Evaluating the effect of low-density inhomogeneities: A comparative study of lithium fluoride detectors, radiochromic films, and collapsed cone algorithm in 6 MV photon beams.

In recent years, there has been significant advancement in the development of physical simulators for dose evaluation. Many dosimetric studies employ solid materials, equivalent to human tissues, to evaluate dose distribution. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of inhomogeneity correction carried out by the Monaco/Elekta radiotherapy planning software. To achieve this goal, a physical simulator was created using cork boards to simulate lung tissue and solid water to represent other tissues. This simulator was combined with a dosimetric system that utilized lithium fluoride thermoluminescent detectors - RADOS MTS-N (LiF:Mg,Ti). The thermoluminescent detectors were positioned at various depths using a precisely drilled 2.0 mm thick acrylic plate, and they were placed at predefined positions. The irradiation of the simulator was conducted using an Elekta Synergy® Platform accelerator, employing a 6 MV photon beam with a field size of 15 × 15 cm2 and a source-surface distance (SSD) of 97.5 cm. A radiation dose of 200 cGy was applied for this study. In addition to the dosimetric assessment using thermoluminescent detectors, GAFCHROMIC™ EBT-3 Dosimetry Films were utilized to evaluate the dose at the same measurement points. The dose distribution data measured with the detectors were compared with the values provided by the planning system (TPS) and the inhomogeneity correction was verified. The results support the hypothesis that there is a lack of precision in the analytical simulations performed by the TPS, particularly in cases involving dose distribution at interfaces with varying densities.

Occupational therapy gender imbalance; revisiting a lingering issue.

BACKGROUND: Recently, it has been suggested that gender disparity in Occupational Therapy has to do with segregated gendered job norms that position female dominated professions as a 'step down' for many males. Interestingly, this suggestion was not underpinned by experiences of males in the profession. AIMS AND METHODS: Thirteen male Occupational Therapists with a variety of backgrounds were invited to this Round Table research, focussing on the broader issue of the existing gender imbalance in Occupational Therapy. RESULTS: Two themes emerged: 'The core values of the profession', and 'Broadening the scope of the profession'; none of them suggesting that male/female imbalance was necessarily the most pressing issue. CONCLUSIONS: A gender-unrelated approach to everyday problem-solving was put forward to achieve increased diversity in Occupational Therapists' backgrounds, better reflecting the people they serve. By broadening the scope and the way the profession is presented, and encouraging innovative and more entrepreneurially driven approaches, diversity in the workforce could be further facilitated. These findings are discussed within the context of 'The mutual constitution of cultures and selves' model. SIGNIFICANCE: Diversity in the Occupational therapy workforce could be further facilitated with a shift in focus away from the male/female perspective to an intersectional approach.

The covid-19 pandemic and hospital morbidity due to mental and behavioral disorders in Brazil: an interrupted time series analysis, from January 2008 to July 2021.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze records of hospitalizations due to mental and behavioral disorders before and after the beginning of the covid-19 pandemic in Brazil, from January 2008 to July 2021. METHODS: this was a descriptive ecological interrupted time series study, using secondary data retrieved from the Brazilian National Health System Hospital Information System; a time series analysis of hospitalizations was conducted based on a population-weighted Poisson regression model; relative risk (RR) and respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated. RESULTS: we identified 6,329,088 hospitalizations due to mental and behavioral disorders; hospitalization rates showed an 8% decrease (RR = 0.92; 95%CI 0.91;0.92) after the start of the pandemic, compared to the pre-pandemic period. CONCLUSION: the pandemic changed the trend of hospitalizations due to mental and behavioral disorders in Brazil; the drop observed in the period is evidence that the pandemic affected the mental health care network.

Curvature in Biological Systems: Its Quantification, Emergence, and Implications across the Scales.

