RESUMEN

CONTEXT: The production of bioethanol from renewable raw materials is a decisive factor in the economic development of many countries. However, the complexity of the processes and the numerous experimental variables involved require a deeper understanding of the chemical reactions that take place during bioethanol production to define optimal parameters. Here, we have employed density functional theory-based calculations to investigate the local reactivity of oligomeric systems by considering crystalline and amorphous cellulose models to better understand some details regarding pulp pretreatment processes. Our results evidence a higher chemical susceptibility of amorphous portions of cellulose to chemicals typically employed in acid hydrolysis. Additionally, we observed that glucose monomers coming from cellulose hydrolysis may undergo oxidation, leading to the formation of byproducts such as hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), acetic acid, formic acid, and levulinic acid. The analysis of local chemical softness indexes indicated that cellulose hydrolysis may be associated with intermediate chemical steps. Finally, we investigated the influence of distinct solvents (dielectric constants) on the local reactivity of the systems, evidencing a relevant role of the solvent dielectric constant for cellulose degradation in glucose. METHODS: Initial three-dimensional structures were constructed. Pre-optimizations were performed in a Hartree-Fock (HF) approach employing the PM7 semi-empirical hamiltonian. The structures were then re-optimized via density functional theory (DFT). The local reactivity study of the systems was conducted through the condensed-to-atoms Fukui indexes (CAFI). Systematic changes of the dielectric constants were also considered in geometry optimization and CAFI calculations to estimate the influence of solvents on the reactivity of the systems.

RESUMEN

ABSTRACT Purpose: To analyze the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients who survived moderate and severe forms of COVID-19 and the risk factors for LUTS six months after hospitalization. Materials and Methods: In this prospective cohort study, patients were evaluated six months after hospitalization due to COVID-19. LUTS were assessed using the International Prostate Symptom Score. General health was assessed through the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the EQ5D-L5 scale, which evaluates mobility, ability to perform daily activities, pain and discomfort and completed a self-perception health evaluation. Results: Of 255 participants, 54.1% were men and the median age was 57.3 [44.3 - 66.6] years. Pre-existing comorbidities included diabetes (35.7%), hypertension (54.5%), obesity (30.2%) and physical inactivity (65.5%). One hundred and twenty-four patients (48.6%) had a hospital stay >15 days, 181 (71.0%) were admitted to an ICU and 124 (48.6%) needed mechanical ventilation. Median IPSS was 6 [3-11] and did not differ between genders. Moderate to severe LUTS affected 108 (42.4%) patients (40.6% men and 44.4% women; p=0.610). Nocturia (58.4%) and frequency (45.9%) were the most prevalent symptoms and urgency was the only symptom that affected men (29.0%) and women (44.4%) differently (p=0.013). LUTS impacted the quality of life of 60 (23.5%) patients with women more severely affected (p=0.004). Diabetes, hypertension, and self-perception of worse general health were associated with LUTS. Conclusions: LUTS are highly prevalent and bothersome six months after hospitalization due to COVID-19. Assessment of LUTS may help ensure appropriate diagnosis and treatment in these patients.

RESUMEN

This work presents a low-cost transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) instrument for nucleic acid detection, employing an Arduino Nano microcontroller. The cooling system includes customized printed circuit boards (PCBs) that serve as electrical resistors and incorporate fans. An aluminum block is designed to accommodate eight vials. The system also includes two PCB heaters-one for sample heating and the other for vial lid heating to prevent condensation. The color detection system comprises a TCS3200 color 8-sensor array coupled to one side of the aluminum heater body and a white 8-LED array coupled to the other side, controlled by two Multiplexer/Demultiplexer devices. LED light passes through the sample, reaching the color sensor and conveying color information crucial for detection. The top board is maintained at 110 ± 2 °C, while the bottom board is held at 65 ± 0.5 °C throughout the RT-LAMP assay. Validation tests successfully demonstrated the efficacy of the colorimetric RT-LAMP reactions using SARS-CoV-2 RNA amplification as a sample viability test, achieving 100% sensitivity and 97.3% specificity with 66 clinical samples. Our instrument offers a cost-effective (USD 100) solution with automated result interpretation and superior sensitivity compared to visual inspection. While the prototype was tested with SARS-CoV-2 RNA samples, its versatility extends to detecting other pathogens using alternative primers, showcasing its potential for broader applications in biosensing.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

