Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte

Bourguignon M., Gallardo D.I.

Lima e Silva D., Ferreira Paes-Cesário M., Gomes do Nascimento F., Kaufummam Costa Mafra K., Neto de Santana Oliveira S.

The world lives in the age of the internet, real-time information, and a growing appreciation and concern for diversity across all areas of society. As a result of these transformations, discussions about the rights of people with disabilities and the challenges they face in navigating urban spaces and participating in various activities, including everyday tasks that should be guaranteed by law, as well as sports and leisure activities, have become more prominent. In this context, this study aimed to assess the accessibility conditions for people with disabilities at Joaquina Beach in Florianópolis, the capital of Santa Catarina, located in southern Brazil. This research is characterized as exploratory and descriptive, with an applied nature, and qualitative analysis. It was organized into two stages: a theoretical phase, including bibliographic and documentary research as primary investigative strategies, and a field phase, based on the application of a checklist to assess accessibility conditions on beaches. The checklist covered the following aspects: 1) Support points for specific assistance for people with disabilities; 2) Access routes; 3) Communication and signage; 4) Parking spaces for vehicles; 5) Toilets; and 6) Beaches. The results indicate that Joaquina Beach currently does not offer satisfactory accessibility conditions for people with disabilities or reduced mobility. Therefore, it is necessary to encourage and implement public policies that can provide better conditions for accessing the beach and waterfront facilities, ensuring greater autonomy and freedom for all individuals.

Neta I.A., Sobral B.S., de Sousa R.B., Paixão J.L., Dantas S.L., Spinelli J.E., Silva B.L.

Oliveira W.K., Diniz R.M., Rodrigues J.A., de Sousa F.F., dos Santos C.C., Sinfrônio F.S., Ferreira F.F., da Silva Filho J.G., de Menezes A.S.

de Souza P.C., da Silva A.G., Santos C.M., Santiago L.A., Araújo M.E., de Lima I.L., Ribeiro K.D.

To compare the perinatal outcomes of women with GDM, between pregnant treated only with lifestyle changes and pregnant treated with insulin and lifestyle changes.

Falchi-Carvalho M., Barros H., Bolcont R., Laborde S., Wießner I., Ruschi B. Silva S., Montanini D., Barbosa D.C., Teixeira E., Florence-Vilela R., Almeida R., de Macedo R.K., Arichelle F., Pantrigo É.J., Costa-Macedo J.V., et. al.

da Silva A.B., Marques A.B., da Costa Junior J.F., de Souza R.P.

Background: The world has rapidly experienced a shift in the work environment due to a global need brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and the recognition of the advantages that remote work presents for companies engaged in processes and customer service. However, not all employees exhibit the same level of adaptation and performance while carrying out their tasks outside the organization's premises. In this scenario, multicriteria decision analysis emerges as a tool to support the decision-making process in prioritizing employees with the best profile for carrying out telecommuting activities. Objective: To create a multicriteria decision model for ranking in the selection of employees for a call center company based in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, for remote work from home. Methods: A case study was conducted, incorporating the application of Value-Focused Thinking (VFT), a questionnaire, and the development of the decision model using the FITradeoff method. The choice is based on the concepts of flexible elicitation from the FITradeoff method (Flexible and Interactive Tradeoff). FITradeoff is a method for eliciting scale constants created in accordance with the scope of the Multi-Attribute Value Theory (MAVT). Results: The model was able to provide support information for ranking employees with the best profiles for transitioning from on-site work to remote work, based on consistent prioritization criteria, aiding decision-makers in justifying the chosen selection. Conclusions: It was possible to rank the best profiles for transitioning work arrangements and gain an understanding of how employees perceive remote work.

Medeiros P.L., Pimenta A.S., Miranda N.D., Melo R.R., Amorim J.D., Azevedo T.K.

