Revista Contexto & Saúde is a publication of the Stricto-Sensu Graduate Program in Comprehensive Health Care at the Regional University of Northwestern Rio Grande do Sul (UNIJUÍ) and Unijuí Publisher. The Journal was created in 2001. All its articles are available in online format. The Journal aims to disseminate technical-scientific production on topics related to the Health Sciences area. The scope of the journal covers the dissemination of research results that contemplate advances in the health-disease-care process and in the knowledge and applicability of new chemical and biological processes in health. In this journal, it is understood that the publication of studies with epidemiological, care, and educational aspects in health, both experimental and applied, is a way to support and qualify health care in an interdisciplinary manner. ISSN: 2176-7114
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Quality of life of older adults with self-reported systemic arterial hypertension
Objective: To analyze the quality of life of older adults with self-reported hypertension. correlating it with sociodemographic and clinical aspects. Method: Cross-sectional and analytical study. Data were collected between June and November 2021 through interviews using instruments containing sociodemographic and clinical profile data, the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief (WHOQOL-BREF) and Whoqol-old. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the domains of the Whoqol-Bref and Whoqol-old between sexes. The chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were applied to verify equality in the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the sexes. The relationship between the QoL scores of the Whoqol-Bref and Whoqol-old was verified by Spearman's correlation. A significance level of 5% was considered for all statistical tests. Results: The Whoqol-Bref showed that female participants had lower quality of life scores, ranging from 3.3 to 3.7, compared to males (3.7 to 4.0). In the physical aspect, a lower score was observed in females (median=3.3), with a statistically significant difference compared to males (median=3.7; p<0.001). In the overall quality of life score, men obtained a higher score (median=3.8) compared to women (median=3.5), a statistically significant difference between the sexes (p=0.003). Conclusion: The quality of life of older women is significantly worse compared to that of older men, and this constitutes an important element for planning interventions in the field of health.
Copyright (c) 2026 Marinês Tambara Leite, Nathalia Piazentini Pioczkoski, Eliane Raquel Rieth Benetti, Alan Rafael Martins Savariz, Silomar Ilha, Leticia de Moura, Iara Denise Endruweit Battisti http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Adolescent with type 1 diabetes mellitus: Contribution to health education for safe discharge
Objective: To contribute, through health education, to a safe hospital discharge for adolescents diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus. Method: Action research was employed as the research method, conducted with the target population of adolescents with Diabetes Mellitus. The study setting was a public hospital in the Federal District, Brazil, and it was carried out between October 2022 and May 2023. Health technology tools were used, including a Comic Book, a Memory Game, and a Standard Operating Procedure, which were presented to the adolescent and a family member during a health education session supported by therapeutic play. Participant observation was conducted using a field diary, along with a questionnaire to collect the adolescent’s sociodemographic and clinical data. The narrative description of the analysis was developed in light of the theoretical framework. Results: The technological tools were identified as useful and appropriate during the session with a 13-year-old adolescent living in the Federal District, accompanied by her mother. The tools were well accepted, and learning was strengthened, contributing to a safer hospital discharge process. Conclusion: The intervention expanded the range of options available to health professionals, focusing on the implementation of safe discharge practices and the use of care tools directed at the target population, with the potential to broaden their applicability to other age groups and study settings.
Copyright (c) 2026 Luciangela Vasconcelos da Silva, Bruna da Silva Cardoso, Flávia Avancini Ferreira, Ana Christiane Soares de Oliveira, Luz Marina Alfonso Dutra, Manuela Costa Melo http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Association between the dietary carbohydrate quality index and the nutritional status of patients with hypertension
Objective: To assess the dietary Carbohydrate Quality Index (CQI) of patients with systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) receiving care through the Brazilian Unified Health System and its association with their nutritional status. Methods: This study included a convenience sample of 488 patients receiving care at six Primary Health Care Units in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. The CQI was determined, as proposed by its authors, by the sum of four dietary components: glycemic index, dietary fiber (g/day), the ratio of whole grains to total grains, and the ratio of solid carbohydrates to total carbohydrates. The association between CQI and nutritional status (body mass index - BMI and waist circumference - WC) was assessed using Spearman’s correlation test, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The median CQI was 12 (9–15). No correlation was observed between CQI and WC (p = 0.764) or BMI (p = 0.129). However, when stratified by sex, a weak but significant inverse relationship was observed between CQI and BMI among women (p = 0.042), as well as between CQI and BMI among obese and non-obese women (p = 0.047). Conclusion: The evaluated group presented excess body weight and a diet with a low CQI, with no important association between these variables.
Copyright (c) 2026 Vitória Costa de Oliveira, Helena Alves de Carvalho Sampaio, Mayanne Iamara Santos de Oliveira Porto, Antônio Augusto Ferreira Carioca, Soraia Pinheiro Machado, Francisco Valdicélio Ferreira, Alesson Silva Damasceno, Antônio Lucas Fernandes Leal http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Food environment at Maranhão multimodal terminal: Microbiological quality of multipurpose water
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate microbiological quality of multipurpose water at Maranhão Multimodal Terminal and to determine occurrence of enterobacteria as support for hygienic-sanitary control in production processes. Method: Individual water samples were collected from 23 food stalls and three drinking fountain taps available for users, totaling 27 samples. An enzymatic chromogenic method was applied to quantify most probable number (MPN) of total coliforms and Escherichia coli. Enterobacteria were identified through bacterial isolation followed by morphotintorial and biochemical characterization of isolates. Results: All samples analyzed showed absence of E. coli, whereas 59.25% was positive for total coliforms, with counts ranging from 1.0 to >2,419.6 MPN/100 mL. Thirty bacterial strains were isolated from coliform-positive samples. These isolates comprised genus Enterobacter sp. and species Shimwellia blattae, Citrobacter koseri, Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae, Serratia fonticola, Enterobacter cloacae, Proteus myxofaciens, and Proteus mirabilis. Conclusion: Although multipurpose water samples did not contain E. coli, they may function as reservoirs of ubiquitous enterobacteria with clinical relevance (E. cloacae, K. pneumoniae, and P. mirabilis), indicating potential risk to users and need for adequate water treatment. The findings presented here may support effective surveillance and control actions aimed at ensuring microbiological safety of water intended for human consumption at Maranhão Multimodal Terminal.
Copyright (c) 2026 Juliana Maria Alves Caldas, Jhulianne Reginne Muniz de Souza, Mariana Chaves Mendonça, Gisely Jovita Pereira, Greiciene dos Santos de Jesus, Amanda Mara Teles, Luciana da Silva Bastos, Nancyleni Pinto Chaves Bezerra http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Prevalence of acute toxicity in gynecological brachytherapy at a reference center in oncology
The objective of this study is to analyse the prevalence of acute toxicity in gynecological cancer patients undergoing brachytherapy at a cancer treatment center in Santa Catarina. This was a descriptive, exploratory cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach. Data were collected from electronic medical records from the oncology referral service. The population comprised patients diagnosed with gynecological cancer who started and completed teletherapy followed by brachytherapy from January to December 2022. The total population consisted of 90 women, and the main toxicity reported was grade 0 radiodermatitis, followed by dysuria and diarrhoea. Other toxicities were observed in the gastrointestinal and genitourinary systems, such as nausea, insomnia, decreased appetite, grade I radiodermatitis, fatigue, vaginal discharge, loose stools, and lower abdominal pain. Identifying the toxicity profile of women undergoing radiotherapy assists the multidisciplinary team in patient care and management.
Copyright (c) 2026 João Henrique Rodrigues Mehl , Joice Pilger , Charlene da Silva, Juliana dos Santos Müller , Cássila Laís Florêncio Contini , Patrícia Fernanda Dorow, Maurício Mitsuo Monção http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Cervical cancer screening in adolescents: Prevention and adherence to the examination
Objetcive: To analyze cervical cancer screening in adolescent girls in a northeastern capital city from 2018 to 2022. Methods: This is a descriptive and ecological study with a quantitative approach using data extracted from the Cancer Information System database of the Ministry of Health, regarding cervical cancer screening tests performed on adolescents in the municipality of Maceió between 2018 and 2022. Results: The data show a record of 11,099 screening tests performed, predominantly female adolescents of Asian descent. It reveals that 100% of the records show unknown schooling, and indicates that screening is the primary reason for screening in the 10-19 age group. Regarding prior screening, non-screening predominates among those aged 10 to 14, while prior screening is more prevalent among those aged 15 to 19. This same age group shows a predominance of results with benign inflammatory and metaplastic changes. Conclusion: The analysis of cervical cancer screening among adolescents in a capital city in Northeast Brazil, from 2018 to 2022, revealed low adherence to preventive actions, reflecting weaknesses in cytopathological examination coverage in this age group.
