A dopamine receptor D2 genetic polymorphism associated with transition to mental disorders in a cohort of individuals with at-risk mental state for psychosis

Objectives: To test the association of 45 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with transition to psychiatric disorders in a cohort of individuals at ultrahigh risk (UHR) mental state for psychosis. Methods: Through general population screening, 88 non-help-seeking UHR subjects and 130 healthy control individuals were genotyped for 45 SNPs related to psychosis. They were followed for a mean of 2.5 years, and conversion to psychotic and to general psychiatric disorders was assessed. Genotype frequencies between controls, converters, and non-converters were analyzed. Results: There were no differences in sociodemographics between controls and UHR. Also, UHR converters and non-converters had no differences in their baseline symptoms scores. The dopamine receptor D2 gene (DRD2) SNP rs6277 was significantly more common among UHR who transitioned to psychosis (p < 0.001) and to UHR who transitioned to any psychiatric disorders (p = 0.001) when compared to UHR who did not transition. The rs6277 T allele was related to psychiatric morbidity in a dose-response fashion, being significantly more frequent in UHR converters than UHR non-converters and control subjects (p = 0.003). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that rs6277 could potentially constitute a genetic marker of transition to psychiatric disorders in subjects with at-risk mental states, warranting further investigation in larger samples.

Latent tuberculosis screening before kidney transplantation in the South of Brazil / Rastreamento de tuberculose latente antes do transplante renal no Sul do Brasil

Abstract Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a prevalent infection after kidney transplantation (KT) in high-burden countries. Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) screening includes previous TB history, chest radiograph findings, and tuberculin test (TST) and/or interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) results. We aimed to compare our routine LTBI screening of KT candidates and living donors (LD) with their IGRA results, and evaluate if this would improve isoniazid (INH) treatment referral. Methods: We evaluated adult KT candidates and LD with complete routine LTBI screening and QuantiFERON-TB® Gold In-Tube (QFT) testing. Blood samples were collected from April 4th, 2014 to October 31st, 2018, with follow-up until October 31st, 2019. Results: There were 116 KT recipients, with 30% QFT-positive results. Positive QFT was associated with past TB history (p=0.007), positive TST (p<0.0001), residual radiographic lesions (p=0.003), and diabetes (p=0.035). There were 25 LD, 40% had positive QFT. Positive QFT was associated with a positive TST (p=0.002). Positive QFT results increased INH referral in 80%. Post-transplant TB incidence was 2.6% in a median follow-up of 2 (1-33) months. No variables were associated with post-transplant TB. TB patients had inferior, although non-significant, 5-year graft survival (66.7% vs. 76.5%) (p = 0.402). Conclusion: In the present study, the association of QFT to our routine LTBI screening incremented INH treatment referral, but there was still a high incidence of post-transplant TB, possibly related to other forms of infection, such as new exposure and donor transmission.

Resumo Histórico: Tuberculose (TB) é uma infecção relativamente comum pós-transplante renal (TR) em países com alta prevalência da doença. O rastreamento de infecção latente por tuberculose (ILTB) inclui histórico prévio de TB, achados de radiografia do tórax, resultados do teste tuberculínico (TT) e/ou de ensaio de liberação de interferon-gama (IGRAs). Nosso objetivo foi comparar nossa avaliação de rotina de candidatos ao TR e doadores vivos (DV) com seus resultados de IGRA, avaliando se aumentaria o encaminhamento para tratamento com isoniazida (INH). Métodos: Avaliamos candidatos adultos ao TR e DV com rastreamento para ILTB de rotina completo e coleta de testes QuantiFERON-TB® Gold In-Tube (QFT). Coletamos amostras sanguíneas de 4 de Abril, 2014 - 31 de Outubro, 2018, com acompanhamento até 31 de Outubro, 2019. Resultados: Avaliamos 116 receptores de TR, 30% sendo QFT-positivo. QFT positivo foi associado ao histórico prévio de TB (p=0,007), TT positivo (p<0,0001), lesões radiográficas residuais (p=0,003), diabetes (p=0,035). Avaliamos 25 DV, 40% apresentaram QFT positivo. QFT positivo foi associado a TT positivo (p=0,002). Resultados positivos do QFT aumentaram o encaminhamento para INH em 80%. A incidência de TB pós-transplante foi 2,6% em uma mediana de acompanhamento de 2 (1-33) meses. Nenhuma variável foi associada à TB pós-transplante. Pacientes com TB tiveram sobrevida do enxerto em 5 anos inferior, embora não-significativa (66,7% vs. 76,5%) (p = 0,402). Conclusão: Neste estudo, a associação do QFT à nossa avaliação de ILTB de rotina aumentou o encaminhamento para tratamento com INH, mas ainda houve alta incidência de TB pós-transplante, possivelmente relacionada a outras formas de infecção, como nova exposição e transmissão pelos doadores.

