Diffuse optical spectroscopy of lactating and non-lactating human mammary physiology.

Breastfeeding provides widely recognized advantages for infant and maternal health. Unfortunately, many women experience trouble with breastfeeding. Nevertheless, few suitable imaging modalities are available to study human lactation and determine the possible causes of breastfeeding problems. In this study, we apply broadband, quantitative diffuse optical spectroscopy (DOS) for this purpose. We present a study of fourteen lactating and eight similarly aged, premenopausal, non-lactating women to investigate the feasibility of DOS to study the optical and physiological differences between 1) lactating and non-lactating breasts, 2) the areolar and non-areolar region within the breast, and 3) lactating breasts before and after milk extraction. Our study shows that i) the median total hemoglobin concentration [tHb] of the lactating breast is 51% higher than for the non-lactating breast. ii) the median [tHb] of the lactating breast is 37% higher in the areolar region compared to the non-areolar region. iii) lactating breasts exhibit a positive median difference of 8% in [tHb] after milk extraction. Our findings are consistent with the expected physiological changes that occur during the lactation period. Importantly, we show that DOS provides unique insight into breast tissue composition and physiology, serving as a foundation for future application of the technique in lactation research.

Wirelessly Powered Visible Light-Emitting Implant for Surgical Guidance during Lumpectomy.

Achieving negative surgical margins, defined as no tumor found on the edges of the resected tissue, during lumpectomy for breast cancer is critical for mitigating the risk of local recurrence. To identify nonpalpable tumors that cannot be felt, pre-operative placements of wire and wire-free localization devices are typically employed. Wire-free localization approaches have significant practical advantages over wired techniques. In this study, we introduce an innovative localization system comprising a light-emitting diode (LED)-based implantable device and handheld system. The device, which is needle injectable and wire free, utilizes multiple wirelessly powered LEDs to provide direct visual guidance for lumpectomy. Two distinct colors, red and blue, provide a clear indication of tissue depth: blue light is absorbed strongly in tissue, visible within a close range of <1 cm, while red light remains visible through several centimeters of tissue. The LEDs, integrated with an impedance-matching circuit and receiver coil, are encapsulated in biocompatible epoxy for injection with a 12 G needle. Our findings demonstrate that the implant exhibits clearly perceivable depth-dependent color changes and remains visible through >2 cm of ex vivo chicken breast and bovine muscle tissue using less than 4 W of transmitted power from a handheld antenna. These miniaturized needle-injectable localization devices show promise for improving surgical guidance of nonpalpable breast tumors.

Cohort Expansion and Genotype-Phenotype Analysis of RAB11A-Associated Neurodevelopmental Disorder.

BACKGROUND: GTPases of the Rab family are important orchestrators of membrane trafficking, and their dysregulation has been linked to a variety of neuropathologies. In 2017, we established a causal link between RAB11A variants and developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. In this study, we expand the phenotype of RAB11A-associated neurodevelopmental disorder and explore genotype-phenotype correlations. METHODS: We assessed 16 patients with pathogenic or likely pathogenic RAB11A variants, generally de novo, heterozygous missense variants. One individual had a homozygous nonsense variant, although concomitant with a pathogenic LAMA2 variant, which made their respective contributions to the phenotype difficult to discriminate. RESULTS: We reinforce the finding that certain RAB11A missense variants lead to intellectual disability and developmental delays. Other clinical features might include gait disturbances, hypotonia, magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities, visual anomalies, dysmorphisms, early adrenarche, and obesity. Epilepsy seems to be less common and linked to variants outside the binding sites. Individuals with variants in the binding sites seem to have a more multisystemic, nonepileptic phenotype. CONCLUSIONS: Similar to other Rab-related disorders, RAB11A-associated neurodevelopmental disorder can also impact gait, tonus, brain anatomy and physiology, vision, adrenarche, and body weight and structure. Epilepsy seems to affect the minority of patients with variants outside the binding sites.

Pharmacodynamic of Recombinant Human Interferon Alpha-2b Nasal Drops and Effective Prophylaxis Against SARS-COV-2 Infection.

