Role of Aluminium in Alzheimer’s disease: Ultrastructural Study in Rat Hippocampus

Background: Exposure to high levels of aluminium (Al) leads to neurotoxicity. Hippocampus is one of the preferred sites of aluminium accumulation. Nevertheless, the role of Al in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains controversial and there is little proof directly interlinking Al to AD. Aims: The present study was undertaken to find out the occurrence of AD pathogenesis in Hippocampus under moderate aluminium exposure in rats. Materials and Methods: Adult rats were divided into control (C) and aluminium treated (E) groups having eight animal each. The rats in group E were exposed to aluminium 4.2 mg/kg body weight for three months with due approval from Institute Animal Ethics Committee. The hippocampus was processed for histopathological and electron microscopy observation. Results: Moderate Al intake produces significant reduction in the count of Pyramidal cells in hippocampus identified by shrunken cells as well as pyknosis in cell bodies. The differences between the cell numbers in all groups were found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05). Cornu Ammonis (CA) exhibited significantly reduced nissl bodies with a marked reduction in neuronal cell loss. Neurofibrillary tangle and plaques were not seen in the given dose of Al exposure. Electron microscopy from experimental group showed that the majority of neurons were disintegrating, the nuclear membrane has ruptured, and nucleoli appeared significantly distorted. The chromatin condensed and the mitochondria had disintegrated. Many vacuoles and lipofuscin sediment in cytoplasm, as compared to the control group noted. Conclusion: Present data demonstrated that moderate chronic aluminium exposure 4.2mg/kg body weight induced neurodegeneration in hippocampus but not significant for Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis.

Understanding Clinical Competence: Understanding Student Assessment

The extent, purpose, and model of performance assessment should be guided by our understanding of clinical competence. We have come a long way from believing that competence is generic, fixed, and transferable across contents; to viewing competence as dynamic, incremental, contextual, and non-transferable. However, our pattern of assessment largely remains what it was many years ago. Contemporary educationists view competency assessment as different from traditional format. They place more emphasis on the role of expert subjective judgment, especially for performance and domain-independent competencies. Such assessments have conclusively shown their validity, reliability, and utility. They; however, require trained assessors, trust between the teachers and the taught, and above all, a political and administrative will for implementation.

Establishment of patient-derived xenografts of retinoblastoma and choroidal melanoma on the avian chorioallantoic membrane

Purpose: To develop a viable in vivo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model to study the growth and invasion of patient?derived retinoblastoma (RB) and choroidal melanoma (CM) xenografts (PDXs). The study utilizes primary tumor samples instead of cancer cell lines, which provides a more authentic representation of tumors due to conserved morphology and heterogeneity. Methods: Fertilized chicken eggs were procured, windowed, and their CAM layers were dropped. On embryonic development day (EDD) 10, freshly cut patient?derived CM and RB tumors were implanted on the CAM layer and the setup was incubated for 7 days. The tumor?embedded CAM layer was harvested on EDD 17, and the extracted tumor samples were subjected to hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemical analysis to evaluate the extent of tumor invasion. Results: Significant changes in the vascularity around the RB and CM PDXs were observed, indicating an angiogenic environment. The cross?sectional histological view of the tumor implant site revealed the invasion of both the tumors into the CAM mesoderm. Invasion of CM into CAM mesoderm was visualized in the form of pigmented nodules, and that of RB was indicated by synaptophysin and Ki?67 positivity in Immunohistochemistry (IHC). Conclusion: The CAM xenograft model was successfully able to support the growth of CM and RB PDXs and their invasion in CAM, thus presenting as a feasible alternative to mammalian models for studying tumorigenicity and invasiveness of ocular tumors. Moreover, this model can further be utilized to develop personalized medicine by inoculating patient?specific tumors for preclinical drug screening.

