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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Avaliação da vigilância da raiva canina e felina no estado de São Paulo entre 2003 e 2013 / Evaluation of canine and feline rabies surveillance in the state of São Paulo between 2003 and 2013

A raiva humana, canina e felina (AgV-2) não ocorre no estado de São Paulo, Brasil, desde 1999. O último caso de raiva humana por esta variante ocorreu em 1997 e os últimos casos de raiva canina e felina ocorreram em 1998. Em 2001 ocorreu o último caso humano associado a AgV-3 e entre 2003 e 2013 houve três casos caninos e sete felinos, todos associados à AgV-3. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a vigilância da raiva canina e felina no Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, de acordo com a metodologia do Centro de Controle de Doenças dos Estados Unidos (CDC). A análise dos dados de vigilância para cães e gatos demonstrou a baixa simplicidade, sensibilidade, flexibilidade e aceitabilidade do sistema. A representatividade espacial diminuiu entre 2003 e 2013, chegando a 60,5% da área do Estado sem vigilância de cães em 2013.

Medium and large mammals in a Cerrado fragment in Southeast Goiás, Brazil: inventory and immediate effects of habitat reduction on species richness and composition / Mamíferos de médio e grande porte em um fragmento de Cerrado, no sudeste de Goiás, Brasil: inventário e efeitos imediatos da redução de habitat na riqueza e composição de espécies

Abstract: The reduction and fragmentation of remnant vegetation habitats has been one of the main threats to Cerrado biodiversity. The aim of the present study is to make an inventory of medium and large mammal species in a Cerrado remnant and to assess deforestation influence on part of this fragment on the richness and composition of mammal species. The study was conducted in a Cerrado fragment in southeast Goias State, Ipameri County. Data were collected during three different periods (P1, January-June, 2014; P2, December, 2016 - June, 2017; P3, July-December, 2017) through direct (visual, vocal and camera-trap records) and indirect methods (foot prints, animal burrows and other traces) in order to register the mammal species. Jackknife 1 estimator was used to estimate species richness during each of the three sampled periods and for the complete collection period; species similarity between periods was assessed through the Jaccard's Index of Similarity (Cj). Species richness between periods was performed through inference by overlapping confidence intervals (CI). Twenty-nine species were recorded during the assessed period, five of them were listed as endangered in Brazil. There was no significant change in species richness between the assessed periods: species richness of 25 species was observed in Period 1 (P1), the richness of 32 species was estimated (CI = 4.58); 23 species were recorded in Period 2 (P2), and the richness of 30 species was estimated (CI = 4.39), the richness of 23 species was observed in Period 3 (P3) and the richness of 28 species was estimated (CI = 4.70). Similarity in species composition between the assessed periods recorded Cj = 0.71 (71%) between P1 and P2, Cj = 0.66 (66%) between P1 and P3, and Cj = 0.77 between P2 and P3. Fragment deforestation did not influence the richness and composition of medium and large mammal species (within a period of 2~3 years) when the three periods were compared; however, the absence of changes in the community can be the result of time-lag, therefore, we cannot put aside the likelihood of mid and long-term effects.

Resumo: A fragmentação e a redução de hábitat de vegetação remanescente tem sido as principais ameaças à biodiversidade do Cerrado. Este trabalho teve como objetivo inventariar as espécies de mamíferos de médio e grande porte em um fragmento de Cerrado e avaliar a influência do desmatamento de parte desse fragmento na riqueza e composição de espécies de mamíferos. O estudo foi conduzido em um fragmento de Cerrado, no sudeste do Estado de Goiás, município de Ipameri. Os dados foram coletados em três períodos (P1 - janeiro-junho/2014, P2 - dezembro/2016-junho/2017 e P3 - julho-dezembro/2017) utilizando métodos diretos (visual, vocal e registros fotográficos) e indiretos (pegadas, tocas e outros sinais) para o registro das espécies de mamíferos. Foi estimada a riqueza de espécies para os três períodos amostrados e para todo período utilizando o estimador Jackknife 1 e a semelhança de espécies entre os períodos, pelo Índice de Similaridade de Jaccard (Cj). A comparação da riqueza de espécies estimada entre os períodos foi realizada pela inferência por sobreposição dos intervalos de confiança (IC). Em todo o período estudado foram registradas 29 espécies, sendo 5 destas listadas como ameaçadas de extinção no Brasil. Entre os períodos amostrados não foi observada mudança significativa na riqueza de espécies, sendo que no período 1 (P1) foi observada a riqueza de 25 espécies e estimada de 32 (IC = 4,58), no período 2 (P2) registrou-se 23 espécies e estimou-se 30 (IC = 4,39) e no período 3 (P3) a riqueza observada foi de 23 espécies e estimada 28 (IC = 4,70). A similaridade na composição de espécies entre os períodos foi de Cj = 0,71 (71%) entre P1 e P2, Cj = 0,66 (66%) entre P1 e P3 e Cj = 0,77 entre P2 e P3. Não foi observada influência do desmatamento do fragmento (no período de 2 a 3 anos) na riqueza e composição de espécies de mamíferos de médio e grande porte, comparando os três períodos amostrados. Contudo, a ausência de alterações na comunidade pode ser decorrente de um time-lag, não podendo descartar possíveis efeitos a médio e longo prazo.

