ABSTRACT Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on the mental health of workers, in particular healthcare professionals. The social isolation used as a mitigation measure against infection contributed to a reduction in sleep quality, and an increase in depressive symptoms, anxiety, and burnout. Objectives The aims of this study are to assess the impact of isolation and quarantine on the mental health and sleep quality of healthcare professionals in a Portuguese Oncology Institute. Material and Methods An online form was distributed to all healthcare professionals who were in isolation or quarantine during the year 2020 in the IPO-Porto, consisting of three instruments- sociodemographic survey, Mental Health Inventory (MHI) and Basic Insomnia and Sleep Quality Scale (BaSIQS). Data were collected in two moments, from July 25 to December 25, 2020, and in December 2021. Results A total of 359 healthcare professionals were identified (151 by isolation and 208 by quarantine). In the 2020 analysis, 115 responses were obtained (54 by isolation and 61 by quarantine), resulting in a response rate of 32.0%. In the 2021 analysis, 76 responses were obtained with a response rate of 21.1%. Regarding the healthcare professionals in our study, the dimensions that make up the psychological stress of the MHI, show an improvement after the first year of the pandemic, as well as an improvement in the mean total MHI value from 2020 to 2021. Sleep quality (assessed by the BaSIQS) is in the poor-to-intermediate category in the 2020 assessment. Although the 2021 assessment shows a slightly better mean, there is no statistically significant difference between the two. In this sample of health professionals, mental health and sleep quality correlated for the instruments used. Discussion and conclusions Insomnia and sleep quality are a modifiable factor of mental health, with an impact on the quality of life and productivity of healthcare professionals. Social isolation as a disruptor of sleep, daily routine and healthy interaction in work teams may be a factor that aggravates psychological distress. The investment in mental health promotion programs, as well as the coordination of multidisciplinary teams composed of Psychology, Medicine and Occupational Nursing are essential in the monitoring and surveillance of these workers' health.

RESUMO Introdução A pandemia de COVID-19 causou um enorme impacto na saúde mental dos trabalhadores, em particular nos profissionais de saúde. O isolamento social utilizado como medida de mitigação da infeção contribuiu para a redução na qualidade do sono e aumento de sintomas depressivos, ansiedade e burnout. Objetivos Os objetivos deste estudo são avaliar o impacto do isolamento e quarentena, na saúde mental e qualidade de sono de profissionais de saúde de um Instituto Português de Oncologia. Material e Métodos Foi distribuído um formulário online a todos os profissionais de saúde que estiveram em isolamento ou quarentena durante o ano de 2020 no IPO-Porto, constituído por três instrumentos - inquérito sociodemográfico, Inventário de Saúde Mental (ISM) e a Escala Básica de Insónia e Qualidade de Sono (BaSIQS). A recolha dos dados ocorreu em dois momentos, de 25 de julho a 25 de dezembro de 2020, e em dezembro de 2021. Resultados Foram identificados 359 profissionais de saúde (151 por isolamento e 208 por quarentena). Na análise de 2020, obtiveram-se 115 respostas (54 por isolamento e 61 por quarentena), o que resultou numa taxa de resposta de 32,0 %. Na análise de 2021, obtiveram-se 76 respostas com uma taxa de resposta de 21,1%. Nos profissionais de saúde do nosso estudo, as dimensões que compõem o distresse psicológico do ISM, apresentam uma melhoria após o primeiro ano da pandemia, bem como uma melhoria no valor médio total do ISM, de 2020 para 2021. Relativamente à qualidade de sono (avaliada pela BaSIQS) encontra-se na categoria pobre-intermédia, na avaliação de 2020. Apesar da avaliação de 2021 apresentar uma média ligeiramente melhor, não existe diferença estatisticamente significativa entre as duas. Nesta amostra de profissionais de saúde a saúde mental e qualidade de sono correlacionaram-se para os instrumentos utilizados. Discussão e Conclusão A insónia e a qualidade de sono são um fator modificável da saúde mental, com impacto na qualidade de vida e produtividade dos profissionais de saúde. O isolamento social como disruptor do sono, da rotina diária e da interação saudável das equipas de trabalho pode ser um fator de agravamento do sofrimento psicológico. O investimento em programas de promoção de saúde mental, assim como a coordenação de equipas multidisciplinares constituídas por Psicologia, Enfermagem e Medicina do trabalho é fundamental no acompanhamento e vigilância da saúde destes trabalhadores.