Copyright (c) 2026 Alisson Rodrigo Silva de Lima, Amuzza Aylla Pereira dos Santos, Thaís Honório Lins Bernardo, Wanderlei Barbosa dos Santos, Mariana Limeira Duca, Sarah Ferreira Lins da Silva http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Faculty perceptions of the impact of emergency remote teaching on dental education: a qualitative study
This study aimed to evaluate the perception of faculty regarding the influence of Emergency Remote Teaching (ERT) on the training of undergraduate dental students, with emphasis on theoretical learning, clinical skills development, and faculty-student interaction. This was a cross-sectional study conducted with faculty members teaching the final year of the Dentistry course at a private university in Curitiba, Brazil, using the focus group methodology. Five faculty members participated, with an age range between 34 and 52 years, a mean time since graduation of 19.2 ± 5.3 years, and a minimum of five years of teaching experience at the university. Qualitative analysis of the discourses led to the extraction of meaning units, and the convergence of interpretations established three main categories of analysis: a) the teaching-learning process in the context of ERT in Dentistry, b) the student and ERT in Dentistry, and c) the faculty member and ERT in Dentistry. It was observed that the academic performance of dental students was associated with the difficulty of adapting to ERT and the psychosocial issues involved in the pandemic scenario. The sudden incorporation of new technologies into the teaching-learning process imposed significant challenges on the adaptation of both faculty and students across higher education institutions (HEIs).
Copyright (c) 2026 Giuliana Martina Bordin, Fernanda Harumi Oku Prochnow, Stéffany dos Anjos Francisco, Fabiana Roberti Coneglian Machado, Carla Castiglia Gonzaga, Marilisa Carneiro Leão Gabardo, Pablo Guilherme Caldarelli http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Risk factors associated with cardiorespiratory arrest in an emergency room
The objective of the study was to analyze the incidence and factors associated with victims of cardiopulmonary arrest. This is an exploratory, descriptive, longitudinal, retrospective, and quantitative study conducted by analyzing medical records and notification forms of patients admitted to the Adult Emergency Room of a public hospital in the interior of Minas Gerais, between January 2018 and December 2022, who presented with cardiopulmonary arrest. A data collection instrument was used that was designed and validated for content. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and the Logistic Regression Model were adopted for data analysis. Of the 224 patients, the majority were women (52.2%), elderly (71.6%), and married (44.6%). They had comorbidities (87.5%), especially systemic arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Regarding the outcome, there is a prevalence of 85.3% of cases for deaths in less than 24 hours. It was found that asystole is a factor that predisposes to death, increasing the chance of this outcome by 5.13 times, as well as pulseless electrical activity and ventricular tachycardia to a lesser extent. Another important variable is a 0.35 increase in deaths among patients with respiratory diseases. It was concluded that the majority (85.3%) of victims of cardiopulmonary arrest die within the first 24 hours, and this outcome is associated with arrest rhythms characterized by asystole and ventricular fibrillation, as well as respiratory diseases.
Copyright (c) 2026 Karoline Beatriz Luna Pereira, Fabiana Cristina Pires Bernardinelli, Gustavo Correa de Amorim, Paulo César Condeles, Iveth Yamaguchi Whitaker, Suzel Regina Chavaglia http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Glycemia, temperature, and hematological variables as biomarkers in a mouse model of experimental sepsis
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition characterized by infection and widespread inflammation, resulting in multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). This study aimed to evaluate whether temperature, body weight, glycemia, hematological parameters, and their ratios can be used as biomarkers in a mouse model of experimental sepsis. An experimental animal study using mice was conducted, divided into two groups: Control group (CTRL) and Sepsis group (SEP). Animals in the control group received 0.9% saline solution, whereas those in the sepsis group received an intraperitoneal injection of 20% fecal solution (1 mg/g). Clinical and laboratory biomarkers were assessed at 0, 4, 12, and 24 hours throughout the experimental protocol. It was demonstrated that, as early as 4 hours after sepsis induction, hypothermia and decreased blood glucose levels were observed in the sepsis group compared to the control group. At 24 hours, the sepsis group showed reductions in mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and platelet counts. In addition, an increase in the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet ratio (NLPR) was identified. Thus, these findings demonstrate that hypothermia, glycemia, and hematological parameters may serve as important biomarkers for the diagnosis and monitoring of sepsis.
Copyright (c) 2026 Samara Cristine Knebel, Lucas Machado Sulzbacher, Maicon Machado Sulzbacher, Pauline Brendler Goettems Fiorin, Mirna Stela Ludwig, Vítor Antunes de Oliveira, Thiago Gomes Heck, Matias Nunes Frizzo http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Neuroprotective effect of aqueous yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) extract in a parkinson’s disease in vitro model
Parkinson’s disease (PD) remains an incurable condition, and strategies to mitigate oxidative stress and neurodegeneration have been widely investigated, including the use of plant-derived extracts and infusions rich in bioactive compounds, such as yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis). Based on this premise, the present study evaluated the effects of an aqueous yerba mate extract in an in vitro model of PD. Differentiated SH-SY5Y cells exhibiting a neuronal phenotype were exposed to increasing concentrations of rotenone (5, 10, 40, and 100 µM), and the concentration that induced cytotoxicity after 24 h while maintaining 80–85% cell viability relative to the control was selected. Neuronal cultures were supplemented with aqueous yerba mate extract (0, 1, 5, 10, 20, and 100 µg/mL). The extract was characterized by the presence of alkaloids (caffeine and theobromine), tannins, and polyphenolic compounds. Treatment with yerba mate at 10 µg/mL in cultures exposed to 40 µM rotenone reduced cytotoxicity and apoptosis, as assessed by flow cytometry, and modulated the gene expression of antioxidant enzymes and the expression and protein levels of caspases-3 and -8. Although oxidative stress parameters in the yerba mate plus rotenone group remained higher than those observed in cultures treated with yerba mate alone, indicating partial attenuation of antioxidant effects in the presence of rotenone, protection against oxidative DNA damage was observed. Overall, these findings suggest that the aqueous yerba mate extract exerts modulatory effects on oxidative stress and cell death pathways in this in vitro model of PD.
Copyright (c) 2026 Elize Musachio, Tábada Samantha Marques Rosa, Verônica Farina Azzolin, Moisés Henrique Mastella, Izabella Paz Danezi Felin, Marta Medeiros Frescura Duarte, Maria Denise Schimith, Aron Ferreira da Silveira, Ivana Beatrice Mânica da Cruz, Fernanda Barbisan http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Depressive symptoms in adolescents from the brazilian midwest: Prevalence and association with sociodemographic characteristics
Objective: To estimate the prevalence of depressive symptoms and investigate their association with sociodemographic characteristics among adolescents in the Brazilian Midwest. Method: Study using data from the National School Health Survey (2019). The dependent variables were depressive symptoms and negative self-assessment mental health. Prevalence and prevalence ratios were estimated according to sex, age group, administrative dependence on the school, and goods and services score. Results: 17,640 students aged 13 to 17 years from the region Midwest were evaluated. 54.0% of adolescents reported feelings of worry, 34.0% felt sad, 31.1% felt that nobody cared about them, 43.3% reported feelings of irritation/nervousness/bad mood, 22.8% felt that life was not worth living, and 19.6% of adolescents presented a negative self-assessment mental health. The highest prevalences of depressive symptoms, as represented by the evaluated indicators, were observed in females aged 16 or 17, students from public schools, and those with a low score on goods and services. Conclusion: Depressive symptoms among adolescents in the region Midwest were associated with sociodemographic characteristics, representing challenges to mental health care for this population group.
Copyright (c) 2026 Luciana Cristina Ghisi, Amanda Cristina de Souza Andrade, Juliana Ilídio da Silva, Delma Perpetua Oliveira de Souza (in memoriam), Ana Cláudia Pereira Terças-Trettel http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Validation of a glossary of technical terms: Care-educational technology in the nursing teaching-learning process
Objective: To validate the educational health content of the glossary of technical terms related to pregnancy, childbirth, puerperium, breastfeeding, and neonatology, according to expert judges. Methodology: Methodological research with 23 nurses, who were recruited through the virtual snowball method. Data collection took place in June and July 2024, using the Educational Health Content Validation Instrument, made available on Google Forms. The obtained data were submitted to content analysis. Results: The educational health content of the glossary was validated by expert judges, with a Content Validity Index (CVI) above 0.80 in all categories and a global CVI of 0.96. The feedback from the expert judges about the glossary indicates that it is educational, with clear and objective language, and light illustrations that spark the reader's interest in the presented topics. Conclusion: It is organized and composed of the main information regarding the consultation of technical terms, presenting relevance and practical applicability not only for students during the teaching-learning process but also for health professionals working in the areas of gynecology and obstetrics, breastfeeding, neonatology, and pediatrics.
