Serological Profile for Major Respiratory Viruses in Unvaccinated Cows from High-Yielding Dairy Herds.

This study aims to determine the serological profile of high-yielding dairy cows for four main viruses (bovine alphaherpesvirus 1 (BoAHV1), bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), bovine parainfluenza virus 3 (BPIV3), and bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV)) related to bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in cattle herds worldwide. In this survey, 497 blood serum samples were collected from non-vaccinated dairy cows without clinical respiratory signs in 39 herds in the central-eastern mesoregion of Paraná State, South Brazil. The presence of neutralizing antibodies was determined by virus neutralization (VN) tests. VN antibodies against BoAHV1, BVDV, BPIV3, and BRSV were detected in 355 (71.4%), 280 (56.3%), 481 (96.8%), and 315 (63.4%) serum samples, respectively. The frequencies of seropositive herds for BoAHV1, BVDV, BPIV3, and BRSV were 79.5 (n = 31), 82.0 (n = 32), 100 (n = 39), and 84.6% (n = 33), respectively. The frequencies of seropositive cows varied according to the type of herd management and the number of cows in the herd. The detection of VN antibodies in unvaccinated dairy cattle herds demonstrated the endemic circulation of the four viruses in the herds evaluated. For BRD prevention, it is recommended to implement a vaccination program for cows that provides passive immunity in calves and active immunity in cows.

Epidemiological and Financial Aspects of Hospitalizations for Bacterial Meningitis in Brazil.

Introduction: Understanding the epidemiology and cost implications of acute bacterial meningitis is crucial for effective health planning, timely treatment implementation, and comprehensive patient support measures, as well as for determining appropriate hospital expenses. Therefore, we conducted an analysis of hospitalization cases for bacterial meningitis in Brazil from January 2008 to December 2019. Methods: This is a descriptive ecological study that utilized the Hospital Information System of Brazil's National Unified Health System (SIH/SUS) database. The variables included sex, region, age group, hospitalizations, deaths, lethality rate, and hospital service expenses. The data were tabulated to focus specifically on the epidemiological aspect of bacterial meningitis. Results: During the study period, there were 20,207 hospitalizations for bacterial meningitis in Brazil. Men accounted for a higher number of cases, with 11,690 (57.67%), while women had a higher lethality rate of 10.64%. The Southeast region had the highest percentage of both hospitalizations (45.78%) and deaths (46.42%). Bacterial meningitis remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly in children under 5 years of age. Notably, the elderly and the Northeast region showed higher rates of lethality. The total expenditure on hospital services exceeded 43 million in Brazilian real, with the highest expenditure observed in 2019 and the lowest in 2011. Conclusion: A higher prevalence of the disease was observed in males, in children under 1-year-old and in the southeast region. Hospital expenditures were found to be substantial and increasing over time, underscoring the significance of early diagnosis and the promotion of vaccination campaigns.

Considerations for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder in patients who have comorbid major depression.

INTRODUCTION: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a debilitating psychiatric disorder that affects a significant number of individuals worldwide. Major depressive disorder (MDD) is among the most common comorbidities reported in people with OCD. The emergence of MDD in individuals with OCD can be attributed to the increased severity of OCD symptoms and their profound impact on daily functioning. Depressive symptoms can also modify the course of OCD. AREAS COVERED: In this review, the authors explore potential shared neurobiological mechanisms that may underlie both OCD and MDD, such as disturbed sleep patterns, immunological dysregulations, and neuroendocrine changes. Furthermore, they address the challenges clinicians face when managing comorbid OCD and MDD. The authors also discuss a range of treatment options for OCD associated with MDD, including augmentation strategies for serotonin reuptake inhibitors (e.g. aripiprazole), psychotherapy (especially CBT/EPR), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and deep brain stimulation (DBS). EXPERT OPINION: Although there is no 'rule of thumb' or universally acceptable strategy in the treatment of OCD comorbid with MDD, many clinicians, including the authors, tend to adopt a unique transdiagnostic approach to the treatment of OCD and related disorders, focusing on strategies known to be effective across diagnoses. Nevertheless, the existing 'cisdiagnostic approaches' still retain importance, i.e. specific therapeutic strategies tailored for more severe forms of individual disorders.

Brazilian Research Consortium on Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders guidelines for the treatment of adult obsessive-compulsive disorder. Part II: cognitive-behavioral therapy

Objectives: To summarize evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) treatment and propose clinical interventions for adult patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Methods: The literature on CBT interventions for adult OCD, including BT and exposure and response prevention, was systematically reviewed to develop updated clinical guidelines for clinicians, providing comprehensive details about the necessary procedures for the CBT protocol. We searched the literature from 2013-2020 in five databases (PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, PsycINFO, and Lilacs) regarding study design, primary outcome measures, publication type, and language. Selected articles were assessed for quality with validated tools. Treatment recommendations were classified according to levels of evidence developed by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association. Results: We examined 44 new studies used to update the 2013 American Psychiatric Association guidelines. High-quality evidence supports CBT with exposure and response prevention techniques as a first-line treatment for OCD. Protocols for Internet-delivered CBT have also proven efficacious for adults with OCD. Conclusion: High-quality scientific evidence supports the use of CBT with exposure and response prevention to treat adults with OCD.

