Survey on sanitary practices and knowledge about infectious diseases among equine owners in the State of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.

As the primary decision-maker about the health, nutrition, and well-being of their horses, owners' knowledge of correct management practices and clinical changes can potentially affect the immediate health of their horses, in addition to having an impact on the prevention of disease spread in the herd. The adoption of management practices to prevent the introduction and spread of pathogens depends on various factors, including demographics, awareness of the problem, perceived responsibility, previously held beliefs, and sociocultural norms. This study aimed to evaluate the health management practices and the level of knowledge about infectious diseases of equine owners in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted by distributing a questionnaire to horse owners in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The participants included horse owners irrespective of the duration of ownership, experience, or sports practiced. In addition to the hygiene and management of animals, the questionnaire addressed topics related to the facilities where the horses were kept. Three hundred and two horse owners distributed in 60 of the 167 municipalities in the state of Rio Grande do Norte participated in this study. Among the interviewed owners, 63.90% (193/302) answered that they do not quarantine animals introduced into the herd or those visiting the property. Regarding the deworming program, 95.03% (287/302) of the owners regularly dewormed their animals. However, more than half of the participants sought veterinary guidance (54.30%). Investing in educational programs and increasing the awareness of equine owners in the state of Rio Grande do Norte about the main infectious diseases in horses is essential toward improving sanitary management and the general health of animals. Informed owners play an essential role in creating safer environments for their horses, thereby contributing to the sustainability of the equine industry.

Como principal tomador de decisão sobre a saúde, nutrição e bem-estar de seus cavalos, o conhecimento dos proprietários sobre práticas corretas de manejo e mudanças clínicas pode potencialmente afetar a saúde imediata de seus cavalos, além de ter um impacto na prevenção de propagação das doenças no rebanho. A adoção de práticas de manejo para prevenir a introdução e disseminação de patógenos depende de uma variedade de fatores, incluindo dados demográficos, consciência do problema, responsabilidade percebida, crenças anteriores e normas socioculturais. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar as práticas de manejo da saúde e o nível de conhecimento sobre doenças infecciosas de proprietários de equinos no estado do Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil Brasil. As amostras incluíram proprietários de cavalos, independentemente da duração da posse, experiência ou esporte praticado. O questionário abordou temas relacionados às instalações onde os cavalos eram mantidos, além do manejo higiênico-sanitário dos animais. Participaram do estudo 302 proprietários de cavalos distribuídos em 60 dos 167 municípios do estado do Rio Grande do Norte. Dentre os proprietários entrevistados, 63,90% (193/302) responderam que não colocam em quarentena os animais introduzidos no rebanho ou que estão visitando a propriedade. Em relação ao programa de desverminação, 95,03% (287/302) proprietários administravam vermifugação regularmente aos seus animais. No entanto, pouco mais da metade procura orientação veterinária (54,30%). Investir em programas de educação e conscientização dos proprietários de equinos do estado do Rio Grande do Norte sobre as principais doenças infecciosas em equinos é fundamental para melhorar o manejo sanitário e a saúde geral dos animais. Proprietários informados desempenham um papel essencial na criação de ambientes mais seguros para os cavalos, contribuindo para a sustentabilidade da indústria equina como um todo.

Parasitism on bats by bat flies in remnants of a humid forest enclave area in Northeastern Brazil.

