Self-perception of voice, hearing, and general health in screening for voice changes in older women. / Autopercepção da voz, audição e saúde geral no rastreio de distúrbio vocal em idosas.

PURPOSE: To verify the association between sociodemographic factors, vocal behavior, morbidities, and self-perception of voice, hearing, and general health in older women with voice disorders. METHODS: The sample had 95 older women aged 60 to 84 years (mean of 69,5). They were interviewed with a structured questionnaire on sociodemographic aspects, health, and vocal behavior. The Screening Protocol for Voice Disorders in Older Adults (RAVI) was used to identify the presence of voice disorders. RESULTS: Participants who had finished high school and were retired predominated. The number of older women with voice disorders according to RAVI was 46.3%. Physical sensations such as dry throat, throat clearing, and itchy throat were the most common complaints. The group of older women with voice disorders had worse self-perception of voice quality, hearing, and general health and a higher frequency of upper airway infections than those without voice disorders (p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION: The vocal self-assessment measured with RAVI was statistically associated with self-perception of voice quality, hearing, general health, sore throat, sinusitis, and respiratory allergies.

OBJETIVO: Verificar a associação de fatores sociodemográficos, do comportamento vocal, morbidades e autopercepção da voz, auditiva e de saúde geral de idosas com distúrbio vocal. MÉTODO: Participaram 95 idosas com idades entre 60 e 84 anos (média 69,5). Realizou-se uma entrevista com apoio de um questionário estruturado contendo questões sociodemográficas, de saúde e do comportamento vocal. Utilizou-se o Protocolo para Rastreamento de Alterações Vocais em Idosos (RAVI) para identificar a presença de distúrbio vocal. RESULTADOS: Houve o predomínio de participantes com ensino médio completo e aposentadas. O número de idosas que apresentaram distúrbio vocal segundo o RAVI foi de 46,3%. Queixas relacionadas às sensações físicas como garganta seca, pigarro e coceira na garganta foram as mais presentes. O grupo de idosas com distúrbio vocal apresentou pior autopercepção da qualidade vocal, audição, saúde geral e maior frequência de infecções de vias aéreas superiores quando comparadas àquelas sem distúrbio vocal (p≤0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Houve associação estatística entre a autoavaliação vocal mensurada pelo RAVI e a autopercepção da qualidade da voz, da audição, da saúde geral, inflamações de garganta, sinusite e alergias respiratórias.

Autopercepção da voz, audição e saúde geral no rastreio de distúrbio vocal em idosas / Self-perception of voice, hearing, and general health in screening for voice changes in older women

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar a associação de fatores sociodemográficos, do comportamento vocal, morbidades e autopercepção da voz, auditiva e de saúde geral de idosas com distúrbio vocal. Método Participaram 95 idosas com idades entre 60 e 84 anos (média 69,5). Realizou-se uma entrevista com apoio de um questionário estruturado contendo questões sociodemográficas, de saúde e do comportamento vocal. Utilizou-se o Protocolo para Rastreamento de Alterações Vocais em Idosos (RAVI) para identificar a presença de distúrbio vocal. Resultados Houve o predomínio de participantes com ensino médio completo e aposentadas. O número de idosas que apresentaram distúrbio vocal segundo o RAVI foi de 46,3%. Queixas relacionadas às sensações físicas como garganta seca, pigarro e coceira na garganta foram as mais presentes. O grupo de idosas com distúrbio vocal apresentou pior autopercepção da qualidade vocal, audição, saúde geral e maior frequência de infecções de vias aéreas superiores quando comparadas àquelas sem distúrbio vocal (p≤0,05). Conclusão Houve associação estatística entre a autoavaliação vocal mensurada pelo RAVI e a autopercepção da qualidade da voz, da audição, da saúde geral, inflamações de garganta, sinusite e alergias respiratórias.

ABSTRACT Purpose To verify the association between sociodemographic factors, vocal behavior, morbidities, and self-perception of voice, hearing, and general health in older women with voice disorders. Methods The sample had 95 older women aged 60 to 84 years (mean of 69,5). They were interviewed with a structured questionnaire on sociodemographic aspects, health, and vocal behavior. The Screening Protocol for Voice Disorders in Older Adults (RAVI) was used to identify the presence of voice disorders. Results Participants who had finished high school and were retired predominated. The number of older women with voice disorders according to RAVI was 46.3%. Physical sensations such as dry throat, throat clearing, and itchy throat were the most common complaints. The group of older women with voice disorders had worse self-perception of voice quality, hearing, and general health and a higher frequency of upper airway infections than those without voice disorders (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion The vocal self-assessment measured with RAVI was statistically associated with self-perception of voice quality, hearing, general health, sore throat, sinusitis, and respiratory allergies.