PURPOSE: To analyze the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients who survived moderate and severe forms of COVID-19 and the risk factors for LUTS six months after hospitalization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, patients were evaluated six months after hospitalization due to COVID-19. LUTS were assessed using the International Prostate Symptom Score. General health was assessed through the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the EQ5D-L5 scale, which evaluates mobility, ability to perform daily activities, pain and discomfort and completed a self-perception health evaluation. RESULTS: Of 255 participants, 54.1% were men and the median age was 57.3 [44.3 - 66.6] years. Pre-existing comorbidities included diabetes (35.7%), hypertension (54.5%), obesity (30.2%) and physical inactivity (65.5%). One hundred and twenty-four patients (48.6%) had a hospital stay >15 days, 181 (71.0%) were admitted to an ICU and 124 (48.6%) needed mechanical ventilation. Median IPSS was 6 [3-11] and did not differ between genders. Moderate to severe LUTS affected 108 (42.4%) patients (40.6% men and 44.4% women; p=0.610). Nocturia (58.4%) and frequency (45.9%) were the most prevalent symptoms and urgency was the only symptom that affected men (29.0%) and women (44.4%) differently (p=0.013). LUTS impacted the quality of life of 60 (23.5%) patients with women more severely affected (p=0.004). Diabetes, hypertension, and self-perception of worse general health were associated with LUTS. CONCLUSIONS: LUTS are highly prevalent and bothersome six months after hospitalization due to COVID-19. Assessment of LUTS may help ensure appropriate diagnosis and treatment in these patients.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Trichosporonosis corresponds to a systemic fungal disease that leads to high mortality rates and is frequently associated with medical devices. It affects immunosuppressed patients in particular and is strongly linked to acquired human immunodeficiency, organ and tissue transplants, and malignant hematologic diseases such as leukemia and lymphomas. Trichosporon infections have been increasingly reported worldwide; however, little information is available either about their characteristics or the causative microorganism. Thus, the aims of the present study were: to investigate 59 yeasts of the genus Trichosporon by verifying the biofilm formation capacity of isolates; to analyze the susceptibility patterns of planktonic cells against the antifungals fluconazole, itraconazole, amphotericin-B, voriconazole, and caspofungin by comparing European Committee for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) broth microdilution technique with the commercial method Etest; and to assess the susceptibility patterns of biofilm cells (sessile) against the same antifungals through broth microdilution. The ability to form biofilm on the surface of polystyrene plates was noted for all isolates, and 54.3% of samples were considered strong producers. Comparison between the antifungal susceptibility techniques evidenced that Etest showed higher and discordant minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) from those obtained by the microdilution method, especially for fluconazole, itraconazole, and caspofungin. Considering the susceptibility of biofilms, most species had high MIC50 and MIC90 against the tested antifungals, showing 4-to-66-fold higher concentrations for amphotericin B and 2-to-33-fold greater concentrations for caspofungin. These results highlight the importance of further studies with Trichosporon spp. for comparison between laboratory findings and in vivo response, considering both the susceptibility tests and the behavior of biofilm cells against drugs.