Brazilian research consortium on obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders guidelines for the treatment of adult obsessive-compulsive disorder. Part II: Cognitive-Behavior Therapy treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) treatment and propose clinical interventions for adult patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). METHODS: A systematic review of the literature on CBT interventions for the treatment of adult OCD, comprising behavior therapy and exposure and response prevention (ERP) was done. The objective of this study is to present updated clinical guidelines to clinicians, providing comprehensive details regarding the necessary procedures to be incorporated into the CBT protocol. We searched the literature published from 2013-2020 in five databases (PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Psycinfo and Lilacs), considering: study design, primary outcome measures, type of publication and language. Selected articles were assessed for quality with validated tools. Treatment recommendations were classified according to levels of evidence developed by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association (ACC/AHA). RESULTS: We examined 44 new studies used to update the APA guidelines from 2013. High-quality evidence supports CBT including ERP techniques as the first-line CBT treatment for OCD. In addition, protocols for internet-delivered CBT have also demonstrated their efficacy for the treatment of adults with OCD. CONCLUSION: CBT based on ERP is a widely used treatment according to high-quality scientific evidence to treat adults with OCD.

Anaphylactic reaction to praziquantel following schistosomiasis treatment.

Praziquantel (PZQ) is a medication used to treat several parasitic infections, including human schistosomiasis. Although this drug commonly causes transient adverse effects, severe hypersensitivity is rare, and only eight cases have been reported worldwide. Herein we report a case of a 13-year-old Brazilian female who developed anaphylaxis, a severe hypersensitive reaction, after taking praziquantel to treat Schistosoma mansoni infection. During a mass drug administration event in a socially vulnerable endemic area of Bahia (Brazil), after taking 60 mg/kg of praziquantel the patient developed rash and generalized edema an hour later, evolving to somnolence and hypotension. Following the anaphylactic episode, she received adequate treatment and recovered approximately 1 day later. Although praziquantel is considered safe, health professionals should be aware of potential life-threatening adverse events.

Brazilian Research Consortium on Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders guidelines for the treatment of adult obsessive-compulsive disorder. Part I: pharmacological treatment

Objectives: To summarize evidence-based pharmacological treatments and provide guidance on clinical interventions for adult patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Methods: The American Psychiatric Association (APA) guidelines for the treatment of OCD (2013) were updated with a systematic review assessing the efficacy of pharmacological treatments for adult OCD, comprising monotherapy with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), clomipramine, serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and augmentation strategies with clomipramine, antipsychotics, and glutamate-modulating agents. We searched for the literature published from 2013-2020 in five databases, considering the design of the study, primary outcome measures, types of publication, and language. Selected articles had their quality assessed with validated tools. Treatment recommendations were classified according to levels of evidence developed by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association (ACC/AHA). Results: We examined 57 new studies to update the 2013 APA guidelines. High-quality evidence supports SSRIs for first-line pharmacological treatment of OCD. Moreover, augmentation of SSRIs with antipsychotics (risperidone, aripiprazole) is the most evidence-based pharmacological intervention for SSRI-resistant OCD. Conclusion: SSRIs, in the highest recommended or tolerable doses for 8-12 weeks, remain the first-line treatment for adult OCD. Optimal augmentation strategies for SSRI-resistant OCD include low doses of risperidone or aripiprazole. Pharmacological treatments considered ineffective or potentially harmful, such as monotherapy with antipsychotics or augmentation with ketamine, lamotrigine, or N-acetylcysteine, have also been detailed.

Brazilian Research Consortium on Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders guidelines for the treatment of adult obsessive-compulsive disorder. Part I: pharmacological treatment.