Resumo Nesse sentido objetivou-se avaliar os níveis de intoxicação por agrotóxicos em agricultores rurais de São Sebastião e Pé Leve - AL, utilizando as enzimas acetilcolinesterase Eritrocitária e Plasmática, como indicador biológico de intoxicação. Trata - se de um estudo prospectivo, transversal e descritivo cujas variáveis analisadas foram: ano, sexo, faixa etária, escolaridade, local, circunstância, via de exposição. Os dados foram adquiridos através da coleta das amostras de sangue e das informações sócio demográficas dos agricultores. Foi posto como fator determinante o tipo de cultivo convencional e orgânico, e os períodos de estiagem e chuvoso. Foram analisados 56 voluntários. As análises foram realizadas no analisador automático de bioquímica Cobas Integra® 400 plus. De acordo com os resultados das análises, percebeu-se maior número de indivíduos com valores diminuídos da colinesterase, especificamente no grupo de cultivo convencional, o período de maior índice de alteração foi na época chuvosa, onde a atividade da AChE, apresentou valores expressivos na cidade de São Sebastião, com resultado de 80% de intoxicados, na cidade do Pé – Leve, obteve-se 21,73% no mesmo período. Na análise da AChP, São Sebastião obteve maior número de contaminados com 18,75% e 30% respectivamente, já no Distrito Pé Leve ficou entre 10 e 21,73% de níveis diminuídos da colinesterase. Isso define o sistema orgânico de cultivo, como a melhor alternativa para prevenção de futuras patologias, além de trazer qualidade de vida para os trabalhadores rurais, como também para os consumidores.

Abstract In this sense the objective of assessing the levels of pesticide poisoning in rural farmers of San Sebastian and take AL, using acetylcholinesterase enzymes Erythrocyte and plasma as biological indicator of intoxication. This is a prospective, transversal and descriptive variables analyzed were: year whose, sex, age group, education, location, condition, route of exposure. The data were acquired by collecting blood samples and socio demographic information of farmers. Was put as the determining factor the type of conventional and organic farming, and periods of drought and rainy. 56 volunteers were analyzed. The analyses were performed in the automatic biochemical Analyzer Cobas Integra 400 plus®. According to the results of the analyses, it was the largest number of individuals with reduced values of cholinesterase, specifically the Group of conventional farming, the period of greatest change index was in the rainy season, where the activity of AChE, expressive values presented in the city of São Sebastião, with 80% result of intoxicated, in the city of the foot – take, 21.73% over the same period. On analysis of the AChP, São Sebastião has obtained the highest number of contaminated with 18.75% and 30% respectively, in the District Take Foot stood between 10 and 21.73% of reduced levels of cholinesterase. This sets the organic system of cultivation, as the best alternative for prevention of future diseases, in addition to bringing quality of life for rural workers, as well as for consumers.

Resumo O objetivo desse trabalho foi realizar a caracterização fitoquímica, determinar fenóis totais, potencial antioxidante (AAO%) e antimicrobiano dos extratos etanólicos de carambola O estudo fitoquímico foi realizado por meio de análise qualitativa dos constituintes químicos e determinação quantitativa do teor de fenóis totais pelo teste de Folin-Ciocalteu. Os testes antioxidantes qualitativos e quantitativos foram realizados pelo método do DPPH (2,2 difenil-1- picril-hidrazila) e redução do ferro (FRAP). A concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) foi determinada por microdiluição em placas de 96 poços. Foi identificada a presença de taninos pirogálicos, esteroides e saponinas. O maior teor de fenóis totais, quantificado nas amostras, foi encontrado na casca do caule (0,0866 mg EAG/g) e no fruto (0,0734 mg EAG/g). Na avaliação antioxidante destacaram-se a 500 µg/mL os extratos do bagaço do fruto verde (AAO% 71,9%,), e casca do caule a 50 µg/mL (AAO% 94%) com CE50 23,7 µg/mL. Os extratos das folhas, casca do caule, bagaço do fruto maduro e bagaço do fruto verde apresentaram CIM de 100 µg/mL contra bactérias e fungos patogênicos multirresistentes.

