Abstract In early 2021, the theoretical and legal framework for the termination of pregnancy was modified. From August 2021 until April 2022, a survey was conducted among 310 healthcare staff from the General Hospital for Acute Care Dr. Teodoro Álvarez (HGATA, for its acronym in Spanish) and the Health & Community Action Center No. 34 (CeSAC Nº 34, for its acronym in Spanish) to assess their knowledge of the subject and their ability to provide an adequate response to patients inquiring about the procedure. Out of the total number of people surveyed, 72.9% were women, the largest age group was 26-35 years old and the most mentioned occupation was “resident” (31.3%). According to their answers, the respondents were divided into two groups: those who were informed (8.7%, n = 27) and those who were uninformed (91.3%, n = 283). 100% of the informed group were able to provide patients with a correct response while only 82,7% of the uninformed group were able to do so. The majority of the respondents (85.5%) deemed it helpful to receive training and updates on voluntary termination of pregnancy in the near future. Most of the healthcare staff from the HGATA and from the CeSAC No. 34 are unaware of the theoretical-legal framework under which the interruption of pregnancy is regulated. The uninformed presented difficulties in providing an appropriate response. These results show the formative deficit that exists in relation to the theoretical-legal framework. This information could be useful for the identification of barriers and facilitators of access to an interruption.

Resumen A principios del año 2021 fue modificado el marco teórico-legal bajo el cual se reglamenta la interrupción del embarazo. Entre los meses de agosto 2021 y abril 2022, realizamos una encuesta a 310 trabajadores del Hospital General de Agudos Dr. Teodoro Álvarez (HGATA) y del Centro de Salud y Acción Comunitaria Nº 34 (CeSAC Nº 34), con el objetivo de evaluar su conocimiento al respecto y su capacidad de brindar una respuesta acorde ante la demanda de dicha práctica. Del total de las personas encuestadas, el 72.9% fueron mujeres, el rango etario predominante fue el de 26-35 años y la ocupación mayoritariamente referida fue “residente” (31.3%). Entre los encuestados, definimos dos grupos: conocedores (8.7%, n = 27) y no conocedores (91.3%, n = 283). El 100% de los conocedores brindó una respuesta acorde, mientras que, con relación a los no conocedores, solo el 82.7% pudo hacerlo. La mayoría de los encuestados (85.5%) consideró útil poder recibir capacitación y actualización sobre esta temática en el futuro. Concluimos que la mayoría de los trabajadores del HGATA y del CeSAC Nº 34 desconocen el marco teórico-legal bajo el cual está reglamentada la interrupción del embarazo. Los no conocedores tuvieron dificultades para brindar una respuesta apropiada. Estos resultados muestran el déficit formativo que existe en relación con el marco teórico-legal de esta práctica, por ello, consideramos que esta información sería útil para la identificación tanto de barreras como de facilitadores de acceso a la interrupción del embarazo.

RESUMO Os Centros de Atenção Psicossocial (Caps) são serviços comunitários que visam promover a reabilitação psicossocial para pessoas com sofrimento mental e com problemas recorrentes do consumo prejudicial de Substâncias Psicoativas (SPA). A avaliação da qualidade desses serviços pode ser medida por meio de indicadores de saúde mental, campo em desenvolvimento. Este estudo é um relato de experiência com objetivo de discorrer sobre o processo de construção de indicadores de saúde mental de um Caps Adulto e Caps Álcool e Drogas de uma região de saúde da cidade de São Paulo, realizado no período entre 2020 e 2021. Como resultado desse trabalho, foram criados coletivamente os indicadores de processo: articulação com a atenção primária e atenção à crise e o indicador específico de resultado para cada Caps: reabilitação psicossocial. A construção colaborativa proporcionou a análise e reflexão sobre o processo de trabalho, evidenciou-se a potencialidade da elaboração participativa dos indicadores de saúde mental que impactou na revisão da prática assistencial individual do trabalhador e de cada serviço. Identificouse desafios nesta construção quanto à disponibilidade de agenda, lacuna na formação dos profissionais, escassez de literatura específica e pausas no percurso devido às contingências da pandemia Covid-19.

