica desses documentos nos permitiram compreender o esforço em representar os países da América como insalubres e doentes; e, por meio da leitura de autores que discutem o termo saúde internacional, o entendimento dos interesses norte-americanos de se projetarem como país hegemônico da região, ao desenvolver ações na área da saúde para o conjunto das Américas.

Zingiber officinale Roscoe é uma planta rizomatosa amplamente utilizada como agente etnomedicinal e alimento. Embora suas propriedades farmacológicas sejam bem estudadas, estudos histoquímicos são escassos. Este estudo teve como objetivo realizar uma análise histoquímica do rizoma de Z. officinale para caracterizar a localização histológica de seus metabólitos de importância nutricional e farmacológica. Seções frescas de rizoma foram preparadas para análise em microscópio óptico utilizando métodos histoquímicos. Os resultados revelaram características anatômicas do rizoma e identificaram componentes de seu metabolismo primário, como lipídios, proteínas e amido, e metabólitos secundários como compostos fenólicos, terpenoides, taninos, lactonas sesquiterpênicas e alcaloides. Esses compostos são princípios ativos responsáveis pelas propriedades farmacológicas da espécie. A análise definiu a localização anatômica e a distribuição dos compostos bioativos do gengibre, essenciais para identificar produtos derivados da espécie.

Resumo Objetivo apresentar o percurso metodológico da tessitura analítica de mídia e refletir sobre sua implementação na perspectiva da arquegenealogia foucaultiana em estudo sobre o sofrimento de enfermeiras na pandemia de COVID-19 no Brasil. Método trata-se de estudo teórico-metodológico, no qual foram utilizados alguns conceitos de análise de mídia, além de teorizações foucaultianas da arqueogenealogia e análise de discurso. Apresentamos a sequência metodológica da pesquisa, abrangendo a seleção dos veículos jornalísticos utilizados, coleta de dados, seleção da materialidade a ser trabalhada e posterior etapa de análises. Resultados os dados coletados foram sistematizados, criando a tessitura analítica de mídia, composta de três etapas: leitura integral das reportagens selecionadas e aplicabilidade das regras dos operadores discursivos da mídia impressa; leitura integral e captura dos excertos – nas manchetes - e das redes discursivas - nas reportagens; e categorização dos resultados e elaboração de categorias analíticas a partir de fios condutores sociais e culturais. Esses elementos processuais são livremente inspirados nos operadores discursivos da mídia impressa, da análise de discurso foucaultiana e da análise de conteúdo de Minayo. Conclusões e implicações para a prática a análise de mídia e sua tessitura podem representar uma possibilidade potente de análise de dados em pesquisas na enfermagem, fornecendo ferramentas conceituais e estratégicas para novos olhares e reflexões na contemporaneidade da área da saúde.

Abstract The aim of this study was to assess the oral condition of individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 and its impact on their quality of life. The cross-sectional study participants were patients with or without a diagnosis of COVID-19, on room air, and conscious, admitted to the ICUs and wards of Public Hospital Units in São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil. The data collected included: demographic information, length of stay, comorbidities, and type of diet, obtained from medical records; Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) [Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14)]questions patients were asked; oral health (measured by the Bedside Oral Exam Scale); oral hygiene status (assessed by the Oral Hygiene Index - Simplified and lingual: degree of lingual coating); and salivary flow. The prevalence of COVID-19 was associated with gender (p = 0.038), with a higher incidence observed in male patients (61.9%). Moreover, there was a correlation between the hospitalization sector (p = 0.037) and the frequency of ICU admissions (53.7%). The prevalence of comorbidities was comparable between the two groups. Relative to oral health, 53% of individuals with confirmed COVID-19 had moderate oral health, while 9% exhibited poor oral health. The prevalence of hyposalivation was higher in the group with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. The quality of life of individuals with confirmed COVID-19 was most significantly impacted by moderate to severe oral health concerns. The most significant alteration in oral health was a reduction in salivary flow, negatively impacting the quality of life of individuals hospitalized for COVID-19 complications.