Copyright (c) 2026 Thalison Borges de Oliveira, Juliane Portella Ribeiro, Julia Peixoto Alves Decker http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Validation of an instrument to evaluate the signs and symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal
Objective: to develop and validate an instrument to evaluate signs and symptoms that may occur during the process of deprescribing benzodiazepines in elderly Brazilian people. Methods: A study was carried out in three stages; the first consisted of developing an instrument to identify signs and symptoms arising from the gradual deprescription of benzodiazepines in the elderly. The instrument was created based on information from literature and from previously developed and validated scales. In the second, the instrument was validated by referees, who completed a questionnaire with seven questions, with answers scaled from 0 to 10 (Likert scale), according to the judge's degree of agreement with the content of the instrument. They evaluated it regarding the instructions to the interviewer and the interviewee, the language of the questionnaire, clarity of statements for application by 36 health professionals, among other points. The responses to the forms were subjected to verification of agreement using the content validity coefficient (CVC). In the third stage, the understanding of the terms contained in the instrument by the target population (elderly users of primary health care) was assessed. Each of the signs and symptoms were presented to the elderly who responded regarding understanding as: “completely understands”, “partially understands” and “does not understand”. Results: The instrument was validated in the first round of evaluation by 36 reviewers (pharmacists, nurses, and physicians). All items obtained a final corrected CVC greater than 0.8. Thirty elderly individuals participated in the assessment of the instrument's comprehension. All questions that were less understood by the elderly individuals in the comprehension assessment (such as photophobia, increased sensitivity to smell, increased sensitivity to touch, involuntary movements, among others) were updated with terms for better understanding. Conclusion: The constructed instrument was validated and approved and can be used by health professionals. It is considered that the adequate identification of the signs and symptoms of benzodiazepine deprescription will be useful in building an effective and safe process.
Copyright (c) 2026 Marlon Silva Tinoco, Letícia Maria Ribeiro, Ricardo Augusto dos Santos Silva, Luanna Gabriella Resende da Silva, Mariana Linhares Pereira, Mariana Linhares Pereira, André Oliveira Baldoni http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Influence of sociodemographic factors on knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the use of regional foods in the interior of Ceará – Brazil
Objective: To evaluate the association between sociodemographic and economic factors and levels of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) regarding the use of regional foods by families with children under five years of age in rural Ceará. Method: This is a cross sectional study conducted with 70 mothers residing in the municipalities of Acarape/CE and Redenção/CE between January and March 2023. A sociodemographic questionnaire and the KAP survey were used to assess the domains associated with the use of regional foods. Results: Most participants had inadequate knowledge (82.9%), while 81.4% had an adequate attitude, and 75.7% reported adequate eating practices. There was a statistically significant association between the maternal occupation "housewife" and adequate eating practices (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that participants informed about nutrition were 26.7% more likely to have adequate knowledge (OR = 0.733, p < 0.05), and mothers with an adequate attitude were 5.4 times more likely to have adequate eating practices (OR = 5.483, p < 0.05). Conclusion: Sociodemographic and economic factors, with an emphasis on occupation and access to information about child nutrition, directly influence KAP in terms of the use of regional foods. These findings reinforce the need for educational strategies and public policies to promote healthy eating in early childhood.
Copyright (c) 2026 Maria Graciana da Silva Felipe, Thiago Leoncio Caiana, Cristiane Melo Poletto, Josy Renata Moreira Machado, Ana Cecilia Cardozo Soares, Gilvan Ferreira Felipe, Leidiane Minervina Moraes de Sabino, Jairo Domingos de Morais http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Unsupervised machine learning model for analyzing nutritional support in mechanically ventilated patients
Nutritional support is essential for critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation, helping to prevent malnutrition, optimize clinical outcomes, and reduce mortality. However, there is still no consensus on the ideal timing for achieving caloric and protein goals, highlighting the need for further studies to guide evidence-based practices. This study aimed to model, in an unsupervised manner, nutritional intervention in critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation admitted to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). A retrospective study was conducted using data from 260 patients treated in the ICU of a tertiary hospital in Maringá, Paraná, Brazil, through multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) and qualitative comparative analysis (QCA). The MCA explained approximately 21.8% of the variation in mortality outcomes, where being male, having no clinical complications or associated comorbidities, using vasopressors, initiating early nutritional therapy within 24 to 48 hours, having a body mass index between 25 and 29.9 kg/m², and achieving caloric and protein goals within five days were more prominently associated with mortality. QCA, in turn, demonstrated that, on average, 23% of deaths could be explained by the combination of dependent variables analyzed in this study, primarily body mass index, timing of enteral therapy initiation, caloric and protein goals, and vasopressor use. These findings suggest that, in the studied population, the combination of adequate nutritional supply and timely management was associated with better clinical outcomes, underscoring the need for care protocols that prioritize early nutritional assessment and intervention in critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation and enteral support.
Copyright (c) 2026 Fernanda Campanerutti Calegari Matick, Sanderland José Tavares Gurgel, Miyoko Massago, Luciano de Andrade, Jane Martha Graton Mikcha, Paula Aline Zanetti Campanerut-Sá http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Dental caries experience in 12-year-old schoolchildren from Araruna, Paraíba, Brazil
Objective: To identify the dental caries experience among 12-year-old schoolchildren from Araruna, Paraíba, Brazil, and its associated risk factors, including diet, oral hygiene, and socioeconomic conditions. Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational epidemiological study conducted with a sample of 151 12-year-old schoolchildren enrolled in public and private schools in Araruna, Paraíba, Brazil. Socioeconomic data were obtained from school enrollment records, and structured questionnaires with closed-ended questions were administered to assess oral hygiene habits and dietary patterns. Clinical oral examinations were also performed. Data collection took place between July and October 2022. Statistical analyses were conducted using Microsoft Excel® and IBM SPSS Statistics® version 20.0. Results: The sample comprised male (62; 41.1%) and female (89; 58.9%) schoolchildren, with a predominance of mixed-race individuals (93; 61.6%) and residents from urban areas (89; 58.9%). The mean CPO-D index (Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth) was 4.43. Among the variables analyzed, significant associations with dental caries experience were observed in children from families earning up to half the minimum wage (102; 93.1%), those who visited the dentist between 6 months and 1 year (96; 63.5%), those receiving government social assistance (93; 92.1%), and those consuming potentially cariogenic foods, including biscuits (106; 85.4%), breakfast cereals (18; 100%), yogurt/dairy beverages (88; 89.8%), and sweet popcorn/peanuts (111; 89.5%). Conclusion: Dental caries experience in Araruna, Paraíba, Brazil, showed a high mean CPO-D index, with the decayed component being the most prevalent. The presence of dental caries, defined as CPO-D ≥ 1, was mainly influenced by socioeconomic factors and dietary patterns.
Copyright (c) 2026 Matheus Harllen Gonçalves Veríssimo, Ana Beatriz Barros das Santos, Brenda Cristina Bessa de Almeida, Liliane Celestino da Silva, Pierre Andrade Pereira de Oliveira, Helene Soares Moura http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Factors associated with the initiation of alcohol, psychopharmaceuticals and other psychoactive substance use during the covid-19 pandemic
The emerging crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic brought several challenges related to mental health. As a response to this sudden situation, the general population may have presented psychological symptoms, including the use of psychoactive substances. This study aimed to identify factors associated with the initiation of alcohol, psychopharmaceuticals, and/or other psychoactive substance use during the pandemic. This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted between April and September 2021 with 2,469 participants (students, professors, and staff) from four federal universities located in the Central-West region of Brazil. Logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate odds ratios. Overall, approximately one-quarter of participants reported initiating substance use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Psychopharmaceuticals were the most frequently reported substances among both students and professors/staff, followed by alcohol. Among students, the initiation of alcohol use was associated with living with friends/roommates, belonging to a risk group for severe COVID-19 illness, and having experienced domestic violence during social distancing measures. Different individual and social factors were associated with the initiation of substance use during the pandemic, with younger age and student status being related to the onset of illicit substance use.
Copyright (c) 2026 Cremildo João Baptista, Patrícia Maria Fonseca Escalda, Alberto Mesaque Martins, Marina Nolli Bittencourt, Monalisa Rocha de Campos Chaves http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Sleep quality and perceived stress among university students during the covid-19 pandemic: an analytical study
This study aimed to analyze the relationship between sleep quality and perceived stress among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was a cross-sectional and analytical study conducted with 163 university students. Data were collected using a Google Forms questionnaire containing socioeconomic questions, items related to academic dynamics, sleep patterns, and COVID-19 infection. The Perceived Stress Scale, 14-item version (PSS-14), was also included. Data were analyzed using the R software through descriptive and inferential statistics. Regarding sleep patterns, 112 participants (68.7%) reported changes in their sleep pattern, and 33 (20.2%) reported sleeping less than six hours per day. Self-reported sleep quality was classified as “very good” (n = 14; 8.6%), “good” (n = 84; 51.5%), “poor” (n = 55; 33.7%), and “very poor” (n = 10; 6.2%). When assessing perceived stress levels among participants, most reported that they were never able to cope with the things they had to do (57.7%), and that they sometimes dealt successfully with difficult problems in life (40.5%). When analyzing the association between variables related to sleep and perceived stress among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic, higher stress levels were associated with the absence of good sleep (p = 0.002) and poorer sleep quality (p = 0.001), as well as with sleep alterations (p = 0.001) and the degree of sleep change (p = 0.038). Furthermore, students experiencing stress sometimes or always reported changes in their sleep pattern (p < 0.05). The perceived stress experienced by participants during the COVID-19 pandemic affected sleep quality and contributed to changes in sleep patterns.
