Effect of physical exercise on the functional capacity of patients with liver cirrhosis: systematic review with meta-analysis.

In this paper, we verify the effect of physical exercise on the functional capacity of people diagnosed with liver cirrhosis (LC). Inclusion criteria were people with LC, at any stage of the disease, over 18 years of age, of either sex, who performed any type of physical exercise in comparison with any other intervention or no intervention, obtaining functional capacity as the outcome, of the controlled and randomized experimental studies. The search for articles was carried out in 11 databases. The descriptors considered for the search were physical exercise, functional capacity, LC, and their synonyms. Methodological quality and study bias were assessed using the Jadad scale and the risk of bias 2 scale, respectively. Review Manager 5.4 was used for the meta-analysis of the data. Functional capacity was considered a continuous variable. The difference in standardized means was considered as the effect measure. The random effect analysis model was used. The confidence level adopted was 0.05. The level of evidence of the meta-analysis result was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) tool. The 113 participants with LC, who belonged to the physical exercise group, had a standardized mean difference in functional capacity of 0.57 (0.01-1.13); p = 0.05, more than the 107 participants who were in the control situation. The level of evidence from the meta-analysis assessed through the GRADE was considered moderate. Physical exercise caused a significant increase of moderate clinical relevance in the functional capacity of patients diagnosed with LC.

Validity of the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Fatigue Scale (FACIT-F) in individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Brazil / Validación de la Escala de Fatiga, Functional Assessment Of Chronic Illness Therapy Fatigue Scale (FACIT-F) en individuos con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica en Brasil / Validade da Escala de Fadiga, Functional Assessment Of Chronic Illness Therapy Fatigue Scale (FACIT-F) em indivíduos com Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crônica no Brasil

ABSTRACT Fatigue is one of the most prevalent symptoms in individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), but it is poorly evaluated. The Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Fatigue Scale (FACIT-F) is one of the main instruments used to measure fatigue. However, this instrument has not yet been validated for the Brazilian population with COPD. This study aimed to investigate the validity of the FACIT-F fatigue scale in individuals with COPD. In a cross-sectional study, the impact of symptoms (COPD Assessment Test - CAT), dyspnea (modified Medical Research Council - MRC scale), functional capacity (six-minute step test - 6MST), exertional fatigue (Borg modified scale at the end of 6MST), and the FACIT-F scale to assess multidimensional fatigue were evaluated. Concurrent validity was assessed by associating the FACIT-F with the CAT, and convergent validity by associating it with the number of steps, perceived exertional fatigue, and dyspnea. Discriminant validity was assessed by comparing fatigue with the dyspnea severity strata. In total, 92 participants were studied (69.9±8.8 years, FEV1: 48.4% of predicted). The FACIT-F presented an average of 30.1±10.9 points, strong concurrent validity with the CAT (r=-0.80), strong convergent validity with dyspnea (r=−0.66), and low with exercise capacity (r=0.40) and fatigue on exertion (r=-0.44). FACIT-F was effective in discriminating groups with different intensities of dyspnea. Conclusion: The FACIT-F is a valid tool for assessing fatigue in the Brazilian population with COPD.

RESUMEN La fatiga es uno de los síntomas más frecuentes en los individuos con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC), pero su evaluación sigue siendo deficiente. Uno de los principales instrumentos utilizados para medir la fatiga es la Functional assessment of chronic illness therapy fatigue scale (FACIT-F). Sin embargo, este instrumento aún no ha sido validado para la población con EPOC en Brasil. En este contexto, el objetivo de este estudio fue investigar la validez de la escala de fatiga FACIT-F en individuos con EPOC. El estudio transversal evaluó el impacto de los síntomas (COPD Assessment Test -CAT), de la disnea (escala modificada del Consejo de Investigación Médica -MRC), de la capacidad funcional (prueba de pasos de seis minutos -6MST), de la fatiga de esfuerzo (escala modificada de Borg al final de la 6MST) y de la escala FACIT-F para evaluar la fatiga multidimensional. La validez concurrente se evaluó asociando la escala con el CAT, y la validez convergente la asoció con el número de pasos, la fatiga al esfuerzo percibida y la disnea. La validez discriminante se evaluó comparando la fatiga con los estratos de gravedad de la disnea. Se estudió a 92 participantes (69,9±8,8 años, VEF1: 48,4% del predicho). La FACIT-F tuvo una puntuación media de 30,1±10,9, fuerte validez concurrente con el CAT (r=-0,80), fuerte validez convergente con la disnea (r=-0,66) y baja con la capacidad de ejercicio (r=0,40) y con la fatiga de esfuerzo (r=-0,44). La FACIT-F fue eficaz para distinguir grupos con diferentes intensidades de disnea, por lo que muestra ser un instrumento válido para evaluar la fatiga en la población brasileña con EPOC.

