Abstract This article is based on a representative and randomly selected sample of 396 individual criminal decisions from the Federal Supreme Court, issued between January 1, 2020, and June 22, 2021, related to the COVID-19 pandemic. We tracked the petitions, the type of imprisonment, the date of judgment, the type of legal action, and the outcomes of these requests. Subsequently, we conducted a qualitative analysis of the arguments employed by the Court in reaching its decisions. The main objective of the study is to understand how the Court ruled on requests for release from incarceration and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic in the judicial reasoning. The findings indicate that the pandemic had no relevant impact on the Court’s decision-making process. Dismissals on procedural grounds prevailed, allowing the court to avoid ruling on the merits of a claim. On the other hand, when the merits were analyzed, the pandemic was not treated as a sufficient argument for releasing a prisoner. Additionally, during the pandemic, CNJ’s Recommendation No. 62 and ADPF No. 347 had no argumentative prominence in the few decisions that granted requests for release. This research reinforces the diagnosis that the pandemic has not changed how the Judiciary deals with imprisonment. This finding contributes to understand the challenges in tackling mass incarceration in Brazil.

Resumo Este artigo é baseado em uma amostra representativa e aleatória de 396 decisões monocráticas penais do Supremo Tribunal Federal, proferidas entre 01/01/2020 e 22/06/2021, que mencionam a pandemia de Covid-19. Foram mapeados os pedidos, o tipo de prisão, a data de julgamento, o tipo de ação e o resultado dos pedidos. Em seguida, foi feita uma análise qualitativa dos argumentos utilizados pela Corte para decidir. O objetivo principal do estudo é compreender como a Corte julgou pedidos de desencarceramento e o peso da pandemia de Covid-19 na argumentação judicial. Os dados indicam que a pandemia não teve impacto relevante na forma de decidir do STF em casos de prisão. Prevaleceram os indeferimentos de pedidos de soltura, com significativa mobilização argumentativa de óbices processuais, permitindo que a Corte não se posicionasse sobre questões de mérito. Por outro lado, quando o mérito foi analisado, a pandemia não foi tratada como argumento suficiente para desencarcerar. Ademais, a pandemia, a Recomendação 62 do CNJ e a ADPF 347 não tiveram grande destaque argumentativo nas poucas decisões que concederam pedidos de desencarceramento. A pesquisa reforça o diagnóstico de que a pandemia não mudou o modo como o Judiciário lida com a prisão. Esse achado de pesquisa contribui para a compreensão dos obstáculos para o enfrentamento do superencarceramento no Brasil.

Abstract This article aimed to analyze how institutional racism at a Brazilian public university affects the lives of Black students. This mixed study was developed by applying an online self-administered questionnaire to university students who self-declared as Blacks. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis using chi-square, and multinomial logistic regression. Qualitative data analysis was performed using IRAMUTEQ. Sixty-eight (54.4%) of the 125 respondents claimed to have suffered racism at least once within the university. We noticed that racist situations experienced by Black people within the university environment call into question the student’s self-confidence and motivation, directly affecting their mental health and performance in the course. The importance of receptive groups for strengthening students’ belonging was highlighted.

Resumo O objetivo do artigo foi analisar como o racismo institucional em uma universidade pública brasileira afeta a vida de estudantes negros e negras. Trata-se de um estudo misto, desenvolvido por meio da aplicação de questionário autoaplicado online a estudantes universitários que se autodeclararam negros. Os dados quantitativos foram analisados por estatística descritiva, análise bivariável por meio do qui-quadrado e regressão logística multinominal. A análise dos dados qualitativos foi feita no Iramuteq. Do total de 125 respondentes, 68 (54,4%) afirmaram ter sofrido racismo pelo menos uma vez dentro da universidade. Percebeu-se que as situações racistas vividas pelas pessoas negras dentro do ambiente universitário colocam em questão a autoconfiança e a motivação do estudante, afetando diretamente a sua saúde mental e seu desempenho no curso. Evidenciou-se a importância dos coletivos para acolhimento e fortalecimento do pertencimento dos estudantes.