Surface curvature both emerges from, and influences the behavior of, living objects at length scales ranging from cell membranes to single cells to tissues and organs. The relevance of surface curvature in biology is supported by numerous experimental and theoretical investigations in recent years. In this review, first, a brief introduction to the key ideas of surface curvature in the context of biological systems is given and the challenges that arise when measuring surface curvature are discussed. Giving an overview of the emergence of curvature in biological systems, its significance at different length scales becomes apparent. On the other hand, summarizing current findings also shows that both single cells and entire cell sheets, tissues or organisms respond to curvature by modulating their shape and their migration behavior. Finally, the interplay between the distribution of morphogens or micro-organisms and the emergence of curvature across length scales is addressed with examples demonstrating these key mechanistic principles of morphogenesis. Overall, this review highlights that curved interfaces are not merely a passive by-product of the chemical, biological, and mechanical processes but that curvature acts also as a signal that co-determines these processes.

A pandemia de covid-19 e a morbidade hospitalar por transtorno mental e comportamental no Brasil: uma análise de série temporal interrompida, janeiro de 2008 a julho de 2021 / La pandemia de covid-19 y la morbilidad hospitalaria por trastornos mentales y del comportamiento en Brasil: un análisis de series temporales interrompidas, de enero de 2008 a julio de 2021 / The covid-19 pandemic and hospital morbidity due to mental and behavioral disorders in Brazil: an interrupted time series analysis, from January 2008 to July 2021

Objective: to analyze records of hospitalizations due to mental and behavioral disorders before and after the beginning of the covid-19 pandemic in Brazil, from January 2008 to July 2021. Methods: this was a descriptive ecological interrupted time series study, using secondary data retrieved from the Brazilian National Health System Hospital Information System; a time series analysis of hospitalizations was conducted based on a population-weighted Poisson regression model; relative risk (RR) and respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated. Results: we identified 6,329,088 hospitalizations due to mental and behavioral disorders; hospitalization rates showed an 8% decrease (RR = 0.92; 95%CI 0.91;0.92) after the start of the pandemic, compared to the pre-pandemic period. Conclusion: the pandemic changed the trend of hospitalizations due to mental and behavioral disorders in Brazil; the drop observed in the period is evidence that the pandemic affected the mental health care network.

Objetivo: analizar las hospitalizaciones por trastornos mentales y del comportamiento antes y después del inicio de la pandemia de covid-19 en Brasil, desde enero 2008 hasta julio 2021. Método: estudio ecológico descriptivo de series temporales interrumpidas, con datos registrados en el Sistema de Informações Hospitalares del Sistema Único de Saúde; se realizó un análisis de series temporales de hospitalizaciones basado en modelo de regresión de Poisson, ponderado por la población; calculado el riesgo relativo (RR), con intervalo de confianza del (IC95%). Resultados: se identificaron 6.329.088 hospitalizaciones por trastornos mentales y del comportamiento; las tasas de hospitalización mostraron disminución del 8% (RR = 0,92; IC95% 0,91;0,92) tras el inicio de la pandemia, en relación con el periodo prepandémico. Conclusión: la pandemia cambió la tendencia de hospitalizaciones por trastornos mentales y del comportamiento en Brasil; la caída observada en el período evidencia que la pandemia afectó la cadena asistencial estructurada para la salud mental.

Objetivo: analisar as internações por transtorno mental e comportamental, antes e após o início da pandemia de covid-19 no Brasil, de janeiro de 2008 a julho de 2021. Métodos: estudo ecológico descritivo de série temporal interrompida, com dados registrados no Sistema de Informações Hospitalares do Sistema Único de Saúde (SIH/SUS); realizada análise da série temporal das internações baseada em um modelo de regressão de Poisson, ponderado pela população; calculado o risco relativo (RR), com intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC95%). Resultados: foram identificadas 6.329.088 internações por transtornos mentais e comportamentais; as taxas de internação apresentaram um decréscimo de 8% (RR = 0,92; IC95% 0,91;0,92) após o início da pandemia, em relação ao período pré-pandemia. Conclusão: a pandemia modificou a tendência das internações por transtornos mentais e comportamentais no Brasil; a queda observada no período é evidência de que a pandemia afetou a cadeia de cuidado estruturada para saúde mental.

