Senescence on Dental Pulp Cells: Effects on Morphology, Migration, Proliferation, and Immune Response.

INTRODUCTION: Evidence indicates that senescence can affect essential dental pulp functions, such as defense capacity and repair, consequently affecting the successes of conservative endodontic treatments. This study aims to evaluate the effects of senescence on the morphology, migration, proliferation, and immune response of human dental pulp cells. METHODS: Cells were treated with doxorubicin to induce senescence, confirmed by ß-galactosidase staining. Morphological changes, cellular proliferation, and migration were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, trypan blue cells, and the scratch method, respectively. Modifications in the immune response were evaluated by measuring the genes for pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin (IL)-6 and anti-inflammatory cytokines transforming growth factor beta 1 and IL-10 using the real time polymerase chain reaction assay. RESULTS: An increase in cell size and a decrease in the number of extensions were observed in senescent cells. A reduction in the proliferative and migratory capacity was also found in senescent cells. In addition, there was an increase in the gene expression of inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha and IL-6 and a decrease in the gene expression of IL-10 and transforming growth factor beta-1, suggesting an exacerbated inflammatory situation associated with immunosuppression. CONCLUSIONS: Cellular senescence is possibly a condition that affects prognoses of conservative endodontic treatments, as it affects primordial cellular functions related to this treatment.

American Thyroid Association and Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System developed by the American College of Radiology: which one is better at predicting malignancy risk?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the capacity of American Thyroid Association and Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System developed by the American College of Radiology in predicting malignancy risk of thyroid nodules and to verify which one is better at avoiding unnecessary fine needle aspiration. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study with 565 thyroid nodules, followed at a tertiary care hospital, in an iodine-replete area. Those were classified as American Thyroid Association and Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System developed by the American College of Radiology systems and stratified according to the Bethesda classification of fine needle aspiration. The values of sensibility, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value accuracy were calculated. Also, the percentage of unnecessary biopsies was presented. RESULTS: The mean age of the individuals was 58.2±13.5 [26-90] years for benign nodules and 41.7±15.6 [23-66] years for malignant nodules (p=0.002). Regarding gender, 92.6% (n=150) of the individuals with benign nodules and 85.7% (n=06) with malignant nodules were females (p=0.601). For American Thyroid Association, 90.9% of sensibility, 51.4% of specificity, 52.6% of accuracy, 10.2% of positive predictive value, and 98.9% of negative predictive value were found. For Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System developed by the American College of Radiology, 90.9% of sensibility, 49.7% of specificity, 52.1% of accuracy, 9.9% of positive predictive value, and 98.9% of negative predictive value were found. .Notably, 12.3% of unnecessary fine needle aspiration were found in American Thyroid Association and 44.4% were found in Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System developed by the American College of Radiology. CONCLUSION: Both Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System developed by the American College of Radiology and American Thyroid Association are able to predict the malignancy risk of thyroid nodules. Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System developed by the American College of Radiology was better at avoiding unnecessary fine needle aspiration.

Uso de substâncias psicoativas entre adolescentes escolares de Distritos Municipais

Objetivo: analisar o uso de substâncias psicoativas entre adolescentes escolares. Método: estudo transversal, de abordagem quantitativa, realizado em 2021, com 199 alunos de quatro escolas estaduais de Ensino Médio localizadas nos Distritos de um Município do interior do Ceará. Utilizou-se um questionário autoaplicável, DUSI (Drug Use Screening Inventory). Resultados: 92 (46,2%) alunos cursavam o primeiro ano do ensino médio, eram do sexo feminino 114 (57,3%), com idade predominante de 15 a 16 anos (N 31 65,9%). Os adolescentes relataram o uso de todas as substâncias pesquisadas, ainda que fosse somente de uma a duas vezes no último mês. Foram prevalentes: analgésicos (25,6%), álcool (15,1%), tranquilizantes (4,5%) e maconha (3,5%). Quase a totalidade dos participantes negou o uso de tabaco nos últimos 30 dias. A maioria dos participantes negou ter problemas associados ao uso dessas substâncias psicoativas. Conclusão: o estudo auxiliou a compreensão das substâncias psicoativas mais consumidas entre os alunos do Ensino Médio de Distritos Municipais, permitindo ampliar os conhecimentos sobre o uso de drogas no ambiente escolar. Esse achado demonstra a presença dessas substâncias e o uso entre os adolescentes, mesmo nos locais mais distantes dos grandes centros urbanos.

Rabies virus variants from bats closely related to variants found in marmosets (Callithrix jacchus), a neglected source of human rabies infection in Brazil.

Rabies is a fatal viral zoonosis caused by rabies virus (RABV). RABV infects the central nervous system and triggers acute encephalomyelitis in both humans and animals. Endemic in the Brazilian Northeast region, RABV emergence in distinct wildlife species has been identified as a source of human rabies infection and as such, constitutes a public health concern. Here, we performed post-mortem RABV analyses of 144 encephalic tissues from bats sampled from January to July 2022, belonging to 15 different species. We identified phylogenetically distinct RABV from Phyllostomidae and Molossidae bats circulating in Northeastern Brazil. Phylogenetic clustering revealed the close evolutionary relationship between RABV viruses circulating in bats and variants hosted in white-tufted marmosets, commonly captured to be kept as pets and linked to human rabies cases and deaths in Brazil. Our findings underline the urgent need to implement a phylogenetic-scale epidemiological surveillance platform to track multiple RABV variants which may pose a threat to both humans and animals.