Polymer gel systems find applications in diverse areas, ranging from contact lenses to agriculture and oil production. In general, polyacrylamide (PAM) gels are produced by reaction with metallic (low temperatures) and organic (high temperatures) crosslinking agents. In this paper, given crescent environmental concerns, polyethyleneimine (PEI), an organic reactant, was chosen as the crosslinker of PAM, at 65 ºC. The effects of using a solution of water/glycerol as the solvent for preparing the gels and the addition of diethylenetriamine (DETA), a n-alkylamine, on the gelation kinetics and gel stability were evaluated. The data presented in this paper indicate that the solvent mixture provided a more controlled gelling behavior by delaying the gelation time. Also, diethylenetriamine acted both as an efficient anti-syneresis agent, improving gel stability, and by delaying the progress of gel strength.

Abstract The Flowers and Ornamental Plant sector supports an extensive network of entrepreneurs, in all stages related to cultivation, transport and commercialization. In this aspect, there is a great demand for skilled labor, making this sector a source of employment and income generation in the regions covered. However, there is great interference on the commercialization of flowers and ornamental plants by the seasonality of demand, which is often related to festive dates, weather, among other factors. Thus, knowledge about seasonal demands allows the sector to develop a plan, directing efforts to offer products with greater demand in a given period. This study aimed to generate information, through a case study based on the analysis of commercialization data, and verify the seasonal demand on the commercialization of ornamental species in western São Paulo. There was an increase in the demand for chrysanthemum cuttings, both for the domestic and export markets, during the years 2019 and 2020, in addition to fluctuations in the demand for some cultivars of cuttings of chrysanthemum in one year compared to the other. Through the analysis, it is concluded that the seasonality of commercialization of ornamental plants in the West Region of São Paulo really occurs, especially between the 26th and 34th week of the year, with the purpose of serving the domestic market of chrysanthemums. This result allows planning the planting and harvesting time, as well as the definition of the best varieties to be cultivated in these periods.

Resumo O setor de Flores e Plantas Ornamentais apoia uma extensa rede de empreendedores, em todas as etapas relacionadas ao cultivo, transporte e comercialização. Neste aspecto, há uma grande demanda por mão-de-obra qualificada, tornando este setor fonte de emprego e geração de renda nas regiões abrangidas. Porém, há grande interferência na comercialização de flores e plantas ornamentais pela sazonalidade da demanda, que muitas vezes está relacionada a datas festivas, clima, entre outros fatores. Assim, o conhecimento sobre as demandas sazonais permite ao setor desenvolver um planejamento, direcionando esforços para oferecer produtos com maior demanda em determinado período. Este estudo teve como objetivo gerar informações, por meio de um estudo de caso baseado na análise de dados de comercialização, e verificar a demanda sazonal na comercialização de espécies ornamentais no oeste paulista. Houve aumento na demanda por mudas de crisântemo, tanto para o mercado interno quanto para exportação, durante os anos de 2019 e 2020, além de oscilações na demanda por algumas cultivares de mudas de crisântemo em um ano em relação ao outro. Através desta análise conclui-se que a sazonalidade da comercialização de plantas ornamentais na Região Oeste de São Paulo realmente ocorre, principalmente entre a 26ª e a 34ª semana do ano, com a finalidade de atender ao mercado interno de crisântemos. Este resultado permite planejar a época de plantio e colheita, bem como a definição das melhores variedades a serem cultivadas nestes períodos.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Pregnancy-related complications may impact women’s reproductive cycle and health through their lives. The objective of this study was to evaluate the sociodemographic, clinical, and obstetric history of women undergoing hemodialysis. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study in a specialized health facility with four hemodialysis units. Sociodemographic characteristics, clinical and personal history, obstetric and perinatal results of women with pregnancies before hemodialysis were evaluated. Prevalence, bivariate, and logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: We included 208 (87.76%) women. Hypertension was the main cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) (128 women). Rates of adverse perinatal outcomes, including prematurity, low birth weight, miscarriage, fetal death, and neonatal death, were 19.3%, 14.5%, 25.5%, 12.1%, and 5.3%, respectively. Hypertensive syndromes during pregnancy occurred in 37.0% of women, with 12.5% reporting preeclampsia and 1.4% reporting eclampsia. Up to 1 year after birth, 45.2% of women reported hypertension. Hemodialysis due to hypertension was associated with a history of hypertension during pregnancy (OR 2.33, CI 1.27 – 4.24), gestational hypertension (2.41, CI 3.30 – 4.45), and hypertension up to one year after birth (OR 1.98, CI 1.11 – 3.51). Logistic regression showed that gestational hypertension was independently associated with CKD due to hypertension (aOR 2.76, CI 1.45 – 5.24). Conclusion: Women undergoing hemodialysis due to hypertension were more likely to have gestational hypertension or hypertension up to one year after birth. To delay end-stage renal disease, it is necessary to identify women at risk of kidney failure according to their reproductive history.

