Comparison of in vitro toxicity in HepG2 cells: Toxicological role of Tebuconazole-tert-butyl-hydroxy in exposure to the fungicide Tebuconazole.

Fungicides are often used prophylactically, to control fungal diseases. Although fungicides have been designed to control pests/fungi, they frequently share molecular targets with non-target species, including humans. Tebuconazole, a fungicide belonging to the class of triazoles, is widely employed, has moderate to high persistence in soil, and can be found in different environmental levels. This fungicide is metabolized to the main hydroxy-derived metabolite, Tebuconazole-tert-butyl-hydroxy (or hydroxytebuconazole). This study aims to unveil the action mechanism of Tebuconazole and the role played by its metabolite, Tebuconazole-tert-butyl-hydroxy (5-(4-Chlorophenyl)-2,2-dimethyl-3-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)-1,3-pentanediol), within the expected spectrum of toxicity. In silico and in vitro analyses (MTT assay, cell cycle evaluation, annexin/PI assay, ROS accumulation assay, and mitochondrial membrane potential determination) were performed in HepG2 cells for 24 h and 48 h. Although in silico analysis suggested that both Tebuconazole and Tebuconazole-tert-butyl-hydroxy are potentially hepatotoxic, only Tebuconazole affected the tested cell line. Reduced MTT metabolism, and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential were the main findings. In conclusion, the action mechanism of Tebuconazole may be related to mitochondrial dysfunction. However, the findings of this study pointed out that Tebuconazole-tert-butyl-hydroxy does not play an important role in Tebuconazol toxicity. The study has generated new data that will help to understand how fungicides behave in the environment.

A deep learning approach based on graphs to detect plantation lines.

Identifying plantation lines in aerial images of agricultural landscapes is re-quired for many automatic farming processes. Deep learning-based networks are among the most prominent methods to learn such patterns and extract this type of information from diverse imagery conditions. However, even state-of-the-art methods may stumble in complex plantation patterns. Here, we propose a deep learning approach based on graphs to detect plantation lines in UAV-based RGB imagery, presenting a challenging scenario containing spaced plants. The first module of our method extracts a feature map throughout the backbone, which consists of the initial layers of the VGG16. This feature map is used as an input to the Knowledge Estimation Module (KEM), organized in three concatenated branches for detecting 1) the plant positions, 2) the plantation lines, and 3) the displacement vectors between the plants. A graph modeling is applied considering each plant position on the image as vertices, and edges are formed between two vertices (i.e. plants). Finally, the edge is classified as pertaining to a certain plantation line based on three probabilities (higher than 0.5): i) in visual features obtained from the backbone; ii) a chance that the edge pixels belong to a line, from the KEM step; and iii) an alignment of the displacement vectors with the edge, also from the KEM step. Experiments were conducted initially in corn plantations with different growth stages and patterns with aerial RGB imagery to present the advantages of adopting each module. We assessed the generalization capability in the other two cultures (orange and eucalyptus) datasets. The proposed method was compared against state-of-the-art deep learning methods and achieved superior performance with a significant margin considering all three datasets. This approach is useful in extracting lines with spaced plantation patterns and could be implemented in scenarios where plantation gaps occur, generating lines with few-to-no interruptions.

Patency, assessment, and management of central catheter occlusion in adult patients in the intensive care unit: a best practice implementation project.

INTRODUCTION: Cannulation with a central venous catheter (CVC) is a common procedure used in critical care. One of the main complications is occlusion, which can lead to delayed treatment, prolonged hospital stay, and increased health care costs. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this project was to promote evidence-based practice for nurses caring for patients with a CVC in a Spanish intensive care unit. The project also aimed to reduce CVC occlusion and ensure CVC patency. METHODS: This project was guided by the JBI Model of Evidence-based Healthcare and the JBI Evidence Implementation Framework. Seven phases were followed using evidence-based auditing and feedback. The JBI Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System (PACES) and Getting Research into Practice (GRiP) tools were used to support data collection, data analysis, and implementation planning. RESULTS: After project implementation, the following results were obtained. Criterion 1 (assessing the CVC, flushing, and aspirating) reached 100% compliance in both audits. Criterion 2 (occlusion documentation) showed a modest improvement, rising from 13.33% to 36.67%. Improvement for Criterion 3 (the need for a policy and protocol) was excellent, rising from 0% at baseline to 100% following implementation. Criterion 4 (rapid instillation of an appropriate thrombolytic agent if a CVC is occluded) remained at 0% compliance in both audits. Criterion 5 (continuing education for health care professionals) improved from 10% to 60%. Criterion 6 (flushing and locking before procedures) improved from 90% to 100%. CONCLUSION: The project objectives were largely met and resulted in a protocol, which has been shared with other departments within the hospital. The implementation of best clinical practice will be continued, including the use of thrombolytic agents. SPANISH ABSTRACT: http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A200.

