Cocaine/crack and cannabis use among transgender women in Goiás, Central Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Illicit drug use is a significant public health problem. Studies have shown a high prevalence of cocaine and cannabis use in transgender women (TGW). OBJECTIVE: To describe the consumption patterns of cannabis and cocaine/crack use and variables associated with their use in TGW in Central Brazil. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on TGW in Goiás, Brazil. Participants were recruited using a respondent-driven sampling method and were interviewed face-to-face about cannabis and crack-cocaine and the variables associated with them. The Alcohol Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test was used to assess substance use. Unweighted logistic regression was used to identify variables associated with cannabis and crack cocaine use. P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 440 transgender women participated in the study. Their median age was 25 years (interquartile range: 20.5-29.5 years). Most participants were single (85.5%) and had engaged in sex work in their lifetime (58.6%). Cannabis was reported by 68.9% and 53.4% of participants in their lifetime and in the past three months, respectively, and cocaine/crack use was reported by 59.8% and 44.1% of participants in their lifetime and the past three months, respectively. Of the participants, 10.2% reported high-risk cannabis use, and 9.1% reported high-risk cocaine/crack use. Furthermore, 35% of participants reported using both drugs. Previous physical violence (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 2.37), inconsistent condom uses during anal sex (AOR: 2.17), and moderate-/high-risk cocaine/crack use (AOR: 3.14) were associated with high-risk cannabis use. Previous sexual violence (AOR: 2.84), previous STI (AOR: 2.90), moderate-/high-risk cannabis (AOR: 3.82), and binge drinking (AOR; 3.28) were associated with high-risk cocaine/crack use. CONCLUSION: Our study found a high frequency, significant overlap in the use of cannabis and cocaine/crack use and violence associated with these drugs consumption among TGW, highlighting the urgent need for health policies for drug disorders among this socially marginalized group.

Alarming patterns of moderate and high-risk alcohol use among transgender women in Goiás, Central Brazil.

Background: Scant studies have examined alcohol consumption among transgender women in Latin America. This cross-sectional study estimated the prevalence and associated factors of risky alcohol use among transgender women in Goiás, a state located in the center of Brazil. Methods: Participants were 440 transgender women (median age = 35 years, interquartile range = 9) recruited through respondent-driven sampling. All participants were interviewed about sociodemographic characteristics, violence, and risk behavior. Alcohol use was assessed using the alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT). An AUDIT score greater than or equal to eight was considered as risky alcohol consumption. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine predictors of risky alcohol use, and p-values <0.05 were considered significant. Results: The majority were young, single, sex workers. Most transgender women had used alcohol in the previous year (85.7%), and more than half (56.6%) reported binge drinking and risky alcohol consumption (60.2%). There was a high overlap between sexual behavior, drugs, and alcohol use. Using alcohol during sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.9; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.7-4.8), cocaine/crack use (aOR: 2.3; 95% CI: 1.5-3.7) and having a drug user as a sexual partner (aOR: 2.9; 95% CI: 1.5-5.9) were independently associated with risky alcohol consumption. Conclusion: Alcohol consumption was highly prevalent, and drugs seem to play an important role in risky alcohol consumption among transgender women Goiás. These findings support stakeholders to promote intervention strategies to reduce this pattern of alcohol consumption and reduce the burden of substance use disorders among transgender women.

Human T-lymphotropic virus 1/2 infection among immigrants and refugees in Central Brazil, an emerging vulnerable population.