RESUMO Introdução: Complicações relacionadas à gestação podem afetar o ciclo reprodutivo e a saúde das mulheres ao longo de suas vidas. Este estudo visou avaliar histórico sociodemográfico, clínico e obstétrico de mulheres em hemodiálise. Métodos: Realizamos estudo transversal em unidade de saúde especializada com quatro unidades de hemodiálise. Avaliou-se características sociodemográficas, histórico clínico e pessoal, resultados obstétricos e perinatais de mulheres com gestações anteriores à hemodiálise. Foram realizadas análises de prevalência, bivariadas e regressão logística. Resultados: Incluímos 208 (87,76%) mulheres. Hipertensão foi a principal causa de doença renal crônica (DRC) (128 mulheres). Taxas de desfechos perinatais adversos, incluindo prematuridade, baixo peso ao nascer, aborto espontâneo, óbito fetal e neonatal, foram de 19,3%, 14,5%, 25,5%, 12,1% e 5,3%, respectivamente. Síndromes hipertensivas durante a gestação ocorreram em 37,0% das mulheres, com 12,5% relatando pré-eclâmpsia e 1,4% relatando eclampsia. Até 1 ano após o parto, 45,2% das mulheres relataram hipertensão. Hemodiálise devido à hipertensão foi associada ao histórico de hipertensão na gestação (OR 2,33; IC 1,27 - 4,24), hipertensão gestacional (2,41; IC 3,30 - 4,45), e hipertensão até um ano após o parto (OR 1,98; IC 1,11 - 3,51). A regressão logística mostrou que hipertensão gestacional foi independentemente associada à DRC devido à hipertensão (ORa 2,76; IC 1,45 - 5,24). Conclusão: Mulheres submetidas à hemodiálise por hipertensão foram mais propensas a apresentar hipertensão gestacional ou hipertensão até um ano após o parto. Para retardar a doença renal em estágio terminal, deve-se identificar mulheres em risco de insuficiência renal de acordo com sua história reprodutiva.

Abstract This article examines the intergovernmental transfer effects on wage differences between local civil servants and private sector employees. The sample was composed of 5,449 Brazilian municipalities, working with data from 2000 to 2016 clustered in 5,344 minimum comparable areas (MCA). The methodological procedures were quantitative and developed in two steps. The first step was to assess the median wage difference between local civil servants and private sector employees through unconditional quantile regression. The second was the analysis of different wage determinants through multiple regression with panel data, fixed effects, and additional estimations such as cluster-robust standard errors, temporal correlation, and spatial correlation. The results demonstrated that when per capita intergovernmental transfers increase by 1%, the wage difference between local civil servants and private sector employees increases by 0.067%. Besides that, when per capita GDP increases by 1%, the wage difference decreases by 0.036%. Furthermore, the paper observed that populational size increases and electoral competition decreases wage differences between the public and private sectors in Brazilian municipalities.