Behavioral and mutagenic biomarkers in tadpoles exposed to different abamectin concentrations.

It is known that pesticides such as abamectin (ABA) present cytotoxic effects on target organisms; however, the effects from ABA on non-target organisms such as amphibians are poorly understood. The aim of the current study is to investigate whether the exposure of Lithobates catesbeianus tadpoles to different abamectin concentrations [12.5, 25, and 50% of the median lethal concentration (LC50)] leads to behavioral and morphological changes and/or generates possible cytotoxic effects. The aggregation test showed that tadpoles exposed to the highest ABA concentrations did not respond to the stimulus from non-familial and unrelated co-specific species. On the other hand, there was no difference in the total number of crossings in the central line of the herein adopted apparatus between groups; it suggests that ABA did not affect animal locomotion in the aforementioned test, although changes in the normal swimming pattern of tadpoles exposed to the pesticide were recorded in the swimming activity test. In addition, the herein exposed animals did not respond to the predatory stimulus in the antipredator response test; this result suggests defensive response deficit caused by the pesticide. With respect to their oral morphology, tadpoles exposed to ABA presented the lowest scores for mandibular pigmentation and structures, as well as for dentition condition. Finally, it was possible seeing that the exposure to ABA, even at the lowest concentration (12.5% of the LC50), resulted in nuclear changes in the erythrocytes of the animals; these changes became evident in the increased number of micronuclei and in other nuclear abnormalities. Thus, besides confirming the cytotoxic potential of ABA in amphibians, the current study corroborates the hypothesis that the exposure to the herein investigated pesticide leads to behavioral and morphological changes in tadpoles, fact that may negatively reflect on the survival, as well as on natural populations of these individuals.

Impacts of tannery effluent on development and morphological characters in a neotropical tadpole.

Previous studies have shown the contamination of rivers and streams caused by tannery effluents (TE). However, the effects of TE on amphibians are still unknown. Thus, we evaluated whether the TE, even at low concentrations (0.2%), could cause asymmetric development (inferred through the fluctuating asymmetry indices (FA)) and changes in morphological characteristics of Physalaemus cuvieri larvae. Accordingly, the tadpoles were distributed in groups non-exposed (n=160) and exposed (n=160) to this TE, for 15days. The TE used presented a complex chemical composition (especially high concentrations of Cr, Cd and Ni and a diverse array of toxic organic compounds). We used three individual FA indices: FA1:=|R-L|, ii) FA2=|R-L|÷[(R+L)÷2] and FA3=(R-L)2, where "R" are "L" are the right and left sides, respectively. The larvae exposed to the TE had higher FA indexes (FA1, FA2 and FA3) for nostril-snout distance, relative to the control group larvae. Regarding eye-snout distance, asymmetry values were higher for the FA1 and FA2 indices (with no difference for the FA3 index), which were similar to those observed for the eye-width character. For eye length, FA2 was higher in animals of the effluent group. Tadpoles exposed to TE had significantly lower body masses than those in the control group, when controlling for body length and larval development stage. Furthermore, tadpoles in the effluent group had smaller body size and lower interocular distance. The frequency of tadpoles that showed any alteration in tail morphology as well as tail attachment position (dorsal and ventral) was significantly higher in the effluent group than in animals not exposed to the TE. Finally, our data show that exposure to TE delayed larval development of tadpoles. Thus, our pioneering study confirms the hypothesis that exposure of P. cuvieri to TE, at low concentrations, impacts development and morphological characters.