The recombinant human interferon alpha-2b (IFN-α2b) nasal drop formulation (Nasalferon) was studied as prophylaxis for SARS-CoV-2. Healthy volunteers between 19 and 80 years of age received 0.5 million international units of IFN in one drop (0.05 mL ) in each nostril, twice a day, for 10 consecutive days. The nondetection of SARS-CoV-2 by real-time polymerase chain reaction was the primary outcome variable. Several IFN-α biomarkers, including intranasal gene expression and innate immune effector activity, were increased in participants who received intranasal IFN-α2b. The study included 2,930 international travelers and 5,728 persons who were their close contacts. The subjects were treated with Nasalferon in January 2021, and 9,162 untreated travelers were included as controls. COVID-19 rate in treated subjects was significantly lower than in untreated subjects (0.05% vs. 4.84%). The proportion of travelers with COVID-19 decreased from 60.9% to 2.2% between December 2020 and February 2021. Furthermore, 1,719 tourism workers also received Nasalferon, and no cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection were detected, whereas 39 COVID-19 cases (10.6%) were reported in 367 untreated subjects. The main adverse events associated with the use of intranasal IFN-α2b were nasal congestion, headache, and rhinorrhea. Our prophylactic health interventions study demonstrates that the daily administration of Nasalferon for 10 days decreases the risk of developing COVID-19 in healthy volunteers. [Figure: see text].

Do Men and Women Differ in Hematological Adaptations to 24 Weeks of Crossfit® Training?

Regular exercise can modulate the immune system functioning through changes in the number and function of leukocytes as well as in red blood cells and other typical blood markers. High intensity exercise promotes increases in cytotoxic activity, phagocytic capacity, chemotaxis and cell apoptosis. The aim of the study was to compare the chronic effects of a 24-week training program using CrossFit® methodology on hematological variables of men vs. women. Twenty-nine CrossFit® athletes (35.3 ± 10.4 years, 175.0 ± 9.2 cm, 79.5 ± 16.4 kg) participated in the study. The blood count, the lipid profile and glucose markers were measured every two months during the study period. The erythrocyte count and hemoglobin concentrations increased in months 4 and 6 in men and women, respectively. Hematocrit levels increased in men in months 2, 4 and 6, while in women only in month 6. Red cell distribution width increased in men in month 6 when compared to the value in month 2. Segmented neutrophils increased in men in month 6 and eosinophil levels increased in women in month 6. Differences between the two sexes were observed in monocytes levels at baseline, as well as in months 2, 4 and 6. Cross-Fit® training increased red cell count indicators in both sexes, which may be related to increased erythropoiesis. Some white blood cell counts were altered and these differed between sexes. The number of lymphocytes remained stable throughout the experiment.

Systematic surveillance tools to reduce rodent pests in disadvantaged urban areas can empower communities and improve public health.

Rodents are notorious pests, known for transmitting major public health diseases and causing agricultural and economic losses. The lack of site-specific and national standardised rodent surveillance in several disadvantaged communities has rendered interventions targeted towards rodent control as often ineffective. Here, by using the example from a pilot case-study in the Bahamas, we present a unique experience wherein, through multidisciplinary and community engagement, we simultaneously developed a standardised national surveillance protocol, and performed two parallel but integrated activities: (1) eight days of theoretical and practical training of selected participants; and (2) a three-month post-training pilot rodent surveillance in the urban community of Over-the-Hill, Nassau, The Bahamas. To account for social and environmental conditions influencing rodent proliferation in the Bahamas, we engaged selected influential community members through a semi-structured interview and gathered additional site-specific information using a modified Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) exterior and interior rodent evaluation form, along with other validated instruments such as tracking plates and snap trapping, to test and establish a standardised site-specific rodent surveillance protocol tailored for the Bahamas. Our engagement with community members highlighted poor disposal of animal and human food, irregular garbage collection, unapproved refuse storage, lack of accessible dumpsters, poor bulk waste management, ownership problems and structural deficiencies as major factors fuelling rodent proliferation in the study areas. Accordingly, results from our pilot survey using active rodent signs (that is, the presence of rodent runs, burrows, faecal material or gnawed material) as a proxy of rodent infestation in a generalized linear model confirmed that the variables earlier identified during the community engagement program as significantly correlated with rodent activities (and capturing) across the study areas. The successful implementation of the novel site-specific protocol by trained participants, along with the correlation of their findings with those recorded during the community engagement program, underscores its suitability and applicability in disadvantaged urban settings. This experience should serve as a reference for promoting a standardised protocol for monitoring rodent activities in many disadvantaged urban settings of the Global South, while also fostering a holistic understanding of rodent proliferation. Through this pilot case-study, we advocate for the feasibility of developing sustainable rodent control interventions that are acceptable to both local communities and public authorities, particularly through the involvement of a multidisciplinary team of professionals and community members.