Copyright (c) 2026 José Cláudio Garcia Lira Neto, Leonardo Grifante, Rick Anderson Freire Mangueira, Bruna Karen Cavalcante Fernandes, Ludiane Rodrigues Dias Silva, Ana Lívia Castelo Branco de Oliveira, Jardeliny Corrêa da Penha http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Medication use profile in renal transplant patients - Impacts on length of stay
Aim: to evaluate the impact of the medication use profile on the occurrence of complications in kidney transplant patients at a university hospital in Brazil. Methodology: retrospective study using data from renal transplant patients' medical records (n = 182). Interactions between immunosuppressants and other prescribed drugs were analyzed. Results: 68.7% of the patients were male. The average age was 48.15 years. The most frequent comorbidities were hypertension (62.6%) and diabetes (33.5%). The average hospital stay was 21.68 days. 104 drugs were used, 9.71 per patient. As an initial immunosuppressive regimen, 45.1% were prescribed tacrolimus + mycophenolate, 54.4% tacrolimus + sirolimus, and 0.5% mycophenolate + sirolimus. The drugs prescribed with probable interaction with tacrolimus were omeprazole (88.46%), amlodipine (48.90%), and isoniazid (37.91%); with sirolimus, they were amlodipine (29.67%) and isoniazid (20.33%), and with mycophenolate, omeprazole (39.01%). Prescribing a greater number of drugs increased hospitalization time by up to 8.5 days, while the use of calcium channel blockers predicted a reduction of approximately 5 days. Conclusion: The profile of medication use showed that drug prescriptions can have an impact on hospital stay.
Copyright (c) 2026 Izabell Maria Martins Teixeira, Natasha Maria Lima Pinheiro, Bruna Ribeiro Duque, Mac Dionys Rodrigues da Costa, Alene Barros de Oliveira, Jan Hesron Ferreira Emiliano, Maria Liliane Luciano Pereira, Tiago Lima Sampaio http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Sleep quality in people with multiple sclerosis
Introduction: Multiple sclerosis is a chronic neurological autoimmune condition marked by damage to the myelin sheath, resulting in impaired transmission of nerve impulses and a wide range of symptoms, including sleep disorders. Objectives: to assess sleep quality in people with MS according to the parameters established by the Mini Sleep Questionnaire and based on the participants' own perceptions. Method: quantitative, qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory research conducted in a virtual environment. Data collection took place between March and April 2023 through the following instruments: 1) Sociodemographic and clinical characterization; 2) Mini Sleep Questionnaire; 3) Guiding questions. Quantitative data were analyzed and presented descriptively, while qualitative data were examined through Thematic Analysis. Results: A total of 56 people with multiple sclerosis participated, mostly women, white, between 18 and 39 years old. Most reported relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, with up to five years since diagnosis, and were undergoing pharmacological treatment. The most frequent symptoms included tingling, weakness, walking difficulties, and urinary or intestinal dysfunction. Forty-seven participants presented sleep-related difficulties, among whom 7 had mild sleep difficulty, 7 moderate, and 33 severe sleep difficulty. Three thematic categories were identified: “Sleep quality as perceived by people with multiple sclerosis”; “Pharmacological strategies related to sleep quality adopted by people with multiple sclerosis”; and “Nonpharmacological strategies related to sleep quality adopted by people with multiple sclerosis”. Conclusion: People with multiple sclerosis exhibit sleep disturbances and employ strategies aimed at improving sleep quality.
Copyright (c) 2026 Beatriz Sales Marques, Munyra Rocha Silva Assunção , Marcela Souza Nóbrega, Namie Okino Sawada, Sueli de Carvalho Vilela, Roberta Seron Sanches http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Social isolation and hospitalizations of older adults due to falls in an emergency hospital: a cross-sectional study
Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the profile of older adults hospitalized due to falls and to compare the prevalence of accidents during the period from January 2019 to December 2020. Method: This retrospective observational study was conducted through data collection from electronic medical records at the Emergency Hospital of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Results: A total of 514 hospitalizations due to falls were recorded, 71.4% of which occurred in women. Of these cases, 75.3% were same-level falls, and 92% occurred within the patients’ own homes. Among them, 93.3% were associated with fractures, with proximal femur fractures being the most prevalent (57.6%). The months with the highest prevalence of falls in 2019 were May, June, July, and September, showing a significant difference compared to the other months (p = 0.004). In contrast, during the pandemic year of 2020, the distribution of falls was homogeneous throughout the year (p = 0.249). Conclusion: The present study showed a relatively homogeneous distribution of falls during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, the frequency increased compared to previous years. It is likely that restrictions related to cold weather, home confinement, and reduced sun exposure influenced the occurrence of falls.
Copyright (c) 2026 Éder Kröeff Cardoso, Murilo Santos de Carvalho, Mauro Antônio Félix, Rafael Rodrigues Dall’Olmo, Carolina Duarte, Bruna Gomes Schreiber, Luis Fernando Ferreira, Luis Henrique Telles da Rosa http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Antibiofilm activity of the ethanolic extract of the leaves of Eugenia klotzschiana O. Berg against Gram-positive bacteria
Eugenia klotzschiana O. Berg is an endangered species endemic to the Cerrado whose therapeutic potential has yet to be fully elucidated. Few studies have shown this plant has antimicrobial, antiparasitic, and antioxidant activity. In this study, the activity of the ethanolic extract of the leaves of E. klotzschiana O. Berg against Gram-positive bacteria was evaluated by determining the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity. All the bacteria were able to form biofilm, with Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 being classified as strong biofilm formers, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 51299, Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 19433 and Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 14990 as moderate biofilm formers. The ethanolic extract showed slight antimicrobial activity, but was active against biofilm formation at concentrations ranging from 0.039 to 1.250 mg.mL-1. We conclude that the ethanolic extract was active against the biofilm formation of Gram-positive bacteria, and that further studies with E. klotzschiana O. Berg should be carried out to confirm the plant's therapeutic potential.
Copyright (c) 2026 Charles Lima Ribeiro, Maria José Barbaresco, Alliny das Graças Amaral, Anna Laura Santana Chagas, Letícia Arantes da Silva, Adriano Pereira Ramiro, Josana Castro Peixoto, Plínio Lázaro Naves http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Factors associated with depression among hospital healthcare workers
Recent evidence has shown the presence of high prevalence of depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, and insomnia problems among hospital healthcare workers (HCWs) during the Covid-19 pandemic. We aim to identify psychosocial and sociodemographic predictors of depression among HCWs at hospitals during the pandemic. A cross-sectional online survey was carried out between July 2020, and January 2021, with 384 HCWs from southern Brazil. Depression rates were assessed by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and psychosocial aspects (vulnerability to stress at work, perception of stigma, sociodemographic, health, and labor variables) were assessed. Associations were tested using multiple linear regression (Stepwise method). About 79% of HCWs showed depression at a clinical level, and scores were higher among women, people without a partner, and among those who perceived a worse organizational climate and functioning, higher pressure at work, stigma, and social devaluation related to HCWs. The work climate measure explained 24.3% of depression levels. We discuss actions to manage mental health risks related to the healthcare labor context and the long-term psychosocial consequences of pandemic outbreaks.
Copyright (c) 2026 Tonantzin Ribeiro Gonçalves, Elisa Kern de Castro, Laura Cecilia López, Marilia Veríssimo Veronese, Sueli Maria Cabral, Diane Guerra, Mary Sandra Carlotto http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Body image dissatisfaction, anthropometric and psychosocial characteristics in healthcare students from a university in south Brazil
Objectives: Body image can be described as a mental figure created on the body itself, influenced by the sum of all aspects that surround individuals throughout their lives. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of body image dissatisfaction and its possible link to anthropometric, demographic, and psychosocial characteristics in healthcare students at a university. Methods: The study has a cross-sectional design and involved 281 Medical and Dental school students. Body image satisfaction was assessed through the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) and the Stunkard silhouette scale, classifying satisfaction or dissatisfaction. The exposure variables were sex, age, graduation course, self-perceived quality of life, satisfaction with health status, and Body Mass Index. Odds ratios were calculated through multivariate Logistic Regression models. Results: According to the instruments used, female medical students dissatisfied with their health status and being overweight present significantly greater chances of having body image dissatisfaction. Although the study population was largely formed by eutrophic or underweight individuals, many have shown to be dissatisfied, expressing the wish to reduce their body weight. Conclusions: Approximately 50% of the study population was satisfied with their body image, according to the BSQ, but only about 30% were satisfied according to the silhouette scale results. This study provides information that can aid preventive actions against health events associated with body image disorders.