A Questionnaire-based Survey on Treatments and Practices of Antibiotics in URTI and Fever of Unknown Origin in India

India is the largest consumer of antibiotics in the world. High antibiotic consumption is linked to the emergence and community spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria. It is well-established that antibiotic overuse is one of the leading causes of antibiotic resistance, which is a major global public health challenge. Optimizing antibiotic usage is, thus, an essential issue. Before promoting and defining judicious antibiotic prescribing, it is crucial to analyze practitioners' diagnostic and prescribing practices. Hence, a nationwide retrospective questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 950 Indian doctors. This survey aimed to describe the approaches and practices of Indian doctors towards antibiotic use in upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) and pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO) and compare practices with national guidelines. These are the most common reasons for primary health care consultations and significantly contribute to the overuse of antibiotics. According to the survey, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid remains the first-line antibiotic for URTI treatment. Third-generation cephalosporins were found to be the most prescribed antibiotics for PUO, uncomplicated typhoid and infections during pregnancy. Our survey results show that most of the clinicians in our study were well aware of the guidelines for antimicrobial use issued by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the nationwide problem of antimicrobial resistance. This study provides an important insight into the prescribing practices of antibiotics among Indian doctors.

Acute bilateral central serous chorioretinopathy in a young male after the first dose of Oxford/AstraZeneca AZD1222 (Covishield) vaccine

We case of acute bilateral central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) after receiving the first dose of Covishield vaccine in a young, otherwise healthy male with no associated risk factors.

The Efficacy and Safety of a Combination of Amino Acids, Vitamins and Probiotics in PROM and PPROM

The prevalence and severity of prelabor rupture of the membranes (PROM)/preterm PROM (PPROM) are a worldwide public health concern. PROM is the result of a cascade of events involving matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP1), cytokines and proapoptotic genes, which is initiated by several factors such as infection, genotoxic agents or some unknown etiology. In PROM, there is an increased expression and activation of MMP-2, MMP-3 and MMP-9 and a reduction of TIMP1. p53 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-? mediate the major apoptotic pathway of PROM. p53 can transactivate some MMP genes, resulting in the overexpression of MMPs. This leads to apoptosis. MMP-2 and MMP-9 degrades type-IV collagen, which is the major structural component of chorioamnion. Understanding the fundamental pathology at the molecular level, it appears necessary to adjust the biologically protective mechanism to prevent spontaneous preterm labor. Our findings show that the novel combination of arginine, ascorbic acid, folic acid, glutamine, glutathione, thiamine, lactic acid bacillus spores, vitamin E acetate and pyridoxine is safe and effectively prevents PROM and PPROM (97% patients) and prolongs pregnancy term.

Unraveling Prostaglandin and NLRP3 Inflammasomemediated Pathways of Primary Dysmenorrhea and the Role of Mefenamic Acid and Its Combinations

Painful menstrual cramps during or around the time of the monthly cycle are known as dysmenorrhea. The estimated global prevalence in women of reproductive age ranges from 45% to 95%. It has a significant negative impact on regular activities and productivity at work. However, despite the severe consequences on quality of life, primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is underdiagnosed. Dysmenorrhea has complex pathogenesis. It involves the release of prostaglandins and activation of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and also includes the involvement of other mediators such as bradykinin, histamine and acetylcholine. Even though nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) remain the most common type of pain medication, the question of which one should be the most preferred is still open to debate. The current review examines the existing evidence for the pathogenesis of PD and makes evidence based and clinical experience based recommendations for the use of mefenamic acid and its combination in the treatment of dysmenorrhea. Mefenamic acid alleviates PD by inhibiting endometrial prostaglandin formation, restoring normal uterine activity, and reducing the inflammatory response by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome and reducing the release of cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1?. It is also known to have bradykinin antagonist activity. Dicyclomine has a dual action of blocking the muscarinic action of acetylcholine in postganglionic parasympathetic effect or regions and acting directly on uterine smooth muscle by blocking bradykinin and histamine receptors to relieve spasms. According to the experts, mefenamic acid and dicyclomine act synergistically by acting on the different pathways of dysmenorrhea by blocking multifactorial agents attributed to the cause of dysmenorrhea. Hence, the combination of mefenamic acid and dicyclomine should be the preferred treatment option for dysmenorrhea.