RESUMO A fadiga é um dos sintomas mais prevalentes nos indivíduos com Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crônica (DPOC), porém, ainda é pouco avaliada. Um dos principais instrumentos utilizados para mensurar a fadiga é a functional assessment of chronic illness therapy fatigue scale (Facit-F). Entretanto, este instrumento ainda não foi validado para a população com DPOC no Brasil. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a validade da escala de fadiga Facit-F em indivíduos com DPOC. Em um estudo transversal, foram avaliados o impacto dos sintomas (COPD Assessment Test - CAT), a dispneia (escala do Medical Research Council - MRC modificada), a capacidade funcional (teste do degrau de seis Minutos - TD6), a fadiga no esforço (escala de Borg modificada ao final do TD6) e a escala Facit-F para avaliar a fadiga multidimensional. A validade concorrente foi avaliada pela associação da escala com o CAT, e a validade convergente pela associação desta com o número de degraus, percepção de fadiga no esforço e a dispneia. A validade discriminante foi avaliada comparando a fadiga com os estratos da gravidade da dispneia. Foram estudados 92 participantes (69,9±8,8 anos, VEF1: 48,4% do previsto). A Facit-F apresentou uma média de 30,1±10,9 pontos, validade concorrente forte com o CAT (r=-0,80), validade convergente forte com a dispneia (r=-0,66) e baixa com a capacidade de exercício (r=0,40) e com a fadiga ao esforço (r=-0,44). A Facit-F foi eficaz em discriminar grupos com diferentes intensidades de dispneia, portanto é um instrumento válido para a avaliação da fadiga na população brasileira com DPOC.

Revisiting the pseudo-supercritical path method: An improved formulation for the alchemical calculation of solid-liquid coexistence.

Alchemical free energy calculations via molecular dynamics have been applied to obtain thermodynamic properties related to solid-liquid equilibrium conditions, such as melting points. In recent years, the pseudo-supercritical path (PSCP) method has proved to be an important approach to melting point prediction due to its flexibility and applicability. In the present work, we propose improvements to the PSCP alchemical cycle to make it more compact and efficient through a concerted evaluation of different potential energies. The multistate Bennett acceptance ratio (MBAR) estimator was applied at all stages of the new cycle to provide greater accuracy and uniformity, which is essential concerning uncertainty calculations. In particular, for the multistate expansion stage from solid to liquid, we employed the MBAR estimator with a reduced energy function that allows affine transformations of coordinates. Free energy and mean derivative profiles were calculated at different cycle stages for argon, triazole, propenal, and the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methyl-imidazolium hexafluorophosphate. Comparisons showed a better performance of the proposed method than the original PSCP cycle for systems with higher complexity, especially the ionic liquid. A detailed study of the expansion stage revealed that remapping the centers of mass of the molecules or ions is preferable to remapping the coordinates of each atom, yielding better overlap between adjacent states and improving the accuracy of the methodology.

Epistemología de la investigación social / Epistemology of social research

INTRODUCCIÓN. La epistemología, rama de la filosofía que estudia el proceso de investigación y su producto el conocimiento científico, implica ámbitos de la ciencia con enfoque positivismo y postpositivismo, interpretativismo, teoría crítica; y, transcomplejo, cada uno de ellos con los elementos paradigmáticos de: ontología, epistemología y metodología, su conocimiento y aplicabilidad en los diferentes ámbitos es fundamental porque sus enfoques generan ciencia. OBJETIVO. Desarrollar capacidades intelectuales en bases contextuales y teóricas en epistemología de la investigación social, indispensables para el ejercicio profesional en el ámbito de la investigación científica y del conocimiento científico. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS. Estudio observacional, descriptivo, con población y muestra conocida de 30 modalidades de publicación, periodo junio a julio 2020. Los criterios de inclusión fueron: fuentes secundarias de información bibliográfica validadas en el ámbito de las ciencias sociales. La técnica de observación fue en buscadores bibliográficos PUBMED, Scielo, Scopus, Diccionario de Descriptores en Ciencias de la Salud y la Real Academia Española. La tarea de revisar la literatura de investigación comprendió la identificación, selección, análisis crítico, descripción escrita, interpretación, discusión y conclusión de la información que existe sobre la epistemología de la investigación social, tema, que se registró con aplicación de un gestor de referencias bibliográficas, tipo Microsoft Word. RESULTADOS. Se logró obtener capacidades intelectuales al estructurar la cronológica de la epistemología de la investigación social, del conocimiento científico y nuevas perspectivas para el ejercicio profesional en el ámbito de la investigación científica. CONCLUSIÓN. Las perspectivas se orientan a integrar paradigmas pasados y futuros con visión de transcomplejidad, espacios organológicos de una gran red, conformación de cibercomunidades de investigación, uso de método integrador, nuevo lenguaje en equipos multidisciplinarios, agentes como el foco principal de la teoridad epistémica en espacio, tiempo y la relación entre las cosas.