Wall Shear Stress Analysis and Optimization in Tissue Engineering TPMS Scaffolds.

When designing scaffolds for bone tissue engineering (BTE), the wall shear stress (WSS), due to the fluid flow inside the scaffold, is an important factor to consider as it influences the cellular process involved in new tissue formation. The present work analyzed the average WSS in Schwartz diamond (SD) and gyroid (SG) scaffolds with different surface topologies and mesh elements using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis. It was found that scaffold meshes with a smooth surface topology with tetrahedral elements had WSS levels 35% higher than the equivalent scaffold with a non-smooth surface topology with hexahedral elements. The present work also investigated the possibility of implementing the optimization algorithm simulated annealing to aid in the design of BTE scaffolds with a specific average WSS, with the outputs showing that the algorithm was able to reach WSS levels in the vicinity of 5 mPa (physiological range) within the established limit of 100 iterations. This proved the efficacy of combining CFD and optimization methods in the design of BTE scaffolds.

A Modified Technique for Induced Gingival Growth Around Compromised Teeth Prior to Implant Placement: A Report of Two Cases.

Regenerative and reconstructive periodontal plastic surgery are important options for treating marginal tissue recession and can be indicated for root coverage or periodontal procedures prior to implant placement. Among the available procedures, periodontal flaps with subepithelial connective tissue graft (CTG) is the most common treatment option to achieve proper tissue manipulation. The present study proposes a modification of a previous technique for inducing spontaneous gingival growth around teeth that will be extracted prior to implant placement, through successive reduction of the buccal root surface. This successive reduction of root surfaces is performed with diamond burs, and such reductions create space for the gingival tissue to grow coronally by reducing root convexity and, consequently, stimulating the healing process with the formation of granulation tissue that will then differentiate into keratinized tissue. The presented technique is suggested to improve the esthetic outcomes for cases involving tooth extraction, implant placement in the extraction socket, and immediate loading with interim restoration and CTG.

3D Modeling of the Crystalline Lens Complex under Pseudoexfoliation.

Pseudoexfoliation, one of the most frequent crystalline lens complex disorders, is prevalent in up to 30% of individuals older than 60 years old. This disease can lead to severe conditions, such as subluxation or dislocation of the lens, due to the weakening of the zonules. The goal for the present study was to understand the relevant biomechanical features that can lead to the worsening of an individual's visual capacity under pseudoexfoliation. To this end, finite element models based on a 62-year-old lens complex were developed, composed by the capsular bag, cortex, nucleus, anterior, equatorial, and posterior zonular fibers. Healthy and pseudoexfoliative conditions were simulated, varying the location of the zonulopathy (inferior/superior) and the degenerated layer. The accommodative capacity of the models with inferior dialysis of the zonular fibers was, on average, 4.7% greater than for the cases with superior dialysis. If the three sets of zonules were disrupted, this discrepancy increased to 14.9%. The present work provides relevant data to be further analyzed in clinical scenarios, as these models (and their future extension to a wider age range) can help in identifying the most influential regions for the reduction of the visual capacity of the lens.

The branching code: A model of actin-driven dendrite arborization.

The cytoskeleton is crucial for defining neuronal-type-specific dendrite morphologies. To explore how the complex interplay of actin-modulatory proteins (AMPs) can define neuronal types in vivo, we focused on the class III dendritic arborization (c3da) neuron of Drosophila larvae. Using computational modeling, we reveal that the main branches (MBs) of c3da neurons follow general models based on optimal wiring principles, while the actin-enriched short terminal branches (STBs) require an additional growth program. To clarify the cellular mechanisms that define this second step, we thus concentrated on STBs for an in-depth quantitative description of dendrite morphology and dynamics. Applying these methods systematically to mutants of six known and novel AMPs, we revealed the complementary roles of these individual AMPs in defining STB properties. Our data suggest that diverse dendrite arbors result from a combination of optimal-wiring-related growth and individualized growth programs that are neuron-type specific.

