The normal density of eosinophils in the digestive mucosa of children has been rarely addressed despite being important to provide baseline counts for the diagnosis of eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGID). Histopathological criteria for EGID remain undefined and there has been little consistency of results in different populations. We aimed to establish the eosinophil density of the normal digestive mucosa in a paediatric population submitted to endoscopic procedures with normal histological features. Biopsies from endoscopies of 33 patients were evaluated. Quantification of eosinophils was performed manually. Review of the pathology reports confirmed absence of abnormality in the biopsy specimens. Counts were expressed in eosinophils per high power field and per mm. Oesophagus (n = 33): eosinophils were uniformly absent in all biopsies. Stomach: counting was performed, separately, in the superficial and deep lamina propria of the fundus (n = 13), corpus (n = 13) and antrum (n = 16). Mean eosinophilic density was higher in the deep lamina propria. Small intestine: eosinophil counts revealed 18.1 ± 17.0, 14.4 ± 12.0, and 51.5 ± 35.3 in the lamina propria of the bulb (n = 13), D2 (n = 13), and ileum (n = 16), respectively. Large intestine: the highest peak count was observed in the caecum (125 mm; n = 16) with a mean of 51.8 ± 33.5. The eosinophil counts were lower in the ascending (n = 16; 40.9 ± 27.4), transverse (n = 14; 34.3 ± 21.9), descending (n = 15; 40.0 ± 26.6), and sigmoid (n = 17; 25.8 ± 17.8) colon and in the rectum (n = 17; 13.9 ± 10.1). These data provide a baseline count and distribution of eosinophils in the gastrointestinal tract of paediatric patients with normal mucosa, thus expanding the scarce published data.

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The synthesis of superabsorbent poly(sodium acrylate) by semicontinuous inverse heterophase polymerization is reported here. In this process, an aqueous solution of sodium acrylate, initiator, and a cross-linking agent is dosed at a controlled rate over an organic solution containing surfactant. These nanogels exhibit a large swelling ratio (compared to the dry nanoparticles synthesized by inverse microemulsion polymerization), which increase to some extent with temperature, but then at ca. 30 8C, they de-swell slightly. Possible explanations to this behavior are the release of residual stresses originated during nanoparticles purification and drying, the association-dissociation of ionic clusters, and the thermoelastic inversion point of the elastic modulus of the nanogels.

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Introduction Burnout is a complex psychological syndrome, secondary to a chronic and excessive response to work stress. It is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and decreased professional fulfilment. Health professionals are a susceptible group to this phenomenon. Recently, challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic have eventually increased the prevalence and/or severity of this issue, particularly in Primary Health Care. Thus, interventions aimed at minimizing its effects are urgent. Objective To reduce Burnout and promote appropriate coping strategies, empowering Health Professionals to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Methodology This intervention is aimed at Health Professionals from a Family Health Unit. Previously, sociodemographic data were collected and applied two self-completed questionnaires: the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire II (COPSOQ II) to assess Burnout levels, and the The Ways of Coping Questionnaire to assess coping strategies used and areas of action. The intervention consisted of online theoretical-practical sessions and face-to-face yoga practice sessions. The sessions dealt with the topics "Burn-out and coping mechanisms", "Working and socializing in a team", “Mindfulness” and "Physical exercise" in Burnout prevention. The COPSOQ II was reapplied to assess the effects of the intervention. Statistical analysis included the use of Cronbach's alpha coefficient, calculation of mean± standard deviation for each item assessed and the t-Student test for comparison, assuming statistically significant differences if p ≤ 0,050. Results The sample was formed by 22 elements. The pre-intervention COPSOQ II results revealed that the majority was at risk for health in the subdimensions related to "Work Demands", "Work Organization and Content" and "Personality" and in an intermediate risk situation in "Social and Leadership Relationships". The most used coping strategies were "Planned Problem Solving", "Acceptance of Responsibility" and "Self-control". After the intervention, a statistically significant improvement was obtained in the subdimensions "Attention", "Commitment to the Workplace", "General Health" and "Sleeping Problems". Discussion and Conclusion It was obtained a significant improvement on the physical and mental health of Health Professionals, with a reduction of Burnout levels. The implementation of quinquenary prevention interventions and the identification of areas where to act can improve their health and coping strategies. Keywords: burnout; health professionals; coping; intervention; health and well-being; occupational health.