Molecular and spatial evaluation of small rodents and Didelphimorphis infected with Mycobacterium leprae in the southern Amazon, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The high levels of recent transmission of leprosy worldwide demonstrate the necessity of epidemiologic surveillance to understand and control its dissemination. Brazil remains the second in number of cases around the world, indicating active transmission of Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae) in the population. At this moment, there is a consensus that the bacillus is transmitted by inter-human contact, however, different serologic, molecular, and histopathological approaches indicate the existence of non-human transmission sources. METHODS AND RESULTS: The qPCR assay was used to amplify the molecular targets 16S RNAr and RLEP, in samples of liver, spleen, and ear of wild animals belonging to Didelphimorphia and Rodentia orders, in highly endemic areas of Mato Grosso, Brazil. The RLEP repetitive sequence was positive in 202 (89.0%) samples, with 96 (42.3%) of these also being positive for the 16S gene. Regarding the collection sites, it was observed that the animals were found in areas profoundly deforested, close to urban areas. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that wild animals can play an important role in the maintenance of M. leprae in endemic regions with major anthropic action in Brazil. Therefore, integrating human, animal, and environmental health care with the One Health initiative is highly efficient for the development of effective strategies to contain and control leprosy in Brazil.

"I Feel Like a Fraud Who Acts Like a Feminist": The Discussion Themes and Sexual Scripts in the Porn Free Women Online Forum.

Research on online pornography abstinence movements has predominantly focused on men's perspectives, often within the context of the broader manosphere. This focus has overshadowed the unique experiences and viewpoints of women in these movements. Our study aimed to fill this gap by exploring women-centric perspectives in pornography abstinence forums, particularly Porn Free Women (r/pornfreewomen). Using a mixed methods approach, this study examined the sexual scripts presented in women-dominated pornography abstinence communities. Our structural topic modeling analysis delineated the interplay of therapeutic, heteronormative, and empowerment themes that were evident in women's narratives and expressions. Further, our discourse analysis elucidated three specific scripts: the addiction script, the heterosexual script, and the liberation script. These interweaving narratives show that discussions of women's pornography abstinence are multifaceted and include a variety of perspectives to negotiate. These results contribute to a nuanced understanding of the values of health and well-being, sexual liberation, and feminism within women's pornography abstinence communities.

Mpox Viral Lineage Analysis and Technique Development Using Next-generation Sequencing Approach.

BACKGROUND: In response to Mpox endemic and public health emergency, DCHHS aimed to develop NGS based techniques to streamline Mpox viral clade and lineage analysis. METHODS: The Mpox sequencing workflow started with DNA extraction and adapted Illumina's COVIDSeq assay using hMpox primer pools from Yale School of Public Health. Sequencing steps included cDNA amplification, tagmentation, PCR indexing, pooling libraries, sequencing on MiSeq, data analysis, and report generation. The bioinformatic analysis comprised read assembly and consensus sequence mapping to reference genomes and variant identification, and utilized pipelines including Illumina BaseSpace, NextClade, CLC Workbench, Terra.bio for data quality control (QC) and validation. RESULTS: In total, 171 mpox samples were sequenced using modified COVIDSeq workflow and QC metrics were assessed for read quality, depth, and coverage. Multiple analysis pipelines identified the West African clade IIb as the only clade during peak Mpox infection from July through October 2022. Analyses also indicated lineage B.1.2 as the dominant variant comprising the majority of Mpox viral genomes (77.7%), implying its geographical distribution in the United States. Viral sequences were uploaded to GISAID EpiPox. CONCLUSIONS: We developed NGS workflows to precisely detect and analyze mpox viral clade and lineages aiding in public health genomic surveillance.

