Incidência de sífilis no estado do Rio de Janeiro e nomunicípio de Seropédica nos anos de 2010 a 2022 / Incidence of syphilis in the state of Rio de Janeiro andmunicipality of Seropédica in the years 2010 to 2022

Sífilis é uma infecção sexualmente transmissível (IST) que sinaliza a necessidade de efetivas políticas públicas devido ao aumento de casos na última década. Dessa forma, o objetivo do trabalho é descrever a incidência de sífilis no estado do Rio de Janeiro e no município de Seropédica. Métodos: foi realizado um estudo descritivo, com abordagem quantitativa. A coleta dos dados foi realizada por meio do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (Sinan), referentes ao município de Seropédica e ao estado do Rio de Janeiro, no período de 2010 a 2022. Resultados: foram identificados 105.138, 79.609 e 42.819 casos de sífilis adquirida, em gestantes e congênita, respectivamente, no estado do Rio de Janeiro e 187, 140 e 79 casos de sífilis adquirida, em gestantes e congênita, respectivamente, no município de Seropédica. Foi observado uma incidência maior para sífilis adquirida entre homens em comparação com mulheres tanto no estado do Rio de Janeiro (62.719 versus 42.346) quanto no município de Seropédica (110 versus 77). Houve um aumento nas taxas de incidência de sífilis no estado do Rio de Janeiro e no município de Seropédica ao longo dos anos. Conclusão: a sífilis segue sendo uma doença com alta incidência no território do Rio de Janeiro. Nesse sentido, é importante elaborar estratégias em saúde pública mais efetivas às pessoas acometidas por tal infecção.

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that signals the need for effective public policies due to the increase in cases in the last decade. Thus, the aim of this study is to describe the incidence of syphilis in the state of Rio de Janeiro and in the municipality of Seropédica. Methods: a descriptive study with a quantitative approach was carried out. Data collection was performed through the Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (Sinan), referring to the municipality of Seropédica and the state of Rio de Janeiro, from 2010 to 2022. Results: overall, 105.138, 79.609 and 42.819 cases of acquired syphilis, in pregnant women, and congenital syphilis, respectively, were identified in the state of Rio de Janeiro, and 187, 140, and 79 cases of acquired syphilis, in pregnant women, and congenital syphilis, respectively, were identified in the municipality of Seropédica. A higher incidence of acquired syphilis was observed among men compared to women both in the state of Rio de Janeiro (62.719 versus 42.346) and in the municipality of Seropédica (110 versus 77). There has been an increase in the incidence rates of syphilis in the state of Rio de Janeiro and the municipality of Seropédica over the years. Conclusion: syphilis continues to be a disease with a high incidence in the territory of Rio de Janeiro. In this sense, it is important to develop more effective public health strategies for people affected by this infection.

Human-animal interaction and One Health: establishment and validation of the Brazilian version of the Animal Empathy Scale.

OBJECTIVE: To design and validate a Brazilian version of the Animal Empathy Scale, based on the existing Portuguese version. METHODS: Content validity assessment was performed by expert judges, and the adapted scale was administered to a sample of 386 participants. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed. RESULTS: The bifactorial profile of the scale remained consistent, comprising Empathic Concern for Animals (Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega coefficients: 0.75) and Emotional Attachment with Animals (Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega coefficients: 0.79). Considering the One Health framework, collaborative, multidisciplinary, and intersectoral approaches are essential for achieving optimal health conditions for people, animals, and the environment given their intricate interconnections. Empathy plays a crucial role in promoting proximity between humans and animals, fostering positive connections that encourage biodiversity conservation. CONCLUSION: The 13 statements were retained, confirming the validity of the animal empathy scale for use in Brazil, and a Brazilian version of the Animal Empathy Scale was established.