INTRODUCTION. Epistemology, a branch of philosophy that studies the research process and its product, scientific knowledge, involves areas of science focussed in with positivism and postpositivism, interpretivism, critical theory; and, transcomplex, each one of them with the paradigmatic elements of: ontology, epistemology and methodology, their knowledge and applicability in the different fields is fundamental because their approaches generate science. OBJECTIVE. Develop intellectual capacities on contextual and theoretical bases in the epistemology of social research, essential for professional practice in the field of scientific research and scientific knowledge. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Observational, descriptive study, with population and a known sample of 30 publication modalities, period June to July 2020. The inclusion criteria were: secondary sources of bibliographic information validated in the field of social sciences. The observation technique was in bibliographic search engines PUBMED, Scielo, Scopus, Dictionary of Descriptors in Health Sciences and the Royal Spanish Academy. The task of reviewing the research literature included the identification, selection, critical analysis, written description, interpretation, discussion and conclusion of the information that exists on the epistemology of social research, subject, which was registered with the application of a reference manager bibliographic, Microsoft Word type. RESULTS. Intellectual capacities were obtained by structuring the chronology of the epistemology of social research, scientific knowledge and new perspectives for professional practice in the field of scientific research. CONCLUSION. The perspectives are aimed at integrating past and future paradigms with a vision of transcomplexity, organological spaces of a large network, formation of research cyber communities, use of integrative method, new language in multidisciplinary teams, agents as the main focus of epistemic theory in space, time and the relationship between things.

Green Aromatic Epoxidation with an Iron Porphyrin Catalyst for One-Pot Functionalization of Renewable Xylene, Quinoline, and Acridine.

Sustainable functionalization of renewable aromatics is a key step to supply our present needs for specialty chemicals and pursuing the transition to a circular, fossil-free economy. In the present work, three typically stable aromatic compounds, representative of products abundantly obtainable from biomass or recycling processes, were functionalized in one-pot oxidation reactions at room temperature, using H2O2 as a green oxidant and ethanol as a green solvent in the presence of a highly electron withdrawing iron porphyrin catalyst. The results show unusual initial epoxidation of the aromatic ring by the green catalytic system. The epoxides were isolated or evolved through rearrangement, ring opening by nucleophiles, and oxidation. Acridine was oxidized to mono- and di-oxides in the peripheral ring: 1:2-epoxy-1,2-dihydroacridine and anti-1:2,3:4-diepoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroacridine, with TON of 285. o-Xylene was oxidized to 4-hydroxy-3,4-dimethylcyclohexa-2,5-dienone, an attractive building block for synthesis, and 3,4-dimethylphenol as an intermediate, with TON of 237. Quinoline was directly functionalized to 4-quinolone or 3-substituted-4-quinolones (3-ethoxy-4-quinolone or 3-hydroxy-4-quinolone) and corresponding hydroxy-tautomers, with TON of 61.

Aceptación, rechazo y vacilación a recibir la vacuna contra COVID-19: estudio multicéntrico / Acceptance, rejection and hesitancy to receive the vaccine against COVID-19: a multicenter study

Objetivos: Determinar la predisposición a recibir esta vacuna contra SARS-CoV-2. Materiales y métodos: Se aplicó un diseño observacional de corte transversal en la población adulta del Paraguay entre mayo y octubre 2022. se aplicó el cuestionario de Kotta et al previamente validado, el cual fue difundido por redes sociales. Resultados: Se incluyeron 303 encuestados, con edad media 34 ± 12 años y predominio del sexo femenino (64,0%). En la muestra, 51,8% padeció COVID-19 y 97,3% ya recibió al menos una dosis de la vacuna. Se detectó que 58,4% aceptada la vacuna, 17,8% vacilaba en recibirla y 23,7% la rechazaba. La aceptación fue más frecuente en los varones (p 0,05). Conclusión: En el momento epidemiológico de disponibilidad universal de la vacuna y habiendo aún sujetos afectados por COVID-19, el rechazo a la misma fue 23,7%.

Objectives: To determine the predisposition to receive this vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. Materials and methods: An observational cross-sectional design was applied in the adult population of Paraguay between May and October 2022. The previously validated questionnaire of Kotta et al was applied, which was disseminated through social networks. Results: 303 respondents were included, with a mean age of 34 ± 12 years and predominance of the female sex (64.0%). In the sample, 51.8% suffered from COVID-19 and 97.3% have already received at least one dose of the vaccine. It was detected that 58.4% accepted the vaccine, 17.8% hesitated to receive it and 23.7% rejected it. Acceptance was more frequent in males (p 0.05). Conclusion: At the epidemiological moment of universal availability of the vaccine and with subjects still affected by COVID-19, rejection of it was 23.7%.

Spatial distribution and incidence of HIV/AIDS cases in Santa Cruz do Sul, state of Rio Grande do Sul, 2001 to 2020. / Distribuição espacial e incidência de casos de HIV/aids em Santa Cruz do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, 2001 a 2020.

OBJECTIVE: to describe the spatial distribution, treatment status and characteristics of cases of people infected with the human immunodeficiency virus HIV in Santa Cruz do Sul, RS, 2001 to 2020. METHODS: descriptive study with data from individuals undergoing treatment for HIV/AIDS, in Santa Cruz do Sul, diagnosed from January 2001 to October 2020. RESULTS: 708 (94.4%) cases were analyzed, of these (58.2%) were male, with a mean age of 39 years, the maximum incidence rate was in 2019 (59.4/100,000 inhabitants), there was a high frequency of cases in the south and central region of the city, 92.9% of these individuals were still in active treatment and the dropout rate was 7.1% in the period. CONCLUSION: a higher incidence of HIV was observed in adult male, from the central and southern regions of the city, with a treatment rate close to the goals of the World Health Organization and a low dropout rate.