Introduction: Migratory flows play a significant role in the spread of human T-lymphotropic virus 1/2 (HTLV-1/2). In the last decade, a substantial migration of individuals occurred from Haiti and Venezuela to Brazil. However, data on the prevalence of HTLV-1/2 infection among these international migrants in Brazil are scarce. This study describes the prevalence of this infection among immigrants and refugees in Central Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 537 international migrants in the State of Goiás, Central Brazil. Participants were interviewed, and blood samples were collected. Serological screening for anti-HTLV-1/2 was performed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA; Murex HTLV-I + II, DiaSorin, Dartford, UK), and seropositive samples were submitted for confirmation by a line immunoassay (INNO-LIA HTLV I/II, Fujirebio, Europe N.V., Belgium). Results: The majority of participants were males (54.4%), between 18 and 50 years old (78%; mean age: 29.1 years), self-declared black (55.1%), reported 1 to 12 years of formal education (70.9%), and were either Venezuelans (47.9%) or Haitians (39.7%). Additionally, 50.1% were immigrants, 49% were refugees, and five were Brazilian children (0.9%) born to Haitian immigrant parents. The overall prevalence of anti-HTLV-1/2 was 0.95% (95% CI: 0.31-2.28), with HTLV-1 at 0.19% and HTLV-2 at 0.76%. All seropositive individuals (n = 5) were refugees from Venezuela, resulting in a rate of 2.26% for anti-HTLV-1/2, HTLV-1 (0.45%) and HTLV-2 (1.81%) among Venezuelan refugees. Of the demographic and behavioral characteristics evaluated, unprotected sexual intercourse and having more than one sexual partner (≥2) in the previous 12 months were associated with HTLV-1/2 seropositivity among Venezuelans. Conclusion: This study revealed, despite the low seroprevalence of HTLV-1/2 among international migrants in Central Brazil, evidence of HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 infections in Venezuelan refugees. In addition, their characteristics highlight that specific social and health programs should be implemented for these emergent and socially vulnerable migrant groups.

Human Papillomavirus Positivity at 3 Anatomical Sites Among Transgender Women in Central Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Transgender women (TGW) are susceptible to the acquisition of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including human papillomavirus (HPV). Nonetheless, the exact data for this population are scarce. We estimated HPV positivity at the anal, genital, and oral sites among TGW and also identified the related characteristics and behaviors that could be risk factors for HPV infection in a sample of TGW in Brazil. Furthermore, we characterized the site-specific HPV genotypes among those who were positive for HPV at these 3 sites. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on TGW in Goiânia City (Central-Midwest region), Brazil, between April 2018 and August 2019. Respondent-driven sampling was applied for recruitment. Next, self-collected anal, genital, and oral samples were examined for HPV DNA using polymerase chain reaction (SPF-10 primer). Human papillomavirus genotypes were identified in 12 TGW. RESULTS: In the TGW included in the study, the anal, genital, and oral HPV positivity values were 77.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 67.3%-84.6%), 33.5% (95% CI, 26.1%-48.9%), and 10.9% (95% CI, 5.8%-17.0%), respectively. In addition, the majority of 12 participants who tested for HPV had multiple genotypes. HPV-52 was the most prevalent genotype identified at the anal (66.6%) and genital (40.0%) sites, whereas HPV-62 and HPV-66 were the most common at the oral site (25.0%). CONCLUSIONS: A high HPV positivity was observed among TGW. Therefore, additional epidemiological studies on HPV genotypes should generate health intervention information, including the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of sexually transmitted infections.