Resumen Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo investigar el efecto de las transferencias intergubernamentales en la diferencia salarial entre los servidores municipales y los empleados del sector privado. La muestra estuvo conformada por 5.449 municipios durante el período 2000 a 2016, agrupados en 5.344 áreas mínimas comparables. Los procedimientos metodológicos cuantitativos se desarrollaron en dos etapas. En la primera, la mediana de la diferencia salarial entre los empleados municipales y los del sector privado se midió utilizando la regresión por cuantiles incondicionales. En la segunda etapa, el análisis de los determinantes de la brecha salarial se realizó mediante regresión múltiple con datos de panel, efectos fijos y estimaciones adicionales con errores robustos por clúster, correlación temporal y correlación espacial. Los resultados indicaron que un aumento del 1% en las transferencias intergubernamentales per cápita resulta en un aumento del 0,067% en la brecha salarial en los municipios brasileños entre los servidores municipales y los empleados del sector privado. Además, identificó que un aumento de 1% en el PIB per cápita se traduce en una reducción de 0,036% en la brecha salarial. Finalmente, la investigación observó que el tamaño de la población aumenta mientras la competencia electoral reduce la brecha salarial en los municipios brasileños.

Resumo Esta pesquisa tem por objetivo investigar o efeito das transferências intergovernamentais na diferença salarial entre os servidores municipais e os funcionários do setor privado. A amostra foi formada por 5.449 municípios durante o período de 2000 a 2016, agrupados em 5.344 áreas mínimas comparáveis. Os procedimentos metodológicos quantitativos foram desenvolvidos em duas etapas. Na primeira, mediu-se a diferença salarial mediana entre os servidores municipais e os funcionários do setor privado por meio da regressão quantílica incondicional. Na segunda, a análise dos determinantes da diferença salarial foi realizada por meio de regressão múltipla com dados em painel, efeitos fixos e estimações adicionais com erros robustos a cluster, correlação temporal e correlação espacial. Os resultados indicaram que o aumento de 1% das transferências intergovernamentais per capita resulta em aumento de 0,067% na diferença salarial nos municípios brasileiros entre os servidores municipais e os funcionários do setor privado. Além disso, a elevação de 1% no Produto Interno Bruto (PIB) per capita resulta numa redução de 0,036% da diferença salarial. Por último, a pesquisa observou que o tamanho populacional aumenta enquanto a competição eleitoral reduz a diferença salarial nos municípios brasileiros.

RESUMEN: Las proteínas S100 pertenecen al grupo de proteínas fijadoras de calcio y están presentes en actividades reguladoras fisiológicas intracelulares y extracelulares, como la diferenciación celular, y actúan en procesos patológicos inflamatorios y neoplásicos. Recientemente, sus expresiones en el sistema nervioso han sido ampliamente estudiadas, buscando dilucidar su acción a nivel del tálamo: una estructura del sistema nervioso central que forma parte de importantes circuitos, como el somatosensorial, conductual, de memoria y cognitivo, así como además de ser responsable de la transmisión y regulación de la información a la corteza cerebral. Este artículo es una revisión integradora de la literatura científica, que analizó 12 estudios presentes en Pubmed. El análisis mostró que la relación de las proteínas S100 y el tálamo ha sido descrita en procesos neoplásicos, trastornos mentales, hipoxia, trauma, estrés, infección, enfermedad de Parkinson y epilepsia. En resumen, es posible concluir que esta familia de proteínas es relevante como marcador en procesos de lesión talámica, requiriendo más estudios para comprender mejor su significado clínico, preclínico y su valor pronóstico.

SUMMARY: S100 proteins belong group of calcium-binding proteins and are present in physiological intracellular and extracellular regulatory activities, such as cell differentiation, and act in inflammatory and neoplastic pathological processes. Recently, its expressions in the nervous system have been extensively studied, seeking to elucidate its action at the level of the thalamus: A structure of the central nervous system that is part of important circuits, such as somatosensory, behavioral, memory and cognitive, as well as being responsible for the transmission and regulation of information to the cerebral cortex. This article is an integrative review of scientific literature, which analyzed 12 studies present in Pubmed. The analysis showed that the relationship of S100 proteins and the thalamus has been described in neoplastic processes, mental disorders, hypoxia, trauma, stress, infection, Parkinson's disease and epilepsy. In summary, it is possible to conclude that this protein family is relevant as a marker in processes of thalamic injury, requiring further studies to better understand its clinical, preclinical meanings and its prognostic value.