Stairs and Doors Recognition as Natural Landmarks Based on Clouds of 3D Edge-Points from RGB-D Sensors for Mobile Robot Localization.

Natural landmarks are the main features in the next step of the research in localization of mobile robot platforms. The identification and recognition of these landmarks are crucial to better localize a robot. To help solving this problem, this work proposes an approach for the identification and recognition of natural marks included in the environment using images from RGB-D (Red, Green, Blue, Depth) sensors. In the identification step, a structural analysis of the natural landmarks that are present in the environment is performed. The extraction of edge points of these landmarks is done using the 3D point cloud obtained from the RGB-D sensor. These edge points are smoothed through the S l 0 algorithm, which minimizes the standard deviation of the normals at each point. Then, the second step of the proposed algorithm begins, which is the proper recognition of the natural landmarks. This recognition step is done as a real-time algorithm that extracts the points referring to the filtered edges and determines to which structure they belong to in the current scenario: stairs or doors. Finally, the geometrical characteristics that are intrinsic to the doors and stairs are identified. The approach proposed here has been validated with real robot experiments. The performed tests verify the efficacy of our proposed approach.

Mice exposure to tannery effluents changes their olfactory capacity, and their response to predators and to the inhibitory avoidance test.

The current study has assessed whether the oral and/or dermal exposure of C57Bl/6 J mice to tannery effluent (a complex pollutant consisting of xenobiotic mixtures) could damage their olfactory functions, as well as whether it changes their aversive behavior in the inhibitory avoidance test. Accordingly, the animals were distributed in groups which were exposed or not to this xenobiotic through two different routes (oral and dermal), for 15 days. The effluent group subjected to oral exposure received drinking water containing 5% tannery effluent, whereas the animals in the dermal group were exposed to raw tannery effluent for 1 h/day. The animals dermally exposed to the tannery effluent (males and females) have shown the highest latency to find palatable food in the buried food test. The shortest time spent by the animals (orally or dermally) exposed to tannery effluent in the safety zone of the apparatus used in the predator exposure test, as well as the longest time spent by them in the aversive zone, have shown failures in their perception to the risk represented by the presence of the predator (cat). The passive avoidance test results have shown that the dermal exposure to tannery effluent led to partial memory deficit in male and female mice; therefore, the present study has confirmed the tannery effluent toxicity to mammals. Moreover, the present study was pioneer in demonstrating that the dermal exposure to this xenobiotic, even for a short period-of-time, can change the olfactory and cognitive functions of animals, as well as lead to harmful consequences to their health.

The genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of tannery effluent in bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus).

Some of the most polluting activities occur in bovine skin processing. Tannery generates effluents containing high concentrations of heavy metals and organic compounds. The phases composing the leather production process generate a large volume of tannery effluents that are often discarded in aquatic environments without any previous treatment. However, the effect these xenobiotics have on adult representatives belonging to the class Amphibia remains unknown. Thus, the aim of the present study is to assess the geno- and cytotoxic effects of tannery effluent on adult male bullfrogs (Lithobates castesbeianus) exposed to it. Accordingly, the animals were divided into the following groups: negative control (tannery effluent-free water), positive control (cyclophosphamide), and effluent (water added with 5% tannery effluent). The animals were euthanized for blood collection, and erythrocyte analyses were conducted after 35 and 90 days of exposure. The micronuclei (MN) frequency and the frequency of other nuclear abnormalities in each of the animals in the experimental groups were assessed in 2000 erythrocytes. According to the present results, the exposure to tannery effluents increased MN frequency as well as other nuclear abnormalities (i.e., lobed nuclei, binucleated cell, kidney-shaped nuclei, notched nuclei, and apoptotic cell) in the erythrocytes of animals in the effluent group and in the positive control group after 35 and 90 exposure days. Thus, the current study corroborated the hypothesis that the tannery effluent has aneugenic and clastogenic potential in adult male bullfrogs (L. castesbeianus). The present study is the first to report such effect.

Anxiety and memory deficits induced by tannery effluent in C57BL/6J female mice.

