In vitro identification of neutralizing epitopes of Rhipicephalus microplus serpin 17 (RmS-17).

BACKGROUND: Rhipicephalus microplus poses a significant problem for livestock worldwide and is primarily controlled with synthetic acaricides. The continuous use of acaricides results in the selection of resistance and causes environmental harm. Vaccination presents an alternative solution to this problem, although searching for the suitable antigen is still a work in progress. Salivary proteins hold promise for inclusion in vaccine formulation due to their roles in modulating host responses, assisting blood feeding and pathogen transmission. Serpins are a class of proteinase inhibitors and are among the molecules found in tick saliva that modulate host blood coagulation, inflammation, and adaptive immune responses. Previous studies have demonstrated the potential of R. microplus serpin 17 (RmS-17) to interfere with the host's defenses, and antibodies have been shown to neutralize its effects. This makes RmS-17 an putative target for vaccine development. METHODS: Epitope mapping of RmS-17 was achieved using in silico approach combining linear B-cell epitope and antigenicity predictor. In addition, epitope mapping using overlapping peptides in an ELISA screening was used. The serpin tridimensional structure and the epitopes spatial location within the molecule were determined. Peptides were synthetized based on the predictions and used for the production of rabbit anti-sera. Purified IgG's were used to assess the antibodies capacity to neutralize RmS-17. RESULTS: Through in silico mapping, nine potential B cell epitope regions were screened, with p1RmS-17 and p2RmS-17 selected for the experiment based on antigen prediction. In the ELISA screening using overlapping peptides, eight antibody-binding regions were identified, and p3RmS-17 and p4RmS-17 were chosen. Antibodies raised against p3RmS-17 and p4RmS-17 partially neutralized RmS-17 activity. CONCLUSION: It was found that antibodies against a single epitope are sufficient to partially neutralize RmS-17 activity. These findings support the possibility of using an epitope-based vaccine for immunization against R. microplus.

Complicações relacionadas ao uso de polimetilmetacrilato na face: Análise de 209 casos / Complications related to the use of polymethyl methacrylate on the face: Analysis of 209 cases

Introdução: O polimetilmetacrilato é um produto de preenchimento permanente. A injeção deste material na face pode levar a complicações. O objetivo deste estudo é determinar em uma série de casos o tempo mediano de ocorrência de complicações, as áreas mais comprometidas, os tipos de complicações e tratamentos mais realizados. Método: Foram estudados 209 casos de pacientes portadores de complicações relacionadas ao uso de polimetilmetacrilato na face que buscaram tratamento entre o período de janeiro de 2000 a junho de 2021. Os dados analisados foram sexo, idade, número de injeções, momento da aplicação, intervalo de tempo até surgir a complicação, tipo de complicação, região comprometida e tratamento realizado. Resultados: A idade média dos pacientes foi de 45 anos (23 a 79 anos). Destes, 172 eram mulheres e 37 homens. O número de aplicações variou de 1 a 5. O tempo mediano de surgimento de complicações foi de 71 meses. As regiões mais comprometidas foram a malar, em 102 pacientes; mandibular, em 100; e zigomática, em 91. Granuloma foi observado em 135 pacientes; edema, em 120; e inflamação, em 78. O tratamento mais realizado foi a injeção de corticoide, em 111 pacientes, seguido de remoção cirúrgica, em 40. Conclusão: Os resultados podem servir como base de conhecimento para uma melhor compreensão das complicações com o uso de polimetilmetacrilato na face.

Introduction: Polymethylmethacrylate is a permanent filler product. Injecting this material into the face can lead to complications. The objective of this study is to determine in a series of cases the median time for complications to occur, the most affected areas, the types of complications, and the treatments most performed. Method: 209 cases of patients with complications related to the use of polymethyl methacrylate on the face who sought treatment between the period of January 2000 and June 2021 were studied. The data analyzed were gender, age, number of injections, moment of application, interval time until the complication arises, type of complication, affected region, and treatment performed. Results: The average age of patients was 45 years (23 to 79 years). Of these, 172 were women and 37 men. The number of applications ranged from 1 to 5. The median time for complications to appear was 71 months. The most affected regions were the malar, in 102 patients; mandibular, in 100; and zygomatic, in 91. Granuloma was observed in 135 patients; edema, in 120; and inflammation, in 78. The most common treatment was corticosteroid injection, in 111 patients, followed by surgical removal, in 40. Conclusion: The results can serve as a knowledge base for a better understanding of complications with the use of polymethylmethacrylate in the face.

