Abstract Objective To understand the perception of access to food and food quality for the street population. Methods This qualitative descriptive study was performed in a Reference Center for the Homeless Population in the south-central region of Belo Horizonte (MG). A semi-structured script was used to conduct interviews with 18 participants. Data collection occurred between December 2020 and January 2021. The thematic analysis of the material, as proposed by Bardin, made it possible to elaborate three empirical categories. Results The public interviewed was male, with a mean age of 43 years, and a mean time on the streets of 44.6 months. Access to food came from donations, meals at government institutions, and acquisition when income was available. Difficulties were reported regarding the quantity and quality of food, acquisition of meals on weekends, feelings of fear and anguish in the face of hunger, lack of food, and social stigma, which were aggravated by COVID-19. Conclusion As in this scenario of social inequalities the access to food is not guaranteed, implementing public policies of social protection is necessary to guarantee basic rights.

Resumen Objetivo Comprender la percepción del acceso y de la calidad de la alimentación según personas en situación de calle. Métodos Estudio descriptivo cualitativo, realizado en un Centro de Referencia de Personas de la Calle en la región centro-sur de Belo Horizonte (Minas Gerais). Se utilizó un guion semiestructurado para realizar entrevistas a 18 participantes. La recopilación de datos se realizó entre diciembre de 2020 y enero de 2021. El análisis temático del material, propuesto por Bardin, permitió la elaboración de tres categorías empíricas. Resultados El público entrevistado era masculino, de 43 años de edad promedio y tiempo promedio de situación de calle de 44,6 meses. El acceso a la alimentación fue proveniente de donaciones de alimentos, comidas en instituciones gubernamentales y adquisiciones al disponer de ingresos. Las personas relataron dificultades con relación a la cantidad y calidad de los alimentos, a la adquisición de comida los fines de semana, a los sentimientos de miedo y angustia ante el hambre, a la falta de alimentos y al estigma social, agravados por el COVID-19. Conclusión Ante el escenario de iniquidades sociales, el derecho al acceso a la alimentación no está garantizado, por lo cual es necesario implementar políticas públicas de protección social que garanticen los derechos básicos.

Resumo Objetivo Compreender a percepção do acesso e da qualidade da alimentação para a população em situação de rua. Métodos Estudo descritivo qualitativo, realizado em um Centro de Referência da População de Rua na região centro-sul de Belo Horizonte (MG). Utilizou-se roteiro semiestruturado para a realização das entrevistas de 18 participantes. A coleta de dados ocorreu entre dezembro de 2020 e janeiro de 2021. A análise temática do material, proposta por Bardin, possibilitou a elaboração de três categorias empíricas. Resultados O público entrevistado era masculino, com idade média de 43 anos e tempo médio de situação de rua de 44,6 meses. O acesso à alimentação foi proveniente das doações de alimentos, refeições em instituições governamentais e aquisições ao dispor de renda. Foram relatadas dificuldades quanto à quantidade e qualidade dos alimentos, à aquisição das refeições nos fins de semana, aos sentimentos de medo e angústia perante a fome, à falta do alimento e pelo estigma social, agravados pela COVID-19. Conclusão Diante do cenário de iniquidades sociais, o direito ao acesso à alimentação não é garantido, sendo necessária a implementação de políticas públicas de proteção social que garantam os direitos básicos.