ABSTRACT Psychosocial Care Centers (CAPS) are community services that aim to promote rehabilitation for people with mental suffering. Quality assessment can be measured through mental health indicators, a field that is under development. This study is an experience report that has the discourse objective of the process of collective construction of mental health indicators of a CAPS Adult and CAPS Alcohol and Drugs in a health region of the city of São Paulo, carried out in the period between 2020 and 2021. As a result of these, the work indicators of the process were collectively created: articulation with primary care and crisis care and the specific result indicator for each CAPS: psychosocial rehabilitation. The collaborative construction of the mental health analysis process and the reflection on the indicators-evidence of the potential of the participatory elaboration of the assistance individuals of the work and of each service. It was identified in this construction as the availability of challenges, gap in the training of professionals, course of specific literature and pauses due to the contingencies of the COVID-19 pandemic.

ABSTRACT Background: Chronic conditions increase the risk of invasive pneumococcal diseases (IPD). Pneumococcal vaccination remarkably reduced IPD morbimortality in vulnerable populations. In Brazil, pneumococcal vaccines are included in the National Immunization Program (PNI): PCV10 for < 2 years-old, and PPV23 for high risk-patients aged ≥ 2 years and institutionalized ≥ 60 years. PCV13 is available in private clinics and recommended in the PNI for individuals with certain underlying conditions. Methods: A retrospective study was performed using clinical data from all inpatients from five hospitals with IPD from 2016 to 2018 and the corresponding data on serotype and antimicrobial-non-susceptibility of pneumococcus. Vaccine-serotype-coverage was estimated. Patients were classified according to presence of comorbidities: healthy, without comorbidities; at-risk, included immunocompetent persons with specific medical conditions; high-risk, with immunocompromising conditions and others Results: 406 IPD cases were evaluated. Among 324 cases with information on medical conditions, children < 5 years were mostly healthy (55.9%), while presence of comorbidity prevailed in adults ≥ 18 years old (> 82.0%). Presence of ≥1 risk condition was reported in ≥ 34.8% of adults. High-risk conditions were more frequent than at-risk in all age groups. Among high-risk comorbidity (n = 211), cancer (28%), HIV/AIDS (25.7%) and hematological diseases (24.5%) were the most frequent. Among at-risk conditions (n = 89), asthma (16.5%) and diabetes (8.1%) were the most frequent. Among 404 isolates, 42.9% belonged to five serotypes: 19A (14.1%), 3 (8.7%), 6C (7.7%), 4 and 8 (6.2% each); 19A and 6C expressed antimicrobial-non-susceptibility. The vaccine-serotype-coverage was: PCV10, 19.1%, PCV13, 43.8%; PCV15, 47.8%; PCV20, 62.9%; PCV21, 65.8%, and PPV23, 67.3%. Information on hospital outcome was available for 283 patients, of which 28.6% died. Mortality was 54.2% for those with meningitis. Conclusion: Vaccine with expanded valence of serotypes is necessary to offer broad prevention to IPD. The present data contribute to pneumococcal vaccination public health policies for vulnerable patients, mainly those with comorbidity and the elderly.

ABSTRACT Psychosocial Care Centers (CAPS) are community services that aim to promote rehabilitation for people with mental suffering. Quality assessment can be measured through mental health indicators, a field that is under development. This study is an experience report that has the discourse objective of the process of collective construction of mental health indicators of a CAPS Adult and CAPS Alcohol and Drugs in a health region of the city of São Paulo, carried out in the period between 2020 and 2021. As a result of these, the work indicators of the process were collectively created: articulation with primary care and crisis care and the specific result indicator for each CAPS: psychosocial rehabilitation. The collaborative construction of the mental health analysis process and the reflection on the indicators-evidence of the potential of the participatory elaboration of the assistance individuals of the work and of each service. It was identified in this construction as the availability of challenges, gap in the training of professionals, course of specific literature and pauses due to the contingencies of the COVID-19 pandemic.