Feeding reduced levels of trace minerals in proteinate form and selenium-yeast to transition cows: Performance, trace minerals, and antioxidant status, peripheral neutrophil activity, and oocyte quality.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of inorganic trace minerals (TM) and reduced levels of TM by using proteinate forms of Co, Zn, Mn, and Cu, and Se-yeast in diets of transition cows on performance, TM concentrations in colostrum, plasma, and liver, blood metabolites, antioxidant status, peripheral neutrophil activity, and oocyte quality. Thirty-two Holstein cows (22 multiparous and 10 primiparous cows) were enrolled in this study from 30 d before the expected calving date to 56 DIM. Cows were blocked according to body condition score, parity, and previous milk yield and randomly assigned to one of the following treatments: control (CON), with TM (Zn, Cu, Mn, and Co) supplied in form of sulfate and Se as sodium selenite to meet or exceed requirement estimates of the National Research Council; and proteinate trace minerals (PTM), with TM supplied bound with AA and peptides at 50% of CON levels and inorganic Se replaced with Se-yeast at 100% of CON level. Treatments were supplied until 56 DIM. Eight cows were removed from the study because of early calving (n = 3) or health issues (n = 5); thus, data of 24 cows (16 multiparous and 8 primiparous cows) were used in the statistical analysis. No differences between treatments were detected on nutrient intake or digestibility. Total excretion of purine derivatives was decreased when feeding PTM during the prepartum period. Feeding reduced levels of TM in proteinate form resulted in greater yield of milk (27.7 and 30.9 kg/d for CON and PTM, respectively) and protein (0.890 and 0.976 kg/d) between wk 5 and 8 of lactation. No treatment differences were detected for feed efficiency, milk somatic cell count, and milk urea nitrogen. Cows fed PTM had lower milk fat concentration during the 56 d of evaluation (4.08 and 3.74% for CON and PTM, respectively). Selenium concentration was greater in colostrum of cows fed PTM compared with CON (48.5 and 71.3 µg/L for CON and PTM, respectively), whereas Zn, Cu, and Mn concentrations were not different. Cows fed PTM showed lower liver Cu concentration compared with CON (51.4 and 73.8, respectively). Plasma concentrations of Mn and Zn were lower, but plasma Se concentration tended to be higher with PTM treatment. Feeding PTM resulted in greater blood concentrations of urea-N (16.6 and 18.2 mg/dL for CON and PTM, respectively) and ß-hydroxybutyrate (0.739 and 0.940 mmol/L). Counts of lymphocytes were higher with PTM but counts of monocytes were lower in complete blood cell count. No differences were observed in serum concentrations of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. No differences were detected in phagocytosis and oxidative burst potential of neutrophils after incubation with bacteria. Cows fed PTM had fewer viable oocytes per ovum pick-up in comparison with CON (8.00 and 11.6). Feeding PTM to transition cows may sustain performance without altering neutrophil activity despite some alterations in blood TM concentrations. More studies should be performed to evaluate production and fertility measurements when reducing TM dietary levels by using proteinate forms and Se-yeast with larger number of animals.

Bovine-associated staphylococci and mammaliicocci trigger T-lymphocyte proliferative response and cytokine production differently.

We examined whether distinct staphylococcal and mammaliicoccal species and strains trigger B- and T-lymphocyte proliferation and interleukin (IL)-17A and interferon (IFN)-γ production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells in nulliparous, primiparous, and multiparous dairy cows. Flow cytometry was used to measure lymphocyte proliferation with the Ki67 antibody, and specific monoclonal antibodies were used to identify CD3, CD4, and CD8 T lymphocyte and CD21 B lymphocyte populations. The supernatant of the peripheral blood mononuclear cell culture was used to measure IL-17A and IFN-γ production. Two distinct, inactivated strains of bovine-associated Staphylococcus aureus [one causing a persistent intramammary infection (IMI) and the other from the nose], 2 inactivated Staphylococcus chromogenes strains [one causing an IMI and the other from a teat apex), as well as an inactivated Mammaliicoccus fleurettii strain originating from sawdust from a dairy farm, and the mitogens concanavalin A and phytohemagglutinin M-form (both specifically to measure lymphocyte proliferation) were studied. In contrast to the "commensal" Staph. aureus strain originating from the nose, the Staph. aureus strain causing a persistent IMI triggered proliferation of CD4+ and CD8+ subpopulations of T lymphocytes. The M. fleurettii strain and the 2 Staph. chromogenes strains had no effect on T- or B-cell proliferation. Furthermore, both Staph. aureus and Staph. chromogenes strains causing persistent IMI significantly increased IL-17A and IFN-γ production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Overall, multiparous cows tended to have a higher B-lymphocyte and a lower T-lymphocyte proliferative response than primiparous and nulliparous cows. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells of multiparous cows also produced significantly more IL-17A and IFN-γ. In contrast to concanavalin A, phytohemagglutinin M-form selectively stimulated T-cell proliferation.

