Universidade Federal de Sergipe

Caffeine (CAF) and nicotine (NIC) are emerging contaminants and are among the most consumed substances in the world, making it crucial to monitor these contaminants. In this work, an alternative electrolyte, 2-hydroxyethylammonium acetate (2HEAA) was used for the development of an electroanalytical method for determination and quantification of CAF and NIC, simultaneously, using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The system with the 2HEAA electrolyte was characterized by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and the DPV parameters were optimized for the best conditions. The method was validated from a calibration curve obtained which showed limit of detection (LOD) of 0.82 and 6.26 μmol L-1 and limit of quantification (LOQ) of 2.73 and 20.8 μmol L-1 for CAF and NIC, respectively. In the precision analyses, values lower than 10% of relative standard deviation were obtained. In the presence of concomitant inorganic and organic species, the system proved to be selective in the determination of analytes. The method was used to determine the analytes in fortified samples (river water, synthetic urine and commercial milk), obtaining recoveries between 87.25 and 111.40%. The 2HEAA demonstrated high efficiency as an alternative electrolyte with good signal-to-noise ratio, increased analytical sensitivity of the method, in addition to presenting low cost and fast electrolyte preparation.

This work carries out a study of the heterogeneous photocatalysis process using TiO2 and the composite TiO2/iron oxides as catalysts, in order to perform the degradation of propylparaben. The composite produced aims to maintain the catalytic capacity of the precursor material, while improving the recovery of the material after its application. Magnetic removal is a quick and efficient way of reapplying the catalyst. The photocatalysts produced were characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM, TEM/EDS, PL and UV–vis. The composite obtained showed the predominant crystalline phases anatase and magnetite, as well as photocatalytic activity which was increased by the decrease of the material bandgap, promoted by the materials combination. The materials efficiency was determined under ultraviolet irradiation through the degradation of propylparaben, in which the highest efficiency was obtained with the composite was the removal of 16.2 ppm, around 80.83% from 20 ppm, and for pure TiO2 it was the degradation of 4.7 ppm, around 94.52% from 5 ppm of propylparaben. These findings present a valuable alternative to a highly effective photocatalyst that can be magnetically removed from the treated solution and be reused in another treatment run.

Objective to analyze the insertion and perception of autonomy with the use of integrative and complementary practices in the daily work of nurses. Method sequential mixed explanatory research from a national multicenter project. The cross-sectional stage took place from June to October 2021, with a total of 386 nurses, via a virtual questionnaire. The qualitative stage took place from November to December 2021, through 18 semi-structured interviews with professionals who have training in the practices, based on participatory analysis. Integration took place by connection. Results of the 142 nurses trained in integrative practices, 76 use them in their work routines. 69 use them in primary health care and had a greater autonomy perception (p <0.001). The practices are inserted into this daily routine across the board in nursing consultations, with individual consultations showing a greater autonomy perception when compared to collective consultations (X² = 4.06; p<0.004). Focusing on movement and individual effort, the testimonies show dissatisfaction with the way in which the practices are inserted into everyday work. Even so, 125 nurses perceive greater autonomy when using the practices, stating that, combined with nursing knowledge, they provide solutions and a different perception of healthcare. Conclusion the practices are inserted into daily work in a more expressive way in primary care. They perceive greater autonomy in incorporating them into nursing consultations, promoting resolution. Regulations for professional practice and clinical care protocols could support these practices. DESCRIPTORS: Professional autonomy; Nursing; Nursing care; Complementary therapies; Traditional medicine; Integrative medicine; Primary health care; Public health

Objective to analyze the insertion and perception of autonomy with the use of integrative and complementary practices in the daily work of nurses. Method sequential mixed explanatory research from a national multicenter project. The cross-sectional stage took place from June to October 2021, with a total of 386 nurses, via a virtual questionnaire. The qualitative stage took place from November to December 2021, through 18 semi-structured interviews with professionals who have training in the practices, based on participatory analysis. Integration took place by connection. Results of the 142 nurses trained in integrative practices, 76 use them in their work routines. 69 use them in primary health care and had a greater autonomy perception (p <0.001). The practices are inserted into this daily routine across the board in nursing consultations, with individual consultations showing a greater autonomy perception when compared to collective consultations (X² = 4.06; p<0.004). Focusing on movement and individual effort, the testimonies show dissatisfaction with the way in which the practices are inserted into everyday work. Even so, 125 nurses perceive greater autonomy when using the practices, stating that, combined with nursing knowledge, they provide solutions and a different perception of healthcare. Conclusion the practices are inserted into daily work in a more expressive way in primary care. They perceive greater autonomy in incorporating them into nursing consultations, promoting resolution. Regulations for professional practice and clinical care protocols could support these practices. DESCRIPTORS: Professional autonomy; Nursing; Nursing care; Complementary therapies; Traditional medicine; Integrative medicine; Primary health care; Public health