Scrofuloderma of the chest with mediastinal TB.

Cutaneous tuberculosis is a rare manifestation of extrapulmonary tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis in most cases and rarely by Mycobacterium bovis. Diagnosis may be challenging due to a wide range of clinical findings and similarities to other chronic dermatoses, leading to delayed treatment. We present a case of scrofuloderma in a 4-year-old girl that arose from a contiguous spread from the anterior mediastinum with associated pulmonary involvement.

Thulium fiber laser in cystine calculi

ABSTRACT Introduction: Thulium Fiber Laser (TFL) is the most modern technology to treat nephrolithiasis and ureterolithiasis in endourology. Although there are a lot of new studies coming up, we still don't have data on how this laser works in some rare diseases. Cystinuria is the most common genetic nephrolithiasis disorder (1), known for its recurrent lithiasis (2). Our main goal in this video is to show a successful case of cystine calculi treated with Thulium Fiber Laser (Laser Fiber Dust/Quanta System™). Cystinuria is the most common genetic nephrolithiasis disorder (1), known for its recurrent lithiasis (2). Materials and Methods: A 25 years-old male, cystinuric, presented with a CT scan, showing a 10mm stone on the right side and two calculi 6 and 7 mm on the left side, all located in the lower calyx. Bilateral flexible ureteroscopy was done using a reusable digital flexible ureteroscope. Starting on the left side, we repositioned the stone from the lower to the upper calyx, using a tipless front opening basket. Lithotripsy was performed using TFL. Settings were 100 Hz (frequency) and 100 mJ (energy) for dusting. Popcorn technique was also used, setting the laser at 100Hz and 200 mJ, obtaining good dusting. On the right side, lithotripsy was performed in the inferior calyx, also resulting in "snowstorm". Procedure time was 120 minutes. Results: The postoperative was uneventful. Follow up CT showed a 3 mm residual fragment in the right kidney. Conclusion: This video demonstrates the treatment of bilateral cystine calculi with Thulium Fiber Laser. Reasonable procedure time and excellent dusting results are encouraging, pointing towards great improvements in endourology.

Thulium fiber laser in cystine calculi.

INTRODUCTION: Thulium Fiber Laser (TFL) is the most modern technology to treat nephrolithiasis and ureterolithiasis in endourology. Although there are a lot of new studies coming up, we still don't have data on how this laser works in some rare diseases.Cystinuria is the most common genetic nephrolithiasis disorder (1), known for its recurrent lithiasis (2). Our main goal in this video is to show a successful case of cystine calculi treated with Thulium Fiber Laser (Laser Fiber Dust/Quanta System™). Cystinuria is the most common genetic nephrolithiasis disorder (1), known for its recurrent lithiasis (2). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 25 years-old male, cystinuric, presented with a CT scan, showing a 10mm stone on the right side and two calculi 6 and 7 mm on the left side, all located in the lower calyx. Bilateral flexible ureteroscopy was done using a reusable digital flexible ureteroscope. Starting on the left side, we repositioned the stone from the lower to the upper calyx, using a tipless front opening basket. Lithotripsy was performed using TFL. Settings were 100 Hz (frequency) and 100 mJ (energy) for dusting.  Popcorn technique was also used, setting the laser at 100Hz and 200 mJ, obtaining good dusting. On the right side, lithotripsy was performed in the inferior calyx, also resulting in "snowstorm". Procedure time was 120 minutes. RESULTS: The postoperative was uneventful. Follow up CT showed a 3 mm residual fragment in the right kidney. CONCLUSION: This video demonstrates the treatment of bilateral cystine calculi with Thulium Fiber Laser. Reasonable procedure time and excellent dusting results are encouraging, pointing towards great improvements in endourology.

Assessing atypical brain functional connectivity development: An approach based on generative adversarial networks.

Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) are promising analytical tools in machine learning applications. Characterizing atypical neurodevelopmental processes might be useful in establishing diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of psychiatric disorders. In this article, we investigate the potential of GANs models combined with functional connectivity (FC) measures to build a predictive neurotypicality score 3-years after scanning. We used a ROI-to-ROI analysis of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data from a community-based cohort of children and adolescents (377 neurotypical and 126 atypical participants). Models were trained on data from neurotypical participants, capturing their sample variability of FC. The discriminator subnetwork of each GAN model discriminated between the learned neurotypical functional connectivity pattern and atypical or unrelated patterns. Discriminator models were combined in ensembles, improving discrimination performance. Explanations for the model's predictions are provided using the LIME (Local Interpretable Model-Agnostic) algorithm and local hubs are identified in light of these explanations. Our findings suggest this approach is a promising strategy to build potential biomarkers based on functional connectivity.

COVID-19 vaccination and Guillain-Barre syndrome: analyses using the National Immunoglobulin Database

Vaccination against viruses has rarely been associated with Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). An association with the COVID-19 vaccine is unknown. We performed a population-based study of National Health Service data in England and a multicentre surveillance study from UK hospitals, to investigate the relationship between COVID-19 vaccination and GBS. Firstly, case dates of GBS identified retrospectively in the National Immunoglobulin Database from 8 December 2021 to 8 July 2021 were linked to receipt dates of a COVID-19 vaccines using data from the National Immunisation Management System in England. For the linked dataset, GBS cases temporally associated with vaccination within a 6-week risk window of any COVID-19 vaccine were identified. Secondly, we prospectively collected incident UK-wide (four nations) GBS cases from 1 January 2021 to 7 November 2021 in a separate UK multicentre surveillance database. For this multicentre UK-wide surveillance dataset, we explored phenotypes of reported GBS cases to identify features of COVID-19 vaccine-associated GBS. 996 GBS cases were recorded in the National Immunoglobulin Database from January to October 2021. A spike of GBS cases above the 2016-2020 average occurred in March-April 2021. 198 GBS cases occurred within 6 weeks of the first-dose COVID-19 vaccination in England (0.618 cases per 100,000 vaccinations, 176 ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AstraZeneca), 21 tozinameran (Pfizer), 1 mRNA-1273 (Moderna)). The 6-week excess of GBS (compared to the baseline rate of GBS cases 6-12 weeks after vaccination) occurs with a peak at 24 days post-vaccination; first-doses of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 accounted for the excess. No excess was seen for second-dose vaccination. The absolute number of excess GBS cases from January-July 2021 was between 98-140 cases for first-dose ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccination. First-dose tozinameran and second-dose of any vaccination showed no excess GBS risk. Detailed clinical data from 121 GBS patients were reported in the separate multicentre surveillance dataset during this timeframe. No phenotypic or demographic differences identified between vaccine-associated and non-vaccinated GBS cases occurring in the same timeframe. Analysis of the linked NID/NIMS dataset suggests that first-dose ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccination is associated with an excess GBS risk of 0.576 (95%CI 0.481-0.691) cases per 100,000 doses. However, examination of a multicentre surveillance dataset suggests that no specific clinical features, including facial weakness, are associated with vaccination-related GBS compared to non-vaccinated cases. The pathogenic cause of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 specific first dose link warrants further study.

Conhecendo o matriciamento em saúde mental pela perspectiva dos matriciadores / Knowing the mental health matrix support from the matrix professional's perspective

Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo, que objetivou analisar as concepções sobre matriciamento em saúde mental, a partir da perspectiva de matriciadores de Centros de Atenção Psicossocial. Foram realizadas entrevistas com profissionais de categorias diferentes, seguidas de análise de conteúdo, resultando em três categorias: concepções sobre o matriciamento; dificuldades vivenciadas para sua efetivação; e, mudanças ocorridas desde sua implantação. Alguns entrevistados descreveram o matriciamento como um momento possível às trocas, com aprendizado para todos os envolvidos. Enquanto outros, apresentaram o matriciamento como um momento favorável à transmissão de conhecimento, marcando uma relação de aprendizagem unilateral. Sobre as dificuldades enfrentadas, os matriciadores anunciaram desafios de ordem relacional e organizacional, que obstaculizam a consolidação do matriciamento em saúde mental. Apesar de tais desafios, os entrevistados mencionaram as mudanças decorrentes da implantação desse matriciamento: ampliação do cuidado em saúde mental pela Atenção Básica, fortalecimento da rede da atenção e qualificação dos encaminhamentos aos especialistas.