Analysis of different performance times of the voiced trill technique in older women. / Análise dos tempos de execução da técnica de sons vibrantes em idosas.

PURPOSE: To analyze and compare the immediate vocal effects of the voiced trill technique in the assessment of acoustic and auditory-perceptual measures of older women with and without self-perceived vocal changes. METHODS: Clinical, quasi-experimental study in older women, aged 60 to 70 years (n=53). A questionnaire on vocal self-perception, voice, and laryngeal assessment was applied, before and after performing the voiced trill technique. Before and during intervals of the technique, sustained vowel samples were collected, totaling four samples. Older women were divided into two groups: one with self-perceived voice changes (n=25), and the other without self-perceived voice changes (n=28). Auditory-perceptual assessments and acoustic analysis were performed. Statistical tests were used to correlate the data: ANOVA Test for repeated measures, Friedman Test, Wilcoxon Test, and Pearson's Chi-Square Test. For all tests, the significance level was set at 5%. RESULTS: There was a predominance of moderate dysphonia in both groups, according to the auditory-perceptual judgment. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in the assessment of the auditory-perceptual analysis regarding voice changes (improved, worsened, and unaltered voices) before and after the different technique performance times. Most older women improved their voice after 1 minute of performing the technique. CONCLUSION: Older women often have voice changes when considering the perceptual judgment of the voice. There was no scientific evidence as to the ideal time to obtain a better effect on older women's voices.

OBJETIVO: Analisar e comparar os efeitos vocais imediatos da técnica de sons vibrantes sonoros na avaliação de medidas acústicas e perceptivo-auditivas de idosas com e sem autopercepção de alteração vocal. MÉTODO: Estudo clínico quase experimental, envolvendo 53 idosas com idade entre 60 e 70 anos. Foi aplicado um questionário de autopercepção vocal, avaliação vocal e laríngea, antes e após a realização da técnica vocal com sons vibrantes sonoros. Antes e durante os intervalos da técnica, foram coletadas amostras de vogais sustentadas, totalizando quatro amostras. As mulheres idosas foram divididas em dois grupos: grupo com autopercepção de alteração vocal (n = 25) e grupo sem autopercepção de alteração vocal (n = 28). Foram realizadas avaliações perceptivo-auditivas e análise acústica. Os testes estatísticos foram utilizados para correlacionar os dados: Teste Anova para medidas repetidas, Teste de Friedman e Teste de Wilcoxon e Teste Qui-Quadrado de Pearson. Para todos os testes foi considerado nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: Houve predomínio de disfonia moderada em ambos os grupos, de acordo com a julgamento perceptivo-auditivo. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os grupos na avaliação da análise perceptivo-auditiva quanto à melhora, piora e voz inalterada antes e após os diferentes tempos de execução da técnica. A maioria das idosas melhorou a voz após um minuto de execução da técnica. CONCLUSÃO: As idosas apresentam elevada presença de alteração vocal quando considerada o julgamento perceptivo-auditivo da voz. Não houve evidências científicas quanto ao momento ideal para se obter um melhor efeito na voz das idosas.

Evidence that ectoparasites influence the hematological parameters of the host: a systematic review.

Ectoparasites are important to the one health concept because their parasitism can result in the transmission of pathogens, allergic reactions, the release of toxins, morbidity, and even death of the host. Ectoparasites can affect host physiology, as reflected in immune defenses and body condition as well as hematological and biochemical parameters. Thus, evidence that ectoparasites influence host hematological parameters was systematically reviewed, and the methodological quality of these studies was analyzed. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines were followed, and the studies included were limited to those that evaluated changes in hematological tests in ectoparasite-infested and non-infested animals, and bias and methodological quality were evaluated using the Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments guideline. Thirty-four studies were selected and information about the host, ectoparasite infestation, blood collection, and analysis was collected and compared whenever possible. In this review, the presence of ectoparasites influenced both the red series and the white series of hematological parameters. Among the main parameters analyzed, hematocrit, red blood cells, hemoglobin, and lymphocytes showed reductions, probably due to ectoparasite blood-feeding, while including eosinophils, neutrophils, and basophils increased in infested animals due to the host immune response. However, methodologic improvements are needed to reduce the risk of bias, enhance the reproducibility of such studies, and ensure results aligned with the mechanisms that act in the ectoparasite-host relationship.

Circulating oxidative stress and acute phase protein levels in horses infested with ticks.

