Nivel de conocimiento sobre VPH en estudiantes de la Universidad del Pacífico

Introducción. El virus del papiloma humano (VPH) es una infección viral más habitual del aparato reproductor y causa diversos trastornos, tanto en hombres como en mujeres, y se considera como el principal agente para el desarrollo del cáncer cervicouterino. Objetivo. Determinar el nivel de conocimiento sobre el VPH de las alumnas del segundo año de las diferentes carreras de la Universidad del Pacífico Sede Asunción en el año 2023. Materiales y Métodos. Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo de corte transversal en alumnas del segundo año de las diferentes carreras de la Universidad del Pacifico en el 2023, mediante una encuesta de conocimiento, influencia y métodos para evitar el contagio del VPH. Se aplicó la estadística descriptiva utilizando el programa EpiDat 4.2. Resultados. Participaron 95 alumnas, el 49,92% conoce que el VPH es una infección viral, el 87,37% que su síntoma más común son las verrugas genitales, el 91,58% sabe que la infección por VPH afecta a ambos sexos, el 90,53% que se puede transmitir por vía sexual, 71,58% sabe que puede producir cáncer de cuello uterino y el 86,32% conoce que la vacunación es la principal medida de prevención. El 48% de las estudiantes tuvieron un buen nivel de conocimiento global sobre el VPH. Conclusión. El nivel insuficiente de conocimiento sobre VHP refleja la necesidad de realizar fortalecer el programa educativo universitario y campañas educativas con respecto al VPH y el cáncer de cuello uterino.

Introduction. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract, causes various disorders in both men and women, and it is considered to be the main agent for the development of cervical cancer. Objective. To determine the level of knowledge about HPV among students in the second year of the different careers of the Universidad del Pacífico, Asunción, 2023. Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional, observational, descriptive study was carried out with 2nd year students of the different careers of the Universidad del Pacifico in 2023, by means of a survey of knowledge about HPV, influence, and methods to prevent infection. Descriptive statistics using EpiDat 4.2 software were applied. Results. Of the 95 female students surveyed, 49.92% knew that HPV was a viral infection, 87.37% knew that the most common symptom was genital warts, 91.58% knew that HPV disease affects both sexes, 90.53% knew that it can be transmitted sexually, 71.58% knew that it could cause cervical cancer, and 86.32% knew that vaccination was the main prevention measure, 48% of the students have a good global knowledge about HPV. Conclusion. The insufficient level of knowledge about HPV reflects the need to strengthen the university educational program and educational campaigns regarding HPV and cervical cancer.

Perceptions and feelings of pregnant women undergoing outpatient follow-up for toxoplasmosis

Introduction: Toxoplasmosis persists as a neglected disease and poses a challenge to public health, especially due to the risk of vertical transmission, which can lead to countless biological complications for the newborn and to psychological and emotional repercussions for the mother. Objective: To understand the perceptions and feelings of pregnant women affected by toxoplasmosis undergoing outpatient follow-up. Materials and Methods: A qualitative and exploratory study developed with 12 women with gestational toxoplasmosis undergoing specialized outpatient follow-up in a municipality from the state of Paraná, Brazil. The data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews and subjected to content analysis, supported by descending hierarchical classification. Results: The pregnant women experienced situations ranging from diagnosis and treatment to preventing the disease in the child and family. These experiences generated fear, distress and uncertainty about the disease, which were not adequately addressed during prenatal assistance in primary care. However, the pregnant women emphasized the importance of the multiprofessional team at the secondary level in monitoring and health education. Discussion: Although the pregnant women felt confident about the treatment and its implications for the child's health, discovering the diagnosis impacted their everyday lives and those of their families, especially due to lack of reliable information about toxoplasmosis and to the absence of emotional support at the primary level. Conclusions: There was a temporary scenario of disinformation among these women, who were not properly guided and supported. However, the guidelines offered in secondary health care were essential for improving knowledge and practices in health.

MPOX, o que sabemos sobre propagação e controle: uma revisão integrativa / MPOX, what we know about propagation and control: an integrative review / Viruela del mono, qué sabemos sobre la propagación y el control: una revisión integradora

Esta é uma revisão integrativa que busca compreender os fatores associados à propagação e controle de mpox, seguindo as recomendações estabelecidas pela declaração Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. A consulta foi feita nas bases de dados PubMed, Lilacs e Cochrane Library. Foram selecionados quinze artigos, com amostra majoritária de homens que fazem sexo sem proteção com homens e homens que viajaram para locais com surto da doença ou tiveram contato com pessoas infectadas. Os principais fatores associados à infecção e à propagação da doença foram históricos de viagem, sexo desprotegido, ingestão de carne possivelmente contaminada, aglomerados e contato próximo com pessoa sintomática. Quanto aos fatores relacionados à prevenção, estão principalmente associados à triagem de casos suspeitos, hábitos de higiene pessoal, uso de equipamentos de proteção individual e isolamento do doente.

This integrative review examines the factors associated with mpox spread and control, following the recommendations established by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Bibliographic search was conducted on the PubMed, Lilacs and Cochrane Library databases. The final sample included 15 articles, mostly composed of men who have unprotected sex with men and men who traveled to places with a mpox outbreak or had contact with infected people. Travel history, unprotected sex, eating potentially contaminated meat, crowding and close contact with a symptomatic person were the main factors associated with mpox infection and spread. Prevention is mainly associated with the screening of suspected cases, personal hygiene habits, use of personal protective equipment and patient isolation.