VEuPathDB: the eukaryotic pathogen, vector and host bioinformatics resource center in 2023.

The Eukaryotic Pathogen, Vector and Host Informatics Resource (VEuPathDB, https://veupathdb.org) is a Bioinformatics Resource Center funded by the National Institutes of Health with additional funding from the Wellcome Trust. VEuPathDB supports >600 organisms that comprise invertebrate vectors, eukaryotic pathogens (protists and fungi) and relevant free-living or non-pathogenic species or hosts. Since 2004, VEuPathDB has analyzed omics data from the public domain using contemporary bioinformatic workflows, including orthology predictions via OrthoMCL, and integrated the analysis results with analysis tools, visualizations, and advanced search capabilities. The unique data mining platform coupled with >3000 pre-analyzed data sets facilitates the exploration of pertinent omics data in support of hypothesis driven research. Comparisons are easily made across data sets, data types and organisms. A Galaxy workspace offers the opportunity for the analysis of private large-scale datasets and for porting to VEuPathDB for comparisons with integrated data. The MapVEu tool provides a platform for exploration of spatially resolved data such as vector surveillance and insecticide resistance monitoring. To address the growing body of omics data and advances in laboratory techniques, VEuPathDB has added several new data types, searches and features, improved the Galaxy workspace environment, redesigned the MapVEu interface and updated the infrastructure to accommodate these changes.

Ophthalmic Manifestations of Monkeypox Virus Infection: A Cases Series.

This retrospective case series aims to describe the ophthalmic manifestations of the Monkeypox virus infection in seven patients evaluated in two countries of South America (Colombia and Brazil). Two had skin lesions in the eyelid, and five had conjunctivitis. None had intraocular involvement. Three of seven patients had a history of Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection, and all patients had lesions in the genital region, suggesting sexual-contact transmission. In 6 of 7 cases, conjunctival RT-PCR was positive for the Monkeypox virus, including one case without conjunctival vesicles. In all cases, lesions resolved without complications, and just two required antiviral treatment. All patients demonstrated improvement without complications. RT-PCR positivity in conjunctiva demonstrated the presence of the Monkeypox virus, suggesting that ocular-mediated transmission could be plausible. Ophthalmologists should be aware of this ophthalmic manifestation.

BioHabana 2022: Preventive and Immunotherapeutic Strategies Against COVID-19 and Cancer in Cuba.

The convergence of life sciences with neurosciences, nanotechnology, data management, and engineering has caused a technological diversification of the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and medical technology industries, including the phenomenon of digital transformation, which has given rise to the so-called Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0). Confronting the COVID-19 pandemic revealed the outstanding response capacity of the scientific community and the biopharmaceutical industry, based on a multidisciplinary and interinstitutional approach that has achieved an unprecedented integration in the history of biomedical science. Cuba, a small country, with scarce material resources, has had remarkable success in controlling the disease, which also highlights the impact of social factors. This report presents a summary of the most relevant presentations of selected topics during the scientific meeting, "BioHabana 2022: Cancer Immunotherapy and the COVID-19 Pandemic," which was held in Havana Cuba in April 2022.

An Overview on Electrophysiological and Neuroimaging Findings in Dyslexia.

Objective: Dyslexia is a prevalent neurodevelopmental condition that is characterized by inaccurate and slow word recognition. This article reviews neural correlates of dyslexia from both electrophysiological and neuroimaging studies. Method : In this brief review, we provide electrophysiological and neuroimaging evidence from electroencephalogram (EEG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies in dyslexia to understand functional and structural brain changes in this condition. Results: In both electrophysiological and neuroimaging studies, the most frequently reported functional impairments in dyslexia include aberrant activation of the left hemisphere occipito-temporal cortex (OTC), temporo-parietal cortex (TPC), inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), and cerebellar areas. EEG studies have mostly highlighted the important role of lower frequency bands in dyslexia, especially theta waves. Furthermore, neuroimaging studies have suggested that dyslexia is related to functional and structural impairments in the left hemisphere regions associated with reading and language, including reduced grey matter volume in the left TPC, decreased white matter connectivity between reading networks, and hypo-activation of the left OTC and TPC. In addition, neural evidence from pre-reading children and infants at risk for dyslexia show that there are abnormalities in the dyslexic brain before learning to read begins. Conclusion: Advances in comprehending the neural correlates of dyslexia could bring closer translation from basic to clinical neuroscience and effective rehabilitation for individuals who struggle to read. However, neuroscience still has great potential for clinical translation that requires further research.