Spatial distribution and incidence of HIV/AIDS cases in Santa Cruz do Sul, state of Rio Grande do Sul, 2001 to 2020 / Distribución espacial e incidencia de casos de VIH/SIDA en Santa Cruz do Sul, Rio Grande dol Sul, 2001 a 2020 / Distribuição espacial e incidência de casos de HIV/aids em Santa Cruz do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, 2001 a 2020

Objective: to describe the spatial distribution, treatment status and characteristics of cases of people infected with the human immunodeficiency virus HIV in Santa Cruz do Sul, RS, 2001 to 2020. Methods: descriptive study with data from individuals undergoing treatment for HIV/AIDS, in Santa Cruz do Sul, diagnosed from January 2001 to October 2020. Results: 708 (94.4%) cases were analyzed, of these (58.2%) were male, with a mean age of 39 years, the maximum incidence rate was in 2019 (59.4/100,000 in habitants), there was a high frequency of cases in the south and central region of the city, 92.9% of these individuals were still in active treatment and the dropout rate was 7.1% in the period. Conclusion: a higher incidence of HIV was observed in adult male, from the central and southern regions of the city, with a treatment rate close to the goals of the World Health Organization and a low dropout rate.

Objetivo: describir la distribución espacial, estado de tratamiento y características de los casos de personas infectadas por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana en Santa Cruz do Sul, RS, 2001 hasta 2020. Métodos: estudio descriptivo con datos de individuos en tratamiento por VIH/SIDA, en Santa Cruz do Sul, diagnosticados de enero de 2001 a octubre de 2020. Resultados: se analizaron 708 (94,4%) casos, de estos (58,2%) eran del sexo masculino, con una edad media de 39 años, la tasa de incidencia máxima fue en 2019 (59,4/100.000 habitantes), hubo una alta frecuencia de casos en la región sur y centro del municipio, el 92,9% de estos individuos seguían en tratamiento activo y la deserción fue del 7,1% en el período. Conclusión: se observó una mayor incidencia de VIH en hombres adultos, de las regiones centro y sur de la ciudad, con una tasa de tratamiento cercana a las metas de la Organización Mundial de la Salud y una baja tasa de deserción.

Objetivo: descrever a distribuição espacial, a situação do tratamento e as características dos casos de pessoas infectadas pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV), em Santa Cruz do Sul/RS, de 2001 a 2020. Métodos: estudo descritivo com dados de indivíduos em tratamento para HIV/aids, em Santa Cruz do Sul, diagnosticados no período de janeiro de 2001 a outubro de 2020. Resultados: foram analisados 708 (94,4%) casos, dos quais 58,2% eram do sexo masculino, com idade média de 39 anos. A taxa de incidência máxima foi registrada em 2019 (59,4/100 mil habitantes), e observou-se frequência elevada de casos nas regiões sul e central do município; 92,9% dos indivíduos continuavam em tratamento ativo, e a taxa de abandono alcançou 7,1% no período. Conclusão: observou-se uma maior incidência de HIV entre adultos do sexo masculino, das regiões central e sul da cidade, com uma taxa de tratamento próxima às metas da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) e baixa taxa de abandono.

A New Formulation for the Concerted Alchemical Calculation of van der Waals and Coulomb Components of Solvation Free Energies.

Alchemical free energy calculations via molecular dynamics have been widely used to obtain thermodynamic properties related to protein-ligand binding and solute-solvent interactions. Although soft-core modeling is the most common approach, the linear basis function (LBF) methodology [Naden, L. N.; et al. J. Chem. Theory Comput.2014, 10 (3), 1128; 2015, 11 (6), 2536] has emerged as a suitable alternative. It overcomes the end-point singularity of the scaling method while maintaining essential advantages such as ease of implementation and high flexibility for postprocessing analysis. In the present work, we propose a simple LBF variant and formulate an efficient protocol for evaluating van der Waals and Coulomb components of an alchemical transformation in tandem, in contrast to the prevalent sequential evaluation mode. To validate our proposal, which results from a careful optimization study, we performed solvation free energy calculations and obtained octanol-water partition coefficients of small organic molecules. Comparisons with results obtained via the sequential mode using either another LBF approach or the soft-core model attest to the effectiveness and correctness of our method. In addition, we show that a reaction field model with an infinite dielectric constant can provide very accurate hydration free energies when used instead of a lattice-sum method to model solute-solvent electrostatics.

Cutaneous TRPV4 Channels Activate Warmth-Defense Responses in Young and Adult Birds.