A pandemia do coronavírus: o isolamento social × a morbimortalidade do aparelho circulatório / The coronavirus pandemic: social isolation × the morbidity and mortality of the circulatory system / La pandemia del coronavirus: aislamiento social × morbimortalidad del sistema circulatorio

O processo de isolamento social causou muitas polêmicas e provocou impactos na vida das pessoas, principalmente no início da pandemia da covid-19, despertando, em grande parte da população brasileira, o medo de frequentar ambientes hospitalares mesmo em situações de emergência, como em caso de doenças do aparelho circulatório. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi caracterizar os impactos do isolamento social durante a pandemia da covid-19 no número de internações, assim como na mortalidade por doenças do aparelho circulatório. Trata-se de estudo quantitativo, de caráter exploratório e descritivo, que considerou como unidade de análise o estado de Goiás, com dados coletados a partir do Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde (Datasus) entre março e dezembro de 2019, bem como de março a dezembro de 2020. Os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística e apresentados de forma descritiva por meio de tabelas. Como resultado, foi possível identificar que o isolamento provocado pela pandemia trouxe impactos relacionados à morbimortalidade do aparelho cardiovascular. Nesse sentido, precisamente, houve queda nas internações no período de isolamento, e as internações eletivas foram as de maior declínio. Ademais, em relação à mortalidade por doença do aparelho circulatório no período analisado de 2020, foram registradas 142 mortes a menos que no mesmo período do ano anterior, com predomínio no sexo masculino. Por fim, foi possível perceber que agosto de 2020 foi o mês em que coincidiu o pico de mortalidade por covid-19 com a maior queda nas internações por doenças do aparelho circulatório.

The process of social isolation caused many controversies and impacted people's lives, especially at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, arousing in a large part of the Brazilian population the fear of going to hospital environments, even in emergency situations, as in the case of diseases of the circulatory system. This study aimed to characterize the impacts of social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic on the number of hospitalizations and on mortality from diseases of the circulatory system. This is a quantitative, exploratory, and descriptive study that considered the state of Goiás as its unit of analysis and used data collected from the Brazilian Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System (DATASUS) from March to December 2019 and from March to December 2020. Data were subjected to statistical analysis and are shown descriptively in tables. As a result, we could that the isolation due to the pandemic brought impacts related to morbidity and mortality of the cardiovascular system and decreased the number of hospitalizations in the isolation period (of which elective hospitalizations decreased the most). Moreover, regarding mortality from circulatory system diseases in the analyzed period (2020), 142 fewer deaths were recorded than in the same period in the previous year, showing a predominance of men. Finally, we found that August 2020 was the month that coincided with the peak of mortality from COVID-19 and the greatest drop in hospitalizations for diseases of the circulatory system.

El proceso de aislamiento social causó mucha controversia e impactó la vida de las personas, especialmente al inicio de la pandemia de la covid-19, despertando en gran parte de la población brasileña el temor a acudir a ambientes hospitalarios, incluso en situaciones de emergencia, como en el caso de las enfermedades del sistema circulatorio. El objetivo de esta investigación fue caracterizar los impactos del aislamiento social durante la pandemia de la covid-19 sobre el número de hospitalizaciones, así como sobre la mortalidad por enfermedades del sistema circulatorio. Se trata de un estudio cuantitativo, exploratorio y descriptivo, que consideró el estado de Goiás (Brasil) como unidad de análisis, con datos recolectados del Departamento de Informática del Sistema Único de Salud (DATASUS) entre marzo y diciembre de 2019, y de marzo a diciembre de 2020. Los datos se sometieron a análisis estadístico y se presentaron de forma descriptiva en tablas. Como resultado se pudo identificar que el aislamiento ocasionado por la pandemia trajo impactos relacionados con la morbimortalidad del sistema cardiovascular. En ese sentido precisamente hubo una disminución de las hospitalizaciones durante el período de aislamiento y las hospitalizaciones electivas tuvieron la mayor caída. Además, con relación a la mortalidad por enfermedad del aparato circulatorio en el periodo analizado de 2020 se registraron 142 defunciones menos que en el mismo periodo del año anterior, con predominio del sexo masculino. Por último, agosto de 2020 fue el mes que coincidió con el pico de mortalidad por la covid-19 con la mayor caída de hospitalizaciones por enfermedades del sistema circulatorio.