Bacterial infections after implant surgical procedures are a complication observed in many surgeries to treat bone injuries or diseases. Bacteria can attach to the surface of the implant producing biofilms, and if treatment with antibiotics does not work, further surgery is necessary to remove the infected implant. Among the biomaterials for bone implants, bioceramics based on calcium phosphates (CaPs) such as β-TCP stand out, due to their chemical similarity with bone and high bioresorbability. β-TCP has the characteristic of easily accommodating in its crystalline structure reasonable amounts of doping elements, such as monovalent and trivalent ions, which makes it an efficient transporter of drugs, molecules, and therapeutic ions The objective of this work was the incorporation of bioactive glass (BG 45S5) via sol-gel and silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) in β-TCP scaffolds, aiming to confer antimicrobial activity to the scaffolds, without prejudice to biocompatibility. XRD and FT-IR analysis indicated structural changes after the incorporation of BG 45S5 and Ag-NPs in β-TCP scaffolds, and these compounds induced the partial transformation of the β-TCP phase into α-TCP phase and the formation of sodium-calcium silicates and silver silicates. The FT-IR spectra showed characteristic bands of α-TCP after incorporation, in addition to the predominant bands of β-TCP. Biocompatibility after incorporation of BG 45S5 was improved, with a significant increase in cell viability. After the incorporation of Ag-NPs, cell viability was maintained at an acceptable level, no cytotoxic behavior was observed, and the scaffolds showed antibacterial and antifungal activity. The results indicate that BG 45S5 and the Ag-NPs incorporated showed a synergistic behavior, conferring antimicrobial activity to the scaffolds without compromising biocompatibility, showing great potential for applicability in tissue engineering. diseases biofilms implants CaPs (CaPs βTCP β TCP out bioresorbability elements drugs molecules S solgel sol gel AgNPs Ag NPs (Ag-NPs biocompatibility FTIR FT IR 45S αTCP α sodiumcalcium sodium βTCP. TCP. improved AgNPs, NPs, level engineering

ABSTRACT River basin environmental diagnosis and monitoring are fundamental for water resource use and conservation plans, as these systems integrate different landscape elements and may undergo impacts and changes of different levels and scales. In this context, this work aimed to characterize the geospatial, morphometric, and environmental dynamics in the Mariana microbasin, in the municipality of Alta Floresta, to provide technical-scientific subsidies for environmental management and planning at a local and regional level. The microbasin was analyzed for morphometric, topographic, and land-use and cover parameters using geospatial data processed in a geographic information system. The microbasin is classified as fourth-order, has a network of 72 channels, and its relief is mostly flat and smooth wavy. Moreover, the soil is predominantly covered by agricultural lands, encompassing 70% of the area. This feature brings the need to adopt conservation practices for soil management. This study showed the need for continuous environmental monitoring programs and expansion of conservation actions in the studied area.

Abstract Understanding the variability in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) backscatter as a function of the phenological variability of vegetation and tropical environmental conditions is still a challenge. Through quantitative and qualitative analyses, this study addresses how both environmental and precipitation conditions, tidal range, and vegetation density affect the backscatter coefficients of coastal environments based on the analysis of four C-band, HH-Polarization, RADARSAT-1 Wide 1 images, in descending orbit, acquired in the wet and dry seasons. The canopy structural variations were analyzed using the enhanced vegetation index (EVI), and correlated with the backscatter values of SAR images, in order to define the predominant backscatter mechanisms, making it possible to distinguish the mangroves from the brackish marshes in the easternmost Amazon coastal plain (Caranguejos Island). The C-band, HH-Polarization RADARSAT-1 backscatter shows the highest correlation with average EVI values in the dry season. The results show that mangroves and brackish marshes can be distinguished in images acquired under low precipitation, especially in the dry season. Variations in the tidal conditions have no effect on the backscatter values of RADARSAT-1 images. We conclude, therefore, that multitemporal RADARSAT-1 images are adequate for monitoring and discriminating wetland environments in a humid tropical climate.