Moderate and severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) can lead to harmful consequences for trauma victims. S100B is a widely studied biomarker to predict the outcomes of this injury, but gaps in knowledge about this protein make its clinical application still uncertain. We investigated the potential prognostic value of S100B for functional capacity and vital status up to 12 months after moderate and severe TBI and compared its performance when samples of this biomarker are collected in the early (≤6 h) and late (>6 h) phases following the injury. The systematic review followed the recommendations of Cochrane Methods Prognosis and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The protocol was registered with The International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). The searches were carried out in the Embase, Psycinfo, Medline, and Scopus databases. The meta-analysis was carried out in R® version 4.2.3. Thirty-seven studies were included. The majority indicated higher concentrations of S100B in patients with unfavorable outcomes. In the meta-analysis, S100B showed good discriminative capacity for functional capacity at 3 and 6 months (pooled area under the curve [AUC]: 0.803 and 0.841), but unsatisfactory at 12 months (pooled AUC: 0.592) and for vital status, the pooled AUC was 0.818 for hospital discharge and 6 months, with worse results for 3 and 12 months (AUC: 0.687 and 0.731, respectively). Late samples showed better prognostic performance for functional capacity and vital status. The review indicated that S100B is a promising tool for estimating prognosis up to 6 months after moderate and severe TBI, especially when late samples are analyzed.

Rigid particles suspended on a micropolar fluid provide microstructure that coexists and interacts with the local rotation of the fluid given by the vorticity. In this work we prove that the particles’ angular velocity and the vorticity strongly align for large times. We provide average and supnorm estimates for the decay rate of the difference between these two vectors, which measures the alignment.

In 24 years of studies on seed-hydration memory, the benefits promoted by cycles of hydration and dehydration in germination and the initial development of plants, such as increased tolerance to environmental stress, have been unraveled. However, little is still known about how the combination of different factors influences this memory. This study aimed to investigate the effects of hydration and dehydration (HD) cycles at different temperatures on the germination and initial development of Crotalaria retusa seedlings under water deficit conditions. HD cycles were simulated as pre-germination treatments, and the seeds were subjected to 0, 1, 2, or 3 cycles at 25, 30, or 40 °C. After germination, the seedlings were subjected to 10 days of water suppression (water deficit) and 10 days of recovery. The results showed that HD cycles and temperature had a positive effect on germination, although higher temperatures and more cycles decreased germinability. Seedling growth was reduced in the combination of HD cycles, temperature, and water deficit, which can be a strategy of tolerance to water stress by plants. The passage through HD cycles promoted changes in germination and development of C. retusa, which can aid in the process of invasion of the species in arid and semi-arid environments and can bring competitive benefits in relation to native species. Overall, the study highlights the importance of HD cycles for the successful establishment of C. retusa in harsh environments.

Patients with mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II) can present with a severe neuronopathic phenotype or an attenuated non-neuronopathic phenotype. In the light of the recent development of drugs that cross the blood-brain barrier for treatment of neurologic MPS II symptoms, it is critical to define biomarkers that objectively differentiate phenotypes and monitor therapeutic outcomes of advanced treatments. In December 2023, a panel of Brazilian experts discussed the potential of quantifying heparan sulfate (HS) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as a biomarker for assessing neurological impairment in patients with MPS II, as well as the potential of the molecule as an objective parameter for therapeutic monitoring. Based on scientific evidence, the experts concluded that HS in CSF is predominantly derived from the brain and reflects neurological impairment in patients with MPS II. CSF HS levels may help differentiate between neuronopathic and non-neuronopathic forms of MPS II, with preliminary observations suggesting a potential threshold around 4,000 ng/mL when HS quantification is performed using the same method described in clinical studies of pabinafusp alfa. According to the authors, monitoring HS levels in CSF can serve as an objective parameter for assessing the effectiveness of treatment with drugs that cross the blood-brain barrier. The recommended timing of HS evaluations in CSF of patients with the severe phenotype is: (i) before treatment; (ii) six months after starting treatment; and (iii) two years after starting treatment. The same monitoring scheme is recommended for patients with the attenuated MPS II phenotype, however, after two years of treatment, the physician may elect to perform regular neurocognitive evaluations instead of measuring HS in CSF. Lastly, the authors reinforced the importance of evaluating adherence to treatment, including interruptions, to provide a more meaningful assessment of the treatment’s real-world impact and to determine the ideal timing of CSF collection for therapeutic monitoring.

