Bioscience Journal

This study analyzes the spatial autocorrelation of mortality rates from respiratory diseases in Brazilian municipalities between 1999 and 2022, emphasizing associated socioeconomic and environmental factors, including GDP per capita, population density, urbanization index, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Statistical analyses related to the Global Moran’s I and Local Moran’s Index (LISA) were applied to identify spatial patterns of dependence, followed by Pearson correlation analysis. The results reveal a reduction in the global autocorrelation of mortality over time, with persistent high-risk clusters in the South and Southeast regions, especially among the elderly and groups with higher education levels, while the North and Northeast regions show greater vulnerability associated with low education, income, and urbanization. GHG emissions maintained distinct spatial patterns over the period, with CH₄ showing relative stability, whereas CO₂ and N₂O showed an increase in spatial autocorrelation in more recent years. The findings reinforce the importance of spatial analysis in identifying territorial health inequalities and provide support for integrated public policies aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change and promoting socio-environmental equity.

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of mini-screw position and number in mini-screw-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) expanders in a patient with cleft lip and palate (CLP). A cone-beam computed tomography scan of a patient aged 17 years with bilateral complete CLP was used to construct six finite element models with MARPE expanders: three bone-borne and three tooth-bone-borne configurations, varying by mini-screw number (two or three) and position (anterior or posterior). Each expander was transversely activated to achieve 1.0 mm expansion. Equivalent elastic strain (µƐ) distributions were assessed in the maxillary palatal bone, dentoalveolar bone, and anchoring teeth. Deformation patterns in the palate and alveolar ridges (4,000 µƐ) were influenced by both mini-screw number and, more significantly, position. The presence of at least one mini-screw was critical for generating strain in the anterior palate. Expander arms produced notable strain at the insertion sites of banded anchoring teeth (100 µƐ). Mini-screw position appeared more influential than quantity in determining strain distribution. An anterior mini-screw was essential for inducing anterior palatal stress, while expander arms, regardless of mini-screw configuration, contributed to stress distribution across anchoring teeth and posterior alveolar ridges.

Osteoradionecrosis is a chronic complication of head and neck radiotherapy. It is characterized by necrotic bone exposure in previously irradiated areas. The clinical manifestations range from asymptomatic bone exposure to severe infections and pathological fractures. We report the clinical outcomes of adjunctive therapies for osteoradionecrosis management. Three male patients diagnosed with osteoradionecrosis following head and neck radiotherapy underwent treatment with a weekly ozone therapy protocol that included ozonated water irrigation, gas infiltration, and topical ozonated oil application. One patient with severe disease required a combination of surgical debridement and platelet-rich fibrin membrane placement. All the patients demonstrated progressive epithelialization, infection control, and accelerated wound healing. These results suggest that ozone therapy is a valuable strategy for enhancing tissue regeneration and improving wound healing, whether used alone or in combination with surgical procedures and platelet-rich fibrin. Altogether, these findings reinforce the potential of multimodal approaches in the clinical management of osteoradionecrosis.

The use of bio-inputs has been highly effective in cultivating large crops. Azospirillum brasilense and Pseudomonas fluorescens are referred to as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), which act through both direct mechanisms, providing nutrients, and indirect mechanisms, such as biocontrol. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of bio- inputs based on A. brasilense and P. fluorescens in sugarcane development. These bio-inputs were produced in bioreactors in isolated and combined fermentation. The test was conducted in a plant growth chamber with controlled temperature, photoperiod, and humidity. Pots received a sugarcane bud, and the bio-inputs were applied. The treatments consisted of T1 = control, T2 = A. brasilense, T3 = P. fluorescens, T4 = A. brasilense + P. fluorescens (combined fermentation) 0 hours (shelf life), and T5 = A. brasilense + P. fluorescens (combined fermentation) 180 hours (shelf life). The biocontrol action of bio-inputs against phytopathogenic fungi, the influence on soil microbiota, and the development of sugar cane were evaluated. The strains did not show biocontrol activity. In terms of microbiological parameters, the study revealed a significant increase in microbial biomass and soil biological activity, confirming the importance of fertility and nutrient availability. Positively impacting plant development. Thus, bio-inputs based on Azospirillum brasilense and Pseudomonas fluorescens, isolated or by combined fermentation, improved soil quality, soil biological activity, and the availability of plant nutrients.

This study evaluated the association between occupational stress and compassion fatigue among Brazilian nurses working in a hospital setting. This study is a census-based, cross-sectional, descriptive, and correlational investigation conducted among 83 nurses from a medium-sized university hospital in the southernmost part of Brazil. Validated instruments were used to assess occupational stress (Work Stress Scale) and professional quality of life (Professional Quality of Life Scale – ProQoL-BR). Logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between occupational stress and compassion fatigue, while adjusting for sociodemographic and professional variables. The prevalence of compassion fatigue was 65.9%, while 34.9% of participants exhibited occupational stress. A 10% increase in the occupational stress score was associated with a 33% increase in the likelihood of developing compassion fatigue. This association was influenced by variables such as age, sex, and sleep duration. This study associated occupational stress with compassion fatigue among hospital nurses, particularly in more vulnerable subgroups, such as female, older, and sleep-deprived professionals. These findings underscore the need for institutional policies that promote occupational health and prevent psychosocial problems.