Short Implant and Heavy Smokers as Predictors for Failure of Immediate Implants: a Retrospective Study.

Background: The possibility of installing implants in fresh sockets was first proposed as a viable treatment option in the 1970s. Objective: to assess the relationships of subject-level and implant-level characteristics on the failure of immediate implants installed in sites that contained teeth associated or not with chronic apical periodontitis. Material and Methods: A retrospective study was undertaken with data from patients who received immediate implants with a minimum follow-up of 12 months after loading. The Generalized Estimating Equation, applying a multiple logistic regression model, was employed to investigate the association between predictor variables/co-variables and failure of the immediate implants. Results: Four hundred and twenty-three implants were installed (208 uninfected/215 infected sites) in 186 patients (92 men/96 women) with a mean age of 57.1 years old. The survival rate of implants was 91%. Approximately half (215/50.8%) of the alveoli that received immediate implants had chronic apical periodontitis associated with the extracted teeth, and 191 (88.8%) of these survived until the last follow-up visit. When the infection-free sites were analyzed, this frequency was higher (93,3%), but the presence of chronic apical periodontitis did not show statistical significance in the implant failure (p=0.167). Smokers with a consumption of more than 20 cigarettes/day and short implants had more failures (OR:7.66, p=0.012; OR:14.06, p=0.002; respectively). Conclusions: Short implants and consumption of more than 20 cigarettes/day were important predictors for failure of immediate implants, regardless of presence of chronic apical periodontitis. Key words:Osseointegration, dental implant, smokers, study, immediate dental implant loading.

Distribution of cases of congenital heart disease in a hospital in Oeste Paulista / Distribuição dos casos de cardiopatias congênitas em um hospital do Oeste Paulista

The aim of this research was to conduct a comprehensive spatial-temporal analysis of the population affected by congenital heart anomalies assisted at the Pediatric Cardiology Outpatient Department at the distinguished Western Paulista reference hospital. We conducted a retrospective study involving the analysis of electronic database records and patient medical charts for individuals diagnosed with congenital heart disease during the period from July 2013 to July 2018. A total of 298 medical records were selected for the analysis of variables encompassing the ICD-10 codes, gender, spatial distribution, and temporal trends. It was possible to observe that septal defects were the most prevalent congenital heart abnormalities, and there was no gender-based difference. An increase in diagnoses was noted from 2014, coinciding with the implementation of the "heart test," and 51% of the cases were from Presidente Prudente, with a higher concentration of cases in the industrial park area. There is an association between cardiac congenital malformations and an adverse environmental context. The findings can inform public health policies aimed at reducing the exposure of the most vulnerable population in pursuit of improving health indicators (AU).

O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar a distribuição espaço-temporal dos pacientes com cardiopatias congênitas aten-didos no Ambulatório de Cardiologia Pediátrica do Hospital de referência do Oeste Paulista. Realizamos um estudo retrospectivo com análise de dados de base eletrônica e prontuários dos pacientes diagnosticados com cardiopatia congênita entre os períodos de julho de 2013 a julho de 2018. Foram selecionados 298 prontuários para análise das variáveis de CID-10, gênero, distribuição espacial e série temporal. Foi possível observar que os defeitos septais foram as cardiopatias mais prevalentes, não houve diferença entre os gêneros. Notou-se aumento do diagnóstico a partir de 2014, com implementação do teste do coraçãozinho e 51% dos casos eram da cidade de Presidente Prudente, com maior concentração de casos na região do parque industrial. Há uma relação na incidência das malformações cardíacas com o meio ambiente desfavorável. Os resultados encontrados podem guiar políticas de saúde pública, visando reduzir a exposição da população mais vulnerável, na busca da melhora nos índices de saúde (AU).

Effect of fluralaner on the biology, survival, and reproductive fitness of the neotropical malaria vector Anopheles aquasalis.

BACKGROUND: Reducing mosquito abundance or interfering with its ability to support the parasite cycle can help to interrupt malaria in areas of significant risk of malaria transmission. Fluralaner is a safe and effective drug for veterinary use indicated for the treatment against fleas and ticks which acts as an antagonist of chloride ion channels mediated by γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), preventing the entry of these ions into the postsynaptic neuron, leading to hyperexcitability of the postsynaptic neuron of the central nervous system of arthropods. Fluralaner demonstrated insecticidal activity against different insect species. METHODS: The study aimed to evaluate the effects of fluralaner on the biology, survival, and reproductive fitness of Anopheles aquasalis. The following lethal concentrations (LC) were determined for An. aquasalis: LC5 = 0.511 µM; LC25 = 1.625 µM; LC50 = 3.237 µM. RESULTS: A significant decrease (P < 0.001) was evident in the number of eggs, larvae, and pupae in the group exposed to a sublethal dose of fluralaner when compared to a control group (without the drug). Using blood from dogs after administration of fluralaner, it was observed that the drug causes 100% mortality in An. aquasalis in less than 24 h after feeding; this effect remains even after 90 days in all samples. DISCUSSION: Fluralaner showed the same result for up to 60 days, and after that, there was a slight reduction in its effect, evidenced by a decrease in the percentage of dead females; however, still significant when compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Fluralaner affects the biology and reduction of survival in An. aquasalis in a lasting and prolonged period, and its fecundity with lower dosages, is a strong candidate for controlling disease vectors.