Intoxication by 3-MeO-PCP and O-desmethyltramadol: an unusual NPS mix.

Over the past few years, the new psychoactive substances' phenomenon has been continuously studied. Its dynamic context is characterized by a broad diversity of substances, including several groups, such as synthetic cathinones, synthetic opiates, and synthetic cannabinoids. However, and due both to this diversity and to the low number of detected cases, information on intoxication reports is always important, in order to understand their biological mechanisms. In this case, a male individual was found unresponsive, with some different powders and paraphernalia near him. After toxicological analysis to the powders, paraphernalia, and whole blood samples, five different compounds were identified. From these, two of them (3-MeO-PCP and o-desmethyltramadol) were identified and quantitated in the whole blood sample. The obtained results suggested that death was due to the presence and action of these two substances, in what may be considered an unusual mix of NPS. This case highlights the value of evaluating all the traces found in the scene investigation and the need of sending all the paraphernalia found for toxicological examination, together with all the possible information obtained on the scene, namely by relatives or witnesses. On the other hand, this case shows the significance of broad-spectrum analytical methods, in order to detect and identify, as specifically as possible, eventual substances present and used by victims.

16ª Conferência Nacional de Saúde: relatório final / 16th National Health Conference: Final Report

A 16ª Conferência Nacional de Saúde (8ª+8), conhecida pela marca da 8ª+8, em referência à relevância da 8ª Conferência Nacional de Saúde, realizada em 1986 e que deu origem às bases políticas e operacionais que permitiram a criação do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), percorreu um longo processo até a etapa nacional, realizada no período de 4 a 7 de agosto de 2019, em Brasília. A Comissão de Organização, instituiu amplo debate com conselheiros profissionais de saúde, gestores e prestadores, usuários, movimentos sociais e sindicais, que elaborou um documento orientador, o qual foi disponibilizado aos municípios e estados, para subsidiar os debates locais. Além dessa atribuição, acreditamos que seria necessário organizar um documento que permitisse o registro da 16ª Conferência para a memória da história da saúde no Brasil. A estruturação do presente relatório procurou dar conta dessa condição e foi feita de forma que se materialize a singularidade de cada momento e ações ofertadas e experienciadas por cada um(a) e, no seu todo, que representasse a relevância para a história do nosso sistema de saúde e para o contexto em que vivemos.

Challenges in computational fluid dynamics applications for bone tissue engineering.

Bone injuries or defects that require invasive surgical treatment are a serious clinical issue, particularly when it comes to treatment success and effectiveness. Accordingly, bone tissue engineering (BTE) has been researching the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis tools to assist in designing optimal scaffolds that better promote bone growth and repair. This paper aims to offer a comprehensive review of recent studies that use CFD analysis in BTE. The mechanical and fluidic properties of a given scaffold are coupled to each other via the scaffold architecture, meaning an optimization of one may negatively affect the other. For example, designs that improve scaffold permeability normally result in a decreased average wall shear stress. Linked with these findings, it appears there are very few studies in this area that state a specific application for their scaffolds and those that do are focused on in vitro bioreactor environments. Finally, this review also demonstrates a scarcity of studies that combine CFD with optimization methods to improve scaffold design. This highlights an important direction of research for the development of the next generation of BTE scaffolds.

Mortality and Years of Potential Life Lost Due to COVID-19 in Brazil.

In November 2020, Brazil ranked third in the number of cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and second in the number of deaths due to the disease. We carried out a descriptive study of deaths, mortality rate, years of potential life lost (YPLL) and excess mortality due to COVID-19, based on SARS-CoV-2 records in SIVEP-Gripe (Ministry of Health of Brazil) from 16 February 2020, to 1 January 2021. In this period, there were 98,025 deaths from COVID-19 in Brazil. Men accounted for 60.5% of the estimated 1.2 million YPLLs. High YPLL averages showed prematurity of deaths. The population aged 45-64 years (both sexes) represented more than 50% of all YPLLs. Risk factors were present in 69.5% of deaths, with heart disease, diabetes and obesity representing the most prevalent comorbidities in both sexes. Indigenous people had the lowest number of deaths and the highest average YPLL. However, in indigenous people, pregnant women and mothers had an average YPLL of over 35 years. The excess mortality for Brazil was estimated at 122,914 deaths (9.2%). The results show that the social impacts of YPLL due to COVID-19 are different depending on gender, race and risk factors. YPLL and excess mortality can be used to guide the prioritization of health interventions, such as prioritization of vaccination, lockdowns, or distribution of facial masks for the most vulnerable populations.