This is a qualitative study, which aimed to analyze the conceptions of matrix support in mental health based on the perspectives of the matrix supporters from Psychosocial Care Centers. Professionals of different areas were interviewed, and content analysis was performed, resulting in three categories: conceptions about matrix support; difficulties experienced for its implementation; and changes that have taken place since its implementation. Some interviewees described matrix support as a possible moment for exchanges, with learning for everyone involved, while others presented matrix support as a favorable moment for the transmission of knowledge, highlighting a unilateral learning relationship. Regarding the difficulties faced, the matrix supporters announced challenges of relational and organizational nature, which hinder the consolidation of matrix support in mental health. Despite such challenges, respondents mentioned the changes resulting from the implementation of this support: expansion of mental health care through Primary Care, strengthening of the care network, and qualification of referrals to specialists.

Se trata de un estudio cualitativo sobre soporte matricial, en el que se entrevistó a profesionales de los Centros de Atención Psicosocial. Las entrevistas fueron interpretadas por análisis de contenido, resultando en tres categorías: concepciones sobre el soporte matricial; dificultades experimentadas para su implementación; y cambios que han tenido lugar desde su implementación. Algunos entrevistados describieron el soporte matricial como un posible momento de intercambio, con aprendizaje para todos los involucrados, mientras que otros lo describieron como un momento propicio para la transmisión de conocimientos, marcando una relación unilateral. Los partidarios de la matriz anunciaron desafíos de orden relacional y organizacional, lo que dificulta el soporte de la matriz. A pesar de tales desafíos, los encuestados mencionaron los cambios derivados de la implementación de esta matriz: ampliación de la atención en salud mental a través de atención primaria, fortalecimiento de la red de atención y calificación de derivaciones a especialistas.

Migrating fish bone presenting as a neck fistula.

The case report describes an extremely rare finding of fish bone migration from the aerodigestive tract causing a neck fistula 2 years after its ingestion. Detailed case study and surgical treatment is presented. This case highlights the need for further assessment in presence of a high clinical suspicion of foreign body ingestion with a normal physical examination of the upper aerodigestive tract, to avoid serious and potential life-threatening complications later on.

CAAos platform: an integrated platform for analysis of cerebral hemodynamics data.

Objective.The purpose of this article is to introduce readers to the concept and structure of the CAAos (CerebralAutoregulationAssessmentOpenSource) platform, and provide evidence of its functionality.Approach.The CAAos platform is a new open-source software research tool, developed in Python 3 language, that combines existing and novel methods for interactive visual inspection, batch processing and analysis of multichannel records. The platform is scalable, allowing for the customization and inclusion of new tools.Main results.Currently, the CAAos platform is composed of two main modules, preprocessing (containing artefact removal, filtering and signal beat to beat extraction tools) and cerebral autoregulation (CA) analysis modules. Two methods for assessing CA have been implemented into the CAAos platform: transfer function analysis (TFA) and the autoregulation index (ARI). In order to provide validation of the TFA and ARI estimates derived from the CAAos platform, the results were compared with those derived from two other algorithms. Validation was performed using data from 28 participants, corresponding to 13 acute ischemic stroke patients and 13 age- and sex-matched control subjects. Agreement between estimates was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman analysis. No significant statistical difference between the algorithms was found. Moreover, there was an excellent correspondence between the curves of all parameters analysed, with the intraclass correlation coefficient ranging from 0.98 (95%CI 0.976-0.999) to 1.00 (95%CI 1 -1). The mean differences revealed a very small magnitude bias indicating an excellent agreement between the estimates.Significance.As open-source software, the source code for the software is freely available for noncommercial use, reducing barriers to performing CA analysis, allowing inspection of the inner-workings of the algorithms, and facilitating networked activities with common standards. The CAAos platform is a tailored software solution for the scientific community in the cerebral hemodynamic field and contributes to the increasing use and reproducibility of CA assessment.

