Effects of Pilates exercises on health-related quality of life in postmenopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the effects of Pilates exercises on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in postmenopausal women. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in the following databases: PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, CINAHL, Web of Science, LILACS, SportDiscus, Scielo, and PEDro. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that intervened with Pilates and had HRQoL as an outcome were eligible. The methodological quality of each RCT was assessed using the PEDro scale and the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE system. Meta-analyses were conducted by standardized mean difference (SMD). RESULTS: Initially, 760 records were located. After screening, 11 RCTs were included in the systematic review. Five studies presented low risk of bias (PEDro score ≥ 6). Evidence of very low to moderate certainty demonstrated significant effects in favor of Pilates exercises vs control groups for five of the nine HRQoL domains analyzed: bodily pain (SMD = 0.96), physical functioning (SMD = 0.85), social functioning (SMD = 0.45), role physical (SMD = 0.79), and role emotional (SMD = 0.61). Subgroup analyzes demonstrated that Pilates had a positive impact on more domains whens administered for ≥ 48 sessions (eight domains) vs < 48 sessions (three domains); and when administered on equipment (seven domains) vs mat (three domains). CONCLUSION: Pilates exercises, in general, allowed significant effects to improve HRQoL in postmenopausal women, especially when performed on equipment and when administered for at least 48 sessions. However, no analysis showed high certainty of evidence, and more RCTs of high methodological quality are needed to confirm these findings.

Go Wish card game-exploring end-of-life wishes of patients in oncology palliative care: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Among the methods that promote quality of life and care, discussing and remembering end-of-life (EOL) wishes for future care may contribute to decision-making about care and the promotion of a good death. Our aim was to investigate the most significant EOL desires among Brazilian cancer patients receiving palliative care (PC). METHODS: This was an exploratory, descriptive, and qualitative study conducted in a Palliative Care Oncology Unit. Fifteen patients played the Go Wish card game (GWCG), choosing and categorizing cards into themes as very important, more or less important, and not important at all. The ten most important cards were discussed, and categories were defined for each card. Cards with the highest frequencies of choice were described. Patients were also asked, "What did playing the cards mean to you?". All data were analyzed using Bardin's content analysis and generated a word cloud to interpret the participants' narratives. RESULTS: Out of the 36 cards, card 19, "I want my family and friends close to me", was the most frequently chosen. Out of the 15 patients studied, only one reported that they initially did not enjoy playing the cards. In this study, the GWCG was effective in fulfilling 90% of the patients' wishes, and this was only possible with the support of the researchers, members of the multi-professional team, and patients' families. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the GWCG in the oncology PC setting made an important contribution to open discussions about patients' values and preferences, as well as being an easy-to-use, understandable, and flexible tool. Prioritizing the fulfillment of patients' wishes was one of the main strengths of this study. Our study suggests working with these wishes as a framework for person-centered care.

When and how to discuss about palliative care and advance care planning with cancer patients: A mixed-methods study.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the patients who are most likely to participate in discussions about palliative care (PC) and advance care planning (ACP), and to determine their preferred timing and approach of discussion. METHODS: The study included women aged 18-75 years diagnosed with breast cancer. In the quantitative phase, sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, knowledge, decision-making, and stigmas were evaluated. The qualitative phase included questions about patients' understanding, timing, and method of discussing PC and ACP, which were analyzed by Bardin's content analysis. RESULTS: In Phase 1, a total of 115 participants were included, with 53.04% completing both phases and 46.96% declining further participation. Those who completed both phases exhibited higher rates of marriage and educational attainment, while those who declined Phase 2 had a higher prevalence of advanced-stage cancer and palliative treatment. Completion of both phases was associated with a greater knowledge of reality and increased awareness of PC and ACP. Furthermore, the qualitative analysis revealed 5 convergent themes: timing, demystification, patient empowerment, misconception elimination, and open communication. These themes informed the development of a conceptual model that provides a framework for discussing PC and ACP with patients at different stages of cancer diagnosis and treatment, highlighting appropriate and inappropriate approaches and timing. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: Early discussion is beneficial, but withholding information or infringing on autonomy should be avoided. The study reveals that married and highly educated individuals tend to be more receptive to these discussions. However, patients with late-stage cancer tend to decline participation. Patients value open communication, demystification of PC, and empowering discussions that eliminate misunderstandings. Efforts should be made to reach patients with limited familiarity, particularly those with late-stage cancer, to increase their receptiveness to enable well-informed decision-making.