Este estudio realiza una revisión integradora para comprender los factores asociados con la propagación y el control de la viruela del mono, siguiendo las recomendaciones establecidas por Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Se consultaron las bases de datos PubMed, Lilacs y Cochrane Library. Se seleccionaron quince artículos, con una muestra mayoritaria de hombres que tienen sexo con hombres sin protección y hombres que viajaron a lugares con brote de la enfermedad o que tuvieron contacto con personas infectadas. Los principales factores asociados con la infección y la propagación de la enfermedad fueron el historial de viajes, las relaciones sexuales sin protección, el consumo de carne potencialmente contaminada, el hacinamiento y el contacto cercano con una persona sintomática. Los factores relacionados con la prevención están asociados principalmente con el tamizaje de casos sospechosos, los hábitos de higiene personal, el uso de equipos de protección personal y el aislamiento del paciente.

Clinico-epidemiological characteristics of adolescents and young adults living with HIV in Ghana

Introduction: sub-Saharan Africa is experiencing a boom in the number of adolescents and young adults living with HIV (AYALHIV). Existing HIV intervention programs are mainly for children and adults living with HIV, with little attention paid to AYALHIV. Characterizing this population is necessary for planning, and designing, AYALHIV-centered HIV intervention programs. Methods: a retrospective single-center, hospital-based chart review was conducted at the largest HIV clinic in Ghana. We examined routinely collected data for AYALHIV (aged 10-24 years) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) for at least 1 year and in active care from 1st January to 31st December 2019. Data was collected using a structured data extraction form. The Chi-square and the Student´s t-test were used to compare characteristics between adolescents and young adults. Results: of 252 AYALHIV, 68% (172/252) were adolescents with a median age of 17 years (IQR 13-19); 32% were young adults with a median age of 22 years (IQR: 20-24). Most (56.7% (143/252)) AYALHIV were female. Almost 40% were orphans. Eighty-six percent of AYALHIV had HIV type I infection. The commonest mode of HIV acquisition among adolescents was vertical transmission (70.5%) and that among young adults was via unprotected sex (31.3%). 88% of AYALHIV were on non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors-based regimen. The viral suppression rate among AYALHIV was 78%. Conclusion: the study shows there is a growing population of AYALHIV most of which are adolescents. About two-fifths were orphans. Policymakers and HIV programs should ensure AYALHIV-centred interventions are developed for this vulnerable population.

Molecular characterization and incidence of new tospovirus: Soybean Vein Necrosis Virus (SVNV) in Egypt

Abstract Field survey study was conducted season (2017). Soybeans and weeds were weekly sampled randomly. Thrips adults were identified and counted. Detection of the virus isolate and the natural incidence was determined using; Mechanical transmission, host range, DAS-ELISA, RT-PCR. The natural incidence thrips individuals was detected depending on the SVNV% in thrips individuals and weeds hosts. Ten thrips species were associated with soybean plants in the field. The most abundant species was T. tabaci, average 256.5 average no.of individuals, followed by F. occidentalis (142.5 average no. of individuals), then N. variabilis (86.6/ average no. of individuals). Fourteen thrips species occurred on 5 legumes field crops and 41 weed plant species within soybean field. The highest average number 40.6.of individuals were recorded on Ammi majus. While the lowest one 3.3 average no. of individuals were on Urtica urens. Only 21diagnostic plant species were susceptible to infection with SVNV. G. max and Vigna radiate, were the highest percentage of infection 80% followed by V. unguilata & N. benthamiana, 75%. Egyptian isolate of Soybean vein necrosis virus (SVNV) in this study showed a high degree of similarity and it is closely related to TSWV from Egypt (DQ479968) and TCSV from USA (KY820965) with nucleotide sequence identity of 78%. Four thrips species transmitted SVNV (F. fusca 4.0%, F. schultzei 4.3%, F. tritici 3.3% and N. variabilis 68.0% transmission). Both C. phaseoli and M. sjostedti can acquire the virus but unable to transmit it. The following species; T. tabaci, F. occidentalis, S. dorsallis and T. palmi cannot acquire or transmit SVNV. The incidence of SVNV in the field started by the end of July then increased gradualy from 12.7 to 71.3% by the end of the season. In conclusion, few thrips individuals invaded soybean crops are enough to transmit high rate of SVNV within the crop. Furthermore, several vector species are also abundant on weeds, which are the major sources of soybean viruses transmitted to the crops. This information might be important for control and reduce the incidence of SVNV infection.

Resumo O estudo de pesquisa de campo foi realizado na temporada (2017). A soja e as ervas daninhas foram amostradas semanalmente de forma aleatória. Tripes adultos foram identificados e contados. A detecção do vírus isolado e a incidência natural foram determinadas usando transmissão mecânica, gama de hospedeiros, DAS-ELISA, RT-PCR. A incidência natural de tripes em indivíduos foi detectada dependendo da % de SVNV em tripes e hospedeiros infestantes. Dez espécies de tripes foram associadas a plantas de soja no campo. A espécie mais abundante foi T. tabaci, com média de 256,5 número médio de indivíduos, seguida por F. occidentalis (142,5) e N. variabilis (86,6 / número médio de indivíduos). Catorze espécies de tripes ocorreram em 5 culturas de leguminosas e 41 espécies de plantas daninhas dentro de campos de soja. O maior número médio de 40,6 indivíduos foi registrado em Ammi majus. Enquanto o mais baixo, 3,3 número médio de indivíduos, foi no Urtica urens. Apenas 21 espécies de plantas diagnosticadas foram suscetíveis à infecção com SVNV. G. max e Vigna radiate foram os maiores percentuais de infecção, 80%, seguidos por V. unguilata e N. benthamiana, 75%. O isolado egípcio neste estudo mostrou um alto grau de similaridade e está intimamente relacionado ao TSWV do Egito (DQ479968) e ao TCSV dos EUA (KY820965), com identidade de sequência de nucleotídeos de 78%. Quatro espécies de tripes transmitiram SVNV (F. fusca 4,0%, F. schultzei 4,3%, F. tritici 3,3% e N. variabilis 68,0% de transmissão). Tanto C. phaseoli quanto M. sjostedti podem adquirir o vírus, mas não podem transmiti-lo. As seguintes espécies, T. tabaci, F. occidentalis, S. dorsallis e T. palmi não podem adquirir ou transmitir SVNV. A incidência de SVNV no campo, iniciada no final de julho, aumentou gradativamente de 12,7 para 71,3% no final da temporada. Em conclusão, poucos indivíduos de tripes invadiram a cultura da soja e são suficientes para transmitir alta taxa de SVNV dentro da cultura. Além disso, várias espécies de vetores também abundam em ervas daninhas, que são as principais fontes dos vírus da soja transmitidos às lavouras. Essas informações podem ser importantes para controlar e reduzir a incidência de infecção por SVNV.