The effect of Vitamin E supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers and oxidative stress in patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis: A systematic review

Hemodialysis, along with chronic kidney disease (CKD), intensifies the inflammatory process and oxidative stress in patients undergoing treatment. In this context, Vitamin E supplementation can mitigate the deleterious effects resulting from these processes. This is a systematic review whose objective was to evaluate the effect of Vitamin E supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers and oxidative stress in patients with CKD on hemodialysis. This review was prepared according to the methodology for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) and the search was performed in Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Scopus and Web of Science databases. The risk of bias of the included studies was assessed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Twelve studies developed between 2006 and 2020 were included in this review. Most of them (n= 11) used vitamin E doses ranging from 400 IU to 888 IU and the supplementation time ranged from 2 weeks to 12 months. Of all the 12 articles included, 25% (n= 3) analyzed supplementation on biomarkers of oxidative stress and 25% (n= 3) addressed these parameters simultaneously. A positive effect was observed in 58.4% of the studies (n= 7). Thus, Vitamin E supplementation can be effective in mitigating the inflammatory process and oxidative stress, however, it is worth noting that the effect depends on the dose and time of supplementation.

La hemodiálisis, junto con la enfermedad renal crónica (ERC), intensifica el proceso inflamatorio y el estrés oxidativo en los pacientes en tratamiento. En este contexto, la suplementación con vitamina E puede mitigar los efectos nocivos resultantes de estos procesos. Esta es una revisión sistemática cuyo objetivo fue evaluar el efecto de la suplementación con vitamina E sobre biomarcadores inflamatorios y estrés oxidativo en pacientes con ERC en hemodiálisis. La revisión se elaboró según la metodología para revisiones sistemáticas y metanálisis (PRISMA) y la búsqueda se realizó en las bases de datos Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Scopus y Web of Science. El riesgo de sesgo de los estudios incluidos se evaluó con la Herramienta Cochrane de Riesgo de Sesgo (Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool). En esta revisión se incluyeron doce estudios desarrollados entre 2006 y 2020. La mayoría (n= 11) utilizó dosis de vitamina E que oscilaban entre 400 UI y 888 UI y el tiempo de suplementación osciló entre 2 semanas y 12 meses. De los 12 artículos incluidos, 25% (n= 3) analizaba la suplementación en biomarcadores inflamatorios, 50% (n= 6) en biomarcadores de estrés oxidativo y 25% (n= 3) en estos parámetros simultáneamente. Se observó un efecto positivo en 58,4% de los estudios (n= 7). Por lo tanto, la suplementación con vitamina E puede ser efectiva para mitigar el proceso inflamatorio y el estrés oxidativo, sin embargo, vale la pena señalar que el efecto depende de la dosis y el tiempo de suplementación.

Transição do idoso do hospital para o domicílio na perspectiva do cuidador/idoso: revisão de escopo / Transición de adultos mayores del hospital al domicilio bajo la perspectiva del cuidador/adulto mayor: revisión de alcance / Older adult transition from hospital to home from caregivers'/older adults' perspective: a scoping review

Resumo Objetivo Mapear evidências que discutem o cuidado transicional direcionado à pessoa idosa, do contexto hospitalar para o domicílio, na perspectiva do cuidador/idoso. Métodos Revisão de escopo, tendo por base a orientação do Instituto Joanna Briggs (JBI). Foram incluídas na sistematização para busca dos estudos as bases LILACS, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL e Embase. Realizou-se a revisão por pares independente, selecionada de acordo com os critérios. Em seguida, foi realizada análise de similitude no software Iramuteq. Resultados A amostra foi composta por 8 estudos, publicados principalmente no ano de 2016, tendo como local predominante os Estados Unidos. É possível observar que houve maior quantitativo de dificuldades e fragilidades, seguido de desafios e, por fim, potencialidades na transição. Conclusão A transição da alta hospitalar do idoso para casa é um processo complexo e longitudinal, que envolve múltiplas fragilidades e dificuldades para o paciente e para seus cuidadores formais e informais, assim como existem potencialidades e desafios a serem explorados. Destaca-se a sobrecarga de trabalho, o esforço e a dedicação exigida, bem como a relação com o envolvimento familiar.

Resumen Objetivo Mapear evidencias que discuten el cuidado transicional orientado al adulto mayor, del contexto hospitalario al domicilio, bajo la perspectiva del cuidador/adulto mayor. Métodos Revisión de alcance, basada en la orientación del Instituto Joanna Briggs (JBI). Se incluyeron las siguientes bases en la sistematización para la búsqueda de los estudios: LILACS, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL y Embase. Se realizó la revisión por pares independiente, seleccionada de acuerdo con los criterios. Luego se realizó el análisis de similitud en el software Iramuteq. Resultados La muestra estuvo compuesta por ocho estudios, publicados principalmente en el año 2016, que tenían como lugar predominante los Estados Unidos. Es posible observar que hubo mayor cuantitativo de dificultades y debilidades, después desafíos y, por último, posibilidades en la transición. Conclusión La transición del alta hospitalaria de adultos mayores a su casa es un proceso complejo y longitudinal, que incluye múltiples debilidades y dificultades para el paciente y sus cuidadores formales e informales, así como también existen posibilidades y desafíos que pueden ser estudiados. Se destaca la sobrecarga de trabajo, el esfuerzo y la dedicación exigida, así como la relación con la participación familiar.