Copyright (c) 2026 Karine de Lima Sírio Boclin, Julia Lima Farias, João Paulo Bressan da Cruz, Lilian Rigo http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Expenses on oncological treatments during the covid-19 pandemic in Ceará, northeast Brazil
Objective: To analyze expenses related to cancer treatment during the Covid-19 pandemic in the state of Ceará. Method: A descriptive study using expense records from the Ceará Hospital Information and High Complexity Procedure Authorization System, developed in 2022. The data were synthesized using Microsoft Excel 2019®. The following measures were used for descriptive analysis: means, standard deviation, minimums, maximums, and an estimate of the mean treatment cost. Results: A reduction in expenses was identified in 2020 (R$ 3,879,505.41) and 2021 (R$ 3,088,822.14) compared to 2019. In 2020, the reduction occurred in May (R$ 2,739,116.44) and June (R$ 2,633,173.82). In 2021, the months included February (R$ 3,193,095.98), April (R$ 3,093,272.64), and May (R$ 3,093,272.64). Surgery reduced the mean values ​​per procedure in 2020 and 2021 (R$ 3,626,046.22; R$ 3,545,102.89), followed by radiotherapy in 2020 (R$ 166,656.00) and chemotherapy (R$ 76,320.89) in 2020, with "adjuvant" treatment being reduced in both years (R$ 95,256.00; R$ 60,710.50). Conclusion: There was a slight reduction in expenses per procedure compared to pre-pandemic levels, but with a relevant assessment considering possible unmet demand during the pandemic.
Copyright (c) 2026 Stefane Vieira Nobre, Miren Maite Uribe Arregi, Thereza Maria Magalhães Moreira , Antonio Germane Alves Pinto, Marcelo Gurgel Carlos da Silva http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Development and validation of educational videos for adolescents about general and oral health
Objective: This is a methodological study aimed at the development and validation of six educational videos—considered educational technologies—on general and oral health for adolescents, using a mixed-methods approach. Methods: Participated in the research ten adolescents and ten specialists from the fields of Dentistry, Education, and Audiovisual Media. The research followed the methodology proposed by Teixeira and Mota (2011) and was conducted entirely online. It was carried out in ten structured steps, including the validation of both the script and the video using interviews and validating instruments. Results: The videos covered the following topics: dental caries, bullying, diseases transmitted by kissing, electronic cigarettes, oral piercings, and malocclusion. The scripts were evaluated by adolescents and specialists based on their aims, structure, rationale, organization, and writing style, all of which received approval ratings of 70% or higher. The videos were assessed for content, audiovisual quality, and character representation, with all criteria achieving approval ratings of 80% or higher from both groups. Feedback from interviews was used to improve the final versions of the videos. The average duration of the videos was 2 minutes and 4 seconds. Conclusion: The videos were found to be appropriate in terms of content accuracy, audiovisual quality, and character representation. Therefore, they are considered suitable for adolescents aged 13 to 18 years old. Educational technologies such as the videos developed in this study can be tools for the translation of scientific knowledge.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ana Luiza Peres Baldiotti, Mariane Carolina Faria Barbosa, Maria Luisa Leandro de Souza Dias, Júlia Lara Resende , Ana Flávia Granville-Garcia, Fabian Calixto Fraiz, Saul Martins Paiva, Fernanda de Morais Ferreira http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Adherence to antiretroviral treatment by pregnant women living with HIV: Comparison of three methods
Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of adherence to antiretroviral therapy among pregnant women using three assessment methods, compare adherence across these methods, and identify risk factors for non-adherence. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with pregnant women receiving care at a high-risk prenatal clinic of a tertiary hospital in southern Brazil. Participants completed an interview that included sociodemographic and clinical data collection, as well as the administration of an instrument for assessing adherence to antiretroviral therapy. Laboratory HIV viral load data and pharmacy dispensing records were also used to measure adherence. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee. Results: Forty-one pregnant women participated. Adherence rates varied depending on the assessment method: viral load suppression (78.0%), frequency of medication withdrawal from the pharmacy (31.7%), and the validated adherence scale (29.3%). The three methods showed no agreement. Older pregnant women, those with more children, higher levels of education, and more prenatal visits were more likely to adhere to treatment. Conclusion: Adherence to antiretroviral therapy among pregnant women living with HIV was insufficient, increasing the risk of vertical transmission. The different assessment methods yielded divergent results. Factors such as age, number of children, education level, and prenatal attendance influenced adherence. The findings highlight the importance of combining different assessment methods to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of patients’ treatment-related needs.
Copyright (c) 2026 Fernanda Daros Stedile, Luisa Schiavenin, Eunice Beatriz Martins Chaves, Diego Gnatta http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Life experiences of people with elimination ostomies: Discourses from an adaptation perspective
Introduction: In light of the biopsychosocial challenges posed by elimination ostomies, it is necessary to understand the adaptive processes associated with the use of these medical devices. Objective: To explore the narratives of people with elimination ostomies in order to understand, from the perspective of Roy’s Adaptation Model, the stimuli and adaptive mechanisms constructed in response to this new reality. Method: This qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory study was conducted using lexical analysis of narratives provided by people with ostomies, supported by IRaMuTeQ software and Callista Roy’s Adaptation Theory. Results: the analysis resulted in three thematic axes: “People with elimination ostomies and perceived stimuli,” “Reported adaptive mechanisms,” and “The phenomenon of adaptation and the elements of this process.” With the aid of word cloud and similarity graphs, these axes demonstrated perceived adaptive elements, such as stimuli, adaptive modes, and the self-perceived effectiveness of adaptation processesThese findings revealed the impact of factors such as the need for adjustments in diet, clothing, physical effort, social relationships, and work. This process contributes to effective adaptation, which is influenced by individual cognitive patterns, sociocultural constructs, and perceived social support. Conclusion: Based on this analysis, some understandings regarding elimination ostomies were explored, revealing the complexity of the adaptive process and the congruence of these representations with Roy’s concepts of Adaptation.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dailon de Araújo Alves, Luiz Gustavo Alves Lima, Joseanny Valessa Sousa Bezerra, Lorena Gomes da Cruz, Pollyana Soares Dias, Rafaela Gonçalves Duarte Gregório, Rosa Maria Grangeiro Martins, Luís Rafael Leite Sampaio http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Hospitalization and mortality due to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome in covid-19 pandemic and associated factors
Objective: to identify the risk factors associated with hospitalizations and the mortality rate due to SARS during the COVID-19 pandemic in a health region of Rio Grande do Sul. Method: Cross-sectional study carried out with data from the Information System of the Epidemiological Surveillance of Influenza of the Ministry of Health in the period from January 2020 to August 2021. The outcomes "hospitalizations due to SARS" and "mortality due to SARS" were analyzed, as well as sociodemographic and health variables for association analysis. Descriptive analysis and Cox’s proportional risk model were performed to calculate the risk ratio and 95% confidence interval. Results: The prevalence of individuals hospitalized with SARS and at least one risk factor for COVID-19 was 61.0% and was higher among females, age 40 years or older and among individuals with low education. The mortality rate among those hospitalized with SARS due to COVID-19 was 10.4/1,000 and was higher among individuals of black, brown, yellow and indigenous color, with low education, and with presence of one or more risk factors for COVID-19. Conclusion: The social determination of health is explicit in this study and became more evident with the presence of a sanitary and humanitarian crisis such as COVID-19.
Ana Paula Demarco Resende Esmelindro Zaions
Copyright (c) 2026 Marciane Kessler, Luiza Carolina Moro, Irany Achiles Denti, Cibele Sandri Manfredini, Ana Paula Demarco Resende Esmelindro Zaions, Neiva de Oliveira Prestes, Rafael Antonio Narzetti, Luana Ferrão http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Relationship between the decayed, missing, and filled teeth index (DMFT) and the presence of xerostomia and hyposalivation in chronic kidney disease patients on hemodialysis
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a serious condition with an increasing number of cases and a significant impact on oral and systemic health, with xerostomia being the most prevalent oral alteration. This study aimed to analyze xerostomia and hyposalivation in two groups (Hemodialysis and Healthy) and to relate these parameters to the decayed, missing, and filled teeth index (DMFT). This is an observational study involving 80 patients. The treatment group was referred from two hemodialysis centers in Recife, while the Healthy group had no CKD and was recruited from the Stomatology Clinic of the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE). DMFT index, salivary flow, and xerostomia data were recorded. In the Hemodialysis group, 15% of the patients presented hyposalivation, with a statistically significant difference compared to the Healthy group (p = 0.038). Xerostomia was reported by 20% of patients in the Hemodialysis group and 10% in the Healthy group, and the presence of caries occurred in 62.5% of the Hemodialysis group, with no statistically significant differences between groups. In this study, hyposalivation was more prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease. However, it was not possible to relate hyposalivation and xerostomia to the DMFT index. Attention should be given to these patients so that medical treatments can be carried out without impediments due to dental causes.
Alessandra de Albuquerque Tavares Carvalho
Copyright (c) 2026 Mariana Silva Teixeira Cavalcanti, Fernanda Suely Barros Dantas , Luis Henrique Guedes de Andrade Lima, Katarina Haluli Janô da Veiga Pessôa, Mariana de Moraes Corrêa Perez, Jair Carneiro Leão, Alessandra de Albuquerque Tavares Carvalho http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Perceived stress and changes in lifestyle habitsin brazilian mothers during the covid-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic caused changes in the population's lifestyle and contributed to increased exposure to stress, especially among mothers. However, there are few studies that have investigated the impact of the pandemic on stress, eating behavior, and lifestyle of this population. The present study aimed to analyze the relationships between perceived stress levels, eating behaviors, and health-related lifestyle of Brazilian mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic. To this end, an online questionnaire was used, consisting of sociodemographic data, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ-R21), and changes in lifestyle habits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants' perceived stress had a median of 24.0 (IQR: 19.00-29.00), with moderate and high levels in 92.8% (n=167) of participants. Higher levels of stress were positively related to Emotional Eating behaviors (r=0.379; p<0.001) and Loss of Control Eating (r=0.350; p<0.001). Moreover, higher stress levels were also associated with physical inactivity, poorer sleep quality, and increased consumption of alcohol, cookies, and sweets. It is concluded that the high level of stress perceived by Brazilian mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic is associated with dysfunctional aspects of eating behavior and negative changes in maternal lifestyle habits.