Unravelling the genome of the brackish water malaria vector Anopheles aquasalis.

Malaria is a severe public health problem in several developing tropical and subtropical countries. Anopheles aquasalis is the primary coastal malaria vector in Central and South America and the Caribbean Islands, and it has the peculiar feature of living in water with large changes in salinity. Recent research has recognised An. aquasalis as an important model for studying the interactions of murine and human Plasmodium parasites. This study presents the complete genome of An. aquasalis and offers insights into its evolution and physiology. The genome is similar in size and gene content to other Neotropical anophelines, with 162 Mb and 12,446 protein-coding genes. There are 1387 single-copy orthologs at the Diptera level (eg. An. gambiae, An. darlingi and Drosophila melanogaster). An. aquasalis diverged from An. darlingi, the primary malaria vector in inland South America, nearly 20 million years ago. Proteins related to ion transport and metabolism belong to the most abundant gene families with 660 genes. We identified gene families relevant to osmosis control (e.g., aquaporins, vacuolar-ATPases, Na+/K+-ATPases, and carbonic anhydrases). Evolutionary analysis suggests that all osmotic regulation genes are under strong purifying selection. We also observed low copy number variation in insecticide resistance and immunity-related genes for all known classical pathways. The data provided by this study offers candidate genes for further studies of parasite-vector interactions and for studies on how anophelines of brackish water deal with the high fluctuation in water salinity. We also established data and insights supporting An. aquasalis as an emerging Neotropical malaria vector model for genetic and molecular studies.

Pressure injury prevention in older people: construction and validation of an instrument for caregivers.

OBJECTIVES: to construct and validate an instrument to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to pressure injury prevention among caregivers of institutionalized older people. METHODS: this is a three-stage methodological study that consisted of instrument construction, analysis by experts, and semantic and appearance analysis, with 78 participants, observing the validation process steps for psychometric instruments in the criteria of clarity and relevance. RESULTS: in the Delphi I round, the validity index of the general content in the clarity criterion was 0.66, in relevance 0.85, and the Kappa value was >0.76. In Delphi II, clarity was 0.95, relevance 1.00, and the Kappa value was >0.97. CONCLUSIONS: this is a valid instrument in terms of content and appearance, which allows further analysis of its reliability for the measurement of the constructs for which it is intended. Therefore, it can be considered a tool for care management in pressure injury prevention.

Pressure injury prevention in older people: construction and validation of an instrument for caregivers / Prevención de lesiones por presión en ancianos: construcción y validación de instrumento orientado al cuidador / Prevenção de lesão por pressão em idosos: construção e validação de instrumento voltado ao cuidador

ABSTRACT Objectives: to construct and validate an instrument to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to pressure injury prevention among caregivers of institutionalized older people. Methods: this is a three-stage methodological study that consisted of instrument construction, analysis by experts, and semantic and appearance analysis, with 78 participants, observing the validation process steps for psychometric instruments in the criteria of clarity and relevance. Results: in the Delphi I round, the validity index of the general content in the clarity criterion was 0.66, in relevance 0.85, and the Kappa value was >0.76. In Delphi II, clarity was 0.95, relevance 1.00, and the Kappa value was >0.97. Conclusions: this is a valid instrument in terms of content and appearance, which allows further analysis of its reliability for the measurement of the constructs for which it is intended. Therefore, it can be considered a tool for care management in pressure injury prevention.

RESUMEN Objetivos: construir y validar un instrumento pera evaluación del conocimiento, actitud y práctica relacionado a la prevención de lesiones por presión entre cuidadores de ancianos institucionalizados. Métodos: estudio metodológico realizado en tres fases: construcción del instrumento, análisis de los evaluadores y análisis semántico y de apariencia, con 78 participantes siguiendo las etapas del proceso de validación de instrumentos psicométricos para los criterios claridad y pertinencia. Resultados: en la ronda Delphi I el índice de validez de contenido general del criterio "claridad" fue de 0,66, "pertinencia" 0,85, y valor de Kappa > 0,76. En Delphi II, el criterio de "claridad" fue 0,95, "pertinencia" 1,00 y valor de Kappa > 0,97. Conclusiones: se tiene un instrumento válido respecto de contenidos y apariencia, para continuar analizando su confiabilidad para medir los constructos a los cuales se propone, para que sirva como herramienta de gestión del cuidado en la prevención de lesiones por presión.