Fortalecendo a Atuação dos Profissionais do Programa Saúde na Escola: interface com o PET-Saúde / Strengthening the Performance of Professionals in the School Health Program: interface with PET-Saúde / Fortalecimiento del Desempeño de los Profesionales del Programa de Salud Escolar: interfaz con PET-Saúde

Objetivo: Relatar a experiência de bolsistas do PET-Saúde, em parceria com o Núcleo de Pesquisa e Extensão em Ensino de Ciências da Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana, no planejamento e execução de capacitações para fortalecer a atuação dos profissionais de saúde que atuam no Programa Saúde na Escola (PSE). Método: Trata-se de um relato de experiência, de caráter descritivo, cujas atividades foram organizadas em duas etapas: 1) Realização de um Curso de formação de Educação à Distância. 2) Ministração de capacitações para o PSE vinculado à Secretaria Municipal de Feira de Santana, Bahia. Resultados: Na etapa 01, a equipe do PET Saúde participou de uma capacitação para a inovação no ensino na saúde. Na etapa 02, a partir dos conceitos trabalhados na primeira etapa, foram ministradas quatro capacitações para os profissionais de saúde do PSE, onde foram abordados temas inerentes ao programa. Tais capacitações alcançaram 211 participantes, na perspectiva de possibilitar uma atuação qualificada e eficiente junto ao Programa. Conclusão: As capacitações realizadas proporcionaram uma experiência positiva para os participantes, bem como para os bolsistas do PET Saúde, os quais tiveram a oportunidade de contribuir para a melhoria das atividades desenvolvidas pelos profissionais que atuam no PSE.

Objective: To report the experience of PET-Saúde scholarship holders, in partnership with the Center for Research and Extension in Science Teaching at the State University of Feira de Santana, in planning and executing training to strengthen the performance of health professionals who work in the School Health Program (PSE). Method: This is an experience report, of a descriptive nature, whose activities were organized in two stages: 1) Carrying out a Distance Education training course. 2) Provision of training for the PSE linked to the Municipal Secretariat of Feira de Santana, Bahia. Results: In stage 01, the PET Saúde team participated in training for innovation in health education. In stage 02, based on the concepts worked on in the first stage, four training courses were given to PSE health professionals, where themes inherent to the program were addressed. Such training reached 211 participants, with the aim of enabling qualified and efficient action within the Program. Conclusion: The training provided provided a positive experience for the participants, as well as for the PET Saúde scholarship holders, who had the opportunity to contribute to the improvement of the activities carried out by professionals working in the PSE

Objetivo: Relatar la experiencia de becarios del PET-Saúde, en colaboración con el Centro de Investigación y Extensión en Enseñanza de las Ciencias de la Universidad Estadual de Feira de Santana, en la planificación y ejecución de capacitaciones para fortalecer el desempeño de los profesionales de la salud que actúan en el Programa de Salud Escolar (PSE). Método: Se trata de un relato de experiencia, de carácter descriptivo, cuyas actividades se organizaron en dos etapas: 1) Realización de un curso de formación en Educación a Distancia. 2) Provisión de capacitación para el PSE vinculado a la Secretaría Municipal de Feira de Santana, Bahía. Resultados: En la etapa 01, el equipo de PET Saúde participó de una capacitación para la innovación en educación en salud. En la etapa 02, a partir de los conceptos trabajados en la primera etapa, se impartieron cuatro cursos de capacitación a profesionales de la salud del PSE, donde se abordaron temas inherentes al programa. Dicha capacitación alcanzó a 211 participantes, con el objetivo de posibilitar una actuación cualificada y eficiente dentro del Programa. Conclusión: La capacitación brindada proporcionó una experiencia positiva para los participantes, así como para los becarios del PET Saúde, que tuvieron la oportunidad de contribuir para la mejora de las actividades realizadas por los profesionales que actúan en el PSE.

Deep learning framework for epidemiological forecasting: A study on COVID-19 cases and deaths in the Amazon state of Pará, Brazil.