Intravenous Ceftriaxone on an Outpatient Basis in the Treatment of Ocular Syphilis.

PURPOSE: The goal of this study is to describe the clinical and laboratory outcomes of patients with syphilitic uveitis treated with 2 g intravenous Ceftriaxone daily on an outpatient treatment basis for 14 days, in the setting of the COVID pandemic and lack of hospitalization availability. METHODS: This study included a review of the clinical records from patients from January 2020 to December 2021 and who were then followed for 6 months at the Research Laboratory of Infectious Diseases in Ophthalmology of the National Institute of Infectious Diseases Evandro Chagas (INI) FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. CONCLUSION: This study showed that almost all of the 15 patients were well treated for ocular syphilis with Ceftriaxone without any signs of therapeutic failure with documented clinical improvement and satisfactory decreasing VDRL titers.

Prevalence of human leptospirosis in the Americas: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: To describe the prevalence of leptospirosis in the Americas. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis, in the period 1930 to 2017, performed on a search of six platforms: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Lilacs, Embase, and Cochrane. Results: The search found 77 publications of which 53 (68%) were from the period 2000-2017. Of the 77, 62 studies were included in the analysis, from North America (11, 17%), Central America (9, 14%), and South America (42, 67%), and 22 studies were from urban areas. Leptospirosis prevalence in the 62 studies analyzed corresponded to 28% (95% CI [23, 32]). Countries with higher prevalence were United States of America (41%), Colombia (29%), and Brazil (21%). The most frequent serovars found were Icterohaemorrhagiae (43 of 77 publications, 55%), Canicola (35, 45%), Pomona (28, 36%), and Grippotyphosa (26, 33%). Conclusions: There is variability of Leptospira species and serovars with heterogenous distribution throughout the Americas, with high prevalence in some countries, highlighting the need for action to control the disease.

Prevalence of human leptospirosis in the Americas: a systematic review and meta-analysis

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. To describe the prevalence of leptospirosis in the Americas. Methods. A systematic review and meta-analysis, in the period 1930 to 2017, performed on a search of six platforms: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Lilacs, Embase, and Cochrane. Results. The search found 77 publications of which 53 (68%) were from the period 2000–2017. Of the 77, 62 studies were included in the analysis, from North America (11, 17%), Central America (9, 14%), and South America (42, 67%), and 22 studies were from urban areas. Leptospirosis prevalence in the 62 studies ana- lyzed corresponded to 28% (95% CI [23, 32]). Countries with higher prevalence were United States of America (41%), Colombia (29%), and Brazil (21%). The most frequent serovars found were Icterohaemorrhagiae (43 of 77 publications, 55%), Canicola (35, 45%), Pomona (28, 36%), and Grippotyphosa (26, 33%). Conclusions. There is variability of Leptospira species and serovars with heterogenous distribution through- out the Americas, with high prevalence in some countries, highlighting the need for action to control the disease.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Describir la prevalencia de la leptospirosis en las Américas. Métodos. Revisión sistemática y metanálisis correspondientes al período 1930-2017, mediante una búsqueda en seis plataformas: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Lilacs, Embase y Cochrane. Resultados. En la búsqueda se encontraron 77 publicaciones, de las que 53 (68%) eran del periodo 2000- 2017. En el análisis se incluyeron 62 de los 77 estudios, correspondientes a América del Norte (11, 17%), Centroamérica (9, 14%) y América del Sur (42, 67%), y 22 estudios correspondientes a zonas urbanas. La prevalencia de la leptospirosis en los 62 estudios analizados fue del 28% (IC del 95% [23, 32]). Los países con mayor prevalencia fueron Estados Unidos de América (41%), Colombia (29%) y Brasil (21%). Las sero- variedades más frecuentes fueron icterohaemorrhagiae (43 de 77 publicaciones, 55%), canicola (35, 45%), pomona (28, 36%) y grippotyphosa (26, 33%). Conclusiones. Se observa variabilidad de especies y serovariedades de Leptospira, con una distribución heterogénea en las Américas y una elevada prevalencia en algunos países, lo que pone de manifiesto la necesidad de adoptar medidas para controlar la enfermedad.