Abstract The objective of this work was to perform the phytochemical characterization, to determine total phenols, antioxidant (AAO%) and antimicrobial potential of the ethanolic extracts of carambola. The phytochemical study was carried out through a qualitative analysis of the chemical constituents and quantitative determination of the phenol content By the Folin-Ciocalteu test. Qualitative and quantitative antioxidant tests were performed using the DPPH method (2,2 diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazila) and iron reduction (FRAP). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by microdilution in 96-well plates. The presence of pyrogallic tannins, steroids and saponins has been identified. The highest total phenol content, quantified in the samples, was found in the stem bark (0.0866 mgEAG/g) and in the fruit (0.0734 mgEAG/g). In the antioxidant evaluation, the extracts of the green fruit bagasse (AAO% 71.9%,) and stem bark at 50 μg/mL (AAO% 94%) with CE50 23.7 μg/mL. Leaf extracts, stem bark, ripe fruit bagasse and green fruit bagasse presented MICs of 100 μg/mL against multiresistant pathogenic bacteria and fungi.

RESUMO Objetivou-se com esta pesquisa comparar diferentes modelos de regressão aleatória e determinar o mais adequado para descrever mudanças nos parâmetros de avaliação do crescimento de bovinos da raça Tabapuã criados no Nordeste brasileiro. O modelo de regressão aleatória M4532-5 foi definido como sendo o de melhor ajuste para descrição das estimativas de variância e herdabilidades das características de crescimento dos animais avaliados. As estimativas de variância genética aditiva direta aumentaram em função da idade, já as de variância genética aditiva materna mostraram crescimento do nascimento até próximo aos 420 dias. As correlações genéticas entre as quatro primeiras características foram positivas e de magnitudes moderada a alta. A maior correlação genética foi observada entre o peso ao nascer e aos 240 dias (0,82). A correlação fenotípica entre peso ao nascimento e demais características foi baixa. O modelo de regressão aleatória M4532-5 com 39 parâmetros apresentou-se como aquele de melhor ajuste para descrever a curva de crescimento dos animais avaliados. Resposta à seleção para obtenção de animais mais pesados será eficiente quando realizada em idades posteriores ao desmame. Ao se avaliar a curva de crescimento de bovinos por meio da interpretação dos parâmetros genéticos estimados, é possível selecionar animais com maior precocidade de abate.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study is to compare random-regression models used to describe changes in evaluation parameters for growth in Tabapuã bovine raised in the Northeast of Brazilian. The M4532-5 random-regression model was found to be best for estimating the variation and heritability of growth characteristics in the animals evaluated. Estimates of direct additive genetic variance increased with age, while the maternal additive genetic variance demonstrated growth from birth to up to nearly 420 days of age. The genetic correlations between the first four characteristics were positive with moderate to large ranges. The greatest genetic correlation was observed between birth weight and at 240 days of age (0.82). The phenotypic correlation between birth weight and other characteristics was low. The M4532-5 random-regression model with 39 parameters was found to be best for describing the growth curve of the animals evaluated providing improved selection for heavier animals when performed after weaning. The interpretation of genetic parameters to predict the growth curve of cattle may allow the selection of animals to accelerate slaughter procedures.