Expression cassette and plasmid construction for Yeast Surface Display in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

OBJECTIVES: Develop a Cell Surface Display system in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, based on the construction of an expression cassette for pYES2 plasmid. RESULTS: The construction of an expression cassette containing the α-factor signal peptide and the C-terminal portion of the α-agglutinin protein was made and its sequence inserted into a plasmid named pYES2/gDαAgglutinin. The construction allows surface display of bovine herpesvirus type 5 (BoHV-5) glycoprotein D (gD) on S. cerevisiae BY4741 strain. Recombinant protein expression was confirmed by dot blot, and indirect immunofluorescence using monoclonal anti-histidine antibodies and polyclonal antibodies from mice experimentally vaccinated with a recombinant gD. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that the approach and plasmid used represent not only an effective system for immobilizing proteins on the yeast cell surface, as well as a platform for immunobiologicals development.

Encrypted antimicrobial peptides from proteins present in the plasma of the millipede Rhinocricus sp.

Millipedes are among the most diverse and abundant arthropods in terrestrial environments. However, little is known about their innate immune response against invading pathogenic microorganisms, which is very intriguing considering that the evolutionary success of millipedes is largely due to this complex and primitive defense system, since it allowed them to colonize a wide variety of microhabitats characterized by their high microbial proliferation. Accordingly, the aim of the present work was to determine the presence of antimicrobial peptides in the hemolymph of the millipede Rhinocricus sp. In total, four native peptides with potent antimicrobial activity against different microorganisms, lack of cytotoxicity against Vero cells and lack of hemolytic effects against human erythrocytes were isolated and named RP40-16, RP40-19, RP40-20/1 and RP40-20/2. The analysis with bioinformatics tools suggested that these peptides may be encrypted in large proteins present in the plasma: Hemocyanin and thioester-containing protein. Considering these results, it can be said that millipede hemolymph represents a promising source of molecules with potential for the development of non-conventional antibiotics. Therefore, in order to have a clearer notion of the biotechnological potential and the role of these peptides in the innate immune response of Rhinocricus sp., future studies should focus on elucidating their mechanisms of action, as well as additional biological properties.

More than the eye can see; shedding new light on SARS-CoV-2 Lateral Flow Device-based immunoassays

Containing the global SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has been an unprecedented challenge due to high horizontal transmissivity and asymptomatic carriage rates. Lateral Flow Device (LFD) immunoassays were introduced in late 2020 to detect SARS-CoV-2 infection in asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic individuals rapidly. Whilst LFD technologies have been used for over 60 years, their widespread use as a public health tool during a pandemic is unprecedented. By the end of 2020, data from studies into the efficacy of the LFDs emerged and showed these point-of-care devices to have very high specificity (ability to identify true negatives) but inadequate sensitivity with high false-negative rates. The low sensitivity (<50%) shown in several studies is a critical public health concern, as asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic carriers may wrongly be assumed to be non-infectious, posing a significant risk of further spread in the community. Here we show that the direct visual readout of SARS-CoV-2 LFDs is an inadequate approach to discriminate a potentially infective viral concentration in a bio-sample. We quantified significant immobilized antigen-antibody-label conjugate complexes within the LFDs visually scored as negative using high-sensitivity synchrotron X-ray fluorescence imaging. Correlating quantitative X-ray fluorescence measurements and qRT-PCR determined numbers of viral copies, we identified that negatively scored samples could contain up to 100 PFU (equivalent here to [~]10,000 RNA copies/test). The study demonstrates where the shortcomings arise in many of the current direct-readout SARS-CoV-2 LFDs, namely being a deficiency in the readout as opposed to the potential level of detection of the test, which is orders of magnitude higher. The present findings are of importance, both to public health monitoring during the COVID-19 pandemic and to the rapid refinement of these tools for immediate and future applications.

Prediction of Novel Drug Targets and Vaccine Candidates against Human Lice (Insecta), Acari (Arachnida), and Their Associated Pathogens.