Copyright (c) 2026 Amanda Caroline Queiroz da Silva, Bianca Aparecida Souza, Fernanda Nascimento Hermes, Lahis Cristina Morais de Moura, Lilian Gonçalves Teixeira, Camila Maria de Melo http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Social protection measures as determinants of food [in]security in households of public school students during the covid-19 pandemic
The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between the co-occurrence of social protection measures and food insecurity in households of public school students from two municipalities in Minas Gerais. This was a cross-sectional study, conducted through telephone interviews in June/July 2020, with household heads of students enrolled in basic education in the municipalities of Ouro Preto and Mariana, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Data on the receipt of social protection measures were collected: Bolsa Família, Emergency Aid, and access to government food baskets. Food insecurity (FI) was assessed using the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale. Descriptive analyses, Pearson’s Chi-square test, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed, adjusting for household head’s educational level and type of street pavement. Among the 542 households evaluated, 82.0% were in a situation of food insecurity, 63.0% received Emergency Aid, and 23.0% received all three social protection measures. Households receiving two and three social protection measures were 2.05 (95% CI: 1.01–4.15) and 2.85 (95% CI: 1.31–6.16) times more likely to experience food insecurity, respectively, compared to those receiving none. These findings indicate that families experiencing food insecurity were reached by social protection policies and measures; however, these measures were not sufficient to ensure the Human Right to Adequate Food and Food and Nutrition Security.
Copyright (c) 2026 Laudicéia Ferreira Fróis, Waleria Aparecida Guimarães, Erica Costa Rodrigues, Raquel de Deus Mendonça, Adriana Lúcia Meireles http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Factors affecting the welcoming of transgender people: Discourse of primary Health Care nurses
Aim: to identify the factors affecting the welcoming of transgender people from the perspective of Primary Health Care nurses. Methodology: This is a descriptive and qualitative study. The research was conducted with 13 nurses from Family Health Strategy units in a municipality in the hinterland of Paraíba, Brazil, during the year 2022. Data for this study were obtained through semi-structured interviews and analyzed based on the Collective Subject Discourse technique. Results: From the nurses’ discourse, two categories of analysis were constructed: Nurses’ perceptions of the barriers to welcoming the transgender population and Continuing education: a possibility for re-signifying the welcoming of trans people. Conclusion: The study identified factors that influence the welcoming of transgender people from the nurses’ perspective. It was found that, although it is essential in Primary Care, this stage has gaps that hinder the establishment of bonds and progress in the consultation.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mariana Alexandre Gadelha de Lima, Beatriz Pereira Alves, Francisca Andreza Passos Silva, Jonathan Pereira de Sousa, Anna Kalyne César Grangeiro Adriano, Petra Kelly Rabelo de Sousa Fernandes, Rayrla Cristina de Abreu Temoteo, Marcelo Costa Fernandes http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Lifestyle medicine in the practice of health professionals in riverine family health
This study aims to analyze how Riverside Primary Health Care Unit professionals apply the principles of Lifestyle Medicine in their daily practice. A cross-sectional exploratory study was conducted, using a qualitative approach. The sampled participants were selected from the staff of the Health Unit. They consisted of 16 professionals from the Riverside Family Health Unit, including community health agents, nursing technicians, and higher-level professionals, who participated in four focus groups. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview guide with open-ended questions, applied during focus group meetings. Data analysis was conducted using the IRaMuTeQ software to perform Content Analysis, following the Reinert Method. In the discourse, the speeches and knowledge applied in the work of health professionals were identified, varying according to their role in the Riverside Health Care Center's health team. The discourse of higher-level professionals focuses on technical issues, while nursing techniques and community health agents focus on user engagement approaches. In the discourse, themes such as sleep, stress, and social connections are strongly related, as well as healthy eating and physical activity. Approaching sensitive topics such as alcohol and toxic Substances seems to be challenging, indicating potential gaps in knowledge or difficulties in structuring effective interventions in this area. Primary care teams need to broaden their understanding of existing management methodologies for self-care education, going beyond professional technical knowledge, and considering the health determinants that interact with individual, familial, and community knowledge.
Copyright (c) 2026 Lilian Grace Moura de Lucena, Haroldo José de Matos, Edienny Augusta Viana Santos-Lobato http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Sociodemographic, anthropometric, obstetric and body image determinants and their relationship with intuitive eating in pregnancy
The objective of the present study was to evaluate the association between sociodemographic, obstetric, anthropometric factors, and body image with intuitive eating in pregnant women. This cross-sectional study was conducted between June 2019 and February 2020 with pregnant women receiving care in the public and private healthcare networks in Lavras, Minas Gerais. Sociodemographic, obstetric, and anthropometric data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire based on national surveys. Body image perception was assessed using the Body Shape Questionnaire, while intuitive eating was measured through the Intuitive Eating Scale. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied, adjusting for sociodemographic, anthropometric, and body image variables. The sample consisted of 189 pregnant women. In the adjusted analysis, it was found that pregnant women who identified as non-white were 3.72 times more likely (95% CI 1.74-8.38) to engage in intuitive eating compared to white women. Additionally, those receiving care in the public sector were 0.25 times less likely (95% CI 0.10-0.56) to practice intuitive eating compared to those assisted in the private sector. These findings suggest that external factors influence intuitive eating at different levels, affecting the perception of physical hunger and satiety cues.
Copyright (c) 2026 Açucena Cardoso Vilas Boas, Laudicéia Ferreira Fróis, Isabel Pereira, Nathália Stahlschmidt Petry, Lydiane Bragunci Bedeschi, Marcella Lobato Dias Consoli, Izabela Regina Cardoso de Oliveira, Lilian Gonçalves Teixeira http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Analytical validation of the determination of the content of calcium carbonate in capsules by complexometric tritration
People who suffer from calcium deficiency need supplementation to avoid diseases caused by low levels in the body, as this element performs several essential physiological functions in the human body. In this context, the present work aimed to validate a complexometric method for the determination of calcium carbonate in four different formulations, and the method validation followed the specifications of RDC 166/17 (ANVISA). The method proved to be selective, linear, accurate, precise and robust. The analytical curve showed a parametric and homoscedastic data distribution, with R2 > 0.99. In the analysis of precision and accuracy, relative standard deviation (RSD) values of less than 1.7% and recovery percentages above 98% were obtained, respectively, indicating that the method is precise and accurate. The application of the Youden method in the robustness study demonstrated the influence of the indicator on the methodology, while the other deliberate changes in the analytical method did not affect the response. In this way, a precise adjustment was made in the amount of the indicator to maintain the precision and accuracy of the methodology. The application of the validated classic method, as an environmentally friendly alternative, confirmed its potential for possible routine analysis applied to pharmaceutical forms in capsules.
Cristiani Lopes Capistrano Gonçalves de Oliveira
Copyright (c) 2026 Dênis Gomes de Melo, Matheus da Silva Campelo, Cristiani Lopes Capistrano Gonçalves de Oliveira, Maria Elenir Nobre Pinho Ribeiro http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Evaluation of the antibiofilm activity of essential oils Cinnamomum cassia and Eugenia caryophyllus microencapsulated by spray drying
Biofilm-forming microorganisms are considered a challenge in terms of eradication in the areas of food, cosmetics, and health, as they are resistant to antibiotics and sanitizers available on the market. From this problematization, the essential oils (EOs) Cinnamomum cassia (CCEO) and Eugenia caryophyllus (ECEO) encapsulated in microparticles by the spray drying technique was used to obtain a stable dry emulsion and evaluate their antimicrobial action against biofilms of the microorganisms Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. The EOs were commercially obtained from different brands, being evaluated by the agar diffusion technique for preliminary evaluation of the antimicrobial action against the challenged microorganisms. Microencapsulation was performed in spray drying, employing gum arabic and xanthan gum to obtain a dry emulsion with varying concentrations of the EOs. The microparticles were characterized for morphology, physicochemical parameters, and encapsulation efficiency (EE), and were also evaluated for anti-biofilm action. The results obtained showed relevant antimicrobial activity of the essential oils in non-encapsulated form and antibiofilm activity when they were microencapsulated, obtaining a significant logarithmic reduction concerning the initial load challenged, reducing between 3 to 4 logarithmic cycles. It was concluded that microparticles with encapsulated EOs showed promise in improving the stability of essential oils, with significant results when challenged against planktonic and sessile cells.