[Stratification of priority territories for surveillance of chronic Chagas disease: multicriteria analysis for decision-making in health]. / Estratificação de territórios prioritários para vigilância da doença de Chagas crônica: análise multicritério para tomada de decisão em saúde.

The identification of the magnitude of chronic Chagas disease in Brazil requires linking activities in health surveillance, seeking to develop a wide, hierarchically organized and geographically distributed network of services to provide care to thousands of individuals with Trypanosoma cruzi infection. The study aimed to elaborate a model for prioritization of municipalities for chronic Chagas disease, to offer comprehensive care for persons with the disease. A multicriteria analysis was thus performed using the PROMETHEÉ II algorithm, implemented in the Pradin software. The criteria for assessing the model consisted of three indices built from the following indicators: (a) epidemiological, directly related to chronic Chagas disease, (b) related to the evolution in chronic Chagas disease, and (c) related to access to health services. Saaty's Fundamental Scale was used to define the indicators' weights, with greater importance assigned to those directly related to chronic Chagas disease and to those with greater reliability and respective quality of information. Assessment of the models' consistency was based on comparison of the available data in historically endemic areas with the distribution of acute cases, besides other sensitivity analyses. The best model was defined by 1,345 municipalities with medium priority, 1,003 high priority, and 601 with very high priority for chronic Chagas disease, with the highest proportions in the Southeast and Northeast regions. Prioritization allows the administration to rationalize and channel resources, and it is essential to identify the territories where persons with chronic Chagas disease are living, to promote comprehensive care and improve quality of life.

Para o reconhecimento da magnitude da doença de Chagas crônica no Brasil, é necessário rearticular as ações de vigilância em saúde, buscando o desenvolvimento de uma ampla rede hierarquizada de serviços distribuída geograficamente, para prover atendimento aos milhares de cidadãos acometidos pela infecção por Trypanosoma cruzi. O objetivo do trabalho foi elaborar um modelo de priorização de municípios para a vigilância da doença de Chagas crônica, a fim de ofertar cuidado integral às pessoas afetadas pela enfermidade. Para isso, foi realizada uma análise multicritério utilizando o algoritmo PROMETHEÉ II implementado no software Pradin. Os critérios de avaliação do modelo foram compostos de três índices construídos a partir de indicadores (a) epidemiológicos diretamente relacionados à doença de Chagas crônica, (b) decorrentes da evolução da doença de Chagas crônica, e (c) relacionados ao acesso aos serviços de saúde. A Escala Fundamental de Saaty foi utilizada para definição dos pesos dos indicadores, com maior importância aos diretamente relacionados à doença de Chagas crônica e àqueles com maior confiabilidade e respectiva qualidade de informação. A avaliação da consistência dos modelos se deu em comparação com dados disponíveis das áreas historicamente endêmicas, com a distribuição de casos agudos, e outras análises de sensibilidade. O modelo mais adequado foi definido por 1.345 municípios de média prioridade, 1.003 de alta e 601 como muito alta prioridade para doença de Chagas crônica, com maiores proporções nas regiões Sudeste e Nordeste. A priorização permite à gestão racionalizar e direcionar recursos, sendo essencial para identificar os territórios onde as pessoas infectadas estão vivendo, a fim de promover a assistência integral e melhorar a qualidade de vida.