Core-shell polymer nanoparticles with poly(n-butyl acrylate) core and polystyrene shell can be produced by emulsion polymerization. These materials exhibit baroplastic behavior that allows them to be processed at low temperatures by compression molding or extrusion. In this work, core-shell copolymers of poly(n-butyl acrylate) cores and polystyrene shells were synthesized in a two-stage emulsion polymerization. The addition of itaconic acid as functional monomer in the core polymerization was carried out in order to study its influence on polymer processing and mechanical properties. The copolymers were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electronic microscopy (TEM), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The functional monomer incorporation was confirmed by DSC and quantified by titration. The poly(n-butyl acrylate) and polystyrene proportions had a direct influence on the polymer processing and mechanical properties. Copolymers with polystyrene contents higher than 50% presented baroplastic behavior and they could be processed at room temperature by compression molding and extrusion. The presence of itaconic acid did not affect polymer processing and significantly improved tensile resistance, increasing its toughness.

IntroductionDental pain is a multifactorial and unpleasant experience that negatively affects daily activities. Previous studies have shown that adults living in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas showed higher dental pain prevalence. This study evaluated whether income inequalities are related to increased dental pain intensity among adults and identified differences between women and men.MethodsA probabilistic sample of adults was investigated, and income inequality was evaluated using the Gini Index. Dental pain intensity was recorded on a scale from 1–10 for those who experienced dental pain in the 6 months preceding the survey. The covariates were contextual (related to cities) and individual (related to individuals). Associations were investigated for the entire sample and stratified by gender using multilevel Poisson regression models.ResultsDental pain was reported by 41% of the included sample (n = 4,512 adults). Maximum pain intensity was reported more frequently for women than for men. Those living in municipalities with higher Gini Index values reported 1.26 times (95% CI: 1.01–1.56) greater dental pain intensity compared to adults living in cities with lower Gini Index values, even after adjustment by variables. The same pattern was observed when stratified by gender, but it was not statistically significant.ConclusionThus, the contexts of income inequalities can contribute to more severe dental pain intensity among adults. Also, the findings suggest that income inequality does not modify the relationship between gender and dental pain intensity.

The Dipteryx genus, a member of the Fabaceae family with approximately 14 species, is found in Brazil’s Amazon Rainforest, Northeast and Central regions, and Central America. Plants of this genus are used in popular medicine and contain coumarins, flavonoids, terpenoids, and fatty acids. Dipteryx lacunifera Ducke, known as “garampara” or “fava de morcego”, occurs in Brazil’s central-north region and has economic and energy value, along with antioxidant properties. For this study, ethyl acetate and ethylic ether soluble fraction of ethanol extract were subjected to chromatographic analysis leading to the isolation of two flavonoids, vitexin (1) and isoquercetin (6). In addition, analysis by electrospray ionization-ion trap mass spectrometry (ESI(-)-ITMS) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS) annotated twenty-one compounds (1-21), with seventeen of these being reported for the first time in D. lacunifera. Molecular network (GNPS) analysis grouped compounds (7-21) into flavonoids-O-glucoside, flavononol-O-glucoside, flavone-C-glucoside, proanthocyanidin, flavonol, and flavonoid-O-methoxylated classes. The FEtOAc fraction demonstrated potential antioxidant activity (half maximal effective concentration (EC50) 39.50 ± 6.51 mg mL−1), suggesting it as a promising source of antioxidants. However, neither fraction exhibited inhibition of tumor cell lines tested. These findings enhance our understanding of the chemical and biological potential of the D. lacunifera species.

Purpose: Research aim was to identify the challenges in the applicability of the General Law for the Protection of Personal Data (LGPD) in accounting service providers in Tangará da Serra/MT. Methodology: This is a descriptive study, with a quali-quantitative approach, classified by the survey technique, with a sample comprised of 33 companies. The data collection instrument used was a questionnaire with closed questions, using the Google Forms tool. Results: The results showed that accounting offices are prepared for the application of the General Data Protection Law, since they consider the consent of the holders essential for the processing of data, informing about the purpose of the data, thus complying with the principles established by law and adopting the necessary measures for data security. The survey revealed financial investment in training, data security systems and qualified professionals. Contributions of the Study: The research contributes in a practical way by presenting how accounting firms are adapting to the General Data Protection Law, identifying the implementations and procedures necessary to comply with the law.