Copyright (c) 2026 Guilherme de Ataides Ribeiro, Elton Clementino da Silva, Silvia Ribeiro de Souza, Naira da Silva Campos, Joanlise Marco de Leon Andrade, Monica Valero da Silva http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Spatial risk areas for drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) in Paraná / Brazil: Its relationship with the border region
Objective: to analyze the spatial distribution and behavior of drug-resistant tuberculosis in the state of Paraná, from the perspective of incidence, temporal trends, and its relationship with Brazil's border region with other countries. Method: ecological study with spatial and temporal analysis. Data were collected from the Special Tuberculosis Treatment Information System and the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System. New cases of drug-resistant tuberculosis reported in Paraná between 2013 and 2020 were included. The incidence rate was calculated, followed by the Spatial and Space-Time Scan Statistics technique, and temporal regression analysis using the Joinpoint technique. Results: 515 cases of drug-resistant tuberculosis were reported during the study period, with an incidence of 15.76 cases/100,000 inhabitants, identifying risk areas in the North, East, and West regions of the state. Space-time analysis identified, in the East region, a cluster with the highest relative risk (RR = 9.89) for the period from 2013 to 2016. In the temporal trend, it was found that drug-resistant tuberculosis cases decreased from 2020 onwards. Conclusion: it is interesting to note that, in this study, drug-resistant tuberculosis did not demonstrate a direct relationship with this region. However, spatial analysis of incidence and the identification of clusters with high rates and risks provided an overview of cases in the state. Given this scenario, it is essential to invest in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies to reduce the burden of resistant bacilli and achieve the proposed goals for tuberculosis eradication.
Copyright (c) 2026 Leila Wiedmann Florentino da Silva, Ivaneliza Simionato de Assis, Oscar Kenji Nihei, Adriana Zilly, Reinaldo Antonio Silva-Sobrinho, Thaís Zamboni Berra, Alessandro Rolim Scholze, Ricardo Alexandre Arcêncio, Marcos Augusto Moraes Arcoverde http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Health care for women with HIV: analysis from the perspective of institutional ethnography
Objective: To analyze the institutional context of the Primary and Specialized Healthcare Network in the healthcare of women with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Method: This qualitative participatory research was conducted with 11 healthcare professionals and managers from municipal and federal healthcare services in a municipality in southern Brazil. Data were collected through focus groups and participant observation. The data were triangulated for analysis, and the discussion was mediated by interpretation in light of Institutional Ethnography. Results: The results were based on the discursive constructions of professionals and managers, and their observation notes. Three categories were then created: (1) trivialization of HIV infection and devaluation of women's health needs, (2) institutional routines versus the needs of these women, and (3) disarticulation of the Primary and Specialized Healthcare Network. Conclusion: Healthcare is shaped, organized, and institutionalized under the influence of healthcare professionals' understanding of HIV, and it appears to meet the demands of local services in a disjointed way, different from what these women need.
Copyright (c) 2026 Raquel Einloft Kleinubing, Gabriele Schek, Stela Maris de Mello Padoin, Cristiane Cardoso de Paula, Tassiane Ferreira Langendorf. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Analysis of the achievement of production targets of dental specialty centers in the state of Santa Catarina / Brazil
Specialized Dental Centers (CEO) provide secondary oral health care and have monthly production targets to meet. Objective: To analyze the achievement of production targets by CEO in the state of Santa Catarina in 2018. This is a quantitative cross-sectional study using secondary data collected from the Outpatient Information System of the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System (DATASUS). Forty-seven Specialized Dental Centers in Santa Catarina were analyzed, comprising 27 type I CEO, 17 type II CEO, and 3 type III CEO. The achievement of goals was evaluated according to the 4 established goals by specialty: basic, periodontal, endodontic, and surgical procedures, and according to the health macro-region, as per Attachment XL of Consolidation Ordinance of Ministry of Health n. 6/2017. Only 5 CEO met all 4 goals, with periodontics being the specialty that met the most goals in type I CEOs, and basic procedures for type II and III CEOs. The health macro-region with the highest number of goals met was Planalto Norte e Nordeste. Most CEO did not reach the production goals. The worst performance occurred in the Meio Oeste and Serra Catarinense health macro-region, and the best performance in the Planalto Norte e Nordeste health macro-region.
Copyright (c) 2026 Déborah Sarah Chaves Valdivino, Bárbara Marcílio Duarte, Daniela Alba Nickel http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Non-pharmacological public health measures: Assessment of the PAHO Guide on outbreak and epidemics risk communication
The purpose of this article is to present an evaluability study of the Guide to Non-Pharmacological Public Health Measures prepared in 2020 by PAHO in order to maximize its usefulness in risk communication in outbreak and epidemic situations. A descriptive-qualitative approach was adopted, guided by the steps: (a) Documentary research; (b) Intervention modeling; (c) Extraction of evidence on the actions proposed in the document; (d) Validation of the logical theoretical model; (e) Elaboration of evaluative questions. Documentary analysis pointed to a multiplicity of actions to reduce community transmission, prioritizing the involvement of society, in addition to governmental and non-governmental institutions. The validated logical theoretical model made it possible to identify elements that could be useful as lessons to strengthen preparedness, preparedness and response capacities within the Health System in relation to disasters and other public health emergencies.
Copyright (c) 2026 Catia Oliveira, Marcelly de Freitas Gomes, Raquel Souza Santos, Jane Castro Maia http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Antidepressant exploration of moxidectin: Effects on behavior, neurotrophic factors and oxidative stress biomarkers in mice
Major depressive disorder is a reality to an increasing number of individuals worldwide, yet, it is still poorly understood and its treatment remains lackluster. Due to the subpar success rates of traditional monoaminergic pharmacotherapy, new targets have been explored. Here, the behavioral effects of a single dose of moxidectin (MOX) (1,5 mg/kg, 0,1 mL/10g, s.c.), a drug capable of allosterically modulating GABAA channels, was evaluated in male Swiss mice by the tail suspension (TST), splash (SPT), open field and elevated plus maze tests between 24 and 48 h post injection. MOX was capable of significantly decreasing the immobility time in TST and increasing grooming time in SPT, suggesting an antidepressant effect. To further explain the molecular pathways underlying MOX's observed behavioral changes, neurotrophic factors and oxidative stress biomarkers were identified. An increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) mRNA was observed, possibly explaining the behavioral changes. An increase in total antioxidant capacity and glutathione S-transferase (GST) in the prefrontal cortex and a decrease of GST in the hippocampus of MOX-treated animals may have also contributed to these results. To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating the antidepressant-like effect of MOX in mice. While these results are preliminary, they’re promising. The utilization of GABAA modulators is an emerging and interesting new avenue to be explored in the treatment of neuropsychiatric ailments.
Copyright (c) 2026 Gregory Klein Schneider, Francini Arboit, Vitória Schnath, Guilherme Vargas Bochi, Maria Amália Pavanato, Isabela Andres Finamor, Valério Marques Portela, Leonardo Andrade, Eliane Maria Zanchet http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Oral antidiabetic medicines and insulins in the lists of essential medicines of brazilian capitals and the federal district
Access to medicines is essential for the treatment of diabetes. Essential medicines lists provide knowledge of the available options and offer opportunities for rational use from several perspectives. Thus, this article aims to analyze oral antidiabetic medicines and insulins in the essential medicines lists of Brazilian capitals and the Federal District. This descriptive study was conducted through the investigation of essential medicines lists in Brazilian capitals and the Federal District. Data were collected from September to November 2022. The comparison of lists considered the 2022 National List of Essential Medicines (RENAME) and the 2021 World Health Organization (WHO) model list of essential medicines. The frequency of oral antidiabetic medicines ranged from two in Curitiba to eight in Teresina. Regarding insulins, there were six in Belo Horizonte, while Boa Vista, Macapá, Fortaleza, and João Pessoa did not include them. Metformin was the most frequently used oral antidiabetic medicine, as were NPH and regular insulins. The average agreement of oral antidiabetic medicines and insulins with the RENAME was 97.7% and 75.5%, respectively. The average agreement of oral antidiabetic medicines was 47.1% and 72.5% for insulins with the WHO model list of essential medicines. We observe a diversity in the range of medicines available for diabetes. Lists of essential medicines are guiding instruments for pharmaceutical services, and the lack of a description of insulins proved to be a cause for concern.
Copyright (c) 2026 Pâmella Araújo da Costa, Bruna Alves dos Santos Barbosa, Andrea Pecce Bento, Micheline Milward de Azevedo Meiners, Rinaldo Eduardo Machado de Oliveira http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
PREVENTION OF HEALTH DISORDERS IN THE ELDERLY PERSON DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC PERIOD
Objective: to collaboratively build a material with scientific information to promote and maintain the health of the elderly population. Method: this is an action research aimed at the collective construction of educational material. Data collection and construction of educational material was carried out in June 2022, in the city of Paranavaí - Paraná, Brazil. The research consisted of five phases: identification of doubts that permeated the lives of elderly people during the COVID-19 pandemic; content composition; choice of illustrations; evaluation of the material by specialists; and approval of the material by seniors. The elderly were randomly selected from the survey that the nurse of a Basic Health Unit made of the elderly in their area, who had preserved cognitive capacity to respond to the questionnaire. Results: the survey included 15 elderly people and four health professionals who were nurses. Regarding vaccination against Covid-19, 14 elderly people (93.3%) were immunized with three doses of the vaccine and one (6.6%) with two doses. Regarding the search for information about COVID-19, 13 (86.6%) searched through traditional media, such as: radio and television and six (40%) through digital media, such as: YouTube, Instagram, WhatsApp and Facebook, with 10 (66.6%) disseminate the information received about COVID-19 and five (33.3%) do not. Conclusion: it is concluded that there are still many doubts that permeate the lives of the elderly regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, and the construction of the folder is one of the strategies to facilitate access to information related to health, free of Fake News.