Factores de riesgo y estilos de vida en adolescentes asociados al cáncer en la adultez: una revisión de alcance / Fatores de risco e estilos de vida em adolescentes associados ao câncer na idadeadulta: uma revisão de escopo / Risk factors and lifestyles in adolescents associated with cancer in adulthood: a scoping review

Objective: To identify scientific evidence related to risk factors and lifestyles in adolescentsassociated with the occurrence of lung, cervical, gastrointestinal, skin and breast cancer in adulthood. Methodology: Scope review based on the methodology of the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI),four databases were explored, and the selected articles were analyzed, extracted and synthesized.Results: 33 articles were included, the risk factors identified were family history, sex, tobacco, alcohol, overweight, underweight, sun exposure, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, lack ofknowledge about self-care measures, low consumption of fruits and vegetables, consumption of redmeat and fats, low socioeconomic status, low level of schooling and sedentary lifestyle: physicalactivity, condom use, monitoring and screening of their health status, human papillomavirus (HPV)vaccination, healthy eating and sun protection. Conclusion: The risk factors found in the scope review are numerous, according to each type of cancer, there are modifiable factors that can be putinto practice from adolescence as lifestyles in the individual, family and school sense.(AU)

Objetivo: Identificar la evidencia científica relacionada con los factores de riesgo y losestilos de vida en adolescentes asociados a la ocurrencia de cáncer pulmonar, cervicouterino, gastrointestinal, de piel y de mama en la adultez. Metodología: Revisión de alcance basada en la metodología del Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI), se exploraron cuatro bases de datos, a los artículos seleccionados se les realizó análisis, extracción y síntesis de datos. Resultados: Se incluyeron 33 artículos,los factores de riesgo identificados fueron antecedentes familiares, sexo, tabaco, alcohol, sobrepeso, bajo peso, exposición al sol, infección por virus del papiloma humano (VPH), desconocimientosobre medidas de autocuidado, bajo consumo de frutas y verduras, consumo de carnes rojas y degrasas, bajo nivel socioeconómico, bajo nivel de escolaridad y sedentarismo; y, como estilos de vida:actividad física, uso del condón, seguimiento y detección de su situación de salud, vacuna contra elvirus del papiloma humano (VPH), alimentación saludable y protección solar. Conclusión: Los factores de riesgos encontrados en la revisión de alcance son numerosos, según cada tipo de cáncer,existen factores modificables que desde la adolescencia se pueden poner en práctica como estilos devida en sentido individual, familiar y escolar. (AU)

Objectivo: Identificar provas científicas relacionadas com factores de risco e estilos de vidaem adolescentes associados com a ocorrência de cancro do pulmão, cervical, gastrointestinal, dapele e da mama na idade adulta. Metodologia: Revisão do âmbito com base na metodologia doInstituto Joanna Briggs (JBI), foram exploradas quatro bases de dados e foram analisados, extraídose sintetizados artigos seleccionados. Resultados: 33 artigos foram incluídos, os factores de risco identificados foram história familiar, sexo, tabaco, álcool, excesso de peso, baixo peso, exposição solar,infecção por papilomavírus humano (HPV), falta de conhecimento sobre medidas de autocuidado,baixo consumo de frutas e vegetais, consumo de carne vermelha e gordura, baixo estatuto socioeconómico, baixo nível de educação e sedentarismo; e, como estilos de vida: actividade física, utilizaçãode preservativos, monitorização e rastreio do seu estado de saúde, vacinação contra o papilomavírus humano (HPV), alimentação saudável e protecção solar. Conclusão: Os factores de risco encontrados na revisão do âmbito são numerosos, dependendo de cada tipo de cancro, e há factores modificáveis que podem ser postos em prática a partir da adolescência como estilos de vida individuais, familiares e escolares.(AU)

Heart Disease Screening and False Hypoxemia in the Neonate.