RESUMO Os Centros de Atenção Psicossocial (Caps) são serviços comunitários que visam promover a reabilitação psicossocial para pessoas com sofrimento mental e com problemas recorrentes do consumo prejudicial de Substâncias Psicoativas (SPA). A avaliação da qualidade desses serviços pode ser medida por meio de indicadores de saúde mental, campo em desenvolvimento. Este estudo é um relato de experiência com objetivo de discorrer sobre o processo de construção de indicadores de saúde mental de um Caps Adulto e Caps Álcool e Drogas de uma região de saúde da cidade de São Paulo, realizado no período entre 2020 e 2021. Como resultado desse trabalho, foram criados coletivamente os indicadores de processo: articulação com a atenção primária e atenção à crise e o indicador específico de resultado para cada Caps: reabilitação psicossocial. A construção colaborativa proporcionou a análise e reflexão sobre o processo de trabalho, evidenciou-se a potencialidade da elaboração participativa dos indicadores de saúde mental que impactou na revisão da prática assistencial individual do trabalhador e de cada serviço. Identificouse desafios nesta construção quanto à disponibilidade de agenda, lacuna na formação dos profissionais, escassez de literatura específica e pausas no percurso devido às contingências da pandemia Covid-19.

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess predictive factors for improved diagnostic accuracy with the use of radial-probe EBUS (RP-EBUS). Methods: This was a retrospective review of consecutive patients undergoing RP-EBUS between February of 2012 and January of 2020. Parameters including the presence of a bronchus sign on CT scans, the position of the radial EBUS probe, lesion size, lesion location, and lesion type were analyzed in relation to two defined outcomes (final diagnosis or no diagnosis). Univariate analysis was used in order to explore the individual effects of each parameter on diagnostic accuracy. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify significant predictors of diagnostic accuracy. Results: RP-EBUS was used for diagnostic purposes in 101 patients. The lesion was < 3 cm in size in 59 patients (58.4%) and predominantly solid in 60.3%. There was a positive correlation between radial EBUS probe position and diagnostic accuracy (p = 0.036), with 80.9% of the patients showing a bronchus sign on CT scans. Furthermore, 89% of the patients showed a bronchus sign on CT scans and a correlation with diagnostic accuracy (p = 0.030), with 65.8% of the lesions being located in the left/right upper lobe (p = 0.046). When the radial EBUS probe was within the target lesion, the diagnostic yield was = 80.8%. When the probe was adjacent to the lesion, the diagnostic yield was = 19.2%. A bronchus sign on CT scans was the only parameter that independently influenced diagnostic accuracy (adjusted OR, 3.20; 95% CI, 1.081-9.770; p = 0.036). Conclusions: A bronchus sign on CT scans is a powerful predictor of successful diagnosis by RP-EBUS.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar fatores preditivos de maior precisão diagnóstica com EBUS com sonda radial. Métodos: Revisão retrospectiva de pacientes consecutivos submetidos a EBUS radial entre fevereiro de 2012 e janeiro de 2020. Parâmetros como a presença do sinal brônquico na TC, a posição da sonda radial de EBUS, o tamanho da lesão, a localização da lesão e o tipo de lesão foram analisados em relação a dois desfechos definidos (diagnóstico final ou sem diagnóstico). A análise univariada foi usada para explorar os efeitos individuais de cada parâmetro na precisão do diagnóstico. A regressão logística multivariada foi realizada para identificar preditores significativos de precisão diagnóstica. Resultados: O EBUS radial foi usado para fins diagnósticos em 101 pacientes. A lesão era < 3 cm em 59 pacientes (58,4%) e predominantemente sólida em 60,3%. Houve correlação positiva entre a posição da sonda radial de EBUS e a precisão do diagnóstico (p = 0,036), sendo que 80,9% dos pacientes apresentaram o sinal brônquico na TC. Além disso, 89% dos pacientes apresentaram o sinal brônquico na TC e correlação com a precisão do diagnóstico (p = 0,030), sendo que 65,8% das lesões localizavam-se no lobo superior esquerdo/direito (p = 0,046). Com a sonda radial de EBUS dentro da lesão-alvo, o rendimento diagnóstico foi de 80,8%. Com a sonda adjacente à lesão, o rendimento diagnóstico foi de 19,2%. O sinal brônquico na TC foi o único parâmetro que influenciou de forma independente a precisão do diagnóstico (OR ajustada = 3,20; IC95%: 1,081-9,770; p = 0,036). Conclusões: O sinal brônquico na TC é um poderoso preditor de diagnóstico bem-sucedido por meio de EBUS radial.