The emergence of drug-resistant lice, acari, and their associated pathogens (APs) is associated with economic losses; thus, it is essential to find new appropriate therapeutic approaches. In the present study, a subtractive proteomics approach was used to predict suitable therapeutics against these vectors and their infectious agents. We found 9701 proteins in the lice (Pediculus humanus var. corporis) and acari (Ixodes scapularis, Leptotrombidium deliense), and 4822 proteins in the proteomes of their APs (Babesia microti, Borreliella mayonii, Borrelia miyamotoi, Borrelia recurrentis, Rickettsia prowazekii, Orientia tsutsugamushi str. Boryong) that were non-homologous to host proteins. Among these non-homologous proteins, 365 proteins of lice and acari, and 630 proteins of APs, were predicted as essential proteins. Twelve unique essential proteins were predicted to be involved in four unique metabolic pathways of lice and acari, and 103 unique proteins were found to be involved in 75 unique metabolic pathways of APs. The sub cellular localization analysis of 115 unique essential proteins of lice and acari and their APs revealed that 61 proteins were cytoplasmic, 42 as membrane-bound proteins and 12 proteins with multiple localization. The druggability analysis of the identified 73 cytoplasmic and multiple localization essential proteins revealed 22 druggable targets and 51 novel drug targets that participate in unique pathways of lice and acari and their APs. Further, the predicted 42 membrane bound proteins could be potential vaccine candidates. Screening of useful inhibitors against these novel targets may result in finding novel compounds efficient for the control of these parasites.

Burnout in the Pharmaceutical Activity: The Impact of COVID-19.

IMPORTANCE: Pharmacists are among the healthcare professionals involved in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining essential services. In the context of restrictions and reorganization of human resources, as a result of policies recently applied to the health sector, following international guidelines, and given the scarcity of data on burnout in pharmaceutical activity, it was considered highly relevant to promote a nationwide survey aiming to collect more complete evidence on the burnout syndrome and to understand how pharmacists have viewed their work and the people they worked closely with. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to assess the occurrence of pharmacist burnout and determine outcomes for each of its dimensions; identify potentially associated characteristics; and determine profiles and critical limits. DESIGN: A cross-sectional observational study conducted by a multidisciplinary panel from the Portuguese Pharmaceutical Society (PPS). Professionals from community and hospital pharmacies who were at the forefront of the COVID-19 response were involved in (i) confirming the need and pertinence for conducting this research, (ii) identifying the main factors leading to pharmaceutical emotional distress ("burnout"), and (iii) disseminating the survey. The questionnaire was designed for digital voluntary, confidential, and anonymous participation and divided into four segments of data collection: (i) demographics, (ii) employment and workplace characterization, (iii) pandemic impact on labor activity, and (iv) burnout assessment (as described ahead). SETTING: An electronic survey was addressed to all PPS members, and an account was created solely to manage the questionnaire data for the research team. The web-based and user-friendly platform Google Forms supported the data capture and provided an intuitive interface for validated data entry. PARTICIPANTS: In a population of 15,565 pharmacists (members of the PPS), the minimum recommended sample size (Epi Info software), with a 5% margin of error and a 99.9% confidence interval, should be 1,012 individuals. A total of 1,362 pharmacists participated in the study. Of these, 91.4% (n = 1,246) were involved in direct patient care activity and 7.7% (n = 106) in non-direct patient care activity.

Encrypted antimicrobial peptides from proteins present in the plasma of the millipede Rhinocricus sp.

Millipedes are among the most diverse and abundant arthropods in terrestrial environments. However, little is known about their innate immune response against invading pathogenic microorganisms, which is very intriguing considering that the evolutionary success of millipedes is largely due to this complex and primitive defense system, since it allowed them to colonize a wide variety of microhabitats characterized by their high microbial proliferation. Accordingly, the aim of the present work was to determine the presence of antimicrobial peptides in the hemolymph of the millipede Rhinocricus sp. in total, four native peptides with potent antimicrobial activity against different microorganisms, lack of cytotoxicity against Vero cells and lack of hemolytic effects against human erythrocytes were isolated and named RP40–16, RP40–19, RP40–20/1 and RP40–20/2. The analysis with bioinformatics tools suggested that these peptides may be encrypted in large proteins present in the plasma: Hemocyanin and thioester-containing protein. Considering these results, it can be said that millipede hemolymph represents a promising source of molecules with potential for the development of non-conventional antibiotics. Therefore, in order to have a clearer notion of the biotechnological potential and the role of these peptides in the innate immune response of Rhinocricus sp., future studies should focus on elucidating their mechanisms of action, as well as additional biological properties

