Universidade Federal De Minas Gerais Research Articles

Overview of Fourth Generation Reactors Studied at the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (Brazil)

This paper presents the results of the studies about the Fourth Generation Reactors developed at DENU-UFMG, such as the Very High Temperature Reactor (VHTR), Molten Salt Breeder Reactor (MSBR), Sodium Fast Reactor (SFR) and Gas-cooled Fast Reactor (GFR). These studies evaluate neutronic parameters of the nuclear system at steady state and during the burnup using computer models developed at DENU-UFMG using SCALE 6.0 (KENO-VI/ORIGENS), MCNPX 2.6.0 and MCNP5. The results show that the adopted methodologies confirm the capabilities of the codes to simulate specific situations in steady state or transient operating conditions.

A retrospective cohort study of pulp prognosis in luxated permanent teeth: a competing risk analysis.

The present retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate luxated permanent teeth for pulp prognosis and risk factors. Case records and radiographs of 224 patients, involving 427 luxated permanent teeth, referred for treatment at the Dental Trauma Center-School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, (DTC-SD-UFMG) from 2014 to 2022, were assessed for pulp prognosis classified as vitality, necrosis and pulp canal obliteration (PCO). A competing risk survival analysis estimated the hazards of the three outcomes, and the effect of demographic, clinical and treatment variables was tested using a cause specific Cox regression model. Pulp vitality was found in163 teeth (38.2%), pulp necrosis in 120 teeth (28.1%) and 55 teeth (12.9%) developed PCO. Pulp vitality decreased in the presence of concomitant crown fractures (HR 0.38 95% CI [0.2-0.8] p = 0.006). The risk of pulp necrosis (HR 0.62 95% CI [0.4-0.96] p = 0.03) was lower in cases with open apices but increased with concomitant crown fractures (HR 4.0 95% CI [2.6-6.1] p = 0.001) and intrusions (HR 2.3 95% CI [1.2-4.1] p = 0.007). Lateral or extrusive luxations (HR 3.0 95% CI [1.3-6.9] p = 0.001) and open apices (HR 2.4 95% CI [1.2-4.7] p = 0.01) showed higher rates of PCO. Type of luxation, the diameter of the apical foramen, and the presence of concomitant crown fractures were main determinants of pulp prognosis after luxation injuries in permanent teeth. Pulp prognosis after tooth luxation is dependent on the presence and direction of tooth displacement together with infection control. Not applicable.

Racial disparities in breast cancer survival after treatment initiation in Brazil: a nationwide cohort study

Breast cancer is a public health priority in Brazil and ensuring equity in health care is one of the cancer control plan goals. Our aim was to present the first assessment on the influence of race or skin colour on breast cancer survival at the national level. In this nationwide cohort study, data on women who initiated treatment for breast cancer in the public health-care system (Sistema Unico de Saúde), Brazil, were assembled through record linkage of administrative and mortality information systems. The administrative information systems were the Outpatient Information System (data from high complexity procedure authorisations) and the Hospital Information System (data from hospitalisation authorisations). We included women aged 19 years or older who started treatment between Jan 1, 2008, and Nov 30, 2010; self-identified as having White, Black, or Brown race or skin colour; had tumour stage I-IV; and were treated with chemotherapy or radiotherapy, or both. Patients were followed up until Dec 31, 2015. Patients with only hormone therapy records or who underwent only surgery were excluded. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate crude overall survival for race or skin colour by time since treatment initiation, and Cox regression to estimate all-cause mortality hazard ratios (HRs) before and after adjustment for other covariates. We identified 59 811 women treated for stage I-IV breast cancer. 37 318 (62·4%) women identified themselves as White, 18 779 (31·4%) as Brown, and 3714 (6·2%) as Black. 5-year overall survival probability was higher for White women (74% [95% CI 73-74]) than Black women (64% [62-65]; p<0·0001). In adjusted regression models stratified by the absence of hormone therapy, Black women had a 24% (HR 1·24 [95% CI 1·16-1·34]; p<0·0001) higher risk of all-cause death than White women, and in the presence of hormone therapy Black women had a 25% (1·25 [1·14-1·38]; p<0·0001) higher risk of all-cause death than White women. Black skin colour was identified as a statistically significant risk marker for lower 5-year survival probability and higher risk of all-cause death among women treated for breast cancer by the Sistema Unico de Saúde. Actions to understand and mitigate this unfair difference in health results are urgently needed. Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico and Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior and Pró-Reitoria de Pesquisa da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais.

