ABSTRACT: The growing worldwide demand in the pulp market has fostered research that evaluates alternative fiber sources with specific characteristics that attend the needs of the consumer market, with a view to add value to the final product and reduce production costs. Acacia mearnsii De Wild wood is a by-product of the extraction of tannin from the trunk bark, used for firewood, charcoal and pellets. However, its wood is still poorly studied, especially its anatomical characteristics, which can provide important information about its industrial potential. This study evaluated the anatomical characteristics of Acacia mearnsii wood for the production of pulp and paper. Ten trees at approximately seven years old were cut down, five from the seed production area (SPA) and five from the clonal population area (CPA). From each tree, one trunk disc was sectioned at the diameter at breast height (DBH), resulting in 10 (ten) wood samples. From each disc, a sapwood specimen was made oriented in the tangential longitudinal, radial longitudinal and transversal planes, for later obtaining the anatomical cuts and the macerates. The anatomical description of the wood followed the recommendations of the International Association of Wood Anatomists-IAWA. From the dimensions of the fibers, their quality evaluation ratios for the production of pulp and paper were calculated. Results obtained from the anatomical characterization allowed to conclude that the Acacia mearnsii woods from SPA and CPA are indicated as a source of raw material for the pulp and paper production.

RESUMO: A crescente demanda mundial do mercado de polpa celulósica tem fomentado pesquisas que avaliem fontes de fibras alternativas com características específicas que atendam às necessidades do mercado consumidor, visando agregar valor ao produto final e reduzir os custos de produção. No estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, o lenho de Acacia mearnsii De Wild é considerado um subproduto da extração de tanino da casca do tronco, utilizada como lenha, carvão e pellets. No entanto, ainda é pouco estudado, em especial suas características anatômicas, as quais podem fornecer informações importantes sobre suas potencialidades industriais. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as características anatômicas do lenho de Acacia mearnsii para a produção de celulose e papel. Foram coletadas dez árvores com aproximadamente sete anos de idade, sendo cinco provenientes da área de produção de sementes (APS) e cinco da área de povoamento clonal (APC). De cada árvore, foi seccionado um disco do tronco na altura do DAP, resultando em dez amostras de lenho. De cada disco, foi confeccionado um corpo de prova do alburno, orientado nos planos longitudinal tangencial, longitudinal radial e transversal, para posterior obtenção dos cortes anatômicos e dos macerados. A descrição anatômica do lenho seguiu as recomendações da Associação Internacional de Anatomistas da Madeira-IAWA. A partir das dimensões das fibras, foram calculados os seus índices de avaliação da qualidade para a produção de celulose e papel. Os resultados obtidos da caracterização anatômica permitiram concluir que os lenhos de Acacia mearnsii provenientes de APS e APC são indicados como matérias-primas para a produção de celulose e papel.

Abstract Objectives Evidence suggests that ketamine’s influence on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) might be involved in its mechanism of rapid antidepressant action. We aimed to evaluate the differential impact of ketamine and esketamine on serum BDNF levels and its association with response patterns in treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Methods Participants (n = 53) are from a randomized, double-blind clinical trial comparing the efficacy of single-dose ketamine (0.5mg/kg, n = 27) and esketamine (0.25mg/kg, n = 26) in TRD. Depression severity was assessed before and 24 hours, 72 hours, and 7 days after the intervention, using the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Blood samples were collected before infusion, 24 hours, and 7 days afterwards. Results There were no significant changes in BDNF levels at post-infusion evaluation points, and no difference in BDNF levels comparing ketamine and esketamine. Both drugs exhibited similar therapeutic effect. There was no association between BDNF levels and response to treatment or severity of depressive symptoms. Conclusion There was no significant treatment impact on BDNF serum levels – neither with ketamine nor esketamine – despite therapeutic response. These results suggest that ketamine or esketamine intervention for TRD has no impact on BDNF levels measured at 24 hours and 7 days after the infusion. This clinical trial is registered on the Japan Primary Registries Network: UMIN000032355.

