Epidemiological and clinicopathological findings of feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia virus infections in domestic cats from the Brazilian semiarid region.

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) are retroviruses of great importance for domestic cats with a worldwide distribution. A retrospective study was conducted to determine the epidemiological and clinicopathological aspects of the infection by FIV and FeLV in cats from the Brazilian semiarid region. Cats treated between 2011 and 2021 at the teaching veterinary hospital of the Federal Rural University of the Semi-Arid Region that were submitted to a point-of-care (POC) test to detect anti-FIV IgG antibodies and FeLV antigen were enrolled in the study. Overall, 454 cats were selected, of which 30.2% [95% CI = 26.0% - 34.3%] were FIV-positive, 1.1% [95% CI = 0.9% - 1.2%] were FeLV-positive, and 0.7% [95% CI = 0.1% - 1.3%] were coinfected by both retroviruses. No statistical association was found between the studied retroviruses (P = 0.144). Multivariable analysis detected significant associations between FIV infection and male sex [OR = 5.7, 95% CI = 3.0-10.7, P < 0.0001), age between 19 and 78 months [OR = 5.2, 95% CI = 2.2-12.1, P < 0.0001], age greater than 78 months [OR = 12.8, 95% CI = 5.1-31.9, P < 0.0001], crossbreed [OR = 4.1, 95% CI = 1.2-13.4, P = 0.021], the presence of oral disease [OR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.3-3.4, P = 0.004], reduced red blood cell (RBC) count [OR = 3.7, 95% CI = 1.9-7.2, P < 0.0001], and an albumin:globulin (A:G) ratio lower than 0.6 [OR = 3.4, 95% CI = 1.6-7.1, P = 0.001]. No statistical analyses were performed for FeLV infection due to the low number of positive animals. In the quantitative analyses of hematological parameters, FIV-positive cats presented lower values for RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, lymphocytes, and platelets compared to the negative animals. In the biochemical profile, cats infected with FIV showed higher creatinine, urea, total protein, and globulin values, while lower values for albumin and A:G ratio were observed (P < 0.05). The findings of this study characterized the prevalence, clinicopathological findings, and risk factors associated with FIV and FeLV in cats from the Brazilian semiarid region. They may help support veterinary practitioners in diagnosing feline retroviruses. The FIV prevalence observed is among the highest reported in Brazil, demonstrating the need for prevention and control strategies for this retrovirus.

Adjuvant properties of IFN-γ and GM-CSF in the scFv6.C4 DNA vaccine against CEA-expressing tumors.

Tumor-associated carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a natural target for vaccines against colorectal cancers. Our previous experience with a DNA vaccine with scFv6.C4, a CEA surrogate, showed a CEA-specific immune response with 40% of tumor-free mice after challenge with B16F10-CEA and 47% with MC38-CEA cells. These percentages increased to 63% after using FrC as an adjuvant. To further enhance the vaccine efficacy, we tested GM-CSF and IFNγ as adjuvants. C57BL/6J-CEA2682 mice were immunized 4 times with uP-PS/scFv6.C4, uP-PS/scFv6.C4 + uP-IFNγ, or uP-PS/scFv6.C4 + uP-GMCSF. After one week, the mice were challenged with MC38-CEA, and tumor growth was monitored over 100 days. Immunization with scFv6.C4 and scFv6.C4 + GM-CSF resulted in a gradual increase in the anti-CEA antibody titer, while scFv6.C4 + IFNγ immunization led to a rapid and sustained increase in the titer. The addition of IFNγ also induced higher CD4 + and CD8 + responses. When challenged, almost 80% of the scFv6.C4 + IFNγ-vaccinated mice did not develop tumors, while the others had a significant tumor growth delay. The probability of being tumor-free was 2700% higher using scFv6.C4 + IFNγ than scFv6.C4. The addition of GM-CSF had no additional effect on tumor protection. DNA immunization with scFv6.C4 + IFNγ, but not GM-CSF, increased the antitumor effect via readily sustained specific humoral and cytotoxic responses to CEA.