Modeling time series has been a particularly challenging aspect due to the need for constant adjustments in a rapidly changing environment, data uncertainty, dependencies between variables, volatile fluctuations, and the need to identify ideal hyperparameters. The present study presents a Framework capable of making projections from time series related to cases and deaths by COVID-19 in the Amazonian state of Pará, in Brazil. For the first time, deep learning models such as TCN, TRANSFORMER, TFT, N-BEATS, and N-HiTS were assessed for this purpose. The ARIMA statistical model was also used in post-processing for residual adjustment and short-term smoothing of the generated forecasts. The Framework generates probabilistic forecasts, with multivariate support, considering the following variables: daily cases per day of the first symptom, cases published daily, the occurrence of deaths, deaths published daily, and percentage of daily vaccination. The generated predictions are statistically evaluated by determining the best model for 7-day moving average projections using evaluating metrics such as MSE, RMSE, MAPE, sMAPE, r2, Coefficient of Variation, and residual analysis. As a result, the generated projections showed an average error of 5.4% for Cases Publication, 8.0% for Cases Symptoms, 11.12% for Deaths Publication, and 4.6% for Deaths Occurrence, with the N-HiTS and N-BEATS models obtaining better results. In general terms, the use of deep learning models to predict cases and deaths from COVID-19 has proven to be a valuable practice for analyzing the spread of the virus, which allows health managers to better understand and respond to this kind of pandemic outbreak.

Characterization and finding the origin of off-flavor compounds in Nile tilapia cultured in net cages in hydroelectric reservoirs, São Paulo State, Brazil.

An increasing demand for fish products has led to an intensive aquaculture production in Brazil, and cultivation of fish constituted 860 × 103 tons in 2022, contributing to the 87% of total fish consumption. Nile tilapia constitutes almost half of the aquaculture production, and most tilapia farms use floating net cages. One of the major constraints of intensive fish production is production of off-flavors. Release of nutrients by the fish leads to deterioration of the water quality and stimulates growth of microorganisms, also including off-flavor producing species. The objective of this study was to determine levels of taste and odor compounds (geosmin, 2-MIB and a selection of volatile compounds) and their impact on the flavor quality of Nile tilapia produced in net cages in reservoirs in São Paulo State, Brazil. GC-MS analysis of fish and water from six different farms showed concentrations of geosmin in the water from 1 to 8 ng/L, while geosmin in fish flesh ranged from 40 to 750 ng/kg. The level of 2-MIB in water was 2 to 25 ng/L, and 0 to 800 ng/kg fish. The GC-MS analysis also revealed presence of more than 100 volatile organic compounds in the fish flesh, consisting of aldehydes, alcohols, benzene derivatives, hydrocarbons, ketones and few other compounds. Geosmin and 2-MIB related flavor notes were detected in all fish by a sensory panel, and a high correlation between the chemical and sensory analyses was found. The potential impact of the volatile organic compounds on the fish flavor is discussed. Analysis of the water quality in the reservoirs indicated that levels of geosmin and 2-MIB levels were highly influenced by the nutrient levels in the water.

Zinc Status and Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, the prevalence of which has increased in children and adolescents over the years. Studies point to deficiency of trace elements as one of the factors involved in the etiology of the disorder, with zinc being one of the main trace elements investigated in individuals with ASD. The aim of this review is to summarize scientific evidence about the relationship between zinc status and ASD in children and adolescents. This review has been registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (registration number CRD42020157907). The methodological guidelines adopted were in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Studies were selected from an active investigation of the PubMed, Scopus, LILACS, and Google databases to search for observational studies. Fifty-two studies from twenty-two countries were included. The sample sizes ranged from 20 to 2635, and the participants ranged from 2 to 18 years old. Nine types of biological matrices were used, with hair, serum, and plasma being the most frequently used in the evaluation of zinc concentrations. Significant differences in zinc concentrations between the ASD and control groups were observed in 23 studies, of which 19 (36%) showed lower zinc concentrations in the ASD group. The classification of studies according to methodological quality resulted in high, moderate, and low quality in 10, 21, and 21 studies, respectively. In general, we did not observe a significant difference between zinc concentrations of children and adolescents with ASD compared to controls; however, studies point to an occurrence of lower concentrations of Zn in individuals with ASD. This review reveals that more prospective studies with greater methodological rigor should be conducted in order to further characterize this relation.

A Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Anti-Spike Immunoglobulin G Assay: A Robust Method for Evaluation of Vaccine Immunogenicity Using an Established Correlate of Protection.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continue to emerge. Immunogenicity evaluation of vaccines and identification of correlates of protection for vaccine effectiveness is critical to aid the development of vaccines against emerging variants. Anti-recombinant spike (rS) protein immunoglobulin G (IgG) quantitation in the systemic circulation (serum/plasma) is shown to correlate with vaccine efficacy. Thus, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-based binding assay to detect SARS-CoV-2 (ancestral and variant strains) anti-rS IgG in human serum samples was developed and validated. This assay successfully met acceptance criteria for inter/intra-assay precision, specificity, selectivity, linearity, lower/upper limits of quantitation, matrix effects, and assay robustness. The analyte in serum was stable for up to 8 freeze/thaw cycles and 2 years in -80 °C storage. Similar results were observed for the Beta, Delta, and Omicron BA.1/BA.5/XBB.1.5 variant-adapted assays. Anti-rS IgG assay results correlated significantly with neutralization and receptor binding inhibition assays. In addition, usage of international reference standards allows data extrapolation to WHO international units (BAU/mL), facilitating comparison of results with other IgG assays. This anti-rS IgG assay is a robust, high-throughput method to evaluate binding IgG responses to S protein in serum, enabling rapid development of effective vaccines against emerging COVID-19 variants.

Biocide Susceptibility and Antimicrobial Resistance of Escherichia coli Isolated from Swine Feces, Pork Meat and Humans in Germany.

Phenotypic susceptibility testing of Escherichia (E.) coli is an essential tool to gain a better understanding of the potential impact of biocide selection pressure on antimicrobial resistance. We, therefore, determined the biocide and antimicrobial susceptibility of 216 extended-spectrum ß-lactamase-producing (ESBL) and 177 non-ESBL E. coli isolated from swine feces, pork meat, voluntary donors and inpatients and evaluated associations between their susceptibilities. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of benzalkonium chloride, chlorhexidine digluconate (CHG), chlorocresol (PCMC), glutaraldehyde (GDA), isopropanol (IPA), octenidine dihydrochloride and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) showed unimodal distributions, indicating the absence of bacterial adaptation to biocides due to the acquisition of resistance mechanisms. Although MIC95 and MBC95 did not vary more than one doubling dilution step between isolates of porcine and human origin, significant differences in MIC and/or MBC distributions were identified for GDA, CHG, IPA, PCMC and NaOCl. Comparing non-ESBL and ESBL E. coli, significantly different MIC and/or MBC distributions were found for PCMC, CHG and GDA. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed the highest frequency of resistant E. coli in the subpopulation isolated from inpatients. We observed significant but weakly positive correlations between biocide MICs and/or MBCs and antimicrobial MICs. In summary, our data indicate a rather moderate effect of biocide use on the susceptibility of E. coli to biocides and antimicrobials.

Modulation of the Berry Skin Transcriptome of cv. Tempranillo Induced by Water Stress Levels.

Climate change in the Mediterranean area is making summers warmer and dryer. Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) is mostly important for wine production in Mediterranean countries, and the variety Tempranillo is one of the most cultivated in Spain and Portugal. Drought decreases yield and quality and causes important economic losses. As full irrigation has negative effects on quality and water is scarce in this region, deficit irrigation is often applied. In this research, we studied the effects of two deficit irrigation treatments, Sustained Deficit Irrigation (SDI) and Regulated Deficit Irrigation (RDI), on the transcriptome of grape berries at full maturation, through RNAseq. The expression of differentially regulated genes (DEGs) was also monitored through RT-qPCR along berry development. Most transcripts were regulated by water stress, with a similar distribution of up- and down-regulated transcripts within functional categories (FC). Primary metabolism was the more severely affected FC under water stress, followed by signaling and transport. Almost all DEGs monitored were significantly up-regulated by severe water stress at veraison. The modulation of an auxin response repression factor, AUX22D, by water stress indicates a role of this gene in the response to drought. Further, the expression of WRKY40, a TF that regulates anthocyanin biosynthesis, may be responsible for changes in grape quality under severe water stress.