Consider a compact Riemannian surface (M, g) with a nonempty boundary and negative Euler characteristic. Given two smooth non-constant functions f in M and h in $\partial M$ with $\max f= \max h= 0$, under a suitable condition on the maximum points of f and h, we prove that for sufficiently small positive constants $\lambda$ and $\mu$, there exist at least two distinct conformal metrics $g_{\lambda ,\mu }=e^{2u_{\mu ,\lambda }}g$ and $g^{\lambda ,\mu }=e^{2u^{\mu ,\lambda }}g$ with prescribed sign-changing Gaussian and geodesic curvature equal to $f + \mu$ and $h + \lambda ,$ respectively. Additionally, we employ the method used by Borer et al. (2015) to study the blowing-up behavior of the large solution $u^{\mu ,\lambda }$ when $\mu \downarrow 0$ and $\lambda \downarrow 0$. Finally, we derive a new Liouville-type result for the half-space, eliminating one of the potential blow-up profiles.

Schistosomiasis mansoni is a parasitic infectious disease of significant epidemiological importance caused by Schistosoma mansoni. The intermediate hosts are snails of the genus Biomphalaria spp. As gastropods are crucial for the spread of the disease, this study aimed to assess the influence of water bodies on the distribution of snails responsible for transmitting S. mansoni in the state of Alagoas. It is an ecological study with a spatial approach, carried out from 1997 to 2017. We considered all Biomphalaria snails captured and positive for S. mansoni in the state. Representative maps were created for better data visualization, having as unit of analysis the municipalities of Alagoas. We also calculated the natural infection rate of the snails (number of positives/number of captured). During the study period, 34 619 Biomphalaria snails were captured, consisting of Biomphalaria glabrata (30 132), Biomphalaria straminea (4445) and Biomphalaria tenagophila (42). The seventh Health Region (HR) of the state had the highest number of specimens collected (B. glabrata=15 676), while the sixth HR had the highest positivity rate (9.2%). Regarding hydrography, these snails were primarily found along the Jacuípe, Mundaú, Paraíba, São Miguel, Coruripe, Piauí, Perucaba and Boacica rivers. Our data reinforce the occurrence of the three medically significant snail species responsible for schistosomiasis transmission in Alagoas. Additionally, our findings can be used as a basis for malacological activities because we report the presence of these animals in the main rivers of the state.

While the knowledge that identities matter is reasonably consolidated in International Relations, the evaluation of how identities matter and how they work in setting the boundaries of political actions is still a work in progress. The present article connects this debate with International Political Sociology (IPS) by bringing Bourdieu’s concepts of habitus, field, and doxa to the analysis of identity and foreign policy, which can be used as heuristic devices to address identity without essentializing it. Hence, this article makes a twofold contribution. First, it translates Bourdieu’s concepts of habitus, field, and doxa to Foreign Policy Analysis (FPA) and shows how they help to accommodate the binary logic of agent/structure around which the debate on foreign policy and identity is structured. Second, it provides an analytical framework through which one can operationalize Bourdieu’s concepts and identify how identity is mobilized through discourses not only because it is a part of a nation’s idea of itself but also because they improve the chances of a decision-maker to guarantee approval for its foreign policy actions.