Resumo Introdução: O número de transplantes renais (KTx, do inglês kidney transplant) está aumentando no Brasil e, consequentemente, os custos deste procedimento aumentam o orçamento de saúde do país. Avaliamos retrospectivamente dados dos procedimentos de transplantes renais até a alta hospitalar, de acordo com a recuperação da função renal após o procedimento. Métodos: Análise retrospectiva dos 1º KTx de doadores falecidos, não sensibilizados, realizados entre Jan/2010 a Dez/2017. Resultados: Dos 1300 KTx de doadores falecidos realizados neste período, 730 pacientes foram estudados e divididos em 3 grupos: Função Renal Imediata (FRI) - diminuição na creatinina sérica ≥ 10% em dois dias consecutivos; Função Retardada do Enxerto (FRE) - diminuição na creatinina sérica <10% em dois dias consecutivos, sem necessidade de diálise, e Diálise (D) - necessidade de diálise durante a primeira semana. Pacientes no grupo D permaneceram mais tempo no hospital em comparação com FRE e FRI (21, 11 e 8 dias dias respectivamente, p < 0,001). Mais pacientes do grupo D (21%) foram admitidos na UTI e realizaram um maior número de testes laboratoriais (p < 0,001) e biópsias renais (p < 0,001), além de receberem uma quantidade maior de imunossupressores. Os custos hospitalares totais foram mais elevados nos grupos D e FRE em comparação com FRI (U$ 7.021,48; U$ 3.603,42 e U$ 2.642,37 respectivamente, p < 0,001). Conclusão: Os custos do procedimento de transplante são impactados pela recuperação da função renal após o transplante. O reembolso para cada um desses diferentes desfechos da função renal deve ser individualizado a fim de cobrir seus custos reais.

Abstract Introduction: The number of kidney transplants (KTx) is increasing in Brazil and, consequently, the costs of this procedure increase the country's health budget. We retrospectively evaluated the data of kidney transplant procedures until hospital discharge, according to kidney function recovery after the procedure. Methods: Retrospective analysis of the non-sensitized, 1st KTx from deceased donors performed between Jan/2010 to Dec/2017. Results: Out of the 1300 KTx from deceased donors performed in this period, 730 patients were studied and divided into 3 groups: Immediate Renal Function (IRF) - decrease in serum creatinine ≥ 10% on two consecutive days; Delayed Graft Function (DGF) - decrease in serum creatinine <10% on two consecutive days, without the need for dialysis, and Dialysis (D) - need for dialysis during the first week. Patients in group D stayed longer in the hospital compared to DGF and IRF (21, 11 and 8 days respectively, p < 0.001). More D patients (21%) were admitted to the ICU and performed a greater number of laboratory tests (p < 0.001) and renal biopsies (p < 0.001), in addition to receiving a higher amount of immunosuppressants. Total hospital costs were higher in group D and DGF compared to IRF (U$ 7.021,48; U$ 3.603,42 and U$ 2.642,37 respectively, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The costs of the transplant procedure is impacted by the recovery of kidney function after the transplant. The reimbursement for each of these different kidney function outcomes should be individualized in order to cover their real costs.

RESUMO Estruturas de concreto armado são relativamente complexas para análise, com efeitos não lineares como trincas, esmagamento, escoamento do aço, intertravamento de agregado, efeito de pino, interação concreto-armadura e assim por diante. O modelo concrete damaged plasticity CDP para concreto é um modelo consolidado de trincas espalhadas, que considera comportamento multiaxial e cujos resultados condizem bem com resultados experimentais. Uma aplicação especifica bastante relevante que se beneficia bem destas propriedades é o pilar-parede, pois a tensão de cisalhamento influencia significativamente seu comportamento geral, portanto o uso de modelos constitutivos multiaxiais e elementos finitos tridimensionais consiste em abordagem satisfatória. Os pilares-parede em concreto armado são estruturas especialmente úteis para sistemas de contraventamento, pois fornecem ductilidade, rigidez e resistência. Embora o CDP seja amplamente utilizado, seus parâmetros não são consenso na literatura, o que representa uma lacuna científica importante. O presente trabalho considera e compara parâmetros CDP obtidos de literatura relevante, a fim de calibrá-los para o caso de pilares-parede de concreto armado. Para isso, quatro experimentos de parede relacionados na bibliografia são simulados usando elementos finitos sólidos para concreto e treliças para a armadura usando o pacote comercial ABAQUS. Todas as paredes são controladas por flexão com relação de aspecto superior a 2,0. Ao variar os parâmetros e comparar as curvas força por deslocamento obtidas e variáveis de interesse, como força e deslocamento lateral no escoamento, rigidez e força lateral máxima, é estabelecido um conjunto de parâmetros com resposta aceitável focando no comportamento pós-pico com base no menor erro estimado. Esses parâmetros concordam razoavelmente com a literatura, embora é possível que a calibração obtida seja restrita a pilares-parede controlados por flexão. É possível que a simulação com treliças não considere o efeito de pino, portanto uma sugestão para estudos futuros é substituir os elementos de treliças por elementos com rigidez transversal, como vigas ou sólidos.