Abstract Introduction: patients with COVID-19 undergo changes in leukocyte count, respiratory disorders, and an increase in inflammatory substances. To improve the inflammatory condition, some nutrients can be used, including arginine, omega-3 fatty acids and nucleotides. This study aims to evaluate how oral immunonutrient supplements affects serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and lymphocyte count in patients with COVID-19. Methods: in this double-blind clinical trial, we randomized 43 adult patients with COVID-19 to receive a standard high-protein normocaloric supplement (control) or an immunonutrient-enriched supplement (experiment) for 7 days. The primary outcome was to evaluate changes in total lymphocyte count and serum level of CRP. The assessment of risk and nutritional status of these patients was also performed. Results: forty-three patients with mean age of 41.5 (± 1.8) years were followed up, 39.5 % of them women. The mean body mass index was 27.6 (± 0.8) kg/m² and 58.1 % had low nutritional risk. In the experiment group, there was a CRP reduction of 23.6 (± 7.5) mg/L, while in the control branch the decrease was 14.8 (± 12.1) mg/L (p = 0.002). There was an increase in lymphocytes in the experiment group (+367.5 ± 401.8 cells/mm³) and a reduction in the control group (-282.8 ± 327.8 cells/mm³), although there was no statistical significance (p = 0.369). Relative risk (RR) of treatment in reducing CRP by 30 % or more was 4.45 (p < 0.001; 95 % CI, 1.79-11.07). RR in increasing lymphocyte count by 30 % or more was 1.28 (p = 0.327; 95 % CI, 0.67-2.45). Conclusion: we conclude that immunonutrient supplements seem to reduce CRP levels more than standard high-protein normocaloric supplements.

Resumen Introducción: los pacientes con COVID-19 sufren cambios en el recuento de leucocitos, trastornos respiratorios y aumento de sustancias inflamatorias. Para mejorar la condición inflamatoria se pueden usar algunos nutrientes, como la arginina, los ácidos grasos omega-3 y los nucleótidos. Este estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar cómo los suplementos de inmunonutrientes orales afectan a los niveles séricos de proteína C-reactiva (PCR) y al recuento de linfocitos en pacientes con COVID-19. Métodos: en este ensayo clínico doble ciego, aleatorizamos a 43 pacientes adultos con COVID-19 para recibir un suplemento normocalórico estándar alto en proteínas (control) o un suplemento enriquecido con inmunonutrientes (experimento) durante 7 días. El resultado primario fue evaluar los cambios en el recuento total de linfocitos y el nivel sérico de PCR. También se realizó la evaluación del riesgo y el estado nutricional de estos pacientes. Resultados: cuarenta y tres pacientes con edad media de 41,5 (± 1,8) años fueron seguidos, el 39,5 % de ellos mujeres. El índice de masa corporal medio fue de 27,6 (± 0,8) kg/m² y el 58,1 % tenían bajo riesgo nutricional. En el grupo experimental hubo una reducción de la PCR de 23,6 (± 7,5) mg/L, mientras que en la rama de control la disminución fue de 14,8 (± 12,1) mg/L (p = 0,002). Hubo un aumento de linfocitos en el grupo experimental (+367,5 ± 401,8 células/mm³) y una reducción en el grupo de control (-282,8 ± 327,8 células/mm³), aunque no hubo significación estadística (p = 0,369). El riesgo relativo (RR) del tratamiento para reducir la PCR en un 30 % o más fue de 4,45 (p < 0,001; IC 95 %: 1,79-11,07). El RR en el aumento del recuento de linfocitos en un 30 % o más fue de 1,28 (p = 0,327; IC 95 %: 0,67-2,45). Conclusión: se concluye que los suplementos de inmunonutrientes parecen reducir los niveles de PCR más que los suplementos normocalóricos estándar altos en proteína.

Abstract Cutaneous leishmaniasis represents a public health problem that affects 85 countries. It is an endemic disease in Brazil, having an important socioeconomic impact. An exuberant case of cutaneous leishmaniasis is reported herein. A 28-year-old male patient with Down syndrome had had verrucous plaques on the back for over a year, with progressive growth. PCR of a lesion sample was positive for Leishmania braziliensis. The patient’s condition was classified as atypical cutaneous leishmaniasis. He was successfully treated with amphotericin B and miltefosine. The treatment remains a challenge, given the toxicity and low cure rate of the currently recommended drugs.

