First record of Cebidicola armatus (Phthiraptera: Trichodectidae) on the Brachyteles hypoxanthus (Primate: Atelidae) in Brazil.

This study reports for the first time the infestation of Cebidicola armatus in Brachyteles hypoxanthus. In total, 14 lice were recovered of an individual in Minas Gerais, Brazil. These were subjected to a microscopic analysis and the identification of C. armatus was carried out through its very characteristic morphology.

Protein arginine methyltransferase 4 modulates nitric oxide synthase uncoupling and cerebral blood flow in Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of mortality, disability, and long-term care burden in the United States, with women comprising the majority of AD diagnoses. While AD-related dementia is associated with tau and amyloid beta accumulation, concurrent derangements in cerebral blood flow have been observed alongside these proteinopathies in humans and rodent models. The homeostatic production of nitric oxide synthases (NOS) becomes uncoupled in AD which leads to decreased NO-mediated vasodilation and oxidative stress via the production of peroxynitrite (ONOO-∙) superoxide species. Here, we investigate the role of the novel protein arginine methyltransferase 4 (PRMT4) enzyme function and its downstream product asymmetric dimethyl arginine (ADMA) as it relates to NOS dysregulation and cerebral blood flow in AD. ADMA (type-1 PRMT product) has been shown to bind NOS as a noncanonic ligand causing enzymatic dysfunction. Our results from RT-qPCR and protein analyses suggest that aged (9-12 months) female mice bearing tau- and amyloid beta-producing transgenic mutations (3xTg-AD) express higher levels of PRMT4 in the hippocampus when compared to age- and sex-matched C57BL6/J mice. In addition, we performed studies to quantify the expression and activity of different NOS isoforms. Furthermore, laser speckle contrast imaging analysis was indicative that 3xTg-AD mice have dysfunctional NOS activity, resulting in reduced production of NO metabolites, enhanced production of free-radical ONOO-, and decreased cerebral blood flow. Notably, the aforementioned phenomena can be reversed via pharmacologic PRMT4 inhibition. Together, these findings implicate the potential importance of PRMT4 signaling in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's-related cerebrovascular derangement.

Effect of slope on the forest structure of the Atlantic Forest domain in southern Brazil.

The mosaic landscape composition of forest fragments located on high slopes, shallow soils hinder ecological interactions and the survival of plant species. This study aimed to show, in an environment with these characteristics, the effect of the environmental gradient relating the soil, slope, and vegetation of a fragment of the Montane Seasonal Semideciduous Forest. The forest structure was sampled in 12 continuous rectangular plots, with 30 X 20m, totaling 0.72ha. Soil samples were taken by drilling every 20m along the hydrographic divisor and opening of three trenches used as soil sampling sites for in situ determination of soil color, horizon, and nutrients. Horizons were classified as O/A/Cr in the altered rock with a marked presence of gravels, and the soil was classified as Litholic Neosol. The area has a steep slope, from 18.05% to 36.99%. Linear regression analysis indicated an opposite pattern for species richness in relation to slope and a positive relationship between slope and the number of standing dead individuals. Species richness was also positively related to the distance from forest edges. The evaluation evidenced the strong influence of slope and human activities in forest remnant as common to several high-altitude remnants, and small conservation actions can guarantee their maintenance.

Activation of Neuropeptide Y2 Receptor Can Inhibit Global Cerebral Ischemia-Induced Brain Injury.

Cardiopulmonary arrest (CA) can greatly impact a patient's life, causing long-term disability and death. Although multi-faceted treatment strategies against CA have improved survival rates, the prognosis of CA remains poor. We previously reported asphyxial cardiac arrest (ACA) can cause excessive activation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) in the brain, which contributes to cerebral blood flow (CBF) derangements such as hypoperfusion and, consequently, neurological deficits. Here, we report excessive activation of the SNS can cause enhanced neuropeptide Y levels. In fact, mRNA and protein levels of neuropeptide Y (NPY, a 36-amino acid neuropeptide) in the hippocampus were elevated after ACA-induced SNS activation, resulting in a reduced blood supply to the brain. Post-treatment with peptide YY3-36 (PYY3-36), a pre-synaptic NPY2 receptor agonist, after ACA inhibited NPY release and restored brain circulation. Moreover, PYY3-36 decreased neuroinflammatory cytokines, alleviated mitochondrial dysfunction, and improved neuronal survival and neurological outcomes. Overall, NPY is detrimental during/after ACA, but attenuation of NPY release via PYY3-36 affords neuroprotection. The consequences of PYY3-36 inhibit ACA-induced 1) hypoperfusion, 2) neuroinflammation, 3) mitochondrial dysfunction, 4) neuronal cell death, and 5) neurological deficits. The present study provides novel insights to further our understanding of NPY's role in ischemic brain injury.