Dacryoendoscopic recanalization of lacrimal passage obstruction/stenosis after radioiodine therapy for differentiated thyroid carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Radioiodine therapy, a standard treatment for differentiated thyroid carcinomas, is associated with several adverse events including lacrimal drainage system obstruction. Herein, we describe the first case of duct lumen recanalization using dacryoendoscopy for lacrimal passage obstruction and stenosis after radioiodine therapy. OBSERVATIONS: A 48-year-old female treated with radioiodine therapy for differentiated thyroid carcinoma 5 years prior presented with epiphora in both eyes. Dacryocystography showed nasolacrimal duct stenosis in the right eye and nasolacrimal duct obstruction in the left eye. Dacryoendoscopic examination revealed right common canalicular polyps, fibrosis in the right lacrimal sac, right nasolacrimal duct stenosis, and left upper and common canaliculus stenosis. Lacrimal passage recanalization with the insertion of a nasolacrimal stent tube using dacryoendoscopy was performed on the right eye. This successfully resolved the epiphora. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: Dacryoendoscopic examination for epiphora after radioiodine therapy may help detect early-stage nasolacrimal passage obstruction/stenosis. This condition can be resolved by recanalization and insertion of a lacrimal tube, without the need for a more invasive surgical approach such as dacryocystorhinostomy.

Rapamycin Improves the Response of Effector and Memory CD8+ T Cells Induced by Immunization With ASP2 of Trypanosoma cruzi.

Deficiency in memory formation and increased immunosenescence are pivotal features of Trypanosoma cruzi infection proposed to play a role in parasite persistence and disease development. The vaccination protocol that consists in a prime with plasmid DNA followed by the boost with a deficient recombinant human adenovirus type 5, both carrying the ASP2 gene of T. cruzi, is a powerful strategy to elicit effector memory CD8+ T-cells against this parasite. In virus infections, the inhibition of mTOR, a kinase involved in several biological processes, improves the response of memory CD8+ T-cells. Therefore, our aim was to assess the role of rapamycin, the pharmacological inhibitor of mTOR, in CD8+ T response against T. cruzi induced by heterologous prime-boost vaccine. For this purpose, C57BL/6 or A/Sn mice were immunized and daily treated with rapamycin for 34 days. CD8+ T-cells response was evaluated by immunophenotyping, intracellular staining, ELISpot assay and in vivo cytotoxicity. In comparison with vehicle-injection, rapamycin administration during immunization enhanced the frequency of ASP2-specific CD8+ T-cells and the percentage of the polyfunctional population, which degranulated (CD107a+) and secreted both interferon gamma (IFNγ) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). The beneficial effects were long-lasting and could be detected 95 days after priming. Moreover, the effects were detected in mice immunized with ten-fold lower doses of plasmid/adenovirus. Additionally, the highly susceptible to T. cruzi infection A/Sn mice, when immunized with low vaccine doses, treated with rapamycin, and challenged with trypomastigote forms of the Y strain showed a survival rate of 100%, compared with 42% in vehicle-injected group. Trying to shed light on the biological mechanisms involved in these beneficial effects on CD8+ T-cells by mTOR inhibition after immunization, we showed that in vivo proliferation was higher after rapamycin treatment compared with vehicle-injected group. Taken together, our data provide a new approach to vaccine development against intracellular parasites, placing the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin as an adjuvant to improve effective CD8+ T-cell response.

Correction: CXCR3 chemokine receptor contributes to specific CD8+ T cell activation by pDC during infection with intracellular pathogens.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008414.].

Knowledge about Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) and its professional repercussions among Brazilian endodontists.

The aim of this study was to assess Brazilian endodontists' level of knowledge about the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and examine its professional repercussions. The link to the online survey that was created for this study was shared with Brazilian endodontists through social networking applications. The questionnaire contained questions that pertained to COVID-19 and its impact on dental practice. The collected data were analyzed using t-test, chi-square analysis, and analysis of variance, and the level of significance was set at 0.05. A total of 2,135 participants responded to the questionnaire, and all five Brazilian regions were represented in the sample. A total of 98.50% of endodontists reported that dental procedures can transmit COVID-19. Complete social distancing was practiced by 96.68% of the participants, and approximately 25% knew someone who had COVID-19. Moreover, in their daily practice, 72.13% of them implemented biosecurity measures that are ineffective in preventing COVID-19. Furthermore, 91.7% of them reportedly suspended elective dental procedures. Only 55.69% of them reported that they performed only emergency procedures in their workplaces. Those who believed that COVID-19 cannot be transmitted during dental procedures were less knowledgeable about the symptoms of COVID-19 (p = 0.0095). Endodontists who believed that personal protective equipment cannot prevent contamination were more knowledgeable about the symptoms of COVID-19 than their counterparts (p = 0.0003). The participating Brazilian endodontists demonstrated adequate knowledge about the risk of contamination during dental procedures and the main symptoms of COVID-19. Only some professionals reported providing emergency dental care during the pandemic.