BACKGROUND: Screening for congenital heart diseases by pulse oximetry is used for the initial assessment of the neonate. Variants of hemoglobin F can compromise light absorbance, inducing erroneous results. CASE REPORT: Two infants screened for congenital heart disease showed an asymptomatic low peripheral oxygen saturation. Arterial blood gases analysis revealed a normal arterial pressure of oxygen and oxygen saturation. More likely and/or severe causes of hypoxemia were ruled out. This "artifact" with SpO2-SaO2 dissociation, and after exclusion of other common etiologies of hypoxemia, raised the clinical suspicion of hemoglobinopathy. Hemoglobin molecular and genetic studies identified specific mutations in gamma chains from hemoglobin F, named hemoglobin F Sardinia. CONCLUSION: Hemoglobin F variants may result in low peripheral oxygen saturation readings by pulse oximetry, explaining the discordance in the clinical appearance and low peripheral oxygen saturation readings.

Relationship between physical activity levels of Portuguese physical therapists and mental health during a COVID-19 pandemic: Being active is the key.

Introduction: Physical activity is essential for a healthy life and quality of life, representing a fundamental role in individuals' physical and mental health. Concomitantly, the physical therapist, through the promotion of physical activity and exercise, can improve mental health, an essential factor in the current pandemic, triggering anxiety, fear, and depression crisis. Objective: To verify physical activity among Portuguese physical therapists and its association with mental health during pandemic times. Methods: An online questionnaire was applied through social media to all Portuguese physical therapists between October 21, 2021, and January 14, 2022. It contained general characterization questions of the sample, the IPAQ-SF questionnaire to assess physical activity levels, the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), which assesses the levels of mental health and the WHO Well-Being Index (WHO-5) to assess the subjective wellbeing. Results: The sample totaled 286 respondents (82% female), with a mean age of 33. Of the total answers, 82% practiced physical activity, 45% had moderate levels of physical activity, and 19% vigorous. Physical therapists in these categories had lower values in the GHQ-28 and higher in the WHO-5. Those with better mental health also showed better subjective wellbeing (r = -0.571, p = 0.000). Conclusion: The data obtained showed that physical therapists mostly have moderate and vigorous levels of physical activity and that physical activity positively influences individuals' mental health and wellbeing, which proved to be a key factor due to the pandemic situation.

Effect of sow mass vaccination against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae on the humoral immune response of newborn piglets.

Pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma (M.) hyopneumoniae is one of the major respiratory diseases in swine production. Commercial vaccines for M. hyopneumoniae are widely used in weaned piglets to reduce lung lesions and clinical signs in the downstream flow; however, no information regarding the effect of mass immunization of the breeding herd is available. The aim of this work was to evaluate a mass vaccination protocol for M. hyopneumoniae on the humoral response of sows and their offspring 24 h post-partum (trial registration number 40156). A total of 52 sows from two different farms (13 primiparous and 13 multiparous sows on each farm), one with mass vaccination (MVF) and one without mass vaccination against M. hyopneumoniae (control farm (CF)) were enrolled in this study. Five piglets from each litter were selected, resulting in 260 piglets. Blood was collected from sows and piglets 24 h post-partum for M. hyopneumoniae antibody detection by ELISA. The results showed that primiparous sows from MVF had higher antibody titers compared to multiparous sows of the same farm, and multiparous and primiparous sows from the CF. Similar results were evidenced in their offspring. The findings of this study suggest that mass vaccination results in a more robust serologic response on primiparous sows, which could be the main target of vaccination strategies for the breeding herd.

Severe oral mucositis relating to pain and worse oral condition among patients with solid tumors undergoing treatment with FOLFIRI and 5-FU: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: There is a need for studies that correlate the severity of oral mucositis (OM) with chemotherapy protocols, transient myelosuppression and oral health. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the severity of OM among individuals with solid tumors during hospitalization and its correlation with the type of chemotherapy, myelosuppression and oral health condition. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective study at a public hospital in Bauru, state of São Paulo, Brazil, that is a regional referral center. METHODS: Individuals diagnosed with solid malignant tumors who received chemotherapy during hospitalization for completion of the antineoplastic treatment cycle or who presented complications resulting from this were assessed. RESULTS: Twenty-eight individuals (24.3%) manifested some degree of OM. The most prevalent degrees of OM according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and modified WHO classification were grades 2 (11.3%) and 5 (4.3%), respectively. It was observed that the higher the OM-WHO (P < 0.001; r = 0.306) and modified OM-WHO (P < 0.001; r = 0.295) classifications were, the greater the oral pain reported by the individuals was. Presence of mucositis in the upper lip and buccal mucosa contributed to increased severity of OM and worsening of swallowing during hospitalization. Thus, severe OM was associated with use of the FOLFIRI protocol (folinic acid, fluorouracil and irinotecan). CONCLUSION: Individuals with tumors who presented severe OM had greater severity of oral pain and worse oral health. Use of the FOLFIRI protocol was associated with higher prevalence of severe OM, while use of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) was correlated with worse oral condition.