I, too, need care: Narratives of caregivers raising a child with HIV – An input for life coaching approaches

Objectives@#The present study explored the experiences of caregivers raising a child with perinatal HIV infection through a narrative inquiry approach. It uncovered how caregivers learned about their children’s diagnosis, the challenges that they experience in raising their children, and how they cope with the ordeal caused by HIV infection. @*Methods@#A total of ten participants joined the study – five caregivers participated in the key informant interviews (KIIs), with their respective child diagnosed to have perinatal HIV infection joining the focus group discussion (FGD) (n=5). Semi-structured individual interviews were carried out to examine in-depth narratives from the caregivers. We thoroughly analyzed the verbatim interview transcripts using reflexive thematic analysis (RTA) by the six-phase process outlined by Braun and Clarke (2019). NVivo 12 was utilized in the process of data analysis. The transcribed data were uploaded, coded, and analyzed individually. The software helped the organization and expression of the codes and themes.@*Result@#In this study, three major themes and four sub-themes in each theme were generated: a) becoming known: the journey towards testing and treatment, which includes reasons for testing, cause of acquiring HIV, reactions, and treatment, b) passing through challenging times, which cover preparing the child to understand illness, child's awareness and understanding of illness, physical health, and discrimination, and c) receiving essential support which includes an understanding of illness, building hope, needs received, and sources of support.@*Conclusions@#Caregivers with children living with HIV face challenges such as preparing the illness to be known and understood by their child, managing the child’s physical health, and discriminating against others. However, they can live healthy and meaningful lives if they are given comprehensive support from the government, access to quality healthcare and education, and psychosocial interventions. The government and private sectors must make efforts to promote physical, emotional, and mental health care underpinning the well-being of caregivers and children with HIV. The retention of the programs offered by certain organizations (e.g., testing and treatment needs, nutritional and basic needs support, educational supply, and livelihood program for caregivers) and the increase in the number of psychoeducational and support group activities were suggested to significantly help in addressing the concerns of both caregivers and their child with perinatal HIV infection.

Effect of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma on Short-chain Fatty Acids and Intestinal Barrier in Mice with Slow-transit Constipation / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma（AMR） in the treatment of slow-transmission constipation（STC） by observing the effects of AMR on short-chain fatty acids and intestinal barries in STC mice. MethodForty-eight male KM mice were randomly divided into blank group， model group， AMR low-， medium-， high-dose groups（2.5， 5， 10 g·kg-1） and mosapride group（2.5 mg·kg-1）. Except for the blank group， all groups were gavaged with loperamide suspension（5 mg·kg-1） twice daily for 14 d to construct the STC mouse model. At the same time， each drug administration group was given the corresponding drug by gavage for consecutive 14 d， the blank and model groups were gavaged with equal volume of distilled water. The effects of the treatment of AMR on body mass， defecation frequency， fecal water content and intestinal propulsion rate of mice were observed， the pathological changes of mouse colon were observed by hematoxylin-eosin（HE） staining and periodic acid-Schiff（PAS） staining， the levels of gastrin（GAS） and motilin（MTL） in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay（ELISA）， gas chromatography-mass spectrometry（GC-MS） was used to detect the contents of short-chain fatty acids（SCFAs） in mouse feces， real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction（Real-time PCR） and Western blot were used to determine the mRNA and protein expression levels of zonula occludens-1（ZO-1）， Occludin， and Claudin-1 in the colon of mice. ResultCompared with the blank group， the body mass， defecation frequency， fecal water content and intestinal propulsion rate of mice in the model group were significantly decreased（P<0.05， P<0.01）， the arrangement of colonic tissues was disordered， and the number of goblet cells was reduced， the levels of GAS and MTL in serum were significantly decreased（P<0.01）， and the levels of SCFAs in the feces were on a decreasing trend， with the contents of acetic acid， propionic acid， butyric acid， isobutyric acid and valeric acid were significantly decreased（P<0.05， P<0.01）， the mRNA and protein expression levels of ZO-1， Occludin and Claudin-1 in the colonic tissues were significantly decreased（P<0.01）. The above results suggested that STC mouse model was successfully constructed. Compared with the model group， the body mass， defecation frequency， fecal water content and intestinal propulsion rate of mice in AMP administration groups all increased significantly（P<0.05， P<0.01）， the mucosal layer of the colonic tissues was structurally intact without obvious damage， and the number of goblet cells increased， serum levels of GAS and MTL were significantly increased（P<0.01）， the contents of SCFAs in the feces were all on a rising trend， with the contents of acetic， propionic， butyric and isobutyric acids rising significantly（P<0.05， P<0.01）， the mRNA and protein expression levels of ZO-1， Occludin and Claudin-1 in the colonic tissues were significantly increased（P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionAMR is able to improve the constipation symptoms in STC mice， and its mechanism may be related to increasing the contents of SCFAs in the intestine as well as promoting the mRNA and protein expression levels of ZO-1， Occludin and Claudin-1 in the colon.