Para el reconocimiento de la magnitud de la enfermedad de Chagas crónica en Brasil, es necesario rearticular las acciones de vigilancia en salud, buscando el desarrollo de una amplia red jerarquizada de servicios distribuida geográficamente, para proveer atención a los millares de ciudadanos afectados por la infección por Trypanosoma cruzi. El objetivo del trabajo fue elaborar un modelo de priorización de municipios para la vigilancia de la enfermedad de Chagas crónica, con el fin de ofertar cuidado integral a las personas afectadas por la enfermedad. Para eso, se realizó un análisis multicriterio, utilizando el algoritmo PROMETHEÉ II, implementado en el software Pradin. Los criterios de evaluación del modelo estuvieron compuestos por tres índices construidos a partir de indicadores (a) epidemiológicos directamente relacionados con la enfermedad de Chagas crónica, (b) derivados de la evolución de la enfermedad de Chagas crónica y, (c) relacionados con el acceso a los servicios de salud. La Escala Fundamental de Saaty se utilizó para la definición de los pesos de los indicadores, con mayor importancia a los directamente relacionados con la enfermedad de Chagas crónica y aquellos con mayor confiabilidad, así como su respectiva calidad de información. La evaluación de la consistencia de los modelos se consiguió en comparación con los datos disponibles de las áreas históricamente endémicas, con la distribución de casos agudos, y otros análisis de sensibilidad. El modelo más adecuado se definió por 1.345 municipios de media prioridad, 1.003 de alta y 601 como mucho alta prioridad para enfermedad de Chagas crónica, con mayores proporciones en las regiones Sudeste y Nordeste. La priorización permite a las áreas de gestión racionalizar y dirigir recursos, y es esencial para identificar los territorios donde estas personas están viviendo, con el fin de promover la asistencia integral y mejorar la calidad de vida.

Computational Challenges in Tissue Engineering for the Spine.

This paper deals with a brief review of the recent developments in computational modelling applied to innovative treatments of spine diseases. Additionally, it provides a perspective on the research directions expected for the forthcoming years. The spine is composed of distinct and complex tissues that require specific modelling approaches. With the advent of additive manufacturing and increasing computational power, patient-specific treatments have moved from being a research trend to a reality in clinical practice, but there are many issues to be addressed before such approaches become universal. Here, it is identified that the major setback resides in validation of these computational techniques prior to approval by regulatory agencies. Nevertheless, there are very promising indicators in terms of optimised scaffold modelling for both disc arthroplasty and vertebroplasty, powered by a decisive contribution from imaging methods.

Numerical-experimental analysis of the permeability-porosity relationship in triply periodic minimal surfaces scaffolds.

Bone Tissue Engineering has been focusing on improving the current methods for bone repair, being the use of scaffolds presented as an upgrade to traditional surgery techniques. Scaffolds are artificially porous matrices, meant to promote cell seeding and proliferation, being these properties influenced by the permeability of the structure. This work employed experimental pressure drop tests and Computational Fluid Dynamics models to assess permeability (and fluid streamlines) within different triply periodic minimal surfaces scaffold geometries (Schwarz D, Gyroid and Schwarz P). The pressure outputs from the computational analysis presented a good correlation with the experimental results, with R2 equal to 0.903; they have also shown that a lower porosity may not mean a lower permeability if the geometry is altered, such as the difference between 60% porous Gyroid scaffolds (8.1*10-9 mm2) and 70% porous Schwarz D scaffolds (7.1*10-9 mm2). Fluid streamlines revealed how the Gyroid geometries are the most appropriate design for most bone tissue engineering applications, due to their consistent fluid permeation, followed by Schwarz D. The Schwarz P geometries have shown flat streamlines and significant variation of the permeability with the porosity (an increase of 10% in their porosity lead to an increase in the permeability from 5.1*10-9 mm2 to 11.7*10-9 mm2), which would imply a poor environment for cell seeding and proliferation.