Brazilian porcupinepox virus infection in a free-ranging neotropical porcupine in Mato Grosso, Brazil.

Although the novel Brazilian porcupinepox virus (BPoPV) can infect wild porcupines, its lethality and zoonotic potential are not well-established. In May 2021, a free-ranging neotropical porcupine (Coendou longicaudatus boliviensis) rescued from the natural savanna in the Brazilian Cerrado, Mato Grosso State, was presented with a lethal poxviral infection. Clinical signs and PCR detection of BPoPV supported the diagnosis. Poxviral lesions included erythema, exfoliative dermatitis, and erosions involving mainly the face, hindlimb, and vulva. Histologically, the lesions consisted of proliferative and necrotic dermatitis, intraepidermal and follicular pustules, and intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies in keratinocytes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed BPoPV strains closely related to other rodent-infecting poxviruses. This poxviral infection resulted in the death of a specimen of C. l. boliviensis; the effect on species conservation, and the potential of spillover into humans and other vertebrates remain unknown.

Associations of the consumption of unprocessed red meat and processed meat with the incidence of cardiovascular disease and mortality, and the dose-response relationship: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the associations of unprocessed red meat and processed meat consumption with cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence and mortality, and the dose-response relationship. METHODS: Published literature was retrieved through a structured search of 10 electronic databases: MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, SciELO, LILACS, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Cochrane (CENTRAL), WHOLIS, PAHO and Embase, without language or year of publication restrictions. In addition, we searched the references of published studies. This systematic review was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes: The PRISMA Statement. RESULTS: Twenty-one prospective cohort studies were included in the systematic review. The CVDs evaluated in the inserted studies were stroke, heart failure (HF) and coronary heart disease (CHD). Considering the heterogeneity found in the studies, for the meta-analysis, 9 articles were included. The results presented in the meta-analysis of the association of consumption of unprocessed red meat and CVD indicated that there was a significant association with total stroke incidence (RR 1.10; 95%; CI 1.01 to 1.19; p = 0.02). There was no association with Ischemic stroke incidence, nor CHD Mortality with consumption of unprocessed red meat. However, for Hemorrhagic Stroke Mortality the assessment in the consumption of unprocessed red meat showed an association of protection for women (RR 0.64; 95%; CI 0.45 to 0.91; p = 0.01). As for the results of the meta-analysis of the association between consumption of processed meat and CVD, they indicated that there was a significant association with total stroke incidence (RR 1.17; 95%; CI 1.08 to 1.26; p < 0.0001). There was no association with Ischemic stroke, nor with CHD Mortality with consumption of processed meat. Some studies that showed no association of risk, presented a significant linear trend dose response for the association of the consumption of unprocessed red meat (Bernstein et al. 2010; Nagao et al. 2012) or processed meat (Bernstein et al. 2012) and CVD. CONCLUSION: According to the results found in the meta-analysis, the consumption of unprocessed red meat and processed meat are associated with the incidence of stroke, however, no positive association was observed in relation to mortality from CVD. This systematic review and meta-analysis protocol was registered on the PROSPERO (number: CRD42019100914).

Cessation Restores Blood Pressure Levels and Endothelial Function Affected by Cadmium Exposure on Rats.

Chronic cadmium exposure produces high blood pressure and endothelial damage; however, it is not known whether these effects could be reversed by interrupting the exposure to the metal. Therefore, we evaluate the systolic blood pressure (SBP) and vascular reactivity during and following chronic cadmium-exposure discontinuance. Rats received 100 mg.L-1 cadmium chloride (CdCl2) in the drinking water or tap water (Ct) for 30 days and/or tap water for 30 days more. The cadmium plasma content, blood pressure and vascular reactivity of isolated aorta were evaluated. Cadmium exposure increased cadmium plasma content, SBP and aorta contractile responses to phenylephrine, all reversed after suspending exposure. Endothelial removal and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibition increased phenylephrine response both on control and Cd-discontinuation models. Cd-discontinuation group presented increased CAMKII and PKA protein expression, as peNOSSer1177. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) incubation reduced contractile response on control group, and catalase incubation enhanced the response to phenylephrine in this group. Meanwhile, both SOD2 and catalase protein expression were increased in Cd-cessation rats. Our findings provide evidence that increased SBP and endothelial dysfunction induced by Cd chronic exposure are reversed by suspending the metal exposure probably due to an improvement of antioxidant enzymes and eNOS function.