Oral HIV self-testing among men who have sex with men in New Delhi, India: Perceptions & apprehensions: A qualitative study

Background & objectives: The overall adult prevalence of HIV in India was estimated to be 0.22 per cent in 2019. The HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men (MSM), a high-risk group for HIV, was estimated to be 4.3 per cent, which is 16 times higher than the national average. In Delhi, the estimated prevalence among MSM was 1.8 per cent. Despite free HIV testing services being made available by the National AIDS Control Programme for more than two decades, many MSM were not aware about their HIV status. Therefore, newer testing strategies are needed. Oral HIV self-testing (HIVST) has proved to be one such promising innovation. At present, there are no programme guidelines on HIVST and oral HIVST kit is not available in India. The aim of this study was to understand the perceived advantages and disadvantages of introduction of oral HIVST strategy among MSM. Methods: MSM who were registered with the selected non-governmental organizations working as targeted intervention sites in Delhi, India, were recruited for focus group discussions (FGDs) between January and May 2021. For the purpose of this study, MSM were defined as males who had anal/oral sex with male/hijra partner in the past one month. A total of six FGDs were conducted using a prepared FGD guide. The FGD guide included questions on problems faced during conventional HIV testing, participants’ awareness, acceptability and perceptions of oral HIVST. The data were manually coded and entered in NVivo release 1.5 and themes were identified. Results: A total of 67 respondents participated in the FGDs. A total of 28.4 per cent MSM were beggars at traffic lights, 12 per cent were sex workers and 11.9 per cent were bar/event dancers. Nearly half (50.7%) of the participants had undergone HIV testing less than twice in the preceding one year. None of the MSM were aware about oral HIVST. Perceived advantages of oral HIVST were ease of use, confidentiality and the non-invasive pain-free procedure. Perceived concerns included lack of post-test counselling, linkage to care, poor mental health outcomes and forced testing. Interpretation & conclusions: Most MSM had positive perceptions about oral HIVST. Therefore, it is likely that the introduction of oral HIVST may result in higher uptake of HIV testing among MSM

Comparison of prevention of parent-to-child HIV transmission programme & national biennial HIV sentinel surveillance data for tracking HIV epidemic in India

Background & objectives: HIV sentinel surveillance (HSS) among antenatal women in India has been used to track the epidemic for many years. However, reliable tracking at the local level is not possible as ANC sentinel sites are limited in number and cover a smaller sample size at each site. Prevention of parent-to-child-transmission (PPTCT) programme data has a potential advantage due to better geographical coverage, which could provide more precise HIV case estimates; therefore, we compared HSS ANC data with PPTCT programme data for HIV tracking. Methods: Out of the 499 surveillance sites, where HSS and PPTCT programme was being conducted in 2015, 210 sites (140 urban and 70 rural) were selected using a stratified random sampling method. HSS (n=72,981) and PPTCT (n=112,832) data records were linked confidentially. The sociodemographic characteristics of HSS and PPTCT attendees were compared. HIV prevalence from HSS ANC was compared with the PPTCT programme data using Chi-square test. State- and site-level correlation of HIV prevalence was also done. Concordance between HSS and PPTCT HIV positivity was estimated using kappa statistics. Results: The age distribution of HSS and PPTCT attendees was similar (range: 23 to 27 yr); however, HSS ANC participants were better educated, whereas PPTCT recorded a higher proportion of homemakers. The correlation of HIV prevalence between HSS and PPTCT was high (r=0.9) at the State level and moderate at the site level (r=0.7). The HIV positivity agreement between HSS ANC and PPTCT was good (kappa=0.633). A similar prevalence was reported across 26 States, whereas PPTCT had a significantly lower prevalence than HSS in three States where PPTCT coverage was low. Overall HIV prevalence was 0.31 per cent in HSS and 0.22 per cent in PPTCT (P<0.001). Interpretation & conclusions: High-quality PPTCT programme data can provide reliable HIV trends in India. An operational framework for PPTCT-based surveillance should be pilot-tested in a phased manner before replacing HSS with PPTCT.