Early and late outcomes of video thoracoscopic versus open approach for bronchiectasis lung resections.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the early and late results of surgical treatment of patients with bronchiectasis, comparing the Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) vs. the open thoracotomy (OT). METHODS: Observational retrospective study of patients who underwent surgery for bronchiectasis. Patients were divided into two groups according to surgical access OT/VATS. Variables collected included gender, age, preoperative symptoms, etiology, segments involved, FVC and FEV1, type of surgical resection, complications, mortality, and length of hospital stay. Late surgical results were classified as excellent, complete remission of symptoms; good, significative improvement; and poor, little/no improvement. RESULTS: 108 surgical resections (103 patients). OT group 54 patients (52.4%) vs. VATS 49 (47.6%). A high percentage of complications was observed, but no difference between the OT (29.6%) and VATS (24.5%) groups was found. Post-operative hospital stay was shorter in the VATS group (5.4 days) vs. the OT group (8.7 days (p=0.029). 75% of the patients had a late follow-up; the results were considered excellent in 71.4%, good in 26%, and poor in 2.6%. Regarding bronchiectasis distribution, an excellent percentage was obtained at 82.1% in patients with localized bronchiectasis and 47.5% with non-localized bronchiectasis, p=0.003. CONCLUSIONS: VATS leads to similar results regarding morbidity, compared to OT. However, VATS was related to shorter hospital stays, reflecting the early recovery. Late results were excellent in most patients, being better in patients with localized bronchiectasis. VATS should be considered a preferable approach for bronchiectasis lung resection whenever possible.

External morphology and growth patterns of larvae and juveniles of Bryconops gracilis (Characiformes, Iguanodectidae) from Amazon basin.

During early development, fishes undergo significant changes that influence external morphology and the functioning of internal organs and systems. This often results in gradual variation of the morphological traits of individuals across developmental stages. The investigation of larval and juvenile fish development and growth patterns has pertinent implications for the systematic and ecological elucidation of species. Bryconops gracilis is a medium-sized fish, omnivorous that inhabits lotic and lentic environments with acidic and transparent waters in the Amazon basin. In this study, the early development of B. gracilis is described, until recently a practically unknown species. In terms of development, we used morphological, meristic, and morphometric data to characterize the larvae and juveniles. The individuals were collected in the Curuá-Una River, Amazon basin, Brazil. Fifty-four specimens were examined. Samples include individuals with 3.39-21.79 mm SL. Yolk-sac larvae have two attachment organs on the dorsal surface of head and body. The larvae of B. gracilis are considered altricial, with a fusiform body, and the intestine reaches the median region of the body. Initially, the mouth is subterminal and becomes isognathic from the postflexion stage on. During the postflexion stage, the most relevant morphological changes occur (e.g., presence of all fins, mouth position similar to adults, increased body pigmentation), making individuals more specialized to explore new habitats and diets and maximize their chances of survival. Furthermore, vertebrae and myomeres are compared and assist with differentiating some Bryconops species at early life stages that occur in sympatry in the Amazon basin. Our results contribute to knowledge about the external morphology of neotropical freshwater fishes, enabling the identification of larvae and juveniles through traditional taxonomy and broadening the perspective on the ontogenetic study of the adipose fin in Characoidei.

Immunologic mediators profile in COVID-19 convalescence.

SARS-CoV-2 caused the pandemic situation experienced since the beginning of 2020, and many countries faced the rapid spread and severe form of the disease. Mechanisms of interaction between the virus and the host were observed during acute phase, but few data are available when related to immunity dynamics in convalescents. We conducted a longitudinal study, with 51 healthy donors and 62 COVID-19 convalescent patients, which these had a 2-month follow-up after symptoms recovery. Venous blood sample was obtained from all participants to measure blood count, subpopulations of monocytes, lymphocytes, natural killer cells and dendritic cells. Serum was used to measure cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, anti-N IgG and anti-S IgG/IgM antibodies. Statistic was performed by Kruskal-Wallis test, and linear regression with days post symptoms and antibody titers. All analysis had confidence interval of 95%. Less than 35% of convalescents were anti-S IgM+, while more than 80% were IgG+ in D30. Anti-N IgG decreased along time, with loss of seroreactivity of 13%. Eosinophil count played a distinct role on both antibodies during all study, and the convalescence was orchestrated by higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and IL-15, but initial stages were marked by increase in myeloid DCs, B1 lymphocytes, inflammatory and patrolling monocytes, G-CSF and IL-2. Later convalescence seemed to change to cytotoxicity mediated by T lymphocytes, plasmacytoid DCs, VEGF, IL-9 and CXCL10. Anti-S IgG antibodies showed the longest perseverance and may be a better option for diagnosis. The inflammatory pattern is yet present on initial stage of convalescence, but quickly shifts to a reparative dynamic. Meanwhile eosinophils seem to play a role on anti-N levels in convalescence, although may not be the major causative agent. We must highlight the importance of immunological markers on acute clinical outcomes, but their comprehension to potentialize adaptive system must be explored to improve immunizations and further preventive policies.