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Descrever a prevalência da leptospirose nas Américas. Métodos. Uma revisão sistemática e metanálise referente ao período de 1930 a 2017, realizada por meio de busca em seis plataformas: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Lilacs, Embase e Cochrane. Resultados. A pesquisa encontrou 77 publicações, das quais 53 (68%) eram do período de 2000 a 2017. Dos 77 estudos, 62 foram incluídos na análise, da América do Norte (11, equivalente a 17%), América Central (9, equivalente a 14%) e América do Sul (42, equivalente a 67%), e 22 estudos foram realizados em áreas urbanas. A prevalência da leptospirose nos 62 estudos analisados correspondeu a 28% (IC 95% [23, 32]). Os países com maior prevalência foram os Estados Unidos da América (41%), a Colômbia (29%) e o Brasil (21%). Os sorovares mais frequentes encontrados foram Icterohaemorrhagiae (43 de 77 publicações, equivalente a 55%), Canicola (35, equivalente a 45%), Pomona (28, equivalente a 36%) e Grippotyphosa (26, equivalente a 33%). Conclusões. Há variabilidade nas espécies e sorovares de Leptospira, que têm distribuição heterogênea nas Américas e alta prevalência em alguns países, o que destaca a necessidade de ações para controlar a doença.

Use of fractional exhaled nitric oxide as a potential predictor of bronchodilator response.

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important product of eosinophilic metabolism, and its increase is associated with bronchial remodeling and airway hyperresponsiveness. Fractional exhaled NO (FENO) in the expired air of patients with suspected or diagnosed asthma has been used as a marker for eosinophilic inflammation. This cohort study included asthmatic patients classified under steps 3, 4, or 5 of the global strategy for asthma management and prevention. In the morning of the same day, all patients underwent blood collection for eosinophil counts, followed by FENO measurement and spirometry. We considered 2 groups based on the bronchodilation (BD) response on spirometry (>10% of FVC or FEV1): positive (BD+) and negative (BD-). Differences between the 2 groups were analyzed for demographic features, FENO values, and predictive correlations between FENO and BD. Both groups of patients showed an increase in the eosinophil count (BD+, P = .03; BD-, P = .04) and FENO values (P = .015 for both) with an increase in the asthma severity from step 3 to step 5 of the global strategy for asthma management and prevention. The correlations of FENO and eosinophils as well as FENO values and BD + were 0.127 (95% confidence interval,-0.269 to -0.486) and 0.696 (95% confidence interval, 0.246-0.899; P = .007), respectively. Measuring FENO levels may be useful for identifying patients with BD+.

Trends in food and beverage purchases in informal, mixed, and formal food outlets in Mexico: ENIGH 1994-2020.

Background: The retail food environment in Mexico is characterized by the co-existence of both, formal and informal food outlets. Yet, the contribution of these outlets to food purchases over time has not been documented. Understanding the longitudinal trends where Mexican households purchase their foods is critical for the development of future food retail policies. Methods: We used data from Mexico's National Income and Expenditure Survey from 1994 to 2020. We categorized food outlets as formal (supermarkets, chain convenience stores, restaurants), informal (street markets, street vendors, acquaintances), and mixed (fiscally regulated or not. i.e., small neighborhood stores, specialty stores, public markets). We calculated the proportion of food and beverage purchases by food outlet for each survey for the overall sample and stratified by education level and urbanicity. Results: In 1994, the highest proportion of food purchases was from mixed outlets, represented by specialty and small neighborhood stores (53.7%), and public markets (15.9%), followed by informal outlets (street vendors and street markets) with 12.3%, and formal outlets from which supermarkets accounted for 9.6%. Over time, specialty and small neighborhood stores increased 4.7 percentage points (p.p.), while public markets decreased 7.5 p.p. Street vendors and street markets decreased 1.6 p.p., and increased 0.5 p.p. for supermarkets. Convenience stores contributed 0.5% at baseline and increased to 1.3% by 2020. Purchases at specialty stores mostly increased in higher socioeconomic levels (13.2 p.p.) and metropolitan cities (8.7 p.p.) while public markets decreased the most in rural households and lower socioeconomic levels (6.0 p.p. & 5.3 p.p.). Supermarkets and chain convenience stores increased the most in rural localities and small cities. Conclusion: In conclusion, we observed an increase in food purchases from the formal sector, nonetheless, the mixed sector remains the predominant food source in Mexico, especially small-neighborhood stores. This is concerning, since these outlets are mostly supplied by food industries. Further, the decrease in purchases from public markets could imply a reduction in the consumption of fresh produce. In order to develop retail food environment policies in Mexico, the historical and predominant role of the mixed sector in food purchases needs to be acknowledged.

