Clinical and microbiological features of positive blood culture episodes caused by non-fermenting gram-negative bacilli other than Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter species (2020-2023).

INTRODUCTION: Non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli (NFGNB) other than Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii complex are pathogens of interest due to their ability to cause health-care associated infections and display complex drug resistance phenotypes. However, their clinical and microbiological landscape is still poorly characterized. METHODS: Observational retrospective study including all hospitalized patients presenting with a positive positive blood culture (BC) episode caused by less common NFGNB over a four-year period (January 2020-December 2023). Clinical-microbiological features and factors associated with mortality were investigated. RESULTS: Sixty-six less common NFGNB isolates other than Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter species causing 63 positive BC episodes were recovered from 60 patients. Positive BC episodes were predominantly sustained by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (49.2%) followed by Achromobacter species (15.9%) that exhibited the most complex resistance phenotype. Positive BC episodes had bloodstream infection criteria in 95.2% of cases (60 out 63), being intravascular device (30.2%) and respiratory tract (19.1%) the main sources of infection. Fourteen-day, 30-day, and in-hospital mortality rates were 6.4%, 9.5%, and 15.9%, respectively. The longer time from admission to the positive BC episode, older age, diabetes, admission due to sepsis, and higher Charlson Comorbidity Index were identified as the main predictors of in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Positive BC episodes sustained by NFGNB other than Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter species were predominantly sustained by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Achromobacter species, having bloodstream infection criteria in the vast majority of cases. Factors that have emerged to be associated with mortality highlighted how these species may have more room in prolonged hospitalisation and at the end of life for patients with chronic organ diseases.

3D Kinematics Quantifies Gait Response to Levodopa earlier and to a more Comprehensive Extent than the MDS-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale in Patients with Motor Complications.

BACKGROUND: Quantitative 3D movement analysis using inertial measurement units (IMUs) allows for a more detailed characterization of motor patterns than clinical assessment alone. It is essential to discriminate between gait features that are responsive or unresponsive to current therapies to better understand the underlying pathophysiological basis and identify potential therapeutic strategies. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to characterize the responsiveness and temporal evolution of different gait subcomponents in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients in their OFF and various ON states following levodopa administration, utilizing both wearable sensors and the gold-standard MDS-UPDRS motor part III. METHODS: Seventeen PD patients were assessed while wearing a full-body set of 15 IMUs in their OFF state and at 20-minute intervals following the administration of a supra-threshold levodopa dose. Gait was reconstructed using a biomechanical model of the human body to quantify how each feature was modulated. Comparisons with non-PD control subjects were conducted in parallel. RESULTS: Significant motor changes were observed in both the upper and lower limbs according to the MDS-UPDRS III, 40 minutes after levodopa intake. IMU-assisted 3D kinematics detected significant motor alterations as early as 20 minutes after levodopa administration, particularly in upper limbs metrics. Although all "pace-domain" gait features showed significant improvement in the Best-ON state, most rhythmicity, asymmetry, and variability features did not. CONCLUSION: IMUs are capable of detecting motor alterations earlier and in a more comprehensive manner than the MDS-UPDRS III. The upper limbs respond more rapidly to levodopa, possibly reflecting distinct thresholds to levodopa across striatal regions.