Resumo Introdução: Para identificar os fatores preditivos de quedas e permitir a gestão adequada do seu risco, é necessário compreender o comportamento e as condições clínicas dos idosos. Objetivos: Este estudo teve dois objetivos principais. O primeiro foi encontrar preditores para quedas em idosos que vivem em estruturas residenciais para idosos. O segundo objetivo principal foi construir um modelo preditivo para encontrar os melhores preditores de quedas. Métodos: De um total de 56 estruturas residenciais para idosos contactados, com o mesmo enquadramento legal, 25 aceitaram participar. A amostra foi selecionada aleatoriamente e apenas os participantes independentes ou com um compromisso leve/moderado foram incluídos no estudo (n = 325). Resultados: Registou-se uma média de 1.47 ± 0.99 quedas (variando entre 1 a 7) por participante. Por meio do teste t e da análise de odds ratio, foram identificados dez fatores relacionados com as quedas. Através da regressão logística binária, foi testado um modelo identificando quatro preditores robustos: equilíbrio estatístico, recurso a serviços de emergência, polifarmácia e perfil de autocuidado independente. Conclusões: O presente estudo replicou os principais resultados de pesquisas contemporâneas sobre os fatores de risco para quedas. Mais importante ainda, sugere que o modelo de perfil de autocuidado deve ser levado em consideração em estudos futuros e intervenções precoces. É fundamental implementar medidas preventivas condizentes com ambientes mais seguros e estabelecer um plano individual de atividades integradas de acordo com as necessidades de saúde dos idosos.

Abstract Introduction: To identify factors predictive of falls and enable appropriate management of fall risk it is necessary to understand the behaviour and health conditions of older adults living in nursing homes. Objective: This study had two main objectives. The first was to find significant predictors for falls in older adults living in nursing homes. The second main goal was to build a predictive model to find the best predictors for falls. Methods: Out of 56 nursing homes with the same legal statute, 25 agreed to participate. The sample was randomly selected and only the independent or slight/moderately dependent participants were included in the study (n = 325). Results: There was a mean of 1.47 ± 0.99 falls (range from 1 to 7) per resident in nursing homes. By using the t test and odds ratio analysis, ten factors related to falls were identified. Through the binary logistic regression, a model was tested identifying four robust predictors: static balance, resorting to emergency services, polypharmacy, and an independent self-care profile. Conclusions: The present study replicated the main results of contemporary research on the risk factors of falls. More importantly, it suggests that the self-care profile model should be taken into account in future studies and early interventions. It is crucial to implement preventive measures consistent with safer environments and to establish an individual plan for integrated activities according to older adults’ health needs.

Resumen Marco contextual: las personas que se vuelven funcionalmente dependientes debido a una enfermedad grave o al empeoramiento de una enfermedad crónica tienen diferentes vías de recuperación. La toma de decisiones del enfermero para mejorar la autonomía del paciente, está sujeta a la evaluación de datos de su potencial de recuperación. Objetivos: identificar los supuestos utilizados por las enfermeras para enunciar el juicio clínico: autocuidado comprometido versus potencial para mejorar el autocuidado. Metodología: diseño cualitativo. Los datos se generaron en dos reuniones de grupos focales que incluyeron a once enfermeras con experiencia en el cuidado de personas con dependencia funcional, compromiso con el autocuidado. Se utilizaron preguntas estructuradas previamente preparadas para facilitar la discusión. Las reuniones de los grupos focales se grabaron en audio y se transcribieron. Se utilizó el análisis de contenido inductivo para identificar temas emergentes. También se utilizó la lista de verificación Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ). Resultados: la toma de decisiones de las enfermeras depende: los factores que influyen en el potencial para mejorar las habilidades de autocuidado de una persona con dependencia funcional, el dominio de influencia de estos factores y los supuestos que se hacen al evaluar las capacidades de una persona con dependencia funcional. Conclusión: rara vez se puede deducir la ausencia de potencial de recuperación. Las personas sin deterioro cognitivo o con deterioro cognitivo leve presentan el mayor potencial de recuperación.