Flies are the main bloodsucking ectoparasites of Neotropical bats. The aim of this study was to describe the community of flies on bats from a humid forest enclave, surrounded by the semiarid landscape of the Caatinga domain, in Northeastern Brazil. In addition, we tested the influence of dry and rainy periods on the parasitological indices. Fieldwork was carried out in three anthropized remnants of a humid forest enclave in the Agreste mesoregion of Pernambuco state, Northeastern Brazil. Bats were captured monthly, from August 2018 to July 2019, and the ectoparasites were collected. Overall, 807 bats of 14 species and 11 genera of the families Phyllostomidae (13 spp.) and Vespertilionidae (1 sp.) were captured. Only four bat species had >50 individuals captured, and Carollia perspicillata was the most abundant species (259/807; 32%). Five hundred and seventy-one bat flies from 13 species (11 Streblidae and 2 Nycteribiidae) were collected, of which Trichobius joblingi was the most prevalent fly (197/571; 34.5%). Only the parasitism by T. joblingi was influenced by seasonality, with higher prevalence (P = 0.01) and intensity of infestation (P = 0.02) in the dry season. No lesions associated with parasitism were observed in any of the captured bats. Our results suggest that the bat-fly relationship can be affected in different ways by environmental variables, depending on the species involved. The results of this work contribute to the knowledge about ectoparasites of bats in the Neotropical region, with emphasis on humid forest enclaves, where studies of the host-parasite-environment relationship are scarce.

Biological responses of mangrove oysters (Crassostrea rhizophorae) and mercury contamination in an urban tropical estuary.

This study aimed to assess the biological responses of oysters from an urban estuary in Northeast Brazil, through the evaluation of biochemical and physiological biomarkers, and integrate these responses with the investigation of mercury seasonal contamination. Oysters and sediment were collected from three sites in the estuary of the Ceará River during dry and rainy seasons. Biomarkers (AchE, CaE, GST, CAT, and Condition Index) were analyzed in different tissues. Hg bioaccumulation was higher in animals sampled in the rainy season, with increases varying from 5% to 136%, compared to the dry season. The changes in biomarkers highlight already elevated stresses for the organisms at the inner portion of the estuary, near the confluence with the Maranguapinho River, mainly during the rainy season, corroborating other studies that showed ecotoxicological effects with water and sediment samples. Finally, no correlation between Hg in sediment/oyster and biomarker results was observed.

Acute and chronic toxicity of the benzodiazepine diazepam to the tropical crustacean Mysidopsis juniae.

Pharmaceuticals occur in the environment due to their excessive consumption and the inefficiency of treatment plants to degrade, inactivate or remove them. Diazepam (DZP) stands out as the most consumed benzodiazepine, and induces sedative effects and reduces anxiety. Considering its potential appearance in several environmental compartments, the aim of the present study was to determine the effects of DZP under acute and chronic exposures on the mysid Mysidopsis juniae. Mortality was assessed using an acute toxicity test and a LC50 of 3.7 ± 0.5 mg·L-1was derived. The mass and length of the mysids was recorded in the chronic exposure to test for sublethal effects, and concentrations of 0.25 and 0.5 mg·L-1 of DZP affected mysids length and dry weight, respectively. Although effect-inducing concentrations used in this study are above environmentally relevant levels, the present study adds value to the limited available data for DZP toxicity to marine organisms, and we have shown that M. juniae is the most sensitive marine crustacean species tested thus far.

Comparison of early cardiovascular risk among Brazilian and African university students.

Cardiovascular diseases are among the main causes of mortality worldwide, and dyslipidemia is a principal factor risk. Hence the study of biochemical markers is necessary for early diagnosis. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate biomarkers to diagnose the risks of cardiovascular diseases in healthy Brazilian and African young adults. DESIGN & METHODS: Weight, height, waist circumference, percentage of body fat and systemic blood pressure were measured; and fasting blood samples were taken for biochemical analysis. Triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-c, and apolipoproteins A-I and B were measured on automated equipment using commercially available kits, in addition to the tests of antioxidant capacity of HDL and the enzymatic activity of Paraoxonase 1. RESULTS: After statistical analysis, it was found that BMI, WC, fat (%), triglycerides, ApoB/ApoA-I ratio and Vmax were higher in Brazilians, while HDL-c, ApoA-I, Lag Time, Vmax and PON1 activity were higher in Africans. In Brazilians, the ApoB/ApoA-I ratio was related to obesity factors and lipid profile, but in Africans it was related only to lipids. The antioxidant capacity of HDL and PON1 activity was better in Africans. Through independence testing, we observed an association with moderate risk of myocardial infarction with gender in Africans. In the binary logistic regression analysis, it was found that men in general - and particularly African men - have higher risk of myocardial infarction than women; Odds Ratio 2144 (CI95%: 1343-3424) and 2281 (CI95%: 1082-4811), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The anthropometric and biochemical parameters of Brazilians, especially men, predispose them to greater risks of cardiovascular diseases.