The impact of subthalamic deep-brain stimulation in restoring motor symmetry in Parkinson's disease patients: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The impact of subthalamic deep-brain stimulation (STN-DBS) on motor asymmetry and its influence on both motor and non-motor outcomes remain unclear. The present study aims at assessing the role of STN-DBS on motor asymmetry and how its modulation translates into benefits in motor function, activities of daily living (ADLs) and quality of life (QoL). METHODS: Postoperative motor asymmetry has been assessed on the multicentric, prospective Predictive Factors and Subthalamic Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease cohort. Asymmetry was evaluated at both baseline (pre-DBS) and 1 year after STN-DBS. A patient was considered asymmetric when the right-to-left MDS-UPDRS part III difference was ≥ 5. In parallel, analyses have been carried out using the absolute right-to-left difference. The proportion of asymmetric patients at baseline was compared to that in the post-surgery evaluation across different medication/stimulation conditions. RESULTS: 537 PD patients have been included. The proportion of asymmetric patients was significantly reduced after both STN-DBS and medication administration (asymmetric patients: 50% in pre-DBS MedOFF, 35% in MedOFF/StimON, 26% in MedON/StimOFF, and 12% in MedON/StimON state). Older patients at surgery and with higher baseline UPDRS II scores were significantly less likely to benefit from STN-DBS at the level of motor asymmetry. No significant correlation between motor asymmetry and ADLs (UPDRS II) or overall QoL (PDQ-39) score was observed. Asymmetric patients had significantly higher mobility, communication, and daily living PDQ-39 sub-scores. CONCLUSIONS: Both STN-DBS and levodopa lead to a reduction in motor asymmetry. Motor symmetry is associated with improvements in certain QoL sub-scores.

Enterobacterales carrying chromosomal AmpC ß-lactamases in Europe (EuESCPM): Epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance burden from a cohort of 27 hospitals, 2020-2022.

INTRODUCTION: The ESCPM group (Enterobacter species including Klebsiella aerogenes - formerly Enterobacter aerogenes, Serratia species, Citrobacter freundii complex, Providencia species and Morganella morganii) has not yet been incorporated into systematic surveillance programs. METHODS: We conducted a multicentre retrospective observational study analysing all ESCPM strains isolated from blood cultures in 27 European hospitals over a 3-year period (2020-2022). Diagnostic approach, epidemiology, and antimicrobial susceptibility were investigated. RESULTS: Our study comprised 6,774 ESCPM isolates. MALDI-TOF coupled to mass spectrometry was the predominant technique for bacterial identification. Susceptibility to new ß-lactam/ß-lactamase inhibitor combinations and confirmation of AmpC overproduction were routinely tested in 33.3% and 29.6% of the centres, respectively. The most prevalent species were E. cloacae complex (44.8%) and S. marcescens (22.7%). Overall, third-generation cephalosporins (3GC), combined third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins (3GC + 4GC) and carbapenems resistance phenotypes were observed in 15.7%, 4.6%, and 9.5% of the isolates, respectively. AmpC overproduction was the most prevalent resistance mechanism detected (15.8%). Among carbapenemase-producers, carbapenemase type was provided in 44.4% of the isolates, VIM- (22.9%) and OXA-48-enzyme (16%) being the most frequently detected. E. cloacae complex, K. aerogenes and Providencia species exhibited the most notable cumulative antimicrobial resistance profiles, with the former displaying 3GC, combined 3GC + 4GC and carbapenems resistance phenotypes in 15.2%, 7.4%, and 12.8% of the isolates, respectively. K. aerogenes showed the highest rate of both 3GC resistant phenotype (29.8%) and AmpC overproduction (32.1%), while Providencia species those of both carbapenems resistance phenotype (42.7%) and carbapenemase production (29.4%). ESCPM isolates exhibiting both 3GC and combined 3GC + 4GC resistance phenotypes displayed high susceptibility to ceftazidime/avibactam (98.2% and 95.7%, respectively) and colistin (90.3% and 90.7%, respectively). Colistin emerged as the most active drug against ESCPM species (except those intrinsically resistant) displaying both carbapenems resistance phenotype (85.8%) and carbapenemase production (97.8%). CONCLUSIONS: This study presented a current analysis of ESCPM species epidemiology in Europe, providing insights to inform current antibiotic treatments and guide strategies for antimicrobial stewardship and diagnostics.

Long-term follow-up of subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation in patients with Parkinson's disease: An analysis of survival and disability milestones.