Resumo Enquadramento: as pessoas em situação de dependência funcional, devido a doença grave e ou agravamento de doença crónica, têm percursos diferentes no processo de recuperação. A tomada de decisão do enfermeiro para melhorar a autonomia da pessoa, está sujeita aos dados de avaliação do seu potencial de recuperação. Objetivos: identificar os pressupostos utilizados pelos enfermeiros para enunciar o juízo clínico: autocuidado comprometido versus o potencial para melhorar o autocuidado. Metodologia: estudo qualitativo. Os dados foram gerados em duas reuniões de focus grupo com onze enfermeiros, com experiência no cuidar da pessoa com dependência funcional e compromisso no autocuidado. Foram direcionadas algumas perguntas previamente estruturadas para facilitar a discussão. As reflexões foram gravadas em áudio e transcritas. Análise de conteúdo indutiva foi usada para identificar os temas emergentes. Utilizada a lista de verificação Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ). Resultados: a tomada de decisão dos enfermeiros depende: dos fatores que influenciam o potencial para melhorar as capacidades para o autocuidado de uma pessoa com dependência funcional, do domínio de influência desses fatores e dos pressupostos utilizados para avaliar as capacidades da pessoa com dependência funcional. Conclusão: a ausência de potencial de recuperação raramente pode ser deduzida. Pessoas sem comprometimento cognitivo ou com comprometimento cognitivo leve, apresentam maior potencial de recuperação.

Abstract Background: people who become functionally dependent due to serious illness and/or the worsening of a chronic illness have different recovery paths. The attribution of the nursing diagnosis of self-care deficit versus potential to improve self-care requires, on the part of the nurse, a rigorous clinical judgment, for which a set of diagnostic activities is necessary. Objectives: the present study sought to identify the assumptions used by expert nurses when formulating the clinical judgment of self-care deficit versus the potential to improve self-care Methodology: qualitative design. Data were generated in two focus group meetings that included eleven nurses experienced in caring for persons with functional dependence and self-care defict. Previously prepared structured questions were used to facilitate discussion. The focus group meetings were recorded in audio and transcribed. Inductive content analysis was used to identify emerging themes. The checklist Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) was also used. Results: nurses` decision-making depends: the factors of influencing the potential to improve self-care abilities of a person with functional dependence, the domain of influence of these factors, and three fundamental aspects to consider when evaluating a person with functional dependence. Conclusions: the absence of recovery potential can rarely be deduced. People without cognitive impairment or with mild cognitive impairment present highest potential for recovery.

Abstract Background: The treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis is a challenge. A better understanding of the in situ mechanisms involved in the evolution and cure of the disease is essential for the development of new therapies. Objective: Correlate histopathological and immunological characteristics of cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions with clinical outcome after different treatment regimens. Methods: The authors analyzed cellular infiltration and immunohistochemistry staining for CD4, CD8 and IL-17 in biopsy samples from 33 patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis before treatment. All patients were recruited in a randomized clinical trial at Corte de Pedra (Bahia-Brazil) and assigned to receive Glucantime®, Glucantime® + Oral Tamoxifen or Glucantime® + Topical Tamoxifen. Patients were followed for 2 to 6 months to define disease outcome. Results: A similar expression of CD4, CD8 and IL-17 was observed in lesion samples regardless of clinical outcome. In general, a higher amount of CD8 cells were observed compared with CD4 cells. An important observation was that all patients whose cellular infiltrate did not contain plasma cells were cured after treatment. Study limitations: Isolated quantification of TCD8 and IL-17 using immunohistochemistry is insufficient to analyze the role of these molecules in the immunopathogenesis of cutaneous leishmaniasis. In addition, the expansion of the immunohistochemistry panel would allow a more complete analysis of the immune response in situ. Conclusions: The absence of plasma cells in cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions was related to a favorable therapeutic outcome.

Abstract Cutaneous leishmaniasis is characterized by ulcers with raised edges and a granular bottom, mainly on the lower limbs. This is a case report of a male patient with an ulcer on the left plantar region. The diagnosis was confirmed by positive PCR for L. braziliensis and the presence of amastigotes of Leishmania sp. in the histopathological examination. After treatment with Glucantime, the patient showed full healing of the ulcer. The unusual location of the ulceration calls attention to atypical presentations of leishmaniasis, and the importance of histopathological examination and PCR, leading to the appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