This study aimed to evaluate the behavior of female C57Bl/6J mice exposed to tannery effluents diluted in drinking water. Female mice were divided into a control group, in which the animals received only drinking water, and experimental groups, which received raw tannery effluent in 7.5 and 15 % concentrations diluted in water (period of 60 days). In the last experimental week, the mice (in diestrus phase) were subjected to different behavioral tests: elevated plus-maze, open-field test, forced swim test, and object recognition test. Our data demonstrated that exposure to tannery effluent increased the anxiety index of animals and decreased the locomotion ratio in the central quadrants/total, indicating an increase in anxiety-like behavior. Regarding the forced swim test, we did not observe changes in the evaluated behaviors. There were no statistically significant differences in the recognition index of the novel and familiar object in the groups exposed to tannery effluent compared with the control group, indicating a possible influence of the constituents of tannery effluent on cognition. Thus, our findings support the hypothesis that effluents, containing neurotoxic substances, could cause behavioral disruptions in female C57Bl/6J mice.

Memory deficit in Swiss mice exposed to tannery effluent.

Although it is known that tannery effluents constitute highly toxic pollutants whose effects in humans represent public health problems in several countries, studies involving experimental mammalian models are rare. In this context, the objective of the present study was to assess the effect of the exposure to tannery effluent on the memory of male and female Swiss mice. Animals of each sex were distributed into two experimental groups: the control group, in which the animals received only drinking water and the effluent group, in which the mice received 1% of gross tannery effluent diluted in water. The animals were exposed to the effluent by gavage, oral dosing, for 15days, ensuring the administration of 0.1mL of liquid (water or effluent)/10g of body weight/day. On the 14th and 15th experimental days the animals were submitted to the object recognition test. It was observed that the new object recognition indices calculated for the animals exposed to the effluent (males and females) were significantly lower than those obtained with the control group. The exposure to tannery effluent caused memory deficit in Swiss mice in a similar way for both sexes, reinforcing previous findings that these pollutants affect the central nervous system. It contributes to the knowledge in the area by attesting harmful effects to the cognition of such animals.

Real time echo-guided endolaser for thermal ablation without perivenous tumescence / Endolaser ecoguiado em tempo real para termoablação sem intumescência perivenosa

There is no consensus in the medical literature on the ideal procedure for endovenous laser application. Objective To assess the safety and efficacy of real time echo-guided endovenous laser for thermal ablation of great saphenous vein (GSV) incompetence, without perivenous tumescence. Methods Thirty-four limbs of patients with CEAP clinical scores of 2 to 6 and bilateral incompetence of the saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) and GSV, confirmed by Echo-Doppler, underwent endovenous laser therapy and were followed for 1 year. Laser ablation was performed using a 600 µ bare optical fiber introduced endovenously close to the malleolus along the full extent of the GSV in an anterograde direction, using a standardized echo-Doppler-guided AND? 15 watt continuous mode 980 nm diode laser with real-time monitoring of thermal ablation of the whole target vein. Adverse effects and complications were recorded. Results Hyperesthesia, cellulitis, and fibrous cord, all transitory, developed in 2.9% of the 34 limbs treated; 8.8% developed hypoesthesia in the perimalleolar region, which was transitory and had no clinical consequences; there were no cases of deep venous thrombosis. Immediate occlusion was achieved in 100% of the 34 saphenous veins that underwent photocoagulation, although one exhibited recanalization without reflux at 1-month follow-up. After 6 months and 1 year, occlusion was 100% according to echo-Doppler findings. Conclusions Real-time echo-guided 980 nm endovenous laser ablation without perivenous tumescence provided controlled thermal ablation with safe, effective, immediate and medium-term GSV occlusion and can therefore be recommended as a method for the treatment of chronic venous disease.

Não há consenso na literatura médica sobre qual técnica é a ideal para aplicação do endolaser. Objetivos Avaliar a segurança e a eficácia do endolaser ecoguiado em tempo real para termoablação da veia safena magna (VSM) insuficiente, sem intumescência perivenosa. Métodos Trinta e quatro membros de pacientes em estágio clínico CEAP 2 a 6, com incompetência bilateral da junção safeno-femoral e da VSM, confirmada por eco-Doppler, foram submetidos à terapia por endolaser e acompanhados por um período de um ano. A aplicação foi feita por meio de fibra condutora de 600 µ, introduzida por via endovenosa, ao nível da região perimaleolar por toda VSM, sentido anterógrado, utilizando laser diodo com 15 w de potência e 980 nm de comprimento de onda, no modo contínuo, guiado por eco-Doppler, e forma padronizada para monitoração em tempo real da termoablação de toda a veia-alvo. Foram anotados os efeitos adversos e as complicações. Resultados Dos 34 membros tratados, 2,9% apresentaram hiperestesia, celulite e cordão fibroso, todos transitórios; em 8,8%, constatou-se hipoestesia perimaleolar, transitória e sem repercussão clínica; não houve relato de trombose venosa profunda. Das 34 safenas fotocoaguladas, houve 100% de oclusão imediata, uma recanalização sem refluxo no controle de um mês e 100% de oclusão após seis meses e um ano, mostrado pelo eco-Doppler. Conclusões Ablação utilizando endolaser 980 nm, ecoguiado em tempo real, sem intumescência perivenosa, promoveu fotocoagulação suficientemente controlada, com oclusão imediata e em médio prazo da VSM, de forma segura e eficaz, e configura-se como método terapêutico recomendável para o tratamento da doença venosa crônica.