Bovine blood and milk T-cell subsets in distinct states of activation and differentiation during subclinical Staphylococcus aureus mastitis.

T-lymphocytes are key mediators of adaptive cellular immunity and knowledge about distinct subsets of these cells in healthy and infected mammary gland secretions remains limited. In this study, we used a multiplex cytometry panel to show that staphylococcal mastitis causes the activation of CD4+, CD8+ and γδ T-cells found in bovine milk. We also highlight remarkable differences in the proportions of naïve and memory T-cells subsets found in blood and milk. These observations will contribute to a better understanding of cell-mediated immune mechanisms in the udder and to the development of new therapeutic and preventive strategies targeting mastitis.

Long-Term Symptoms after Mild Coronavirus Disease in Healthy Healthcare Professionals: A 12-Month Prospective Cohort Study.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has changed the course of human history and killed millions of people worldwide. Its long-term consequences remain uncertain. This study aimed to describe the short- and long-term symptoms of COVID-19 among individuals in Goiás, central Brazil, who experienced acute mild or non-symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection during the first wave of the pandemic. This prospective cohort study included 110 healthcare workers, 18 safety workers, and 19 administrative support workers, who were followed up for 12 months after the onset of COVID-19. Most participants were healthy adult female healthcare professionals. At the onset of infection, the major symptoms were headache, myalgia, nasal congestion, cough, coryza, anosmia, ageusia, sore throat, fatigue, diarrhea, and dyspnea. Furthermore, 20.3% of the participants had three or more COVID-19 symptoms that persisted for at least 12 months. These included coryza, congestion, hair loss, sore throat, headache, myalgia, cough, memory loss, anosmia, and fatigue. This study revealed a high prevalence of persistent symptoms of COVID-19 in healthy individuals from central Brazil, which may present an additional burden on healthcare services. Further studies are required to investigate the sequelae of COVID-19 over periods greater than 12 months.

Staphylococcus aureus-Cure-Associated Antigens Elicit Type 3 Immune Memory T Cells.

BACKGROUND: Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most frequently major mastitis pathogens that cause clinical and subclinical mastitis worldwide. Current antimicrobial treatments are usually ineffective, and the commercially available vaccines lack proven effectiveness. The immunological response elicited by the recombinant S. aureus-cure-associated proteins phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK), enolase (ENO), and elongation factor-G (EF-G) in combination with the granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) DNA vaccination was studied in this work. METHODS: Here, twenty-three C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups and vaccinated with: G1: none (control); G2: GM-CSF DNA plasmid DNA vaccine; G3: the combination of EF-G+ENO+PGK; and G4: the combinations of EF-G+ENO+PGK proteins plus GM-CSF plasmid DNA vaccine. After 44 days, spleen cells were collected for immunophenotyping and lymphocyte proliferation evaluation by flow cytometry upon S. aureus stimulus. RESULTS: Immunization with the three S. aureus recombinant proteins alone resulted in a higher percentage of IL-17A+ cells among CD8+ T central memory cells, as well as the highest intensity of IL-17A production by overall lymphocytes indicating that the contribution of the combined lymphocyte populations is crucial to sustaining a type 3 cell immunity environment. CONCLUSION: The immunization with three S. aureus-cure-associated recombinant proteins triggered type 3 immunity, which is a highly interesting path to pursue an effective bovine S. aureus mastitis vaccine.

Memory CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocyte proliferation in vaccinated dairy cows with different histories of Staphylococcus aureus mastitis.