RESUMEN Introducción: La rehabilitación respiratoria (RR) es una componente central del tratamiento no farmacológico de la EPOC. El entrenamiento físico es un elemento primario de RR. Sin embargo, se sabe poco sobre la efectividad de estos programas prescritos por enfermeros. Objetivos: Identificar el impacto de un programa de RR, prescrito por enfermeras, sobre la capacidad de autocuidado de la persona con EPOC. Métodos: Hemos realizado una revisión sistemática de la literatura hasta el 4 de febrero de 2019, utilizando MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus y CINAHL. Resultados: Este estudio, demostró que las personas con EPOC, que participan en un programa de RR, prescrito por enfermeros, demostraron una reducción en los niveles de fatiga, una mejora en la calidad de vida y en la capacidad de realizar actividades de la vida diaria. Conclusión: El estudio permitió identificar que los programas de RR de enfermería tienen un impacto positivo en la reducción de la fatiga, aumentando la capacidad de las personas para participar en actividades de la vida diaria y mejorando su calidad de vida.

RESUMO Introdução: A Reabilitação Respiratória (RR) é uma componente central do tratamento não farmacológico da DPOC. O treino de exercício é um elemento primordial da RR. Porém, pouco se sabe sobre a efetividade destes programas prescritos por enfermeiros. Objetivos: Identificar o impacte de um programa de RR, prescrito por enfermeiros, na capacidade para o autocuidado, da pessoa com DPOC. Métodos: Revisão sistemática de literatura até ao dia 4 de fevereiro de 2019, com recurso à MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, and CINAHL. Resultados: Incluímos um estudo que comprovou que as pessoas com DPOC, que participaram num programa de RR, prescrito por enfermeiros, revelaram uma redução nos níveis de fadiga, melhoria na qualidade de vida e na capacidade para executar as atividades de vida diária. Conclusão: O estudo permitiu identificar melhorias nos níveis de fadiga, na qualidade de vida e na execução das atividades de vida diária resultantes da reabilitação respiratória prescrita por enfermeiros.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) is a central component in the non-pharmacological treatment of COPD. One of the primary elements of PR is exercise training. However, little is known about the effectiveness of conducting these programs by nurses. Objectives: Identify the impact of an PR program, prescribed by nurses, on the capacity for self-care of the person with COPD. Methods:: Systematic literature review until February 4, 2019, using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, and CINAHL. Results: The systematic literature review included 1 article which showed that people undergoing PR programmes, supervised by nurses, revealed a decrease in fatigue levels, an improvement in their life quality and in the daily routine tasks/activities execution. Conclusion: This review allowed to identify that nurse-led interventions has positive impact over fatigue, health related quality of life and in daily living activity performance of COPD patients.

Genes associated with wound healing have been shown to be risk factors for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) which is caused by Leishmania braziliensis. In this study, we examined whether the genes previously associated with CL influenced the clinical outcome. Patients were genotyped and retrospectively classified as responders, who were cured with a single course of pentavalent antimony (Sbv), or as refractories, who did not respond to Sbv. Patients characterised as responders showed a stronger response to the leishmanin skin test (LST) when compared to the refractory subjects (p = 0.0003). Furthermore, we observed an association between the FLI1 CC genotype and an increased size of ulcers (p = 0.0170). We suggest that the leishmanin skin test may be a predictive tool for therapeutic outcome and reinforce FLI1 as a potential influencer of susceptibility and lesion size in CL.

Resumo: Este artigo analisa a discursividade performativa a respeito da identidade, da sexualidade e do feminismo a partir de postagens realizadas pela rapper curitibana Karol Conka em sua fanpage no Facebook, referentes ao lançamento de seu videoclipe Lalá. Os referenciais teóricos para o desenvolvimento desta pesquisa ancoram-se nos estudos da Linguística Aplicada e na concepção dialógica da linguagem do Círculo de Bakhtin. A partir da análise das cadeias enunciativas produzidas na fanpage da artista, é possível problematizar os modos como as redes sociais na Internet contribuem para a ressignificação das práticas de linguagem e vêm se caracterizando como espaço-tempo significativo de embate de vozes, bem como ambiente de posicionamento performativo. Os resultados evidenciam que, na enunciação dos sujeitos, são mobilizadas forças centrífugas e forças centrípetas.