Abstract This study assessed the effect of different periods of post-hatch fasting on animal performance and breast and digestive system growth in European quail. Quail chicks were distributed in a completely randomized design, with four fasting periods (0, 24, 36, and 48 hs) and four replications of 40 birds per treatment. In 1 to 14-day-old chicks, weight gain decreased with increasing fasting time. Compensatory gain was observed from 15 days of age onward. Fasted quail had a lower length and relative weight of the digestive system than fed animals for up to 14 days. Histologically, the duodenal villus height was significantly lower in 3-day-old quail fasted for 36 hs than in those fasted for 48 hs, but this effect was not observed at 7 days. Scanning electron microscopy showed no differences in the small intestinal mucosa between fasted and fed birds at 3 days of age. Post-hatch fasting reduced the relative weight of the breast in quail aged 1 to 14 days but did not affect type IIa and IIb fiber diameter at 35 days. On the basis of these results, it is recommended that European quail raised for meat should not be fasted for more than 48 hs post-hatch.

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the influence of a passive mobilization session on endothelial function in patients with sepsis. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental double-blind and single-arm study with a pre- and postintervention design. Twenty-five patients with a diagnosis of sepsis who were hospitalized in the intensive care unit were included. Endothelial function was assessed at baseline (preintervention) and immediately postintervention by brachial artery ultrasonography. Flow mediated dilatation, peak blood flow velocity and peak shear rate were obtained. Passive mobilization consisted of bilateral mobilization (ankles, knees, hips, wrists, elbows and shoulders), with three sets of ten repetitions each, totaling 15 minutes. Results: After mobilization, we found increased vascular reactivity function compared to preintervention: absolute flow-mediated dilatation (0.57mm ± 0.22 versus 0.17mm ± 0.31; p < 0.001) and relative flow-mediated dilatation (17.1% ± 8.25 versus 5.08% ± 9.16; p < 0.001). Reactive hyperemia peak flow (71.8cm/s ± 29.3 versus 95.3cm/s ± 32.2; p < 0.001) and shear rate (211s ± 113 versus 288s ± 144; p < 0.001) were also increased. Conclusion: A passive mobilization session increases endothelial function in critical patients with sepsis. Future studies should investigate whether a mobilization program can be applied as a beneficial intervention for clinical improvement of endothelial function in patients hospitalized due to sepsis.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar a influência de uma sessão de mobilização passiva na função endotelial de pacientes com sepse. Métodos: Este foi um estudo quase-experimental duplo-cego e de braço único com desenho pré e pós-intervenção. Participaram 25 pacientes com diagnóstico de sepse hospitalizados em unidade de terapia intensiva. Avaliou-se a função endotelial basal (pré-intervenção) e imediatamente pós-intervenção por meio de ultrassonografia da artéria braquial. Foram obtidas a dilatação mediada pelo fluxo, a velocidade pico de fluxo sanguíneo e a taxa de cisalhamento pico. A mobilização passiva consistiu na mobilização bilateral (tornozelos, joelhos, quadris, pulsos, cotovelos e ombros), com três séries de dez repetições cada, totalizando 15 minutos. Resultados: Após a mobilização, encontramos aumento da função de reatividade vascular em relação à pré-intervenção: dilatação mediada pelo fluxo absoluta (0,57mm ± 0,22 versus 0,17mm ± 0,31; p < 0,001) e dilatação mediada pelo fluxo relativa (17,1% ± 8,25 versus 5,08% ± 9,16; p < 0,001). O pico de fluxo sanguíneo na hiperemia (71,8cm/s ± 29,3 versus 95,3cm/s ± 32,2; p < 0,001) e a taxa de cisalhamento (211s ± 113 versus 288s ± 144; p < 0,001) também aumentaram. Conclusão: Uma sessão de mobilização passiva foi capaz de aumentar a função endotelial em pacientes graves com sepse. Estudos futuros são necessários para investigar se um programa de mobilização pode ser aplicado como intervenção benéfica para melhorar clinicamente a função endotelial em pacientes hospitalizados por sepse.