Ticks have saliva rich in immunoregulatory molecules that interfere with the host's physiology in order to feed. This study aimed to evaluate the concentration of acute phase proteins and circulating oxidative stress in response to infestation by Amblyomma sculptum and Dermacentor nitens in two breed horses, Mangalarga Marchador and Breton Postier, to define resistance or susceptibility to ticks. Among the oxidative stress markers, we observed lower malondialdehyde and nitric oxide in horses with tick infestation, consequently not altering the antioxidant enzymes. Breton Postier with tick infestation showed a reduction in the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), which may be due to lower feeding of the host due to the stress caused by the infestation or even to sequestration of components induced by the tick during blood feeding. The alpha-1-antitrypsin, an acute phase protein, showed an increase in Mangalarga Marchador with tick infestation; curiously it is related to a protective action against tissue damage, pathogens and parasites. We could assume that Mangalarga Marchador showed a better response to ticks when compared to Breton Postier. However, it is still early to define the resistance or susceptibility to ticks, as we did not observe significant changes in most of the analyzed variables. Further studies are needed to understand the compounds and mechanisms of action of the tick saliva in the acute phase proteins and the possible relationships of oxidative stress in the host and the tick during blood feeding.

Análise dos tempos de execução da técnica de sons vibrantes em idosas / Analysis of different performance times of the voiced trill technique in older women

RESUMO Objetivo Analisar e comparar os efeitos vocais imediatos da técnica de sons vibrantes sonoros na avaliação de medidas acústicas e perceptivo-auditivas de idosas com e sem autopercepção de alteração vocal. Método Estudo clínico quase experimental, envolvendo 53 idosas com idade entre 60 e 70 anos. Foi aplicado um questionário de autopercepção vocal, avaliação vocal e laríngea, antes e após a realização da técnica vocal com sons vibrantes sonoros. Antes e durante os intervalos da técnica, foram coletadas amostras de vogais sustentadas, totalizando quatro amostras. As mulheres idosas foram divididas em dois grupos: grupo com autopercepção de alteração vocal (n = 25) e grupo sem autopercepção de alteração vocal (n = 28). Foram realizadas avaliações perceptivo-auditivas e análise acústica. Os testes estatísticos foram utilizados para correlacionar os dados: Teste Anova para medidas repetidas, Teste de Friedman e Teste de Wilcoxon e Teste Qui-Quadrado de Pearson. Para todos os testes foi considerado nível de significância de 5%. Resultados Houve predomínio de disfonia moderada em ambos os grupos, de acordo com a julgamento perceptivo-auditivo. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os grupos na avaliação da análise perceptivo-auditiva quanto à melhora, piora e voz inalterada antes e após os diferentes tempos de execução da técnica. A maioria das idosas melhorou a voz após um minuto de execução da técnica. Conclusão As idosas apresentam elevada presença de alteração vocal quando considerada o julgamento perceptivo-auditivo da voz. Não houve evidências científicas quanto ao momento ideal para se obter um melhor efeito na voz das idosas.

ABSTRACT Purpose To analyze and compare the immediate vocal effects of the voiced trill technique in the assessment of acoustic and auditory-perceptual measures of older women with and without self-perceived vocal changes. Methods Clinical, quasi-experimental study in older women, aged 60 to 70 years (n=53). A questionnaire on vocal self-perception, voice, and laryngeal assessment was applied, before and after performing the voiced trill technique. Before and during intervals of the technique, sustained vowel samples were collected, totaling four samples. Older women were divided into two groups: one with self-perceived voice changes (n=25), and the other without self-perceived voice changes (n=28). Auditory-perceptual assessments and acoustic analysis were performed. Statistical tests were used to correlate the data: ANOVA Test for repeated measures, Friedman Test, Wilcoxon Test, and Pearson's Chi-Square Test. For all tests, the significance level was set at 5%. Results There was a predominance of moderate dysphonia in both groups, according to the auditory-perceptual judgment. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in the assessment of the auditory-perceptual analysis regarding voice changes (improved, worsened, and unaltered voices) before and after the different technique performance times. Most older women improved their voice after 1 minute of performing the technique. Conclusion Older women often have voice changes when considering the perceptual judgment of the voice. There was no scientific evidence as to the ideal time to obtain a better effect on older women's voices.