Central giant cell granuloma mimicking a periapical lesion of endodontic origin: A case report.

This paper aims to report a case in which central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) mimicked a periapical lesion of endodontic origin. An 18-year-old female patient was referred for diagnosis and treatment of extensive radiolucent periapical lesion involving 31, 32, 33, 34 and 35 teeth. Clinically, the patient presented slight facial asymmetry and healthy teeth on the affected side with positive response to thermal vitality tests. Thus, an incisional biopsy was performed, which presented a histopathological picture characteristic of a CGCG. The endodontic treatment of the involved teeth was followed by surgical curettage of the lesion. After two years of follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic, with marked improvement in mandibular symmetry and adequate healing of the lesion. Therefore, the diagnosis of radiolucent periapical lesions must include lesions of endodontic and non-endodontic origin for better treatment planning and execution.

Unraveling the molecular basis of host cell receptor usage in SARS-CoV-2 and other human pathogenic β-CoVs

The recent emergence of the novel SARS-CoV-2 in China and its rapid spread in the human population has led to a public health crisis worldwide. Like in SARS-CoV, horseshoe bats currently represent the most likely candidate animal source for SARS-CoV-2. Yet, the specific mechanisms of cross-species transmission and adaptation to the human host remain unknown. Here we show that the unsupervised analysis of conservation patterns across the {beta}-CoV spike protein family, using sequence information alone, can provide rich information on the molecular basis of the specificity of {beta}-CoVs to different host cell receptors. More precisely, our results indicate that host cell receptor usage is encoded in the amino acid sequences of different CoV spike proteins in the form of a set of specificity determining positions (SDPs). Furthermore, by integrating structural data, in silico mutagenesis and coevolution analysis we could elucidate the role of SDPs in mediating ACE2 binding across the Sarbecovirus lineage, either by engaging the receptor through direct intermolecular interactions or by affecting the local environment of the receptor binding motif. Finally, by the analysis of coevolving mutations across a paired MSA we were able to identify key intermolecular contacts occurring at the spike-ACE2 interface. These results show that effective mining of the evolutionary records held in the sequence of the spike protein family can help tracing the molecular mechanisms behind the evolution and host-receptors adaptation of circulating and future novel {beta}-CoVs. SignificanceUnraveling the molecular basis for host cell receptor usage among {beta}-CoVs is crucial to our understanding of cross-species transmission, adaptation and for molecular-guided epidemiological monitoring of potential outbreaks. In the present study, we survey the sequence conservation patterns of the {beta}-CoV spike protein family to identify the evolutionary constraints shaping the functional specificity of the protein across the {beta}-CoV lineage. We show that the unsupervised analysis of statistical patterns in a MSA of the spike protein family can help tracing the amino acid space encoding the specificity of {beta}-CoVs to their cognate host cell receptors. We argue that the results obtained in this work can provide a framework for monitoring the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 specificity to the hACE2 receptor, as the virus continues spreading in the human population and differential virulence starts to arise.

Knowledge about Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) and its professional repercussions among Brazilian endodontists

Abstract The aim of this study was to assess Brazilian endodontists' level of knowledge about the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and examine its professional repercussions. The link to the online survey that was created for this study was shared with Brazilian endodontists through social networking applications. The questionnaire contained questions that pertained to COVID-19 and its impact on dental practice. The collected data were analyzed using t-test, chi-square analysis, and analysis of variance, and the level of significance was set at 0.05. A total of 2,135 participants responded to the questionnaire, and all five Brazilian regions were represented in the sample. A total of 98.50% of endodontists reported that dental procedures can transmit COVID-19. Complete social distancing was practiced by 96.68% of the participants, and approximately 25% knew someone who had COVID-19. Moreover, in their daily practice, 72.13% of them implemented biosecurity measures that are ineffective in preventing COVID-19. Furthermore, 91.7% of them reportedly suspended elective dental procedures. Only 55.69% of them reported that they performed only emergency procedures in their workplaces. Those who believed that COVID-19 cannot be transmitted during dental procedures were less knowledgeable about the symptoms of COVID-19 (p = 0.0095). Endodontists who believed that personal protective equipment cannot prevent contamination were more knowledgeable about the symptoms of COVID-19 than their counterparts (p = 0.0003). The participating Brazilian endodontists demonstrated adequate knowledge about the risk of contamination during dental procedures and the main symptoms of COVID-19. Only some professionals reported providing emergency dental care during the pandemic.

scFv6.C4 DNA vaccine with fragment C of Tetanus toxin increases protective immunity against CEA-expressing tumor.

The carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is the main tumor-associated antigen of colorectal cancers. Previously, we developed a DNA vaccine using scFv6.C4, a CEA surrogate, against CEA-expressing tumors; 40% of the vaccinated mice were tumor-free after tumor challenge. In order to enhance vaccine efficacy, fragment C of Tetanus Toxin (FrC) was tested as adjuvant. C57BL/6J-CEA2682 mice were electroporated intramuscularly 4 times with uP-PS/scFv6.C4-FrC or uP-PS/scFv6.C4, challenged by s.c. injection of 1 × 105 MC38-CEA cells, and tumor growth was monitored over 100 days. The humoral and cellular immune responses were assessed by ELISA, immunocytochemistry, in-vitro lymphocyte proliferation, and CTL cytotoxicity assays. Immunization with uP-PS/scFv6.C4-FrC or uP-PS/scFv6.C4 induced similar anti-CEA antibody titers. However, immunocytochemistry analysis showed stronger staining with uP-PS/scFv6.C4-FrC-immunized mice sera. When challenged with MC38-CEA cells, 63% of the FrC-vaccinated mice did not develop tumors, half of the rest had a significant tumor growth delay, and the probability of being free of tumors was on average 40% higher than that of scFv6.C4-immunized mice. Addition of the adjuvant led to higher CD4+ and CD8+ proliferative responses and strong CD8+ CTL response against MC38-CEA cells. DNA immunization with scFv6.C4 and FrC increased antitumor effect via induction of high and specific humoral and cellular immune responses to CEA.

Protocolo de Controle de tronco em Ambiente Aquático para Crianças com Paralisia Cerebral: Ensaio Clínico Randomizado / Protocol of Control of Trunk in Aquatic Environment for Children with Cerebral Palsy: Randomized Clinical Trial

Objetivos: Avaliar os efeitos de um protocolo de controle de tronco em ambiente aquático e sua repercussão na funcionalidade de indivíduos com paralisia cerebral (PC) diparéticoespástico, classificados no nível IV do GMFCS (Gross Motor Function Classification System). Métodos: ensaio clínico controlado, randomizado, cego, descritivo-analítico, quantitativo. Foram triados 92 prontuários, 24 crianças foram incluídas e 22 finalizaram o estudo. Os pacientes foram alocados em grupo controle (GC), que realizou terapias convencionais e grupo intervenção (GI) que realizou o protocolo de exercícios aquáticos. Os grupos foram avaliados pré e pós-intervenção através da Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS), Pediatric Reach Test (PRT), Eletromiografia de Superfície (EMG) dos músculos reto abdominal e latíssimo do dorso. Para análises estatísticas foram utilizados o teste de Kolmogorov-Smirnov no momento pré e pós intervenção, teste de Mann-Whitney para a análise intragrupo e teste de Wilcoxon para análise intergrupo. A Correlação de Spearman foi utilizada para observar o grau de associação entre duas variáveis. Foi considerado um intervalo de confiança (IC) de 95%, nível de significância de p<0,05. Resultados: na análise intragrupo constatou-se melhora no item reação de equilíbrio da TCMS, GI (p=0,019) e o GC (p=0,004). No PRT, GC apresentou maior deslocamento pós-intervenção (p=0,006) que o GI. No item 07 da TCMS houve melhora da ativação muscular do reto abdominal (RA) do GI (p=0,047). Conclusão: No presente estudo, observou-se que a fisioterapia aquática trouxe resultados positivos e ganhos motores relacionados ao controle de tronco e funcionalidade para crianças com paralisia cerebral diparética espásticas GMFCS nível IV. (AU)