The increase in demand for timber and global eucalyptus cultivation has generated controversy regarding its potential impact on water resources, especially in regions with limited water availability, with the myth that “eucalyptus dries out the soil” being spread. In this regard, this review study addresses the factors that influence water consumption by eucalyptus, providing solutions to reduce, mitigate, or even avoid any impact on water resources at a given site. In this manuscript, the authors reviewed 200 works published from 1977 to 2024 to survey all information to confirm if the factual background allows someone to state if eucalyptus can deplete soil water. With a solid scientific basis, many research studies show that eucalyptus’ water demand is comparable to that of native forest species and crops worldwide and that species, age, edaphoclimatic conditions, and forest management practices mainly influence water consumption. On the other hand, it is a hasty conclusion that some eucalyptus species can contribute to reduced soil water. Effectively, without proper management, the environmental impacts of a eucalyptus plantation are the same as those of poorly managed crops. Indeed, if cultivated with proper agroclimatic zoning and correct management practices, the growth of eucalyptus culture is an environmentally correct activity. By adopting measures such as maintaining sufficient native forest cover to ensure ecosystem services, cultivation based on zoning maps, and considering local specificities (e.g., deeper, sandier soils are preferable), selection of species appropriate to the carrying capacity of each region, adoption of lower planting densities, and reduced rotation, eucalyptus cultivation will not negatively affect water resources. Sustainable eucalyptus cultivation has several economic and environmental benefits, in addition to positive social impacts on surrounding communities in terms of employment and family income, and its sustainable management can guarantee its viability, demystifying the idea that eucalyptus trees cause water scarcity. The works reviewed herein demonstrated no solid ground to sustain the eucalyptus’ water depletion myth.

de Carvalho Vilar M.D., Coutinho K.M., de Lima Vale S.H., Dourado Junior M.E., de Medeiros G.C., Piuvezam G., Brandao-Neto J., Leite-Lais L.

Background/Objectives: This study is a systematic review of guidelines that aims to synthesize evidence-based recommendations to support appropriate nutritional management for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Methods: PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, SciELO, Web of Science, LILACS, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar were searched for records published up to July 2024. Clinical practice guidelines addressing any aspect of nutritional intervention in ALS were included. No language or country of publication restrictions were applied. Data extraction was performed by two independent reviewers. The methodological quality of the reports was assessed using the AGREE II instrument. Discrepancies were resolved by consensus. Results: The findings and main recommendations were summarized narratively. A total of 837 records were identified, and 11 were included in this review. The overall AGREE II scores for the included studies ranged from 3 to 7. The summary of nutritional recommendations was organized into topics: (1) dysphagia, (2) nutritional assessment, (3) energy, (4) protein, (5) supplementation, and (6) percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). This review summarizes relevant and updated nutritional recommendations to maintain or restore the nutritional status of patients with ALS, contributing to their quality of life and survival time. Conclusions: These nutritional recommendations will help health professionals and caregivers to implement and standardize nutritional care according to evidence-based practice in ALS. PROSPERO registration number CRD42021233088.

Queiroz J.F., Sarmento A.C., Aquino A.C., de Souza A.T., de Medeiros K.S., Falsetta M.L., Gonçalves A.K.

Abstract Objectives To assess the effectiveness of psychotherapy and psychotherapeutic techniques for reduction of vulvar pain and the improvement of sexual function and psychological adjustment in vulvodynia. Material and Methods The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PsycInfo, and Clinical Trial Databases were searched on July 19, 2024. We included randomized controlled trials comparing psychotherapy interventions and psychotherapeutic techniques for vulvodynia. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias (RoB 2.0) tool. RevMan 5.4 was used for data synthesis. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development (GRADE) and Evaluation method was used to assess the strength of the evidence. Results A total of 1,884 articles were retrieved. Eight studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the systematic review, comprising 689 participants. Two studies were included in the meta-analysis, these with 143 participants. When comparing the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with the control group, the mean difference (MD) in the pooled analysis for the Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire did not differ significantly between ACT therapy and other therapies for posttreatment assessment (MD = 0.77; 95% CI = 3.45–4.99). Only 1 study was at high risk of bias due to a lack of clarity about the outcome measurement process. The GRADE rating for the certainty of the evidence for vulvar pain acceptance using ACT was considered low. Conclusions Psychotherapy significantly improves vulvar pain, psychological adjustment, and sexual function in women with vulvodynia. Additionally, our meta-analysis showed that ACT and other psychotherapeutic interventions improve psychological adjustment through pain acceptance. However, more rigorous studies are needed to improve the quality of evidence and inform clinical practice.