RESUMO Objetivos: construir e validar instrumento relacionado à prevenção de lesão por pressão para avaliação do conhecimento, da atitude e da prática de cuidadores de idosos institucionalizados. Métodos: estudo metodológico realizado em três fases: construção do instrumento, análise dos juízes e análise semântica e aparente, com 78 participantes, seguindo as etapas do processo de validação de instrumentos psicométricos para os critérios clareza e pertinência. Resultados: na rodada Delphi I, o índice de validade de conteúdo global do critério "clareza" foi de 0,66, "pertinência" 0,85 e valor de Kappa > 0,76. Em Delphi II, o critério de "clareza" foi de 0,95, "pertinência" 1,00 e valor de Kappa > 0,97. Conclusões: dispõe-se de instrumento válido quanto a conteúdo e aparência para dar seguimento à análise da sua confiabilidade em medir os construtos aos quais se propõe, para que possa servir de ferramenta para gestão do cuidado na prevenção de lesão por pressão.

Assessing the Listeria monocytogenes transference during mechanical slicing of mozzarella cheese.

Listeriosis is a foodborne disease caused by Listeria monocytogenes (LM) and has been linked to the consumption of sliced mozzarella cheese. This study aimed to assess the LM transference during mechanical slicing of mozzarella cheese and its growth during refrigerated storage. Mozzarella cheese was contaminated with LM and 100 slices containing approximately 5 log CFU/slice were produced. Next, 100 slices of non-contaminated cheese were sliced using a contaminated blade (3.67log CFU/10 cm2). LM was quantified on the blade and slices right after slicing and after storage at 10 °C for 10 and 15 days. Results demonstrated that increasing counts of LM were transferred to the blade, comparing the first and the fifth slices (2.71 and 3.22log CFU/10 cm2, respectively, p ≤ 0.05), however, transference stabilized after the 50th slice (3.75 CFU/10 cm2). The blade transferred 1.69-2.66 log CFU/g of LM to different slices. At the end of the storage at 10 °C by 10 and 15 days, LM counts increased to 1.51 and 1.69 log CFU/g, respectively, indicating that LM population can increase if the cheese is stored for a long time.

Micro-Fourier-transform infrared reflectance spectroscopy as tool for probing IgG glycosylation in COVID-19 patients.

It has been reported that patients diagnosed with COVID-19 become critically ill primarily around the time of activation of the adaptive immune response. However the role of antibodies in the worsening of disease is not obvious. Higher titers of anti-spike immunoglobulin IgG1 associated with low fucosylation of the antibody Fc tail have been associated to excessive inflammatory response. In contrast it has been also reported that NP-, S-, RBD- specific IgA, IgG, and IgM are not associated with SARS-CoV-2 viral load, indicating that there is no obvious correlation between antibody response and viral antigen detection. In the present work the micro-Fourier-transform infrared reflectance spectroscopy (micro-FTIR) was employed to investigate blood serum samples of healthy and COVID-19-ill (mild or oligosymptomatic) individuals (82 healthcare workers volunteers in "Instituto de Infectologia Emilio Ribas", São Paulo, Brazil). The molecular-level-sensitive, multiplexing quantitative and qualitative FTIR data probed on 1 µL of dried biofluid was compared to signal-to-cutoff index of chemiluminescent immunoassays CLIA and ELISA (IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2). Our main result indicated that 1702-1785 [Formula: see text] spectral window (carbonyl C=O vibration) is a spectral marker of the degree of IgG glycosylation, allowing to probe distinctive sub-populations of COVID-19 patients, depending on their degree of severity. The specificity was 87.5 % while the detection rate of true positive was 100%. The computed area under the receiver operating curve was equivalent to CLIA, ELISA and other ATR-FTIR methods ([Formula: see text]). In summary, overall discrimination of healthy and COVID-19 individuals and severity prediction as well could be potentially implemented using micro-FTIR reflectance spectroscopy on blood serum samples. Considering the minimal and reagent-free sample preparation procedures combined to fast (few minutes) outcome of FTIR we can state that this technology is suitable for fast screening of immune response of individuals with COVID-19. It would be an important tool in prospective studies, helping investigate the physiology of the asymptomatic, oligosymptomatic, or severe individuals and measure the extension of infection dissemination in patients.