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is physiopathologically marked by an accumulation of beta-amyloid peptide (Aβ), hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the brain tissue. While new drugs for AD have been approved, novel treatments are still needed. Eplingiella fruticosa (EF) has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may be beneficial against AD. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of EF leaf essential oil complexed with β-cyclodextrin in a sporadic AD model induced by streptozotocin (STZ). Male Wistar rats (5–6 months old) received an intracerebroventricular STZ injection (3 mg/kg) or vehicle, and were orally treated with vehicle, EF (5 mg/kg), or donepezil (5 mg/kg) for 14 days. Behavioral tests included olfactory discrimination, open field, novel object recognition, sucrose preference, and spontaneous alternation. Upon completion, rats were euthanatized, and their brains were analyzed for Aβ, tau, and IL-1β via immunohistochemistry, and for oxidative stress markers. STZ-treated rats showed memory deficits and anhedonia, accompanied by increased Aβ, tau, and IL-1β immunoreactivity in the olfactory bulb, cortex, hippocampus, and increased TBARS levels in the hippocampus. On the other hand, EF treatment improved short-term and working memory (p < 0.001), and reduced depressive-like behavior (p = 0.02). Additionally, EF treatment decreased Aβ, tau, and IL-1β immunoreactivity in the olfactory bulb, hippocampus and cortex (p < 0.05), and reduced TBARS levels (p = 0.04) and total oxidant status in the hippocampus (p = 0.03), and increased total antioxidant status in the cortex (p = 0.04). These findings suggest EF has neuroprotective effects against STZ-induced damage, indicating its potential as a novel compound for AD treatment.

RESUMO: Este artigo, no escopo da linguística aplicada (Moita Lopes, 2006 ), aborda o Novo Ensino Médio (NEM). Para isso, parte da provocação de um docente da rede pública estadual de Sergipe – “Tem horas que eu realmente quero só ser professor de inglês”, frase que intitula este artigo – sobre os impactos trazidos pelo NEM na sua atuação docente. Assim, objetivamos discutir as implicações do NEM para o trabalho do professor de inglês, tratando da distância existente entre o mundo considerado “real” (fora da escola) e o mundo da escola. Para tal, partimos das reflexões de professores entrevistados durante pesquisa de doutorado (Teles, 2023 ), cujos dados são analisados de forma qualitativa e interpretativa (Paiva, 2019 ). É também pesquisa documental, pois analisamos documentos relacionados ao NEM, além de bibliográfica. Os resultados apontam para o reconhecimento de características neoliberais (Teles, 2023 ) nos documentos e práticas, impactando ontologicamente os docentes de inglês.

Introduction The dental implant rehabilitation protocol is a well-established treatment option for edentulous patients with a high success rate. However, there are factors that can lead to difficulty in continuation and even complete loss of rehabilitation. Microgaps are spaces found between the implant and prosthetic abutment that are caused by the limit of precision in the manufacturing of the implant. This space can cause micromovements and bacterial microleakage that can compromise the long-term useful life of the implant. Objective Measure and evaluate microgaps in angled and straight implants using scanning electron microscopy. To carry out the study, a total of 30 SIN® osseointegrated implants were used, 15 of which were straight and 15 angled. Material and method For the comparative analysis of these components, scanning electron microscopy was used, carried out by a properly calibrated and experienced researcher. Result It was observed that the microgap measurements of both components are in accordance with the clinically acceptable values presented in the literature, however the microgap values of the angled components were considerably higher compared to the straight components. Conclusion Although the values presented corroborate the data presented in the literature, additional studies are necessary for a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the relationship between the microgaps of the morse cone system components.

The ability of edible mushrooms to modulate the intestinal microbiota is a topic of interest. This study shows that digested Pleurotus djamor powder (MUS) exhibits prebiotic effects during an in vitro colonic fermentation. Phenolic compounds, including epicatechin (3.03 ± 1.54 mg/L), gallic acid (2.71 ± 1.54 mg/L), and quercetin 3-glucoside (2.40 ± 1.54 mg/L), were found in P. djamor. MUS significantly increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus spp./Enterococcus spp. (1.12% − 4.83%), Bifidobacterium spp. (0.59% − 1.85%), Ruminococcus albus/R. flavefaciens (0.37% − 1.88%), and reduced Clostridium histolyticum (2.89% − 1.22%) during 48 of colonic fermentation. MUS enhanced lactic acid and short-chain fatty acid production and decreased pH levels. The 1H NMR analysis revealed the presence of essential amino acids, branched-chain amino acids, and other compounds that benefit human health. The results indicate the prebiotic effects of P. djamor on human intestinal microbiota.