Influence of migration on the thought process of individuals at ultra-high risk for psychosis

Objective: To assess the influence of migration on the psychopathological presentation of individuals at ultra-high risk for psychosis (UHR) in São Paulo, Brazil. Methods: This study is part of the Subclinical Symptoms and Prodromal Psychosis (SSAPP) project, a cohort study in São Paulo, Brazil, designed to follow individuals at UHR. After screening with the Prodromal Questionnaire (PQ) and a clinical interview, the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) was administered, a neuropsychological assessment was performed, sociodemographic and migration data were obtained. We then analyzed UHR individuals who had migration data to see if migration had any effect on their cognition and psychopathology. Chi-square tests were used for categorical variables, and Student's t test or analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used for nonparametric and parametric distributions, respectively. Results: The sample was composed of 42 at-risk subjects, of whom 5 had a migration history in the past two generations. Those with migration history showed significantly more formal thought disturbances (p = 0.012) and sleeping problems (p = 0.033) compared to those without. Conclusions: Our data reinforce migration as a risk factor for psychosis in developing countries as well, and highlights the importance of studying the specific effect of this factor in UHR psychopathology.

Risk factors associated with mammary tumors in female dogs / Fatores de risco para tumores mamários em cadelas de Uberlândia e Patos de Minas, Minas Gerais

Mammary tumors in female dogs are the most frequent and corresponds to half of the canine tumors. The objectives of this study were to determine the risk factors associated with the occurrence of mammary tumors in female dogs and to evaluate the macroscopic characteristics of these neoformations, using 386 dogs from the "Outubro Rosa Pets" events done within the cities of Uberlândia and Patos de Minas, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, in 2015 (n=194), 2016 (n=105) and 2017 (n=87). For the determination of risk factors, the binary logistic regression test (P<0.05) was performed. The occurrence of mammary tumors was 23.6% (91/386). The significant risk factors identified were increased age (P<0.001), overweight (P=0.048) and non-castration (P<0.001) with a chance of, respectively, 1.6, 2.3 and 9.3 times for the development of mammary tumors. In dogs with mammary tumors (n=91), 153 lesions were present, of which 39 female dogs had two or more lesions (42.8%). Most of the lesions were at the caudal abdominal (M4) and inguinal (M5) mammary glands (60.13%, 92/153). Relative to the size of the lesions, it was observed that in 78% of the female dogs the lesions were determined asT1 (<3cm), 16.5% were T2 (3-5cm) and 5.5% T3 (>5cm). At least 15.4% (14/91) of the dogs had one of the regional lymph nodes increased. In conclusion, the occurrence of mammary tumors in the evaluated population was 23.6% and that age, overweight and non-realization of ovariohysterectomy are risk factors associated with the development of mammary tumors.(AU)

Em cadelas os tumores mamários são os mais frequentes e correspondem a aproximadamente metade dos tumores em cães. Este estudo teve os objetivos de determinar os fatores de risco envolvidos na ocorrência de tumores mamários em cadelas e avaliar as características macroscópicas destas neoformações, utilizando 386 cadelas do evento "Outubro Rosa Pets" nos municípios de Uberlândia e Patos de Minas, Minas Gerais, Brasil, em 2015 (n=194), 2016 (n=105) e 2017 (n=87). Para a determinação dos fatores de risco utilizou-se o teste de Regressão logística binária (P<0,05). A ocorrência de tumores mamários foi de 23,6% (91/386). Os fatores de risco significativos identificados foram aumento da idade (P<0,001), sobrepeso (P=0,048) e não-castração (P<0,001) com a chance de, respectivamente, 1,6, 2,3 e 9,3 vezes de desenvolvimento de tumores mamários. Nas cadelas com tumores mamários (n=91), constatou-se a presença de 153 lesões, sendo que 39 cadelas apresentaram duas ou mais lesões (42,8%). A maioria das lesões localizaram-se nas mamas abdominais caudais (M4) e inguinais (M5) (60,13%; 92/153). Em relação ao tamanho das lesões, observou-se que 78% das cadelas eram T1 (<3cm), 16,5% T2 (3-5cm) e 5,5% T3 (>5cm). Pelo menos 15,4% (14/91) das cadelas apresentaram um dos linfonodos regionais aumentados. Conclui-se que a ocorrência dos tumores mamários na população avaliada foi de 23,6% e que a idade, sobrepeso e não ovariohisterectomia são fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento de tumores mamários.(AU)