Educação em Saúde como Estratégia de Empoderamento das Gestantes na Atenção Primária: Relato de Experiência / Health Education as a Strategy for the Empowerment of Pregnant Women in Primary Care: Experience Report

O presente artigo tem o objetivo de relatar a experiência de enfermeiras pós-graduandas do Curso de Especialização em Enfermagem Obstétrica do Instituto Filadélfia ­ UniFil ­ Londrina/PR, durante as ações em saúde desenvolvidas no campo de estágio de Pré-Natal. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo do tipo relato de experiência que foi desenvolvido a partir de uma atividade educativa e de consultas de Pré-Natal, norteado pelo tema "Quando procurar a maternidade?", através de dinâmicas que simulavam a dilatação e banner com imagens autoexplicativas alusivas ao parto normal. A experiência foi de grande valia para todos os participantes. Enquanto alunas, pudemos compreender como se dá o cotidiano profissional e a importância de dirigir o momento da Educação em Saúde conforme as reais necessidades dos usuários. As gestantes e seus acompanhantes, no espaço disponibilizado, tiveram a oportunidade de externar seus medos e angústias e a partir das discussões, compreender melhor a gestação e o parto. Com isso, consideramos que o uso da Educação em Saúde é uma estratégia de empoderamento das mulheres grávidas, no intuito de minimizar os riscos de mobimortalidade da mãe e do recém-nascido, na medida em que possibilita o autoconhecimento.

Estratificação da Insuficiência Cardíaca Clínica através do Mapa T1 Nativo: Experiência de um Serviço de Referência / Clinical Heart Failure Stratification Through Native T1 Mapping: Experience of a Referral Service

Resumo Fundamento: Fibrose cardíaca difusa é fator importante na avaliação prognóstica dos pacientes com disfunção ventricular. Mapeamento T1 nativo pela ressonância magnética cardíaca (RMC) apresenta elevada sensibilidade e é considerado preditor independente de mortalidade por todas as causas e desenvolvimento de insuficiência cardíaca (IC) nos pacientes com cardiomiopatia. Objetivos: Avaliar aplicabilidade da avaliação com mapa T1 nativo em pacientes com IC em um hospital de referência de cardiologia e sua associação com parâmetros estruturais e perfil funcional. Métodos: Estudo transversal com pacientes adultos com IC classes funcionais NYHA I e II, isquêmicos e não isquêmicos, acompanhados em hospital de referência, que realizaram RMC. Os valores de T1 nativo foram analisados em relação a parâmetros estruturais, comorbidades, etiologia e categorização da IC pela fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (FEVE). Análises foram realizadas com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Analisados 134 pacientes. Valores de T1 nativo elevados foram encontrados em pacientes com maior dilatação (1004,9 vs 1042,7ms, p=0,001), volume (1021,3 vs 1050,3ms, p<0,01) e disfunção ventricular (1010,1 vs 1053,4ms, p<0,001), mesmo quando analisados isoladamente os não isquêmicos. Pacientes classificados com IC com fração de ejeção reduzida apresentaram maiores valores T1 em relação aos com IC e fração de ejeção preservada (ICFEP) (992,7 vs 1054,1ms, p<0,001). Dos com ICFEP, 55,2% apresentavam T1 elevado. Conclusões: Mapeamento T1 por RMC é factível para avaliação da IC clínica. Houve associação direta entre maior valor nativo de T1 e menor fração de ejeção, maiores diâmetros e volumes do VE, independentemente da etiologia da IC.

Abstract Background: Diffuse cardiac fibrosis is an important factor in the prognostic assessment of patients with ventricular dysfunction. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) native T1 mapping is highly sensitive and considered an independent predictor of all-cause mortality and heart failure (HF) development in patients with cardiomyopathy. Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility of native T1 mapping assessment in patients with HF in a cardiology referral hospital and its association with structural parameters and functional profile. Methods: Cross-sectional study with adult patients with HF NYHA functional classes I and II, ischemic and non-ischemic, followed in a referral hospital, who underwent CMR. Native T1 values were analyzed for structural parameters, comorbidities, etiology, and categorization of HF by left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Analyses were performed with a significance level of 5%. Results: Enrollment of 134 patients. Elevated native T1 values were found in patients with greater dilation (1004.9 vs 1042.7ms, p = 0.001), ventricular volumes (1021.3 vs 1050.3ms, p <0.01) and ventricular dysfunction (1010.1 vs 1053.4ms, p <0.001), also present when the non-ischemic group was analyzed separately. Patients classified as HF with reduced ejection fraction had higher T1 values than those with HF and preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) (992.7 vs 1054.1ms, p <0.001). Of those with HFPEF, 55.2% had higher T1. Conclusions: CMR T1 mapping is feasible for clinical HF evaluation. There was a direct association between higher native T1 values and lower ejection fraction, and with larger LV diameters and volumes, regardless of the etiology of HF.