Comparison of High-Intensity Interval Training to Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training for Functioning and Quality of Life in Survivors of COVID-19 (COVIDEX): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) for feasibility, safety, adherence, and short- and long-term efficacy in improving functioning and health-related quality of life in survivors of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS: COVIDEX is a two-pronged, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial with an 8-week training intervention. The study participants will be 94 patients aged >18 years, admitted to a specialized post-COVID center. Participants will be randomized to HIIT (4 × 4 minutes of high-intensity work periods at 85% to 90% of peak heart rate) and MICT (47 minutes at 70% to 75% peak heart rate) groups for biweekly sessions for 8 weeks. The participants will undergo 2 phases of supervised training (phases 1 and 2) of 4 weeks each, in a public, specialized, post-COVID center. In phase 1, we will assess and compare the feasibility, acceptability, and short-term efficacy of HIIT and MICT intervention. In phase 2, the long-term efficacy of HIIT and MICT will be assessed and compared regarding function and health-related quality of life. To prevent any expectation bias, all study participants and assessors will be blinded to the study hypotheses. Group allocation will be masked during the analysis. All statistical analyses will be conducted following intention-to-treat principles. IMPACT: This study is the first randomized controlled trial that will compare the feasibility, safety, adherence, and efficacy of the HIIT and MICT intervention programs in this population. The findings will potentially provide important information and assist in clinical decision making on exercise to optimize the benefits of clinical health care in survivors of COVID-19.

Dose-response effect of Montelukast on post-extraction dental socket repair and skeletal phenotype of mice.

Bone metabolism and repair are directly regulated by arachidonic acid metabolites. At present, we analyzed the dose-response effects of a selective cysteinyl leukotriene receptor type-1 antagonist during bone repair after tooth extraction and on non-injured skeleton. Sixty-three 129 Sv/Ev male mice composed the groups: C-Control (saline solution); MTK2-2 mg/Kg of Montelukast (MTK) and MTK4-4 mg/Kg of MTK, daily administered by mouth throughout all experimental periods set at 7, 14, and 21 days post-operative. Dental sockets were analyzed by computed microtomography (microCT), histopathology, and immunohistochemistry. Femurs, L5 vertebra and organs were also removed for observation. Blood was collected for plasma bone and liver markers. Histopathology and microCT analysis revealed early socket repair of MTK2 and MTK4 animals, with significant increased BV/TV at days 14 and 21 compared to C. Higher plasma calcium was detected at days 7 and 21 in MTK4 in comparison to C, while phosphate was significantly increased in MTK2 in the same periods in comparison to C and MTK4. No significant differences were found regarding plasma ALP and TRAP, neither for local TRAP and Runx2 immunolabeling at the healing sockets. Organs did not present histological abnormalities. Increased AST levels have been detected in distinct groups and periods. In general, femur phenotype was improved in MTK treated animals. Collectively, MTK promoted early bone formation after tooth extraction and increased bone quality of femurs and vertebra in a time-dose-dependent manner, and should be considered as an alternative therapy when improved post-extraction socket repair or skeleton preservation is required.

Psicofármacos e características socioeconômicas e de saúde de profissionais de Enfermagem de um pronto atendimento* / Psicofármacos y características socioeconómicas y de salud de los profesionales de enfermería en un servicio de urgencia / Psychotropic drugs and socioeconomic and health characteristics of Nursing professionals in an emergency room

Objetivo: avaliar a associação entre o uso de psicofármacos e as variáveis socioeconômicas e de saúde de profissionais de Enfermagem de um pronto atendimento. Método: estudo transversal com profissionais de Enfermagem de um pronto atendimento, realizado de janeiro a fevereiro de 2021, com questionário sociodemográfico e clínico, Lista de Sinais e Sintomas de Estresse e Índice de Qualidade do Sono de Pittsburgh. Utilizou estatística descritiva e analítica. Resultados: dos 34 participantes, 61,8% tinham menos de 40 anos, 70,6% praticavam atividade física ao menos duas vezes na semana, 70,6% apresentavam distúrbios do sono e 29,4% estresse alto à altíssimo. O uso de psicofármacos foi relatado por 38,2% deles, principalmente antidepressivos e ansiolíticos, associados ao estresse e à renda. Conclusão: problemas socioeconômicos e psíquicos podem favorecer o uso de psicofármacos pela Enfermagem. Melhores condições de trabalho e remuneração são necessárias para a saúde.