Electrochemical Diselenation of BODIPY Fluorophores for Bioimaging Applications and Sensitization of 1 O2.

Invited for the cover of this issue are the groups of Holger Braunschweig at the Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Germany and Eufrânio N. da Silva Júnior at the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, UFMG, Brazil. The image depicts the electrochemical synthesis of selenium-containing BODIPY molecules with lightning symbolizing the electrifying synthetic process, while the surrounding elemental chaos hints at the red-shifted absorption and emission and the transformative photophysical properties of these new compounds. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202303883.

Nutritional intake in high-performance para athletes

ObjectiveThis study aimed to describe the eating habits of para-athletes who attended a specialized training center in Brazil. MethodsParticipants were recruited from the Sports Training Center at the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil. Energy, macronutrient (expressed in absolute terms and relative to body weight), fiber, cholesterol, and micronutrient intakes were assessed via a food frequency questionnaire, based on intakes over the preceding 12 mo. Sociodemographic factors were assessed using a purpose-designed survey, which included self-reported weight and height. Differences in nutrient intake based on sex, age, body mass index, and sporting factors were evaluated. ResultsA total of 30 para-athletes (in para athletics, para-powerlifting, para-swimming, and para-taekwondo) were included in the study. The median total energy intake was 4089 (2855–5829) kcal. The median consumption of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats was 512.3 (358.7–853.5), 184.5 (118.5–246.4), and 137.1 (96.8–189.5) g/d, respectively. Adolescent athletes had higher protein intakes than adult athletes (P = 0.02). Para-athletes with a longer sports career had lower consumption of fiber (P = 0.01) and thiamine (P = 0.02). Participants with a higher body mass index had higher intake of alcohol (P = 0.04) and monounsaturated fats (P = 0.01). Higher consumption of alcohol was also reported by older para-athletes (P = 0.02). ConclusionsWe identified a higher saturated fat intake in male than in female para-athletes as well as higher protein intake (g/kg) in younger compared with older athletes. In addition, sociodemographic characteristics influenced the dietary intake of some para-athletes, such as length of sports career, age, and income.

PO-05-058 PROGNOSTIC EVALUATION OF PATIENTS WITH ICD IN A LATIN AMERICAN TERTIARY CENTER.

Despite advances in ICD, SCD remains a public health problem. Chagas disease, still prevalent in Brazil, is associated with higher VT and VF events and SCD when compared to other cardiopathies. Data are conflicting in correlating mortality reduction in chagasic patients and the ICD implantation. We aimed to evaluate the ICD receivers mortality after structuring arrhythmia service in a Latin American tertiary center. Evaluate if the mortality and VT/VF events decrease when patients who received ICD at different periods of time (2007-2010, 2011-2014, 2015-2018) are compared in a tertiary center; compare the prognosis of chagasic to non-chagasic patients in different periods. Retrospective observational study of patients with ICD implanted in the Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (HC-UFMG) between October 2007 and December 2018. The primary outcome was mortality, evaluated in the total sample and in each period. The secondary outcomes were the VT/VF events and the combined outcome of death and/or VT/VF, evaluated in the total sample and in each period. A total of 885 patients were included, 31% chagasic. Out of these, 254 (28%) died, 127 (14%) had VT/VF and 329 (37%) died and/or had VT/VF. The Kaplan-Meier curves showed that period 3 vs. 1 was the only variable associated with better death-free survival, p=0.007. For the VT/VF and the combined outcome free survival curves, Chagas disease was the only variable associated with higher rate of events; p<0.001 and p=0.009, respectively. In the cox's analysis adjusted for age, sex and Chagas, period 2 vs. 1 was protective for death (HR 0.715, 95%CI 0.539-0.948) and combined outcome (HR 0.713, 95%CI 0.537-0.945); period 3 vs. 1 was protective for death (HR 0.516, 95%CI 0.351-0.759) and combined outcome (HR 0.530, 95%CI 0.361-0.780). After adjusting for age and gender, Chagas was associated with VT/VF in periods 1 (HR 2.531, 95%CI 1.469-4.360) and 2 (HR 3.247, 95%CI 1.735-6.076). There was a gradual reduction in mortality and combined outcome for ICD receivers at periods 2011-2014 and 2015-2018 compared to the initial period 2007-2010. Chagas was associated with a higher VT/VF events in ICD receivers only in the first two periods. The improvement of results was concomitant with the incorporation of new modalities and technologies to treat patients with ICD. The better organization of care may be associated with reduction of overall mortality and arrhythmic events in this population.