Severe oral mucositis relating to pain and worse oral condition among patients with solid tumors undergoing treatment with FOLFIRI and 5-FU: a retrospective study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: There is a need for studies that correlate the severity of oral mucositis (OM) with chemotherapy protocols, transient myelosuppression and oral health. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the severity of OM among individuals with solid tumors during hospitalization and its correlation with the type of chemotherapy, myelosuppression and oral health condition. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective study at a public hospital in Bauru, state of São Paulo, Brazil, that is a regional referral center. METHODS: Individuals diagnosed with solid malignant tumors who received chemotherapy during hospitalization for completion of the antineoplastic treatment cycle or who presented complications resulting from this were assessed. RESULTS: Twenty-eight individuals (24.3%) manifested some degree of OM. The most prevalent degrees of OM according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and modified WHO classification were grades 2 (11.3%) and 5 (4.3%), respectively. It was observed that the higher the OM-WHO (P < 0.001; r = 0.306) and modified OM-WHO (P < 0.001; r = 0.295) classifications were, the greater the oral pain reported by the individuals was. Presence of mucositis in the upper lip and buccal mucosa contributed to increased severity of OM and worsening of swallowing during hospitalization. Thus, severe OM was associated with use of the FOLFIRI protocol (folinic acid, fluorouracil and irinotecan). CONCLUSION: Individuals with tumors who presented severe OM had greater severity of oral pain and worse oral health. Use of the FOLFIRI protocol was associated with higher prevalence of severe OM, while use of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) was correlated with worse oral condition.

Impact of physical activity on redox status and nitric oxide bioavailability in nonoverweight and overweight/obese prepubertal children.

Nutritional status might contribute to variations induced by physical activity (PA) in redox status biomarkers. We investigated the influence of PA on redox status and nitric oxide (NO) production/metabolism biomarkers in nonoverweight and overweight/obese prepubertal children. We performed a cross-sectional evaluation of 313 children aged 8-9 years (163 nonoverweight, 150 overweight/obese) followed since birth in a cohort study (Generation XXI, Porto, Portugal). Plasma total antioxidant status (P-TAS), plasma and urinary isoprostanes (P-Isop, U-Isop), urinary hydrogen peroxide (U-H2O2), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and plasma and urinary nitrates and nitrites (P-NOx, U-NOx) were assessed, as well as their association with variables of reported PA quantification (categories of PA frequency (>1x/week and ≤1x/week)and continuous PA index (obtained by the sum of points)) in a questionnaire with increasing ranks from sedentary to vigorous activity levels. U-NOx was significantly higher in children who presented higher PA index scores and higher PA frequency. Separately by BMI classes, U-NOx was significantly higher only in nonoverweight children who practiced PA more frequently (p = 0.037). In overweight/obese children, but not in nonoverweight, P-TAS was higher among children with higher PA frequency (p = 0.007). Homeostasis model assessment index (HOMA-IR) was significantly lower in more active overweight/obese children, but no differences were observed in nonoverweight children. In the fully adjusted multivariate linear regression models for P-TAS, in the overweight/obese group, children with higher PA frequency presented higher P-TAS. In the U-NOx models, U-NOx significantly increased with PA index, only in nonoverweight children. Our results provide additional evidence in support of a protective effect of physical activity, in nonoverweight by increasing NO bioavailability and in overweight/obese children by enhancing systemic antioxidant capacity and insulin sensitivity. These results highlight the importance of engaging in regular physical exercise, particularly among overweight/obese children, in which a positive association between oxidant status and cardiometabolic risk markers has been described.