Mauritia flexuosa palm trees airborne mapping with deep convolutional neural network.

Accurately mapping individual tree species in densely forested environments is crucial to forest inventory. When considering only RGB images, this is a challenging task for many automatic photogrammetry processes. The main reason for that is the spectral similarity between species in RGB scenes, which can be a hindrance for most automatic methods. This paper presents a deep learning-based approach to detect an important multi-use species of palm trees (Mauritia flexuosa; i.e., Buriti) on aerial RGB imagery. In South-America, this palm tree is essential for many indigenous and local communities because of its characteristics. The species is also a valuable indicator of water resources, which comes as a benefit for mapping its location. The method is based on a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) to identify and geolocate singular tree species in a high-complexity forest environment. The results returned a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.75 trees and an F1-measure of 86.9%. These results are better than Faster R-CNN and RetinaNet methods considering equal experiment conditions. In conclusion, the method presented is efficient to deal with a high-density forest scenario and can accurately map the location of single species like the M. flexuosa palm tree and may be useful for future frameworks.

Hansen's disease - a forgotten disease?

Hansen's disease, also known as leprosy, is an infection caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae. The authors present the case of a 52-year-old man, born in Tondela and living in Espinho, with no pathological antecedents. The clinical picture began in April 2017, when macular lesions appeared in the lower limbs and rapidly progressed to the trunk and upper limbs, associated with complaints of pruritus but without alterations in the analytical study. After several topical and systemic treatments with glucocorticoids, antifungals, antibacterials and unsuccessful antihistamines, he was referred to an external consultation of Dermatology. He performed a biopsy of one of the lesions that revealed the definitive diagnosis: "Lepromatous Leprosy". After the biopsy result, he started triple treatment with rifampicin, clofazimine and dapsone with improvement of the condition.

Phenotypic traits of individuals in a long-term colony of Anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) aquasalis (Diptera: Culicidae) show variable susceptibility to Plasmodium and suggest cryptic speciation.

Anopheles aquasalis is an important malaria vector in coastal regions of South America and islands of the Caribbean. In its original description, the species was divided into two varieties, based on the scaling patterns of their hind-tarsomere 2. Specimens from our 25-year established colony, used for Plasmodium experimental infections, still exhibit both scaling tarsomere patterns. This study examined the DNA sequence of the nuclear Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 (ITS2) and susceptibility to Plasmodium, looking for differences among the phenotypes 30BS and 50BS. One hundred mosquitoes, 25 males and 25 females of each sex, and phenotype were analyzed. Twenty-seven novel haplotypes were identified. Three were found in both phenotypes (30BS and 50BS) regardless of gender. Among the other 27 genotypes, we observed a male-oriented bias in both phenotypic categories. Evaluation of Plasmodium yoelii N67 infections, based on oocyst counts, showed a higher susceptibility of 30BS compared with 50BS. Future studies need to be conducted to evaluate if these genotype assortments among the phenotypic groups reflect differences in fitness, mating, and their susceptibility to infection by Plasmodium parasites.

Combate à violência e redução de danos: corpo político da mulher nas festas universitárias / Fighting violence and harm reduction: political women's bodies in the university festivities / Lucha contra la violencia y reducción de daños: el cuerpo político de las mujeres en las festividades universitarias

Este artigo teve o objetivo de discutir a temática da violência contra a mulher nas festas universitárias, a partir das ações de um projeto de extensão. Participaram acadêmicas de uma universidade estadual e outros participantes de festas universitárias. A perspectiva teórico-metodológica sustentou-se na articulação entre as perspectivas dos Direitos Humanos, da Redução de Danos e dos Estudos de Gênero. A metodologia organizou-se em capacitação da equipe; divulgação do projeto; realização de grupos com estudantes que frequentam as festas; intervenções em festas universitárias. Os resultados apontam para sensibilização dos atores da comunidade acadêmica no que se refere ao comprometimento ético-político em relação à temática da violência contra mulher nas festas universitárias, bem como reflexão das acadêmicas sobre a questão dos direitos e da autonomia do corpo da mulher na universidade, além da criação de estratégias coletivas de prevenção.

This article aimed to discuss the theme of violence against women in university festivities, based on the actions of an extension project. Undergraduate women from a state university and other people of the university festivities participated in the study. The theoretical-methodological perspective was based on the articulation among the Human Rights, Harm Reduction and gender studies perspectives. The methodology was organized from the training of the team; dissemination of the project; formation of groups with students who attended the parties; interventions at university parties. The results point to the sensitization of the actors in the academic community concerning the ethical-political commitment on the matter of violence against women in the scope of university festivities, provided the reflection of the students on the issue of the rights and autonomy of women's bodies in the university, as well as the creation of collective prevention strategies.