BACKGROUND: Data on the long-term survival and incidence of disability milestones after subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) in Parkinson's disease (PD) is limited. OBJECTIVES: To estimate mortality and assess the frequency/time-to-development of disability milestones (falls, freezing, hallucinations, dementia, and institutionalization) among PD patients post STN-DBS. METHODS: A longitudinal retrospective study of patients undergoing STN-DBS. For mortality, Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed. For disease milestones, competing risk analyses were performed and cumulative incidence functions reported. The strength of association between baselines features and event occurrence was calculated based on adjusted hazard ratios. RESULTS: The overall mortality for the 109 patients was 16 % (62.1 ± 21.3 months after surgery). Falls (73 %) and freezing (47 %) were both the earliest (40.4 ± 25.4 and 39.6 ± 28.4 months, respectively) and most frequent milestones. Dementia (34 %) and hallucinations (32 %) soon followed (56.2 ± 21.2 and mean 60.0 ± 20.7 months after surgery, respectively). Higher ADL scores in the OFF state and higher age at surgery were associated with falls, freezing, dementia and institutionalization. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term mortality rate is low after STN-DBS. Disease milestones occur later during the disease course, with motor milestones appearing first and at a higher frequency than cognitive ones.

Prevalence and mortality of ceftazidime/avibactam-resistant KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae bloodstream infections (2018-2022).

INTRODUCTION: Ceftazidime/avibactam-resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-Kp) is a topic of great interest for epidemiological, diagnostic, and therapeutical reasons. However, data on its prevalence and burden on mortality in patients with bloodstream infection (BSI) are lacking. This study was aimed at identifying risk factors for mortality in patients suffering from ceftazidime/avibactam-resistant KPC-Kp BSI. METHODS: An observational retrospective study (January 2018-December 2022) was conducted at a tertiary hospital including all consecutive hospitalized adult patients with a ceftazidime/avibactam-resistant KPC-Kp BSI. Data on baseline clinical features, management, and admission outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Over the study period, among all the KPC-Kp BSI events recorded, 38 (10.5%) were caused by ceftazidime/avibactam-resistant KPC-Kp strains, 37 events being finally included. The ceftazidime/avibactam-resistant KPC-Kp strains revealed susceptibility restoration to at least one carbapenem in more than 60% of cases. In-hospital and 30-day all-cause mortality rates were 22% and 16.2%, respectively. Non-survivors suffered from more baseline comorbidities and experienced a more severe ceftazidime/avibactam-resistant KPC-Kp BSI presentation (i.e., both the Pitt Bacteremia and INCREMENT-CPE scores were significantly higher). Presenting with a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index, chronic kidney disease-KDIGO stage 3A or worse-having recently gone through renal replacement therapy, having suffered from an acute kidney injury following the ceftazidime/avibactam-resistant KPC-Kp BSI, and being admitted for cardiac surgery were the strongest predictors of mortality. CONCLUSION: Ceftazidime/avibactam resistance in KPC-Kp BSI easily emerged in our highly KPC-Kp endemic area with remarkable mortality rates. Our findings might provide physicians possibly actionable information when managing patients with a ceftazidime/avibactam-resistant KPC-Kp BSI.

Políticas de drogas no Brasil: uma análise fenomenológica da aplicação e impactos no sistema prisional de Mato Grosso do Sul / Drugs policies in Brazil: a phenomenological analysis of the application and impacts on the prison system of Mato Grosso do Sul / Políticas de drogas en Brasil: un análisis fenomenológico de la aplicación y los impactos en el sistema penitenciario de Mato Grosso do Sul

O sistema prisional brasileiro tem sido ao longo da história, forjado por perspectivas de controle e punição, de certo modo, influenciado por políticas de drogas fundamentadas no modelo proibicionista alavancado pelos Estados Unidos da América (EUA), resultando, em desafios significativos para a superação destas medidas no Brasil. O objetivo do estudo foi compreender como a política sobre drogas tem sido aplicada nas prisões de Mato Grosso do Sul, na perspectiva de seus servidores. O estudo é de natureza qualitativa, descritiva, transversal, com abordagem fenomenológica desenvolvida em unidades do órgão gestor no estado, com um total aleatório de onze locais avaliados. Os principais desafios a serem superados para a aplicação da política sobre drogas nas prisões, são a ausência de normativos legais, investimentos insuficientes nos servidores prisionais, estrutura inadequada para a prestação das assistências, e ainda, a ausência de amparo institucional. Para a aplicação da política sobre drogas no sistema prisional brasileiro é necessário haver normativos específicos para a efetivação de práticas ressocializadoras voltadas a prevenção e tratamento da dependência química, assim como investimentos nos servidores prisionais, melhorias estruturais e apoio institucional. Faz-se urgente reconhecer que, a prisão não pode ser único instrumento legal às pessoas que cometeram crimes em decorrência de suas vulnerabilidades com as drogas, e que o sistema prisional precisa ser ressignificado em suas funções com atuação do Estado e da sociedade, para superar os desafios históricos e estabelecer um sistema mais justo e respeitoso dos direitos humanos.