MEGF10 gene mutations causing a recessive congenital multiminicore myopathy (P9-9.010)

<h3>Objective:</h3> Congenital myopathies are classified into five main types: core myopathies, nemaline myopathies, centronuclear myopathies, congenital fiber-type disproportion, and myosin storage myopathies. The most common forms are core myopathies. Despite their phenotypic diversity, patients demonstrate common symptoms including hypotonia, muscle weakness, dysmorphic features, and respiratory problems. There are several mutations in <i>MEGF10</i> that have been reported to cause autosomal recessive congenital myopathy, areflexia, respiratory distress, muscle weakness, dysphagia with early or late-onset syndrome, minicore myopathy and limb girdle muscular dystrophy. Affected individuals frequently become ventilator dependent or die secondary to respiratory failure. <h3>Background:</h3> A 5-year-old girl from a consanguineous couple was referred to our service due to weakness and hypotonia. After birth, she developed respiratory failure. Severe motor delay was already evident in the first months of life: at 6 months she had no cervical control and at 12 months she could not sit without support. At age 3 she developed respiratory problems with apnea and hypercapnia, requiring ventilation with two levels of positive airway pressure. She was indicated for gastrostomy at age 4 after aspiration pneumonia. On her evaluation, she had axial and proximal muscle weakness, facial weakness, scoliosis, and nasal speech. Despite presenting hypotonia and gait difficulties, she was able to walk independently and had no cognitive changes. A muscle biopsy was performed which suggested multiminicore myopathy. Genetic investigation resulted in a homozygous mutation of the <i>MEGF10</i> gene. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> NA <h3>Results:</h3> NA <h3>Conclusions:</h3> <i>MEGF10</i> mutations should be considered in the differential diagnosis of individuals with respiratory insufficiency and myopathy, particularly when accompanied by facial weakness, scoliosis or dysphagia. The phenotypic similarities with other congenital neuromuscular disorders may cause difficulties in reaching a definite diagnosis. Treatment with a multidisciplinary team is important and family counseling is essential since consanguineous unions play a role in recessive genetic mutations manifestations. <b>Disclosure:</b> Miss Faria has nothing to disclose. Dr. Barbosa has nothing to disclose. Mrs. Ribeiro Torres has nothing to disclose. Mr. E Souza Filho has received research support from Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Mrs. Thiersch has nothing to disclose. Mrs. Oliveira has nothing to disclose.

Efficacy of Steroid Therapy in Management of Sydenham’s Chorea in Children: A Comparative Prospective Study