OBJECTIVES: To summarize evidence-based pharmacological treatments and provide guidance on clinical interventions for adult patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). METHODS: The American Psychiatric Association (APA) guidelines for the treatment of OCD (2013) were updated with a systematic review assessing the efficacy of pharmacological treatments for adult OCD, comprising monotherapy with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), clomipramine, serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and augmentation strategies with clomipramine, antipsychotics, and glutamate-modulating agents. We searched for the literature published from 2013-2020 in five databases, considering the design of the study, primary outcome measures, types of publication, and language. Selected articles had their quality assessed with validated tools. Treatment recommendations were classified according to levels of evidence developed by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association (ACC/AHA). RESULTS: We examined 57 new studies to update the 2013 APA guidelines. High-quality evidence supports SSRIs for first-line pharmacological treatment of OCD. Moreover, augmentation of SSRIs with antipsychotics (risperidone, aripiprazole) is the most evidence-based pharmacological intervention for SSRI-resistant OCD. CONCLUSION: SSRIs, in the highest recommended or tolerable doses for 8-12 weeks, remain the first-line treatment for adult OCD. Optimal augmentation strategies for SSRI-resistant OCD include low doses of risperidone or aripiprazole. Pharmacological treatments considered ineffective or potentially harmful, such as monotherapy with antipsychotics or augmentation with ketamine, lamotrigine, or N-acetylcysteine, have also been detailed.

Necessidade de cuidador entre pessoas que vivem com transtorno mental: estudo ecológico / Necesidad de cuidador en personas que viven con trastorno mental: estudio ecológico / Need for caregivers among people living with mental disorders: an ecological study

Resumo Objetivo Identificar os usuários de um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial que apresentam dependência de cuidador e seus fatores associados. Métodos Estudo ecológico, com coleta de dados secundários de prontuários de pessoas que vivem com transtorno mental, ocorrida no ano de 2018 em um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial no Centro-Oeste brasileiro. Na análise, usou-se como variável dependente "necessidade de cuidador". Resultados Na amostra de 360 prontuários, houve prevalência do sexo feminino (220; 61,1%), idade entre 35 a 59 anos (190; 52,8%), tempo de tratamento ≤5 anos (164; 45,6%), cuidado exercido por família/amigos (162; 45,0%), diagnóstico principal de transtornos psicóticos (128; 35,6%) e em uso de antipsicóticos (275; 76,4%). Na análise múltipla, permaneceram associadas as variáveis ter escolaridade não letrado/fundamental (p=0,041), possuir transtorno psicótico (p=0,009) e usar antidepressivo (p=0,026). Conclusão O estudo apontou que fatores como ser do sexo masculino, possuir escolaridade não letrado/fundamental, ter transtorno psicótico e fazer uso de antidepressivo possuem maiores índices para dependência de cuidados e devem ser considerados e investigados pela equipe dos Centros de Atenção Psicossocial.

Resumen Objetivo Identificar los usuarios de un Centro de Atención Psicosocial que presentan dependencia de cuidador y los factores asociados. Métodos Estudio ecológico, con recopilación de datos secundarios de historias clínicas de personas que viven con trastorno mental, realizada en el año 2018 en un Centro de Atención Psicosocial en la región Centro-Oeste brasileña. En el análisis, se utilizó como variable dependiente "necesidad de cuidador". Resultados En la muestra de 360 historias clínicas, hubo prevalencia del sexo femenino (220; 61,1 %), edad entre 35 y 59 años (190; 52,8 %), tiempo de tratamiento ≤5 años (164; 45,6 %), cuidado ejercido por familia/amigos (162; 45,0 %), diagnóstico principal de trastornos psicóticos (128; 35,6 %) y en uso de antipsicóticos (275; 76,4 %). En el análisis múltiple, estuvieron asociadas las variables tener escolaridad no letrada/primaria (p=0,041), poseer trastorno psicótico (p=0,009) y tomar antidepresivos (p=0,026). Conclusión El estudio indicó que factores como ser de sexo masculino, tener escolaridad no letrada/primaria, tener trastorno psicótico y tomar antidepresivos poseen mayores índices para la dependencia de cuidados y deben ser considerados e investigados por el equipo de los Centros de Atención Psicosocial.

Abstract Objective To identify users of a Psychosocial Care Center who have caregiver dependence and their associated factors. Method This is an ecological study, with collection of secondary data from medical records of people living with mental disorders, which occurred in 2018 in a Psychosocial Care Center in the Brazilian Midwest. In the analysis, the dependent variable "need for caregiver" was used as a dependent variable. Results In the sample of 360 medical records, there was a prevalence of women (220; 61.1%), aged between 35 and 59 years (190; 52.8%), treatment time ≤5 years (164; 45.6%), care provided by family/friends (162; 45.0%), main diagnosis of psychotic disorders (128; 35.6%) and antipsychotic use (275; 76.4%). In the multiple analysis, the variables non-literacy/elementary school (p=0.041), having psychotic disorder (p=0.009) and antidepressant (p=0.026) remained associated. Conclusion The study pointed out that factors such as being men, non-literate/elementary school, having a psychotic disorder and using antidepressants have higher rates of dependence on care and should be considered and investigated by the Psychosocial Care Center team.

First detection of Feline morbillivirus infection in white-eared opossums (Didelphis albiventris, Lund, 1840), a non-feline host.