Protein arginine methyltransferase 8 modulates mitochondrial bioenergetics and neuroinflammation after hypoxic stress.

Protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) are a family of enzymes involved in gene regulation and protein/histone modifications. PRMT8 is primarily expressed in the central nervous system, specifically within the cellular membrane and synaptic vesicles. Recently, PRMT8 has been described to play key roles in neuronal signaling such as a regulator of dendritic arborization, synaptic function and maturation, and neuronal differentiation and plasticity. Here, we examined the role of PRMT8 in response to hypoxia-induced stress in brain metabolism. Our results from liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate, and protein analyses indicate that PRMT8(-/-) knockout mice presented with altered membrane phospholipid composition, decreased mitochondrial stress capacity, and increased neuroinflammatory markers, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha and ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1, a specific marker for microglia/macrophage activation) after hypoxic stress. Furthermore, adenovirus-based overexpression of PRMT8 reversed the changes in membrane phospholipid composition, mitochondrial stress capacity, and neuroinflammatory markers. Together, our findings establish PRMT8 as an important regulatory component of membrane phospholipid composition, short-term memory function, mitochondrial function, and neuroinflammation in response to hypoxic stress.

Palmitic acid methyl ester inhibits cardiac arrest-induced neuroinflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction.

We previously discovered that palmitic acid methyl ester (PAME) is a potent vasodilator released from the sympathetic ganglion with vasoactive properties. Post-treatment with PAME can enhance cortical cerebral blood flow and functional learning and memory, while inhibiting neuronal cell death in the CA1 region of the hippocampus under pathological conditions (i.e. cerebral ischemia). Since mechanisms underlying PAME-mediated neuroprotection remain unclear, we investigated the possible neuroprotective mechanisms of PAME after 6 min of asphyxial cardiac arrest (ACA, an animal model of global cerebral ischemia). Our results from capillary-based immunoassay (for the detection of proteins) and cytokine array suggest that PAME (0.02 mg/kg) can decrease neuroinflammatory markers, such as ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1, a specific marker for microglia/macrophage activation) and inflammatory cytokines after cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Additionally, the mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and respiratory function in the hippocampal slices were restored following ACA (via Seahorse XF24 Extracellular Flux Analyzer) suggesting that PAME can ameliorate mitochondrial dysfunction. Finally, hippocampal protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) and PRMT8 are enhanced in the presence of PAME to suggest a possible pathway of methylated fatty acids to modulate arginine-based enzymatic methylation. Altogether, our findings suggest that PAME can provide neuroprotection in the presence of ACA to alleviate neuroinflammation and ameliorate mitochondrial dysfunction.

Finanças públicas estaduais no 5º bimestre / Finanças Públicas: Finanças públicas estaduais no 5º bimestre