Objective: To determine the efficacy of steroid therapy in Sydenham’s chorea in children.&#x0D; Study Design: Comparative prospective study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Inpatient and Outpatient Department of Pediatric Neurology, Children Hospital and Institute of Child Health, Lahore Pakistan, from Dec 2019 to May 2020.&#x0D; Methodology: Sixty-eight children of Sydenham’s chorea were divided in Group A and B. Each Group was treated with Diazepam (0.3mg-1mg/kg/day) and an injection of Benzathine Penicillin. Group-B was given additional oral prednisolone (2mg/kg/day) for four weeks, with tapering in the next two weeks. Epidemiological data, clinical features and laboratory parameters were collected. The Universiade Federal de Minas Gerais Sydenham’s chorea Rating Scale (USCRS) was applied to both groups at the presentation after two weeks and four weeks.&#x0D; Results: Out of 68 patients, the mean Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG) Sydenham's Chorea Rating Scale (USCRS) got progressively better in Group-B (mean score improvement was 25.73±5.56 at two weeks and 41.06±6.89 at four weeks) than in Group-A (mean score improvement was 9.12±3.75 at two weeks and 17.97±3.89 at four weeks) with p-value of &lt;0.05.&#x0D; Conclusion: Steroid therapy significantly improved patients with Sydenham’s chorea compared to those who did not receive any steroid therapy.Keywords: Efficacy, Steroid therapy, Sydenham chorea.

Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis and Crohn's disease: characterization of the interaction with different aspects of the disease.

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic granulomatous inflammatory bowel disease with no fully understood etiology and cure. Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), the etiologic agent of paratuberculosis, is also isolated from samples from human patients with CD. Paratuberculosis is characterized by persistent diarrhea and progressive weight loss and primarily affects ruminants, which eliminate the agent via feces and milk. The involvement of MAP in the pathogenesis of CD and other intestinal diseases is unclear. Thus, the present study aimed to analyze immunological, socioepidemiological, biochemical, and therapeutic variables that may be related to the occurrence of MAP in blood samples and CD patients. The sampling was random, and the population of origin was the patients from the Bowel Outpatient Clinic of the Alpha Institute of Gastroenterology (IAG), Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (HC-UFMG). Blood samples were collected from 20 patients with CD, eight with ulcerative rectocolitis (UCR), and 10 control patients without inflammatory bowel diseases. Samples were subjected to real-time PCR for detection of MAP DNA, oxidative stress analyses, and socioepidemiological variables. MAP was detected in 10 (26.3%) of the patients, seven (70%) were CD patients, 2 (20%) were URC patients, and one (10%) was a non-IBD patient. MAP was found more frequently among CD patients, but not restricted to CD patients. The presence of MAP in the blood of these patients occurred simultaneously with an inflammatory response with an increase in neutrophils and significant alterations in the production of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase and GST.

Evaluation of functionality and socioeconomic status of patients with chronic pain.

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of chronic pain on functionality and its consequences on work and patient income. A total of 103 patients from the Multidisciplinary Pain Center of the Clinics Hospital of Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais were interviewed between January 2020 and June 2021, applying questionnaires on mobile devices. Socioeconomic data, multidimensional characterization of pain, and instruments for assessing pain functionality and intensity were analyzed. Pain intensity was categorized as mild, moderate, or intense for comparative analysis. Ordinal logistic regression was used to identify risk factors and variables that jointly influence the outcome of pain intensity. The patients had a median age of 55 years, were predominantly female, married or in a stable relationship, white race, and completed high school. The median family income was R$2,200. Most patients were retired due to disability and pain-related causes. Functionality analysis showed severe disability directly associated with pain intensity. The financial impacts observed were correlated with the pain intensity of the patients. Age was a risk factor for pain intensity, while sex, family income, and duration of pain served as protective factors. Chronic pain was associated with severe disability, decreased productivity, and exit from the labor market, with a negative impact on financial condition. Age, sex, family income, and duration of pain were directly associated with pain intensity.

Agronomic feasibility of wheat and triticale cultivars in the semiarid of Minas Gerais State, Brazil

The production of winter cereals is becoming increasingly important in Brazil, largely due to advanced techniques that enable considerable qualitative and quantitative gains. This is due to plant breeding under different soil and climate conditions combined with proper management. The present study aims to assess the agronomic feasibility of growing wheat and triticale cultivars with two sowing times in the semiarid region of northern Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The experiment was conducted in 2018 at the Instituto de Ciências Agrárias (Institute of Agricultural Sciences) of Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Montes Claros campus.  A randomized block design was used, with four replications and an 8 × 2 factorial arrangement consisting of eight genotypes (six wheat and two triticale cultivars) and two sowing times (April 21 and May 12, 2018). The irrigated production of wheat and triticale was agronomically feasible in the semi-arid region of Minas Gerais state and sowing time affected the main agronomic traits of interest of winter cereals. However, it is essential to study the economic feasibility of the crop. Sowing in April was the most indicated for wheat and triticale, with IPR Potyporã, IPR 144 and IPR 111 as the recommended cultivars.