Could mid-upper arm circumference be a valid proxy to the body mass index for elderly persons?

Introduction: In elderly persons, due to physiological, anatomical, and functional changes, body mass index (BMI) may not be suitable for the assessment of nutritional status. Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) can be a proxy indicator to identify underweight and overweight/obesity among elderly persons. This study aimed to estimate the correlation between MUAC and BMI, and the cutoffs for MUAC using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Material and Methods: This survey was carried out in a resettlement colony of Delhi. The participants were residents of the area who were aged 60 years or older, and selected by a simple random sampling technique. The arm span, weight, and MUAC of the participants were measured. The correlation between MUAC and BMI for gender and age group was calculated. The ROC curve was also constructed. Results: A total of 946 eligible participants were enrolled. The correlation between MUAC and BMI was 0.67 (P < 0.001) and 0.76 (P < 0.001) among men and women, respectively. The MUAC cutoff for underweight was <25 cm with a sensitivity of 68.8% and specificity of 84.9%. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.84 (0.80–0.88). The MUAC cutoff for overweight/obesity was ?27 cm with a sensitivity of 83.9% and specificity of 64.9%, and AUC was 0.78 (0.75–0.82). Conclusion: The MUAC of the participants increased as the BMI of the participants increased. MUAC cutoff was determined using the ROC curve for underweight and overweight/obesity among elderly persons.

Executive Summary of the Recommendations on the Management of Asthma In Primary Care (2022) – New Updates

Background : Asthma is a heterogenous disease defined by the history of respiratory symptoms (shortness of breath, wheezing, cough, and chest tightness) that vary over time and in intensity, along with variable expiratory airflow limitation. Despite an ever-increasing prevalence of asthma across all age groups, this condition remains poorly managed in India. Majority of the Indian patients remain undiagnosed or wrongly diagnosed in general clinical practice and even those who get diagnosed, remain poorly or inadequately treated1,2. Since the last published 2020 Indian Medical Association (IMA) recommendations on the management of asthma in primary care, noteworthy critical changes have been recommended in relation to the diagnosis/management of asthma in international guidelines. Hence, there was a need to update the existing IMA recommendations. For the same, an expert group meeting was organized with family physicians having clinical experience in managing patients with asthma along with chest physicians and pediatricians. Important updates related to asthma diagnosis and its management were discussed and the final recommendation decisions were derived from the joint group discussion. Some of the key points derived from the discussion are mentioned below in the executive summary. For a detailed version of the new recommendations please click on the url.

Severe primary hypothyroidism presenting as polymorphic ventricular tachycardia / Hipotiroidismo primario grave que se presenta como taquicardia ventricular polimórfica

Abstract Introduction: Hypothyroidism may have various cardiovascular manifestations due to morphological, functional and electrical alterations in the heart. The usual electrocardiographic findings being sinus bradycardia, low voltage complexes, and slowed intraventricular conduction. Hypothyroidism manifesting as polymorphic ventricular tachycardia has only been reported in a few case reports. Clinical case. A 60-year-old lady presented to us in the emergency department in an unresponsive and unconscious state and electrocardiogram showed a polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. After initial resuscitation with direct current cardioversion and supportive care, she found to have severe hypothyroidism and responded well to thyroid replacement therapy. Conclusion. Polymorphic ventricular tachycardia is a life threatening emergency that can have various etiologies. Polymorphic ventricular tachycardia secondary to primary hypothyroidism is a rare presentation but it is treatable and reversible with thyroid replacement therapy. In patients presenting with QT interval prolongation and ventricular tachycardia, hypothyroidism should be one of the differential diagnosis.