Retinal microstructure and developmental characteristics in Zebrafish / 解剖学报

Objective To study the microscopic structure and morphological characteristics of Zebrafish eyeball and retina at different developmental stages, and to lay a foundation for visual research model. Methods Select eight groups of zebrafish at different ages, with six fish in each group, 48 fish in total. Optical microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used to observe the eyeball structure of Zebrafish at different developmental stages, and the thickness of retinal each layer was measured to analyze the temporal and spatial development pattern. The morphological characteristics of various cells in the retina and the way of nerve connection were observed from the microscopic and ultrastructural aspects, especially the structural differences between rod cells and cone cells. Results The retina of Zebrafish can be divided into ten layers including retinal pigment epithelial layer, rod cells and cone cells layer, outer limiting membrane, outer nuclear layer, outer plexiform layer, inner nuclear layer, inner plexiform layer, ganglion cell layer, nerve fiber layer, inner limiting membrane. Rod cells had a smaller nucleus and a higher electron density than cone cells. Photoreceptor terminals were neatly arranged in the outer plexiform layer, forming neural connections with horizontal cells and bipolar cells, and several synaptic ribbons are clearly visible within them. In Zebrafish retina, ganglion cell layer and inner plexiform layer are the earliest developed. With the growth and development of Zebrafish, the thickness of rod cells and cone cells layer and retinal pigment epithelial layer gradually increases, and the retinal structure was basically developed in about 10 weeks. Conclusion The retinal structure of Zebrafish is typical, with obvious stratification and highly differentiated nerve cells. There are abundant neural connections in the outer plexiform layer. The ocular development characteristics of Zebrafish are similar to those of most mammals.

Molecular characterization and incidence of new tospovirus: Soybean Vein Necrosis Virus (SVNV) in Egypt / Caracterização molecular e incidência de novo tospovírus: Vírus da Necrose da Veia da Soja (SVNV) no Egito

Abstract Field survey study was conducted season (2017). Soybeans and weeds were weekly sampled randomly. Thrips adults were identified and counted. Detection of the virus isolate and the natural incidence was determined using; Mechanical transmission, host range, DAS-ELISA, RT-PCR. The natural incidence thrips individuals was detected depending on the SVNV% in thrips individuals and weeds hosts. Ten thrips species were associated with soybean plants in the field. The most abundant species was T. tabaci, average 256.5 average no.of individuals, followed by F. occidentalis (142.5 average no. of individuals), then N. variabilis (86.6/ average no. of individuals). Fourteen thrips species occurred on 5 legumes field crops and 41 weed plant species within soybean field. The highest average number 40.6.of individuals were recorded on Ammi majus. While the lowest one 3.3 average no. of individuals were on Urtica urens. Only 21diagnostic plant species were susceptible to infection with SVNV. G. max and Vigna radiate, were the highest percentage of infection 80% followed by V. unguilata & N. benthamiana, 75%. Egyptian isolate of Soybean vein necrosis virus (SVNV) in this study showed a high degree of similarity and it is closely related to TSWV from Egypt (DQ479968) and TCSV from USA (KY820965) with nucleotide sequence identity of 78%. Four thrips species transmitted SVNV (F. fusca 4.0%, F. schultzei 4.3%, F. tritici 3.3% and N. variabilis 68.0% transmission). Both C. phaseoli and M. sjostedti can acquire the virus but unable to transmit it. The following species; T. tabaci, F. occidentalis, S. dorsallis and T. palmi cannot acquire or transmit SVNV. The incidence of SVNV in the field started by the end of July then increased gradualy from 12.7 to 71.3% by the end of the season. In conclusion, few thrips individuals invaded soybean crops are enough to transmit high rate of SVNV within the crop. Furthermore, several vector species are also abundant on weeds, which are the major sources of soybean viruses transmitted to the crops. This information might be important for control and reduce the incidence of SVNV infection.

Resumo O estudo de pesquisa de campo foi realizado na temporada (2017). A soja e as ervas daninhas foram amostradas semanalmente de forma aleatória. Tripes adultos foram identificados e contados. A detecção do vírus isolado e a incidência natural foram determinadas usando transmissão mecânica, gama de hospedeiros, DAS-ELISA, RT-PCR. A incidência natural de tripes em indivíduos foi detectada dependendo da % de SVNV em tripes e hospedeiros infestantes. Dez espécies de tripes foram associadas a plantas de soja no campo. A espécie mais abundante foi T. tabaci, com média de 256,5 número médio de indivíduos, seguida por F. occidentalis (142,5) e N. variabilis (86,6 / número médio de indivíduos). Catorze espécies de tripes ocorreram em 5 culturas de leguminosas e 41 espécies de plantas daninhas dentro de campos de soja. O maior número médio de 40,6 indivíduos foi registrado em Ammi majus. Enquanto o mais baixo, 3,3 número médio de indivíduos, foi no Urtica urens. Apenas 21 espécies de plantas diagnosticadas foram suscetíveis à infecção com SVNV. G. max e Vigna radiate foram os maiores percentuais de infecção, 80%, seguidos por V. unguilata e N. benthamiana, 75%. O isolado egípcio neste estudo mostrou um alto grau de similaridade e está intimamente relacionado ao TSWV do Egito (DQ479968) e ao TCSV dos EUA (KY820965), com identidade de sequência de nucleotídeos de 78%. Quatro espécies de tripes transmitiram SVNV (F. fusca 4,0%, F. schultzei 4,3%, F. tritici 3,3% e N. variabilis 68,0% de transmissão). Tanto C. phaseoli quanto M. sjostedti podem adquirir o vírus, mas não podem transmiti-lo. As seguintes espécies, T. tabaci, F. occidentalis, S. dorsallis e T. palmi não podem adquirir ou transmitir SVNV. A incidência de SVNV no campo, iniciada no final de julho, aumentou gradativamente de 12,7 para 71,3% no final da temporada. Em conclusão, poucos indivíduos de tripes invadiram a cultura da soja e são suficientes para transmitir alta taxa de SVNV dentro da cultura. Além disso, várias espécies de vetores também abundam em ervas daninhas, que são as principais fontes dos vírus da soja transmitidos às lavouras. Essas informações podem ser importantes para controlar e reduzir a incidência de infecção por SVNV.