de Souza A.T., Lucas C.R., de Carvalho K.T., Neta A.P., Bernardes-Oliveira E., Camargo J.D., Luchessi A.D., Cobucci R.N., Crispim J.C.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common pregnancy complication characterized by hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, with unclear genetic mechanisms. The specific involvement of proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-17A, and the immuno-tolerogenic HLA-G remains poorly understood in GDM. We aimed to explore the associations of three polymorphisms, IL-17A -197G>A (rs2275913), IL-17RA -947A>G (rs4819554), and HLA-G 14-bp insertion/deletion (indel), with GDM risk in a Brazilian population. We conducted a case-control study (79 GDM cases and 79 controls). Genetic polymorphisms were analyzed using PCR–RFLP, with DNA extracted using the Salting-out procedure. Significant associations were identified between -197G>A rs2275913 and HLA-G 14-bp indel polymorphisms in both codominant and recessive models. The IL-17A rs2275913 AA genotype was associated with a nearly ten-fold increased risk of GDM in both the codominant (p = 0.021, OR 9.89, 95% CI: 1.63–59.92) and recessive models (p = 0.006, OR 9.33, 95% CI: 1.57–55.38). Similarly, the HLA-G 14-bp Ins/Ins genotype was associated with an increased risk in both the codominant (p = 0.026, OR 3.34, 95% CI: 0.98–11.41) and recessive models (p = 0.010, OR 4.20, 95% CI: 1.36–12.96). IL-17RA polymorphism showed no significant associations. The study findings highlight the potential genetic and immune factors associated with GDM, particularly the -197G>A rs2275913 and HLA-G 14-bp indel polymorphisms. Further functional characterization is warranted to uncover the mechanism of genotype–phenotype association.

de Sousa L.C., Curinga M.R., Galvão C.S., Lam W.Y., Carreiro A.D.

ABSTRACTObjectiveProvisional removable partial denture (RPD) preserves esthetic and functional parameters until definitive treatment. This clinical report presents a 19‐year‐old victim of a road traffic accident who lost the maxillary right central and lateral incisors.Clinical ConsiderationsA 3D printed maxillary provisional RPD planned using a virtual patient was provided until the patient could undergo implant‐supported rehabilitation. Intraoral and facial scans were conducted, and the images were integrated into a dental software program for digital prosthetic planning. The provisional RPD was designed considering the facial parameters, then 3D printed, characterized, and delivered to the patient.ConclusionsThe 3D printed provisional RPD demonstrated satisfactory esthetic and functional outcomes, offering a faster and more predictable alternative compared to the conventional method.Clinical SignificanceUsing virtual patients to design 3D printed provisional removable partial dentures can enhance the predictability of treatment, especially in the esthetic area.

Duarte D.H., de Lima P.D., de Araújo J.M.

de Lira-Bandeira W.G., de Mendonça Batista L.A., de Medeiros Bandeira A.S., de Góis Morais P.L., Pereira L.R., de Meiroz Grilo M.L., Cavalcante J.S., de Santana M.A., de Lima R.R., Galvão-Coelho N.L., Ladd F.V., do Nascimento E.S.

IntroductionThe striatum (St) integrates cognitive, motor, and limbic functions and plays a critical role in processing emotions, motivation, and rewards. It may undergo several morphophysiological changes in neuropsychiatric diseases. Depression, a complex psychiatric disorder, affects millions of people around the world and leads to an increased risk of suicide, decreased quality of life, and functional impairment. Conventional treatments require prolonged use, leading to drug resistance; thus, new treatments and therapeutic strategies have been widely studied. Ayahuasca results from the joint infusion of the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and Psychotria viridis leaves have psychoactive properties, and its use in depression has shown promising results. Our objective was to morphoquantitatively evaluate the effects of ayahuasca on the St in an already validated model of juvenile depression induced in a non-human primate.MethodsSix marmosets were divided into three groups of two animals each. One group was kept in family life (FG), and two groups were socially isolated (IG). Isolation was carried out by separating the animal from all others in the colony. One of the isolated groups received doses of ayahuasca tea (AG) 3 days before and two times during the isolation period, while the other groups received the same dose of placebo. After 13 weeks of experimentation, euthanasia, and transcardiac perfusion were performed. The brains were sectioned and stained with thionin using the Nissl method. We employed stereological techniques to assess the striatum and investigate potential alterations in neuronal volume in socially isolated animals treated with ayahuasca. Equidistant sections of the caudate and putamen were analyzed for all measurements and selected by systematic and uniform sampling.Results and discussionStriatal neurons in the IG group exhibited significantly smaller volumes compared to those in the FG and AG groups. Our findings suggest that ayahuasca may prevent extensive neuronal volume loss, as observed in the IG, by acting as a prophylactic agent and buffering neural structural changes during chronical social isolation.

de Medeiros Pereira A.K., DA Silva Batista S.H., Soares P.D., da Rocha Uchôa Figueiredo L., Souza R.M., da Costa M.V.