Abstract: This article analyzes the performative discursiveness on identity, sexuality and feminism from the posts made by the Curitiba’s rapper Karol Conka in her fanpage on Facebook, referring to the launching of her music video Lalá. The theoretical references for the development of this research are anchored in the studies of Applied Linguistics and in the dialogical conception of Bakhtin’s Circle language. From the analysis of the enunciative chains produced in the fanpage of the artist, it is possible to problematize the ways in which social networks on the Internet contribute to the re-signification of language practices and are characterized as significant space-time of voice clash, as well as performative positioning. The results show that, in the enunciation of the subjects, are mobilized centrifugal and centripetal forces.

RESUMEN Introducción: La Rehabilitación Pulmonar (RP) es el tratamiento no farmacológico que consta en los principales guías clínicos para el control y la realización de las tareas respiratorias crónicas. El Enfermero de Rehabilitación (ER), constituido en una disciplina multidisciplinaria, concibe, implementa y monitorea programas de RP en que se incluye el entrenamiento del ejercicio. Siendo el conocimiento disciplinario de enfermería uno de los pilares de la decisión clínica y el garante de la calidad y seguridad de los cuidados de enfermería, resulta relevante conocer el impacto de estos programas, conducidos por ER, para mejorar la práctica clínica. Objetivo: conocer el impacto de los programas de RR, conducidos por enfermeros, en las personas con la enfermedad respiratoria crónica. Metodología: Revisión de alcance con metodología del Instituto Joanna Briggs® con dos revisores independientes. Resultados: incluimos 10 estudios que revelaron que los RR conducidos por enfermeros aumentaron la tolerancia al ejercicio, una calidad de vida, una autonomía funcional y una disnea y la ansiedad. Conclusión: La RR realizada por ER en personas con enfermedad respiratoria es crónica es sobreponible a la más reciente evidencia.

RESUMO Introdução: A Reabilitação Respiratória (RR) integra a componente não farmacológica das principais guidelines clínicas para o controlo e tratamento das doenças respiratórias crónicas. O Enfermeiro de Reabilitação (ER), integrado numa equipa multidisciplinar, concebe, implementa e monitoriza programas de RR onde se inclui o treino do exercício. Sendo o conhecimento disciplinar de enfermagem um dos pilares da decisão clínica e a garantia da qualidade e segurança dos cuidados de enfermagem torna-se relevante conhecer o impacte destes programas, conduzidos por ER, de forma a melhorar a prática clinica. Objetivo: Conhecer o impacte dos programas de RR, conduzidos por enfermeiros, nas pessoas com doença respiratória crónica. Metodologia: Scoping review com metodologia do Joanna Briggs Institute® com recurso a dois revisores independentes. Resultados: incluímos 10 estudos que revelaram que programas de RR conduzidos por enfermeiros de reabilitação aumentam a tolerância ao exercício, a qualidade de vida, a independência funcional e reduzem a dispneia e a ansiedade. Conclusão: A RR realizada por ER em pessoas com doença respiratória crónica é sobreponível à mais recente evidência.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Pulmonary Rehabilitation is (PR) integrates the non-pharmacological component of the clinical guidelines for the control and treatment of chronic respiratory diseases. The Rehabilitation Nurse (RN), integrated into a multidisciplinary team, designs, implements and monitors PR programs that include exercise training. Being the nursing disciplinary knowledge one of the pillars of clinical decision and the guarantor of the quality and safety of nursing care becomes relevant to know the impact of these programs, conducted by RN, in order to improve clinical practice. Objective: To know the impact of PR programs, conducted by nurses, on people with chronic respiratory disease. Methodology: Scoping review with Joanna Briggs Institute® methodology using two independent reviewers. Results: We included 10 studies that showed that nurse-led PR programs increase exercise tolerance, quality of life, functional independence, and reduce dyspnea and anxiety. Conclusion: The PR performed by RN in patients with chronic respiratory disease is overlapping with the latest evidence.