Valores de referência para dados eletroglotográficos de idosas / Reference values for electroglottographic data of elderly women

RESUMO Objetivo Apresentar valores de referência para os dados de frequência fundamental e quociente de fase fechada extraído da eletroglotografia em idosas e verificar se diferem com o resultado do exame laríngeo. Método Estudo observacional analítico transversal, realizado com 73 idosas na faixa etária de 60 a 84 anos. Foram realizadas avaliações eletroglotográficas e laríngeas. O material de voz coletado de cada participante foi a emissão sustentada da vogal /a/, emitida em frequência e intensidade habituais, no registro modal, de modo prolongado. As medidas eletroglotográficas extraídas foram: Frequência fundamental (F0) e quociente de contato (CQ) extraídos da eletroglotografia (EGG). Foi realizada análise descritiva dos dados por meio da análise das medidas de tendência central e de dispersão das variáveis contínuas. Para estabelecer se as variáveis contínuas do EGG diferem de acordo com o diagnóstico laríngeo, foram utilizados os testes t-Student (teste paramétrico) e Mann-Whitney (não paramétrico). Para todos os testes foi considerado o nível de significância de 5%. Resultados A maioria das participantes não possui alterações laríngeas, 27,4% têm presbilaringe. A média das medidas eletoglotográficas foram: 187,24 Hz de F0 e 48,49% de QC. Não houve significância estatística ao comparar o exame laríngeo segundo as medidas do EGG. Conclusão Mulheres idosas apresentam valores médios de F0 EGG de 187,24 Hz. O valor médio obtido no QC foi de 48,49%. As medidas eletroglotográficas de F0 e QC não se modificaram com a presença de presbilaringe em idosas.

ABSTRACT Purpose To present reference values for fundamental frequency data and closed-phase quotient extracted from electroglottography in older women and verify if they differ from laryngeal examination results. Methods Observational analytical cross-sectional study in 73 older women, aged 60 to 84 years, using electroglottographic and laryngeal examinations. Each participant's voice sample had a sustained prolonged vowel /a/ emitted at the usual frequency and intensity, in the modal register. Fundamental frequency (F0) and vocal fold contact quotient (CQ) were extracted from the electroglottography. Data were descriptively analyzed with measures of central tendency and dispersion of continuous variables. To establish whether continuous electroglottography variables differed from the laryngeal diagnosis, Student's t-test (parametric test) and Mann-Whitney (non-parametric test) were performed. The significance level in all tests was set at 5%. Results Most participants did not have laryngeal changes, while 27.4% had presbylarynx. The mean electroglottographic measures were 187.24 Hz for F0 and 48.49% for CQ. There was no statistical significance between laryngeal examinations and EGG measures. Conclusion Older women have mean electroglottographic F0 values of 187.24 Hz and CQ of 48.49%. Electroglottographic F0 and CQ measures did not change with the presence of the presbylarynx in older women.

'Candidatus Mycoplasma Haemoalbiventris' and Tick-Borne Pathogens in Black-Eared Opossum (Didelphis aurita) from Southeastern Brazil.

The black-eared opossum (Didelphis aurita) is a South American synanthropic marsupial. The presence of opossums in domestic spaces is relevant in the One-Health context since they are hosts of pathogens and ectoparasites that may affect the health of domestic animals and humans. In this study, we aim to determine the occurrence of hemoplasmas and selected tick-borne pathogens in free-ranging black-eared opossums, along with their molecular characterization, hematological and biochemical evaluation and factors associated with infection, in the municipality of Viçosa, State of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil. Thirty black-eared opossums were trapped between March 2021 and June 2022. Ectoparasites were collected. Hematological and biochemical analyses were performed. DNA from EDTA-blood samples were analyzed by PCR and qPCR assays. By molecular analyses, 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemoalbiventris' was the most prevalent hemoparasite (73.3%), followed by Hepatozoon sp. (22.2%). Significant differences were observed in the number of platelets, and in the concentration of protein and globulins in the animals infected by 'Ca. M. haemoalbiventris' when compared with the negative group. This is the first report of 'Ca. M. haemoalbiventris' infection in D. aurita.

Fetal hemoglobin-boosting haplotypes of BCL11A gene and HBS1L-MYB intergenic region in the prediction of clinical and hematological outcomes in a cohort of children with sickle cell anemia.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of BCL11A gene and HBS1L-MYB intergenic region (named HMIP-2) affect both fetal hemoglobin (HbF) concentration and clinical outcomes in patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA). However, no previous study has examined the interaction among these SNPs in the regulation of HbF. We examined whether HbF-boosting haplotypes combining alleles of functional SNPs of BCL11A and HMIP-2 were associated with clinical outcomes and hematological parameters, and whether they interact to regulate HbF in a cohort of Brazilian children with SCA. The minor haplotype of BCL11A ("TCA", an allele combination of rs1427407, rs766432, and rs4671393) was associated with higher HbF, hemoglobin and lower reticulocytes count compared to reference haplotype "GAG". The minor haplotype of HMIP-2 ("CGC", an allele combination of rs9399137, rs4895441, and rs9494145) was associated with higher HbF and hemoglobin compared to reference haplotype "TAT". Subjects carrying minor haplotypes showed reduced rate of clinical complications compared to reference haplotypes. Non-carriers of both minor haplotypes for BCL11A and HMIP-2 showed the lowest HbF concentration. Subjects carrying only the minor haplotype of BCL11A showed significantly higher HbF concentration than non-carriers of any minor haplotype, which showed no significant difference compared to subjects carrying only the minor haplotype of HMIP-2. Interestingly, subjects carrying both minor haplotypes of BCL11A ("TCA") and HMIP-2 ("CGC") showed significantly higher HbF levels than subjects carrying only the minor haplotype of BCL11A. Our novel findings suggest that HbF-boosting haplotypes of BCL11A and HMIP-2 can predict clinical outcomes and may interact to regulate HbF in patients with SCA.