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of a trunk control protocol in the aquatic environment and its impact on the functionality of individuals with spastic diparesis type of CP (Cerebral Palsy) classified as level IV on GMFCS. Methods: A quantitative, controlled clinical trial, randomized, blind, of descriptive and analytical character. 92 records were screened, 24 children were enrolled and 22 completed the study. Patients were allocated in control group (CG), which held conventional therapies and intervention group (IG) which performed the aquatic exercise protocol. Groups were evaluated pre and post intervention through Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS), Pediatric Reach Test (PRT), Surface Electromyography (EMG) of rectus abdominis and latissimus dorsi muscles. For statistical analysis, it was used the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test for pre and post intervention analysis, Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon test for intragroup and intergroup analysis, respectively. Spearman correlation was used to observe the rate of association between two variables. A confidence interval (CI) of 95% was considered, level of significance of p <0.05. Results: Intragroup analysis showed improvement in TCMS equilibrium reactions item in GI (p = 0.019) and CG (p = 0.004). In the PRT, GC presented greater post-intervention displacement (p = 0.006) than the GI. In item 07 of the TCMS there was improvement of rectus abdominis muscle activation in GI (p = 0.047). Conclusion: In the present study there were positive results and motor gains on trunk control and functionality for individuals with spastic diparesis type of CP classified as level IV on GMFCS after aquatic therapy intervention. (AU)

TLR3 Is a Negative Regulator of Immune Responses Against Paracoccidioides brasiliensis.

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) comprise the best-characterized pattern-recognition receptor (PRR) family able to activate distinct immune responses depending on the receptor/adaptor set assembled. TLRs, such as TLR2, TLR4 and TLR9, and their signaling were shown to be important in Paracoccidioides brasiliensis infections. However, the role of the endosomal TLR3 in experimental paracoccidioidomycosys remains obscure. In vitro assays, macrophages of the bone marrow of WT or TLR3-/- mice were differentiated for evaluation of their microbicidal activity. In vivo assays, WT or TLR3-/- mice were infected intratracheally with Paracoccidioides brasiliensis yeasts for investigation of the lung response type induced. The cytotoxic activity of CD8+ T cells was assessed by cytotoxicity assay. To confirm the importance of CD8+ T cells in the control of infection in the absence of tlr3, a depletion assay of these cells was performed. Here, we show for the first time that TLR3 modulate the infection against Paracoccidioides brasiliensis by dampening pro-inflammatory response, NO production, IFN+CD8+T, and IL-17+CD8+T cell activation and cytotoxic function, associated with granzyme B and perforin down regulation. As conclusion, we suggest that TLR3 could be used as an escape mechanism of the fungus in an experimental paracoccidioidomycosis.

LFA-1 Mediates Cytotoxicity and Tissue Migration of Specific CD8+ T Cells after Heterologous Prime-Boost Vaccination against Trypanosoma cruzi Infection.

Integrins mediate the lymphocyte migration into an infected tissue, and these cells are essential for controlling the multiplication of many intracellular parasites such as Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. Here, we explore LFA-1 and VLA-4 roles in the migration of specific CD8+ T cells generated by heterologous prime-boost immunization during experimental infection with T. cruzi. To this end, vaccinated mice were treated with monoclonal anti-LFA-1 and/or anti-VLA-4 to block these molecules. After anti-LFA-1, but not anti-VLA-4 treatment, all vaccinated mice displayed increased blood and tissue parasitemia, and quickly succumbed to infection. In addition, there was an accumulation of specific CD8+ T cells in the spleen and lymph nodes and a decrease in the number of those cells, especially in the heart, suggesting that LFA-1 is important for the output of specific CD8+ T cells from secondary lymphoid organs into infected organs such as the heart. The treatment did not alter CD8+ T cell effector functions such as the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and granzyme B, and maintained the proliferative capacity after treatment. However, the specific CD8+ T cell direct cytotoxicity was impaired after LFA-1 blockade. Also, these cells expressed higher levels of Fas/CD95 on the surface, suggesting that they are susceptible to programmed cell death by the extrinsic pathway. We conclude that LFA-1 plays an important role in the migration of specific CD8+ T cells and in the direct cytotoxicity of these cells.