Estratificação de territórios prioritários para vigilância da doença de Chagas crônica: análise multicritério para tomada de decisão em saúde / Stratification of priority territories for surveillance of chronic Chagas disease: multicriteria analysis for decision-making in health / Estratificación de territorios prioritarios para la vigilancia de la enfermedad de Chagas crónica: análisis multicriterio para la toma de decisión en salud

Para o reconhecimento da magnitude da doença de Chagas crônica no Brasil, é necessário rearticular as ações de vigilância em saúde, buscando o desenvolvimento de uma ampla rede hierarquizada de serviços distribuída geograficamente, para prover atendimento aos milhares de cidadãos acometidos pela infecção por Trypanosoma cruzi. O objetivo do trabalho foi elaborar um modelo de priorização de municípios para a vigilância da doença de Chagas crônica, a fim de ofertar cuidado integral às pessoas afetadas pela enfermidade. Para isso, foi realizada uma análise multicritério utilizando o algoritmo PROMETHEÉ II implementado no software Pradin. Os critérios de avaliação do modelo foram compostos de três índices construídos a partir de indicadores (a) epidemiológicos diretamente relacionados à doença de Chagas crônica, (b) decorrentes da evolução da doença de Chagas crônica, e (c) relacionados ao acesso aos serviços de saúde. A Escala Fundamental de Saaty foi utilizada para definição dos pesos dos indicadores, com maior importância aos diretamente relacionados à doença de Chagas crônica e àqueles com maior confiabilidade e respectiva qualidade de informação. A avaliação da consistência dos modelos se deu em comparação com dados disponíveis das áreas historicamente endêmicas, com a distribuição de casos agudos, e outras análises de sensibilidade. O modelo mais adequado foi definido por 1.345 municípios de média prioridade, 1.003 de alta e 601 como muito alta prioridade para doença de Chagas crônica, com maiores proporções nas regiões Sudeste e Nordeste. A priorização permite à gestão racionalizar e direcionar recursos, sendo essencial para identificar os territórios onde as pessoas infectadas estão vivendo, a fim de promover a assistência integral e melhorar a qualidade de vida.

The identification of the magnitude of chronic Chagas disease in Brazil requires linking activities in health surveillance, seeking to develop a wide, hierarchically organized and geographically distributed network of services to provide care to thousands of individuals with Trypanosoma cruzi infection. The study aimed to elaborate a model for prioritization of municipalities for chronic Chagas disease, to offer comprehensive care for persons with the disease. A multicriteria analysis was thus performed using the PROMETHEÉ II algorithm, implemented in the Pradin software. The criteria for assessing the model consisted of three indices built from the following indicators: (a) epidemiological, directly related to chronic Chagas disease, (b) related to the evolution in chronic Chagas disease, and (c) related to access to health services. Saaty's Fundamental Scale was used to define the indicators' weights, with greater importance assigned to those directly related to chronic Chagas disease and to those with greater reliability and respective quality of information. Assessment of the models' consistency was based on comparison of the available data in historically endemic areas with the distribution of acute cases, besides other sensitivity analyses. The best model was defined by 1,345 municipalities with medium priority, 1,003 high priority, and 601 with very high priority for chronic Chagas disease, with the highest proportions in the Southeast and Northeast regions. Prioritization allows the administration to rationalize and channel resources, and it is essential to identify the territories where persons with chronic Chagas disease are living, to promote comprehensive care and improve quality of life.