Ocular manifestation of vertical transmission of dengue: case report / Manifestação ocular de transmissão vertical de dengue: relato de caso

ABSTRACT A 7-week-old male delivered by cesarean section presented with a positive serology for dengue along with preretinal and retinal hemorrhages, vitreous opacities and cotton wool spots. The patient and his mother had positive serologies for Non Structural Protein 1 (NS1) by ELISA. Retinal and vitreous findings improved over a sixteen-week period. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed preserved macular architecture. In this case report, we suggest that retinal and vitreous changes may be the ocular presenting features of vertically transmitted dengue in newborns, and that those findings may resolve with no major structural sequelae.

RESUMO Neonato de 7 semanas, do sexo masculino, nascido de parto cesárea, apresentou sorologia positiva para dengue com hemorragias retinianas e pré-retinianas, opacidades vítreas e manchas algodonosas. O paciente e sua mãe haviam apresentado sorologias positivas para Non Structural Protein 1 através de ELISA. Achados na retina e no vítreo melhoraram em um período de dezesseis semanas. O exame de tomografia de coerência óptica de domínio espectral demonstrou arquitetura macular preservada. Neste relato de caso, sugerimos que alterações na retina e no vítreo podem ser os achados oculares aparentes em neonatos com infecção vertical por dengue, e que estes podem se resolver sem maiores sequelas estruturais.

Metabolic and ultrastructural renal changes in adult Wistar rats fed by a cafeteria diet

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate, by quantitative and qualitative methods, the glomerular ultrastructure in Wistar rats fed a cafeteria diet. Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into two groups at 21 days of age: control (C, n = 10) and cafeteria diet (CAF, n = 8). The animals were followed up until 5 months of age, followed by euthanasia. The blood, kidneys, and fat deposits--epididymal, retroperitoneal, and subcutaneous--were extracted and analyzed. Data were analyzed by Student's t test, and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The cafeteria diet promoted glucose intolerance, hyperglycemia (p < 0.0001), and deposition of retroperitoneal fat (p < 0.005). Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the length of the foot process was similar in both groups. The quantitative analyses by transmission electron microscopy revealed that the cafeteria diet reduced the thickness of the glomerular basement membrane (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The intake of lipids and simple carbohydrates were found to be associated with alteration in the glomerular ultrastructure. However, more studies are needed to evaluate not only the effects of high-protein and high-fat diets on components of the glomerular filtration barrier, but also renal physiology.

Factors underlying the high occupational risk of healthcare personnel for COVID-19 infection

ABSTRACT Objective To verify the rate of COVID-19 infection among healthcare personnel at high and low risk of COVID-19 infection and identify the underlying risk factors. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted between December 1, 2020 and February 28, 2021. Associations were verified between the levels of risk (high or low) of occupational COVID-19 infection and participant characteristics using the World Health Organization risk assessment questionnaire and adjusted using logistic regression models in single and multiple approaches. Results Of the 486 participants, 57.4% were classified as having a high occupational risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection, with a diagnosis rate of 12.1%. The factors identified in the multivariate analysis for high occupational risk were age up to 29 years (odds ratio [OR] = 2.7, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] = 1.63-4.47), monthly family income greater than eight times the basic salary (OR= 1.8, 95%CI= 1.07-3.16), and healthcare personnel who did not participate in initial training to work in the area of patients with COVID-19 infection (OR= 2.39, 95%CI= 1.53-3.75). Conclusion Encouraging training for occupational infection prevention is very important to reduce the impact of infectious diseases on healthcare personnel, especially young health professionals.

Detection of gestational and congenital syphilis in Paraná state, Brazil, 2007-2021: a time series analysis / Detección de sífilis gestacional y congénita en Paraná, Brasil, 2007-2021: análisis de series temporales / Detecção de sífilis gestacional e congênita no Paraná, 2007-2021: análise de séries temporais

Abstract Objective: To describe temporal trends in the detection rates of gestational and congenital syphilis, by maternal age and health macro-region of the state of Paraná, Brazil, 2007-2021. Methods: This was a time-series study using surveillance data; the trend analysis was performed by means of joinpoint regression, and average annual percent change (AAPC) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were estimated. Results: An increase in statewide detection of gestational syphilis (AAPC = 21.7; 95%CI 17.7; 32.8) and congenital syphilis (AAPC = 14.8; 95%CI 13.0; 19.7) was found; an increase was also found in the health macro-regions, with the Northwest (gestational, AAPC = 26.1; 95%CI 23.4; 31.6) and North (congenital, AAPC = 23.8; 95%CI 18.8; 48.9) macro-regions standing out; statewide rising trends were observed for young women [gestational, AAPC = 26.2 (95%CI 22.4; 40.6); congenital, AAPC = 19.4 (95%CI 17.6; 21.8)] and adult women [gestational, AAPC = 21.3 (95%CI 16.9; 31.9); congenital, AAPC = 13.7 (95%CI 11.9; 19.3)]. Conclusion: Maternal and child syphilis detection rates increased in the state, regardless of maternal age and health macro-region.