Feline Morbillivirus (FeMV) was first detected in 2012 in domestic cats from Hong Kong and was found to be associated with tubulointerstitial nephritis and chronic kidney disease. In subsequent studies in other countries, FeMV was detected in asymptomatic cats. However, it is not clear whether FeMV plays a role as a pathogen in the kidney diseases of cats, and other epidemiological data are still unknown. To date, studies have reported the presence of FeMV exclusively in domestic cats. This study is the first molecular detection of the FeMV RNA associated with pathological and immunohistochemical findings in a synanthropic marsupial, the white-eared opossum (Didelphis albiventris), inhabiting peri-urban areas of north-central Parana, Southern Brazil. Molecular techniques identified the viral RNA in the lungs and kidneys. Histopathologic evaluation of these tissues revealed interstitial pneumonia in the lungs with lymphocytic nephritis and tubular necrosis in the kidneys. Immunohistochemistry assays detected positive intralesional immunoreactivity to N protein of FeMV within the lungs and kidneys. A FeMV opossum strain was isolated in Crandell Rees feline kidney lineage cells, resulting in syncytia formation and cell death. Therefore, these results support the ability of FeMV to infect other mammal species and reinforce the possibility of the opossum to be a disseminator of this virus among domestic and wild animals.

Astenopia em docentes universitários durante a pandemia da COVID-19 / Asthenopia in college lecturers during the COVID-19 pandemic

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar sintomas astenópicos e fatores sociodemográficos, hábitos comportamentais e clínicos nos docentes universitários durante a pandemia da COVID-19. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo transversal que avaliou a ocorrência de astenopia em 104 docentes. Questionários de sintomatologia visual validados foram adaptados para a coleta de dados. Houve comparação dos docentes quanto à ocorrência ou não de sintomas astenópicos, bem como foi aplicada regressão logística binária, para aferir a associação com variáveis independentes (p<0,05). Resultados: Houve maior aparecimento de sintomas astenópicos durante o período pandêmico, em que o tempo de exposição a telas parece ter sido o fator mais determinante. Além disso, os indivíduos com tempo de tela superior a 5 horas diárias, que faziam uso de telas para o lazer e usavam colírio/lubrificantes apresentaram significativamente maior chance de estar no grupo com sintomas astenópicos. Conclusão: Foi identificada associação significativa entre a ocorrência de sintomas astenópicos e o uso de telas durante o período pandêmico, principalmente nos grupos com maior duração do tempo de tela. O estudo chama atenção para a saúde ocular de docentes universitários em ensino remoto, além de suscitar novos estudos para investigação desse quadro em distintos ambientes escolares.

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess asthenopic symptoms and sociodemographic factors, behavioral and clinical aspects in college lecturers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study evaluating asthenopia in 104 lecturers. Some validated visual symptom questionnaires were adapted for data collection. Lecturers were compared regarding the occurrence or not of asthenopic symptoms, and binary logistic regression was applied to measure the association with independent variables (p<0.05). Results: Asthenopic symptoms occurred more often during the pandemic, when exposure to screens was a determinant factor. The individuals with screen time longer than five hours a day, who used screens for leisure, and who used eye drops/lubricants were significantly more likely to be in the group with asthenopic symptoms. Conclusion: A significant association was identified in occurrence of asthenopic symptoms and screen use during the pandemic period, especially in groups with longer screen time. The study draws attention to the eye health of college lecturers in distance learning, and the need for further research on this situation in different school environments.

Combination of osmotic stress and sugar stress response mechanisms is essential for Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus tolerance to high-sucrose environments.

Sugar-rich environments represent an important challenge for microorganisms. The osmotic and molecular imbalances resulting from this condition severely limit microbial metabolism and growth. Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus is one of the most sugar-tolerant prokaryotes, able to grow in the presence of sucrose concentrations up to 30%. However, the mechanisms that control its tolerance to such conditions remain poorly exploited. The present work investigated the key mechanisms of tolerance to high sugar in G. diazotrophicus. Comparative proteomics was applied to investigate the main functional pathways regulated in G. diazotrophicus when cultivated in the presence of high sucrose. Among 191 proteins regulated by high sucrose, regulatory pathways related to sugar metabolism, nutrient uptake, compatible solute synthesis, amino acid metabolism, and proteolytic system were highlighted. The role of these pathways on high-sucrose tolerance was investigated by mutagenesis analysis, which revealed that the knockout mutants zwf::Tn5 (sugar metabolism), tbdr::Tn5 (nutrient uptake), mtlK::Tn5 (compatible solute synthesis), pepN::Tn5 (proteolytic system), metH::Tn5 (amino acid metabolism), and ilvD::Tn5 (amino acid metabolism) became more sensitive to high sucrose. Together, our results identified mechanisms involved in response to high sugar in G. diazotrophicus, shedding light on the combination of osmotolerance and sugar-tolerance mechanisms. KEY POINTS: • G. diazotrophicus intensifies glycolysis to metabolize the excess of sugar. • G. diazotrophicus turns down the uptake of nutrients in response to high sugar. • G. diazotrophicus requires amino acid availability to resist high sugar.