Ixodid diversity and detection of spotted fever group Rickettsia spp. in ticks collected on birds in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

The Brazilian Atlantic Forest helds one of the most diverse and unique avifauna in the world. Many vertebrate species are reservoirs of tick-borne pathogens, and birds are an important group among them due to their mobility which facilitates the dispersion of ticks and the infectious agents they carry. This study brings data on the tick diversity parasitizing birds and the molecular detection of Rickettsia spp. in these arthropods. Birds (n = 773) were captured, identified, and banded at Mata do Paraíso Research, Training, and Environmental Education Center located in Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Birds were checked for the presence of ticks, which were individually collected, identified, and molecularly processed through Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for the detection of Rickettsia spp. A total of 130 individuals were infested by ticks, and 479 tick specimens were collected, showing a seasonal distribution of the life stages throughout the year. Ticks were identified as Amblyomma longirostre (59/479); Amblyomma calcaratum (20/479); Amblyomma varium (3/479); Amblyomma sculptum (2/479) and Amblyomma spp. larvae (395/479). Seasonal distribution of the life stages of ticks was observed along the year and significant negative correlations were found between temperature and collected ticks and temperature and infested birds. From the evaluated samples of ticks, 25.44% (n = 43/169) scored positive for Rickettsia spp., and sequence analysis indicated high nucleotide identity with Rickettsia rhipicephali, R. massiliae, R. africae and R. honei marmionii. The potential for dispersal of ticks by birds added to the aggressiveness of species of the genus Amblyomma and the zoonotic potential of some species of Rickettsia are quite worrying when we consider that the study area is widely attended by students, researchers, people from the city and neighboring municipalities.

Soft and hard ticks (Parasitiformes: Ixodida) on humans: A review of Brazilian biomes and the impact of environmental change.

Records of accidental parasitism by ticks in humans from Brazil are scarce, with most being reported by researchers who are parasitized during their research and by professionals who work with animals. In order to compile these records, an extensive literature review was carried out. Our revision includes studies published between 1909 and 2022, including nine species of the Argasidae family and 32 species of the Ixodidae family that were reported biting humans in the six biomes of the Brazilian territory. The species with the highest number of records of human parasitism was Amblyomma sculptum, followed by Amblyomma coelebs, Amblyomma cajennense sensu stricto, and Amblyomma brasiliense. The Atlantic Forest was the most frequent biome where human parasitism occurred, probably due to the greater number of inhabitants, universities, and researchers in the region; however, this does not mean that this biome is more conducive to the development of ticks and their parasitism in humans. In addition to Amblyomma ovale, a vector of Rickettsia parkeri in the country, two of the main species that act as vectors of Rickettsia rickettsii, A. sculptum, and Amblyomma aureolatum, have been reported, which is quite worrying considering that the wide distribution of the species and life stages most frequently mentioned in parasitism (i.e., nymphs and adults) are the ones that favour pathogen transmission. This research provides a significant contribution to the knowledge of tick species associated with human parasitism in Brazil; however, due to environmental change potentiated by deforestation and fires, it is expected that there will be a geographic expansion of some tick species and the pathogens that use them as a vector and an increase in human parasitism.

A Novel Combination of Blood Biomarkers and Clinical Stroke Scales Facilitates Detection of Large Vessel Occlusion Ischemic Strokes.