Staphylococcus aureus mastitis constitutes a serious threat to dairy cows. The reasons why available vaccines are not fully effective remain poorly understood; thus, in the present study, we investigated CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocyte proliferation in dairy cows vaccinated with a polyvalent mastitis vaccine that had distinct precedent Staphylococcus aureus mastitis. We studied 17 S. aureus-infected dairy cows (11 vaccinated and six unvaccinated) and eight vaccinated healthy dairy cows with no previous S. aureus mastitis infections. Flow cytometry was used to assess lymphocyte proliferation using an anti-Ki67 antibody, and monoclonal antibodies were used to identify T cell subsets. S. aureus-infected cows exhibited reduced overall lymphocyte proliferation, including CD4+ T lymphocyte proliferation, and memory lymphocyte proliferation in response to S. aureus isolate stimulus. Immunization did not influence the expansion of blood lymphocyte populations. Furthermore, CD8+ T cells, memory CD8+ T lymphocytes, and effector memory CD8+ T lymphocytes displayed reduced proliferation 21 days after the third vaccine dose compared with before vaccination at time zero. The present data demonstrates an overall negative regulation of the T-cell response suggesting its detrimental impact leading to the persistence of S. aureus intramammary infections. Furthermore, the lack of vaccination effect on T-cell mediated immunity (e.g., proliferation) may be related to poor vaccine efficacy.

Factors related to the accumulation of healthy behavior among older adults attending primary Health Care.

The adoption and maintenance of healthy behaviors contribute for its accumulation throughout life, which require more than information disclosure and recommendations. Biopsychosocial factors may work as barriers to adherence to healthier behaviors, and yet have been underexplored. The objective was to investigate the factors related to the accumulation of healthy behavior among older adults attending Primary Health Care. Cross-sectional analysis with 201 older adults from baseline of Longitudinal Investigation of Functioning Epidemiology (LIFE) was performed in a Southeastern Brazilian city. The Healthy Behavior Score (HBS), ranging from 0 to 8, was calculated by the sum of the following habits: Physical activity practice, healthy eating, water consumption, night sleep time, not smoking, not drinking alcohol, frequent social relations, and spirituality. A linear multivariate regression was performed to test the influence of biopsychosocial aspects on HBS, with 95% confidence interval. Higher number of healthy behaviors was related to high social support, better cognitive status, less depressive symptoms and lower functional performance. Additionally, age and resilience score were correlated to healthy behaviors, which were higher among women and those with sufficient income. Multivariate analysis revealed depressive symptoms, functional performance and education as independent predictors of HBS. Depressive symptoms, functional performance and education are predictors of accumulation of health behaviors, independently of health status, contextual and sociodemographic aspects. Higher social support partially contributed to the higher number of healthy behaviors, and should be considered in public health policies for healthy longevity.

Corrigendum: miR-548d-3p Is Up-regulated in Human Visceral Leishmaniasis and Suppresses Parasite Growth in Macrophages.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.826039.].

miR-548d-3p Is Up-Regulated in Human Visceral Leishmaniasis and Suppresses Parasite Growth in Macrophages.

Visceral leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum in Latin America progress with hepatosplenomegaly, pancytopenia, hypergammaglobulinemia, and weight loss and maybe lethal mainly in untreated cases. miRNAs are important regulators of immune and inflammatory gene expression, but their mechanisms of action and their relationship to pathogenesis in leishmaniasis are not well understood. In the present study, we sought to quantify changes in miRNAs associated with immune and inflammatory pathways using the L. (L.) infantum promastigote infected- human monocytic THP-1 cell model and plasma from patients with visceral leishmaniasis. We identified differentially expressed miRNAs in infected THP-1 cells compared with non-infected cells using qPCR arrays. These miRNAs were submitted to in silico analysis, revealing targets within functional pathways associated with TGF-ß, chemokines, glucose metabolism, inflammation, apoptosis, and cell signaling. In parallel, we identified differentially expressed miRNAs in active visceral leishmaniasis patient plasma compared with endemic healthy controls. In silico analysis of these data indicated different predicted targets within the TGF-ß, TLR4, IGF-I, chemokine, and HIF1α pathways. Only a small number of miRNAs were commonly identified in these two datasets, notably with miR-548d-3p being up-regulated in both conditions. To evaluate the potential biological role of miR-548d-3p, we transiently transfected a miR-548d-3p inhibitor into L. (L.) infantum infected-THP-1 cells, finding that inhibition of miR-548d-3p enhanced parasite growth, likely mediated through reduced levels of MCP-1/CCL2 and nitric oxide production. Further work will be required to determine how miR-548d-3p plays a role in vivo and whether it serves as a potential biomarker of progressive leishmaniasis.