Virtual screening and zebrafish models in tandem, for drug discovery and development.

INTRODUCTION: The combination of Virtual Screening (VS) techniques with in vivo screening in the zebrafish model is currently being used in tandem for drug development in a faster and more efficient way. AREAS COVERED: We review the different virtual screening techniques, the use of zebrafish as a vertebrate model for drug discovery and the synergy that exists between them. EXPERT OPINION: We highlight the advantages of combining virtual and zebrafish larvae screening for drug discovery. On the one hand, VS is a faster and cheaper tool for searching active compounds and possible candidates for therapy than in vivo screening when processing large compound libraries. On the other hand, zebrafish larvae form a vertebrate model that allows in vivo screening of large amounts of the compounds. Importantly, physiology and chemical response are mostly conserved between zebrafish and mammals. The availability of the transgenic and mutant zebrafish lines allows an analysis of a specific phenotype upon treatment, along with toxicity, off-target effect, side effects, and dosage. The advantages of VS, in vivo whole animal approach screening, and the screening combinations are also reviewed.

Chloroquinolone Carboxamide Derivatives as New Anti-HSV-1 Promising Drugs.

BACKGROUND: Since the emergence of HSV resistant strains, new antiviral agents have emerged and still are urgently needed, especially those with alternative targets. OBJECTIVE: In this work, we evaluated new quinolone derivatives as anti-HSV. METHODS: For this study, cells were infected and treated with different components to evaluate the profile of HSV replication in vitro. In addition, studies were performed to determine the pharmacokinetic toxicity and profile of the compound. RESULTS: Indeed the EC50 values of these promising molecules ranged between 8 µM and 32 µM. We have also showed that all compounds inhibited the expression of ICP27 viral proteins, which gives new insights in the search for new target for antiherpetic therapy. Chlorine in positions C6 and phosphonate in position C1 have shown to be important for viral inhibition. The chloroquinolone carboxamide derivatives fulfilled "Lipinsky Rule of Five" for good oral bioavailability and showed higher intestinal absorption and blood brain barrier penetration, as well as lower toxicity profile. CONCLUSION: Although the inhibition activities of chloroquinolone carboxamide derivatives were lower than acyclovir, they showed different modes of action in comparison to the drugs currently available. These findings encourage us to continue pre-clinical studies for the development of new anti-HSV-1 agents.

Evaluation of a teleaudiology service in regional Australia.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate accessibility, effectiveness, acceptability and efficiency of a student- assisted teleaudiology model of care in a regional hospital in Queensland, Australia. DESIGN: Prospective mixed method service evaluation study. STUDY SAMPLE: Demographic, service and satisfaction data were collected from 233 patients (children aged ≥5 and adults) who received teleaudiology assessment. Satisfaction data was collected from 27 hospital clinic staff (medical, nursing and clinic assistants) and 28 university audiology clinical educator participants. Experience and satisfaction data were collected from 16 teleaudiology clinic university students. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS software. Qualitative data were analysed using inductive content analysis. RESULTS: Following introduction of the teleaudiology service in 2017 and evaluation during the first 6 months, 95% of patients were able to access audiology assessments on the same day as their Ear, Nose and Throat appointments. New referrals to the service were seen within a month. The audiology assessment battery was completed 95% of the time within an average of 33 minutes by the end of the study period. Patients, hospital and university staff and students reported high satisfaction with their experiences of teleaudiology, including its convenience and efficiency. CONCLUSIONS: A student-assisted teleaudiology model of care can deliver accessible, effective, and efficient services with high levels of satisfaction by participants.