Acute ischemic stroke caused by large vessel occlusions (LVOs) is a major contributor to stroke deaths and disabilities; however, identification for emergency treatment is challenging. We recruited two separate cohorts of suspected stroke patients and screened a panel of blood-derived protein biomarkers for LVO detection. Diagnostic performance was estimated by using blood biomarkers in combination with NIHSS-derived stroke severity scales. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that D-dimer (OR 16, 95% CI 5-60; p-value < 0.001) and GFAP (OR 0.002, 95% CI 0-0.68; p-value < 0.05) comprised the optimal panel for LVO detection. Combinations of D-dimer and GFAP with a number of stroke severity scales increased the number of true positives, while reducing false positives due to hemorrhage, as compared to stroke scales alone (p-value < 0.001). A combination of the biomarkers with FAST-ED resulted in the highest accuracy at 95% (95% CI: 87-99%), with sensitivity of 91% (95% CI: 72-99%), and specificity of 96% (95% CI: 90-99%). Diagnostic accuracy was confirmed in an independent cohort, in which accuracy was again shown to be 95% (95% CI: 87-99%), with a sensitivity of 82% (95% CI: 57-96%), and specificity of 98% (95% CI: 92-100%). Accordingly, the combination of D-dimer and GFAP with stroke scales may provide a simple and highly accurate tool for identifying LVO patients, with a potential impact on time to treatment.

Oxidative and local histopathological response on skin wound of horses due to Amblyomma sculptum tick parasitism.

Amblyomma sculptum is frequently observed parasitizing horses, responsible for economic losses, damage to the host''s skin and transmission of pathogens. The oxidative stress profile and inflammatory mechanisms involved in this parasitism remain poorly studied. Thus, this study aimed to assess the histopathological changes and oxidative profile responses of horses in the attachment site of A. sculptum to find variations that indicate resistance and susceptibility between the breeds to this tick, based on the hypothesis that resistant animals have a greater inflammatory response and lesser number of attached ticks. We analyzed female horses of two breeds, Mangalarga Marchador and Breton Postier, naturally infested by Amblyomma sculptum. The ticks were counted and full-thickness excisional skin wounds of 10 mm were made on the perineal region on the attachment site of partially engorged females for histological and biochemical analyzes. The occurrence of the tick on the skin caused an increase in cellularity, inflammatory infiltrate, mast cells, pyknotic nuclei, and changes in the fibrous components of the matrix. The negative correlation observed between tick infestation and inflammatory response indicated that animals with greater inflammatory response tend to have less tick infestation. The oxidative stress markers, MDA, PCN and NO not present great variation; however, between the antioxidant enzymes levels, SOD was higher in tick attachment of Breton Postier skin, this may mean that these animals had higher oxidative enzymatic activity and consequently less tissue damage, while the GST dropped in the attachment sites compared to the control, which may indicate that animals were in a state of significant oxidative stress or raises the question of the possibility of enzymatic sequestration by ticks. No significant differences were found in the resistance of the two breeds since most of the analyzes varied due to the presence or absence of the tick attached to the skin. We draw attention to the importance of studying characteristics of the animal's antioxidant responses to the tick and the action of tick saliva on antioxidant enzymes and ROS because these characteristics are interdependent with the inflammatory response.

Topical Bimatoprost Insert for Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension Treatment - A Phase II Controlled Study.

INTRODUCTION: The most common treatment for Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG) is the daily use of eye drops. Sustained-release drug delivery systems have been developed to improve patient adherence by achieving prolonged therapeutic drug concentrations in ocular target tissues while limiting systemic exposure. The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of bimatoprost inserts with bimatoprost eye drops in patients with POAG and Ocular Hypertension (OH). METHODS: We include OH and POAG patients aged between 40 and 75 years-old. Both OH and POAG patients had intraocular pressure (IOP) greater than 21 and ≤30 mmHg at 9:00 am without glaucoma medication and normal biomicroscopy. Five normal patients with IOP≤14 mmHg constitute the control group. A chitosan-based insert of bimatoprost was placed at the upper conjunctival fornix of the right eye. In the left eye, patients used one drop of LumiganTM daily at 10:00 pm. For statistical analysis, a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Student t-test, and paired t-test is used. RESULTS: Sixteen POAG and 13 OH patients with a mean age of 61 years were assessed. In both eyes, IOP reduction was similar during three weeks of follow-up (19.5±2.2 mmHg and 16.9±3.1 mmHg), insert, and eye drop, respectively; P=0.165). The percentage of IOP reduction in the third week was 30% for insert and 35% for eye drops (P=0.165). No intolerance or discomfort with the insert was reported. Among the research participants, 58% preferred the use of the insert while 25% preferred eye drops, and 17% reported no preference. CONCLUSION: Bimatoprost-loaded inserts showed similar efficacy to daily bimatoprost eye drops during three weeks of follow up, without major side effects. This might suggest a possible change in the daily therapeutic regimen for the treatment of POAG and OH.

Biofilm Formation on Breast Implant Surfaces by Major Gram-Positive Bacterial Pathogens.