approach developed in units of the managing body in the state, with a random total of eleven locations evaluated. The main challenges to be overcome for the application of drug policy in prisons are the absence of legal regulations, insufficient investment in prison staff, an inadequate structure for providing assistance, and also the absence of institutional support. For the application of drug policy in the Brazilian prison system, it is necessary to have specific regulations for the implementation of resocializing practices aimed at preventing and treating chemical dependency, as well as investments in prison staff, structural improvements and institutional support. It is urgent to recognize that prison cannot be the only legal instrument for people who have committed crimes as a result of their vulnerability to drugs, and that the prison system needs to be given new meaning in its functions with the action of the State and society, to overcome historical challenges and establish a fairer and more respectful system for human.

El sistema penitenciario brasileño ha sido, a lo largo de la historia, forjado por perspectivas de control y castigo, en cierta medida, influenciadas por políticas de drogas basadas en el modelo prohibicionista apalancado por los Estados Unidos de América (EE.UU.), resultando en importantes desafíos para la superación de estas medidas en Brasil. El objetivo del estudio fue comprender cómo se ha aplicado la política de drogas en las prisiones de Mato Grosso do Sul, desde la perspectiva de sus funcionarios. El estudio es de carácter cualitativo, descriptivo, transversal, con enfoque fenomenológico desarrollado en unidades de la entidad gestora del estado, con un total aleatorio de once localidades evaluadas. Los principales desafíos a superar para la aplicación de la política de drogas en las prisiones son la ausencia de regulaciones legales, una inversión insuficiente en personal penitenciario, una estructura inadecuada para brindar asistencia y también la ausencia de apoyo institucional. Para la aplicación de la política de drogas en el sistema penitenciario brasileño, es necesario contar con regulaciones específicas para la implementación de prácticas resocializadoras destinadas a prevenir y tratar la dependencia química, así como inversiones en personal penitenciario, mejoras estructurales y apoyo institucional. Es urgente reconocer que la prisión no puede ser el único instrumento jurídico para las personas que han cometido delitos producto de su vulnerabilidad a las drogas, y que el sistema penitenciario necesita resignificarse en sus funciones con la acción del Estado y la sociedad, para superar desafíos históricos y establecer un sistema más justo y respetuoso de los derechos humanos.

Prevalence and Impact on Mortality of Colonization and Super-Infection by Carbapenem-Resistant Gram-Negative Organisms in COVID-19 Hospitalized Patients.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between superinfection by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria and mortality among SARS-CoV-2 hospitalized patients is still unclear. Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales are among the most frequently isolated species when it comes to hospital-acquired superinfections among SARS-CoV-2 patients. METHODS: Herein, a retrospective study was carried out using data from adult patients hospitalized for COVID-19. The interaction between in-hospital mortality and rectal carriage and superinfection by carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales and/or carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii was assessed. RESULTS: The incidence of KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and/or carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii rectal carriage was 30%. Bloodstream infection and/or pneumonia due to KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and/or carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii occurred in 20% of patients. A higher Charlson comorbidity index (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.24-1.59), being submitted to invasive mechanical ventilation/ECMO ≥ 96 h (OR 6.34, 95% CI 3.18-12.62), being treated with systemic corticosteroids (OR 4.67, 95% CI 2.43-9.05) and having lymphopenia at the time of admission (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.40-0.72) were the features most strongly associated with in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Although KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and/or carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii rectal carriage, and/or bloodstream infection/pneumonia were diagnosed in a remarkable percentage of COVID-19 patients, their impact on in-hospital mortality was not significant. Further studies are needed to assess the burden of antimicrobial resistance as a legacy of COVID-19 in order to identify future prevention opportunities.