Toxicity of three emerging contaminants to non-target marine organisms.

Coastal areas are continually impacted by anthropic activities because they shelter large urban conglomerates. Urban effluents directly or indirectly end up reaching the marine environment, releasing a large number of pollutants which include the so-called contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), since the conventional treatment plants are not effective in removing these compounds from the effluents. These substances include hormones, pharmaceuticals and personal care products, nanoparticles, biocides, among others. The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxicity of the 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2), acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), and bisphenol-A (BPA) to two marine crustaceans and one echinoderm, evaluating the following parameters: survival (Artemia sp. and Mysidopsis juniae), embryo-larval development (Echinometra lucunter). The LC50 values calculated in the acute toxicity tests showed that the compounds were more toxic to M. juniae than to the Artemia sp. Among the three contaminants, EE2 was the most toxic (LC50-48h = 18.4 ± 2.7 mg L-1 to Artemia sp.; LC50-96h = 0.36 ± 0.07 mg L-1 to M. juniae). The three tested compounds affected significantly the embryonic development of the sea urchin in all tested concentrations, including ecologically relevant concentrations, indicating the potential risk that these contaminants may present to the marine biota.

Development of a short-term chronic toxicity test with a tropical mysid.

There is an increasing need to develop reliable methodologies for chronic toxicity testing using tropical species. The present work aimed at developing a suitable short-term chronic toxicity test with Mysidopsis juniae using zinc (Zn) and nickel (Ni) as model chemicals and growth (length and dry weight), survival, and egg production (number of females with eggs) as endpoints after seven days of exposure. Survival and growth of newborn M. juniae were affected by chronic exposure to zinc, while nickel affected only survival. For zinc, dry weight was the most sensitive endpoint with significant effects even at the lowest tested concentration (75µgZn·L(-1)), whereas for nickel, survival was the most sensitive parameter (LC20 of 26µgNi·L(-1)). Egg production was not affected. M. juniae short-term chronic testing is a sensitive approach to evaluating metal toxicity; further studies are necessary to assess chronic toxicity for others contaminants in the proposed assay.

Left Atrial Volume Index and Prediction of Events in Acute Coronary Syndrome: Solar Registry / Índice de Volume Atrial Esquerdo e Predição de Eventos em Síndrome Coronária Aguda: Registro Solar

Background: According to some international studies, patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and increased left atrial volume index (LAVI) have worse long-term prognosis. However, national Brazilian studies confirming this prediction are still lacking. Objective: To evaluate LAVI as a predictor of major cardiovascular events (MCE) in patients with ACS during a 365-day follow-up. Methods: Prospective cohort of 171 patients diagnosed with ACS whose LAVI was calculated within 48 hours after hospital admission. According to LAVI, two groups were categorized: normal LAVI (≤ 32 mL/m2) and increased LAVI (> 32 mL/m2). Both groups were compared regarding clinical and echocardiographic characteristics, in- and out-of-hospital outcomes, and occurrence of ECM in up to 365 days. Results: Increased LAVI was observed in 78 patients (45%), and was associated with older age, higher body mass index, hypertension, history of myocardial infarction and previous angioplasty, and lower creatinine clearance and ejection fraction. During hospitalization, acute pulmonary edema was more frequent in patients with increased LAVI (14.1% vs. 4.3%, p = 0.024). After discharge, the occurrence of combined outcome for MCE was higher (p = 0.001) in the group with increased LAVI (26%) as compared to the normal LAVI group (7%) [RR (95% CI) = 3.46 (1.54-7.73) vs. 0.80 (0.69-0.92)]. After Cox regression, increased LAVI increased the probability of MCE (HR = 3.08, 95% CI = 1.28-7.40, p = 0.012). Conclusion: Increased LAVI is an important predictor of MCE in a one-year follow-up. .