This study investigated 59 isolates of the medically important yeast Trichosporon in relation to their ability to form biofilms and the susceptibility of biofilms to antifungal agents. All isolates were able to produce biofilms and biofilms showed lower antifungal susceptibility.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Resumo Este artigo tem como objetivo refletir sobre a importância da linguagem neutra no campo do aleitamento humano, a partir da perspectiva da interseccionalidade queer. Em 2013, foi publicada a Política Nacional de Saúde Integral de Lésbicas, Gays, Bissexuais, Travestis e Transsexuais, porém, serviços e profissionais de saúde carecem de instrução e capacitação para atender às necessidades de saúde da população LGBTQIA+, que não se encaixa no padrão da heterocisnormatividade. A promoção ao aleitamento encontra entraves, como a ausência do uso da linguagem neutra nos atendimentos, da aplicação de conhecimento e práticas de indução da lactação e a compreensão de que pessoas cis e trans gestam e podem amamentar, se assim o desejarem. Assim, consideramos que práticas em saúde e reflexões de cuidado a partir da interseccionalidade queer tem potencial para desconstruir a heterocisnormatividade, aqui, por meio da proposta da linguagem neutra.(AU)

Abstract The aim of this article is to reflect on the importance of using gender-neutral human lactation-related language drawing on the perspective of queer intersectionality. Despite the creation of the National Policy for the Comprehensive Health Care of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transvestites and Transsexuals in 2013, health services and professionals lack the necessary guidance and training to meet the needs of the LGBTQIA+ population, which does not conform to the standards of hetero-cisnormativity. The promotion of breastfeeding faces several challenges, including the failure to use gender-neutral language, apply lactation induction knowledge and practices, and understand that both cis and trans people can gestate and breastfeed if they wish. We therefore believe that health practices and reflections on care from the perspective of queer intersectionality have the potential to deconstruct hetero-cisnormativity through the proposal of gender-neutral language.(AU)

Resumen El objetivo de este artículo es reflexionar sobre la importancia del lenguaje de género neutro en el campo de la lactancia humana, a partir de la perspectiva de la interseccionalidad queer. En 2013, se publicó la Política Nacional de Salud de lesbianas, gais, bisexuales, travestis y transexuales; sin embargo, los servicios y los profesionales de salud no tienen instrucción ni capacitación para atender las necesidades de salud de la población LGBTQIA+, que no se encaja en el estándar de heterocisnomatividad. La promoción de la lactancia encuentra obstáculos, tales como la ausencia del uso del lenguaje de género neutro en las atenciones, de la aplicación de conocimiento y prácticas de inducción de la lactancia y la comprensión de que personas cis y trans gestan y pueden amamantar, si así lo desean. Por lo tanto, consideramos que las prácticas en salud y reflexiones de cuidado a partir de la interseccionalidad queer tienen potencial para desconstruir la heterocisnormatividad, en este caso por medio de la propuesta del lenguaje de género neutro.(AU)

RESUMEN

Acute viral bronchiolitis is the major cause of hospital admissions in children under 2 years of age, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can be responsible for up to 80% of these infections. We aimed to describe RSV dynamics among hospitalized children with bronchiolitis. Upper respiratory samples of 101 hospitalized patients were collected and submitted to RSV detection by a quantitative real-time RT-PCR to assess viral load (Log10 RNA copies/mL). Seventy-two patients were positive for RSV infection, of which 38 (52.7%) could be followed up until RSV was no longer detected. The first RSV RT-qPCR was carried out on average on the 5th day of symptom onset. Thirty-six patients (94.7%) were still shedding RSV after 7 days, and 9 (23.6%) after 14 days of symptoms onset. Only 2 patients (5.2%) were still shedding RSV after 21 days. Only 7 of the followed patients (18.9%) were submitted to intubation. There was no difference between the viral load of the first collected sample and the viral persistence of patients with comorbidities, who needed intensive care unit and who needed intubation. These data could help understand RSV dynamics and future studies and treatments to come.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Trichosporon spp. are widely distributed in the nature, comprising species that inhabit different ecological niches and can be found in the water, soil, and body surface of animals and humans. Such microorganisms have been classically associated with superficial infections; however, in the last decades, they have also been related to disseminated infections in immunocompromised patients, behaving as opportunistic agents, which demands rapid and accurate species identification for efficient therapy. Concordance level between the traditional phenotypic method and the molecular technique (gold standard) in the identification of all 59 Trichosporon samples was 59.3%. Identification concordance between MALDI-TOF spectrometry and the molecular technique was 71.2%. No isolate of environmental origin was identifiable by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (MS), and 100% of such environmental isolates were discordant for IGS region sequencing and phenotypic characterization. Both comparisons evidenced greatest concordance in the identification of T. asahii. The species T. debeurmannianum, T. dermatis, T. venhuisii and T. insectorum were not properly identified by both MALDI-TOF MS and the phenotypic technique. MALDI-TOF MS, in particular, seems to be appropriate to investigate yeasts of the genus Trichosporon; however, database updates are still necessary, especially for species that are not common in the clinical routine. With the aim of helping understand the aspects involved in early and accurate diagnosis of infections caused by this opportunistic agent, the present study compared the phenotypic, molecular (IGS region) and mass-spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) identification of 59 yeasts of the genus Trichosporon which had clinical and environmental origin and were kept in a mycology collection.