A história obstétrica de gestantes com trombofilias hereditárias / Obstetric history of pregnant women with hereditary thrombophilias

Introdução: A doença tromboembólica venosa e as complicações obstétricas resultantes do tromboembolismo placentário são as principais causas de morbidade e mortalidade materna e fetal. Pode-se dizer que a gravidez é um fator independente para o desenvolvimento de trombose, já que seu risco é de 5 a 6 vezes maior em mulheres grávidas quando comparadas a não grávidas, sendo mais elevado após o parto. Métodos: Trata-se de uma coorte histórica, onde foram estudadas pacientes atendidas no Serviço de Obstetrícia da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora (expostos=n=70 pacientes) e na Faculdade de Medicina de Barbacena (não expostos=n=74 pacientes). As pacientes foram divididas em dois grupos: Grupo 1 = pacientes com alguma trombofilia identificada (expostos) através das dosagens de proteína S, proteína C, homocisteína, antitrombina III, mutação da MTHFR, mutação da protrombina e do fator V de Leiden; e Grupo 2 = pacientes do serviço de baixo risco obstétrico. Resultados: Houve associação entre trombofilia e aborto prévio, bem como trombofilia e morte fetal prévia (p<0,05). O tipo de trombofilia que foi associada a abortamento prévio foi o déficit da proteína S. A mutação da MTHFR foi associada aos antecedentes de HELLP síndrome (p=0,03; x2 =4,2) e de pré-eclâmpsia (p=0,03; X2 =4,5) quando em homozigotia mutante. A homozigotia para a MTHFR foi também associada às médias de homocisteína, de forma que as homozigotas eram aquelas que apresentavam a maior dosagem de homocisteína (p=0,01; X2 =5,8; X= 27,2 ± 41,2 vs. 12,62 ± 19,0). Conclusão: As trombofilias hereditárias podem estar associadas a mau desfecho obstétrico e devem ser valorizadas na clínica obstétrica. (AU)

Introduction: Venous thromboembolic disease and obstetric complications resulting from placental thromboembolism are the main causes of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Pregnancy is considered an independent factor for the development of thrombosis, as its risk is 5 to 6 times greater in pregnant women when compared to non-pregnant women, being even higher after childbirth. Methods: This historical cohort included patients seen at the Obstetrics Service of Federal University of Juiz de Fora (exposed patients, n = 70) and at the School of Medicine of Barbacena (unexposed patients, n = 74). The patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 consisted of patients with some thrombophilia identified through measurement of protein S, protein C, homocysteine, antithrombin III, MTHFR mutation, prothrombin and factor V Leiden mutations; and Group 2 consisted of patients from the low obstetric risk service. Results: There was an association between thrombophilia and previous abortion, as well as thrombophilia and previous fetal death (p < 0.05). MTHFR mutation was associated with history of HELLP syndrome (p = 0.03; x2 = 4.2) and preeclampsia (p = 0.03; x2 = 4.5) when in homozygous mutation. Homozygous MTHFR was also associated with mean homocysteine levels, so that homozygotes were those with highest homocysteine levels (p = 0.01; x2 = 5.8; x = 27.2 ± 41.2 vs. 12.62 ± 19.0). Conclusions: Hereditary thrombophilias may be associated with poor obstetric outcome and should be valued at clinical obstetrics. (AU)

Octocoral densities and mortalities in Gorgona Island, Colombia, Tropical Eastern Pacific / Densidades y mortalidades de octocorales en Isla Gorgona, Colombia, Pacífico Oriental Tropical

Owing to the decrease of reef organisms in general, it has become essential to study populations that are prone to marine diseases, with the purpose of developing accurate survivorship predictions and in turn alarm on triggers and drivers of disease outbreaks. In this study, we quantified the octocorals of Gorgona island, Tropical Eastern Pacific (Colombia), during 2007 and 2009 documenting a mass mortality occurred during 2008. We recorded 16 octocoral species with densities that ranged between 2 and 30 colonies m-2. Most abundant octocorals were Leptogorgia alba and Pacifigorgia spp. (Gorgoniidae: Octocorallia). During 2009 we noticed a mass mortality involving Pacifigorgia irene, P. adamsi, P. rubicunda and P. eximia, with a reduction of 70% of the colonies between 12 and 20 m in water depth. Around 5% of seafans during 2007 had an epizootic disease similar to aspergillosis, which seems the cause of the mass octocoral mortality. This disease outbreak observed in Gorgona island, and other nearby areas of the Colombian Pacific during 2007-2010, corresponded to extended periods of anomalous elevated seawater surface temperatures and thermal anomalies during the upwelling season of 2008. Constant monitoring of seawater temperatures and octocoral populations are urgently needed in this area to understand the nature of this new disease outbreak. Rev. Biol. Trop. 62 (Suppl. 1): 209-219. Epub 2014 February 01.