A deflagração da pandemia do novo coronavírus inicialmente levou a uma forte retração da atividade econômica e repercutiu negativamente sobre as finanças públicas estaduais. Nesse primeiro momento, a queda da arrecadação do Imposto sobre Circulação de Mercadorias e Serviços (ICMS) foi expressiva, fragilizando a capacidade de resposta dos governos subnacionais à pandemia em prejuízo à população. Nesse contexto, foi negociada a Lei Complementar (LC) no 173, de 27 de maio de 2020. A lei previa auxílio financeiro a estados e municípios por meio do repasse de recursos, da suspensão do pagamento do serviço da dívida atrelada à Lei no 9496/1997 e do repasse de recursos para compensar as perdas de arrecadação, complementando a Medida Provisória (MP) no 938/2020. Essa MP assegurava a preservação das transferências federais do Fundo de Participação a Estados e Municípios, mantendo o mesmo patamar de 2019. O auxílio financeiro para atenuar os efeitos da pandemia da Covid-19 sobre as finanças públicas estaduais mais do que compensou as perdas decorrentes da desaceleração econômica, contribuindo para o aumento do superavit primário. Além disso, o gasto com funcionalismo público foi virtualmente estabilizado até dezembro de 2021, em decorrência de medidas de contenção da despesa vigentes, tais como proibição de novos reajustes salariais, de alteração de estrutura de carreira com impacto sobre a folha salarial e de majoração de auxílios, vantagens ou benefícios de qualquer natureza. Adicionalmente, houve a queda dos gastos com amortização e juros e encargos da dívida, ainda que essas rubricas não entrem no cálculo do resultadoprimário. Essa redução abrupta era esperada, na medida em que a LC nº 173, de 27 de maio de 2020, previa a interrupção do pagamento da dívida refinanciada pela Lei no 9496/1997, além de permitir negociar a suspensão dos serviços da dívida junto a organismos multilaterais e bancos federais. Desse modo, o superavit primário obtido no período pode ser transformado em disponibilidade de caixa com a interrupção dos desembolsos associados ao serviço da dívida. Nesse período, o crescimento da dívida consolidada pode ser atribuído principalmente à desvalorização do real. Como o saldo decorrente do não pagamento do serviço da dívida será incorporado à dívida consolidada somente em janeiro de 2022 (Inciso I do §1 do art. 2º da Lei Complementar 173), o estoque da dívida ainda não foi afetado pela suspensão dos desembolsos com juros e amortização.

Upregulation of serum and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 exacerbates brain injury and neurological deficits after cardiac arrest.

Cardiopulmonary arrest (CA) is the leading cause of death and disability in the United States. CA-induced brain injury is influenced by multifactorial processes, including reduced cerebral blood flow (hypoperfusion) and neuroinflammation, which can lead to neuronal cell death and functional deficits. We have identified serum and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase-1 (SGK1) as a new target in brain ischemia previously described in the heart, liver, and kidneys (i.e., diabetes and hypertension). Our data suggest brain SGK1 mRNA and protein expression (i.e., hippocampus), presented with hypoperfusion (low cerebral blood flow) and neuroinflammation, leading to further studies of the potential role of SGK1 in CA-induced brain injury. We used a 6-min asphyxia cardiac arrest (ACA) rat model to induce global cerebral ischemia. Modulation of SGK1 was implemented via GSK650394, a SGK1-specific inhibitor (1.2 µg/kg icv). Accordingly, treatment with GSK650394 attenuated cortical hypoperfusion and neuroinflammation (via Iba1 expression) after ACA, whereas neuronal survival was enhanced in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. Learning/memory deficits were observed 3 days after ACA but ameliorated with GSK650394. In conclusion, SGK1 is a major contributor to ACA-induced brain injury and neurological deficits, while inhibition of SGK1 with GSK650394 provided neuroprotection against CA-induced hypoperfusion, neuroinflammation, neuronal cell death, and learning/memory deficits. Our studies could lead to a novel, therapeutic target for alleviating brain injury following cerebral ischemia.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Upregulation of SGK1 exacerbates brain injury during cerebral ischemia. Inhibition of SGK1 affords neuroprotection against cardiac arrest-induced hypoperfusion, neuroinflammation, neuronal cell death, and neurological deficits.

Stearic acid methyl ester affords neuroprotection and improves functional outcomes after cardiac arrest.

Cardiac arrest causes neuronal damage and functional impairments that can result in learning/memory dysfunction after ischemia. We previously identified a saturated fatty acid (stearic acid methyl ester, SAME) that was released from the superior cervical ganglion (sympathetic ganglion). The function of stearic acid methyl ester is currently unknown. Here, we show that SAME can inhibit the detrimental effects of global cerebral ischemia (i.e. cardiac arrest). Treatment with SAME in the presence of asphyxial cardiac arrest (ACA) revived learning and working memory deficits. Similarly, SAME-treated hippocampal slices after oxygen-glucose deprivation inhibited neuronal cell death. Moreover, SAME afforded neuroprotection against ACA in the CA1 region of the hippocampus, reduced ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 expression and inflammatory cytokines/chemokines, with restoration in mitochondria respiration. Altogether, we describe a unique and uncharted role of saturated fatty acids in the brain that may have important implications against cerebral ischemia.