Caracterização clínico-epidemiológica de crianças e adolescentes portadores de cardiopatia congênita / Clinical-epidemiological characterization of children and adolescents with congenital heart disease / Caracterización clínico-epidemiológica de niños y adolescentes con cardiopatía congénita

Objetivo: Analisar características clínico-epidemiológicas de crianças portadoras de cardiopatia congênita residentes do município de Rio das Ostras referenciadas para unidades especializadas no estado do Rio de Janeiro. Método: Pesquisa descritiva, transversal realizada em duas unidades hospitalares no município do Rio de Janeiro, através da técnica documental retrospectiva por meio de dados nos prontuários. A coleta ocorreu entre setembro de 2018 a fevereiro de 2019. Resultados: Foram analisados 48 prontuários, com maior proporção entre os escolares (33,3%); do sexo masculino (58,3%); Em relação as cardiopatias, verificou-se com maior proporção as acianóticas (62,5%); destacando a comunicação interatrial com (14,6%); seguida da comunicação interventricular (12,5%) e coarctação da aorta (12,5%). Conclusão: A identificação dessas crianças no município de Rio das Ostras e a distribuição destas pelo território nacional são informações imprescindíveis para o planejamento e implementação de programas e políticas públicas que atendam as reais demandas deste segmento populacional

Objetivo: Analizar las características clínicas y epidemiológicas de los niños con cardiopatía congénita que viven en la ciudad de Rio das Ostras remitidos a unidades especializadas en el estado de Río de Janeiro. Método: Investigación descriptiva, transversal realizada en dos hospitales de la ciudad de Río de Janeiro, a través de una técnica documental retrospectiva a través de datos en registros médicos. La recolección se realizó entre septiembre de 2018 y febrero de 2019. Resultados: Se analizaron 48 registros médicos, con una mayor proporción entre los estudiantes (33.3%); hombre (58,3%); Con respecto a la enfermedad cardíaca, hubo una mayor proporción de acianóticos (62.5%); destacando la comunicación interauricular con (14,6%); seguido de comunicación interventricular (12.5%) y coartación aórtica (12.5%). Conclusión: La identificación de estos niños en la ciudad de Rio das Ostras y su distribución en todo el territorio nacional son información esencial para la planificación e implementación de programas y políticas públicas que satisfagan las demandas reales de este segmento de la población

Objective: To analyze the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of children with congenital heart disease living in the city of Rio das Ostras referred to specialized units in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Method: Descriptive, cross-sectional research conducted in two hospitals in the city of Rio de Janeiro, through retrospective documentary technique through data in medical records. The collection took place between September 2018 and February 2019. Results: 48 medical records were analyzed, with a higher proportion among students (33.3%); male (58.3%); Regarding heart disease, there was a greater proportion of acyanotic (62.5%); highlighting interatrial communication with (14.6%); followed by interventricular communication (12.5%) and aortic coarctation (12.5%). Conclusion: The identification of these children in the city of Rio das Ostras and their distribution throughout the national territory are essential information for the planning and implementation of programs and public policies that meet the real demands of this population segment

Bacterial pneumonia in captive wild boars in southern Brazil: etiological and pathological causes