Objetivo: O objetivo da pesquisa foi identificar a percepção dos prestadores de serviços contábeis de Tangará da Serra-MT sobre a aplicabilidade da Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados Pessoais (LGPD). Metodologia: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo com abordagem quali-quantitativa, classificada pela técnica de levantamento survey, tendo uma amostra compreendida em 33 empresas. O instrumento de coleta de dados utilizado foi questionário com perguntas fechadas, com o uso da ferramenta Google Forms. Resultados: Os resultados apontaram que os escritórios de contabilidade estão preparados para aplicação da Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados, uma vez que consideram o consentimento dos titulares imprescindível para o tratamento de dados, ao informar sobre a finalidade dos dados, atendendo assim, aos princípios estabelecidos na lei e adotando as medidas necessárias para a segurança dos dados. A pesquisa também revelou que houve investimento financeiro em capacitação, sistemas de segurança de dados e profissionais qualificados. Contribuições do Estudo: A pesquisa contribui de forma prática ao apresentar como os escritórios de contabilidade estão se adequando à Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados, identificando as implementações e procedimentos necessários para estarem em conformidade com a lei.

Motivation is of great importance in the teaching-learning process, because motivated students seek out opportunities and show interest and enthusiasm in carrying out their tasks. The objective of this review is to identify and present the information available in the literature on the status quo of motivation among nursing program entrants. This is a qualitative scoping review study, a type of literature review designed to map out and find evidence to address a specific research objective, following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. The objective was outlined using the PCC (Population, Concept, Context) acronym. The protocol was developed and registered on the Open Science Framework (OSF) platform under DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/EJNGY. The search strategy and database selection were defined by a library and information science professional together with the authors. The search will be carried out in the following databases: Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Literatura Latino Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde, Lilacs Esp, National Library of Medicine (PubMed), ScienceDirect, Scopus, and the Web of Science platform. The researchers will meet to discuss discrepancies and make decisions using a consensus model, and a third researcher will be tasked with independently resolving any conflicts. Data extraction will involve two independent researchers reviewing each article. Documents such as original articles; theoretical studies; experience reports; clinical study articles; case studies; normative, integrative, and systematic reviews; meta-analyses; meta-syntheses; monographs; theses; and dissertations in English, Portuguese, and Spanish from 2017 to 2023 were included. The results will be presented in tabular and/or diagrammatic format, along with a narrative summary.

Este artigo analisa como as práticas de gestão da escola influenciam a eficácia escolar. Metodologicamente, realizou-se um estudo de caráter descritivo-analítico e comparativo, por meio de pesquisa bibliográfica. A partir da análise de características-chave de escolas eficazes, obteve-se os seguintes elementos convergentes: liderança; foco na aprendizagem; clima e cultura escolar; relação família-escola; formação do professor; monitoramento/avaliação; expectativa de alto desempenho. Nota-se que esses elementos não são estanques, além de serem potencialmente contributivos com processos que conduzem aos objetivos educacionais da escola, assim como com o desempenho de professores e alunos. Os resultados sugerem centralidade do fator convergente “foco na aprendizagem”, o qual, quando presente na escola, tende a funcionar como um elo entre várias práticas de organização e gestão escolar e os seus efeitos pretendidos. Também, sugere-se uma perspectiva de gestão escolar baseada em evidências, a fim de desenvolver a competência pedagógica dos diferentes atores da Comunidade Escolar, tendo por foco a aprendizagem.

Background Activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway induces uncontrolled cell proliferation in response to inflammatory stimuli. Adriamycin (ADR)-induced nephropathy (ADRN) in rats triggers MAPK activation and pro-inflammatory mechanisms by increasing cytokine secretion, similar to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Activation of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) plays a crucial role in suppressing the expression of inflammatory markers in the kidney and may contribute to reducing cellular proliferation. This study evaluated the effect of pre-treatment with paricalcitol on ADRN in renal inflammation mechanisms. Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats were implanted with an osmotic minipump containing activated vitamin D (paricalcitol, Zemplar, 6 ng/day) or vehicle (NaCl 0.9%). Two days after implantation, ADR (Fauldoxo, 3.5 mg/kg) or vehicle (NaCl 0.9%) was injected. The rats were divided into four experimental groups: control, n = 6; paricalcitol, n = 6; ADR, n = 7 and, ADR + paricalcitol, n = 7. Results VDR activation was demonstrated by increased CYP24A1 in renal tissue. Paricalcitol prevented macrophage infiltration in the glomeruli, cortex, and outer medulla, prevented secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-1β, increased arginase I and decreased arginase II tissue expressions, effects associated with attenuation of MAPK pathways, increased zonula occludens-1, and reduced cell proliferation associated with proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression. Paricalcitol treatment decreased the stromal cell-derived factor 1α/chemokine C-X-C receptor type 4/β-catenin pathway. Conclusions Paricalcitol plays a renoprotective role by modulating renal inflammation and cell proliferation. These results highlight potential targets for treating CKD.