ABSTRACT Reinforced concrete structures are relatively complex to analyze, with nonlinear effects like cracking, crushing, steel yielding, aggregate interlock, dowel effect, concrete-rebar interaction and so on. The concrete damaged plasticity CDP model is a consolidated smeared-crack model which accounts for multiaxial behavior with good agreement to experimental results. One particular relevant application which benefits greatly from such feature is the shear wall, as shear stress significantly influences its overall behavior, therefore multiaxial constitutive models and three-dimensional finite elements usage consist in a fitting modeling approach. Reinforced concrete shear walls are structures especially useful for lateral force-resisting systems, as they provide ductility, stiffness and strength. Albeit CDP is widely applied, its parameters are not consensus in the literature, which represents a relevant research gap. The present work considers and compares CDP parameters from relevant literature, in order to calibrate those parameters for the case of reinforced concrete shear walls. To this purpose, four wall experiments related in the bibliography are modeled using solid finite elements for concrete and trusses for rebars using commercial package ABAQUS. All walls are flexure-controlled with aspect ratio greater than 2.0. By varying those parameters and comparing obtained force vs. displacement curves and interesting values attained, like yield lateral force and displacement, stiffness and maximum lateral force, it is settled a set of parameters with acceptable response focusing in the post-peak response based on the lower estimated error of displacement capacity. Those parameters agree reasonably with literature, although it is possible that obtained calibration is restricted to flexure controlled shear walls scope. It is possible that usage of trusses to represent reinforcement does not consider dowel effect, so a suggestion for future studies is to change trusses for elements with transverse stiffness, like beams or solids.

RESUMO Compreender a dinâmica hidrossedimentológica dos rios tropicais é um desafio, principalmente na Amazônia, devido às suas áreas remotas e de difícil acesso. Este estudo foi baseado em dados coletados em 16 seções hidrossedimentológicas de controle distribuídas nas 6 sub-bacias que compõem a bacia hidrográfica do Rio Itacaiúnas (BHRI), com 4 campanhas anuais (enchente, cheia, vazante e seca) entre 2015 e 2019, objetivando a construção e comparação da curva-chave de sedimentos e produção de sedimentos. Os dados na foz da bacia revelaram que o período chuvoso é responsável por 93% das descargas líquidas com médias de 1460,88 m3/s e por 98% das descargas de sedimentos em suspensão com média de 5864,15 ton/dia. As Concentrações de sedimentos em suspensão (CSSs) são baixas a moderadas (50 a 150 mg/l). As análises das curvas obtidas com todos os dados apresentaram R2 (0,92 a 0,99) maiores do que utilizando apenas os valores da estação chuvosa ou seca, mostrando um bom ajuste da equação de potência aos dados QSS e Q para todas as seções estudadas. Os maiores valores do coeficiente a e b indicam áreas de maior produção de sedimentos e desmatamento e áreas com novas fontes de sedimentos e floresta preservada.