Abstract Objective: To describe the process of translation into Brazilian Portuguese and cross-cultural adaptation of the French Reflux Symptom Score-12 questionnaire used for the diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux. Methods: This was across-cultural translation and adaptation study of a health instrument, with a cross-sectional design. It was carried out in eight stages: translation from French into Brazilian Portuguese, cultural adaptation by a panel of experts, application of the first version (pilot test 1), adaptation by a panel of experts, application of the second version (pilot test 2), back translation, reviewing by a committee in conjunction with the author of the original instrument and, application of the final version. The Brazilian Portuguese versions of the questionnaire were applied to individuals with symptoms and signs of laryngopharyngeal reflux who underwent pHmetry and esophageal manometry at the study site. Results: In pilot test 1, the first version of the RSS-12 in Brazilian Portuguese was applied to 30 patients. The patients had no difficulty to understand any of the 12 symptom items, but 15 patients (50%) had difficulty interpreting the symptom frequency score. After adapting the format of the frequency score, a version 2 of the RSS-12 in Brazilian Portuguese was applied to another 23 patients, who completed the questionnaire in full without any difficulty. Along with the review committee, the author of the original RSS-12 considered the version 2 to be adequate and did not propose any changes, so it was approved as the final version of the Brazilian Portuguese RSS-12. Conclusion: The Brazilian Portuguese version of the instrument, called Reflux Symptom Score-12 PT-BR, shows good understanding and linguistic, conceptual and content equivalence, in relation to the original Reflux Symptom Score-12.

ABSTRACT: Adaptation to climate change is a strategy for crops to cope with the scenario of rising temperatures worldwide. In the case of Coffea arabica L., the use of agroforestry systems (AFS) with woody species is a promising practice to reduce excessive heat during the day. This study aimed to 1) evaluate air temperature changes that occur in an AFS of coffee and double alleys of rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis Müell. Arg.) and 2) carry out an analysis of future warming scenarios by comparing the cultivation of Arabic coffee in full sun and in an AFS of double alleys of rubber trees. The microclimatic variables were measured between two rows of coffee trees at 1.0 m of height from June 2016 to June 2018. The results indicate that the AFS with double alleys of rubber trees spaced 16 m apart had an average temperature reduction from 1.4 to 2.5 °C from 10h00 to 16h00. The study also simulated temperature increases of 1.7, 2.6, 3.1, and 4.8 °C from 2018 to 2099, according to scenarios predicted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and the impact in coffee production in Paraná State, Brazil. Using the climatic generator PGECLIMA_R, simulations suggest a progressive reduction of traditional areas suitable for open-grown coffee in the state. Production conditions can be maintained through the AFS, since the systems attenuate mean temperatures by 1-2 °C. We conclude that the AFS of coffee and rubber trees contribute to coffee crop adaptations to a future warmer environment.