During pregnancy, the adipokines leptin and adiponectin can affect placental nutrient transport and inflammatory pathways, potentially leading to altered fetal growth and pregnancy complications including gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and preeclampsia (PE). The aim of this systematic review is to gather and analyze research on maternal circulating leptin and adiponectin levels and their relationship to adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes. Additionally, it seeks to determine whether these hormones are linked to alterations in placental transporters and cell signaling pathways. PubMed and MEDLINE were systematically searched to include studies published between 2012 and 2022. All primary data studies reporting serum adiponectin and/or leptin, placental mRNA and protein levels of related transporters, and adverse birth outcomes were eligible. The current systematic review encompasses a total of 14 articles. Abnormal serum maternal leptin and adiponectin levels were associated with changes in fetal growth and placental cellular signaling and nutrient transporters. A majority of studies associated elevated maternal leptin and reduced adiponectin with fetal overgrowth, although this relationship was not consistent and may be complicated when other pathologies are present. The effects of maternal leptin and adiponectin on fetal growth may be driven by placental adaptation in nutrient transporters and mitochondria. Future studies should determine if the placental effects of leptin and adiponectin that have been found in models have mechanistic roles in human pregnancy.

This article addresses the solution to the inverse problem in a one-dimensional transient partial differential equation with a source term, commonly encountered in heat transfer modeling for diffusion problems. The equation is utilized in a dimensionless form to derive a more general solution that is applicable across various contexts. The Transition Markov Chain Monte Carlo (TMCMC) method is utilized to estimate spatially variable thermophysical properties within the equation. This approach involves transitioning between probability densities, gradually refining the prior distribution to approximate the posterior distribution. The results indicate the effectiveness of the TMCMC method in addressing this inverse problem, offering a robust methodology for estimating spatially variable coefficients.

No conteúdo dos I Fioretti encontra-se a narrativa do milagre do Sermão de Santo Antônio aos peixes, acontecido no século XIII, o interessante é que durante tempos a descrição do milagre sempre esteve preenchida de misticismos devido ao caráter extraordinário de tal feito do santo, a comunicação aos peixes. No século XVII, o Padre Antônio Vieira apresenta em 13 de junho de 1654 o Sermão de Santo Antônio aos Peixes para denunciar os desmandos políticos e vícios praticados pelos colonos da região maranhense. Naquela época, os padres jesuítas estavam em conflito com os exploradores por causa do uso da mão de obra indígena. Estabelecemos então, um paralelo entre as duas obras para demostrar as conexões historiográficas entre o período medieval e o colonial brasileiro para debatermos as continuidades e permanências na longa duração do tempo histórico.

Objetivo: Na perspectiva dos Sistemas de Organização do Conhecimento (SOCs) relacionados à propriedade industrial (PI), este estudo busca compreender o uso de duas ferramentas brasileiras de SOCs na PI. Para atingir esse objetivo, realiza a análise do tesauro proposto ao Programa de Pós-Graduação em Propriedade Intelectual e Inovação (PPGPI) e do Glossário do Instituto Nacional de Propriedade Industrial (INPI). Método: Para fazer essa avaliação, foi estruturada uma metodologia descritiva e qualitativa, além de uma revisão teórica sobre os campos relacionados ao tema da pesquisa. Resultado: As análises realizadas em ambos os SOCs revelaram que eles cumpriram normas técnicas e podem contribuir com a área da PI. Conclusões: Conclui-se, portanto, que o tesauro retira as ambiguidades dos termos usados na Academia do INPI e faz uma padronização terminológica adequada. O Glossário em PI tem potencial de contribuir para essa área do conhecimento, podendo atingir um público amplo, como pesquisadores e cidadãos interessados em compreender melhor os conceitos em PI, pois melhoram a comunicação entre pesquisadores, facilitam o acesso à informação para inventores e empresas e apoiam o ensino e a aprendizagem em PI.