Resumen Objetivo: Describir las tendencias temporales en las tasas de detección de sífilis gestacional y congénita, por grupo de edad materna y macrorregión de salud de Paraná, 2007-2021. Métodos: Estudio de series temporales utilizando datos de vigilancia; se realizó análisis de tendencia mediante regresión segmentada, estimando cambios porcentuales anuales promedio (CPAP) e intervalos de confianza del 95% (IC95%). Resultados: Se identificaron aumentos en la detección estatal de sífilis gestacional (CPAP = 21,7; IC95% 17,7;32,8) y congénita (CPAP = 14,8; IC95% 13,0;19,7); las macrorregiones mostraron incrementos, destacándose la Noroeste (gestacional, CPAP = 26,1; IC95% 23,4;31,6) y la Norte (congénita, CPAP = 23,8; IC95% 18,8;48,9); las tendencias estatales fueron crecientes para mujeres jóvenes [gestacional, CPAP = 26,2 (IC95% 22,4;40,6); congénita, CPAP = 19,4 (IC95% 17,6;21,8)] y adultas [gestacional, CPAP = 21,3 (IC95% 16,9;31,9); congénita, CPAP = 13,7 (IC95% 11,9;19,3)]. Conclusión: Las tasas de detección de sífilis materno-infantil estuvieron en aumento en el estado, independientemente de la edad materna y la macrorregión de salud.

Resumo Objetivo: Descrever as tendências temporais nas taxas de detecção de sífilis gestacional e congênita, por faixa etária materna e macrorregião de saúde do Paraná, Brasil, 2007-2021. Métodos: Estudo de séries temporais, utilizando-se dados de vigilância; realizou-se análise de tendência por regressão segmentada, sendo estimadas variações percentuais anuais médias (VPAM) e intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC95%). Resultados: Foram identificados acréscimos na detecção estadual de sífilis gestacional (VPAM = 21,7; IC95% 17,7;32,8) e congênita (VPAM = 14,8; IC95% 13,0;19,7); as macrorregiões de saúde registraram incrementos, destacando-se as macrorregiões Noroeste (gestacional, VPAM = 26,1; IC95% 23,4;31,6) e Norte (congênita, VPAM = 23,8; IC95% 18,8;48,9); as tendências estaduais foram crescentes para mulheres jovens [gestacional, VPAM = 26,2 (IC95% 22,4;40,6); congênita, VPAM = 19,4 (IC95% 17,6;21,8)] e mulheres adultas [gestacional, VPAM = 21,3 (IC95% 16,9;31,9); congênita, VPAM = 13,7 (IC95% 11,9;19,3)]. Conclusão: As taxas de detecção de sífilis materno-infantil foram ascendentes no estado, independentemente da idade materna e da macrorregião de saúde.

Potencial transmisión congénita de la enfermedad de Chagas en la segunda generación de jóvenes embarazadas que asistieron a su control prenatal en el departamento de Cordillera, Paraguay

Trypanosoma cruzi es el agente causal de la enfermedad de Chagas. En Paraguay se estima que existen 165.000 personas infectadas y actualmente la principal vía de transmisión es la congénita, con una prevalencia del 5% y con alrededor de 400 niños infectados nacidos por año. El departamento de Cordillera es área endémica de la Región Oriental del país, donde se implementó el Programa de Control Prenatal de Chagas en el año 1995. El objetivo de este estudio fue inferir sobre la potencial transmisión congénita de la enfermedad de Chagas en jóvenes embarazadas de segunda generación de Cordillera que asistieron a su control prenatal en el período 2010-2012, 15 años después de la implementación del Programa de Control Prenatal. De 9.588 embarazadas; 482 fueron seropositivas (5%); 2,74% en el grupo de 12 a 19 años, 4,93% de 20 a 30 años, 8,03% de 31 a 40 años y 16,11% de 41 a 48 años. Para estimar el origen de la transmisión congénita de segunda generación se tuvo en cuenta a las 72 seropositivas de 12 a 19 años y según la base de datos de las respectivas madres 61 eran seropositivas. Con esta información se estima que la transmisión a embarazadas de segunda generación de 12 a 19 años fue congénita en un 85% indicando una transmisión congénita muy significativa en la población de estudio. Esta información ayudaría al Programa Nacional de Chagas en el fortalecimiento del control de la transmisión congénita de la enfermedad de Chagas en el país.

Trypanosoma cruzi is the causative agent of Chagas disease. In Paraguay, it is estimated that 165,000 people are infected and currently the main route of transmission is the congenital one, with a prevalence of 5% and about 400 infected children are born per year. The Department of Cordillera is an endemic area of the Eastern Region of the country, where the Chagas Prenatal Control Program was implemented in 1995. The aim of this study was to infer the potential congenital transmission of Chagas disease towards second generation pregnant women from the Department of Cordillera who attended their prenatal control in the period 2010-2012, 15 years after the implementation of the Prenatal Control Program. Of 9,588 pregnant women; 482 were seropositive (5%); 2.74% in the group aged 12 to 19 years, 4.93% aged 20 to 30 years, 8.03% aged 31 to 40 years, and 16.11% aged 41 to 48 years. To estimate the origin of second generation congenital transmission, the 72 seropositive women aged 12 to 19 years were taken into account and according to the database of their respective mothers, 61 mothers of the 72 were seropositive. With this información, it can be estimated that 85% of the transmission to second generation pregnant women aged 12 to 19 years was congenital showing a very significant congenital transmission in the study population. This information could help the National Chagas Program in strengthening the control of congenital transmission of Chagas disease in the country.