RESUMO Introdução: Complicações relacionadas à gestação podem afetar o ciclo reprodutivo e a saúde das mulheres ao longo de suas vidas. Este estudo visou avaliar histórico sociodemográfico, clínico e obstétrico de mulheres em hemodiálise. Métodos: Realizamos estudo transversal em unidade de saúde especializada com quatro unidades de hemodiálise. Avaliou-se características sociodemográficas, histórico clínico e pessoal, resultados obstétricos e perinatais de mulheres com gestações anteriores à hemodiálise. Foram realizadas análises de prevalência, bivariadas e regressão logística. Resultados: Incluímos 208 (87,76%) mulheres. Hipertensão foi a principal causa de doença renal crônica (DRC) (128 mulheres). Taxas de desfechos perinatais adversos, incluindo prematuridade, baixo peso ao nascer, aborto espontâneo, óbito fetal e neonatal, foram de 19,3%, 14,5%, 25,5%, 12,1% e 5,3%, respectivamente. Síndromes hipertensivas durante a gestação ocorreram em 37,0% das mulheres, com 12,5% relatando pré-eclâmpsia e 1,4% relatando eclampsia. Até 1 ano após o parto, 45,2% das mulheres relataram hipertensão. Hemodiálise devido à hipertensão foi associada ao histórico de hipertensão na gestação (OR 2,33; IC 1,27 - 4,24), hipertensão gestacional (2,41; IC 3,30 - 4,45), e hipertensão até um ano após o parto (OR 1,98; IC 1,11 - 3,51). A regressão logística mostrou que hipertensão gestacional foi independentemente associada à DRC devido à hipertensão (ORa 2,76; IC 1,45 - 5,24). Conclusão: Mulheres submetidas à hemodiálise por hipertensão foram mais propensas a apresentar hipertensão gestacional ou hipertensão até um ano após o parto. Para retardar a doença renal em estágio terminal, deve-se identificar mulheres em risco de insuficiência renal de acordo com sua história reprodutiva.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Pregnancy-related complications may impact women’s reproductive cycle and health through their lives. The objective of this study was to evaluate the sociodemographic, clinical, and obstetric history of women undergoing hemodialysis. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study in a specialized health facility with four hemodialysis units. Sociodemographic characteristics, clinical and personal history, obstetric and perinatal results of women with pregnancies before hemodialysis were evaluated. Prevalence, bivariate, and logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: We included 208 (87.76%) women. Hypertension was the main cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) (128 women). Rates of adverse perinatal outcomes, including prematurity, low birth weight, miscarriage, fetal death, and neonatal death, were 19.3%, 14.5%, 25.5%, 12.1%, and 5.3%, respectively. Hypertensive syndromes during pregnancy occurred in 37.0% of women, with 12.5% reporting preeclampsia and 1.4% reporting eclampsia. Up to 1 year after birth, 45.2% of women reported hypertension. Hemodialysis due to hypertension was associated with a history of hypertension during pregnancy (OR 2.33, CI 1.27 – 4.24), gestational hypertension (2.41, CI 3.30 – 4.45), and hypertension up to one year after birth (OR 1.98, CI 1.11 – 3.51). Logistic regression showed that gestational hypertension was independently associated with CKD due to hypertension (aOR 2.76, CI 1.45 – 5.24). Conclusion: Women undergoing hemodialysis due to hypertension were more likely to have gestational hypertension or hypertension up to one year after birth. To delay end-stage renal disease, it is necessary to identify women at risk of kidney failure according to their reproductive history.

Resumo Sob a ótica do absenteísmo, este artigo descreve e analisa o processo de agendamento e atendimento de consultas médicas para o município de Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil. A partir dos mapas dos processos de agendamento e atendimento na Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS), foram realizadas entrevistas com coordenações da Secretaria Municipal de Saúde e gerentes de Unidades Básicas de Saúde (UBS) e Unidades de Saúde da Família (USF). Em uma abordagem qualitativa, foram identificadas as características, peculiaridades e possibilidades de estruturação no agendamento e atendimento à população. Os resultados são apresentados de modo analítico nos seguintes tópicos temáticos: gestão da agenda, acolhimento, tecnologias de informação e comunicação, modelo de unidade, pronto atendimento, infraestrutura e recursos humanos. Os resultados deste trabalho poderão auxiliar gestores municipais em processos de avaliação e melhoria contínua na rede de APS.