The epidemiology of snakebite accidents in the cities of southeast Goiás from 2007 TO 2011 / Epidemiologia de acidentes ofídicos no sudeste goiano entre 2007 a 2011

Knowing the epidemiology of snakebite poisoning is essential for planning prevention and treatment strategies for such accidents. However, epidemiological data concerning snakebite accidents remain limited, especially in certain regions of Brazil. Thus, this study aimed to understand the epidemiology of snakebites in four cities of Southeast Goiás from 2007 to 2011. In total, 182 snakebites were reported during this time period, resulting in an incident rate ranging between 32 and 74/100,000 inhabitants and a mortality rate of 1.64%. The accidents were most common in men and occurred primarily in the countryside. The genera Bothrops and Crotalus (in this order) were responsible for the most bites, and the lower limbs were the most commonly affected bodily regions. The incidence and mortality rates of snakebites in these cities were high compared with regional and national statistics. Public health agencies require the data obtained in this study to subsidize a strategic plan aimed at preventing these accidents and providing appropriate treatments.

O conhecimento sobre a epidemiologia dos envenenamentos ofídicos é essencial para o planejamento de estratégias de prevenção e tratamento a esses acidentes. Porém, os dados epidemiológicos dos acidentes ofídicos ainda são precários, sobretudo em algumas regiões brasileiras. Neste contexto, o presente estudo objetivou conhecer a epidemiologia dos acidentes ofídicos em quatro municípios do sudeste goiano, durante 2007 a 2011, período em que foram notificados 182 acidentes ofídicos, com incidência entre 32 a 74/100.00 habitantes e letalidade de 1,64%. Os acidentes predominaram em adultos, do sexo masculino, sendo o principal local de ocorrência a zona rural. Os gêneros Bothrops e Crotalus foram, respectivamente, responsáveis pela maior frequência dos casos, sendo os membros inferiores as regiões anatômicas mais atingidas. A incidência e letalidade dos acidentes ofídicos nos municípios estudados foram altas, contrastando com o cenário regional e nacional. Os dados obtidos são essenciais para os órgãos públicos de saúde para subsidiar o tanto o planejamento de ações que visem a prevenção destes acidentes quanto o tratamento adequado.

Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography in patients with commotio retinae.

PURPOSE: To describe the morphologic characteristics of commotio retinae using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and to evaluate its utility in prognosis and follow-up. METHODS: Consecutive patients with commotio retinae underwent complete ophthalmic examination, color fundus photography, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, fundus autofluorescence, and near-infrared autofluorescence. RESULTS: There were 11 eyes of 11 patients (8 men), with a mean age of 30.8 ± 12.1 years. The follow-up ranged from 9 days to 6 months. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography identified hyperreflectivity underneath the inner/outer segment junction in the area of commotio retinae in 9 patients (81.1%), which subsided in a few days. Five patients (45.5%) revealed areas of disruption of the inner/outer segment junction and hyperreflectivity of the overlying retina, which progressed to external retinal atrophy and visual loss (P = 0.002). The 5 patients with visual sequelae revealed pigment disorders and alterations in fundus autofluorescence and near-infrared autofluorescence during follow-up, and 3 patients (60%) presented with intraretinal hemorrhages. CONCLUSION: Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography of mild lesions with good visual outcome showed transient hyperreflectivity of the outer retina. The cases with severe trauma were related to acute disruption of the inner/outer segment junction and hyperreflectivity of the overlying retina and were regularly associated with retinal atrophy, pigment disturbance, and poor visual prognosis.