Abstract: Disseminated leishmaniasis is a severe and emerging form of American tegumentary leishmaniasis. Disseminated leishmaniasis is defined by the presence of more than 10 polymorphic cutaneous lesions, distributed over more than two noncontiguous parts of the body. Nasal mucosal involvement is observed in almost half of cases. Disseminated leishmaniasis patients present with a decreased production of Th1 cytokines in the peripheral blood due to the attraction of leishmania- activated T cells to the multiple cutaneous lesions. Disseminated leishmaniasis development is poorly understood and is related to a complex network involving environmental, host immune response, and parasite factors, in which L. braziliensis polymorphism plays an important role. Disseminated leishmaniasis is a challenging disease to cure, presenting a high failure rate of 75% to pentavalent antimony therapy. Despite its importance and severity, this form of American tegumentary leishmaniasis has been poorly studied and documented, deserving greater attention from professionals working in endemic areas.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Chronic hepatitis C is a leading cause of liver disease. Infection triggers an immediate immune response in the host that is mediated by humoral/cellular mechanisms. T cells respond to infection via secretion of cytokines, which inhibit or stimulate one another, leading to cytokine imbalance and ultimately affecting treatment. Studies using interferon (IFN) and ribavirin (RBV) showed that TCD8+ cells and cytokine levels are associated with sustainable virological response (SVR). However, studies that investigated the effects of triple therapy (TT) are limited. METHODS: The study included hepatitis C virus (HCV)+ RNA, naives, genotype 1, ≥18 years, and advanced fibrosis (F≥3) patients. Samples were collected at baseline and after 12 weeks (W12) of TT. Six cytokines were analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Of 31 patients, four were excluded (two deaths, one interrupted TT, and one F2 patient). Of the 27 remaining patients, 21 (78%) were cirrhotic. SVR was achieved in 63% of the patients. The patients had a mean age of 55.11 ± 10.03 years. Analyses at baseline showed that the chemokine CCL5/Regulated on Activation, Normal T Cell Expressed and Secreted (RANTES) (p=0.04) and interleukin (IL)-6 (p=0.02), which was associated with SVR. RANTES (p=0.04) and IL-8 (p=0.01) levels were associated with SVR at W12. CONCLUSIONS Similar to patterns observed during double therapy, IL-6, IL-8, and RANTES levels were associated with SVR in TT, indicating the potential role of interferon in immune response to hepatitis C virus.

Resumo Objetivo: testar se a condição de saúde da pessoa idosa é mediadora na associação entre o estado cognitivo e a autoestima global de idosos institucionalizados. Método: estudo de natureza quantitativa, transversal do tipo correlacional, recorreu à análise de caminhos. Na recolha de dados utilizaram-se as versões portuguesas dos seguintes instrumentos: Mini-Mental State Examination, Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessement, Miniavaliação Nutricional e a Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Resultados: a amostra foi constituída por 312 idosos de ambos os gêneros (112 homens e 200 mulheres), com média etária de 83,39 (±7,09) anos. A maioria dos idosos eram viúvos, com baixa escolaridade, institucionalizados em Equipamentos Residenciais para Pessoas Idosas em média há 54,60 (±51,69) meses. Não se confirmou a mediação da condição de saúde na associação entre estado cognitivo e autoestima nos idosos. Contudo, a análise da decomposição dos efeitos indicou a existência de um efeito significativo indireto do estado cognitivo na autoestima e na condição de saúde. O efeito total do estado cognitivo na condição de saúde dos idosos é significativo, positivo e direto. Conclusão: os resultados desse estudo permitem-nos afirmar que as alterações cognitivas podem afetar o estado nutricional e o equilíbrio corporal dos idosos institucionalizados.

Abstract Objective: to assess whether the health condition of an elderly person can serve as a mediating factor between the cognitive state and general self-esteem of the institutionalized elderly. Method: a quantitative, cross-sectional correlational study was performed, based on the path analysis technique.The following instruments were used for data collection: the Mini-Mental State Examination, the Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment, the Mini Nutritional Evaluation and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Results: the sample was composed of 312 elderly patients of both genders (112 men and 200 women), with an average age of 83.39 (+7.09) years. Most of the elderly persons were widowed, with a low educational level, and had been institutionalized in Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly for on average 54.6 (+51.69) months. The mediating factor of health condition renders the link between the cognitive state and self-esteem of the elderly null. However, the analysis of the decomposition of the effects showed a significant indirect effect between the cognitive state and health condition. The total effect of cognitive state on the health condition of the elderly is significant, positive and direct. Conclusion: based on the results of this study we maintain that cognitive changes can affect the nutritional state and physical balance of the institutionalized elderly.