ABSTRACT Understanding the hydrosedimentological dynamics of tropical rivers is a challenge in the Amazon due to its remote and difficult-to-access areas. This study was based on data collected from 16 hydrosedimentological control sections in the 6 subbasins that make up the Itacaiúnas River Watershed (IRW), with 4 annual campaigns (high water levels, rising water levels, falling water levels, low water levels) between 2015 and 2019, with the aim of constructing and comparing sediment rating curves and sediment yield. The data at the mouth of the IRW revealed that the rainy season is responsible for 93% of liquid discharges (Q) with an average of 1460.88 m3/s and for 98% of suspended sediment discharges (SSQ) with an average of 5864.15 tons/day. Suspended sediment concentrations (SSCs) are low to moderate (50 to 150 mg/l). The curves encompassing all the data showed R2 values (0.92 to 0.99) greater than the curves with only the values of the rainy or dry season, indicating a good fit of the power equation to the SSQ and Q data for all sections studied. Higher values of coefficients a and b show areas of greater sediment production and deforestation, as well as areas with new sources of sediment and preserved forest.

ABSTRACT: Phosphorus (P) fixation in the soil reduces the utilization of this element by plants and can be one of the main problems for fertilization management in soils containing Fe oxides. As a strategy to minimize the effects of P retention, organic materials, such as biochar or commercial composts, may be useful tools to maintain P availability and delay immobilization of this element in the soil, thereby benefiting, for example, the rehabilitation of areas impacted by Fe mining. The objective of this study was to evaluate the kinetics of P sorption and desorption and the hysteresis index in red mining waste from Fe mining subjected to açaí biochar and commercial compost amendments. Therefore, a substrate collected from Fe mining waste piles in the Carajás Mineral Province was incubated for 30 days with açaí biochar, commercial compost, and açaí biochar + commercial compost at a ratio of 90 % mining waste and 10 % organic amendment (w/w). The P sorption and desorption kinetics were evaluated in a solution containing 10 mg L−1 P at times from 0.5 to 48 h; the data were modeled according to a pseudo-first-order equation considering two types of reaction sites, and the hysteresis index was obtained by the difference between the sorption and desorption isotherms. Treatment of the mining substrate with açaí biochar reduced P sorption, while P desorption was increased by up to 60 % by applying biochar and/or commercial compost. Açaí biochar also reduced the hysteresis of P sorption from 78 to 54.8 %, in addition to slowing P fixation in this substrate. Thus, this study showed that açaí biochar and commercial compost may maximize the benefits of phosphate fertilization during the rehabilitation of areas impacted by Fe mining. However, as these composts can cause different effects on P dynamics in mining waste, their effects on other elements, such as micronutrients, whose availability may be affected, are important to be evaluated.

Abstract Thin AZO films were grown by RF magnetron sputtering for different deposition times in argon plasmas. Optical, structural, and morphological properties, together with elemental composition, were studied and correlated with the observed effects on the electrical properties and compared with two models of mobility scattering (ionized impurities and grain boundaries). The results suggest that the carrier density in the studied case is limited to below 15% owing to the low ionization efficiency caused by the formation of neutral impurities as homologous phases. While the spread in the mobility during the initial stages of film growth is strongly influenced by grain boundaries, in thicker films the limitation on ion efficiency becomes more significant.

Resumo Plantios homogêneos de Castanha-do-Pará na região Norte de Mato Grosso apresentam elevado potencial, devido às características edafoclimáticas locais e à importância econômica dessa espécie florestal. Nesse aspecto, estudar a ocorrência de térmitas e sua distribuição espacial em plantios homogêneos de Castanha-do-Pará torna-se de extrema relevância, tendo em vista a carência de estudos entomológicos para esses cultivos, bem como para subsidiar informações técnicas acerca da dinâmica desses insetos nesses ambientes. Assim, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a ocorrência e a distribuição espacial de térmitas subterrâneos em um plantio homogêneo de Castanha-do-Pará no Norte de Mato Grosso. O estudo foi desenvolvido em um plantio homogêneo de 28 ha, com aproximadamente 16 anos de idade, onde se estabeleceu amostragem em gride com 40 pontos amostrais. Em cada ponto amostral foram instaladas iscas celulósicas inseridas no solo a 20 cm de profundidade, as quais permaneceram em campo por 40 dias. Foram identificados dois gêneros de térmitas, Heterotermes e Nasutitermes, e um total de 1.405 indivíduos, sendo 396 (28,1%) pertencentes ao gênero Nasutitermes, e 1.009 (71,8%) à espécie Heterotermes tenuis. O padrão de distribuição espacial dos térmitas no castanhal é do tipo agregado. A ocorrência da espécie Heterotermes tenuis no plantio homogêneo de Castanha-do-Pará deve ser avaliada com atenção, visto que essa espécie pode se tornar potencial praga na região.