Repellent activity of acetylcarvacrol and its effects on salivary gland morphology in unfed Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato ticks (Acari: Ixodidae).

Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.), commonly known as brown dog tick, is a widely distributed tick species that is substantially important for human and veterinary medicine. Therefore, it is the target of different control methods. Carvacrol and its semisynthetic derivative, acetylcarvacrol, are promising chemical compounds for alternative tick control. Thus, this study aimed to compare the repellent activities of carvacrol and acetylcarvacrol at different concentrations and drying times. Additionally, morphological alterations found in salivary glands were evaluated through histological techniques after exposure to acetylcarvacrol. The impact of the morphological changes on the development and survival of acini/cells in salivary glands was measured by a semiquantitative analysis. The repellent action of both compounds did not differ when evaluated at different concentrations, although acetylcarvacrol increased its effects as the concentration raised. Regarding the different drying times, acetylcarvacrol maintained its effects after 3 hours of exposure, while the efficacy of carvacrol decreased during this time period. Salivary glands of unfed R. sanguineus s.l. females showed dose-dependent alterations in the size and shape of acini as well as cytoplasmic vacuolization. Loss of the acinar cell limit, rupture of secretory granules and nuclear changes in the cells were also observed in the treated groups. Thus, our results demonstrated the potential of acetylcarvacrol to act as repellent against R. sanguineus s.l. Additionally, the morphological alterations found in salivary glands may interfere with the feeding process of ticks, which contributes to mitigate infestation by this species.

Sublethal concentrations of acetylcarvacrol affect reproduction and integument morphology in the brown dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (Acari: Ixodidae).

Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.), also known as the brown dog tick, is among the main tick species involved in the transmission of pathogens to humans and other animals and, therefore, the target of numerous control methods. However, due to the disadvantages of synthetic acaricides, the use of alternative products such as plant derivatives has been encouraged. This study aimed to evaluate the acaricidal potential of acetylcarvacrol and to determine its efficacy at sublethal doses for the control of R. sanguineus s.l. female ticks. In addition, as acetylcarvacrol was applied topically, morphological alterations in the integument were assessed. Acetylation of carvacrol was performed by reaction with acetic anhydride in a sodium hydroxide solution, being confirmed by infrared spectroscopy. The lethal concentration for 50 and 90% (LC50 and LC90) of unfed ticks and the efficacy of acetylcarvacrol in engorged females were determined after the Adult Immersion Test (AIT). For the evaluation of effects of acetylcarvacrol in the integument, routine histological techniques were employed after the AIT. The LC50 and LC90 in unfed females were 2.8 and 7.2 µL/mL, respectively. Regarding reproductive performance, after treatment with 8.0 µL/mL acetylcarvacrol 90.9% control was achieved, as ticks showed the lowest egg production index (EPI), hatching rate (HR), and fecundity rate (FR). In the integument, considerable morphological alterations were observed both in cuticle and epithelium. Thus, acetylcarvacrol affected R. sanguineus s.l. external coating and reproduction when applied at sublethal concentrations, probably contributing to a long-term control.

Low concentrations of acetylcarvacrol induce drastic morphological damages in ovaries of surviving Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato ticks (Acari: Ixodidae).

Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s. l.) ticks are targets of acaricidal treatments due to their great veterinary and medical importance. Acetylcarvacrol stands out as a promising acaricidal substance for its increased biocidal activity and stability. Additionally, its toxicity to mammals is reduced when compared to the parent molecule, carvacrol. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of acetylcarvacrol on the morphology of ovaries of engorged R. sanguineus s. l. ticks. The animals were subjected to the Adult Immersion Test to calculate the lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC90) of acetylcarvacrol. Subsequently, the surviving ticks were dissected for collection of the ovaries. The samples were processed through routine histological techniques. The histological sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, bromophenol blue (protein detection) and PAS (polysaccharide detection). The alterations found in the ovaries were evaluated by morphometric and semiquantitative analysis. The LC50 and LC90 were 17.805 and 26.164 µL/mL, respectively. The most severe morphological alterations were disappearance of the female germ cells (oocytes), nucleolus vacuolization, thicker and irregular chorion, and decrease in size of the oocytes. Also, the content of proteins and carbohydrates in the oocytes were heavily affected by the chemical, as evidenced by a non-homogeneous staining pattern. The group exposed to the highest concentration of acetylcarvacrol (20 µL/mL) exhibited a statistically greater score in the semiquantitative analysis when compared to the other groups. The morphological changes in the ovaries may reduce the ticks' offspring production or generate descendants that will struggle to carry out essential biochemical processes during their lives. Thus, acetylcarvacrol may be a promising alternative to control tick infestation by impairing the reproduction of this parasite.