Abstract Objective To map evidence that discusses transitional care aimed at older adults, from hospital to home, from caregivers'/older adults' perspective. Methods This is a scoping review, based on guidance from the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). The LILACS, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL and Embase databases were included in the systematization to search for studies. Independent peer review was performed, selected according to criteria. Then, similarity analysis was performed in Iramuteq. Results The sample consisted of 8 studies, published mainly in 2016, predominantly in the United States. It is possible to observe that there was a greater number of difficulties and weaknesses, followed by challenges and, finally, potential in transition. Conclusion Older adult transition from hospital to home is a complex and longitudinal process, which involves multiple weaknesses and difficulties for patients and their formal and informal caregivers, as well as there are potentialities and challenges to be explored. The work overload, the effort and dedication required, as well as the relationship with family involvement.

Aspects of the epidemiological dynamics of acquired syphilis and gestational syphilis between 2010 and 2021 in a state of the northeast region of Brazil / Aspectos da dinâmica epidemiológica da sífilis adquirida e da sífilis gestacional entre 2010 e 2021 em um estado da região nordeste do Brasil / Aspectos de la dinámica epidemiológica de la sífilis adquirida y la sífilis gestacional entre 2010 y 2021 en un estado de la región noreste de Brasil

To characterize the epidemiological dynamics of acquired syphilis and gestational syphilis in the state of Maranhão, between 2010 and 2021. Methods: Confirmed cases of acquired syphilis between 2010 and 2021 and of gestational syphilis between 2010 and 2020, in the state of Maranhão, available by the Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) were analyzed. Results: The year 2018 had the highest number of reports of acquired syphilis (1.787 cases; p < 0.0001). The municipality of Duque Bacelar (East Mesoregion) had the highest incidence rate (285.5 per 100,000 inhabitants), for acquired syphilis, in the triennium 2016 to 2018. Regarding gestational syphilis, the year 2018 also stood out (1,892 cases; p < 0.0001) as the one with the highest number of records. The municipality of Buriticupu (West Mesoregion) had the highest detection rate of gestational syphilis (42.4 per 1,000 live births) in the biennium 2019 and 2020. Conclusions: The data presented showed municipalities with higher rates of acquired syphilis and gestational syphilis, concentrating located respectively in the East and West Mesoregions of the state of Maranhão. The findings obtained in the present study gather useful information for monitoring areas with a high incidence of the disease, thus contributing to the discussion and implementation of effective strategies to reduce cases.

Caracterizar a dinâmica epidemiológica da sífilis adquirida e da sífilis gestacional no Maranhão, entre 2010 e 2021. Métodos: Foram analisados os casos confirmados de sífilis adquirida entre 2010 e 2021 e de sífilis gestacional entre 2010 e 2020, no Maranhão, disponíveis pelo Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN). Resultados: O ano de 2018 teve o maior número de notificações de sífilis adquirida (1.787 casos; p < 0,0001). O município de Duque Bacelar (Mesoregião Oriental) teve a maior taxa de incidência (285,5 por 100.000 habitantes), para a sífilis adquirida, no triênio 2016 a 2018. Em relação à sífilis gestacional, o ano de 2018 também se destacou (1.892 casos; p < 0,0001) como o com o maior número de registros. O município de Buriticupu (Mesoregião Ocidental) teve a maior taxa de detecção de sífilis gestacional (42,4 por mil nascidos vivos) no biênio 2019 e 2020. Conclusões: Os dados apresentados mostraram municípios com maiores taxas de sífilis adquirida e sífilis gestacional, concentrando-se localizados respectivamente nas Mesoregiões Leste e Oeste do Estado do Maranhão. Os achados obtidos no presente estudo reúnem informações úteis para o monitoramento de áreas com alta incidência da doença, contribuindo assim para a discussão e implementação de estratégias eficazes para a redução de casos.

Caracterizar la dinámica epidemiológica de la sífilis adquirida y la sífilis gestacional en el estado de Maranhão, entre 2010 y 2021. Métodos: Se analizaron casos confirmados de sífilis adquirida entre 2010 y 2021 y de sífilis gestacional entre 2010 y 2020, en el estado de Maranhão, disponibles por el Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN). Resultados: El año 2018 tuvo el mayor número de reportes de sífilis adquirida (1,787 casos; p < 0,0001). El municipio de Duque Bacelar (Mesorregión Este) tuvo la mayor tasa de incidencia (285,5 por 100.000 habitantes), por sífilis adquirida, en el trienio 2016 al 2018. En cuanto a la sífilis gestacional, también se destacó el año 2018 (1.892 casos; p < 0,0001) como el de mayor número de registros. El municipio de Buriticupu (Mesorregión Oeste) tuvo la tasa más alta de detección de sífilis gestacional (42,4 por 1.000 nacidos vivos) en el bienio 2019 y 2020. Conclusiones: Los datos presentados mostraron municipios con mayores tasas de sífilis adquirida y gestacional, concentrándose respectivamente en las Mesorregiones Este y Oeste del estado de Maranhão. Los hallazgos obtenidos en el presente estudio reúnen información útil para el seguimiento de áreas con alta incidencia de la enfermedad, contribuyendo así a la discusión e implementación de estrategias efectivas para disminuir los casos.