Resumen Bajo la óptica del ausentismo, este artículo describe y analiza el proceso de solicitud y realización de consultas médicas para el municipio de Ribeirão Preto Estado de São Paulo Brasil. A partir de los mapas de los procesos de solicitud y realización de consultas en la Atención Primaria de la Salud (APS), se realizaron entrevistas con coordinaciones de la Secretaría Municipal de Salud y gerentes de unidades básicas de salud (UBS) y unidades de salud de la familia (USF). En un abordaje cualitativo, se identificaron las características, peculiaridades y posibilidades de estructuración en la solicitud de consultas y atención a la población. Los resultados se presentan de modo analítico en los tópicos temáticos siguientes: gestión de la agenda, acogida, tecnologías de información y comunicación, modelo de unidad, urgencias, infraestructura y recursos humanos. Los resultados de ese trabajo podrán ayudar a gestores municipales en procesos de evaluación y mejora continua en la red de APS.

Abstract Through the lens of absenteeism, this article describes and analyzes the consultation scheduling and appointment process in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. Based on primary health care scheduling and appointment process maps, we conducted interviews with coordinators of the Municipal Health Department and managers of primary care clinics and family health clinics. Adopting a qualitative approach, we identified the characteristics, peculiarities, and possibilities related to the organization of scheduling and appointments. The results are presented under the following thematic categories: schedule management, welcoming, information and communication technologies, unit model, urgent care, and infrastructure and human resources. The results of this work can help local health managers in implementing evaluation processes and the continuous improvement in primary care services.

Abstract Historically, phenol/croton oil deep chemical peeling has been very effective and has generated excellent results compared to other formulas used in dermatological clinics. However, it can cause serious side effects in patients sensitive to phenol. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a liquid crystalline structure containing croton oil (without phenol) as well as to evaluate the physical characteristics and cytotoxicity of this new system. Rational proportions of the croton oil, purified water, and polyethylene glycol hexadecyl ether were designed through a partial phase diagram to obtain 26 formulations. After macroscopic analysis and polarized light microscopy evaluation, formulations with lamellar liquid crystalline phase (4 samples) were identified and chosen to determine pH, size, polydispersion index (PDI), zeta potential, and rheological behavior. After 48 hours, three samples presented phase separation. Formulation 8 remained stable, but hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC, 0.5%, w/w) was added to the aqueous phase, to prevent coalescence. Sample 8A exhibited a pH compatible with the skin, nanometric size, narrow PDI, negative zeta potential, and stability throughout the study period. The addition of HEC improved the organization of the system, making the formulation more stable. The oil, fractions of the oil, and the sample exhibited increasing cytotoxicity, respectively. This result could be attributed to the fractionation process of the vegetal matrix, and the surfactant present in the formulation increased the cell membrane permeability. The proposed approach successfully achieved a physically stable liquid crystal system containing croton oil.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Clinical features and outcomes of patients admitted to the intensive care unit due to acute abdomen are important to be investigated. AIMS: To evaluate the outcomes of critically ill subjects with acute abdomen according to etiology, comorbidity and severity. METHODS: Outcomes of 1,523 patients (878 women, mean age 66±18 years) consecutively admitted to a specialized gastrointestinal intensive care unit with different causes of acute abdomen from January 2012 to December 2019, were retrospectively evaluated according to etiology, comorbidity and severity. RESULTS: The most common causes of acute abdomen were obstructive and inflammatory, particularly large bowel obstruction (27%), small bowel obstruction (18%) and acute pancreatitis (17%). Overall mortality was 13%. Surgery was required in 34% of patients. Median length of stay in the hospital was 9 [1-101] days. On univariate analysis mortality was significantly associated with age, APACHE II, Charlson comorbidity index, requirement for surgery and malignancy (p<0.0001), but only APACHE II, Charlson comorbidity index and surgical interventional remained significant on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care unit with acute abdomen constitute a heterogeneous group of subjects with different prognosis. Mortality is more related to the severity of the disease, comorbidity and need for surgery than to the etiology of the acute abdomen.