Realities, perceptions, and strategies for implementation of an ethical population management program for dogs and cats on university campuses.

Stray dogs and cats pose significant challenges for public health and animal welfare due to their potential involvement in zoonotic disease transmission, accidents, and aggressions. Large urban centers exacerbated challenges due to the presence of these animals in public areas with high human density. Ethical Population Management Programs (EPMP), rooted in the One Health approach, are crucial for addressing this issue comprehensively. This study aimed to demonstrate the approach on cats and dogs EPMP and evaluate the perceptions of academic community regarding EPMP implementation on a campus situated in urban territory. The study was conducted at the Pampulha campus of UFMG in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. In response to issues of animal abandonment and conflicts, the Permanent Commission for Animal Policies (CPPA-UFMG) was established in 2019 to manage the campus's dog, cat, and wildlife populations. The commission implemented the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) method, along with health assessments and vaccinations for animals. Interviews were conducted with campus staff to gauge their perception of animal management strategies. Retrospective and prospective analyses of the commission's actions were carried out to assess implementation processes and challenges. The animal population survey conducted on campus between July 2018 and September 2021 revealed a total of 266 animals recorded. Among these animals, 195 were cats (73.3%) and 71 were dogs (26.7%), with the majority being adults. Subsequent surveys in 2019 and 2021 showed a slight increase in the animal population, with measures such as sterilization contributing to population control. Perception analysis among campus users indicated strategies such as TNR were widely endorsed for population control. The employees perception questionnaire was applied to 115 individuals, representing 42 units/departments and five gates. Associations were found between these beliefs and support for institutional actions. The majority favored sterilization (92.17%) and agreed that TNR is an appropriate approach to population control. Overall, the study reflects a community concerned about animal welfare and supportive of measures to address population management and cruelty prevention. The continuous efforts of the university's CPPA have led to stability in the resident animal population, indicating success in achieving population control objectives.

Oral health self-perception, maximum bite force and masticatory efficiency in patients with overdentures with different attachment systems-A crossover study.

BACKGROUND: The literature is unclear about how the different attachment systems for overdentures impact the maximum bite force, the masticatory efficiency and how this impact in the oral health self-perception in patients. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of two attachment systems (O-ring and Locator) for mandibular overdenture using single implant on quality of life, maximum bite force (BF) and masticatory efficiency (ME). METHODS: Twenty-eight completely edentulous denture wearers with a mandibular symphysis implant were randomly selected and allocated into two groups in a crossover study, considering O-ring and Locator attachment types. The quality of life and self-perception of oral health were assessed using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-Edent) and Geriatric Index of Determination of Oral Health (GOHAI) questionnaires, respectively. BF was measured using a gnathodynamometer and ME by chewing silicone cubes and almonds in different numbers of cycles. RESULTS: There was no difference between the attachment systems about self-perceived oral health and impact on quality of life (p > .05). The O-ring-type system obtained a significantly higher BF than the locator-type system (p = .04). Regardless of the food chewed, no statistically significant difference was observed with the type of attachment (p > .05). The ME was directly proportional to the masticatory cycles only for almonds (p < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Locator and O-ring inserts had a similar impact on patients' quality of life, self-perception of oral health and ME. Additionally, the O-ring system exhibited superior properties in the BF.

Jump Squat Vs. Resisted Sprint Training Programs Applied to Elite Youth Soccer Players: Effects on Sprint and Power-Related Performance.