Abstract Homogeneous plantations of Castanha-do-Pará in the northern region of Mato Grosso have high potential due to the local edaphoclimatic characteristics and the economic importance of this forest species. In this aspect, studying the occurrence of termites and their spatial distribution in homogeneous plantations of Pará Nut has become extremely relevant considering the lack of entomological studies for these crops and the need to subsidize technical information about the dynamics of these insects in these environments. Thus, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the occurrence and spatial distribution of underground termites in a homogeneous plantation of Pará Nut in northern Mato Grosso. The study was carried out in a 16-year-old homogeneous plantation covering an area of 28 ha; sampling was performed in grids with 40 sampling points. At each sampling point, cellulosic baits were inserted into the soil at a depth of 20 cm and remained in the field for 40 days. Two termite genera were identified, Heterotermes and Nasutitermes, with a total of 1,405 individuals; of these, 396 (28.1%) belonged to the genus Nasutitermes and 1,009 (71.8%) to the species Heterotermes tenuis. The spatial distribution pattern of termites in Pará Nut is of the aggregate type. The occurrence of the species Heterotermes tenuis in homogeneous plantings of Pará Nut must be carefully evaluated, as this species is a potential pest in this region.

RESUMO OBJETIVOS Analisar como a pandemia de COVID-19 (Sars-CoV-2) e as medidas de restrição social afetam a qualidade do sono e o sistema imunológico. MÉTODOS Fez-se uma revisão bibliográfica integrativa usando-se artigos científicos dos últimos cinco anos, das bases de dados PubMed, com os descritores: Sono; Quarentena; COVID-19; Imunidade; Saúde mental. Além dos livros Oxford textbook of sleep disorders, Cellular and molecular immunology e Tratado de infectologia. RESULTADOS O sono afeta a imunidade. Isso se dá por meio da regulação de marcadores imunológicos e suas células. Dessa forma, a pandemia de COVID-19 pode corroborar distúrbios de sono e prejudicar o funcionamento do sistema imune. CONCLUSÃO O sono exerce influência direta na manutenção da imunidade e da resposta imunológica. A alteração do ritmo circadiano, atrelada aos problemas psicológicos impostos pela pandemia de COVID-19, compromete a qualidade do sono e, dessa forma, o sistema imune.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND Analyze how the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic and its social restriction measures affect sleep quality and the immunological system. METHODS An integrative bibliographical review was carried out using scientific articles from the last five years, from the PUBMED databases, with the descriptors: Sleep; Quarantine; COVID-19; Immunity; Mental Health. Besides the books "Oxford textbook of sleep disorders", "Cellular and molecular immunology", and "Treaty of Infectology". RESULTS Sleep affects immunity. This happens through the regulation of immunological markers and their cells. Therefore, the COVID-19 pandemic can promote sleep disturbances and harm the immune system function. CONCLUSION Sleep exercises a direct influence on immunity maintenance and immunological response. Circadian rhythm alterations, associated with the psychological problems imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic compromise the quality of sleep and, for that reason, the immune system.