RESUMO RACIONAL: As características clínicas e os desfechos dos pacientes internados na unidade de terapia intensiva devido ao abdômen agudo são importantes serem investigados. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar os desfechos de indivíduos gravemente doentes com abdômen agudo de acordo com etiologia, gravidade e comorbidade. MÉTODOS: Os desfechos de 1.523 pacientes (878 mulheres, média de idade 66±18 anos) que foram previamente admitidos em uma unidade de terapia intensiva especializada em doenças gastrointestinais, com diferentes causas de abdômen agudo entre janeiro de 2012 e dezembro de 2019, foram avaliados retrospectivamente segundo etiologia, comorbidade e gravidade. RESULTADOS: As causas mais comuns de abdômen agudo foram obstrutivas e inflamatórias, com destaque para obstrução em colon (27%), em intestino delgado (18%) e pancreatite aguda (17%). A mortalidade geral foi de 13%. A cirurgia foi necessária em 34%. A média de permanência no hospital foi de 9 [1-101] dias. Na análise univariada a mortalidade foi significativamente associada à idade, APACHE II, índice de comorbidade de Charlson, necessidade de abordagem cirúrgica e presença de malignidade (p<0,0001), mas apenas APACHE II, índice de comorbidade de Charlson e intervenção cirúrgica permaneceram significativos na análise multivariada. CONCLUSÕES: Pacientes internados na unidade de terapia intensiva com abdômen agudo constituem um grupo heterogêneo de indivíduos com prognóstico diferente. A mortalidade está mais relacionada com a gravidade da doença, comorbidade e necessidade de cirurgia do que com a etiologia do abdome agudo.

ABSTRACT Brazil is a great source of arbovirus diversity, mainly in the Amazon region. However, other biomes, especially the Atlantic Forest, may also be a hotspot for emerging viruses, including Bunyaviruses (Negarnaviricota: Bunyavirales). For instance, Vale do Ribeira, located in the Southeastern region, has been widely studied for virus surveillance, where Flavivirus, Alphavirus and Bunyaviruses were isolated during the last decades, including Bruconha virus (BRCV), a member of Orthobunyavirus genus Group C, in 1976. Recently, a new isolate of BRCV named Span321532 was obtained from an adult sentinel mouse placed in Iguape city in 2011, and a full-length genome was generated with nucleotide differences ranging between 1.5%, 5.3% and 5% (L, M and S segments, respectively) from the prototype isolated 35 years earlier. In addition, each segment placed BRCV into different clusters, showing the high variety within Bunyavirales. Although no evidence for reassortants was detected, this finding reiterates the need for new surveillance and genomic studies in the area considering the high mutation rates of arbovirus, and also to identify the hosts capable of supporting the continuous circulation of Orthobunyavirus.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Social distancing has led to lifestyle changes among older adults during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence risk of sarcopenia (RS) and investigate its associated factors during the COVID-19 pandemic in older Brazilian adults. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional observational analysis of baseline data as part of the Remobilize Study. METHODS: Participants in the study were older adults (≥ 60 years), excluding those who were bedridden or institutionalized. The data collected consisted of answers about the RS (SARC-F), functional status, walking, sedentary behavior (SB), pain, comorbidity, and life space mobility. RESULTS: A total of 1,482 older adults (70 ± 8.14 years, 74% women) participated in the study, and an RS prevalence of 17.1% was found. (95% confidence interval [CI] 15.25–19.15%). The adjusted multivariate model showed a significant association between RS and functional limitation (odds ratio [OR]: 19.05; CI 13.00–28.32), comorbidity (OR: 5.11; CI 3.44–7.81), pain (OR: 4.56; CI 3.33–6.28), total walking (OR: 0.99; CI 0.99–1.00), SB of 8–10 hours (OR: 1.85; CI 1.15–2.93), and SB of > 10 hours (OR: 3.93; CI 2.48–6.22). RS was associated with mobility during the pandemic (OR: 0.97; CI 0.96–0.98). P < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: During the pandemic, the prevalence of RS in older Brazilians was estimated at 17.1%. Moderate to severe functional limitation, comorbidities, presence of pain, walking, longer SB period, and reduced life space mobility significantly contributed to RS in older adults during the pandemic.