Resumen Introducción: El hipotiroidismo puede presentar diferentes manifestaciones cardiovasculares dadas por alteraciones morfológicas, funcionales y eléctricas en el corazón, siendo los hallazgos electrocardiográficos usuales son la bradicardia sinusal, los complejos de bajo voltaje y la conducción intraventricular lenta. El hipotiroidismo manifestado como taquicardia ventricular polimórfica solo se ha descrito en unos pocos reportes de caso. Caso clínico: Se trata de una mujer de 60 años que acudió que acurdió al servicio de urgencias en un estado inconsciente y sin respuesta a estímulos, y el electrocardiograma reveló taquicardia ventricular polimórfica. Luego de la reanimación inicial con cardioversión con corriente directa y tratamiento sintomático se le encontró un hipotiroidismo grave, el cual se trató con terapia de reemplazo con hormona tiroidea. y se obtuvo una buena respuesta Conclusión. La taquicardia ventricular polimórfica es una emergencia vital que puede tener varias etiologías. La taquicardia ventricular polimórfica secundaria a un hipotiroidismo primario es una presentación poco común, pero es tratable y reversible con la terapia de reemplazo con hormona tiroidea. En los pacientes que presentan una prolongación del intervalo QT y taquicardia ventricular, es pertinente incluir el hipotiroidismo en el diagnóstico diferencial.

Crigler-Najjar Syndrome Type 2 in an Adult: A Rare Presentation

Introduction: Crigler-Najjar syndrome type 2 (CNS type 2) is a rare disorder that causes elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood (nonhemolytic unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia). The main symptom of CNS type 2 is persistent jaundice. It is caused by genetic changes in the UGT1A1 gene and the inheritance is autosomal recessive. Genetic testing of the UGT1A1 gene for mutations is the diagnostic clincher. We report one such rare case. Case report: A 75-year-old male presented with history of right-sided weakness with right-sided facial weakness, MRI brain revealed an infarct in the left side of brain with general physical findings suggestive of icterus. Conclusion: Diagnosing and managing these patients may be challenging. Our aim is to draw attention of the treating physicians towards this disease with the help of this case report.

Interpreting Mortality in COVID Associated Mucormycosis (CAM) : A Learning Experience from a Tertiary Care Centre

Mucormycosis has emerged as an important fungal infection with high associated mortality rates. Mucormycosis causes devastating angio-invasive fungal infections, primarily in patients with underlying risk factors. The prevalence of mortality associated with invasive Mucormycosis is high (>30-50%), with 90% mortality contributed by disseminated disease. Sudden rise in Mucormycosis cases during the COVID-19 pandemic came as a surprise to all. Lowered immunity due to COVID and associated conditions like diabetes, made the population susceptible to this dreaded disease. This disease led to both increase in morbidity and mortality among the general population. Aim of the Study : To interpret in detail the causes of mortality of patients presenting with COVID Associated Mucormycosis (CAM-19) at AIIMS Patna between May-November, 2021. Materials and Methods : An observational study of all patients who were treated for mucormycosis during the period of May 2021-Nov 2021 in ENT Department, AIIMS, Patna. During the period of study, 219 patients of RhinoOrbital-Cerebral Mucormycosis (ROCM) were admitted for treatment. Five patients had gone on Leave Against Medical Advice (LAMA). So, 214 patients were included in the study. Results : Among the 214 patients, 165 patients were treated surgically through both endoscopic and open approaches along with antifungal therapy management. 41 patients died during the hospital course of the treatment. The mortality rate of ROCM stood at 19.15% in our series. Pulmonary Mucormycosis had high mortality (100%). Diabetes is the most common risk factor. Multiple co-morbidities and extensive intracranial involvement had a strong association with mortality. Conclusion : The advanced stage of ROCM was associated with more deaths. Our series mortality rate of 19.15% is lower than most of the other documented mortality rates. Our results support that early aggressive surgical approach, antifungal therapy and multidisciplinary approach has reduced the mortality

Chronic musculoskeletal pain in older people

Musculoskeletal pain is a common and debilitating symptom in older adults. However, its importance is often underestimated. In this review article, we discuss its proper evaluation and management. Pain evaluation includes detailed history taking, physical examination, imaging, and laboratory investigations. Management of musculoskeletal pain requires a multidomain approach including nonpharmacological, pharmacological, and surgical modalities. A step-wise approach recommended by the World Health Organization can be used for pain management. Common musculoskeletal conditions causing pain are osteoarthritis, low?back pain, gout, pseudogout, rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, and fibromyalgia.