Social domains of discrimination against people who inject drugs: Links with health and wellbeing.

AIMS: People who inject drugs frequently experience discrimination. However, little is known about how discrimination experienced in different social domains is linked to health and wellbeing. DESIGN: We used data collected in 2016 from the Illicit Drug Reporting System (IDRS), an Australian survey of people who inject drugs. We used a modified version of the Discrimination Scale (DISC-12) to assess discriminatory behaviours in diverse social domains, including public institutions, neighbours, family and friends. We used the Kessler-10 scale, the Personal Wellbeing Index and specific items from the IDRS questionnaire to assess participants' health and wellbeing. FINDINGS: Sixty three percent of participants who responded to the discrimination module included in the IDRS 2016 (N = 796) reported ever having experienced discrimination due to their injecting drug use and 53% reported having experienced discrimination in the past month. Discrimination in all social domains analysed was linked with poor health and wellbeing, except for housing. Self-reported mental health problems and poorer general health were most frequently associated with discrimination. Participants who experienced discrimination from friends were three times more likely to report mental health problems (AOR=3.0, CI95=1.5-6.0). CONCLUSIONS: There are significant associations between the domains in which discrimination takes place and the health and wellbeing of people who inject drugs. Our findings highlighted the importance of assessing the social domains of discrimination in relation to mental health. Further research needs to assess not just whether a group or individual is discriminated against, but rather how they are likely to perceive this discrimination and how this experience can affect their life as a whole.

Protein Arginine Methyltransferases in Cardiovascular and Neuronal Function.

The methylation of arginine residues by protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) is a type of post-translational modification which is important for numerous cellular processes, including mRNA splicing, DNA repair, signal transduction, protein interaction, and transport. PRMTs have been extensively associated with various pathologies, including cancer, inflammation, and immunity response. However, the role of PRMTs has not been well described in vascular and neurological function. Aberrant expression of PRMTs can alter its metabolic products, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA). Increased ADMA levels are recognized as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality. Recent studies have provided considerable advances in the development of small-molecule inhibitors of PRMTs to study their function under normal and pathological states. In this review, we aim to elucidate the particular roles of PRMTs in vascular and neuronal function as a potential target for cardiovascular and neurological diseases.

Do susto à criação: a análise de crianças na pandemia

O trabalho relata experiências e questionamentos de um grupo de analistas de crianças no início do isolamento social, causado pela pandemia de Covid-19. Com o afastamento do consultório, fez-se necessário recorrer às ferramentas on-line para prosseguirem os atendimentos. Surgiram dificuldades, como o estabelecimento de um setting virtual, inexperiência com as ferramentas digitais, falta de privacidade, duração das sessões, dentre outros e o trabalho mostra como puderam ser contornadas. Surpreendeu a disposição das crianças para seguirem em análise e a possibilidade de, gradativamente, se estabelecer um ambiente favorável à criatividade e ao fortalecimento dos vínculos entre as duplas. São apresentadas vinhetas para ilustrar os desafios e as experiências clínicas vividas.(AU)

El trabajo relata experiencias e indagaciones de un grupo de psicoanalistas de niños y adolescentes en el princípio del aislamiento social provocado por la pandemia del Covid-19. Con el cierre de los consultorios se hizo necesario el uso de herramientas virtuales para continuar la atención. Surgieron dificultades, tales como el establecimiento de un setting virtual, la inexperiencia con las herramientas digitales, la falta de privacidad, la duración de las sesiones, entre otras. Este trabajo muestra como esos escollos fueron subsanados. Fué sorprendente el deseo de los niños de seguir sus analisis y la posibilidad paulatina de establecerse un ambiente propicio a la creatividad y al fortalecimiento de los vínculos entre los pares analíticos. Son presentadas viñetas que ilustran los desafíos y las experiencias clínicas vividas.(AU)