Resumo A microbiota intestinal tem importância na saúde e na patogénese de algumas doenças, pois além da digestão, interfere no sistema imunológico e até mesmo na saúde da pele. Evidências mostram que alterações intestinais podem gerar manifestações dermatológicas, como rosácea, acne e dermatite atópica. O uso de probióticos vem sendo estudado pois é possível criar estratégias para modular o sistema imunológico, os quais diminuem a manifestação dessas doenças. Nesse estudo, foi realizado uma revisão bibliográfica das evidências clínicas sobre o uso dos probióticos orais no tratamento da rosácea, acne e dermatite atópica através de uma pesquisa nos bancos de dados eletrônicos, como PubMed, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SCIELO), Literatura Latino-Americana em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS) e Google Scholar, nos últimos 5 anos. Foram encontrados um número limitado de estudos, mas todos evidenciaram o benefício e melhora das lesões da rosácea, acne e dermatite atópica, assim como a diminuição de citocinas pró-inflamatorias. Os resultados encontrados sugerem que o uso de Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis e Bifidobacterium bifidum são promissores nas três patologias. Concomitante, os estudos mostraram que os probióticos usados em conjunto aos antibióticos orais obtiveram melhores respostas do que usados isoladamente. Apesar da resposta positiva, são imprescindíveis mais esforços para a compreensão total dos mecanismos exatos e efeitos terapêuticos dos probióticos orais no manejo de doenças dermatológicas inflamatórias.

Abstract The gut microbiome is an important in the health and pathogenesis of some diseases. Beyond digestion, it interferes with the immune system and even with the skin health. Evidence shows that intestinal changes can be involved in dermatological manifestations, such as rosacea, acne, and atopic dermatitis. The use of probiotics has been studied, because it is possible to create a strategy to modulate the immune system and reduce the manifestations of these diseases. In this study, we performed a bibliographic review of the clinical evidence on the use of oral probiotics in the treatment of rosacea, acne, and atopic dermatitis. The search was made in electronic databases, such as PubMed, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SCIELO), Latin American Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS), and Google Scholar, in the past 5 years. A limited number of studies have been found, but all have shown the benefit and improvement of lesions in patients, as well as the reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines by the mechanism of immunomodulation. Search results found out that the use of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis, and Bifidobacterium bifidum are promising in the three pathologies. Moreover, probiotics used in association with oral antibiotics obtained better responses than when used alone. Despite the positive response, more efforts are required to fully understand the exact mechanisms and therapeutic effects of probiotics in the management of inflammatory dermatological diseases.

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi sintetizar evidências das práticas colaborativas interprofissionais segundo os domínios de competências essenciais do Canadian Interprofessional Health Collaborative (CIHC). Foi conduzida revisão integrativa da literatura, dos últimos dez anos, nas bases Pubmed, Web of Science e Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde e síntese das práticas segundo a estrutura proposta pela CIHC. Dos 364 artigos selecionados, 21 foram incluídos com amostras entre 12 e 972 participantes; 11 estudos utilizaram instrumentos para avaliação das práticas; 43% evidenciaram os seis domínios essenciais; e 38%, de três a quatro. A resolução de conflitos interprofissionais não foi abordada em 48% dos artigos. Foi observada a adesão aos domínios de competências essenciais, o que tende a qualificar o processo de trabalho. Entretanto, a lacuna observada na abordagem do enfrentamento dos conflitos interprofissionais representa um obstáculo para vencer a formação uniprofissional.

The aim of this study was to synthesize evidence of collaborative practices based on the core competency domains proposed by the Canadian Interprofessional Health Collaborative (CIHC). We conducted an integrative literature review of articles published over the last 10 years. Searches were performed of the PubMed, Web of Science and Virtual Health Library databases and a synthesis of the practices based on the framework proposed by the CIHC. The search yielded 364 articles, 21 of which were included in the sample. The included studies used samples of between 12 and 972 participants. Eleven of the studies used practice assessment instruments; 43% included all six core competency domains and 38% included three to four. Forty-eight per cent of the studies did not address interprofessional conflict resolution. The findings demonstrate that adherence to the core competency domains tends to improve the quality of work process. However, the gap represented by the failure to address interprofessional conflict resolution is an obstacle to overcoming uniprofessional training.