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) channels are sensitive to warm ambient temperatures (Tas), triggering heat loss responses in adult rats in a Tas range of ∼26-30°C. In birds, however, the thermoregulatory role of TRPV4 has never been shown. Here, we hypothesized that stimulation of TRPV4 induces thermolytic responses for body temperature (Tb) maintenance in birds, and that this function is already present in early life, when the Ta range for TRPV4 activation does not represent a warm condition for these animals. We first demonstrated the presence of TRPV4 in the dorsal and ventral skin of chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) by immunohistochemistry. Then, we evaluated the effects of the TRPV4 agonist, RN1747, and the TRPV4 antagonists, HC067047 and GSK2193874, on Tb and thermoeffectors at different Tas in 5-day-old chicks and 60-day-old adult chickens. For the chicks, RN1747 transiently reduced Tb both in thermoneutrality (31°C) and in a cold Ta for this phase (26°C), which relied on huddling behavior inhibition. The TRPV4 antagonists alone did not affect Tb or thermoeffectors but blocked the Tb decrease and huddling inhibition promoted by RN1747. For the adults, TRPV4 antagonism increased Tb when animals were exposed to 28°C (suprathermoneutral condition for adults), but not to 19°C. In contrast, RN1747 decreased Tb by reducing metabolic rate and activating thermal tachypnea at 19°C, a Ta below the activation range of TRPV4. Our results indicate that peripheral TRPV4 receptors are functional in early life, but may be inhibited at that time when the range of activation (∼26-30°C) represents cold Ta for chicks, and become physiologically relevant for Tb maintenance when the activation Ta range for TRPV4 becomes suprathermoneutral for adult chickens.

In vitro evaluation of the cytotoxicity and eye irritation potential of preservatives widely used in cosmetics

Abstract The consumption of cosmetics has been increasing every year and is expected to reach $675 billion by 2020 at an estimated growth rate of 6.4% per year. Exposure to skin irritants is the major cause of non-immunological inflammation of the skin. Therefore, the safety evaluation of cosmetic preservatives should be increased. Thus, the present work aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity as the viability endpoint and the eye irritation potential of preservatives used in cosmetics. Cytotoxicity assays were performed using MTT and NRU in human keratinocytes (HaCaT), human dermal fibroblasts, adult (HDFa), and human hepatoma cells (HepG2). The eye irritation potential was evaluated using the Hen's Egg Test-chorioallantoic membrane (HET-CAM). The evaluated preservatives were methylparaben (MP), propylparaben (PP), phenoxyethanol (PE), and a mixture of methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone (CMI/MI). All preservatives showed cytotoxic potential within the permitted concentrations for use in cosmetic products. In the HET-CAM test, PE and CMI/MI, MP, and PP were classified as severe, moderate, and poor irritants, respectively. Our results indicate that proper safety evaluations are required to ensure the beneficial properties of preservatives on cosmetic products without exceeding exposure levels that would result in adverse health effects for consumers.

Distribuição espacial e incidência de casos de HIV/aids em Santa Cruz do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, 2001 a 2020 / Distribución espacial e incidencia de casos de VIH/SIDA en Santa Cruz do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, 2001 a 2020 / Spatial distribution and incidence of HIV/AIDS cases in Santa Cruz do Sul, state of Rio Grande do Sul, 2001 to 2020

Objetivo: descrever a distribuição espacial, a situação do tratamento e as características dos casos de pessoas infectadas pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV), em Santa Cruz do Sul/RS, de 2001 a 2020. Métodos: estudo descritivo com dados de indivíduos em tratamento para HIV/aids, em Santa Cruz do Sul, diagnosticados no período de janeiro de 2001 a outubro de 2020. Resultados: foram analisados 708 (94,4%) casos, dos quais 58,2% eram do sexo masculino, com idade média de 39 anos. A taxa de incidência máxima foi registrada em 2019 (59,4/100 mil habitantes), e observou-se frequência elevada de casos nas regiões sul e central do município; 92,9% dos indivíduos continuavam em tratamento ativo, e a taxa de abandono alcançou 7,1% no período. Conclusão: observou-se uma maior incidência de HIV entre adultos do sexo masculino, das regiões central e sul da cidade, com uma taxa de tratamento próxima às metas da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) e baixa taxa de abandono.

Objetivo: describir la distribución espacial, estado del tratamiento y características de los casos de personas infectadas por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH), en Santa Cruz do Sul, RS, de 2001 hasta 2020. Métodos: estudio descriptivo con datos de individuos en tratamiento por VIH/SIDA, en Santa Cruz do Sul, diagnosticados de enero de 2001 a octubre de 2020. Resultados: se analizaron 708 (94,4%) casos, de estos (58,2%) eran del sexo masculino, con una edad promedio de 39 años, la tasa de incidencia máxima fue en 2019 (59,4/100.000 habitantes), hubo una alta frecuencia de casos en la región sur y central del municipio, el 92,9% de estos individuos seguían en tratamiento activo y la deserción fue del 7,1% en el período. Conclusión: se observó una mayor incidencia de VIH en personas del sexo masculino adultas, de las regiones central y sur de la ciudad, con una tasa de tratamiento cercana a las metas de la Organización Mundial de la Salud y una baja tasa de deserción.