Uso do modelo HEC-RAS com base em informações de LiDAR para avaliação de inundações urbanas / Use of the HEC-RAS model based on LiDAR information for urban flood assessment

RESUMO O crescimento desordenado das cidades e o excesso de impermeabilização são problemáticas dos grandes centros urbanos, tendo como consequência principal a ocorrência de inundações e alagamentos. Nesse contexto, a modelagem hidrodinâmica pode ser uma importante ferramenta para a determinação de áreas inundáveis, permitindo estimar as cotas de inundação para diferentes cenários de tempos de retorno (TR) e chuvas de projetos, permitindo, assim, representar mais fielmente a realidade e minimizar erros decorrentes de projetos hidráulicos. Trabalhando em conjunto com o Sistema de Informações Geográficas (SIG), em que a geometria do canal é extraída por meio do Modelo Digital do Terreno (MDT) de alta precisão gerado por levantamento com técnica LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) e software de modelagem hidrodinâmica (Hydrologic Engineering Center — River Analysis System — HEC-RAS), foi possível avaliar diferentes cenários de inundações no trecho canalizado em concreto, no córrego Botafogo, em Goiânia, Goiás. Com os resultados da modelagem hidrodinâmica foi possível avaliar o comportamento da propagação das vazões geradas, constatando-se que para precipitações com TR de 50 anos ou mais, os limites da canalização não suportam os volumes gerados e transportados, provocando inundações em seis trechos críticos. Os dados obtidos pelo HEC-RAS puderam ser validados a partir de registros fotográficos divulgados pela imprensa local e levantamento topográfico dos locais inundados, de modo que a integração entre o SIG e a modelagem hidrodinâmica se mostrou eficiente para o estudo de áreas inundáveis.

ABSTRACT The disordered growth of cities and the excessive waterproofing are problematic of the large urban centers, having as a main consequence the occurrence of floods and overflows. Within this context, hydrodynamic modeling can be an important tool for the determination of floodable areas, allowing the estimation of flood quotas for different scenarios of return periods (TR) and project rainfall, thus allowing to more accurately represent reality and minimize errors arising from hydraulic designs. Working with Geographic Information System (GIS), where the channel geometry is extracted using the high precision Digital Terrain Model (DTM) generated by LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) survey and hydrodynamic modeling software (HEC-RAS), it was possible to evaluate different flood scenarios in the channeled concrete section, in the Botafogo Stream in Goiânia, Goiás. With the results of hydrodynamic modeling, it was possible to evaluate the propagation behavior of the generated flows, finding that for precipitation with TR 50 years or older, the plumbing limits do not support the generated and transported volumes, causing flooding in six critical stretches. The data obtained by HEC-RAS could be validated from photographic records released by the press and topographic survey of flooded sites, so that the integration between GIS and hydrodynamic modeling proved to be efficient for the study of floodable areas.

Relações entre espiritualidade e comportamentos saudáveis em idosos atendidos na Atenção Primária à Saúde / Relationships between spirituality and healthy behavior in older adults assisted in Primary Health Care / Relaciones entre espiritualidad y comportamientos saludables en ancianos Atendidos en la Atención Básica de Salud