Single and joint toxic effects of thyroid hormone, levothyroxine, and amiodarone on embryo-larval stages of zebrafish (Danio rerio).

This study evaluates single and joint endocrine disruptor toxicities of thyroid hormone, levothyroxine, and amiodarone in the embryo-larval stages of Danio rerio. Single toxicity experiments were carried out in concentrations based on the environmental concentration and increasing concentrations of 10, 100, and 1000 times the environmental concentration. Joint toxicity experiments evaluated the combined effects of these compounds. Toxic effects were examined during zebrafish embryonic development, and the parameters analyzed were apical sublethal, teratogenicity, mortality endpoints, and morphometry. Thyroid hormone exhibited the highest toxicity. However, the results showed that the environmental concentrations for all 3 compounds had low risk in relation to the parameters studied, such as teratogenic effects and morphometry. The larvae were more affected than embryos, where embryos needed higher concentrations in all experiments, possibly due to the absence of the chorion. The same type of effects were observed in the joint toxicity test, except that a possible antagonistic effect was detected. However, high concentrations showed stronger effects of these toxic compounds on fish development.

Effects of Ethanolic and Aqueous Extracts of Garcinia gardneriana Leaves in an In Vivo Experimental Model Induced by a Hyperlipidic Diet.

The study of medicinal plants, such as the genus Garcinia (Clusiaceae), in the treatment of non-communicable chronic diseases has aroused the interest of researchers. However, there are no studies in the literature that have investigated the effects of Garcinia gardneriana in experimental models of obesity for possible metabolic alterations. Swiss mice receiving a high-fat diet were supplemented with aqueous or ethanolic extract of G. gardneriana at doses of 200 or 400 mg/kg/day. It was found that there was a reduction in food consumption in experimental groups compared with the control groups, and the group supplemented with aqueous extract at a dose of 200 mg/kg/daydisplayed a reduction in weight. The results showed an increase in the values of high density lipoprotein (HDL-c), total cholesterol, triglycerides and fasting blood glucose. G. gardneriana did not protect against insulin resistance, and caused in an increase in monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) concentrations and a reduction in interleukin 10 (IL-10). In addition, hepatic steatosis and microvesicular steatosis were indicated. It was revealed that, under the experimental conditions in the study, G. gardneriana did not prevent weight gain or comorbidities; that is, a different behavior was obtained from that described in the literature with regard to the medicinal potential of the Garcinia species, which is probably related to the phytochemical properties.

Microbiota-induced active translocation of peptidoglycan across the intestinal barrier dictates its within-host dissemination.

Peptidoglycan, the major structural polymer forming the cell wall of bacteria, is an important mediator of physiological and behavioral effects in mammalian hosts. These effects are frequently linked to its translocation from the intestinal lumen to host tissues. However, the modality and regulation of this translocation across the gut barrier has not been precisely addressed. In this study, we characterized the absorption of peptidoglycan across the intestine and its systemic dissemination. We report that peptidoglycan has a distinct tropism for host organs when absorbed via the gut, most notably by favoring access to the brain. We demonstrate that intestinal translocation of peptidoglycan occurs through a microbiota-induced active process. This process is regulated by the parasympathetic pathway via the muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. Together, this study reveals fundamental parameters concerning the uptake of a major microbiota molecular signal from the steady-state gut.

Can exosomes transfer the preconditioning effects triggered by (poly)phenol compounds between cells?