Consumo de Estimulantes Cerebrais por Estudantes em Instituições de Ensino de Montes Claros/MG / Consumption of Brain Stimulants by Students in Montes Claros/MG

Resumo: Introdução: A entrada dos jovens na universidade gera uma mudança de ambiente e costumes, tornando-se um período de grande vulnerabilidade para o uso de substâncias psicoativas. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o uso de substâncias psicoativas por estudantes de graduação e pré-vestibulandos, de Montes Claros-MG. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo quantitativo, transversal, que avaliou 348 estudantes, em instituições de ensino pré-vestibular (52 estudantes) e superior (98 de Engenharia Civil, 68 de Medicina e 130 de Direito), da cidade de Montes Claros, em Minas Gerais, analisando fatores associados ao uso de psicoestimulantes. Para a obtenção dos dados, utilizou-se um questionário padronizado e validado de autopreenchimento. Obtiveram-se informações sobre o uso de metilfenidato (Ritalina®), cafeína, pó de guaraná, modafinila, piracetam, energético, anfetamina e ecstasy. Resultados: Dos 348 estudantes entrevistados, cerca de 53,7% faziam uso de algum psicoestimulante. Houve um maior uso de substâncias psicoativas nos participantes do grupo do pré-vestibular (75%) em relação ao ensino superior (50%). Observou-se uma maior prevalência do uso atual de cafeína (63,5%) e de pó de guaraná (11,5%) entre os estudantes de pré-vestibular, e de ecstasy (1,7%) e cloridrato de metilfenidato (1,9%) entre os estudantes de ensino superior. A redução do sono (64,9%) foi o efeito mais percebido pelos usuários de estimulantes cerebrais do ensino superior, seguido de melhora na concentração (48%), no bem-estar (45,3%) e no raciocínio (38,5%), redução da fadiga (33,1%), melhora na memória (23,6%) e redução do estresse (23%). Entretanto, nos estudantes do pré-vestibular apenas a melhora no raciocínio (43,6%) e a redução do estresse (23%) obtiveram relevância significativa. Conclusões: Foi possível observar uma maior prevalência do uso de psicoestimulantes nos pré-vestibulandos em relação ao grupo dos universitários. Entre as áreas do ensino superior, não foram encontradas diferenças quanto ao uso dos estimulantes cerebrais pesquisados. É preciso destacar os malefícios do uso de psicoestimulantes em longo prazo, sobretudo a dependência e a tolerância química. Em função disso, o apoio familiar e o psicopedagógico são indispensáveis para prevenir e tratar as consequências do uso desmedido de psicoestimulantes.

Abstract: Introduction: When young people enter the university, it generates a change of environment and customs, thus becoming a period of great vulnerability for the use of psychoactive substances. The objective of this study was to analyze the use of psychoactive substances in undergraduate and pre-college students, in Montes Claros-MG, associating the epidemiological profile, the frequency of use among the groups and describe the main benefits and side effects of the used substances. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was carried out, which evaluated 348 students in pre-college (52 students) and higher education institutions (98 Civil Engineering, 68 Medical and 130 Law students), in the city of Montes Claros, state of Minas Gerais, analyzing factors associated with the use of psychostimulants. To obtain the data, a standardized and validated self-filling questionnaire was used. Information on the use of Methylphenidate (Ritalin®), Caffeine, Guarana Powder, Modafinil, Piracetam, Energy drinks, Amphetamine and Ecstasy were obtained. Results: Of the 348 students interviewed, about 53.7% used some type of psychostimulant. There was a greater use of psychoactive substances among the participants of the pre-college group (75%) in relation to those of the higher education group (50%). There was a higher prevalence of current use of caffeine (63.5%) and guarana powder (11.5%) among pre-university students, Ecstasy (1.7%) and Ritalin (1.9%) among students of higher education institutions. The reduction of sleep (64.9%) was the most perceived effect by the users of brain stimulants in higher education, followed by improvement in concentration (48%), wellness (45.3%), reasoning (38.5%), fatigue reduction (33.1%), memory improvement (23.6%) and stress reduction (23%). However, among the pre-college students only the improvement in reasoning (43.6%) and stress reduction (23%) obtained significant relevance. Conclusion: It was possible to observe a higher prevalence of the use of psychostimulants among the pre-college students in relation to the group of university students. Among the areas of higher education, no differences were found regarding the use of the assessed brain stimulants. It is necessary to highlight the harmful effects of the use of psychostimulants in the long term, especially dependence and chemical tolerance. As a result, family and psycho-pedagogical support are indispensable to prevent and treat the consequences of the excessive use of psychostimulants.