Excess Screen Time and its Associated Factors among Young Men in a Rural Community of North India

Screen-based media usage among young people is blooming rapidly due to technological and digital revolution. We conducted community-based cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence of excess screen time and its association with sociodemographic and behavioral patterns in a rural block of Haryana, India. Asemi-structured interview schedule was administered by trained physicians to ascertain screen time in a typical day and various socioeconomic and behavioral factors among a random sample of 860 young men aged 18–24 years. The prevalence of excess screen time was 61.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 58.4–65.1). It was significantly associated with education (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.7, 95% CI 1.1–2.6) and occupation (AOR 2.2, 95% CI 1.2–3.9) of the father and their sleep duration of ?8 h (AOR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2–2.3). Limiting the screen time as per international standards and behavioral interventions are needed for this young population.

Health status of tribes of Uttar Pradesh with special reference to health-seeking behaviour of uncharted Tharu tribe: A mappingreview

Background & objectives: The tribal population in India is considered as one of the vulnerable groups with respect to their achievements in health and other developmental issues. In this context, this mapping review attempted to understand the health profile of the Tharu tribal community residing in the northern State of Uttar Pradesh, India through literature mining. Tharu tribe is one of the indigenous groups living in the Terai plain on the Indo-Nepal border. In 1967, this tribe was documented as a Scheduled Tribe by the Government of India. The present review aimed to map the health-seeking behaviour of the Tharu population and review other factors pertaining to their health such as socioeconomic, developmental, employment, education, etc. Methods: Online data search was carried out on PubMed and Google Scholar using search terms ‘Tharu’ AND ‘India’. In addition, official reports avaibale in public domain and grey literature was also searched. Results: Twenty seven studies including reviews, articles, books/book chapters were evaluated along with 13 reports (including reports from government organizations and grey literature) were retrieved and analyzed. Of the 27 published reports, 16 were found relevant to Tharu tribe in India. A total of 29 (16 articles + 13 reports ) were included in this review. Interpretation & Conclusions: This mapping review highights the health seeking behaviour of the Tharu tribe in India that can help inform future interventions to improve the health status of the Tharu tribe as well as other aspects of their development.

All Gene Expression of Leukotriene A4 Hydroxylase (LTA4H ) Gene in Extra Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients and Healthy Control in North Indian Population

Initial diagnosis and timely treatment of Extra Pulmonary Tuberculosis (EPTB) continues to be a challenge in all over World as well as India. First time, this analysis will discover the role of LTA4H gene and may be establishing another candidate that impacts the sensitivity to EPTB in the population of North India. This study will be the first report on LTA4H gene various diagnostic markers, expression of gene may validate as a prognostic factor in (EPTB). The diagnosis (EPTB) poses a special challenge, as it is often missed or misdiagnosed due to its atypical presentations and difficult to isolate M tuberculosis (MTB) due to the small number of organisms present at these sites. Subsequently the outcome of present study will reinforce possible use of LTA4H as biomarkers and the therapeutic utility for (EPTB). This study will be a step to decrease the analytical and therapeutic window to identify another risk factor LTA4H for EPTB. Leukotriene A4 hydroxylase (LTA4H), an enzyme which changes LTA 4 to LTB4, controls the balance amongst the anti-inflammatory lipoxins and pro-inflammatory LTB4, with directly consequences in TB-driven inflammation. In humans and will spawn new ways to protection and enhance the wellbeing status of individuals and population groups. On RT-PCR, Extra Pulmonary Patients had lower expression of LTA4H compared to the controls. Correlation of biomarkers will reveal LTA4H level correlated with age, Gender Smoking, Clinical Parameter Serum Total Protein, BMI Height and TLC, Laboratory Parameter. On ELISA kit and follow as per manufacturer protocol. CEA562Ge 96 Tests Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay Kit For Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) LTB4 Protein level in Extra Pulmonary Patients, (EPTB) (2304.52pg/ml) had lower expression of gene LTB4 compared to the controls (3096.142pg/mls) (P value = 0.0012).