Immunogenicity of a Recombinant Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone Associated to the B Subunit of Escherichia coli Heat-labile Enterotoxin Expressed in Pichia pastoris and Escherichia coli Platforms

Abstract Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is one of the main targets for the development of immunocontraceptives vaccines. The aim of this study was to clone and express the recombinant GnRH fused to the B subunit of Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin (LTB) molecule in Pichia pastoris and Escherichia coli platforms and evaluate their immunogenicity in mice. P. pastoris (pGnRH/LTB) and E. coli (eGnRH/LTB) platforms were able to express GnRH/LTB expected band with ~ 21 kDa. Both constructions were immunogenic in mice. Similar IgG kinetics was observed for both construction when it was used as ELISA antigen respectively, showing significant (p<0.05) IgG levels 5-fold higher than a commercial vaccine and 14-fold higher than the controls. The histological effects of pGnRH/LTB as well as eGnRH/LTB proteins demonstrated a significant effect on the gonads, characterized by atrophy of seminiferous tubules, absence of spermatogenesis and reduction of Leydig cells. Both constructions were able to induce antibodies that block the hormone effect, suggesting the potential of GnRH/LTB, independently of the P. pastoris or E. coli platform used, as a vaccine candidate for immunocontraception.

Gestão do SUS na perspectiva da literatura: fragilidades, potencialidades e propostas / The literature perspective of the Brazilian Public Health System management: weaknesses, potentialities and proposals

A consolidação do SUS demanda a democratização das relações. Contudo, nos seus 30 anos, tem sido marcante a separação entre gestão e atenção à saúde. Assim, objetivou-se conhecer como os artigos científicos abordam a gestão em saúde no SUS. Realizou-se revisão integrativa de literatura nas bases de dados Scielo e PePSIC com os descritores "gestão em saúde", "cogestão", e "gestão participativa", resultando em 16 artigos. Seguiu-se com análise de conteúdo temática, possibilitando as seguintes categorias: "concepções sobre gestão em saúde no SUS", "dificuldades para gestão em saúde", "potencialidades da gestão em saúde" e "propostas para gestão em saúde". Conclui-se que é preciso aproximar os atores sociais dos processos de gestão e considerar aspectos como afetividade e subjetividade neste contexto, possibilitando que trabalhadores, gestores e usuários ­ todos operadores do SUS ­ se reconheçam na produção de saúde.

Produção científica sobre psicologia dos desastres: Uma revisão da literatura nacional / Scientific literature on disasters in psychology: A review of national literature / La literatura científica sobre desastres en psicología: Una revisión de la literatura nacional

As notícias sobre a ocorrência de desastres têm-se tornado parte do cotidiano das brasileiras e brasileiros nos últimos anos, dada a elevada quantidade de eventos climáticos extremos agravados pela degradação ambiental e problemas sociais severos. Este estudo apresenta uma revisão sistemática da literatura científica produzida no Brasil sobre a Psicologia dos Desastres, a fim de se conhecer como o evento e os fenômenos sociais inerentes a ele estão sendo tomados como objeto de estudo pela Psicologia, dando enfoque aos desastres socioambientais. A revisão recuperou 11 artigos nas bases de dados Bireme e SciELO, considerando como critérios de inclusão: artigos produzidos no Brasil, temporalidade entre 2005 a 2015 e que discutissem apenas desastres socioambientais. Os resultados mostram que o desastre ainda é um desafio para o estudo da psicologia, existindo poucos estudos que são em sua maioria teóricos. Observa-se que existe um campo profícuo para a construção do conhecimento na temática.

The news about the occurrence of disasters has become part of the daily life of Brazilians in recent years, given the high amount of extreme climatic events aggravated by environmental degradation and severe social problems. This study presents a systematic review of the scientific literature produced in Brazil on Disaster Psychology, in order to know how the event and all the social phenomena inherent to it are being taken as an object of study by Psychology, focusing on socio-environmental disasters. The review retrieved 11 articles in the databases Bireme and SciELO, considering as inclusion criteria: articles produced in Brazil, temporality between 2005 and 2015 and that only discussed socioenvironmental disasters. The results show that the disaster is still a challenge for the study of psychology, with few studies that are mostly theoretical. It is observed that there is a profitable field for the construction of knowledge in the theme.