Fundamento: Portadores de síndrome coronária aguda (SCA) com aumento do índice de volume atrial esquerdo (IVAE) apresentam pior prognóstico em longo prazo segundo alguns estudos internacionais. Todavia, há carência de estudos nacionais ratificando esta predição. Objetivo: Avaliar o IVAE como preditor de evento cardiovascular maior (ECM) em seguimento tardio de pacientes com SCA. Métodos: Coorte prospectiva de 171 pacientes com diagnóstico de SCA e com IVAE calculado dentro de 48 horas após evento índice. Portadores de IVAE normal (≤ 32 ml/m2) e de IVAE aumentado (> 32 ml/m2) foram comparados quanto às características clínicas e ecocardiográficas, evolução intra e extra-hospitalar e ocorrência, em até 365 dias, de ECM. Resultados: Um total de 78 pacientes (45%) apresentaram IVAE > 32 ml/m2. Ocorreu associação entre IVAE aumentado e maior idade, índice de massa corpórea, hipertensão arterial, história de infarto agudo do miocárdio e angioplastia prévia, assim como menor clearance de creatinina e fração de ejeção. Na evolução hospitalar, o edema agudo de pulmão foi mais frequente em pacientes com IVAE aumentado (14,1% vs. 4,3%, p = 0,024). Após a alta hospitalar, a ocorrência do desfecho composto para ECM foi significativamente superior (p = 0,001) no grupo com IVAE aumentado (26%) quando comparado ao grupo de IVAE normal (7%) [RR (IC 95%) = 3,46 (1,54-7,73) vs. 0,80 (0,69-0,92)]. Na regressão de Cox, IVAE aumentado elevou a probabilidade de ECM (HR = 3,08; IC 95% = 1,28-7,40; p = 0,012). Conclusão: O aumento do IVAE é importante preditor de ECM em um ano de seguimento. .

Left atrial volume index and prediction of events in acute coronary syndrome: Solar Registry.

BACKGROUND: According to some international studies, patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and increased left atrial volume index (LAVI) have worse long-term prognosis. However, national Brazilian studies confirming this prediction are still lacking. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate LAVI as a predictor of major cardiovascular events (MCE) in patients with ACS during a 365-day follow-up. METHODS: Prospective cohort of 171 patients diagnosed with ACS whose LAVI was calculated within 48 hours after hospital admission. According to LAVI, two groups were categorized: normal LAVI (≤ 32 mL/m2) and increased LAVI (> 32 mL/m2). Both groups were compared regarding clinical and echocardiographic characteristics, in- and out-of-hospital outcomes, and occurrence of ECM in up to 365 days. RESULTS: Increased LAVI was observed in 78 patients (45%), and was associated with older age, higher body mass index, hypertension, history of myocardial infarction and previous angioplasty, and lower creatinine clearance and ejection fraction. During hospitalization, acute pulmonary edema was more frequent in patients with increased LAVI (14.1% vs. 4.3%, p = 0.024). After discharge, the occurrence of combined outcome for MCE was higher (p = 0.001) in the group with increased LAVI (26%) as compared to the normal LAVI group (7%) [RR (95% CI) = 3.46 (1.54-7.73) vs. 0.80 (0.69-0.92)]. After Cox regression, increased LAVI increased the probability of MCE (HR = 3.08, 95% CI = 1.28-7.40, p = 0.012). CONCLUSION: Increased LAVI is an important predictor of MCE in a one-year follow-up.