Uso de substâncias psicoativas e rendimento acadêmico de universitários da área de saúde / Use of psychoactive substances and academic performance of university students in the health area / Consumo de sustancias psicoactivas y rendimiento académico de estudiantes universitarios del área de la salud

RESUMO Objetivo: verificar as substâncias psicoativas mais prevalentes entre alunos de cursos de graduação da área de saúde e a interferência destas no desempenho acadêmico. Métodos: 115 acadêmicos de Enfermagem e Educação Física de Universidade pública do interior do Ceará, Brasil, responderam ao questionário Drug Use Screening Inventory, em 2021. Para análise dos resultados, utilizaram-se dos testes estatísticos de qui-quadrado de Pearson e da razão de verossimilhança. Resultados: 65 (56%) alunos usavam analgésicos; 54 (47%) o álcool e 14 (12,2%) a maconha. Não houve associação estatística entre o uso de substâncias psicoativas e o desempenho acadêmico. Todavia, dentre aqueles que utilizavam analgésicos ou álcool, mais de 1/3 analisaram o desempenho como ruim/péssimo ou regular e metade dos que usavam maconha analisaram da mesma maneira o desempenho acadêmico. Conclusão: o estudo contribuiu para o entendimento sobre as substâncias psicoativas prevalentes no contexto universitário e os aspectos associados, enfatizando a necessidade de intervenções.

ABSTRACT Objective: to verify the most prevalent psychoactive substances used among undergraduate students in the health area and their interference in academic performance. Methods: a total of 115 Nursing and Physical Education students from a public university in inland Ceará, Brazil, answered the Drug Use Screening Inventory questionnaire in 2021. To analyze the results, Pearson's chi-square and likelihood ratio statistical tests were used. Results: a total of 65 (56%) students used analgesics, 54 (47%) drank alcohol and 14 (12.2%) smoked marijuana. There was no statistical association between use of psychoactive substances and academic performance. However, among those who used analgesics or alcohol, more than 1/3 analyzed their performance as poor/terrible or fair, and half of those who smoked marijuana analyzed it in the same way. Conclusion: the study contributed to understanding the psychoactive substances prevalent in the university context and associated aspects, emphasizing the need for interventions.

RESUMEN Objetivo: determinar las sustancias psicoactivas más prevalentes en los estudiantes de grado del área de la salud y su interferencia en el rendimiento académico. Métodos: 115 estudiantes de Enfermería y Educación Física de una universidad pública del interior de Ceará, Brasil, respondieron el cuestionario Drug Use Screening Inventory, en 2021. Para analizar los resultados se utilizaron las pruebas estadísticas chi-cuadrado de Pearson y de razón de verosimilitud. Resultados: 65 (56%) estudiantes utilizaron analgésicos; 54 (47%) alcohol y 14 (12,2%) marihuana. No hubo asociación estadística entre el uso de sustancias psicoactivas y el rendimiento académico. Sin embargo, más de 1/3 de los que consumía analgésicos o alcohol, consideró que el desempeño era malo/pésimo o regular, al igual que la mitad de los que consumía marihuana. Conclusión: el estudio contribuyó a comprender cuales son las sustancias psicoactivas prevalentes en el contexto universitario y los aspectos asociados, y destacó la necesidad de intervenciones.

American Thyroid Association and Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System developed by the American College of Radiology: which one is better at predicting malignancy risk?

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the capacity of American Thyroid Association and Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System developed by the American College of Radiology in predicting malignancy risk of thyroid nodules and to verify which one is better at avoiding unnecessary fine needle aspiration. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study with 565 thyroid nodules, followed at a tertiary care hospital, in an iodine-replete area. Those were classified as American Thyroid Association and Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System developed by the American College of Radiology systems and stratified according to the Bethesda classification of fine needle aspiration. The values of sensibility, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value accuracy were calculated. Also, the percentage of unnecessary biopsies was presented. RESULTS: The mean age of the individuals was 58.2±13.5 [26-90] years for benign nodules and 41.7±15.6 [23-66] years for malignant nodules (p=0.002). Regarding gender, 92.6% (n=150) of the individuals with benign nodules and 85.7% (n=06) with malignant nodules were females (p=0.601). For American Thyroid Association, 90.9% of sensibility, 51.4% of specificity, 52.6% of accuracy, 10.2% of positive predictive value, and 98.9% of negative predictive value were found. For Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System developed by the American College of Radiology, 90.9% of sensibility, 49.7% of specificity, 52.1% of accuracy, 9.9% of positive predictive value, and 98.9% of negative predictive value were found. .Notably, 12.3% of unnecessary fine needle aspiration were found in American Thyroid Association and 44.4% were found in Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System developed by the American College of Radiology. CONCLUSION: Both Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System developed by the American College of Radiology and American Thyroid Association are able to predict the malignancy risk of thyroid nodules. Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System developed by the American College of Radiology was better at avoiding unnecessary fine needle aspiration.