Effective strategies in prolonging life- and health span are increasingly recognized as acting as mild stressors. Micronutrients and other dietary compounds such as (poly)phenols may act as moderate stressors and confer protective effects via a preconditioning phenomenon. (Poly)phenols and their metabolites may not need to reach their target cells to produce biologically significant responses, so that cells exposed to it at entry points may communicate signals to other cells. One of such "communication" mechanisms could occur through extracellular vesicles, including exosomes. In vitro loading of exosomes with (poly)phenols has been used to achieve targeted exosome homing. However, it is unknown if similar shuttling phenomena occur in vivo upon (poly)phenols consumption. Alternatively, exposure to (poly)phenols might trigger responses in exposed organs, which can subsequently signal to cells distant from exposure sites via exosomes. The currently available studies favor indirect effects of (poly)phenols, tempting to suggest a "billiard-like" or "domino-like" propagating effect mediated by quantitative and qualitative changes in exosomes triggered by (poly)phenols. In this review, we discuss the limited current data available on how (poly)phenols exposure can potentially modify exosomes activity, highlighting major questions regarding how (epi)genetic, physiological, and gut microbiota factors can modulate and be modulated by the putative exosome-(poly)phenolic compound interplay that still remains to be fully understood.

Testosterone nanoemulsion produced masculinized Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

The objective of this work was to develop a food additive for the sex reversal of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) based on a simple oil in water (O/W) nanoemulsion with testosterone propionate for incorporation into commercial feed. Oil screening and evaluation of the organoleptic and physicochemical characteristics were carried out to determine the best formulation. A palatability test was also performed. Sex reversal test was assayed using 5 experimental groups: negative control - macerated feed without hormone; free testosterone - macerated feed with 60 mg/kg of testosterone propionate diluted in ethanol; and macerated feed with testosterone propionate nanoemulsion at a concentration of 30, 60, and 90 mg/kg. Stable nanoemulsions (size 76-210 nm) with testosterone propionate were produced. All nanoemulsion-added feed was palatable to tilapia. We obtained sex reversal values of ≈65, 75, and 72% in the groups of 30, 60, and 90 mg/kg, respectively. We can conclude that the nanoemulsion showed promising results; it is capable of inducing sex reversal in tilapia, is suitable as a commercial product, and has the potential to promote safety for rural staff and reduce the environmental impact of hormones.

A look beyond dietary (poly)phenols: The low molecular weight phenolic metabolites and their concentrations in human circulation.

A large number of epidemiological studies have shown that consumption of fruits, vegetables, and beverages rich in (poly)phenols promote numerous health benefits from cardiovascular to neurological diseases. Evidence on (poly)phenols has been applied mainly to flavonoids, yet the role of phenolic acids has been largely overlooked. Such phenolics present in food combine with those resulting from gut microbiota catabolism of flavonoids and chlorogenic acids and those produced by endogenous pathways, resulting in large concentrations of low molecular weight phenolic metabolites in human circulation. Independently of the origin, in human intervention studies using diets rich in (poly)phenols, a total of 137 low molecular weight phenolic metabolites have been detected and quantified in human circulation with largely unknown biological function. In this review, we will pinpoint two main aspects of the low molecular weight phenolic metabolites: (i) the microbiota responsible for their generation, and (ii) the analysis (quali- and quantitative) in human circulation and their respective pharmacokinetics. In doing so, we aim to drive scientific advances regarding the ubiquitous roles of low molecular weight phenolic metabolites using physiologically relevant concentrations and under (patho)physiologically relevant conditions in humans.

[Networks, actors and negotiations in the constitution of the Policy of Complementary Therapies in Brazil]. / Redes, atores e agenciamentos na constituição da Política de Práticas Integrativas e Complementares no Brasil.

Integrative and complementary therapies have been available in the public health system in Brazil as a public policy since 2006. This text of a qualitative nature based on secondary data from the literature and official documents has the aim of understanding the National Policy of Integrative and Complementary Practices from its presence in varied spaces in society. Bypassing the comparison between the theory and practice of the policy, a theoretical and methodological path is proposed to enable new perceptions about policy in practice. By applying the actor-network theory and the negotiation approach, the analysis enables us to perceive the policy as a combination of actions that gives rise to multiple realities and contextual versions of policy, depending on the actors involved. Thus, the results point to complexity hidden behind apparent singularity, revealing the plurality of actors that constitute these realities and demonstrating that the policy is dependent on the actions of other actors for it to become a reality. Following this analytical path, it is possible to generate new elements that contribute to the analysis of the policy in practice, adding to the studies that emphasize the comparison between theory and practice.