The present study compared the phenotypic, genotypic, and mass-spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) identification of 59 yeasts of the genus Trichosporon. MALDI-TOF MS, in particular, seems to be appropriate to investigate this yeasts when compared to a molecular technique (gold standard).

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

This article describes the fabrication of a low-cost Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) instrument to detect diseases. In order to reduce the instrument price and simplify construction we developed an alternative fabrication process, transforming conventional printed circuit boards (PCB) in heating elements, avoiding the use of aluminum heating/cooling blocks and Peltier devices. To cool down the reaction a simple computer fan was used. The vial holder was fabricated using two double side PCB boards assembled in a sandwich-like configuration. The bottom PCB has a resistance of 0.9 Ω used to heat the reaction mix, while the top layer has a resistance of 1.1 Ω to heat the vial body, preventing vapor condensation. The top board was maintained at ~ 110 ± 1 °C during all cycles. The final device was able to heat and cool down the reaction at rates of ~ 2.0 °C/s, a rate comparable to commercial thermocyclers. An SMD NTC thermistor was used as temperature sensors, and a PID (proportional-integral-derivative) control algorithm was implemented to acquire and precisely control the temperature. We also discuss how the instrument is calibrated. The device was tested successfully for the amplification of T. pallidum (Syphilis) bacterial DNA and Zika virus RNA samples, showing similar performance to a commercial PCR instrument.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Objetivos: O presente relato tem como finalidade esclarecer como o Consultório na Rua utiliza-se da Redução de Danos para melhorar o cuidado à população em situação de rua, além de conscientizar profissionais da Atenção Primária à Saúde para as particularidades da população em questão. Métodos: Para tal, foi realizado estágio durante uma semana em um Consultório na Rua da cidade do Rio de Janeiro. Conclusão: Concluiu-se que a Redução de Danos é a principal estratégia para o cuidado adequado dos indivíduos em situação de rua, e que estes necessitam de uma abordagem biopsicossocial devido à sua complexidade e particularidades.

Objectives: This report aims to clarify how the "Consultório na Rua" uses Harm Reduction to improve care to Homeless People, and educate Primary Health Care professionals to the particularities of the population in question. Methods: To do this, an internship was held for a week in a "Consultorio na Rua" at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Conclusion: It was concluded that Harm Reduction is the main strategy for the proper care of Homeless People, and this population needs a biopsychosocial approach because of its complexity and peculiarities.

Objetivos: Este informe pretende aclarar cómo "Consultório na Rua" utiliza la Reducción del Daño para mejorar la atención a Personas sin Hogar, y educar a los profesionales de la Atención Primaria de Salud a las particularidades de la población en cuestión. Métodos: Para ello, se llevó a cabo prácticas de una semana en uno "Consultorio na Rua" en la ciudad de Rio de Janeiro. Conclusión: Se concluyó que la Reducción del Daño es la principal estrategia para la atención adecuada de las Personas sin Hogar, y que necesitan un enfoque biopsicosocial, debido a su complejidad y peculiaridades.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