Para el reconocimiento de la magnitud de la enfermedad de Chagas crónica en Brasil, es necesario rearticular las acciones de vigilancia en salud, buscando el desarrollo de una amplia red jerarquizada de servicios distribuida geográficamente, para proveer atención a los millares de ciudadanos afectados por la infección por Trypanosoma cruzi. El objetivo del trabajo fue elaborar un modelo de priorización de municipios para la vigilancia de la enfermedad de Chagas crónica, con el fin de ofertar cuidado integral a las personas afectadas por la enfermedad. Para eso, se realizó un análisis multicriterio, utilizando el algoritmo PROMETHEÉ II, implementado en el software Pradin. Los criterios de evaluación del modelo estuvieron compuestos por tres índices construidos a partir de indicadores (a) epidemiológicos directamente relacionados con la enfermedad de Chagas crónica, (b) derivados de la evolución de la enfermedad de Chagas crónica y, (c) relacionados con el acceso a los servicios de salud. La Escala Fundamental de Saaty se utilizó para la definición de los pesos de los indicadores, con mayor importancia a los directamente relacionados con la enfermedad de Chagas crónica y aquellos con mayor confiabilidad, así como su respectiva calidad de información. La evaluación de la consistencia de los modelos se consiguió en comparación con los datos disponibles de las áreas históricamente endémicas, con la distribución de casos agudos, y otros análisis de sensibilidad. El modelo más adecuado se definió por 1.345 municipios de media prioridad, 1.003 de alta y 601 como mucho alta prioridad para enfermedad de Chagas crónica, con mayores proporciones en las regiones Sudeste y Nordeste. La priorización permite a las áreas de gestión racionalizar y dirigir recursos, y es esencial para identificar los territorios donde estas personas están viviendo, con el fin de promover la asistencia integral y mejorar la calidad de vida.

Achieving functional neuronal dendrite structure through sequential stochastic growth and retraction.

Class I ventral posterior dendritic arborisation (c1vpda) proprioceptive sensory neurons respond to contractions in the Drosophila larval body wall during crawling. Their dendritic branches run along the direction of contraction, possibly a functional requirement to maximise membrane curvature during crawling contractions. Although the molecular machinery of dendritic patterning in c1vpda has been extensively studied, the process leading to the precise elaboration of their comb-like shapes remains elusive. Here, to link dendrite shape with its proprioceptive role, we performed long-term, non-invasive, in vivo time-lapse imaging of c1vpda embryonic and larval morphogenesis to reveal a sequence of differentiation stages. We combined computer models and dendritic branch dynamics tracking to propose that distinct sequential phases of stochastic growth and retraction achieve efficient dendritic trees both in terms of wire and function. Our study shows how dendrite growth balances structure-function requirements, shedding new light on general principles of self-organisation in functionally specialised dendrites.

Towards the elimination of dog-mediated rabies: development and application of an evidence-based management tool.

BACKGROUND: International organizations advocate for the elimination of dog-mediated rabies, but there is only limited guidance on interpreting surveillance data for managing elimination programmes. With the regional programme in Latin America approaching elimination of dog-mediated rabies, we aimed to develop a tool to evaluate the programme's performance and generate locally-tailored rabies control programme management guidance to overcome remaining obstacles. METHODS: We developed and validated a robust algorithm to classify progress towards rabies elimination within sub-national administrative units, which we applied to surveillance data from Brazil and Mexico. The method combines criteria that are easy to understand, including logistic regression analysis of case detection time series, assessment of rabies virus variants, and of incursion risk. Subjecting the algorithm to robustness testing, we further employed simulated data sub-sampled at differing levels of case detection to assess the algorithm's performance and sensitivity to surveillance quality. RESULTS: Our tool demonstrated clear epidemiological transitions in Mexico and Brazil: most states progressed rapidly towards elimination, but a few regressed due to incursions and control lapses. In 2015, dog-mediated rabies continued to circulate in the poorest states, with foci remaining in only 1 of 32 states in Mexico, and 2 of 27 in Brazil, posing incursion risks to the wider region. The classification tool was robust in determining epidemiological status irrespective of most levels of surveillance quality. In endemic settings, surveillance would need to detect less than 2.5% of all circulating cases to result in misclassification, whereas in settings where incursions become the main source of cases the threshold detection level for correct classification should not be less than 5%. CONCLUSION: Our tool provides guidance on how to progress effectively towards elimination targets and tailor strategies to local epidemiological situations, while revealing insights into rabies dynamics. Post-campaign assessments of dog vaccination coverage in endemic states, and enhanced surveillance to verify and maintain freedom in states threatened by incursions were identified as priorities to catalyze progress towards elimination. Our finding suggests genomic surveillance should become increasingly valuable during the endgame for discriminating circulating variants and pinpointing sources of incursions.