El objetivo de este estudio fue sintetizar evidencias de las prácticas colaborativas interprofesionales según los dominios de competencias esenciales del Canadian Interprofessional Health Collaborative (CIHC). Se realizó una revisión integradora de la literatura de los últimos diez años en las bases Pubmed, Web of Science y Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde y síntesis de las prácticas según la estructura propuesta por la CIHC. De los 364 artículos seleccionados se incluyeron 21, con muestras entre 12 y 972 participantes. Once estudios utilizaron instrumentos para evaluación de las prácticas, el 43% puso en evidencia los seis dominios esenciales, y el 38% de 3 a 4. La resolución de conflictos interprofesionales no se abordó en el 48% de los artículos. Se observó la adhesión a los dominios de competencias esenciales, lo que tiende a calificar el proceso de trabajo. Sin embargo, la brecha observada en el abordaje del enfrentamiento de los conflictos interprofesionales representa un obstáculo para vencer la formación uniprofesional.

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi sintetizar evidências das práticas colaborativas interprofissionais segundo os domínios de competências essenciais do Canadian Interprofessional Health Collaborative (CIHC). Foi conduzida revisão integrativa da literatura, dos últimos dez anos, nas bases Pubmed, Web of Science e Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde e síntese das práticas segundo a estrutura proposta pela CIHC. Dos 364 artigos selecionados, 21 foram incluídos com amostras entre 12 e 972 participantes; 11 estudos utilizaram instrumentos para avaliação das práticas; 43% evidenciaram os seis domínios essenciais; e 38%, de três a quatro. A resolução de conflitos interprofissionais não foi abordada em 48% dos artigos. Foi observada a adesão aos domínios de competências essenciais, o que tende a qualificar o processo de trabalho. Entretanto, a lacuna observada na abordagem do enfrentamento dos conflitos interprofissionais representa um obstáculo para vencer a formação uniprofissional.

The aim of this study was to synthesize evidence of collaborative practices based on the core competency domains proposed by the Canadian Interprofessional Health Collaborative (CIHC). We conducted an integrative literature review of articles published over the last 10 years. Searches were performed of the PubMed, Web of Science and Virtual Health Library databases and a synthesis of the practices based on the framework proposed by the CIHC. The search yielded 364 articles, 21 of which were included in the sample. The included studies used samples of between 12 and 972 participants. Eleven of the studies used practice assessment instruments; 43% included all six core competency domains and 38% included three to four. Forty-eight per cent of the studies did not address interprofessional conflict resolution. The findings demonstrate that adherence to the core competency domains tends to improve the quality of work process. However, the gap represented by the failure to address interprofessional conflict resolution is an obstacle to overcoming uniprofessional training.

El objetivo de este estudio fue sintetizar evidencias de las prácticas colaborativas interprofesionales según los dominios de competencias esenciales del Canadian Interprofessional Health Collaborative (CIHC). Se realizó una revisión integradora de la literatura de los últimos diez años en las bases Pubmed, Web of Science y Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde y síntesis de las prácticas según la estructura propuesta por la CIHC. De los 364 artículos seleccionados se incluyeron 21, con muestras entre 12 y 972 participantes. Once estudios utilizaron instrumentos para evaluación de las prácticas, el 43% puso en evidencia los seis dominios esenciales, y el 38% de 3 a 4. La resolución de conflictos interprofesionales no se abordó en el 48% de los artículos. Se observó la adhesión a los dominios de competencias esenciales, lo que tiende a calificar el proceso de trabajo. Sin embargo, la brecha observada en el abordaje del enfrentamiento de los conflictos interprofesionales representa un obstáculo para vencer la formación uniprofesional.

Abstract The growth, sexual maturity and fertility-related parameters related of young Nellore bulls with divergent residual feed intake (RFI) raised on pasture were evaluated. After classification of 48 young males as low and high RFI (more and less efficient, respectively), the animals were evaluated for growth and reproductive parameters at 28-day intervals from 14.3 to 24.6 months of age. The semen was cryopreserved in the last sampling and fresh and post-thaw semen samples were evaluated. Low RFI bulls exhibited higher initial and final body weight (P < 0.05), but feed intake, body condition score and growth measures evaluated by carcass ultrasound were unaffected by RFI (P > 0.05). The scrotal circumference, sperm concentration, defects, and quality of fresh semen, and ultrasonographic testicular characteristics were unaffected by RFI (P > 0.05). However, velocity parameters such as average path and curvilinear velocities determined by computer-assisted sperm analysis of thawed semen submitted to the rapid thermoresistance test were improved (P < 0.05) in low RFI bulls, but this improvement in quality did not enhance in vitro sperm fertilizing ability. Our results demonstrated significant differences in metabolism and growth performance between bulls of divergent RFI. In addition, there was slight improvement in the semen quality of bulls with low RFI bulls, but this did not enhance in vitro fertilizing ability. Selection of beef bulls for RFI can be performed, which will result in economic benefits by improving the growth performance of the animals without affecting reproductive parameters.