Copyright (c) 2026 Queila Rebeca Pazzetto Santos, Maria Antonia Ramos Costa, Poliana Avila Silva, Vanessa Denardi Antoniassi Baldissera, Giovanna Brichi Pesce, Mariana Pissioli Lourenço http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Design science research applied to health technologies: A bibliometric analysis
This study aimed to identify and analyze the characteristics of scientific articles in the health field utilizing Design Science (DS) and Design Science Research (DSR) as research methods. A bibliometric search was conducted in the Web of Science Core Collection database on June 28, 2023. Two independent researchers reviewed and extracted data from the articles. VOSviewer software was employed for data description and quantitative evaluation. The search yielded 461 documents, of which 127 were included in the final analysis. DS and DSR methods were applied in 91% (n = 116) of the studies, addressing multidisciplinary areas (n = 88). Most studies focused on health treatment/monitoring (n = 46), health management (n = 27), and mobile applications (n = 26). The findings suggest that integrating health technologies with DSR methods can provide a theoretical basis for innovative solutions in healthcare, health management, and governance.
Copyright (c) 2026 Vânia Ana Silveira Muniz, Aurélio de Oliveira Rocha, Mariane Cardoso, Ana Lúcia Schaefer Ferreira de Mello http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Association of polymorphisms in gastric cancer in latin american individuals: A brief systematic review
Objective: To systematically compile all information that clarifies which genetic polymorphisms are associated with gastric cancer in South American individuals. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA model and PICO strategy, based on the guiding question: “Which genetic polymorphisms are related to gastric cancer in the Latin American population?” Articles were searched in the PubMed, LILACS, BVS, and Google Scholar databases, following defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Fifty-two articles were found, and after analysis, 12 were definitively included in the review. Results: Several polymorphisms were identified in various genes involved in gene regulation, protein coding, inflammatory processes, oncological malnutrition, and drug-gene interaction, acting as potential molecular markers for the development of gastric cancer. Conclusion: The discovery of possible biomarkers that guide the relationship between gastric cancer and the polymorphisms of the genes studied in this review is promising. However, further studies are needed to better investigate this relationship and clarify the development of this pathology based on variations in various genes, allowing for future diagnostic approaches based on Single Nucleotide Polymorphism and genetic intervention in gastric cancer.
Rita de Cássia Silva de Oliveira de Oliveira
Copyright (c) 2026 Maervily Jacqueline dos Santos Gomes, Claudia Rodrigues dos Reis, Marcio Deyvid Corrêa Santa Brigida, Maria Elisa Costa de Oliveira, Pedro Afonso Gomes Costa, Haiala Soter Silva de Oliveira, Erik William Farias Coelho, Victor Leno Silva Paes, Rita de Cássia Silva de Oliveira de Oliveira http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Rhodiola rosea Linnaeus improves learning, memory, and symptoms of depression – an integrative review
Traditional antidepressants are associated with side effects that lead to treatment discontinuation. Natural alternatives have been studied, such as Rhodiola rosea (RR), for treating depression. This integrative review investigated the effects of RR in animals with induced depression to assess its effectiveness in alleviating depressive symptoms and improving learning and memory. The PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect databases were searched for relevant studies using the terms “Salidroside,” “Rhodioloside,” “Rhodiola rosea,” “depression,” “depressive disorder,” “depression, chemical,” and “animal.” The RR extract and salidroside were evaluated in six and eight studies, respectively. RR extract and salidroside improve cognitive function, neuroplasticity, and serotonin and corticosterone levels in rats. Using Rhodiola rosea extract or salidroside improves learning and memory and reduces neuronal damage caused by depression.
Jacqueline da Silva Guimarães dos Santos
Copyright (c) 2025 Maria Cristina de Oliveira, Thwphysow Fhelyphy Ferreira Santos, Jacqueline da Silva Guimarães dos Santos http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Effects of multicomponent exercise on functional performance of healthy older adults: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Multicomponent exercise training is considered a form of general training that can help fight harmful aging processes, leading to improved functional ability. This review therefore sought to investigate the effects of multicomponent exercise training on the functional performance of healthy older adults. Two independent reviewers conducted the data search and extraction as well as the risk-of-bias analysis. Randomized clinical trials comparing the effects of multicomponent exercise training with the effects of another exercise intervention or no exercise in a control group in healthy individuals aged 60 years or older were included. A systematic search of the literature was carried out in the following databases: PubMed, PEDro, CINAHL and Embase. The risk of bias was assessed with the Risk of Bias 2 tool. A total of 19 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. Most of the studies were considered to give rise to “some concerns” in terms of risk-of-bias. The quality of evidence and the strength of recommendations were evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. The quality of evidence was rated as low for both functional capacity and functional performance, and very low for all other outcomes. The results of the meta-analysis showed that participants who underwent multicomponent exercise training had a better functional-performance outcome as measured by the timed up-and-go, gait-speed and 30-second sit-to-stand tests as well as the Short Physical Performance Battery. An improvement in functional ability as measured by the 6-minute walk test was observed. In healthy older adults, twice-weekly MCET can improve functional performance, especially when combining aerobic, strength, and other exercises at moderate intensity. However, the evidence is limited, and further well-designed studies with larger samples are needed.
Copyright (c) 2026 Camila Monteiro Mazzarin, Bruna Roberta Pereira Silveira, Demetria Kovelis, Luana Martins Czuchraj, Silvia Valderramas http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Adverse effects of electronic cigarette vapor condensation on oral cells: A scoping review
Electronic cigarettes (ECs), when internally heated, generate aerosol through e-liquid, with part of it being absorbed into the bloodstream. Consequently, little is known about the potential adverse events of this vapor on oral cells, which may contribute to alterations in their functionality. The present study aims to organize data from the literature on the adverse effects of EC vapor condensation on oral cavity cells. The analysis was conducted following the methodological approach of PRISMA-ScR and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). Thus, two researchers from the team independently searched the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web Of Science, and LILACS databases using combinations of descriptors through "and/or," tabulating studies published in English over a 10-year period (January 1, 2013, to October 13, 2023), with the assistance of the EndNote reference manager. With the search, a total of 803 studies were located, of which 15 in vitro studies were included in the final analysis. Among the qualitative results, exposure to EC vapor for up to 72 hours caused damage to deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), oxidative stress, double-strand DNA breaks, apoptosis, cytotoxicity, and genotoxicity in human gingival fibroblasts (FGH), gingival mesenchymal stem cells (CTMG), primary human gingival epithelial cells (CEGHP), normal human oral keratinocytes (QOHN), and clustered human gingival epithelial progenitors (HGEPp). The evaluated cell cultures also showed a high percentage of apoptotic cells positive for terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), delaying their migration. Thus, xenobiotic metabolism, oxidative stress response, and processes related to inflammation are influenced by EC vapor in oral cells.
Copyright (c) 2026 Zildenilson da Silva Sousa, Rafael César da Silva Oliveira, Caroline Mary Gurgel Dias Florêncio , Ana Vitória Machado Duarte, Moysés Matias Mateus, Sara Liz Sales Moreira, Thallyta Victoria Bandeira Moreira, Raissa Pinheiro Moraes http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Analysis of the implementation of the national pharmaceutical assistance policy in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS): Achievements and challenges
Pharmaceutical Assistance plays a crucial role in achieving the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, especially with regard to promoting health and well-being for all. Despite the achievements resulting from decades of implementation of the National Pharmaceutical Assistance Policy in Brazil, numerous challenges are still reported. Understanding these elements is fundamental to strengthening health systems, contributing to the construction of healthier and more resilient societies. Therefore, the objective of this study was to describe the achievements and challenges of the National Pharmaceutical Assistance Policy in the Unified Health System (SUS). A systematic literature review was conducted, including 17 studies. The results show that several actions have progressed positively, reflecting across all fields of Pharmaceutical Assistance. However, several aspects to be included, reorganized, and improved were also identified, especially in relation to Public Policies and Management, highlighting deficiencies in service management as one of the main challenges. In conclusion, the results demonstrate the diversity of conceptions found in Pharmaceutical Assistance, reflecting the ongoing movement in the process of reorienting its implementation. The critical and integrated analysis of these results contributes to addressing the prevalent challenges in primary health care, including access to medicines and pharmaceutical care in Brazil. This research provides relevant evidence to improve the policy and management of Pharmaceutical Assistance, aiming to enhance the quality of services provided and, consequently, the health of the population benefited by the Unified Health System.
Copyright (c) 2026 Tassiane Cristina Morais, Nathália Cesar de Oliveira, Natane Brandão Pereira, Leila Santos Neto http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0