This article reports experiences and questions of a group of child analysts at the beginning of social isolation, caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Kept away from the office, it was necessary to use online tools to continue patient consultation. Difficulties arose, such as the establishment of a virtual setting, inexperience with digital tools, lack of privacy, duration of sessions, among others, and we showed how they could be overcome. It was surprising the children’s willingness to continue in analysis and the possibility of gradually establishing an environment favorable to creativity and the strengthening of the bonds between the pairs. Vignettes are presented to illustrate the challenges and clinical experiences.(AU)

Os desafios da observação de bebês na pandemia. O corpo ausente

Repentinamente recebemos a notificação da pandemia e todas as observações presenciais foram suspensas. Entretanto, as famílias se dispuseram a dar continuidade às observações de forma virtual. O presente artigo descreve a experiência dos alunos/observadores e famílias na transição da observação de bebês, método Esther Bick, presencial para online. Através de vinhetas das observações, cedidas pelos alunos, foi possível destacar alguns dos desafios, das dificuldades de adaptação do novo setting. A contenção do grupo foi crucial para dar continuidade ao programa. O uso da câmera pela família, a ausência do corpo e os sentimentos despertados nos alunos nesta modalidade online foram discutidas nos grupos de alunos com os coordenadores. Quais os limites da observação por via remota? Como essa observação ajudará o aluno em sua formação? Quais serão os impactos dessa observação para o bebê e a família? São perguntas que deverão ser respondidas em trabalhos posteriores.(AU)

Suddenly we receive the notification of the pandemics and all the infant observations are kept on hold. However, the families make themselves available to continue the observations online. This article describes the experience of the students/observers and the families in the transition from the presential infant observation with the Esther Bick method to online observations. Through the vignettes of the observations scenarios provided by the students, it was possible to highlight some of the challenges, and some of the difficulties in adapting to the new setting. The group holding was crucial for the continuity of the program. The use of the cameras by the families, the absence of the body and the feelings triggered in the students with this online modality was discussed between the groups and coordinators. Which are the limits of the online observation? How this observation will help the student in his or her training? What kind of impacts would this observation have for the babies and the families? These are questions which should be answered in future articles.(AU)

Repentinamente recibimos la notificación de la pandemia y todas las observacionesp resenciales fueron suspendidas. Sin embargo, las familias estaban dispuestas a dar continuidad a las observaciones de forma virtual. Este artículo describe la experiencia de los alumnos/observadores y de las familias en la transición de la observación de bebé - método Esther Bick – de la manera presencial para online. A través de viñetas de observaciones, cedidas por los alumnos, fué posible destacar los desafíos y las dificultades para la adaptación al nuevo setting. La contención del grupo fué fundamental para seguir con el programa. El uso de la filmadora por parte de la família, la ausencia del cuerpo y los sentimentos experimentados por los observadores en esta modalidad online fueron discutidos en los grupos de alumnos y coordinadores. ¿Cuáles son los límites de la observación remota? Cómo esta observación ayudará al alumno en su formación analítica? ¿Cuáles serán los impactos de esta observación para el bebé y la familia? Son preguntas que se podrán responder en trabajos posteriores.(AU)

Historical Pollution of an Urban Watershed Based in Geochemical, Geoacumulation, and EROD Activity in PLHC-1 Analyses in Sediment Cores.

In the present study, the environmental changes over the past 100 years in the Cambé River watershed in Southern Brazil were investigated. For this, a sediment core was collected to examine the distribution of metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and ecotoxicological markers. The core corresponds from 1914 to 2012, which was obtained by the decay of 210Pb. Changes in the study area also were examined by: Geoaccumulation index (Igeo) and enrichment factor (EF), sediment quality guidelines (SGQs), and ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity in Poeciliopsis lucida hepatocellular carcinoma (PLHC-1) cells line. The Σ16 PAHs ranged from 242.6 to 40,775 ng g-1, with pyrogenic source at the beginning of the core, which likely corresponds to the burning of forests to establish the city and the later use of fossil fuels from 1960 to 2012. In the 1930s, most of metals presented a concentration below the background. After the 1930s, high concentrations can be associated with the intense use of fertilizers (Cd, Cu, Zn, Hg) and increases in urban traffic (Zn and Pb). Igeo showed that the distribution of Cu is considered moderately to strongly polluted, and the EF of Pb was considered as moderately polluted. Statistical analyses showed a strong relation between the presence of the ANP, FLU, PHE, BaP, IND, and Bghi compounds and the induction of EROD activity, and no correlation with heavy metals. A prediction model for the linear regression was obtained between the ANP and BaP concentrations and the EROD activity, with an accuracy of 99%.