Prevalência e Fatores Associados ao Consumo de Álcool e Tabaco entre Estudantes de Medicina no Nordeste do Brasil / Prevalence and Associated Factors of Alcohol Consumption and Smoking among Medical Students in Northeastern Brazil

RESUMO Introdução O consumo de derivados de tabaco e álcool é apontado como importante causa de doenças e agravos no mundo. No Brasil, há um aumento no consumo dessas drogas entre os jovens, principalmente estudantes universitários. Objetivo Conhecer a prevalência e os fatores associados ao tabagismo e consumo de bebidas alcoólicas entre estudantes de Medicina, além do nível de conhecimento acerca das técnicas de cessação do hábito tabagista em diferentes momentos da vida acadêmica. Métodos Estudo analítico, de prevalência, envolvendo estudantes de Medicina de Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil. Foram selecionadas todas as escolas médicas e os estudantes do primeiro ano (S1/S2), quarto ano (S7/S8) e aqueles do último ano do internato (I3/I4). A amostra foi calculada considerando uma frequência esperada de 10% de pessoas fumantes, com um erro de 3%, estimando 726 estudantes das quatro instituições. Foi aplicado um questionário estruturado, com 46 perguntas. Os dados foram analisados pelo software Stata 11.2. Resultados Foram entrevistados 1.035 estudantes, distribuídos proporcionalmente nos três períodos, 392 (37,9%) do primeiro ano (S1-S2), 319 (30,8%) do quarto ano (S7-S8) e 324 (31,3%) do internato (I3-I4). Quinhentos e cinquenta e três (53,4%) eram do sexo feminino, a maioria era solteira (993; 96,3%), nascidos em Fortaleza (748; 72,4%), residiam com os pais (896; 86,8%) e com renda familiar acima de dez salários mínimos (652; 61,8%). Ao todo, 533 (51,5%) eram alunos de instituições particulares. Do total, 254 (24,6%) já haviam fumado. Esse consumo foi significativamente maior entre o sexo masculino (p = 0,025), sem diferença em relação ao estado civil (p = 0,247) ou renda familiar (p = 0,191). Todos os acadêmicos que experimentaram alguma substância derivada do tabaco já haviam ingerido bebida alcoólica alguma vez na vida (p < 0,000). O consumo de álcool foi referido por mais de 80% dos estudantes, sendo maior entre aqueles cuja família apresentou renda superior a nove salários mínimos (p = 0,001). Houve relato de embriaguez em mais de 70% dos estudantes, tendo esse fato ocorrido antes dos 18 anos. Cerveja e vodca são as bebidas mais consumidas. Apenas 39,5% afirmaram estar aptos a aconselhar um paciente a não ingerir bebidas alcoólicas e apenas 28,4% receberam algum treinamento sobre o assunto em sua universidade. Conclusão A prevalência do consumo de álcool é muito elevada entre os estudantes de Medicina, principalmente entre aqueles que relataram fumar. Esses temas são abordados de forma incipiente em sua formação. É preciso reforçar esses aspectos na formação desses futuros profissionais de saúde.

ABSTRACT Introduction Tobacco and alcohol consumption is considered a major cause of diseases and disorders in the world. In Brazil, there has been increased consumption of these drugs among young people, especially university students. Objective To discover the prevalence of and factors associated to smoking and alcohol consumption among medical students, as well as their level of knowledge about techniques to stop smoking at different times of their academic life. Methods Analytical study of prevalence among medical students in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. The study sample included all the city's medical schools and their first year (S1/S2) and fourth year (S7/S8) students and students in the final year of their internship (I3/I4). The sample was calculated considering an expected smoker frequency of 10%, with a 3% margin of error, estimating 726 students in the four institutions. A structured questionnaire containing 46 questions was applied. Data were analyzed using Stata 11.2 software. Results 1,035 students were interviewed, distributed proportionally in the three periods: 392 (37.87%) from the first year (S1 / S2), 319 (30.82%) from the fourth year (S7/S8) and 324 (31.30%) interns (I3/I4). 553 students (53.4%) were female; most of the students were single (993; 96.3%), born in Fortaleza (748; 72.4%), living with their parents (896; 86.8%) and with a household income of more than 10 minimum wages (652; 61.8%). In total, 533 (51.5%) were students at private institutions. Of the total, 254 (24.6%) had smoked. This consumption was significantly higher among males (p = 0.025), with no difference in relation to marital status (p = 0.247) or household income (p = 0.191). All the students who reported having experienced any tobacco derivative also reported using alcohol in their lifetime (p < 0.000). Alcohol consumption was reported by more than 80% of the students, and was higher among those whose family income was more than nine times the minimum wage (p = 0.001). Alcoholic intoxication was reported by over 70% of the students - where this had occurred before the age of 18 years. Beer and vodka are the most consumed beverages. Only 39.5% said they were inclined to advise a patient to avoid alcoholic beverages and only 28.4% had received training on the subject at their university. Conclusion The prevalence of alcohol consumption is very high among medical students, especially among those who reported smoking. These issues are addressed in a primitive manner in their training. We must strengthen these aspects in the training of future health professionals.