Debido a la disminución de los organismos de los arrecifes en general, es fundamental conocer las poblaciones de organismos propensos a enfermedades marinas, con el propósito de desarrollar predicciones precisas de supervivencia y a su vez dar la alarma sobre los motivos y las causas de los brotes de las enfermedades. En este estudio, hemos cuantificado los octocorales de la Isla Gorgona, Pacífico Oriental Tropical (Colombia), durante 2007 y 2009, y documentamos una mortalidad masiva que se produjo durante el año 2008. Se registraron 16 especies de octocorales con densidades que oscilan entre 2 y 30 colonias m-2. Los octocorales más abundantes fueron Leptogorgia alba y Pacifigorgia spp. (Gorgoniidae: Octocorallia). Durante el año 2009 nos dimos cuenta de una mortalidad masiva que afectaba a Pacifigorgia irene, P. adamsi, P. rubicunda y P. eximia, con una reducción del 70% de las colonias entre 12 y 20 m de profundidad. Alrededor del 5% de los abanicos de mar durante el año 2007 tenían una epizootia similar a la aspergilosis, que parece ser la causa de la mortalidad masiva de octocorales. Este brote de la enfermedad observada en la Isla Gorgona, y otras zonas cercanas del Pacífico colombiano durante el período 2007-2010, corresponden a períodos prolongados de altas temperaturas superficiales del mar y de anomalías térmicas durante la temporada de surgencia durante 2008. Se necesita con urgencia un monitoreo constante de las temperaturas marinas y de las poblaciones de octocorales en esta área para comprender la naturaleza de este nuevo brote de enfermedad marina.

Diferenças nas situações de risco para HIV de homens bissexuais em suas relações com homens e mulheres / Differences in HIV-risk behavior of bisexual men in their relationships with men and women / Differences in HIV-risk behavior of bisexual men in their relationships with men and women

OBJETIVO: Descrever o comportamento bissexual masculino quanto à identidade sexual, uso de preservativo, freqüência de relações sexuais e tipos de parceria e verificar diferenças entre práticas protegidas nas suas relações com homens e mulheres. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal aninhado em coorte de homossexuais e bissexuais HIV negativos implantada em 1994 em Belo Horizonte (Projeto Horizonte). Dos 1.025 voluntários recrutados entre 1994 e 2005, foram selecionados 195 que relataram, na admissão, ter tido relações sexuais com homens e mulheres nos seis meses anteriores à entrevista. Foi criado índice de risco comportamental, designado Índice de Risco Horizonte, que incorpora uma constante para cada prática sexual não protegida, ajustada segundo o número de encontros sexuais. RESULTADOS: Houve predomínio de atividade sexual com homens; a maioria se auto-referiu como bissexual (55 por cento) e homossexual (26 por cento). A mediana do número de parceiros homens ocasionais nos últimos seis meses (4) foi superior ao de parceiras ocasionais (2) e de parceiros fixos de ambos os sexos (1). No sexo vaginal com parceira fixa, o uso inconsistente do preservativo foi de 55 por cento, comparado com 35 por cento e 55 por cento no sexo anal insertivo e receptivo com parceiros fixos. O índice foi maior para os que relataram terem tido sexo com homens e mulheres comparado com os que tiveram sexo exclusivamente com mulheres ou homens. CONCLUSÕES: As situações de risco para HIV foram mais freqüentes entre os homens que relataram atividade sexual com homens e mulheres. Os comportamentos sexuais e de proteção dos bissexuais diferem conforme gênero e estabilidade da parceria, havendo maior desproteção com parceiras fixas mulheres.

OBJECTIVE: To describe bisexual men's behavior in terms of sexual identity, condom use, frequency of sexual intercourse and types of partners and to determine rates of inconsistent condom according to partner's gender. METHODS: Cross-sectional study nested in a cohort of HIV-negative homosexual and bisexual men in the city of Belo Horizonte, Southeastern Brazil, followed up since 1994 (Horizonte Project). Of 1,025 subjects enrolled between 1994 and 2005, 195 volunteers who reported at admission having sexual relations with men and women during the previous six months were selected. A behavioral risk index, called Horizonte Risk Index, was estimated. It incorporates a constant assigned to each type of unprotected sexual act, adjusted for the number of sexual encounters. RESULTS: Sexual activity with men predominated; most considered themselves as bisexual (55 percent) and homosexual (26 percent). During the six months prior to the study, median number of casual male partners (4) was higher than both casual female partners (2) and steady male or female partners (1). During vaginal sex with a steady partner, the rate of inconsistent condom use was 55 percent, compared to 35 percent and 55 percent in anal insertive and anal receptive sex, respectively, with steady male partners. The index was higher for those having sex with men and women compared to those having sex either exclusively with women or men (p=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: HIV risk behavior was more frequent among men who reported sexual activity both with men and women. Bisexual men display different sexual and protective behavior according to gender and steadiness of relationships, and female steady partners had more unprotected encounters.