OBJETIVO: Adaptar os protocolos de velocidade crítica (Vcrit), RAST Test e Lactato Mínimo (LM) à especificidade do basquetebol feminino. MÉTODOS: Doze basquetebolistas bem treinadas (19 ± 1 anos) foram avaliadas pelo modelo velocidade crítica, composto por quatro intensidades (10,8, 12,0, 13,0, 14,5 km/h) de corridas "vai-vem" até exaustão, aplicadas em dias alternados. O modelo linear 'velocidade versus 1/tlim' foi adotado para determinação de parâmetros aeróbio (Vcrit) e anaeróbio (CCA). O LM foi composto por duas fases: 1) indução hiperlactacidêmica, caracterizada pelo RAST adaptado, e 2) fase progressiva, composta por cinco estágios de 3 minutos em corridas "vai-vem" de 20 m (7 a 12km/h), com coletas de sangue ao final de cada estágio. RESULTADOS: A velocidade (vLM) e a concentração do lactato mínimo foram obtidas pelos ajustes polinomiais 'lactato versus intensidade' (LM1) e 'lactato versus tempo' (LM2). A ANOVA one-way, teste t-Student e correlação de Pearson foram utilizados na análise estatística. A Vcrit foi obtida a 10,3 ± 0,2 km/h e a CCA estimada em 73,0 ± 3,4 m. O RAST foi capaz de induzir a hiperlactacidemia e determinar potências máxima (3,6 ± 0,2 W/kg), média (2,8 ± 0,1 W/kg), mínima (2,3 ± 0,1W/kg) e o índice de fadiga (30 ± 3%). A vLM1 e vLM2 foram obtidas, respectivamente, a 9,47 ± 0,13 e 9,8 ± 0,13km/h, sendo a vLM1 menor que a Vcrit. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados sugerem que o modelo específico não invasivo pode ser utilizado para determinar parâmetros aeróbios e anaeróbios de basquetebolistas e, assim como em outras modalidades, a Vcrit superestima as intensidades de LM. Além disso, a adaptação do LM ao basquetebol feminino utilizando o RAST e a fase progressiva em exercício "vai-vem" foi efetiva para avaliar as atletas respeitando a especificidade da modalidade, com elevado percentual de sucesso no ajuste polinomial 'lactato versus tempo'.

OBJECTIVE: To adapted the critical velocity (CV), RAST test and lactate minimum (LM) to evaluation of female basketball players. METHODS: Twelve well-trained female basketball players (19 ± 1yrs) were submitted to four intensities running (10 - 14 km/h) at shuttle exercise until exhaustion, applied on alternate days. The linear model 'velocity vs. 1/tlim' was adopted to determine the aerobic (CV) and anaerobic (CCA) parameters. The lactate minimum test consisted of two phases: 1) hiperlactatemia induction using the RAST test and 2) incremental test composed by five shuttle run (20-m) at 7, 8, 9, 10, and 12 km/h. Blood samples were collected at the end of each stage. RESULTS: The velocity (vLM) and blood lactate concentration at LM were obtained by two polynomial adjustments: lactate vs. intensity (LM1) and lactate vs. time (LM2). ANOVA one-way, Student t-test and Pearson correlation were used for statistical analysis. The CV was obtained at 10.3 ± 0.2 km/h and the CCA estimated at 73.0 ± 3.4 m. The RAST was capable to induce the hiperlactatemia and to determine the Pmax (3.6 ± 0.2 W/kg), Pmed (2.8 ± 0.1 W/kg), Pmin (2.3 ± 0.1 W/kg) and FI (30 ± 3%). The vLM1 and vLM2 were obtained, respectively, at 9.47 ±0.13 km/h and 9.8 ± 0.13 km/h, and CV was higher than vLM1. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the non-invasive model can be used to determine the aerobic and anaerobic parameters. Furthermore, the LM test adapted to basketball using RAST and progressive phase was effective to evaluate female athletes considering the specificity of modality, with high success rates observed in polynomial adjustment 'lactate vs. time' (LM2).