The good pharmacy practice on Einstein Program at Paraisópolis Community.

OBJECTIVES:: To describe indicators and processes developed and implemented for pharmaceutical assistance at the Einstein Program at Paraisópolis Community pharmacy. METHODS:: This was a descriptive study of retrospective data from January 2012 to December 2015. Data were obtained from spreadsheets developed for monitoring the productivity and care quality provided at the pharmacy. The evaluated variables were pharmaceutical assistance to prescription, pharmaceutical intervention, orientation (standard and pharmaceutical) and pharmaceutical orientation rate. RESULTS:: The pharmacy assisted, on average, 2,308 prescriptions monthly, dispensing 4,871 items, including medications, materials and food supplements. Since March 2015, virtually, the pharmacist analyzed all prescriptions, prior to dispensing. In the analyzed period, there was an increase in monthly pharmaceutical interventions from 7 to 32 on average, and, although there was a decrease in the number of standard orientation, the pharmaceutical orientation had an increase, causing a rise of pharmaceutical orientation rate from 4 to 11%. CONCLUSION:: The processes developed and implemented at the program pharmacy sought to follow the good pharmacy practice, and help patients to make the best use of their medications. OBJETIVO:: Descrever os indicadores e os processos desenvolvidos e implantados para assistência farmacêutica na farmácia do Programa Einstein na Comunidade de Paraisópolis. MÉTODOS:: Tratase de um estudo descritivo de dados retrospectivos de janeiro de 2012 a dezembro de 2015. Os dados foram obtidos de planilhas desenvolvidas para acompanhamento da produtividade e da qualidade de assistência prestada na farmácia. As variáveis avaliadas foram: atenção farmacêutica à prescrição, intervenção farmacêutica, orientação (padrão e farmacêutica) e taxa de orientação farmacêutica. RESULTADOS:: A farmácia atendeu, em média, 2.308 prescrições ao mês, dispensando 4.871 itens, incluindo medicamentos, materiais e suplementos alimentares. Desde março de 2015, praticamente todas as prescrições foram analisadas pelo farmacêutico antes da dispensação. Houve incremento nas intervenções farmacêuticas mensais, de 7 para 32 em média e, apesar de ter havido diminuição no número de orientações padrão, a orientação farmacêutica aumentou, fazendo com que a taxa de orientação subisse de 4 para 11%. CONCLUSÃO:: Os indicadores e os processos desenvolvidos e implantados na farmácia do programa procuraram seguir as boas práticas de farmácia e ajudar os pacientes a fazerem melhor uso de seus medicamentos.

The good pharmacy practice on Einstein Program at Paraisópolis Community / As boas práticas de farmácia no Programa Einstein na Comunidade de Paraisópolis