Citizen Science Mosquito Surveillance by Ad Hoc Observation Using the iNaturalist Platform.

Citizen science mosquito surveillance has been growing in recent years due to both increasing concern about mosquito-borne disease and the increasing popularity of citizen science projects globally. Health authorities are recognising the potential importance of citizen science to expanding or enhancing traditional surveillance programs. Different programs have shown success in engaging communities to monitor species of medical importance through low-cost methods. The Mozzie Monitors project was established on iNaturalist-an open citizen science platform that allows participants to upload photos (i.e., observers) and assist identification (i.e., identifiers). This article describes the likelihood of citizen scientists submitting photos of mosquitoes, assesses user submission behaviour, and evaluates public health utility from these citizen science-derived data. From October 2018 to July 2021, the Mozzie Monitors project on iNaturalist received 2118 observations of 57 different species of mosquitoes across Australia. The number of observers in the system increased over time with more than 500 observers and 180 identifiers being active in the project since its establishment. Data showed species bias with large-bodied and colourful mosquitoes being over-represented. Analyses also indicate regional differentiation of mosquito fauna per state, seasonality of activity, and ecological information about mosquitoes. The iNaturalist citizen science platform also allows connectedness, facilitated communication and collaboration between overall users and expert entomologists, of value to medical entomology and mosquito management.

Non-invasive preimplantation genetic testing: a literature review.

Non-invasive preimplantation genetic testing emerged from the discovery of embryonic DNA in spent embryo culture medium. Considering that such methodology would be an important advance in assisted reproduction, this study aimed to evaluate the current scientific evidence, based on the reliability of non-invasive chromosome screening, through a literature review. We analyzed 14 original research papers in PubMed and SciELO, in English and Portuguese, published between 2016 and 2021 related to the topic. The agreement rate for ploidy compared to the traditional method ranged from 3.5% - 93.8% raising the discussion about the possible causes of this large variation, which may be due to the day of collection, spent culture media contamination, amplification methodology or the cytogenetic method used by each author. We concluded that the non-invasive test has many advantages over the traditional method, but that clinical replacement is not yet possible, and further studies are needed in order to have an accurate clinical test with the non-invasive methodology.

Dynamics of natural infection by Toxoplasma gondii in goat herds in the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil: transitional antibody observation.

This study aimed to describe the transmission of T. gondii in naturally infected goats in the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil, through evaluating the serological status of these animals from one to 12 months of age. Seven goat farms were selected. During the first visit, an epidemiological questionnaire was applied. Blood samples were collected from pregnant goats and from their female offspring every month, to monitor them for anti-T. gondii antibodies, using the indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT). Out of 66 pregnant goats evaluated, 47% (31/66) (95% CI: 34.6% - 59.7%) were positive and out of 93 female offspring, 61.3% (57/93) (95% CI: 52.4% - 69.2%) were positive, in at least one month during the evaluation period. Among the positive female offspring, 43.3% (27/57) (95% CI: 39.7% - 56.9%) presented environmental infection and 56.7% (30/57) (95% CI: 43.4% - 66.3 %) probably had only colostral antibodies or vertical transmission. It was observed that 92,6% (25/27) from environmental infections occurred until reproductive age (six months) (p<0.0001). It was also noted that there is a correlation between the titration of mothers and offspring, until four months of age (p<0.0001). Large fluctuations in the presence of antibodies were observed among the animals over the months monitored. It can be concluded that the prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies within the herds was greater than what has been expressed in specific prevalence studies and that most goat become infected up to the six months of life in the studied area.

Effect of cysteine using Fenton processes on decolorizing different dyes: a kinetic study.

Amino acid cysteine has been used as reducing mediator with the aim of improving dye degradation by homogeneous Fenton processes (Fe2+/H2O2 and Fe3+/H2O2). Through its known Fe3+-reducing activity, this amino acid can enhance the production of reactive oxygen species as HO• (hydroxyl radical) and its pro-oxidant properties have been verified while decolorizing diverse dyes in the present work. Its presence enhanced decolorization of Methyl Orange, Phenol Red, Safranin T, Rhodamine B, Reactive Black 5 and Reactive Yellow 2, mainly in reactions initially containing Fe3+ as a catalyst (Fe3+-reactions). E.g. Fe3+/H2O2 and Fe3+/H2O2/cysteine systems decolorized 27% and 44% of Phenol Red after 60 min, respectively. A kinetic modeling analysis has revealed that 1st-order and mainly 2nd-order kinetic models were well fitted to both Fe2+- and Fe3+-reactions data. Improvements in reaction rate constants have been observed by adding cysteine. In experiments performed at varied temperatures, it was found a decrease in activation energy (Ea) due to cysteine addition while decolorizing Safranin T: Ea decreased from 104.6 to 88.9 kJ mol-1 for Fe3+-reactions and from 81.0 to 52.2 kJ mol-1 for Fe2+-reactions. Therefore, it was found that cysteine decreases the energy barrier so as to improve Fenton-based decolorization reactions.