RESUMO Objetivo: o objetivo deste estudo clínico foi avaliar e comparar o comportamento dos elásticos de látex e não látex quanto à perda de força ao longo do tempo. Método: os pacientes (n = 15) foram avaliados usando ambos os tipos de material (látex e não látex) em cada tempo: 0, 1, 3, 12 e 24 horas. Os elásticos foram transferidos para a máquina de ensaios mecânicos (EMIC DL-500 MF) e os valores de força foram registrados após a distensão dos elásticos a uma distância de 25 mm. Foi aplicado o teste t pareado, e a análise de variância (ANOVA) foi realizada para verificar a variação das forças geradas em todos os tempos estudados. Em seguida, o teste post-hoc LSD (Fisher’s least significant difference) foi aplicado. Resultados: quanto às forças iniciais (tempo zero), os valores de força dos elásticos não látex foram ligeiramente maiores do que dos elásticos de látex. Nos tempos subsequentes, as forças geradas pelos elásticos de látex apresentaram valores superiores às geradas pelos elásticos não látex. Em relação à degradação do material, ao fim do período de 24 horas, o maior percentual foi observado pelos elásticos não látex. Conclusões: os elásticos de látex apresentaram comportamento mais estável durante o período de estudo, em comparação aos não látex.

ABSTRACT Objective: This clinical study was conducted in order to evaluate force decay over time of latex and non-latex orthodontic intraoral elastics. Methods: Patients (n = 15) were evaluated using latex and non-latex elastics in the periods of : 0, 1, 3, 12 and 24 hours. The rubber bands were transferred to the testing machine (EMIC DL-500 MF), and force values were recorded after stretching the elastic to a length of 25mm. Paired t test was applied and analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to evaluate the variation of force generated. LSD (Fisher’s least significant difference) post-hoc test was thus employed. Results: As regards the initial forces (zero time), the values of force for non-latex elastic were slightly higher than for the latex elastic. In the subsequent times, the forces generated by the latex elastic showed higher values. Regarding the material degradation, at the end of 24 hours the highest percentage was observed for non-latex elastic. Conclusions: The latex elastics had a more stable behavior during the studied period, compared with non-latex.

RESUMO Objetivo: o presente estudo observacional transversal foi delineado para avaliar as condutas de biossegurança adotadas pelos ortodontistas, e as possíveis diferenças em função do tempo de formação. Métodos: tanto as técnicas de esterilização e desinfecção de instrumentais e materiais quanto o uso de equipamentos de proteção individual da equipe foram coletados por meio de questionários via e-mail. Resultados: os questionários foram respondidos por 90 ortodontistas, com idade média de 37,19 ± 9,08 anos e tempo médio de formação de 13,52 ± 6,84 anos. Quanto aos alicates ortodônticos, 63,23% usam autoclave, exceto aqueles que não realizam nenhum procedimento. Houve total abrangência no uso da esterilização do instrumental por autoclave, sendo que 95,6% realizam a limpeza com substâncias químicas previamente à esterilização. A maioria (65,56%) utiliza autoclave para a esterilização de anéis ortodônticos e alguns associam métodos de desinfecção, mas 18,89% nada fazem. Houve alta incidência da resposta “nada” para os métodos utilizados em elásticos, acessórios, ligaduras, molas e arcos. Todos os questionados utilizam máscara e luva no atendimento ortodôntico, 78,92% incluem o uso do avental, 58,92% usam óculos de proteção e 50,01% vestem o gorro (50,01%). O tempo de formação influenciou significativamente (p= 0,003) apenas no uso do glutaraldeído para esterilização e/ou desinfecção dos alicates. Conclusões: a esterilização e limpeza de alicates, instrumental de exame, aplicador de elásticos e anéis ortodônticos, além do uso de equipamentos de proteção individual, receberam respostas mais uniformes e positivas, enquanto os outros itens sugerem falhas. Apenas os ortodontistas formados há mais de treze anos optaram pelo uso do glutaraldeído para esterilização/desinfecção dos alicates ortodônticos, sendo a única conduta que mostrou diferença significativa em relação ao tempo de formação.