Perfil de manipuladores e consumidores de hortaliças provenientes de feiras livres e supermercados / Profile of handlers and consumers of vegetables from farmers market and supermarkets / Perfil de los manipuladores y consumidores de hortalizas provenientes de ferias libres y supermercados

A feira livre de um município desempenha importante papel socioeconômico por subsidiar renda direta para produtores locais e por ser um centro comercial que atende às necessidades da população. Os supermercados têm assumido cada vez mais papel central no cotidiano dos consumidores por comercializarem demanda mais ampla de alimentos. O presente estudo objetivou caracterizar o perfil de consumidores e manipuladores de hortaliças de uma feira livre e supermercados de Santo Antônio de Jesus, Bahia. Trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico do tipo corte transversal, de caráter descritivo, utilizando abordagem quantitativa e qualitativa, desenvolvido nos meses de janeiro a março de 2009 e janeiro a março de 2010. Para a coleta de dados, foram utilizados questionário validado, conversas informais e entrevistas semiestruturadas. Os pesquisados estavam, em sua maioria, na faixa etária entre 17 a 22 anos e 35 a 40 anos; sexo feminino; baixa escolaridade; renda familiar abaixo do salário mínimo; vivendo e trabalhando em locais com esgotamento sanitário deficiente. Há de se destacar uma frequência importante do uso de medicamentos por conta própria na população estudada, bem como a não finalização do tratamento terapêutico. Caracterizar usuários quanto ao uso contínuo de medicamentos e plantas medicinais auxilia na promoção de políticas públicas adequadas ao uso racional destes pela população local. Concluiu-se que o perfil dos feirantes é marcado pela informalidade,baixa remuneração, carga horária de trabalho elevada e flexível, diferente dos manipuladores de supermercados. A caracterização dos manipuladores e consumidores revelou que, a despeito da abertura de muitos supermercados, a feira do município de Santo Antônio de Jesus continua sendo um ponto de encontro entre os que buscam vender e os que desejam comprar hortaliças.

The street markets of a city play an important socioeconomic role by subsidizing direct income for local producers and for being a commercial center that caters the needs of the population. Supermarkets have increasingly assumed a central role in the daily lives of consumers as they commercialize a broader range of foods. The present study aimed tocharacterize the profile of consumers and handlers of fruits and vegetables from a street market and supermarkets of Santo Antônio de Jesus, Bahia. This is an epidemiological cross sectional and descriptive study, using quantitative and qualitative approach, developed during themonths of January to March 2009 and January-March 2010. For the data collection validated questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and informal conversations were used. Respondents were mostly aged between 17 and 22 years and 35 to 40 years, female gender, low education, family income below the minimum wage, living and working in places with poor sanitation. It is important to highlight an indiscriminate practice of self-medication in this population, as well as non-completion of therapeutic treatment. To characterize users accordingly to their continuous use of medications and herbal medicine helps in promoting appropriate public policies for the rational use of medicines by the local population. It is concluded from this study that the profile of marketers is marked by informality, low payment, high and flexible workload, unlikesupermarket handlers. The characterization of handlers and consumers showed that, despite the opening of many supermarkets, the street market of Santo Antônio de Jesus remains a meeting point for those seeking to sell and those who want to buy vegetables.

La feria libre de una ciudad juega un importante rol socioeconómico mediante la subvención de renta directa para los productores locales y por ser un centro comercial que abastece a las necesidades de la población. Los supermercados han asumido un rol, cada vez más central en el cotidiano de los consumidores, por la oferta cada vez más amplia de alimentos. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo caracterizar el perfil de los consumidores y manipuladores de hortalizas de una feria libre y los supermercados de Santo Antonio de Jesús, Bahía. Se trata de un estudio epidemiológico, de tipo transversal y descriptivo, con enfoque cuantitativo y cualitativo, desarrollado en los meses de enero a marzo de 2009 y enero a marzo de 2010. Para la recolecta de los datos, se utilizaron un cuestionarios validado, conversaciones informales y entrevistas semiestructuradas y. Los encuestados tenían edades comprendidas, mayoritariamente, entre 17 y 22 años y 35 a 40 años, sexo femenino, bajo nivel escolar, ingreso familiar por debajo del sueldo base, que viven y trabajan en lugares con malas condiciones sanitarias. Hay que destacar una frecuencia importante del uso de medicinas por su cuenta en esta población, así como la no finalización del tratamiento terapéutico. Caracterizar a los usuarios, cuanto al uso continuo de medicinas y plantas medicinales, ayuda en la promoción de políticas públicas adecuadas para el uso racional de estos por la población local. Se concluye que el perfil de los feriantes se caracteriza por la informalidad, los bajos salarios, carga de horaria de trabajo elevada y flexible, diferente de los manipuladores de supermercados. La caracterización de los manipuladores y consumidores mostró que, a pesar de la apertura de muchos supermercados, la feria de Santo Antonio de Jesús sigue siendo un punto de encuentro para aquellos que tratan de vender y comprar hortalizas.