ABSTRACT Objectives: To compare the response to tiocolchicine and verapamil injection in the plaque of patients with Peyronie's disease. Materials and Methods: Prospective, single-blind, randomized study, selecting patients who have presented Peyronie's disease for less than 18 months. Thiocolchicine 4mg or verapamil 5mg were given in 7 injections (once a week). Patients who had received any treatment for Peyronie's disease in the past three months were excluded. The parameters used were the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) score, analysis of the curvature on pharmaco-induced erections and size of the plaque by ultrasonography. Results: Twenty-five patients were randomized, 13 received thiocolchicine and 12 were treated with verapamil. Both groups were statistically similar. The mean curvature was 46.7° and 36.2° before and after thiocolchicine, respectively (p=0.019) and 50.4° and 42.08° before and after verapamil, respectively (p=0.012). The curvature improved in 69% of patients treated with thiocolchicine and in 66% of those who received verapamil. Regarding sexual function, there was an increase in the IIEF-5 from 16.69 to 20.85 (p=0.23) in the thiocolchicine group. In the verapamil group the IIEF-5 score dropped from 17.50 to 16.25 (p=0.58). In the thiocolchicine group, the plaque was reduced in 61% of patients. In the verapamil group, 8% presented decreased plaque size. No adverse event was associated to thiocolchicine. Conclusion: The use of thiocolchicine in Peyronie's disease demonstrated improvement on penile curvature and reduction in plaque size. Thiocolchicine presented similar results to verapamil in curvature assessment. No significant side effects were observed with the use of tiocolchicine.

Introduction: Zinc deficiency has been associated with damage and oxidative changes in DNA that may increase an individual's risk of cancer. Furthermore, zinc metabolism may be affected in cancer patients, leading to alterations in its distribution that would favor carcinogenesis. Plasma and erythrocyte zinc levels in women with breast cancer were evaluated in this cross-sectional, controlled study. Material and methods: Fifty-five premenopausal women of 25 to 49 years of age with and without breast cancer were divided into two groups: Group A, composed of women without breast cancer (controls, n = 26) and Group B, composed of women with breast cancer (cases, n = 29). Plasma and erythrocyte zinc levels were measured by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry at γ = 213.9 nm. Diet was assessed using the 3-day diet recall method and analyzed using the NutWin software program, version 1.5. Student's t-test was used to compare means and significance was established at p = 0.05. Results: Mean plasma zinc levels were 69.69 ± 9.00 g/dL in the breast cancer patients and 65.93 ± 12.44 g/dL in the controls (p = 0.201). Mean erythrocyte zinc level was 41.86 ± 8.28 μgZn/gHb in the cases and 47.93 ± 7.00 μgZn/gHb in the controls (p < 0.05). In both groups, dietary zinc levels were above the estimated average requirement. Conclusions: The present results suggest that zinc levels are lower in the erythrocyte compartment of pre-menopausal women with breast cancer.

Introducción: La deficiencia de zinc se relacionada con daños y modificaciones oxidativas del DNA, lo que puede favorecer el riesgo de cáncer. Sin embargo, en pacientes con cáncer, puede haber alteraciones en el metabolismo del zinc con alteración en su distribución, favoreciendo la cancinogénesis. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar las concentraciones plasmáticas y eritrocitarias de zinc en mujeres con cáncer de mama. Material y métodos: estudio de naturaleza transversal, del tipo caso y control llevado a cabo en 55 mujeres pre-menospáusicas con y sin cáncer de mama con un rango de edades situado entre 25 y 49 años. Las pacientes fueron distribuidas en dos grupos: Grupo A, sin cáncer de mama (control, n = 26) y Grupo B, con cáncer de mama (caso, n = 29). El análisis de las concentraciones de zinc plasmático y eritrocitario fue realizado según el método de espectofotometría de absorción atómica de llama γ = 213,9 nm. La evaluación de la dieta fue determinada utilizando el registro alimentario de tres días y el análisis por el software NutWin versión 1.5. Para el análisis de las medias fue utilizado el test de estudios t de Student (p < 0,05). Resultados: la media de las concentraciones plasmáticas de zinc fue 69,69 ± 9,0 μg/dL y 65,93 ± 12,44 μg/dL en las pacientes casos (cáncer) y controles, respectivamente (p = 0,201). La media de zinc eritrocitaria fue 41,86 ± 8,28 μgZn/gHb en las pacientes casos y 47,93 ± 7,00 μgZn/gHb en los controles (p < 0,05). Ambos grupos tenían concentración de zinc, en la dieta, superior a la recomendada. Conclusiones: Los resultados del presente estudio indican que mujeres menospáusicas con cáncer de mama presentan menor concentración de zinc en el compartimiento eritrocitario, lo que puede constituirlo en un nuevo bio-marcador pronóstico y posible diana terapéutica del cáncer de mama.