The association between experiencing discrimination and physical and mental health among people who inject drugs.

BACKGROUND: Discrimination can be a daily issue in the lives of people who inject drugs (PWID). However, the extent to which discrimination is related to the health of PWID remains unclear. METHODS: Data focusing on discrimination against PWID and potential health correlates were collected as part of the 2013 Illicit Drug Reporting System, a national survey with 887 PWID recruited in all Australian states and territories. Experience of discrimination, its setting, perceived reason and outcome, were self-reported by participants. The Kessler-10 scale and the mental component score of the Short Form 12-Item Health Survey were used to measure mental health. Physical health was assessed using the physical component score of the Short Form 12-Item Health Survey, specifically questions assessing injecting related problems and risk behaviour. Poisson and multinomial regression analyses were performed. Models were adjusted for socio-demographic and drug-related covariates. FINDINGS: PWID reported experiencing discrimination in pharmacies, hospitals, government services and doctors/prescribers. The most commonly reported instances of discrimination were being refused service and experiencing abuse and/or violence. Experience of discrimination was associated with mental and physical health indicators. PWID who experienced discrimination were more likely to report high or very high mental distress (ARRR = 2.4, CI95 = 1.5-3.6) and mental health problems (ARRR = 1.4, CI95 = 1.2-1.7). The mental functioning (ARRR = 1.3, CI95 = 1.1-1.4) and physical functioning (ARRR = 1.1, CI95 = 1.1-1.4) of PWID, who experienced discrimination, were also more likely to be below Australian population mean scores. CONCLUSION: Self-reported experience of discrimination was associated with poor mental and physical health amongst PWID.

Palmitic acid methyl ester is a novel neuroprotective agent against cardiac arrest.

We previously discovered that palmitic acid methyl ester (PAME) is a potent vasodilator first identified and released from the superior cervical ganglion and remain understudied. Thus, we investigated PAME's role in modulating cerebral blood flow (CBF) and neuroprotection after 6 min of cardiac arrest (model of global cerebral ischemia). Our results suggest that PAME can enhance CBF under normal physiological conditions, while administration of PAME (0.02 mg/kg) immediately after cardiopulmonary resuscitation can also enhance CBF in vivo. Additionally, functional learning and spatial memory assessments (via T-maze) 3 days after asphyxial cardiac arrest (ACA) suggest that PAME-treated rats have improved learning and memory recovery versus ACA alone. Furthermore, improved neuronal survival in the CA1 region of the hippocampus were observed in PAME-treated, ACA-induced rats. Altogether, our findings suggest that PAME can enhance CBF, alleviate neuronal cell death, and promote functional outcomes in the presence of ACA.

Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos no Brasil: revisão integrativa da literatura / Long-stay Institutions in Brasil: an integrative literature review / Instituciones de largo plazo para ancianos en Brasil: una revisión integradora de literatura

Objetivou-se levantar e analisar a produção científica acerca do delineamento dos trabalhos publicados e temas estudados sobre as instituições de longa permanência para idosos no Brasil, produção essa arrolada no LILACS, MEDLINE, BDENF e SciELO no período de 2013 a 2017. O corpus constitui-se por 88 artigos. Nota-se um número insipiente de pesquisas com intervenções, visto que os pesquisadores ainda buscam descrever o perfil dos idosos institucionalizados, segundo critérios de saúde e doença.

It was aimed to review the literature about Brazilian nursing homes for seniors published at LILACS, MEDLINE, BDENF and SciELO between 2013 and 2017. The corpus consists of 90 articles. There is an incipient amount of papers about intervention research, as long as the researchers still seek to describe the profile of the resident seniors, according to health and disease criteria.