Pega na mentira: notas antropológicas sobre tempos inquietantes / Catch the lie: anthropological notes on unsettling times / Atrapa la mentira: apuntes antropológicos sobre tiempos inquietantes

O artigo emprega o método etnográfico e comparativo por contraste, fundado em observação direta, participante e entrevistas no campo no Brasil, na França e nos EUA. O objetivo do mesmo consiste em analisar a produção de narrativas contraditórias no mundo contemporâneo que se arrogam a qualidade de verdades legítimas para aqueles que acreditam nelas. Como resultado demonstramos como tais narrativas se articulam a uma generalizada quebra de 'confiança' (trust), característica presumida nas interações das sociedades de mercado, por uma desconfiança generalizada, mais especificamente caracterizada na língua portuguesa como 'a cisma'. O principal problema é o renascimento do ethos inquisitorial na sociedade contemporânea e suas implicações nas formas de produção da verdade. A intersecção entre a cisma e o ethos inquisitorial de suspeição sistemática sobre todas as interações sociais na sociedade contemporânea parece estar intimamente relacionada com os efeitos das redes sociais nas práticas e dinâmicas sociais, em particular no que diz respeito à rachadura produzida por estes instrumentos na construção de consensos, das concepções do "comum" da ideia da verdade, da inclinação ao debate e à crítica, etc.

The article employs the ethnographic and comparative method by contrast, based on direct and participant observation, and field interviews in Brazil, France and the USA. Its purpose is to analyze the production of contradictory narratives in the contemporary world that claim to be legitimate truths for those who believe them. As a result, we show how such narratives are articulated to a generalized breakdown of 'trust', a presumed characteristic in the interactions of market societies, by a generalized distrust, more specifically characterized in Portuguese as 'a cisma'. The main problem is the revival of the inquisitorial ethos in contemporary society and its implications for the forms of truth production. The intersection between schism and the inquisitorial ethos of systematic suspicion about all social interactions in contemporary society seems to be closely related to the effects of social networks on social practices and dynamics, in particular with regard to the cracking produced by these instruments in the construction of consensus, of the conceptions of the 'common' idea of truth, of the inclination to debate and criticism, etc.

El artículo utiliza el método etnográfico y comparativo por contraste, basándose en la observación directa y participante y en entrevistas sobre el terreno en Brasil, Francia y Estados Unidos. Su objetivo es analizar la producción de narrativas contradictorias en el mundo contemporáneo que pretenden ser verdades legítimas para quienes las creen. Como resultado, demostramos cómo tales narrativas se articulan a una ruptura generalizada de la 'confianza', una presunta característica en las interacciones de las sociedades de mercado, por una desconfianza generalizada, más específicamente caracterizada en el idioma portugués como 'a cisma'. El problema principal es el resurgimiento del ethos inquisitorial en la sociedad contemporánea y sus implicaciones para las formas de producción de la verdad. La intersección entre el cisma y el ethos inquisitorial de sospecha sistemática sobre todas las interacciones sociales en la sociedad contemporánea parece estar estrechamente relacionada con los efectos de las redes sociales en las prácticas y dinámicas sociales, en particular en lo que se refiere a la fisura producida por estos instrumentos en la construcción del consenso, de las concepciones de lo 'común' de la idea de verdad, de la inclinación al debate y la crítica, etc.