Prevalence and isolation of Toxoplasma gondii in goats slaughtered for human consumption in the semi-arid of northeastern Brazil.

The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and factors associated with infection in goats, and to isolate protozoan strains in tissue samples from seropositive goats that were destined for human consumption in the state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. Serum samples from 229 slaughtered goats were tested using the indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT), with a cutoff point of 1:64. Epidemiological questionnaires were applied to the producers, to acquire information about the sanitary management used in their herds. Tissue samples from the animals were collected during slaughter, in order to perform bioassays in mice. The seroprevalence found was 21.39% (49/229), with antibody titers ranging from 1:64 to 1:32,768. The municipalities of origin, Patos (OR: 3.047; CI: 1.384-6.706) and Sousa (OR: 3.355; CI: 1.536-7.327), were considered to be factors associated with infection by T. gondii. Thirty-eight bioassays were performed in mice, using tissues from seropositive goats, with an isolation rate of 50% (19/38). There was no correlation between isolation rate and antibody titers. Only one mouse died, at 30 days post-infection, which demonstrated that the strains isolated had low virulence towards mice. It was concluded that there is high seroprevalence in goats in northeastern Brazil, as well as a high percentage of viable tissue cysts in slaughtered animals destined for human consumption. These results demonstrate that there is an imminent one health problem relating to toxoplasmosis, especially in the most populous municipalities in the study (Patos and Sousa), which were identified as factors associated with T. gondii infection in goats.

Caracterização da funcionalidade familiar de idosos na Saúde da Família: um estudo transversal / Characterization of the family functionality of the elderly in Family Health: a cross- sectional study

Introdução: A funcionalidade familiar visa verificar a existência ou ausência da harmônica nas interações familiares em que os idosos estão envolvidos, pois as famílias são responsabilizadas em prestar cuidados junto à Saúde da Família promovendo o envelhecimento saudável. Objetivo: Caracterizar a funcionalidade familiar dos idosos atendidos na Estratégia Saúde da Família. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal com abordagem quantitativa, realizado no Centro de Saúde (CS) no período de setembro de 2018 a novembro de 2019, situado na cidade de São Luís/MA. A população do estudo foi composta por idosos cadastrados no CS. Sendo avaliadas as seguintes variáveis sociodemográficas e clínicas e o instrumento para avaliar a funcionalidade familiar - APGAR Familiar com as dimensões: adaptação, companheirismo, desenvolvimento, afetividade e capacidade resolutiva. Resultados: Foram entrevistados 148 idosos, o sexo feminino predominou (64,9%), cor parda (64,2%), casados (46%), com arranjo familiar monoparental (37,2%), boa funcionalidade familiar (91,2%) e a categoria desenvolvimento destacou-se (83,1%). Conclusão: A funcionalidade familiar é um fenômeno complexo, apesar disso foi possível constatar boa funcionalidade, com ponto forte o incentivo das famílias na autonomia dos idosos.

Introduction: Family functionality aims to verify the existence or absence of harmonics in family interactions in which the elderly are involved, because families are responsible for providing care with the Family Health in order to promote healthy aging. Objective To characterize family functionality of the elderly assisted in the Family Health Strategy. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, carried out at the Health Center (CS) from September 2018 to November 2019, located in the city of São Luís/MA. The study population were the elderly registered in (CS). The following sociodemographic and clinical variables and the instrument to assess family functionality were evaluated - APGAR Familiar with the following dimensions: adaptation, companionship, development, affectivity and resolving capacity. Results One hundred and forty-eight elderly people were interviewed, mostly females (64.9%), brown (64.2%), married (46%), with a single-parent family arrangement (37.2%), good family functionality (91.2 %) and the development category stood out (83.1%). Conclusion: Family functionality is a complex phenomenon, although it was possible to verify good functionality, with a strong point being the encouragement of families in the autonomy of the elderly.

Seroprevalence and isolation of Toxoplasma gondii in sheep intended for human consumption in Paraíba, northeastern Brazil.

Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic parasite capable of infecting almost all warm-blooded animals. Currently, studies assessing the viability of cysts present in sheep meat are still scarce, especially in the northeastern region of Brazil. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies, isolate the parasite from tissue samples, and determine factors associated with infection of sheep intended for human consumption in the state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. Serum samples from 205 sheep slaughtered in Paraíba were tested using the indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT ≥ 64) for the presence of anti-T. gondii antibodies. Among the animals sampled, 30.7% (63/205) were seropositive, with antibody titers ranging from 1:64 to 1:16384. Sixty-one bioassays were performed in mice, and an isolation rate of 47.5% (29/61) was obtained. The infection was lethal to at least one infected mouse in 24.1% (7/29) of the bioassays. The mean length of survival of infected mice was 36.4 days. Females (OR = 3.183; CI = [1.452-6.976]), extensive breeding system (OR = 2.612; CI = [1.120-6.094]), and purebred animals (OR = 2.157; CI = [1.009-4.612]) were considered to be factors associated with infection. These results revealed that the prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies and the percentage of viable cysts recovered from sheep destined for human consumption in Paraíba, northeastern Brazil, were high.