A comparative study of four DNA extraction protocols from adductor muscle in golden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei) / Estudo comparativo de quatro protocolos de extração de DNA do músculo adutor em mexilhão dourado (Limnoperna fortunei)

The golden mussel, Limnoperna fortunei, is a mollusk native to Southeast Asia and a highly invasive species in South American countries such as Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina. In order to better understand the biological behavior of the species and develop alternative control methods, genetic studies involving the optimization of DNA isolation procedures are of utmost importance.The objective of the present study was to develop a simple, reproducible, free of contaminants, and cheap protocol to extract DNA from L. fortunei using the adductor muscle of the mussel as the source. Four DNA extraction protocols were compared: extraction with SDS and proteinase K (P1); extraction with SDS, proteinase K and phenol (P2); TRIzol extraction (P3); and NaCl, SDS and RNase extraction (P4). DNA concentration (ng μL-1) and purity (at 260/280 nm) were measured using a spectrophotometer. DNA purity and amplification were verified by electrophoresis and PCR, respectively. P1 resulted in samples with low DNA concentrations or without any DNA, as revealed by the quantification and purity analysis; P2 had low efficiency, given the absence of DNA in most of the samples subjected to electrophoresis. On the other hand, P3 showed contamination with proteins, as indicated by an absorbance of <1.8 and by the low-quality electrophoresis results. Finally, P4 resulted in well-defined bands, absorbance between 1.8 and 2.0, and successful amplification by PCR. In conclusion, the extraction protocol P4 is a practical, fast, free of contaminants, and efficient method for the isolation of L. fortunei DNA.(AU)

O mexilhão dourado, Limnoperna fortunei é um molusco originário do sudeste da Ásia, altamente invasor em países Sul-Americanos como Brasil, Uruguai e Argentina. Para compreender melhor o comportamento biológico da espécie e criar alternativas de controle é indispensável a realização de estudos genéticos, onde a otimização dos procedimentos de isolamento do DNA é fundamental.O objetivo desse estudo foi obter um protocolo simples, reproduzível, não contaminante e barato para a extração do DNA de L. fortunei. Foram comparados quatro protocolos experimentais de extração de DNA, utilizando como material biológico o músculo abdutor: extração por SDS e proteinase K (P1), extração por SDS, proteinase K e fenol (P2), extração por Trizol (P3) e extração por NaCl (P4). A quantificação (ng μL-1) e a pureza (260/280 nm) do DNA foram obtidas por espectrofotometria. A integridade e a amplificação do DNA foram verificadas através de eletroforese e PCR, respectivamente. P1 demonstrou baixas concentrações e ausência de DNA nas amostras, identificado pela quantificação e teste de integridade. P2 apresentou baixa eficácia, visualizada pela ausência de DNA na maioria das amostras na eletroforese. Por outro lado, P3 exibiu sinais de contaminação por proteínas, identificado pela razão de absorbância <1.8 e pela baixa qualidade da eletroforese. Finalmente, P4 mostrou um padrão na formação das bandas, absorbância entre 1,8 2,0 e sucesso na amplificação pela PCR. Conclui-se que o protocolo de extração P4 mostrou-se como um método prático, rápido, não contaminante e eficiente para obtenção do DNA de L. fortunei.(AU)

A comparative study of four DNA extraction protocols from adductor muscle in golden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei) / Estudo comparativo de quatro protocolos de extração de DNA do músculo adutor em mexilhão dourado (Limnoperna fortunei)

The golden mussel, Limnoperna fortunei, is a mollusk native to Southeast Asia and a highly invasive species in South American countries such as Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina. In order to better understand the biological behavior of the species and develop alternative control methods, genetic studies involving the optimization of DNA isolation procedures are of utmost importance.The objective of the present study was to develop a simple, reproducible, free of contaminants, and cheap protocol to extract DNA from L. fortunei using the adductor muscle of the mussel as the source. Four DNA extraction protocols were compared: extraction with SDS and proteinase K (P1); extraction with SDS, proteinase K and phenol (P2); TRIzol extraction (P3); and NaCl, SDS and RNase extraction (P4). DNA concentration (ng μL-1) and purity (at 260/280 nm) were measured using a spectrophotometer. DNA purity and amplification were verified by electrophoresis and PCR, respectively. P1 resulted in samples with low DNA concentrations or without any DNA, as revealed by the quantification and purity analysis; P2 had low efficiency, given the absence of DNA in most of the samples subjected to electrophoresis. On the other hand, P3 showed contamination with proteins, as indicated by an absorbance of <1.8 and by the low-quality electrophoresis results. Finally, P4 resulted in well-defined bands, absorbance between 1.8 and 2.0, and successful amplification by PCR. In conclusion, the extraction protocol P4 is a practical, fast, free of contaminants, and efficient method for the isolation of L. fortunei DNA.