ABSTRACT Objectives: To describe indicators and processes developed and implemented for pharmaceutical assistance at the Einstein Program at Paraisópolis Community pharmacy. Methods: This was a descriptive study of retrospective data from January 2012 to December 2015. Data were obtained from spreadsheets developed for monitoring the productivity and care quality provided at the pharmacy. The evaluated variables were pharmaceutical assistance to prescription, pharmaceutical intervention, orientation (standard and pharmaceutical) and pharmaceutical orientation rate. Results: The pharmacy assisted, on average, 2,308 prescriptions monthly, dispensing 4,871 items, including medications, materials and food supplements. Since March 2015, virtually, the pharmacist analyzed all prescriptions, prior to dispensing. In the analyzed period, there was an increase in monthly pharmaceutical interventions from 7 to 32 on average, and, although there was a decrease in the number of standard orientation, the pharmaceutical orientation had an increase, causing a rise of pharmaceutical orientation rate from 4 to 11%. Conclusion: The processes developed and implemented at the program pharmacy sought to follow the good pharmacy practice, and help patients to make the best use of their medications.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever os indicadores e os processos desenvolvidos e implantados para assistência farmacêutica na farmácia do Programa Einstein na Comunidade de Paraisópolis. Métodos: Tratase de um estudo descritivo de dados retrospectivos de janeiro de 2012 a dezembro de 2015. Os dados foram obtidos de planilhas desenvolvidas para acompanhamento da produtividade e da qualidade de assistência prestada na farmácia. As variáveis avaliadas foram: atenção farmacêutica à prescrição, intervenção farmacêutica, orientação (padrão e farmacêutica) e taxa de orientação farmacêutica. Resultados: A farmácia atendeu, em média, 2.308 prescrições ao mês, dispensando 4.871 itens, incluindo medicamentos, materiais e suplementos alimentares. Desde março de 2015, praticamente todas as prescrições foram analisadas pelo farmacêutico antes da dispensação. Houve incremento nas intervenções farmacêuticas mensais, de 7 para 32 em média e, apesar de ter havido diminuição no número de orientações padrão, a orientação farmacêutica aumentou, fazendo com que a taxa de orientação subisse de 4 para 11%. Conclusão: Os indicadores e os processos desenvolvidos e implantados na farmácia do programa procuraram seguir as boas práticas de farmácia e ajudar os pacientes a fazerem melhor uso de seus medicamentos.

Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes or creatinine kinetics criteria in acute kidney injury: a proof of concept study.

BACKGROUND: It has been recently mathematically demonstrated that the percentage increase in serum creatinine (SCr) can delay acute kidney injury (AKI) diagnosis in patients with previous chronic kidney disease (CKD). Based on creatinine (Cr) kinetics, it was suggested a new AKI classification using absolute increase in SCr elevation over specified time periods. However, this classification has not been evaluated in clinical studies. METHODS: A prospective cohort study evaluated myocardial infarction patients during the first 7 days of hospital stay with daily SCr measurements. They were classified using Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) and Cr kinetics systems. Both classifications were compared by net reclassification improvement (NRI) and area under the receiver operator characteristic (AuROC) curve regarding hospital mortality. RESULTS: A total of 584 patients were included, of which 34.1% had previous CKD. Patients had more AKI by KDIGO than by Cr kinetics criteria (25.7 versus 18.0%, P < 0.001) and 81 patients (13.9%) had different AKI severity classification. Patients with AKI by KDIGO criteria and non-AKI by Cr kinetics had higher hospital mortality rates than patients with non-AKI using both classifications [adjusted mortality odds ratios (ORs): 4.753; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.119-9.023, P = 0.014]. In patients with previous CKD, NRI analysis was 6.2% favoring Cr kinetics criteria. However, there was no difference using the AuROC curve analysis. In patients with no previous CKD, NRI analysis was 33.0%, favoring KDIGO, and this was in accordance with a better AuROC curve (0.828 versus 0.664, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: AKI classification proposed by a Cr kinetics model can be superior when diagnosing patients with previous CKD. However, KDIGO had a better performance in patients with no previous CKD.

Predisposing factors to severe external root resorption associated to orthodontic treatment.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate predisposing factors among patients who developed moderate or severe external root resorption (Malmgren's grades 3 and 4), on the maxillary incisors, during fixed orthodontic treatment in the permanent dentition. METHODS: Ninety-nine patients who underwent orthodontic treatment with fixed edgewise appliances were selected. Patients were divided into two groups: G1 - 50 patients with no root resorption or presenting only apical irregularities (Malmgren's grades 0 and 1) at the end of the treatment, with mean initial age of 16.79 years and mean treatment time of 3.21 years; G2 - 49 patients presenting moderate or severe root resorption (Malmgren's grades 3 and 4) at the end of treatment on the maxillary incisors, with mean initial age of 19.92 years and mean treatment time of 3.98 years. Periapical radiographs and lateral cephalograms were evaluated. Factors that could influence the occurrence of severe root resorption were also recorded. Statistical analysis included chi-square tests, Fisher's exact test and independent t tests. RESULTS: The results demonstrated significant difference between the groups for the variables: Extractions, initial degree of root resorption, root length and crown/root ratio at the beginning, and cortical thickness of the alveolar bone. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that: Presence of root resorption before the beginning of treatment, extractions, reduced root length, decreased crown/root ratio and thin alveolar bone represent risk factors for severe root resorption in maxillary incisors during orthodontic treatment.