Respiratory diseases are one of the major health issues described in intensive pig production, causing important economic losses. However, there is little information on the prevalence, etiology and clinical-pathological presentation of these diseases in wild boars. For this reason, this work investigated the presence in captive wild boars of pneumonic lesions and bacterial pathogens commonly detected and associated with respiratory diseases in domestic pigs. A total of 226 captive wild boar lungs from two farms were examined in a slaughterhouse in Southern Brazil. The pneumonic lesions were classified as cranioventral, dorsocaudal, and disseminated, and the quantification of lesions was calculated. From the total of 226 lungs, 121 were collected for laboratory examination. Lungs with macroscopic lesions suggestive of pneumonia were collected for histological, bacteriological and molecular analysis. The molecular analysis was performed to detect the presence of Actinobacillus (A.) pleuropneumoniae, Glaesserella (G.) parasuis, Mycoplasma (M.) hyopneumoniae, Mycoplasma (M.) hyorhinis and Streptococcus (S.) suis serotype 2. The percentages of histological lesions and bacterial agents and their association were calculated. Cranioventral consolidation (75.2%) was the most prevalent macroscopic lung lesion, followed by disseminated (21.5%) and dorsocaudal (3.3%) distribution. Microscopically, chronic lesions were the most prevalent, representing 70.2% of the lungs. Moreover, BALT hyperplasia was present in 86.5% of the lungs, suppurative bronchopneumonia in 65.7%, and alveoli infiltrate in 46.8%. Six bacterial pathogens commonly described as agents of pig pneumonia were identified by bacterial or molecular methods: Pasteurella (P.) multocida, S. suis, M. hyopneumoniae, A. pleuropneumoniae, G. parasuis and M. hyorhinis. Twenty-eight different combinations of pathogens were identified in 84 samples (69.4%). The most common combinations were: M. hyopneumoniae and A. pleuropneumoniae (13.1%), M. hyopneumoniae, G. parasuis and M. hyorhinis (10.7%), and M. hyopneumoniae, A. pleuropneumoniae and G. parasuis (8.3%). Additionally, M. hyopneumoniae was the most frequent pathogen detected in this study, representing 58.7% of the samples. The detection of M. hyopneumoniae and M. hyorhinis by PCR was associated with the presence of BALT hyperplasia (P < 0.05) and there was also an association between the detection of M. hyopneumoniae by PCR and suppurative bronchopneumonia (P < 0.05). In addition, a significant association (P < 0.05) between the detection of M. hyopneumoniae and A. pleuropneumoniae by PCR and the histological classification (acute, subacute or chronic lesions) was observed. The results of this study were similar to those observed in slaughtered domestic pigs, although, the detection of opportunist pathogens was less frequent than that usually described in pig pneumonia. The high prevalence of pneumonia in captive wild boars at slaughter and the similar characteristics of pneumonia in captive wild boars and domestic pigs suggest that the close phylogenetic relationship between pigs and wild boars could influence the susceptibility of both species to the colonization of the same pathogens, indicating that captive wild boars raised in confined conditions could be predisposed to respiratory diseases, similar to domestic pigs.(AU)

Murine Models for the Study of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: An Overview.

Prenatal alcohol exposure is associated to different physical, behavioral, cognitive, and neurological impairments collectively known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. The underlying mechanisms of ethanol toxicity are not completely understood. Experimental studies during human pregnancy to identify new diagnostic biomarkers are difficult to carry out beyond genetic or epigenetic analyses in biological matrices. Therefore, animal models are a useful tool to study the teratogenic effects of alcohol on the central nervous system and analyze the benefits of promising therapies. Animal models of alcohol spectrum disorder allow the analysis of key variables such as amount, timing and frequency of ethanol consumption to describe the harmful effects of prenatal alcohol exposure. In this review, we aim to synthetize neurodevelopmental disabilities in rodent fetal alcohol spectrum disorder phenotypes, considering facial dysmorphology and fetal growth restriction. We examine the different neurodevelopmental stages based on the most consistently implicated epigenetic mechanisms, cell types and molecular pathways, and assess the advantages and disadvantages of murine models in the study of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, the different routes of alcohol administration, and alcohol consumption patterns applied to rodents. Finally, we analyze a wide range of phenotypic features to identify fetal alcohol spectrum disorder phenotypes in murine models, exploring facial dysmorphology, neurodevelopmental deficits, and growth restriction, as well as the methodologies used to evaluate behavioral and anatomical alterations produced by prenatal alcohol exposure in rodents.

Pluviometric and fluviometric trends in association with future projections in areas of conflict for water use.

Rapid population growth coupled with climate change has been putting pressure on natural resources worldwide, especially on water resources. The Paracatu basin located in Brazil is a basin which has been showing a reduction in its water availability for many years due to the growing demand for irrigation in the region. Therefore, the objective of the present work was to analyze the trends in the flow and precipitation data for the Paracatu basin and correlate them with land use between the years 1980 and 2019, and thus make a projection of flows through the year 2030 based on these results. The projections of future flows in the fluviometric stations analyzed were obtained using the WEAP model, considering the projected increase in the irrigated area for the region and the future climate data from the IPCC for the RCP 4.5 scenario. The results of the analyzes indicated a tendency towards a reduction in flows in all the analyzed fluviometric stations, both in the monthly and annual series, whereas the total annual precipitation did not show a trend in the analyzed period. Future flows showed a downward trend, as well as flows observed in the period from 1980 to 2019, reinforcing that activities such as irrigated agriculture without planning can negatively affect the sustainability of water resources, intensifying conflicts and tensions which already exist in the basin. This type of analysis proved to have great potential to contribute to the solution of water resource management challenges in several hydrographic basins around the world which are in a situation of scarcity and conflict.