ABSTRACT We described a MRSA bloodstream infection outbreak that was rapidly identified and controlled in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit after implementation of a bundle of measures, including PCR-screening and HCW decolonization. We found 35% of healthcare workers(HCW) colonized with S. aureus by PCR, one of them that presented skin lesion positive for MSSA (same clone and spa type than two patients). Our findings raise the hypothesis that the outbreak could be related to HCW colonization.

Abstract Nonlinear Transmission Lines (NLTLs) are a new technique for radio frequency (RF) generation. A loaded ferrite NLTL, known as a gyromagnetic line, uses a solenoid to provide an external magnetic bias. In space applications, specifically in satellites, the replacement of these solenoids by permanent magnets is desirable, eliminating the need for a DC current source, and reducing the weight and the effective cost of the launch. This work investigated and selected permanent magnets for this application, and then computationally modeled the magnet assembly to analyze the resulting magnetic field generated and obtained a uniform field region to meet the NLTL operating specifications. For this, we employed selection charts for the proper choice of material to use in an arrangement of magnets simulated by the electromagnetic software CST Microwave Studio . Magnetic fields with uniformity variations of less than 6% and 23% in regions extended over 18.5 cm and 58.8 cm, corresponding to line lengths of 26.6 cm and 68.0 cm, respectively, were achieved in simulations.

ABSTRACT Surveillance strategies to detect colonization are an important tool to prevent and control the spread of microorganisms in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) units. The aim of this study was to evaluate routine surveillance cultures for screening colonization and infection by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPa), and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). Surveillance cultures were collected (1,323 samples) from 200 patients admitted to an HSCT unit over one year; swabs were taken on admission and then weekly. We compared the positivity of cultures for each site, agent, clinical and epidemiological data according to the colonization status. Infection due to multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) occurred in 52 (21.5%) patients, 45 (86.5%) due to blood stream infection; 12 (23%) patients had a positive surveillance culture before the infection. Cultures of 554 (41.8%) samples were performed for CRPa, 413 (31.2%) for VRE and 356 (27%) for CRE. Of these, 179 (13.5%) were positive. Colonization by any MDRO, CRE or CRPa was associated with increased risk of infection (P < 0.05), but not with death. Previous colonization by an MDRO was a significant risk for infection by these pathogens, specially by CRE. Overall, rectal swabs had the highest positivity rate compared with other sites, oropharynx swabs were an option for CRPa, and fecal cultures showed low positivity. Although the impact of the strategy on the mortality of patients undergoing HSCT is not clear, routine VRE surveillance should be questioned with regard to patients undergoing auto-HSCT due to the additional cost and little impact on survival rates.

ABSTRACT Despite the widespread use of chlorhexidine (CHX) to prevent infection, data regarding the in vitro action of CHX against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are limited. Clinical isolates from Hospital das Clinicas, Sao Paulo, Brazil, identified during 2002/2003 and 2012/2013 were studied to describe the susceptibility to CHX and mupirocin, molecular characteristics, and virulence profile of MRSA. Susceptibility test to Mupirocin was performed by the disk diffusion method and to CHX by the agar dilution technique. PCR for virulence genes, mecA gene and Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome mec (SCCmec) types were investigated as well. Mupirocin- and CHX-resistant isolates were sequenced using the IlluminaTM plataform. Two hundred and sixteen MRSA clinical isolates were evaluated: 154 from infected and 62 from colonized patients. Resistance to mupirocin was observed in four isolates assigned as SCCmec type III and STs (ST05; ST239 and ST105) carrying mupA and blaZ, two of them co-harboring the ileS gene. Only one isolate assigned as SCCmec type III was resistant to CHX (MIC of 8.0 μg.mL-1) and harbored the qacA gene. Resistance to chlorhexidine and mupirocin were found in isolates carrying qacA and mupA in our hospital. Since these genes are plasmid-mediated, this finding draws attention to the potential spread of resistance to mupirocin in our hospital.