Las noticias sobre la ocurrencia de desastres se han convertido en parte del cotidiano de brasileñas y brasileños en los últimos años, dada la elevada cantidad de eventos climáticos extremos agravados por la degradación ambiental y problemas sociales severos. Este estudio presenta una revisión sistemática de la literatura científica producida en Brasil sobre la psicología de desastres, con el fin de saber cómo están tomando el caso de desastres y todos los fenómenos sociales inherentes a ella como estudiado por la psicología, centrándose en los desastres sociales y medioambientales. La revisión se recuperó 11 artículos en las bases de datos de BIREME y SciElo, teniendo en cuenta los siguientes criterios de inclusión: los artículos producidos en Brasil, la temporalidad entre 2005-2015 y discutir sólo los desastres ambientales. Los resultados muestran que el desastre sigue siendo un reto para el estudio de la psicología, hay pocos estudios que son en su mayor parte teórica. Se observa que existe un campo fértil para la construcción del conocimiento en la materia.

Percepções sobre o Processo de Trabalho em um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial Infanto-Juvenil / Opiniones en el Proceso del Trabajo en un Centro de la Atención Psicossocial Infanto-Joven / Perceptions of the Process of Work in a Psychosocial Care Center for Children and Youth

Resumo O objetivo da pesquisa foi analisar as percepções dos profissionais de saúde sobre o processo de trabalho e, consequentemente, a produção do cuidado, diante da fusão de um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial Álcool e Drogas infanto-juvenil (CAPS ADi) com um Centro de Atenção Psicossocia. In fanto-juvenil (CAPSi), de um município da região sudeste do Brasil. Utilizou-se a abordagem qualitativa. Participaram do estudo 11 profissionais de saúde. Para a coleta de dados foi utilizado a técnica do grupo focal. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de conteúdo. Os resultados indicam que a fusão dos serviços ocorreu de modo verticalizado, não havendo a inclusão dos profissionais no processo de planejamento para a unificação. Esta situação produziu reflexo no trabalho, tais como: dificuldades para a realização do trabalho em equipe sob a ótica da interdisciplinaridade; a construção de um agir descomprometido; e a organização do trabalho por demandas. Além destas questões, verificou-se que a não apropriação dos profissionais dos processos de mudança ocorridos gerou sofrimento nestes.

Resumen El objetivo del artículo es analizar las opiniones de los profesionales de salud en el proceso del trabajo e la producción del cuidado, delante de la fusión de uno Centro de la Atención Psicossocial Alcohol y Droga. In fanto-Joven (CAPS Adi) con uno Centro de la Atención Psicossocia. In fanto-Joven (CAPSi), de una ciudad de la región del sudeste del Brasil. Se utilizó un enfoque cualitativo. Once profesionales de salud habían participado del estudio. Para la recogida de datos fue utilizado la técnica del grupo focal. Los datos habían sido sometidos al análisis del contenido. Los resultados indican que la fusión de los servicios ocurrió de manera jerárquica, y no hay inclusión de los profesionales en el proceso de planificación para la unificación de los servicios, como: dificultades para llevar a cabo el trabajo en equipo desde la perspectiva de la interdisciplinariedad; la construcción de acciones sin compromisos; y también la organización del trabajo para las demandas. Además, se ha descubierto que la no apropiación de los profesionales en los procesos que se produjeron causaron sufrimiento.

Abstract The aim of this article was to analyze the perceptions of health professionals regarding the process of work and the production of care after the merging of a Psychosocial Care Center for Alcohol and Drug Use for Children and Youth (CAPS ADi) and a Psychosocial Care Center for Children and Youth (CAP-Si), in a city located in southeastern Brazil. This was achieved using a qualitative approach. The study involved 11 health professionals. Data were collected using focus groups, and examined using content analysis. The results indicated that the merging of the services was implemented in a top-down fashion, with health professionals excluded from the planning of the merger. This had a significant impact on work performance, leading to difficulties in adopting an interdisciplinary approach to multidisciplinary work; lack of commitment; and a division of the work according to patient needs. Additionally, the exclusion of health professionals from the process of change was identified as a significant cause of distress for these individuals.