A trajetória da parturiente em busca de um lugar para parir em Maceió, Brasil / Parturient’s trajectory looking for a instituiton to delivery in Maceió city, Brazil / La trayectoria de la parturienta en busca de un lugar para concebir en Maceió, Brasil

Objetivo: descrever a trajetória percorrida pelas parturientes em busca de um lugar para parir em Maceió e compará-la ao determinado pelo Ministério da Saúde. Método: trata-se de um trabalho descritivo, o instrumento de coleta de dados foi um questionário e a amostra foi constituída por 262 puérperas internadas no sexto andar do Hospital Universitário Professor Alberto Antunes durante o mês de julho de 2008. Os dados foram analisados pela bioestatística. O estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da Universidade Federal de Alagoas, protocolo 006053/2008-41. Resultados:mostram que 48% das parturientes percorreram mais de uma maternidade, 52,4 % iniciaram sua trajetória no interior de Alagoas e 54,76% das vezes o transporte utilizado foi a ambulância. Conclusão: constatou-se que a trajetória percorrida torna-se uma peregrinação anteparto, havendo desrespeito aos princípios do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) e do Programa de Humanização no Pré-natal e Nascimento (PHPN) e que as ações de saúde mostraram-se fragmentadas desde a atenção pré-natal.(AU)

Objective: to describe the pregnants pathway to find a hospital where they can delivery in Maceió city and compare it to what is determined by the Health Ministery of Brazil. Method: this is a descriptive study whose data collect were with a questionnaire and the sample was composed by 262 patients of the mother-baby unit of Prof. Alberto Antunes University Hospital in July 2008. Data was analyzed by biostatistics. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee in Research of the Federal University of Alagoas, Protocol 006053/2008-41. Results: 48% of the women went to more than one hospital to find a place to delivery, 52,4% started their pathway in a country hospital and 54,76% of the times they came by ambulance. Conclusion: it was noticed that the hospital pathway becomes a pilgrimage antepartum, in disrespect to the Government Single Health System principles and also the Humanization Program of Pre-Natal Care and Birth (PHPN). Also the health actions showed to be fragmented since pre-natal care.(AU)

Objetivo: describer el camino que las parturientas buscan para parir en Maceió y compararlo con lo que es determinado por el Ministerio de la Salud. Método: se trata de um estudio descriptivo. Se utilizó el cuestionario para la recolección de los datos, com uma muestra de 262 parturientas internadas en el alojamiento conjunto del Hospital Universitário Pro. Alberto Antunes, en Julio de 2008. Se analisó los datos a través de la bioestatistica. El estúdio fue aprobado por el Comité de Ética en la Pesquisa de la Universidad Federal de Alagoas, protocolo 006053/2008-41. Resultados: indican que 48% de las parturientas recorrieron más de una martenidad, 52,4% iniciaron La trayectoria en el interior de Alagoas y en 54,76% de los casos el transporte utilizado fue la ambulancia. Conclusión: se constató que la trayectoria reccorida es una peregrinación antes de parir, lo que significa que los princípios del Sistema Único de Salud y del Programa Nacional de Humanización en el Prenatal y Nacimiento non son respetados. Se constato, aún, que las acciones de salud se mostraron fragmentadas desde la atención prenatal.(AU)