Como política pública, práticas integrativas e complementares estão disponíveis no sistema público de saúde no Brasil desde 2006. Este texto, de caráter qualitativo e baseado em dados secundários da literatura e de documentos oficiais, tem o objetivo de compreender a Política Nacional de Práticas Integrativas e Complementares, a partir da sua presença por variados espaços da sociedade. Contornando a comparação entre o documento e a prática da política, propõe-se um caminho teórico e metodológico que possibilite novas percepções sobre a política em situações concretas. Aplicando a teoria ator-rede e a abordagem do agenciamento, as análises permitem perceber a política como um emaranhado de ações que faz surgir múltiplas realidades e versões contextuais da política, dependendo dos atores com os quais se associa. Desse modo, os resultados apontam para complexidade escondida por trás da aparente singularidade, revelando a pluralidade de atores que constituem essas realidades e demonstrando a dependência da política com relação à ação de outros atores para que ela se torne realidade. Seguindo esse caminho, é possível gerar novos elementos que contribuam para a análise da política na prática, somando-se aos estudos que enfatizam a comparação entre o documento e a prática.

Redes, atores e agenciamentos na constituição da Política de Práticas Integrativas e Complementares no Brasil / Networks, actors and negotiations in the constitution of the Policy of Complementary Therapies in Brazil

Resumo Como política pública, práticas integrativas e complementares estão disponíveis no sistema público de saúde no Brasil desde 2006. Este texto, de caráter qualitativo e baseado em dados secundários da literatura e de documentos oficiais, tem o objetivo de compreender a Política Nacional de Práticas Integrativas e Complementares, a partir da sua presença por variados espaços da sociedade. Contornando a comparação entre o documento e a prática da política, propõe-se um caminho teórico e metodológico que possibilite novas percepções sobre a política em situações concretas. Aplicando a teoria ator-rede e a abordagem do agenciamento, as análises permitem perceber a política como um emaranhado de ações que faz surgir múltiplas realidades e versões contextuais da política, dependendo dos atores com os quais se associa. Desse modo, os resultados apontam para complexidade escondida por trás da aparente singularidade, revelando a pluralidade de atores que constituem essas realidades e demonstrando a dependência da política com relação à ação de outros atores para que ela se torne realidade. Seguindo esse caminho, é possível gerar novos elementos que contribuam para a análise da política na prática, somando-se aos estudos que enfatizam a comparação entre o documento e a prática.

Abstract Integrative and complementary therapies have been available in the public health system in Brazil as a public policy since 2006. This text of a qualitative nature based on secondary data from the literature and official documents has the aim of understanding the National Policy of Integrative and Complementary Practices from its presence in varied spaces in society. Bypassing the comparison between the theory and practice of the policy, a theoretical and methodological path is proposed to enable new perceptions about policy in practice. By applying the actor-network theory and the negotiation approach, the analysis enables us to perceive the policy as a combination of actions that gives rise to multiple realities and contextual versions of policy, depending on the actors involved. Thus, the results point to complexity hidden behind apparent singularity, revealing the plurality of actors that constitute these realities and demonstrating that the policy is dependent on the actions of other actors for it to become a reality. Following this analytical path, it is possible to generate new elements that contribute to the analysis of the policy in practice, adding to the studies that emphasize the comparison between theory and practice.

Distinct gait dimensions are modulated by physical activity in Parkinson's disease patients.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the fastest growing neurodegenerative disease, but disease-modifying or preventive treatments are lacking. Physical activity is a modifiable factor that decreases the PD risk and improves motor symptoms in PD. Understanding which dimensions of gait performance correlate with physical activity in PD can have important pathophysiological and therapeutic implications. Clinical/demographic data together with physical activity levels were collected from thirty-nine PD patients. Gait analysis was performed wearing seven inertial measurement units on the lower body, reconstructing the subjects' lower body motion using 3D kinematic biomechanical models. Higher physical activity scores were significantly correlated with MDS-UPDRS part III scores (r = - 0.58, p value = 9.2 × 10-5), age (r = - 0.39, p value = 1.5 × 10-2) and quality-of-life (r = - 0.47, p value = 5.9 × 10-3). Physical activity was negatively associated with MDS-UPDRS part III scores after adjusting for age and disease duration (ß = - 0.08530, p value = 0.0010). The effect of physical activity on quality-of-life was mediated by the MDS-UPDRS part III (62.10%, 95% CI = 0.0758-1.78, p value = 0.022). The level of physical activity was correlated primarily with spatiotemporal performance. While spatiotemporal performance displays the strongest association with physical activity, other quality-of-movement dimensions of clinical relevance (e.g., smoothness, rhythmicity) fail to do so. Interventions targeting these ought to be leveraged for performance enhancement in PD through neuroprotective and brain network connectivity strengthening. It remains to be ascertained to which extent these are amenable to modulation.

