Da Silva

Background/Objectives: Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have gained attention in theranostics for their ability to combine diagnostic imaging and therapeutic capabilities in a single platform, enhancing targeted treatment and monitoring. Surface coatings are essential for stabilizing MNPs, improving biocompatibility, and preventing oxidation that could compromise their functionality. Natural rubber latex (NRL) offers a promising coating alternative due to its biocompatibility and stability-enhancing properties. While NRL-coated MNPs have shown potential in applications such as magnetic resonance imaging, their effectiveness in theranostics, particularly magnetic hyperthermia (MH) and photoacoustic imaging (PAI), remains underexplored. Methods: In this study, iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized via coprecipitation, using NRL as the coating agent. The samples were labeled by NRL amount used during synthesis: NRL-100 for 100 μL and NRL-400 for 400 μL. Results: Characterization results showed that NRL-100 and NRL-400 samples exhibited improved stability with zeta potentials of −27 mV and −30 mV, respectively and higher saturation magnetization values of 79 emu/g and 88 emu/g of Fe3O4. Building on these findings, we evaluated the performance of these nanoparticles in biomedical applications, including magnetomotive ultrasound (MMUS), PAI, and MH. NRL-100 and NRL-400 samples showed greater displacements and higher contrast in MMUS than uncoated samples (5, 8, and 9 µm) at 0.5 wt%. In addition, NRL-coated samples demonstrated an improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in PAI. SNR values were 24.72 (0.51), 31.44 (0.44), and 33.81 (0.46) dB for the phantoms containing uncoated MNPs, NRL-100, and NRL-400, respectively. Calorimetric measurements for MH confirmed the potential of NRL-coated MNPs as efficient heat-generating agents, showing values of 43 and 40 W/g for NRL-100 and NRL-400, respectively. Conclusions: Overall, NRL-coated MNPs showed great promise as contrast agents in MMUS and PAI imaging, as well as in MH applications.

Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de Jataí, Jataí 75801-615, GO, Brazil

We evaluated the surgical stress response of dogs undergoing three ovariohysterectomy (OVH) techniques. Twenty-nine healthy females were allocated into groups: celiotomy and ligature (CelioSut), celiotomy and bipolar energy (CelioBip), and a video-assisted technique using two portals and bipolar energy (VidBip). Clinical evaluation was performed, and the following blood analyses were determined: acute phase proteins (C-reactive protein and haptoglobin), white blood cell counting (WBC), and biomarkers of oxidative status. The VidBip required more time despite a smaller incision, lower heart rate, and earlier feeding and urination. All groups had high white blood cells counts; the C-reactive protein (CRP) levels peaked at 6 and 12 h in all groups and was higher in the CelioBip and VidBip groups compared to CelioSut; haptoglobin concentrations peaked at 48 h in all groups and increased in dogs of the CelioSut group. Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, ferric reducing ability of plasma, cupric reducing antioxidant capacity, and advanced oxidation protein were not significantly different among the groups or time points. Total thiol concentrations were lower in CelioBip and CelioSut groups. All surgical techniques induced an inflammatory and oxidative stress response, but the video-assisted technique produced early clinical recovery. The bipolar device produces fewer disturbances than suspensory ligament rupture and ligature.

Department of Animal Sciences, Federal Institute of Goiano, Rio Verde 75900-000, GO, Brazil

Abstract Background The rapid spread and increase of chikungunya (CHIKV) and dengue (DENV) cases in Brazilian regions in 2023 has

In Eucalyptus plantations, coppice rotations often yield less than initial rotations. The TECHS project (Tolerance of Eucalyptus Clones to Hydric, Thermal and Biotic Stresses) studied short rotation coppicing across a 3000 km gradient. The main objective of this work was to compare the survival, sprouting, and initial growth of Eucalyptus clones managed and to examine factors that might influence the productivity of the coppice rotation: climate, genotypes, and stocking. Eight of the TECHS sites spread from latitudes 6° S to 30° S were included in the coppice study, with 17 genotypes at each site. The initial rotation had been planted at a 3 m × 3 m spacing and also in a spacing trial at densities from 500 to 3500 trees ha−1. Six months after harvesting the initial Eucalyptus rotation, average survival was 88%, with tropical clones showing over twice the sprouting biomass (6.7 vs. 2.9 Mg ha−1) and four times the woody biomass compared to subtropical clones (4.7 vs. 1.1 Mg ha−1). Greater initial water deficits had stronger sprouting and growth. Clones with higher belowground carbon allocation in the initial rotation performed better in coppicing, and precipitation became more influential after 12 months. Drought and spacing trials significantly affected growth.

Background/Objectives: Patient safety is a critical component of healthcare quality, yet there remains a significant gap in understanding how patient safety knowledge progresses among nursing students throughout their educational journey. This scoping review aims to map and analyze the existing literature on the development of patient safety knowledge in undergraduate nursing education. Methods: This study will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews and adhere to the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses—Scoping Reviews) guidelines. A comprehensive search strategy will be employed across multiple databases, including CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), PubMed, Embase, SCOPUS, and Web of Science. The review will include studies published from 2019 to 2024 in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. Two independent reviewers will conduct study selection and data extraction. The data will be synthesized narratively, with quantitative data summarized using descriptive statistics and qualitative data analyzed thematically. Results: The review is expected to identify key patterns in the progression of patient safety knowledge among nursing students, including critical periods for knowledge acquisition, challenges in translating theoretical knowledge into practice, and effective educational strategies. The findings will be presented in both tabular and narrative forms, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of patient safety education in nursing programs. Conclusions: The anticipated outcomes of this review have significant implications for nursing education, healthcare policy, and clinical practice. For educators, the findings will inform curriculum development and the design of targeted interventions to enhance patient safety competencies. From a policy perspective, the results could support the standardization of patient safety education across nursing programs. In clinical practice, the study may emphasize the importance of continuous professional development in patient safety. This scoping review aims to fill a critical gap in the literature by providing a comprehensive understanding of how patient safety knowledge progresses among nursing students. The findings are expected to contribute significantly to the advancement of nursing education and patient safety, ultimately fostering a culture of safety that benefits both healthcare providers and recipients.

Typesetting math: 100% Laboratory of Separation Systems and Process Optimization (LASSOP)—Center of Technology, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió 57072-900, AL, Brazil

Loading web-font Gyre-Pagella/Size2/Regular Open Access Article by Mazaher Salamat-Talab Mazaher Salamat-Talab

Rectal prolapse is a common condition in laboratory-housed macaques, usually associated with recurrent gastroenteritis and stress. However, evidence for both statements is lacking. Therefore, the prevalence of rectal prolapses and their risk factors in laboratory-housed macaques have yet to be assessed. In addition, a standard of care pharmacological treatment remains to be recognized and documented. Thus, a retrospective study involving 816 laboratory-housed macaques was conducted, in which the prevalence, risk factors, and treatment success of rectal prolapses was assessed. The prevalence was shown to be 3.92%, and all cases could be either directly or indirectly linked to stress factors. By eliminating the suggested stressor, most rectal prolapses reverted naturally (69%). Moreover, we discuss the advantage of the ancillary administration of hyoscine butylbromide and metamizole as a treatment modality.