Este artículo tuvo el objetivo de discutir el tema de la violencia contra las mujeres en las festividades universitarias, basándose en las acciones de un proyecto de extensión. Los participantes incluyeron académicas de una universidad estatal y otros participantes de fiestas universitarias. La perspectiva teórico-metodológica se basó en la articulación entre los Derechos Humanos, Reducción de Daños y estudios de género. La metodología fue organizada a partir de la formación del equipo; difusión del proyecto; grupos de trabajo con estudiantes que asisten a fiestas; intervenciones en las fiestas universitarias. Los resultados apuntan a la sensibilización de los actores de la comunidad académica con respecto al compromiso ético-político con el tema de la violencia contra las mujeres en las festividades universitarias, y también produjo la reflexión sobre el tema de los derechos y la autonomía de las mujeres en la universidad, así como la creación de estrategias de prevención colectiva.

Clinical Heart Failure Stratification Through Native T1 Mapping: Experience of a Referral Service. / Estratificação da Insuficiência Cardíaca Clínica através do Mapa T1 Nativo: Experiência de um Serviço de Referência.

BACKGROUND: Diffuse cardiac fibrosis is an important factor in the prognostic assessment of patients with ventricular dysfunction. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) native T1 mapping is highly sensitive and considered an independent predictor of all-cause mortality and heart failure (HF) development in patients with cardiomyopathy. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility of native T1 mapping assessment in patients with HF in a cardiology referral hospital and its association with structural parameters and functional profile. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with adult patients with HF NYHA functional classes I and II, ischemic and non-ischemic, followed in a referral hospital, who underwent CMR. Native T1 values were analyzed for structural parameters, comorbidities, etiology, and categorization of HF by left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Analyses were performed with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: Enrollment of 134 patients. Elevated native T1 values were found in patients with greater dilation (1004.9 vs 1042.7ms, p = 0.001), ventricular volumes (1021.3 vs 1050.3ms, p <0.01) and ventricular dysfunction (1010.1 vs 1053.4ms, p <0.001), also present when the non-ischemic group was analyzed separately. Patients classified as HF with reduced ejection fraction had higher T1 values than those with HF and preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) (992.7 vs 1054.1ms, p <0.001). Of those with HFPEF, 55.2% had higher T1. CONCLUSIONS: CMR T1 mapping is feasible for clinical HF evaluation. There was a direct association between higher native T1 values and lower ejection fraction, and with larger LV diameters and volumes, regardless of the etiology of HF.

FUNDAMENTO: Fibrose cardíaca difusa é fator importante na avaliação prognóstica dos pacientes com disfunção ventricular. Mapeamento T1 nativo pela ressonância magnética cardíaca (RMC) apresenta elevada sensibilidade e é considerado preditor independente de mortalidade por todas as causas e desenvolvimento de insuficiência cardíaca (IC) nos pacientes com cardiomiopatia. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar aplicabilidade da avaliação com mapa T1 nativo em pacientes com IC em um hospital de referência de cardiologia e sua associação com parâmetros estruturais e perfil funcional. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com pacientes adultos com IC classes funcionais NYHA I e II, isquêmicos e não isquêmicos, acompanhados em hospital de referência, que realizaram RMC. Os valores de T1 nativo foram analisados em relação a parâmetros estruturais, comorbidades, etiologia e categorização da IC pela fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (FEVE). Análises foram realizadas com nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: Analisados 134 pacientes. Valores de T1 nativo elevados foram encontrados em pacientes com maior dilatação (1004,9 vs 1042,7ms, p=0,001), volume (1021,3 vs 1050,3ms, p<0,01) e disfunção ventricular (1010,1 vs 1053,4ms, p<0,001), mesmo quando analisados isoladamente os não isquêmicos. Pacientes classificados com IC com fração de ejeção reduzida apresentaram maiores valores T1 em relação aos com IC e fração de ejeção preservada (ICFEP) (992,7 vs 1054,1ms, p<0,001). Dos com ICFEP, 55,2% apresentavam T1 elevado. CONCLUSÕES: Mapeamento T1 por RMC é factível para avaliação da IC clínica. Houve associação direta entre maior valor nativo de T1 e menor fração de ejeção, maiores diâmetros e volumes do VE, independentemente da etiologia da IC.

Evaluation of liquid and powdered forms of polyclonal antibody preparation against Streptococcus bovis and Fusobacterium necrophorum in cattle adapted or not adapted to highly fermentable carbohydrate diets.