Objective: to describe the spatial distribution, treatment status and characteristics of cases of people infected with the human immunodeficiency virus HIV in Santa Cruz do Sul, RS, 2001 to 2020. Methods: descriptive study with data from individuals undergoing treatment for HIV/AIDS, in Santa Cruz do Sul, diagnosed from January 2001 to October 2020. Results: 708 (94.4%) cases were analyzed, of these (58.2%) were male, with a mean age of 39 years, the maximum incidence rate was in 2019 (59.4/100,000 inhabitants), there was a high frequency of cases in the south and central region of the city, 92.9% of these individuals were still in active treatment and the dropout rate was 7.1% in the period. Conclusion: a higher incidence of HIV was observed in adult male, from the central and southern regions of the city, with a treatment rate close to the goals of the World Health Organization and a low dropout rate.

Associations between Cues of Sexual Desire and Sexual Attitudes in Portuguese Women.

Sexuality is defined as a multidimensional experience that involves genital, mental, and bodily components. It is also assumed as a basic condition inherent to the human existence that encourages the search for love, intimacy, sex, and proximity to others. The main objective of this study is to assess the relationship between cues of sexual desire and sexual attitudes in Portuguese women. This is a cross-sectional study with 804 Portuguese women to whom the protocol was applied. It included an informed consent, a sociodemographic questionnaire, a questionnaire related to intimacy, a scale of sexual attitudes, and the scale of cues of sexual desire. The protocol was applied via Google Forms due to the current pandemic situation (COVID-19). Differences were found in sexual attitudes and the cues of sexual desire in terms of sociodemographic characteristics, as well as in terms of women's intimacy. Significant correlations were found between the brief sexual attitudes scale (BSAS) and the cues of sexual desire scale (CSDS). Age, sexual orientation, relation nature, sexual practices, visual proximity cues, erotic explicit cues, and sensory explicit cues explain, altogether, 25% of the total sexual attitudes. Additionally, age, sexual orientation, the relation's nature, sexual practices, visual proximity cues, emotional bonding cues, romantic implicit cues, erotic explicit cues, and sensory explicit cues explain, altogether, 30% of the permissiveness. Sexual attitudes are developed under the influence of sociodemographic variables, variables related to women's intimacy, and cues of sexual desire, which are new data in the study of sexual attitudes and have implications at the level of gender issues.

Parasitic encephalitis caused by Stephanurus dentatus in a pig in Brazil.

A pig was in left lateral recumbency with limb spasticity, accentuated prostration, and strabismus, and was euthanized. During autopsy, yellowing of the leptomeninges at the ventral pons to medulla oblongata was noted. In the cerebellar peduncles, there was a focally extensive black-to-yellow area at the level of the vestibular nuclei. Histologic examination revealed a cross-section of a nematode larva, consistent with Stephanurus dentatus, bordered by edema and marked infiltration of mononuclear cells, plasma cells, and a few eosinophils. Vacuolation of the neuropil, with rare gitter cells and axonal spheroids, was also observed. We diagnosed parasitic encephalitis caused by S. dentatus migration based on the pathology findings and characterization of the parasite.

Toxicity of the swainsonine-containing plant Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa for goats and sheep.

In order to determine the toxicity of swainsonine present in Ipomoea carnea for goats and sheep, 12 goats and 12 sheep were divided into 3 groups of 4 goats (G1, G2 and G3) and 3 groups of 4 sheep (S4, S5 and S6) each. Groups G1 and S4 were used as controls; G2 and S5 received 1 mg/kg body weight of swainsonine from plant material and G3 and S6 received 3 mg/kg. Groups G2 and G3 presented the first clinical signs, on average, after the 54th and 39th days of ingestion of the plant, respectively. Groups S5 and S6 presented the first clinical signs, on average, on the 64th and 42nd days of the experiment, respectively. In sheep, in addition to having a longer period of ingestion until the onset of clinical signs, these signs were less severe, being evident only after the animals were forced to move. These results demonstrated that goats are more susceptible to swainsonine poisoning than sheep. Complete regression of clinical signs was observed in 5 goats and 6 sheep. However, three goats and one sheep remained with clinical signs until 120 days of the experiment, suggesting that to control the poisoning the animals should be removed from the pastures immediately after the first clinical signs. There were no significant differences in weight between the different groups, suggesting that for goats ingesting the plant, toxic Ipomoea species can be used as forage for intermittent periods of 15-30 days.

Integrated approaches to testing and assessment as a tool for the hazard assessment and risk characterization of cosmetic preservatives.