Determinants of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) prevalence in homosexual and bisexual men screened for admission to a cohort study of HIV negatives in Belo Horizonte, Brazil: Project Horizonte

Project Horizonte, an open cohort of homosexual and bisexual human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) negative men, is a component of the AIDS Vaccine Program, in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The objective of this study was to compare volunteers testing HIV positive at cohort entry with a sample of those who tested HIV negative in order to identify risk factors for prevalent HIV infection, in a population being screened for enrollment at Project Horizonte. A nested case-control study was conducted. HIV positive volunteers at entry (cases) were matched by age and admission date to three HIV negative controls each. Selected variables used for the current analysis included demographic factors, sexual behavior and other risk factors for HIV infection. During the study period (1994-2001), among the 621 volunteers screened, 61 tested positive for HIV. Cases were matched to 183 HIV negative control subjects. After adjustments, the main risk factors associated with HIV infection were unprotected sex with an occasional partners, OR = 3.7 (CI 95 percent 1.3-10.6), receptive anal intercourse with an occasional partner, OR = 2.8 (95 percent CI 0.9-8.9) and belonging to the negro racial group, OR = 3.4 (CI 95 percent 1.1-11.9). These variables were associated with an increase in the risk of HIV infection among men who have sex with men at the screening for admission to an open HIV negative cohort

Neoplasia maligna primária de fígado / Primary malignant neoplasm of the liver

Foram analisados no presente trabalho 21 pacientes com neoplasia maligna primária de fígado, 15 homens e seis mulheres, com idade média de 54,5 anos. Desses pacientes, 17 foram à laparotomia, quando duas ressecçöes puderam ser realizadas, e 14 fizeram apenas biópsias. Em quatro o diagnóstico foi feito por biópsia através de punçäo transparieto-hepática. O tempo médio de história foi de três meses e, por ocasiäo do diagnóstico, 95% dos pacientes tinham câncer avançado (estádios II e III). O tempo médio de sobrevida foi de seis meses, contado a partir do início dos sintomas, e de 2,5 meses a partir do diagnóstico. Nos oito pacientes que receberam quimioterapia, a sobrevida média foi de 3,5 meses (desde o diagnóstico) e, nos que näo receberam, de 27 dias. Os autores concluem que o prognóstico do câncer de fígado é muito pobre, a ressecabilidade muito baixa e, por ocasiäo do diagnóstico, a grande maioria dos doentes já se encontra em fase avançada da doença, sendo necessários esforços no sentido de se proceder ao diagnóstico mais precoce, com seguimento de populaçöes de risco

Estudio comparativo del efecto de la prazosina y del propranolol sobre los lípidos séricos / Comparative study of the effect of prazosin and propanolol on serum lipido

Se estudiaron 30 pacientes con hipertensión arterial esencial ligera a moderada, 14 varones y 16 mujeres con edad promedio de 42.6 años, a quienes se distribuyó al azar en dos grupos de 15 cada uno. El estudio fue abierto y comparativo, utilizando placebo dos semanas, prazosina 3 mg/día promedio o propranolol 120 mg/día promedio, por ocho semanas para cada grupo. Se realizó perfil de lípidos antes y después de administrar cada fármaco. La presión sistólica se redujo con prazosina tanto en decúbito como de pie (p<0,02); con propranolo en decúbito (p<0.05) y de pie (p<0,001); la diastólica se redujo con ambos fármacos tanto en clino como en ortostatismo (p<0.001). El colesterol no mostró cambios con prazosina, mientras que con propranolol aumentó (p<0.001). No hubo cambios en triglicéridos ni en lipoproteínas de alta densidad con ningún medicamento. Las lipoproteínas de baja densidad no se modificaron con prazosina, pero con propranolol aumentaron en forma significativa (p<0.001). Ambos fármacos produjeron efectos adversos mínimos. Se concluye que prazosina es un antihipertensivo eficaz, que no incrementa el riesgo coronario por dislipidemia, como puede ocurrir con los bloqueadores adrenérgicos beta u otros medicamentos