O mexilhão dourado, Limnoperna fortunei é um molusco originário do sudeste da Ásia, altamente invasor em países Sul-Americanos como Brasil, Uruguai e Argentina. Para compreender melhor o comportamento biológico da espécie e criar alternativas de controle é indispensável a realização de estudos genéticos, onde a otimização dos procedimentos de isolamento do DNA é fundamental.O objetivo desse estudo foi obter um protocolo simples, reproduzível, não contaminante e barato para a extração do DNA de L. fortunei. Foram comparados quatro protocolos experimentais de extração de DNA, utilizando como material biológico o músculo abdutor: extração por SDS e proteinase K (P1), extração por SDS, proteinase K e fenol (P2), extração por Trizol (P3) e extração por NaCl (P4). A quantificação (ng μL-1) e a pureza (260/280 nm) do DNA foram obtidas por espectrofotometria. A integridade e a amplificação do DNA foram verificadas através de eletroforese e PCR, respectivamente. P1 demonstrou baixas concentrações e ausência de DNA nas amostras, identificado pela quantificação e teste de integridade. P2 apresentou baixa eficácia, visualizada pela ausência de DNA na maioria das amostras na eletroforese. Por outro lado, P3 exibiu sinais de contaminação por proteínas, identificado pela razão de absorbância <1.8 e pela baixa qualidade da eletroforese. Finalmente, P4 mostrou um padrão na formação das bandas, absorbância entre 1,8 – 2,0 e sucesso na amplificação pela PCR. Conclui-se que o protocolo de extração P4 mostrou-se como um método prático, rápido, não contaminante e eficiente para obtenção do DNA de L. fortunei.

Transtorno depressivo maior em idosos não institucionalizados atendi-dos em um centro de referência / Major depressive disorder in non-institutionalized elderly persons at a reference center

Introdução: A depressão exerce um impacto importante na qualidade de vida dos idosos, sendo imprescindível a compreensão dos fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento da doença, para que profissionais de saúde atuem no planejamento e implementação de ações direcionadas à promoção de saúde desse público. Objetivo:Analisar a prevalência de transtorno depressivo maior em idosos atendidos em um centro de referência do norte de Minas Gerais, avaliando associações com fatores de risco sociodemográficos. Material e Métodos: Realizou-se um estudo transversal e documental, a partir de 3362 prontuários de pacientes atendidos no Centro de Referência em Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brasil, no período entre janeiro de 2008 e dezembro de 2011. Para análise do quadro de depressão, foram utilizados dados do diagnóstico a partir do DSM-IV. Foram realizados testes de qui-quadrado e exato de Fisher para determinar fatores sociodemográficos associados àocorrência de depressão. Resultados:Odiagnóstico de transtorno depressivo maior esteve presente na maioria dos idosos (56,8%). Foi encontrada associação estatisticamente significativa na presença de transtorno depressivo maior em idosos do sexo feminino (p<0,001), não casados (p<0,001) e não alfabetizados (p<0,002). Não houve relação estatisticamente significativa entre as variáveis idade e presença de transtorno depressivo maior nos idosos estudados (p=0,599). Conclusão:Aalta prevalência do transtorno depressivo maior nos idosos desta pesquisa, bem como a identificação dos fatores associados chama atenção para necessidade de políticas de atenção voltadas para prevenção e detecção precoce do transtorno depressivo maior, de forma a atender a suas demandas e proporcionar uma longevidade com qualidade de vida.

Introduction: Depression has an important impact on thequality of life of older people. It is imperative to understand the risk factors to the development of the disease. This understanding is critical to health professionals,once they have to plan and implement actions aimed at health promotion for that population. Objective: Analyze the prevalence of major depressive disorder in older peopleattending a reference center in the North of Minas Gerais State, in order to establish associations among the disorder andsociodemographic risk factors.Material andMethods:We conducted a cross-sectionaland documentary study from 3362 records of patients treated at a Reference Center in the city of Montes Claros, Minas Gerais State, Brazil from January 2008 to December 2011. For depression condition analysis, we used the categorical classification of mental disorders (DSM-IV). We used Fisher's exact test and chi-square test to determine sociodemographic factors associated with depression.Results: The majority of older people (56.8%) were diagnosed with major depressive disorder. A statistically significant association was found between major depressive disorder and female (p <0.001), unmarried (p<0.001) and non-literate (p<0.002)older people. There was no statistically significant relation between age and the presence of major depressive disorder (p=0.599).Conclusion: The high prevalence of major depressive disorder found among older people, as well as the identification of associated factors, draws attention to the need for attention policies aimed at prevention and early detection of major depressive disorder in order to meet their demands and provide longevity with quality of life.