BACKGROUND: Bacterial biofilm on surfaces of mammary implants is a predisposing factor for several outcomes. Because Gram-positive bacteria are potential agents of biomaterial-associated infections (BAIs), their abilities to form biofilm on breast implants should be elucidated. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate biofilm formation on different mammary prosthesis surfaces by major Gram-positive bacterial pathogens involved in BAIs. METHODS: We initially evaluated biofilm formation on polystyrene plates with and without fibrinogen or collagen for 1 reference strain and 1 clinical isolate of Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Streptococcus pyogenes. We also tested the ability of clinical isolates to form biofilm on 4 different implant surfaces: polyurethane foam and smooth, microtextured, and standard textured silicone. Biofilm structure and cell viability were observed by scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. RESULTS: All strains showed strong biofilm formation on polystyrene. After fibrinogen or collagen treatment, biofilm formation varied. With fibrinogen, reference strains of S. aureus and S. pyogenes increased biofilm formation (P < 0.05). Reference strains of all species and the clinical isolate of S. pyogenes increased biofilm formation after collagen treatment (P < 0.05). In general, S. aureus showed higher capacity to produce biofilm. Scanning electron microscopy showed that biofilm attached to all surfaces tested, with the presence of extracellular polymeric substances and voids. Viable cells were more frequent for E. faecalis and S. pyogenes. CONCLUSIONS: All species produced biofilm on all prosthesis surfaces and under different conditions. Micrographies indicated thicker bacterial biofilm formation on microtextured and/or standard textured silicone by all species, except E. faecalis.

Do Genetic Polymorphisms Affect Fetal Hemoglobin (HbF) Levels in Patients With Sickle Cell Anemia Treated With Hydroxyurea? A Systematic Review and Pathway Analysis.

Hydroxyurea has long been used for the treatment of sickle cell anemia (SCA), and its clinical effectiveness is related to the induction of fetal hemoglobin (HbF), a major modifier of SCA phenotypes. However, there is substantial variability in response to hydroxyurea among patients with SCA. While some patients show an increase in HbF levels and an ameliorated clinical condition under low doses of hydroxyurea, other patients present a poor effect or even develop toxicity. However, the effects of genetic polymorphisms on increasing HbF levels in response to hydroxyurea in patients with SCA (Hb SS) have been less explored. Therefore, we performed a systematic review to assess whether single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) affect HbF levels in patients with SCA treated with hydroxyurea. Moreover, we performed pathway analysis using the set of genes with SNPs found to be associated with changes in HbF levels in response to hydroxyurea among the included studies. The systematic literature search was conducted on Medline/PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Scopus, and Web of Science. Seven cohort studies were included following our inclusion and exclusion criteria. From the 728 genetic polymorphisms examined in the included studies, 50 different SNPs of 17 genes were found to be associated with HbF changes in patients with SCA treated with hydroxyurea, which are known to affect baseline HbF but are not restricted to them. Enrichment analysis of this gene set revealed reactome pathways with the lowest adjusted p-values and highest combined scores related to VEGF ligand-receptor interactions (R-HSA-194313; R-HSA-195399) and the urea cycle (R-HSA-70635). Pharmacogenetic studies of response to hydroxyurea therapy in patients with SCA are still scarce and markedly heterogeneous regarding candidate genes and SNPs examined for association with HbF changes and outcomes, suggesting that further studies are needed. The reviewed findings highlighted that similar to baseline HbF, changes in HbF levels upon hydroxyurea therapy are likely to be regulated by multiple loci. There is evidence that SNPs in intron 2 of BCL11A affect HbF changes in response to hydroxyurea therapy, a potential application that might improve the clinical management of SCA. Systematic Review Registration: (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=208790).

Eimeria spp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in Didelphis aurita Wied-Neuwied, 1826 (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae) and description of a new species infecting this opossum.