Use of computational intelligence in the genetic divergence of colored cotton plants

The objective of this work was to analyze the genetic diversity using conventional methods and artificial neural networks among 12 colored fiber cotton genotypes, using technological characteristics of the fiber and productivity in terms of cottonseed and cotton fiber yield. The experiment was conducted in an experimental area located at Fazenda Capim Branco, belonging to the Federal University of Uberlândia, in the city of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais. Twelve genotypes of colored fiber cotton were evaluated, 10 from the Cotton Genetic Improvement Program (PROMALG): UFUJP - 01, UFUJP - 02, UFUJP - 05, UFUJP - 08, UFUJP - 09, UFUJP - 10, UFUJP - 11, UFUJP - 13, UFUJP - 16, UFUJP - 17 and two commercial cultivars: BRS Rubi (RC) and BRS Topázio (TC). The experimental design used was complete randomized block (CRB) with three replications. The following evaluations were carried out at full maturation: yield of cottonseed (kg ha-1) and the technological characteristics, which include, fiber length, micronaire, maturation, length uniformity, short fiber index, elongation and strength, using the HVI (High volume instrument) device. Genetic dissimilarity was measured using the generalized Mahalanobis distance and after obtaining the dissimilarity matrix, the genotypes were grouped using a hierarchical clustering method (UPGMA). A discriminant analysis and the Kohonen Self-Organizing Map (SOM) by Artificial Neural Networks (ANN's) were performed through computational intelligence. SOM was able to detect differences and organize the similarities between accesses in a more coherent way, forming a larger number of groups, when compared to the method that uses the Mahalanobis matrix. It was also more accurate than the discriminant analysis, since it made it possible to differentiate groups more coherently when comparing their phenotypic behavior. The methods that use computational intelligence proved to be more efficient in detecting similarity, with Kohonen's Self-Organizing Map being the most adequate to classify and group cotton genotypes.

The P-MAPA Immunomodulator Partially Prevents Apoptosis Induced by Zika Virus Infection in THP-1 Cells.

BACKGROUND: Zika virus is an emerging arbovirus of global importance. ZIKV infection is associated with a range of neurological complications such as the Congenital Zika Syndrome and Guillain Barré Syndrome. Despite the magnitude of recent outbreaks, there is no specific therapy to prevent or to alleviate disease pathology. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of P-MAPA immunomodulator in Zika-infected THP-1 cells. METHODS: THP-1 cells were subjected to Zika virus infection (Multiplicity of Infection = 0.5) followed by treatment with P-MAPA for until 96 hours post-infection. After that, the cell death was analyzed by annexin+/ PI+ and caspase 3/ 7+ staining by flow cytometry. In addition, virus replication and cell proliferation were accessed by RT-qPCR and Ki67 staining, respectively. RESULTS: We demonstrate that P-MAPA in vitro treatment significantly reduces Zika virus-induced cell death and caspase-3/7 activation on THP-1 infected cells, albeit it has no role in virus replication and cell proliferation. CONCLUSION: Our study reveals that P-MAPA seems to be a satisfactory alternative to inhibit the effects of Zika virus infection in mammalian cells.

Gut microbiota in colorectal cancer: Evidence from observational studies

ABSTRACT This study proposes to update knowledge about the relationship between microbiota and Colorectal Cancer (CRC). This is a review carried out using the methodology of the Preferred Report Item for Systematic Analysis and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) and search for original articles, indexed in the Pubmed, Cochrane and Science Direct databases, published between 2011 and 2019, in English. Ten articles showed changes in bacterial composition and its influence on the development and progression of CRC, and only two addressed changes in the composition of fungi and their relationship with CRC. Most studies have shown that the increase in Fusobacterium nucleatum and bacteroides fragilis is strongly associated with the occurrence of CRC due to inflammatory mechanisms; and that Faecalibacterium prausnitzii is a protective factor through the production of butyrate. Additional research is recommended to assess the relationship of microorganisms with the development of CRC, with an emphasis on fungi.

RESUMEN Este estudio propone actualizar el conocimiento sobre la relación entre la microbiota y el Cancer Colorectal (CCR). Esta es una revisión realizada utilizando la metodología del Elemento de Informe Preferido para el Análisis Sistemático y el Meta-análises (PRISMA) y la búsqueda de artículos originales, indexados en las bases de datos Pubmed, Cochrane y Science Direct, publicados entre 2011 y 2019, en inglés. Diez artículos mostraron cambios en la composición bacteriana y su influencia en el desarrollo y la progresión del CCR, y solo dos abordaron los cambios en la composición de los hongos y su relación con el CCR. La mayoría de los estudios han demostrado que el aumento de Fusobacterium nucleatum y bacteroides fragilis está fuertemente asociado con la aparición de CCR debido a mecanismos inflamatorios; y que Faecalibacterium prausnitzii es un factor protector a través de la producción de butirato. Se recomienda investigación adicional para evaluar la relación de los microorganismos con el desarrollo de CCR, con énfasis en los hongos.