OBJECTIVE: Feed additives that modify rumen fermentation can be used to prevent metabolic disturbances such as acidosis and optimize beef cattle production. The study evaluated the effects of liquid and powdered forms of polyclonal antibody preparation (PAP) against Streptococcus bovis and Fusobacterium necrophorum on rumen fermentation parameters in ruminally cannulated non-lactating dairy cows that were adapted or unadapted to a high concentrate diet. METHODS: A double 3×3 Latin square design was used with three PAP treatments (control, powdered, and liquid PAP) and two adaptation protocols (adapted, unadapted; applied to the square). Adapted animals were transitioned for 2 weeks from an all-forage to an 80% concentrate diet, while unadapted animals were switched abruptly. RESULTS: Interactions between sampling time and adaptation were observed; 12 h after feeding, the adapted group had lower ruminal pH and greater total short chain fatty acid concentrations than the unadapted group, while the opposite was observed after 24 h. Acetate:propionate ratio, molar proportion of butyrate and ammonia nitrogen concentration were generally greater in adapted than unadapted cattle up to 36 h after feeding. Adaptation promoted 3.5 times the number of Entodinium protozoa but copy numbers of Streptococcus bovis and Fibrobacter succinogens genes in rumen fluid were not affected. However, neither liquid nor powdered forms of PAP altered rumen acidosis variables in adapted or unadapted animals. CONCLUSION: Adaptation of cattle to highly fermentable carbohydrate diets promoted a more stable ruminal environment, but PAP was not effective in this study in which no animal experienced acute or sub-acute rumen acidosis.

Regular consumption of fruit and vegetables by the Judiciary's public servers of the Minas Gerais State, Brazil / Consumo regular de frutas e hortaliças por servidores públicos do Poder Judiciário de Minas Gerais, Brasil

ABSTRACT Objective To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with the regular consumption of fruits and vegetables by the civil servants of the Minas Gerais State Judicial System. Methods This is a cross-sectional analytical study, with a representative sample (n=1.005) of the Minas Gerais State Judicial System's civil servants. The outcome variable "regular fruit and vegetable consumption" refers to fruit and vegetable consumption on five or more days per week. The explanatory variables were divided into three blocks: (1) sociodemographic (gender, age, education, race/skin color; income); (2) health conditions and life habits (chronic diseases, absenteeism due to illness, consumption of alcoholic beverages, smoking, physical activity and nutritional status); and (3) work characteristics and psychosocial factors (weekly workload, position, overtime, use of the electronic Judicial Process, county, psychological demand and control). Hierarchical Poisson regression by blocks was used to analyze potential factors associated with the outcome. Results The prevalence of regular consumption of fruits and vegetables was 55.3%. Associations were found with female gender, income above 12 minimum wages, sufficient physical activity, use of Electronic Judicial Process, while there was a negative association with alcohol abuse. Conclusion Regular consumption of fruit and vegetable among civil servants in the Judiciary was positively associated with female gender, higher incomes and physical activity. The consumption of alcoholic beverages was negatively associated with the outcome. Educational actions and programs aimed at encouraging healthy lifestyle habits are recommended, in order to raise awareness and involve public servants at all stages of the process.

RESUMO Objetivo Estimar a prevalência e os fatores associados ao consumo regular de frutas e de hortaliças dos servidores do Judiciário mineiro. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo transversal analítico, com amostra representativa (n=1.005) de servidores do Judiciário mineiro. A variável desfecho "consumo regular de Frutas e Hortaliças" se refere ao consumo de frutas e de hortaliças em cinco ou mais dias da semana. As variáveis explicativas foram divididas em três blocos: (1) sociodemográficos (sexo, idade, escolaridade, raça/cor; renda); (2) condições de saúde e hábitos de vida (doenças crônicas, absenteísmo-doença, consumo de bebidas alcoólicas, tabagismo, prática de atividade física e estado nutricional); e (3) características do trabalho e fatores psicossociais (carga horária semanal, cargo, hora extra, utilização do Processo Judicial Eletrônico, comarca, demanda psicológica e controle). Foi utilizada a regressão de Poisson hierárquica por blocos para analisar possíveis fatores associados ao desfecho. Resultados A prevalência do consumo regular de frutas e de hortaliças foi de 55,3%. Foram verificadas associações positivas com sexo feminino, renda acima de 12 salários-mínimos, atividade física suficiente e utilização do Processo Judicial Eletrônico; em contrapartida, foi encontrada associação negativa com o consumo abusivo de bebidas alcoólicas. Conclusão O consumo regular de frutas e de hortaliças entre os servidores do Judiciário foi associado positivamente com sexo feminino, maiores rendas e prática de atividade física. O consumo de bebidas alcoólicas foi negativamente associado ao desfecho. Recomenda-se ações e programas educativos voltados para o estímulo de hábitos de vida saudáveis, de maneira a sensibilizar e envolver os servidores públicos em todas as etapas do processo.