A história da formação profissional de enfermeiras obstétricas em Minas Gerais (1957-1999): uma análise genealógica

to analyze obstetric nurses' professional training in Minas Gerais between 1957 and 1999, according to genealogical principles. a qualitative interpretative study based on historical research with genealogical analysis. Data were obtained through documentary research and oral history, with six participants, and submitted to discourse analysis. they recompose the genealogical path of obstetric nurses' professional training from Minas. The speeches reveal field of practice deprivation in professional training and the importance of the articulation between the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais Nursing School and Hospital Sofia Feldman for teaching and work in obstetric nursing. It was identified that training, in the national scenario, evolved from a Escola de Enfermagem Carlos Chagas' peripheral initiative to centrality and capillarity. the unique historical trajectory of obstetric nurses' professional training in Minas Gerais, marked by ruptures, institutional articulations, conflicting games and interest, was unveiled.

Teleconsultorias endodônticas do Telessaúde no estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil

Abstract Background The Telehealth Brazil Program aims to improve the quality of Primary Health Care. Objective This cross-sectional study evaluated the Telehealth Brazil Networks Program’s dental teleconsulting in Minas Gerais state to elucidate the prevalent questions in endodontics. Method Secondary databases of offline dental teleconsulting from the Clinical Hospital and Medical School of the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais from July 2015 to July 2017 were used. The variables analyzed were telehealth center, dental specialty and sub-area, and question type. The results were descriptively analyzed using the SPSS v.22.0 program. Results A total of 3,920 teleconsulting sessions were carried out. Endodontics was the field with the sixth-highest demand for questions (7.4%). The most prevalent endodontic questions were related to pulpal and periapical alterations (32.3%), being more related to diagnosis, followed by dental trauma (15.6%), endodontic emergencies (11.4%), and intracanal medication (7.3%), all of them with most questions related to clinical conduct. Conclusion The endodontic field questions were related to prevalent conditions in the daily activities of the primary health care professionals. It is crucial to continuously update the professionals through continuing education programs and the search for new knowledge to reinforce these competencies.

Occult hepatitis B virus infection in patients with chronic liver disease of different etiology in a Brazilian referral center: comparison of two different hepatitis B virus deoxyribonucleic acid amplification protocols: a cross-sectional study.

Occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI) is defined as the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in the liver of individuals with undetectable hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) in the serum. The actual prevalence of OBI and its clinical relevance are not yet fully understood. To evaluate the prevalence of HBV DNA in liver biopsies of HBsAg-negative patients with chronic liver disease of different etiologies in a referral center in Brazil and compare two different HBV DNA amplification protocols to detect HBV. This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the Liver Outpatient Clinic, Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil, between January 2016 and December 2019. HBV DNA was investigated in 104 liver biopsy samples from individuals with chronic liver disease of different etiologies, in whom HBsAg was undetectable in serum by nested-polymerase chain reaction (nested-PCR), using two different protocols. OBI, diagnosed by detecting HBV DNA using both protocols, was detected in 6.7% of the 104 individuals investigated. Both protocols showed a good reliability. In addition to the differences in the prevalence of HBV infection in different regions, variations in the polymerase chain reaction technique used for HBV DNA amplification may be responsible for the large variations in the prevalence of OBI identified in different studies. There is a need for better standardization of the diagnostic methods used to diagnose this entity.

Synchronous teleconsultation and monitoring service targeting COVID-19: leveraging insights for post-pandemic healthcare.