Phylogenetic analysis of rabies viruses isolated from cattle in southern Brazil.

Bats and dogs are the main reservoirs of rabies virus (RABV) in Latin America and are responsible for the maintenance of different cycles of infection. In the two neighbour and most southern Brazilian states of Rio Grande do Sul (RS) and Santa Catarina (SC), rabies in dogs has been successfully controlled for more than 30 years. However, rabies associated to the rural cycle remains endemic, with a significant, though oscillating-annual incidence of rabies in cattle. Despite the plethora of studies on genetic analyses of Brazilian RABV, isolates from southern Brazil have only scarcely been investigated. This work was performed to identify the genetic lineages of RABVs circulating in states of RS and SC. Fifty-nine RABV cattle isolates from RS and SC were selected and submitted to reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) followed by sequencing of the nucleoprotein gene. In RS, the circulation of two sublineages (1A and 1B) of RABV was detected, both with characteristics of lineages usually detected in vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus). In SC, only one sublineage of RABV (1B) was detected. Nevertheless, the findings reported here are expected to contribute to the understanding of the biology of the virus in the region and its interactions with the natural host D. rotundus.

Evaluation of data input in a rabies testing request form for herbivores / Avaliação da entrada de dados em um formulário de requisição de exame de raiva para herbívoros

Bovines and equines are the domestic animals with the highest incidence of rabies in Brazil. This study evaluated the data input in testing request forms for rabies in herbivores accompanying samples sent to a certified laboratory of rabies diagnosis in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Information was obtained systematically from all forms sent to the laboratory in 2013 and 2014 using a collection instrument that listed variables about the kind of form used, municipality of origin, description of the suspected animal, clinical signs, sample collection, and conservation procedure. The 11 most relevant variables (municipality of origin, geographic coordinates, species, gender, breed, age, herd size, clinical signs, persistence of clinical signs, biological material, and sample conservation) were assessed for the quality of the data entered, and percentage data input was calculated per form. In total, 603 forms were sent to the laboratory. The most used form was the FORM SN, (82.0%, 497/603). "Excellent" and "good" data inputs were observed only for one variable describing the location of suspected rabies cases or outbreaks and animals (species, gender, biological material). Quality of data input of variables describing geographic coordinates, age, breed, herd size, clinical signs, persistence of signs, and sample conservation method varied between "average" and "poor". The data input in testing request forms for herbivores are not dully supplied in suspected cases neurological syndromes, pointing to the need to increase awareness and improve training of field staff.(AU)

Bovinos e equinos são os animais domésticos com maior incidência de raiva no Brasil. Este estudo avaliou formulários de solicitação de testes para raiva em herbívoros acompanhando amostras enviadas a um laboratório certificado de diagnóstico de raiva no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. As informações foram obtidas sistematicamente de todos os formulários enviados ao laboratório em 2013 e 2014 utilizando um instrumento de coleta que selecionou variáveis sobre o tipo de formulário utilizado, município de origem, descrição do animal suspeito, sinais clínicos, coleta de amostra e procedimento de conservação. As 11 variáveis mais relevantes (município de origem, coordenadas geográficas, espécie, gênero, raça, idade, tamanho do rebanho, sinais clínicos, persistência de sinais clínicos, material biológico e conservação da amostra) foram avaliadas quanto à qualidade dos dados inseridos, e os dados percentuais foram calculados por formulário. No total, 603 formulários foram enviados para o laboratório. O formulário mais utilizado foi o FORM SN, (82,0%, 497/603). Dados classificados como "excelentes" e "bons" foram observados apenas para uma variável que descreve a localização de casos suspeitos de raiva ou surtos e animais (espécie, gênero, material biológico). A qualidade da entrada dos dados das variáveis que descrevem coordenadas geográficas, idade, raça, tamanho do rebanho, sinais clínicos, persistência de sinais e método de conservação da amostra variou entre "regular" e "ruim". A qualidade dos dados dos formulários de solicitação de testes para herbívoros não foi devidamente fornecida em casos suspeitos de síndromes neurológicas, apontando para a necessidade de aumentar a conscientização e melhorar o treinamento do pessoal de campo.(AU)