El objetivo fue encuestar y analizar la producción científica sobre la delineación de los trabajos publicados y los temas estudiados sobre las instituciones de atención a largo plazo para ancianos en Brasil. El corpus consta de 88 artículos. Existe un número incipiente de investigaciones con intervenciones, ya que los investigadores todavía buscan describir el perfil de los ancianos institucionalizados, de acuerdo con los criterios de salud y enfermedad.

Frequent experience of discrimination among people who inject drugs: Links with health and wellbeing.

BACKGROUND: Previous research has shown that people who inject drugs (PWID) experience discrimination on a regular basis. This study explores the relationships between discrimination against PWID and health and wellbeing. METHODS: Data on discrimination against PWID and their health and wellbeing were drawn from the Illicit Drug Reporting System collected in Australia in 2016. The Personal Wellbeing Index was used to measure wellbeing, and the Kessler-10 scale was used to measure psychological distress. Experience of overdose, injecting related illnesses, diseases, and risky injecting behaviour were also assessed. We fitted multivariate logistic regression models adjusted for socio-demographic, imprisonment history, and drug-related factors. RESULTS: Of the 796 participants included in the study, the majority who reported experiencing discrimination were male (65%), heterosexual (89%), and unemployed (89%). Thirty percent of the sample (n = 238) reported they had never experienced discrimination because of their injecting drug use. Seventeen percent of participants had not experienced discrimination in the twelve months prior to the interview, 24% experienced discrimination monthly, 16% experienced discrimination weekly, and 13% experienced discrimination daily or more. Frequent discrimination was associated with increased odds of overdosing, injecting related illnesses and diseases, mental health issues, and poor wellbeing. Among those who reported experiencing discrimination, females and those who identified as Indigenous were found to have poorer health and wellbeing outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlighted that frequent discrimination may lead to worse health and wellbeing among PWID. If our findings are supported by other research, policies aimed at reducing discrimination against PWID may be warranted or improved.

Apresentação exuberante de caso de esclerose sistêmica / Exuberant presentation in a case of systemic sclerosis

A esclerose sistêmica (ES) é doença autoimune do tecido conjuntivo de etiologia desconhecida, caracterizada pela esclerose (fibrose), que afeta a pele, vasos sanguíneos e órgãos internos. O diagnóstico é firmado pelo quadro clínico compatível, pesquisa de autoanticorpos e capilaroscopia do leito ungueal. Destaca-se neste relato a importância do médico dermatologista frente ao diagnóstico de doenças sistêmicas. Na observação da pele, visível e palpável em todas as suas dimensões e na interpretação de todos os seus sinais, conclui-se que é possível revelar precocemente problemas internos que poderiam evoluir de forma oculta.

Systemic sclerosis (SE) is an autoimmune disease of the connective tissue. Of unknown etiology, it is characterized by sclerosis (fibrosis), which affects the skin, blood vessels and internal organs. The diagnosis is confirmed by a compatible clinical picture, autoantibody research and capillaroscopy of the nail bed. The present report highlights the importance of the dermatologist physician in the diagnosis of systemic diseases. Based on the observation of the skin ­ which is visible and palpable in all of its dimensions ­ and in the interpretation of all its signs, it is possible to conclude that it can reveal early internal disorders that could develop unnoticeably.

The healing properties of medicinal plants used in the Brazilian public health system: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the healing potential of medicinal plants belonging to the Brazilian National List of Medicinal Plants of Interest to the Unified Health System (RENISUS). METHOD: PubMed and ScienceDirect databases were searched for relevant articles, regardless of the language, from 2010 to June 2016. Two reviewers independently assessed study eligibility. Articles were included if they presented evidence of healing potential of medicinal plants. Only those available as full and open access texts were considered. RESULTS: A total of 1381 articles met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 156 studies were considered eligible and were reviewed as full text. Following full analysis, 64 studies were included in this review. The studies covered 27 of the 71 plants belonging to RENISUS, nine of which are native to Brazil. In addition, two species are currently available in the Brazilian public health system as herbal medicine. CONCLUSION: This review may encourage and contribute to the appropriate use of medicinal plants in the public health system in Brazil.