Although a great number of teleconsultation services have been developed during COVID-19 pandemic, studies assessing usability and healthcare provider satisfaction are still incipient. To describe the development, implementation and expansion of a synchronous teleconsultation service targeting patients with symptoms of COVID-19 in Brazil, as well as to assess its usability and healthcare professionals' satisfaction. This mixed-methods study was developed in five phases: (i) identification of components, technical and functional requirements and system architecture; (ii) system and user interface development and validation; (iii) pilot testing in the city of Divinópolis; (iv) expansion in the cities of Divinópolis, Teófilo Otoni and Belo Horizonte for Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais faculty and students; (v) usability and satisfaction assessment, using Likert scale and open-ended questions. During pilot development, problems to contact users were solved by introducing standardized text messages (SMS) sent to them to obtain their feedback and keep track of them. Until April, 2022, the expanded system achieved 31,966 patients in 146,158 teleconsultations. Teleconsultations were initiated through chatbot in 27,69% of cases. Teleconsultation efficiency per city was 93.7% in Teófilo Otoni, 92.4% in Divinopolis, and 98.8% in Belo Horizonte (university campus), avoiding in-person assistance for the great majority of patients. 60 healthcare professionals assessed the system's usability as satisfactory, despite a few system instability problems. The system provided updated information about COVID-19 and enabled remote care for thousands of patients, which evidenced the critical role of telemedicine in expanding emergency services capacity during the pandemic. The dynamic nature of the current pandemic required fast planning, implementation, development and updates in the system. Usability and satisfaction assessment was key to identifying areas for improvement. The experience reported here is expected to inform telemedicine strategies to be implemented in a post-pandemic scenario.

P-083: IMPACT OF ALPHA THALASSEMIA COEXISTENCE ON TRANSFUSION NEED AMONG PATIENTS WITH SICKLE CELL DISEASE

Purpose: Thalassemia alfa (Alpha-Thal) and sickle cell disease (SCD) are hemoglobinopathies that can be inherited concomitantly. The scientific literature suggests an improvement in the clinical picture of SCD when these conditions coexist, due to the greater potential for deformation of red blood cells and lower rates of hemolysis, positively impacting complications and transfusion needs. The aim of this study was to evaluate, in a population of patients with SCD, the frequency of deletions for the alpha-Thal genes and whether this characteristic resulted in a significantly lower number of transfusions. Materials and methods: 138 medical records of children born between 1998 and 2007, with SCD registered at Fundação Hemominas Juiz de Fora - Brazil, from August 1998 to July 2018 were evaluated. The inclusion criteria for the analysis were patients with active follow-up, diagnostic test through neonatal screening standardized (High Performance Liquid Chromatography- HPLC and Isoelectric Focusing Electrophoresis - IFE) by Núcleo de Ação e Pesquisa em Apoio Diagnóstico of Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais and the exclusion criteria were diagnosis through another methodology, loss of follow-up and death. The variables analyzed were the presence or absence of the deletion for Alpha-Thal(3,7) and the number of transfusions in the observational period using the Qui-Square test (SPSS 15 ®). Study approved by the Research Ethics Committee. Results: 10 patients died before the exams, there was a loss of follow-up in 11 patients due to the transfer or abandonment of treatment and 5 patients did not attend the testing for Alpha-Thal(3,7) in the period for collection. In the total sample, 60.9% were diagnosed with HbSS genotype, 28.3% HbSC, 6.5% HbSBeta0, 3.6% HbSBeta+ and 0.7% HbSD. 4.27% of the patients had two deletions, against 25.64% with one deletion and 65.81% without Alpha-Thal(3,7). Regarding polytransfused patients (10 or more transfusions), 22.1% of patients had no deletions, compared to 16.67% of those with a deletion and 0% of patients with two deletions for Alpha-Thal(3,7) (p = 0.036). Conclusion: It was observed a lower number of patients undergoing hypertransfusion and a lesser need for transfusions among those with deletions of Alpha-Thal(3,7) genes when comparing them to non-carriers, strengthening the role of Alpha Thalassemia coexistence as a protective factor in the SCD. The authors do not declare any conflict of interest