ABSTRACT: Loturco, I, Pereira, LA, Mercer, VP, Oliveira, LP, Zanetti, V, Lima, L, Bastos, T, Moura, TBMA, and McGuigan, MR. Jump squat vs. resisted sprint training programs applied to elite youth soccer players: effects on sprint and power-related performance. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-This study examined the effectiveness of 2 different and widely used training programs on the sprint and power-related performance of youth soccer players. Two distinct training strategies-vertically oriented jump squats (JSs) or horizontally oriented resisted sprints (RSs)-were executed under the same absolute loading conditions (i.e., 30% of the athletes' body mass [BM]) during a 4-week preseason period. Training schemes, loading intensities (based on %BM), and the number of experimental sessions were designed in conjunction with the soccer club's coaching staff, considering the calendar, available resources, and regular training programs. Twenty-five under-17 soccer players performed a series of speed, power, and jump tests before and after 10 resisted training sessions, consisting solely of loaded JS or RS. Overall, neither group (i.e., JS or RS training groups) exhibited any improvement in linear sprint and change-of-direction (COD) speed. Conversely, vertical jumping ability and peak velocity in the loaded JS increased significantly only in the JS group, which may positively affect players' performance and training prescription during short soccer preseasons. Given the challenges in enhancing sprint speed among soccer players during preseasons (and even over the competitive season), coupled with the limited effectiveness of RS in improving sprinting, COD, and jumping capabilities within congested and short training phases (i.e., ≤4 weeks), the regular use of RS training methods during these phases may be highly questionable. Coaches should carefully consider these critical limitations and potential disadvantages when designing neuromuscular training programs for soccer players during the preparatory phases of the annual training season.

Qualitative Evaluation of Paraspinal Musculature After Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression: A Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: To quantify fatty infiltration and degree of paraspinal muscle degeneration in patients submitted to tubular microdiscectomy and conventional open microdiscectomy. METHODS: A prospective cohort of patients was submitted to microdiscectomy for lumbar disc herniation after failure of conservative treatment. Selection of the technique was based on the surgeon's preference. Analysis of the multifidus muscle was performed using the Goutallier system and the percentage of fat in the muscle. Preoperative and 1-year postoperative T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging was used, and statistical analysis was carried out using the Wilcoxon test and Spearman correlation test using a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients were included in the study. The percentage of fatty infiltration in the muscle increased on both sides of the spine 1 year after surgery, although only the ipsilateral side presented statistical significance in patients submitted to conventional microdiscectomy (43.3% preoperative and 57.8% postoperative). Muscular degeneration increased significantly ipsilateral to the disc herniation according to the Goutallier classification (grades 1-2) for both interventions. No statistically significant difference was found for fatty infiltration scores or for the degree of muscular degeneration of the multifidus in the comparative analysis of the methods. CONCLUSIONS: Muscular damage resulting from surgery of lumbar disc herniation significantly increases fatty infiltration and degeneration of the multifidus. Muscular degeneration was associated with worsening back pain. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: While no significant difference was found between the techniques, the tubular minimally invasive approach shows a tendency for less muscle damage. These findings highlight the importance of minimizing muscle injury during surgery to improve postoperative recovery and long-term outcomes.

Beneficial Bacteria in the Gut Microbiota May Lead to Improved Metabolic and Immunological Status in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

The progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by functional changes in the airways. The lung-gut axis and gut microbiota (GM) have been linked to the pathophysiology of airway diseases. Regarding COPD, studies have shown that GM alterations could be related the stages of this disease. However, the relationship between GM and clinical, biochemical and immunological parameters in patients with COPD are not well understood. The aim of this study was to compare the relative abundance of specific groups of beneficial gut bacteria between COPD patients and healthy controls (CTLs) in order to evaluate relationships with metabolic and inflammatory markers in COPD. METHODS: We included 16 stable COPD patients and 16 healthy volunteer CTLs. The relative abundances of Bifidobacterium spp. (Bf) and Akkermansia muciniphila (Akk) bacteria and the Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes phyla were assessed by qPCR. Pulmonary function was evaluated by spirometry, biochemical parameters by colorimetric methods and plasma cytokine levels by cytometric bead array analysis. RESULTS: The Firmicutes/Bacteroides ratio was related to emergency hospital visits and six-minute walk test (6MWT) results. Furthermore, the relative abundance of Bf was associated with plasma concentrations of glucose, triglycerides, HDL-C and IL-10. In addition, Firmicutes levels and the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio were associated with the IL-12/IL-10 ratio, while Akk abundance was linked to IL-12 levels. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings suggest that the abundance of beneficial bacteria in the GM could influence clinical presentation and immunoregulation in COPD.