Objective: To evaluate the association between the use of psychotropic drugs and socioeconomic and health variables among Nursing professionals in an emergency department. Method: a cross-sectional study with Nursing professionals from an emergency room, carried out from January to February 2021, using a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire, a List of Signs and Symptoms of Stress, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Descriptive and analytical statistics were used. Results: of the 34 participants, 61.8% were under 40, 70.6% practiced physical activity at least twice a week, 70.6% had sleep disorders and 29.4% had high to very high stress. The use of psychotropic drugs was reported by 38.2% of them, mainly antidepressants and anxiolytics, associated with stress and income. Conclusion: Socio-economic and psychological problems can favor the use of psychotropic drugs by nurses. Better working conditions and pay are necessary for health.

Objetivo: evaluar la asociación entre el uso de psicofármacos y las variables socioeconómicas y de salud de profesionales de enfermería en un servicio de urgencia. Método: estudio transversal con profesionales de enfermería de un servicio de emergencia, realizado de enero a febrero de 2021, utilizando cuestionarios sociodemográfico y clínico, Lista de Signos y Síntomas de Estrés e Índice de Calidad del Sueño de Pittsburgh. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva y analítica. Resultados: de los 34 participantes, el 61,8% tenía menos de 40 años, el 70,6% practicaban actividad física al menos dos veces por semana, el 70,6% presentaban trastorno del sueño y el 29,4% experimentó estrés alto a muy alto. El uso de psicofármacos fue reportado por el 38,2% de ellos, principalmente antidepresivos y ansiolíticos, asociados al estrés y al ingreso. Conclusión: problemas socioeconómicos y psicológicos pueden favorecer el uso de psicofármacos en enfermería. Mejores condiciones de trabajo y salarios son necesarias para la salud.

Prevalence of human leptospirosis in the Americas: a systematic review and meta-analysis / Prevalencia de la leptospirosis humana en las Américas: revisión sistemática y metanálisis / Prevalência da leptospirose humana nas Américas: revisão sistemática e metanálise

ABSTRACT Objective. To describe the prevalence of leptospirosis in the Americas. Methods. A systematic review and meta-analysis, in the period 1930 to 2017, performed on a search of six platforms: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Lilacs, Embase, and Cochrane. Results. The search found 77 publications of which 53 (68%) were from the period 2000-2017. Of the 77, 62 studies were included in the analysis, from North America (11, 17%), Central America (9, 14%), and South America (42, 67%), and 22 studies were from urban areas. Leptospirosis prevalence in the 62 studies analyzed corresponded to 28% (95% CI [23, 32]). Countries with higher prevalence were United States of America (41%), Colombia (29%), and Brazil (21%). The most frequent serovars found were Icterohaemorrhagiae (43 of 77 publications, 55%), Canicola (35, 45%), Pomona (28, 36%), and Grippotyphosa (26, 33%). Conclusions. There is variability of Leptospira species and serovars with heterogenous distribution throughout the Americas, with high prevalence in some countries, highlighting the need for action to control the disease.

RESUMEN Objetivo. Describir la prevalencia de la leptospirosis en las Américas. Métodos. Revisión sistemática y metanálisis correspondientes al período 1930-2017, mediante una búsqueda en seis plataformas: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Lilacs, Embase y Cochrane. Resultados. En la búsqueda se encontraron 77 publicaciones, de las que 53 (68%) eran del periodo 2000-2017. En el análisis se incluyeron 62 de los 77 estudios, correspondientes a América del Norte (11, 17%), Centroamérica (9, 14%) y América del Sur (42, 67%), y 22 estudios correspondientes a zonas urbanas. La prevalencia de la leptospirosis en los 62 estudios analizados fue del 28% (IC del 95% [23, 32]). Los países con mayor prevalencia fueron Estados Unidos de América (41%), Colombia (29%) y Brasil (21%). Las serovariedades más frecuentes fueron icterohaemorrhagiae (43 de 77 publicaciones, 55%), canicola (35, 45%), pomona (28, 36%) y grippotyphosa (26, 33%). Conclusiones. Se observa variabilidad de especies y serovariedades de Leptospira, con una distribución heterogénea en las Américas y una elevada prevalencia en algunos países, lo que pone de manifiesto la necesidad de adoptar medidas para controlar la enfermedad.