Associated factors, incidence, and management of gestational and congenital syphilis in a Brazilian state capital: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Maternal and child health remains an enduring global challenge, having occupied a prominent position on international agendas since the dawn of the 21st century. During pregnancy, syphilis emerges as the second most prevalent cause of stillbirth on a global scale, potentially leading to a range of adverse outcomes. This study aimed to describe the clinical and epidemiological profile of cases of gestational and congenital syphilis and the hospital care provided for newborns in Campo Grande municipality, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil, from 2013 to 2018. This is a cross-sectional study based on data from Brazilian Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (SINAN) and hospital medical records. Chi-square or Fisher's exact test and logistic regression analysis were used to assess the associations and relationships between the child's clinical outcome at birth and the mother's clinical-obstetric and epidemiological characteristics. Cumulative detection rate of gestational syphilis was 174.3 cases per 1,000 live births and cumulative incidence of congenital syphilis was 47.7 cases per 1,000 live births. Alcoholism, prenatal care, number of prenatal visits, maternal treatment regimen, and timing of maternal diagnosis were associated with child's clinical outcome at birth and considered in the regression model. Prenatal visits showed a protective effect against the signs and symptoms of congenital syphilis (odds ratio = 0.37; 95% confidence interval = 0.17−0.77). Medical assistance was considered inadequate in 62.3% of cases. Prenatal consultations should be encouraged among pregnant women. There is a need for better education of health personnel on the treatment and diagnosis of syphilis.

Detection of arboviruses in Aedes aegypti through transovarian analysis: A study in Goiânia, Goiás

Abstract Background: Arboviral diseases are a group of infectious diseases caused by viruses transmitted by arthropods, mainly mosquitoes. These diseases, such as those caused by the dengue (DENV), Zika (ZIKV), chikungunya (CHIKV), and yellow fever (YFV) viruses, have a significant impact worldwide. In this context, entomological surveillance plays a crucial role in the control and prevention of arboviruses by providing essential information on the presence, distribution, and activity of vector mosquitoes. Based on entomological surveillance, transovarian transmission provides information regarding the maintenance and dissemination of arboviruses. The objective of this study was to detect these arboviruses in Goiânia, Goiás, and analyze the occurrence of transovarian transmission. Methods: Aedes aegypti eggs were collected from different regions of Goiânia and cultivated under controlled laboratory conditions until the emergence of adult mosquitoes. Adult females were grouped into pools containing their heads and thoraxes. These pools were subsequently evaluated using reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assay. Results: A total of 157 pools (N=1570) were analyzed, with two pools testing positive for CHIKV and one pool testing positive for ZIKV, indicating that the offspring resulting from transovarian transmission are potentially infectious. Conclusions: In summary, the demonstration of the vertical transmission mechanisms of CHIKV and ZIKV in A. aegypti serves as an alert to health authorities, as these diseases are still underreported, and their primary urban vector has likely acquired this capacity, contributing to the dissemination of these infections.

Transmissão vertical do HIV na rede de saúde: reflexões bioéticas sobre gênero e cuidado a partir de um caso emblemático / Vertical transmission of HIV in the health network: bioethics reflections on gender and care based on an emblematic case

Resumo Num cenário epidêmico ainda preocupante, a prevenção da Transmissão Vertical (TV) do HIV impõe problemas complexos, devido as vulnerabilidades individual, social e moral das mulheres vivendo com o vírus, somadas às fragilidades da rede de saúde. A partir de um caso emblemático, este estudo buscou compreender os desafios bioéticos do cuidado para a prevenção da TV do HIV no âmbito do Comitê de Porto Alegre/RS. Os eixos analíticos desenvolvidos refletem sobre como a produção do cuidado se articula, por um lado, com discursos e práticas relacionais pautadas no gênero e interseccionadas por raça e classe social e, por outro, com vulnerabilidades programáticas das políticas de saúde. Vislumbrou-se um processo de extrema estigmatização, em que as poucas ofertas para as mulheres cisgênero se dirigiam à regulação reprodutiva e perpetuavam dinâmicas de violência estrutural. Discute-se caminhos para a construção de um cuidado que incorpore a perspectiva decolonial e busque produzir equidade e justiça social ao reconhecer as trajetórias das mulheres.

Abstract In a still worrying epidemic scenario, the prevention of Vertical Transmission (VT) of HIV poses complex problems, due to the individual, social, and moral vulnerabilities of women living with the virus, in addition to the weaknesses of the health network. Based on an emblematic case, this study sought to understand the bioethical challenges of HIV VT prevention in the scope of the Porto Alegre/RS Committee. The analytical categories developed reflect on how the production of care is articulated, on the one hand, with relational discourses and practices based on gender and intersected by race and social class and, on the other, with programmatic vulnerabilities of health policies. A process of extreme stigmatization was revealed, in which the few offers for cisgender women were aimed toward reproductive regulation and perpetuated dynamics of structural violence. We discuss ways of building care that incorporates a decolonial perspective and seeks to produce equity and social justice by recognizing women's trajectories.