Didelphis aurita Wied-Neuwied, 1826 is a marsupial well adapted to anthropogenic activity and commonly found in urban areas of Brazil. Among the gastrointestinal parasites found in this opossum, protozoa of the genus Eimeria are frequently detected. This study investigated the biodiversity of Eimeria species infecting D. aurita in Southeastern Brazil, and provides morphological data on a newly discovered species of Eimeria. From January to June 2019, 43 D. aurita were captured, and their fecal samples were collected and evaluated by salt flotation; positive samples were allowed to sporulate in 2.5% potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7), and detailed morphological measurements were performed to determine the species present. Thirty-two of forty-three (74.4%) opossums were infected with from one to five Eimeria spp. Four of the eimerians were described and named previously by others: Eimeria auritanensis, Eimeria caluromydis, Eimeria gambai, and Eimeria philanderi. Additionally, sporulated oocysts of a species new to science were detected. Oocysts of this new Eimeria species are spheroidal to subspheroidal, 21.7 × 20.7 (20-23 × 19-23), length/width (L/W) ratio 1.05, with a highly refractile polar granule, but lacking a micropyle and oocyst residuum. Sporocysts are ovoidal, 10.6 × 8.0 (9-12 × 7-9), L/W ratio 1.3, with a small, Stieda body and a sporocyst residuum of diffuse granules. Of the infected opossums, 5/32 (16%) were infected with only one Eimeria sp., 6/32 (19%) with two, 15/32 (47%) with three, 5/32 (16%) with four and 1/32 (3%) with five Eimerians.

Molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii in opossums from Southeastern, Brazil.

Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide-distributed zoonotic disease of great relevance to public health. Many wildlife species, including marsupials of the genus Didelphis, are considered hosts for Toxoplasma gondii, which makes them to have a possible role in the dispersion and maintenance of this parasite in nature. This study provides data on the molecular detection of T. gondii in D. aurita opossums from an urbanized area of Southeastern Brazil. Animals were captured and blood and/or spleen samples were collected. Real Time PCR was performed for the detection of T. gondii. From the opossums captured, 26.3% (n = 15/57) scored positive, with a frequency of 21.6% (n = 11/51) in blood, and 66.7% (n = 6/9) in spleen samples. BLAST analysis demonstrated 100% identity and 100% cover query with sequences of T. gondii available in GenBank database. Data herein reported present great public health importance, since Didelphis spp. are usually observed inhabiting close to human dwellings, which facilitates their contact with people and domestic animals, and consequently, the transmission of zoonotic agents. However, further studies are needed to elucidate whether these opossums play an important role in the zoonotic cycle of T. gondii in urban areas of Brazil.

Primeiros socorros para professores em âmbito escolar: Revisão integrativa / First aid for school teachers: Integrative review / Primeros auxilios para profesores escolares: Revisión integrativa

Objetivo: Evidenciar a importância de primeiros socorros nas escolas. Método: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa, que utilizou como base de dados a Biblioteca virtual (BVS), PubMed e Google acadêmico. A busca na base de dados foi realizada no período de fevereiro de 2020 a maio de 2020. A ferramenta PICO foi utilizada como estratégia de busca dos artigos. Resultados: Foram encontrados 485 artigos, e feita à seleção de 58 deles inicialmente. Após os critérios de exclusão, obteve-se como amostra final 09 artigos, agrupados de acordo com o autor, ano de publicação, título, objetivo, tipo de estudo e resultados. Conclusão: O estudo possibilitou a conclusão que os educadores escolares demonstram ser leigos em relação ao atendimento inicial de primeiros socorros com isso ressalta a importância de treinamentos periódicos a estes profissionais para trazer mais segurança no âmbito escolar e redução da taxa de morbimortalidade no nosso país.(AU)

Objective: To highlight the importance of first aid in schools. Method: This is an integrative review, which used as a database the Virtual Library (VHL), PubMed and Google academic. The database search was carried out from February 2020 to May 2020. The PICO tool was used as a search strategy for articles. Results: 485 articles were found, and 58 of them were initially selected. After the exclusion criteria, nine articles were obtained as a final sample, grouped according to the author, year of publication, title, objective, type of study and results. Conclusion: The study made it possible to conclude that school educators prove to be laymen in relation to the initial first aid care, thus emphasizing the importance of periodic training for these professionals to bring more security in the school environment and reduce the rate of morbidity and mortality in our country.(AU)

Objetivo: destacar la importancia de los primeros auxilios en las escuelas. Método: Esta es una revisión integradora, que utilizó como base de datos la Biblioteca Virtual (BVS), PubMed y el académico de Google. La búsqueda en la base de datos se realizó entre febrero de 2020 y mayo de 2020. La herramienta PICO se utilizó como estrategia de búsqueda de artículos. Resultados: se encontraron 485 artículos, y 58 de ellos fueron seleccionados inicialmente. Luego de los criterios de exclusión, se obtuvieron nueve artículos como muestra final, agrupados según el autor, año de publicación, título, objetivo, tipo de estudio y resultados. Conclusión: El estudio permitió concluir que los educadores escolares demuestran ser laicos en relación con la atención inicial de primeros auxilios, enfatizando así la importancia de la capacitación periódica para que estos profesionales brinden más seguridad en el entorno escolar y reduzcan la tasa de morbilidad y mortalidad en nuestro país.(AU)