Grand Challenges Scholars Program - GCSP at the Engineering School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais / Programa Acadêmico Grandes Desafios para a Engenharia, Escola de Engenharia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais

The structure of the Grand Challenges Scholars Program (GCSP) of the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais -UFMG, School of Engineering, linked to the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) former initiative, is presented. This academic program has an aspirational vision of educating professionals for facing the challenges of engineering in the twenty-first century. The approach is based on an integrative methodology, geared toward the formation of critical competencies, with a focus on solutions to global problems. It creates opportunities for cooperation, as well as develops multicultural and multidisciplinary competencies, social ability, and commitment. Currently, the courses at the UFMG School of Engineering are adapting to meet the new national guidelines for Engineering courses in Brazil, published in January 2019, and the GCSP is a pilot program, capable of transforming the methodology, the mentality, and the educational and technological tools it uses, into an alternative for all engineering courses at UFMG. The Program started its activities in the School of Engineering in 2020, despite the challenges and limitations imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic. The operational criteria and the internal organization were defined, and the Program was introduced to the students. The first initiatives of the Program - with broad access to engineering students and open to the participation of students from other areas - included the Call No.01/2020 - Covid-19 and the I Sustainability Workshop, held in 2021.

BioSin UFMG Club: Engaging a multilevel and multidisciplinary community in synthetic biology.

Learning synthetic biology is often seen as a far distant possibility, restricted to those who have the privilege of an academic career. We propose a student-centered discussion group around synthetic biology, aimed at people from high school onwards with different backgrounds to interact and learn about synthetic biology. We developed a 14-week long program with three modules: "Leveling," "Introducing," and "Discussion." By completing the first two modules, the members should be more comfortable with biological names, structures, concepts, and techniques. The modules developed are available in Portuguese, Spanish, and English via the Open Lab Idea Real website (https://ideareal.org/clube-de-biologia-sintetica/) and can be used to implement the Club either in place or virtually around the world. We put it to practice at Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG) creating the Club named BioSin. There are programs such as the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition focused on disseminating synthetic biology. Although iGEM is one fantastic way of learning about synthetic biology, there is a high cost. Because of that, a study and discussion Club is a tool to spread knowledge and engage with the study area.

Self-collected nasopharyngeal swab and molecular test using pool testing as strategies to detect severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2): feasibility in medical students at the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil, 2021.

To show the feasibility of the combined use of self-collected nasopharyngeal swab and pool testing to detect SARS-CoV-2 in epidemiological surveys. This experience included a sample of 154 students at the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, who performed self-collected nasopharyngeal swab in individual cabins and without supervision. The molecular test was performed using the pool testing technique. It took each person 5 minutes to collect the sample. An analysis was performed to detect endogenous RNA in 40 samples. The results showed that there were no failures resulting from self-collection. None of the pools detected the presence of viral RNA. The cost of molecular testing (RT-PCR), by pool testing, with samples obtained by self-collection was about ten times lower than the usual methods. The strategies that were investigated proved to be economically feasible and valid for the research on SARS-CoV-2 in epidemiological surveys.

Producción de recursos educativos para la enseñanza del portugués en la educación superior

The purpose of this article is to analyze three didactic materials produced for the online discipline Portuguese Language Workshop: Text Reading and Production, offered by the Faculdade de Letras of Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, in Brazil. In this analysis, we seek to qualitatively analyze the elaboration of the materials considering the specificities of the Distance Education modality and the teaching of grammatical topics in the academic literacy context. For this, categories were defined as axes of analysis: multimodal resources; linguistic, discursive and pedagogical strategies; technological resources, and grammar conceptions. As a result, aspects to be improved were identified, such as the predominance of the traditional approach to grammar, and others that constitute good achievements, such as the diversity in the use of languages and in the expected way of reading and responding. Based on the results, we propose some characteristics that can contribute to the revision of the materials and also to the reflection about the production of educational resources in the context of distance Portuguese teaching.