Corpus callosum size, hypnotic susceptibility and empathy in women with alleged mediumship: a controlled study.

AIM: Evidence indicates that highly hypnotizable subjects may have larger area of the rostrum of the corpus callosum (CC). Mediumship can be defined as the alleged ability to communicate regularly with deceased personalities, and self-hypnosis is postulated as an underlying mechanism for this ability. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the CC area, hypnotic susceptibility, self-reported dissociation, and empathy in alleged mediums in comparison with healthy, non-medium controls. METHODS: The study sample consisted of 16 Spiritist mediums (medium group (MG)) and 16 non-medium controls. Magnetic resonance imaging scans were performed to measure the CC areas (total and subdivisions). The Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility was used to assess hypnotizability, and self-reported measures were used to investigate anomalous experiences, mental health using the Self-Reporting Questionnaire-SRQ, dissociative experiences using the Dissociative Experiences Scale, and empathy using the Interpersonal Reactivity Index. RESULTS: No between-group differences were found in the total or subdivided CC areas or in hypnotizability, with both groups showing intermediate levels. The rostrum of the CC area and hypnotizability were not correlated. The MG presented with significantly more anomalous experiences, but the two groups had similar scores for dissociation, empathy, and mental health. CONCLUSION: The normal CC areas found in the MG are in contrast with the abnormal results typically observed in subjects with psychotic and dissociative disorders. Although hypnotizability was not different between groups, further studies are needed to replicate these findings in other samples.

Bioética e interculturalidade na atenção à saúde indígena / Bioethics and interculturality in indigenous health care / Bioética e interculturalidad en la atención de salud indígena

Resumo Este artigo aponta aspectos socioculturais, teóricos e jurídicos para uma bioética intercultural na atenção à saúde dos povos indígenas do Brasil. A partir de uma perspectiva que busca construir práticas bioéticas adequadas aos encontros entre culturas, o texto argumenta que o foco em tecnologias leves de saúde pode ser um caminho para superar as dificuldades encontradas em um contexto permeado pela colonialidade e o racismo estrutural. Algumas experiências de prática bioética intercultural são apresentadas no artigo. Essas experiências, apesar de se referirem ao contexto brasileiro, podem ser aplicadas em outros cenários de encontro entre diferentes culturas.

Abstract This article points out sociocultural, theoretical and legal aspects for intercultural bioethics in health care for Indigenous peoples in Brazil. From a perspective that seeks to build bioethical practices suitable for encounters between cultures, the text argues that focusing on soft health technologies can help overcome the difficulties found in a context permeated by coloniality and structural racism. A few experiences of intercultural bioethical practice are presented in the article. Despite referring to the Brazilian context, such experiences can be applied in other scenarios where different cultures meet.

Resumen Este artículo señala aspectos socioculturales, teóricos y legales para una Bioética intercultural en la atención a la salud de los pueblos indígenas de Brasil. Desde una perspectiva que busca construir prácticas bioéticas adecuadas para el encuentro entre culturas, el texto sostiene que el enfoque en tecnologías blandas de salud puede ser una forma de superar las dificultades encontradas en un contexto permeado por la colonialidad y el racismo estructural. Algunas experiencias de práctica bioética presentados neste artículo, aunque sean del contexto indígena brasileño, pueden ser aplicadas a otros contextos de encuentros culturales.