The safety assessment of cosmetic products is based on the safety of the ingredients, which requires information on chemical structures, toxicological profiles, and exposure data. Approximately 6% of the population is sensitized to cosmetic ingredients, especially preservatives and fragrances. In this context, the aim of this study was to perform a hazard assessment and risk characterization of benzalkonium chloride (BAC), benzyl alcohol (BA), caprylyl glycol (CG), ethylhexylglycerin (EG), chlorphenesin (CP), dehydroacetic acid (DHA), sodium dehydroacetate (SDH), iodopropynyl butylcarbamate (IPBC), methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MIT), methylisothiazolinone (MIT), phenoxyethanol (PE), potassium sorbate (PS), and sodium benzoate (SB). Considering the integrated approaches to testing and assessment (IATA) and weight of evidence (WoE) as a decision tree, based on published safety reports. The hazard assessment was composed of a toxicological matrix correlating the toxicity level, defined as low (L), moderate (M), or high (H) and local or systemic exposure, considering the endpoints of skin sensitization, skin irritation, eye irritation, phototoxicity, acute oral toxicity, carcinogenicity, mutagenicity/genotoxicity, and endocrine activity. In a risk assessment approach, most preservatives had a margin of safety (MoS) above 100, except for DHA, SDH, and EG, considering the worst-case scenario (100% dermal absorption). However, isolated data do not set up a safety assessment. It is necessary to carry out a rational risk characterization considering hazard and exposure assessment to estimate the level of risk of an adverse health outcome, based on the concentration in a product, frequency of use, type of product, route of exposure, body surface location, and target population.

Chagas disease in urban and peri­urban environment in the Amazon: Sentinel hosts, vectors, and the environment.

Chagas disease is an anthropozoonosis, caused by a flagellated protozoan, Trypanosoma cruzi, in which the enzootic cycle occurs between mammals and triatomines. Two dogs with a history of sudden death were necropsied at the Federal University of Pará (UFPA). One dog had a pale area in the myocardium, which on histopathological examination showed a T. cruzi amastigote nest; immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis characterized it as acute Chagas disease (ACD). The second dog showed no macroscopic changes. Microscopically, a few cardiomyocytes were replaced by adipocytes, and IHC result was negative for T. cruzi. However, results of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the cardiac tissue of both dogs was positive for T. cruzi DNA. After that, an epidemiological study was conducted in the region. For this study, we selected four areas in Castanhal. One of the four areas (Area 1) is where one of the dogs lived. The other three areas were chosen because they were recently deforested for housing. Blood samples were collected from dogs, cats, wild small mammals (marsupials and rodents), and the digestive tract of triatomines. Nested PCR was performed on all the blood samples and the triatomine digestive tracts. In Area 1, T. cruzi DNA was detected in 50% (12/24) of the tested dogs, in the only tested cat (1/1), 50% (1/2) of the tested marsupials (Didelphis marsupials), and 100% of the captured triatomines (Rhodnius pictipes) (2/2). In Area 2, T. cruzi DNA was not detected in any of the 11 (0/11) dogs and two marsupials tested (0/2), and no triatomines were found in this area. In Area 3, T. cruzi DNA was detected in 42.25% (30/71) of the dogs, in 66,6% (2/3) of the cats, the only captured marsupial (D. marsupialis) (1/1), and all three triatomines (3/3) (R. pictipes) tested. In Area 4, the two dogs tested were negative (0/2), 25% (1/4) of the captured marsupials (D. marsupialis) was positive, and no triatomine was captured in this area. The data demonstrate the importance of detecting T. cruzi in dogs, cats, small rodents, and marsupials in the Amazon metropolitan areas, where ecotopes carry reservoirs and vectors capable of participating in the Chagas disease cycle. The proximity between humans and T. cruzi vectors in these places might contribute to increased disease transmission risk and maintenance of agents. It was noted that high-standard condominiums, previously thought to reduce the risk for this disease, presented a new epidemiological risk. The presence of T. cruzi DNA in a dog who, a year earlier had tested negative, when another dog in the same house died of ACD, shows that the transmission cycle is present and active, with a high possibility of disease transmission to animals and humans.

Molecular detection of Histoplasma capsulatum in bats of the Amazon biome in Pará state, Brazil.

Histoplasma capsulatum, the fungus causing histoplasmosis, has a strong impact on public health. Histoplasmosis is one of the most prevalent systemic mycoses in the Americas and occurs in several mammalian species. Bats are important in the epidemiological cycle of histoplasmosis because they disseminate the fungus throughout the environment. The aim of the present study was to investigate natural H. capsulatum infection in bats located in forested areas, which have undergone anthropogenic perturbations, as well as in the urban areas of the state of Pará. Twenty-two species of bats were captured in 18 municipalities of Pará; the samples obtained from these animals were subjected to nested PCR for amplification of H. capsulatum DNA. The HCI/HCII and HCIII/HCIV primers were used, and the final 210-pb fragment was amplified. Of the 100 bats analysed, two were confirmed to be positive for H. capsulatum. Samples amplified by nested PCR were sequenced and found to share identity and have 100% match with H. capsulatum DNA. H. capsulatum was detected in the area of study: the state of Pará has a wide diversity of bat species, and the region under investigation is situated in the north of the state, which suffers the most severe environmental and climatic changes. Therefore, it is essential to elucidate the distribution of H. capsulatum hosts in this region to facilitate the implementation of effective disease surveillance.