ABSTRACT Objective: This cross-sectional observational study was designed to assess the biosafety conducts adopted by orthodontists, and possible differences regarding training time. Methods: Both the application of methods for sterilization/disinfection of instruments and materials, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) were collected through questionnaires via e-mail. Results: The questionnaires were answered by 90 orthodontists with a mean age of 37.19 ± 9.08 years and mean training time of 13.52 ± 6.84 years. Regarding orthodontic pliers, 63.23% use an autoclave, except 1 who does not perform any procedure. All participants use autoclave to sterilize instruments, and 95.6% of respondents perform cleaning with chemicals prior to sterilization. Most of them (65.56%) use an autoclave to sterilize orthodontic bands, with some still associating disinfection methods, while few (18.89%) do nothing at all. There was a high incidence of the answer “nothing” for the methods used for elastic, accessories, bandages, metal springs, and arches. All respondents use mask and gloves in attendance, 78.92% use aprons, 58.92% use protective goggles, and 50.01% use cap. Training time significantly influenced (p = 0.003) only the use of glutaraldehyde for sterilization/disinfection of pliers. Conclusions: The sterilization and cleaning of pliers, instruments, and bands, besides the use of PPE, received more uniform and positive responses, while other items suggest disagreements and possible failures. Only orthodontists trained for more than 13 years choose using glutaraldehyde for pliers sterilization/disinfection, the only adopted method with a significant difference in relation to training time.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To observe and assess the efficacy and safety of this new cervical dilator device, for the first time in humans. Thus, if the study is successful, raise a second phase through a randomized clinical trial, which purpose shall be to show if there is a superiority of this device with respect to common mechanics dilators. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective, experimental intervention study, in patients undergoing gynecological diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, requiring cervical dilatation, using the Aqueduct - 100®, the Hospital General Santa María del Puerto (Spain). The study included 50 patients who met the criteria for inclusion, in the period January-December 2015. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 52.6 years. They were divided into two treatment groups: 38 patients were subjected to a process of expansion of 5 minutes and 12 3-minute processes. The description of the most frequent procedure was the realization of a diagnostic Hysteroscopy (44%). The cervical diameter medium, both initial and subsequent procedure was 2.8 and 7.7 mm, respectively. The valuation of the device by the specialists who used it, ranged between good and excellent rating for all items. There was no complication associated with the process of cervical dilatation with the device. CONCLUSIONS: The Aqueduct - 100® device can be a simple and effective alternative to perform cervical dilatation maneuvers necessary for performing gynecological procedures, intrauterine and endometrial level.

Resumen OBJETIVO: Observar y valorar la eficacia y seguridad en humanos de este nuevo dispositivo para dilatación cervical. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio prospectivo, experimental y de intervención, efectuado en pacientes atendidas entre los meses de enero a diciembre de 2015 en el Hospital General Santa María del Puerto (España) a quienes se realizaron procedimientos diagnósticos y terapéuticos ginecológicos que requirieron dilatación cervical; se utilizó el dispositivo Aqueduct-100®. RESULTADOS: se estudiaron 50 pacientes con edad media de 50 años. Hubo dos grupos de tratamiento: 1) 38 pacientes con dilatación de 5 minutos y 2) 12 con 3 minutos. La indicación más frecuente del procedimiento fue la histeroscopia diagnóstica (44%). El diámetro cervical medio, inicial y posterior al procedimiento, fue de 2.8 y 7.7 mm, respectivamente. La valoración del dispositivo por los especialistas fue de buena a excelente. No se registraron complicaciones relacionadas con el proceso de dilatación cervical. CONCLUSIONES: El dispositivo estudiado es una alternativa sencilla y efectiva para la realización de maniobras de dilatación cervical, previas a diversos procedimientos intrauterinos y endometriales.