It is essential to monitor the utilisation of antibacterial drugs in order to establish appropriate measures for their control. The pattern of usage of antibacterial drugs, and its association with indicators of hospital infection, has been investigated in a non-specialized adult intensive care unit (ICU) located in Santa Luzia Hospital (Brasília, DF, Brazil). The study was conducted between January 2001 and June 2004. Data concerning the utilisation of systemic antibacterial drugs, classified according to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical/Defined Daily Dose (ATC/DDD) system, and indicators of hospital infection, defined according to the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance (NNIS) system, were obtained from appropriate hospital archives. During the study period, the average utilisation of antibacterial drugs was 1918.5 DDD units per 1000 patient-day (DDD1000). The three most used drugs were penicillins/beta-lactamase inhibitors (535.3 DDD1000), third generation cephalosporins (239.1 DDD1000) and quinolones (212.5 DDD1000). The total utilisation of antibacterial drugs was correlated significantly with the incidence of hospital infection (R = 0.62; p < 0.01) and the index of invasive procedures (R = 0.41; p < 0.01). Furthermore, the latter two indicators were significantly and positively correlated with the use of recently commercialised, broad spectrum antibacterial drugs (except for carbapenems). It is concluded that improved infection control procedures, together with more rigorous criteria regarding the use of invasive procedures, should be implemented by the ICU studied in order to diminish the utilisation of antibacterial drugs.

Neste estudo, foram obtidos estoques de Trypanosoma cruzi de pacientes chagásicos com a doença cardíaca ou com megaesôfago. O estoque hSLU239 (doença cardíaca) forneceu os clones h1 e h2, enquanto o estoque mSLU142 (megaesôfago) forneceu os clones m1, m2, m3 e m4. A cinética de crescimento do parasito, tempo de duplicação e diferenciação em meio líquido axênico mostraram ampla diversidade comportamental. Observou-se que um padrão particular de comportamento de um estoque parental podia não ser necessariamente encontrado na linhagem subclonal subseqüente. Este estudo indica que i) cada paciente chagásico é infectado com várias subpopulações de T. cruzi; ii) linhagens clonais derivadas de cada estoque do parasito podem ter características biológicas diferentes do isolado original de paciente chagásico; e que iii) marcadores comportamentais e/ou moleculares adicionais são necessários para melhor caracterização de estoques de T. cruzi e seus clones derivados de pacientes com doença de Chagas, a fim de identificar as possíveis correlações com a patologia.

In this study, we isolated Trypanosoma cruzi from chronic Chagas heart disease and from megaesophagus patients. The parasite stock hSLU239 (heart disease) yielded clones h1 and h2, whereas stock mSLU142 (megaesophagus) yielded clones m1, m2, m3 and m4. The parasite growth kinetics, doubling time and differentiation in axenic liquid medium showed broad behavioral diversity. It was shown that a particular pattern of behavior for a parental stock could not necessarily be assigned for subsequent clones. This study indicates that i) each Chagas disease patient is infected with several T. cruzi populations; ii) clonal lines derived from patient samples may have different biological characteristics from the original isolate; and that iii) additional behavioral and/or molecular markers are required for further characterization of Trypanosoma cruzi stocks and clones derived from Chagas disease patients in order to identify correlations with pathology.