Digestive disorders associated with the consumption of palm fiber (Elaeis guineensis) in feedlot cattle / Distúrbios digestivos associados ao consumo de fibra de dendê (Elaeis guineensis) em bovinos criados em regime de confinamento

Digestive disorders in cattle are associated with the breeding system and feed provided to the animals. Abomasal compaction is primarily related to the ingestion of forage with elevated levels of lignin, low quality, and difficult digestibility. In addition, the excess of fibrous food in the diet can lead to phytobezoars that may be responsible for intestinal obstruction disorders. This study aimed to describe pathological and clinical aspects of an outbreak of digestive disorders associated with the consumption of palm fiber (Elaeis guineensis). The outbreak struck a herd of 499 animals raised in a feedlot system after a change in diet that included an increase in the amount of palm fiber. Forty (8.01%) animals showed clinical signs such as fattening and regurgitation during rumination, and 21 (4.2%) animals died later. The cattle affected presented with apathy, emaciation, dehydration, distended abdomen, incomplete or absent ruminal movements, and congestive mucosa. Three animals were submitted to necropsy, and distended rumen and reticulum has a large amount of brownish liquid, long and tangled vegetable fibers with sand and stones. In two animals, the omasum had many rounded structures measuring approximately 5cm in diameter, made of vegetable fiber (phytobezoars). Abomasum of animals had similar material to the rumen, and one animal had compressed content. In two animals, dilatation was observed in the small intestine, and in the opening, the total obstruction of the lumen by phytobezoar was observed. During the follow-up of the slaughter of 76 cattle, 15 (19.7%) had phytobezoars of different sizes in the omasum and abomasum. The increased amount of oil palm fiber in animal feeding favored the occurrence of compression abomasum and intestinal obstruction phytobezoa, causing significant economic losses.(AU)

Alguns distúrbios digestivos em bovinos podem estar associados ao sistema de criação e alimentação dos animais. Entre estes estão à compactação de abomaso e a obstrução intestinal por fitobezoários, ambas relacionadas principalmente com a ingestão de alimentos com altos níveis de lignina e, consequentemente, de difícil digestibilidade. Neste trabalho são descritos os aspectos clínicos e patológicos de um surto de distúrbios digestivos em bovinos associados ao consumo de fibra de dendê (Elaeis guineensis). O surto acometeu um rebanho de 499 bovinos, criados em sistema de confinamento, após uma mudança na dieta que incluiu o aumento na quantidade de fibra de dendê. Após a mudança 40 animais (8,01%) apresentaram diarreia, distensão abdominal e regurgitação durante a ruminação e 21 animais (4,2%) morreram. Os bovinos examinados clinicamente apresentavam sinais de apatia, emagrecimento, desidratação, abdômen distendido, movimentos ruminais incompletos e ausentes, além de mucosas congestas. Três animais foram submetidos à necropsia e observou-se rúmen e reticulo distendidos e com grande quantidade de líquido acastanhado, fibras vegetais longas e emaranhadas e presença de areia e pedras. Em dois animais o omaso continha grande número de estruturas arredondadas medindo aproximadamente 5cm de diâmetro, constituídas de fibras vegetais (fitobezoários). No abomaso dos animais havia material semelhante ao do rúmen, sendo que um animal apresentou conteúdo compactado e um deles também tinha fitobezoários. Em dois animais foram observadas dilatação e obstrução total do lúmen do intestino delgado por fitobezoários. Durante o acompanhamento do abate de 76 bovinos, 15 (19,7%) apresentavam fitobezoários de diferentes tamanhos no abomaso e omaso. O aumento da quantidade de fibra de dendê na alimentação dos animais favoreceu a ocorrência de casos de compactação de abomaso e obstrução intestinal por fitobezoários, ocasionando perdas econômicas significativas.(AU)

Salmonellosis in a young Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis) / Salmonelose em um filhote de peixe-boi-da-amazônia (Trichechus inunguis)

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to describe a case of salmonellosis in an Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis). The animal was rescued from a tributary of the Capim River, in the municipality of Goianésia do Pará, Pará, Brazil, kept in a pool, and died approximately five months after being rescued. The main changes observed at necropsy were that the cecum and colon had serosal hyperemia, wall edema, thickened mucosa with ulcerated areas and covered by a thin layer of fibrin, and a yellowish liquid content. Histologically, there was moderate multifocal fibrinonecrotic typhlocolitis associated with intense bacterial colonization. Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica (rough) was isolated in cecum and colon fragments. This is the first report of salmonellosis in an Amazonian manatee.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho é descrever um caso de salmonelose em um peixe-boi-da-amazônia (Trichechus inunguis). O animal foi resgatado em um afluente do rio Capim, no município de Goianésia do Pará, Pará, Brasil, sendo mantido em uma piscina e morrendo aproximadamente cinco meses após o resgate. As principais alterações observadas na necropsia foram ceco e colón com hiperemia da serosa; edema da parede; mucosa espessada, com áreas ulceradas e revestida por uma fina camada de fibrina; e conteúdo líquido amarelado. Histologicamente havia tiflocolite fibrinonecrótica, multifocal, moderada, associada a intensa colonização bacteriana. Em fragmentos de ceco e cólon foi isolada Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica (rugosa). Este é o primeiro relato de salmonelose em peixe-boi-da-amazônia.