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease: literature review based on three case reports / Doença de creutzfeldt-jakob: revisão da literatura baseada no relato de três casos

ABSTRACT. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is one of the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies that lead to rapidly progressive dementia. CJD has a low prevalence, and the average survival is only 1 year after the onset of symptoms. As the patients with CJD develop rapidly progressive dementia, associated with myoclonus, visual or cerebellar problems, pyramidal or extrapyramidal features, and akinetic mutism, the hypothesis of CJD must be raised. Classic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings are hypersignals in the caudate nucleus, putamen, and cortical region. CJD must be considered a differential diagnosis of other types of dementia, and there is no effective treatment for this disease. In this article, we present a literature review based on the report of three cases of the sporadic form of this disease.

RESUMO. A doença de Creutzfeldt-Jakob (DCJ) faz parte do grupo das encefalopatias espongiformes transmissíveis que levam a um quadro de demência rapidamente progressiva. A DCJ possui baixa prevalência, e a sobrevida média é de apenas um ano após o início dos sintomas. Diante de um paciente com demência rapidamente progressiva, associada a mioclonias, alterações visuais ou cerebelares, sinais piramidais ou extrapiramidais e mutismo acinético, a hipótese de DCJ deve ser levantada. Os achados clássicos na ressonância magnética são os hipersinais em núcleo caudado, putâmen e região cortical. A DCJ deve ser considerada como um diagnóstico diferencial de outros tipos de demência e não existe um tratamento eficaz para essa doença. Apresentamos neste artigo uma revisão da literatura baseada no relato de três casos da forma esporádica dessa doença.

Novel Long-Acting Oxytocin Analog with Increased Efficacy in Reducing Food Intake and Body Weight.

Oxytocin (OXT) analogues have been designed to overcome the limitation of the short half-life of the native OXT peptide. Here, we tested ASK2131 on obesity related outcomes in diet-induced obese (DIO) Sprague Dawley rats. In vitro function assays were conducted. The effects of daily subcutaneous injections of ASK2131 vs. OXT and pair-feeding were assessed on food intake and body weight in vivo. ASK2131 is a longer-lasting OXT analog with improved pharmacokinetics compared to OXT (T1/2: 2.3 vs. 0.12 h). In chronic 22-day administration, ASK2131 was administered at 50 nmol/kg, while OXT doses were titrated up to 600 nmol/kg because OXT appeared to be less effective at reducing energy intake relative to ASK2131 at equimolar doses. After 22 days, vehicle-treated animals gained 4.5% body weight, OXT rats maintained their body weight, while those treated with ASK2131 declined in weight continuously over the 22-day period, leading to a 6.6 ± 1.3% reduction (mean ± standard error) compared to baseline. Compared to their pair-fed counterparts, ASK2131-treated rats showed a more pronounced reduction in body weight through most of the study. In summary, ASK2131 is a promising OXT-based therapeutic, with extended in vivo stability and improved potency leading to a profound reduction in body weight partly explained by reduced food intake.

Prevalence of comorbidities in deceased patients with COVID-19: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: In December 2019, a new disease, coronavirus disease (COVID-19), emerged, which put several countries on a state of alert. Because it is a novel virus, several aspects and factors that contribute to the evolution of pathogenesis are still unknown and need to be better understood. Therefore, a systematic review is necessary to investigate the association between COVID-19 infection and chronic nontransmissible disease in patients who have died of COVID-19. METHODS: This was a systematic review of the literature for observational studies published between December 2019 and September 2020. The protocol for this systematic review was registered in the International prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO) under the number CRD42020176249. RESULTS: In the 31 studies analyzed, a total of 421,872 (100%) patients were infected with COVID-19, and, of these, 45,399 (10.8%) died. The 3 most prevalent comorbidities were hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and respiratory diseases, respectively. The cure/recovery rate was 89.2% (376,473). CONCLUSION: This review revealed a high percentage of comorbidities in the patients with COVID-19, especially those who died.