Comparative analysis of SARS-CoV-2 variants Alpha (B.1.1.7), Gamma (P.1), Zeta (P.2) and Delta (B.1.617.2) in Vero-E6 cells: ultrastructural characterization of cytopathology and replication kinetics

Abstract This study compares the effects of virus-cell interactions among SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) isolated in Brazil in 2021, hypothesizing a correlation between cellular alterations and mortality and between viral load and transmissibility. For this purpose, reference isolates of Alpha, Gamma, Zeta, and Delta variants were inoculated into monolayers of Vero-E6 cells. Viral RNA was quantified in cell supernatants by RT‒PCR, and infected cells were analyzed by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) for qualitative and quantitative evaluation of cellular changes 24, 48, and 72 hours postinfection (hpi). Ultrastructural analyses showed that all variants of SARS-CoV-2 altered the structure and function of mitochondria, nucleus, and rough endoplasmic reticulum of cells. Monolayers infected with the Delta variant showed the highest number of modified cells and the greatest statistically significant differences compared to those of other variants. Viral particles were observed in the cytosol and the cell membrane in 100 % of the cells at 48 hpi. Alpha showed the highest mean particle diameter (79 nm), and Gamma and Delta were the smallest (75 nm). Alpha and Gamma had the highest particle frequency per field at 48 hpi, while the same was observed for Zeta and Delta at 72 hpi and 24 hpi, respectively. The cycle threshold of viral RNA varied among the target protein, VOC, and time of infection. The findings presented here demonstrate that all four VOCs evaluated caused ultrastructural changes in Vero-E6 cells, which were more prominent when infection occured with the Delta variant.

Characterisation of the merozoite thrombospondin related anonymous protein (MTRAP) of Plasmodium berghei as a transmission-blocking antigen

BACKGROUND Malaria is an infectious disease caused by protozoan parasites belonging to the genus Plasmodium. Human-to-human transmission depends on a mosquito vector; thus, the interruption of parasite transmission from humans to mosquitoes is an important approach in the fight against malaria. The parasite stages infectious to mosquitoes are the gametocytes, sexual stages that are ingested by the vector during a blood meal and transform into male and female gametes in the midgut. Immunity against sexual stage antigens expressed by gametocytes, gametes, and the zygote formed after fertilisation can interrupt the parasite sexual cycle in the mosquito. This transmission blocking immunity is mediated by specific antibodies ingested during the mosquito blood feed, inhibiting the parasite development in the midgut. Merozoite thrombospondin related anonymous protein (MTRAP) is a merozoite and gametocyte surface protein essential for gamete egress from erythrocytes and for parasite transmission to mosquitoes. OBJECTIVES Here, we evaluated the potential of the P. berghei MTRAP to elicit antibodies with the ability to inhibit gamete fertilisation in vitro. METHODS We expressed a soluble recombinant PbMTRAP and used it to immunise BALB/c mice. The transmission blocking activity of the anti-rPbMTRAP antibodies was tested through in vivo challenge experiments followed by in vitro conversion assays. FINDINGS Immunisations with the rPbMTRAP induced a strong antibody response and the antibodies recognised the native protein by Western Blot and IFA. Anti-rPbMTRAP present in the blood stream of immunised mice partially inhibited gamete conversion into ookinetes. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that antibodies to PbMTRAP may reduce but are not sufficient to completely block transmission.

Perfil de transmisión del SARS-COV-2 en una región sanitaria del Paraguay

Introducción: La transmisión viral a menudo se propaga en grupos, donde las infecciones se pueden rastrear hasta un caso índice o una ubicación geográfica, para así poder tomar medidas de prevención al respecto. Entender el perfil de transmisión del SARS-CoV-2 es esencial para desarrollar estrategias efectivas de prevención y control de la enfermedad. Objetivo: Determinar el perfil de transmisión del Sars-Cov-2, a partir de clúster con casos índices identificados, en la V región sanitaria (Caaguazu) del Paraguay, entre julio y octubre del 2020. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, de corte transversal, con fichas de notificación de casos de COVID-19 y resultados laboratoriales de la RT_PCR en pacientes diagnosticados con COVID-19 en la V Región Sanitaria entrejulio y octubre del 2020. Resultados: Fueron identificadas 703 personas con Sars-Cov-2 positivo. El 55,49 % de las personas no reconoció algún nexo de contagio. Con respecto al tipo de evento donde ocurrían con mayor frecuencia los contagios, ocurrieron en Eventos Sociales en 58,14 % de los casos y en el Ambiente Familiar en el 33,89 %. La transmisión secundaria se observó en el 17,40 % de los casos. Fueron identificados 58 Clústers, con una mediana de tamaño de los mismos de 3 (RIQ 2-4), y 267 personas (37,98 %) asociadas a los mismos. Discusión: La mayoría de las personas no reconocieron su nexo de contagio, sin embargo, en los que, si conocieron, se puede observar que la participación en eventos sociales fue el principal nexo, por lo que es fundamental realizar este tipo de ejercicios para hacer el seguimiento oportuno de los casos.

Introduction: Viral transmission often spreads in clusters, where infections can be traced to an index case or a geographic location, in order to take preventive measures in this regard, understanding the transmission profile of SARS-CoV-2 is essential. to develop effective disease prevention and control strategies. Objective: to determine the transmission profile of Sars-Cov-2, from clusters with identified index cases, in the V health region (Caaguazú) of Paraguay, between July and October 2020. Methodology: We carried out an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study, with notification sheets of COVID-19 cases and laboratory results of the RT_PCR in patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in the V Sanitary Region between July and October 2020. Results: We identified 703 people with positive Sars-Cov-2. 55.49% of people did not recognize any contagion link. Regarding the type of event where infections occurred most frequently, was in Social Events in 58.14% of the cases and the Family Environment in 33.89%, secondary transmission was observed in 17.40% of the cases. 58 Clusters were identified, with a median size of 3 (IQR 2-4), and 267 people (37.98%) associated with them. Discussion: Most of the people did not recognize their contagion link, however, in those who did know, the main link was because they participated in social events, so it is essential to carry out this type of exercise to do timely follow-up. of the cases.