RESUMO Objetivo. Descrever a prevalência da leptospirose nas Américas. Métodos. Uma revisão sistemática e metanálise referente ao período de 1930 a 2017, realizada por meio de busca em seis plataformas: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Lilacs, Embase e Cochrane. Resultados. A pesquisa encontrou 77 publicações, das quais 53 (68%) eram do período de 2000 a 2017. Dos 77 estudos, 62 foram incluídos na análise, da América do Norte (11, equivalente a 17%), América Central (9, equivalente a 14%) e América do Sul (42, equivalente a 67%), e 22 estudos foram realizados em áreas urbanas. A prevalência da leptospirose nos 62 estudos analisados correspondeu a 28% (IC 95% [23, 32]). Os países com maior prevalência foram os Estados Unidos da América (41%), a Colômbia (29%) e o Brasil (21%). Os sorovares mais frequentes encontrados foram Icterohaemorrhagiae (43 de 77 publicações, equivalente a 55%), Canicola (35, equivalente a 45%), Pomona (28, equivalente a 36%) e Grippotyphosa (26, equivalente a 33%). Conclusões. Há variabilidade nas espécies e sorovares de Leptospira, que têm distribuição heterogênea nas Américas e alta prevalência em alguns países, o que destaca a necessidade de ações para controlar a doença.

Vulnerabilidade feminina a violência física no período da pandemia de Covid-19 / Women's vulnerability to physical violence during the Covid-19 pandemic / Vulnerabilidad femenina a la violencia física en el período de la pandemia covid-19

Objetivo: analisar os fatores que aumentaram a vulnerabilidade feminina à violência física, no período da quarentena para Covid-19. Método: estudo quantitativo, transversal, descritivo, realizado entre agosto e setembro de 2021. Participaram 154 mulheres. Protocolo aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa. Resultados: verificou-se que 3,2% tinham ensino fundamental, 80% sofreram violência física, 61,7% tinham ensino superior e 33,7% sofreram violência física. Quanto a renda mensal familiar 6,5% tinham renda menor de R$1.000,00, 80% sofreram violência física, 20,1% tinham renda maior que R$7.000,00, 25,8% sofreram violência física. Quanto ao n.º de filhos, 9,7% tinham mais de 3 filhos, 73,3% sofreram violência física, 18,2% o parceiro fazia uso de drogas ilícitas, 67,9% das mulheres já sofreram violência física. Conclusão: mulheres com baixa escolaridade, baixa renda familiar e maior número de filhos, cujos parceiros (as) fizeram uso de drogas ilícitas apresentaram alta significância estatística e maior vulnerabilidade à violência física durante o período de pandemia para Covid-19.

Objective: to examine factors that increased female vulnerability to physical violence during the quarantine period of the Covid-19 pandemic. Method: this quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted between August and September 2021, with the participation of 154 women. The project was approved by the research ethics committee. Results: of the 3.2% of these women who had only lower secondary schooling, 80% had suffered physical violence; of the 61.7% with higher education, 33.7% had suffered physical violence. In terms of monthly income. Of the 6.5% with monthly income of less than BRL 1,000.00, 80% had suffered physical violence; of the 20.1% earning over BRL 7,000, 25.8% had suffered physical violence. Of the 9.7% with more than 3 children, 73.3% had suffered physical violence; and of the 18.2% whose partners used illegal substances, 67.9% had suffered physical violence. Conclusion: women with little education, low family income, more children, and partners using illegal substances were found, with high statistical significance, to be more vulnerable to physical violence during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Objetivo: analizar los factores que incrementaron la vulnerabilidad femenina a la violencia física durante el período de cuarentena por Covid-19. Método: investigación cuantitativa, transversal, descriptiva, realizada entre agosto y septiembre de 2021. En él participaron 154 mujeres. El protocolo fue aprobado por el Comité de Ética en Investigación. Resultados: se encontró que el 3,2% tenía educación primaria, el 80% había sufrido violencia física, el 61,7% había terminado la universidad y el 33,7% había sufrido violencia física. En cuanto al ingreso familiar mensual, del 6,5% que tenía ingresos inferiores a R$ 1.000,00, el 80% había sufrido violencia física; del 20,1% que tenía ingresos superiores a R$ 7.000,00, el 25,8% había sufrido violencia física. Respecto al número de hijos, el 9,7% tenía más de 3 hijos, el 73,3% sufrió violencia física, la pareja del 18,2% consumía drogas ilícitas, el 67,9% de las mujeres ya había sufrido violencia física. Conclusión: las mujeres con baja escolaridad, bajos ingresos familiares y mayor número de hijos, cuyas parejas consumían drogas ilícitas, presentaron alta significancia estadística y mayor vulnerabilidad a la violencia física durante el período pandémico por Covid-19.