Objetivo: Avaliar as relações entre espiritualidade e comportamentos saudáveis em idosos atendidos na atenção primária à saúde. Métodos: Estudo transversal realizado com amostra de 201 idosos atendidos em três Unidades Matriciais de Saúde (UMS) selecionadas aleatoriamente, em Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Avaliou-se a espiritualidade pela Escala de Espiritualidade com cinco itens, cuja pontuação varia de 5 (menor espiritualidade) a 20 (maior espiritualidade). Os comportamentos de saúde incluíram tabagismo, consumo de bebidas alcoólicas, água, frutas e vegetais, satisfação com o sono, relações sociais e prática de atividade física. Os indicadores sociodemográficos englobaram sexo (masculino/feminino), faixa etária (60-74/75+) e escolaridade (até 4 anos/5 anos ou mais). Realizaram-se análises descritivas, teste t Student e regressão linear múltipla, adotando-se o intervalo de confiança de 95%. Resultados: Encontrou-se a média do escore na Escala de Espiritualidade de 16,02±2,71. Observaram se as pontuações maiores entre os idosos que não fumavam (p=0,014); que consumiam frutas (p=0,003), vegetais (p=0,002) e água (p=0,017) em quantidades adequadas; entre aqueles classificados como fisicamente ativos (p<0,001); e entre aqueles que estavam satisfeitos com o sono (p=0,032) e com as relações sociais (p<0,001). Prática de atividade física (ß:0,225; IC=0,507-2,131) e satisfação com as relações sociais (ß:0,190; IC=0,360-2,351) apresentaram-se relacionadas à espiritualidade mais elevada, mesmo após controle por indicadores sociodemográficos. Conclusão: A espiritualidade relaciona-se com comportamentos saudáveis nos idosos investigados atendidos na atenção primária à saúde.

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between spirituality and healthy behaviors in older adults assisted in primary health care.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with a sample of 201 older adults in three randomly selected matrix health units (UMS) in Uberaba-MG. Spirituality was assessed by the Spirituality Scale with five items, whose final score ranges from 5 (less spiritual) to 20 (higher spirituality). Health behaviors included smoking, consumption of alcoholic beverages, water, fruits and vegetables, satisfaction with sleep and social relationships, and physical activity. The sociodemographic indicators were sex (male/female), age group (60-74/75+), and schooling (up to 4/5 years or more). Descriptive analyses, Student's t-test, and multiple linear regression were performed, adopting a 95% confidence interval. Results: The mean score on the Spirituality Scale was 16.02±2.71. Higher scores were observed among participants who did not smoke (p=0.014); who consumed fruits (p=0.003), vegetables (p=0.002), and water (p=0.017) in adequate amounts; among those classified as physically active (p<0.001); who were satisfied with sleep (p=0.032) and with social relationships (p<0.001). Physical activity practice (ß:0.225; CI=0.507-2.131) and satisfaction with social relationships (ß:0.190; CI=0.360-2.351) were related to higher spirituality even after controlling for sociodemographic indicators. Conclusion: Spirituality is related to healthy behaviors in the investigated older adults assisted in primary health care.

Objetivo: Evaluar las relaciones entre espiritualidad y comportamientos saludables en ancianos atendidos en la atención básica de salud. Métodos: Estudio transversal realizado con muestra de 201 ancianos atendidos en tres Unidades Matriciales de Salud (UMS) seleccionadas aleatoriamente, en Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Se evaluó la espiritualidad por la Escala de Espiritualidad con cinco puntos, cuya puntuación puede variar de 5 (menos espiritualidad) a 20 (mayor espiritualidad). Los comportamientos de salud incluyeron tabaquismo, consumo de bebidas alcohólicas, agua, frutas y vegetales, satisfacción con el sueño, relaciones sociales y práctica de actividad física. Los indicadores sociodemográficos incluyeron sexo (masculino/femenino), franja etaria (60-74/75+) y escolaridad (hasta 4 años/5 años o más). Fueron realizados análisis descriptivos, test t Student y regresión linear múltiple, adoptando el intervalo de confianza de 95%. Resultados: Se encontró la média del escore en la Escala de Espiritualidad de 16,02 ± 2,71. Se observaron las mayores puntuaciones entre los ancianos no fumadores (p=0,014); que consumían frutas (p=0,003), vegetales (p=0,002) y agua (p=0,017) en cantidades adecuadas; entre aquellos clasificados como físicamente activos (p<0,001); y entre aquellos que estaban satisfechos con el sueño (p=0,032) y con las relaciones sociales (p<0,001). Práctica de actividad física (ß:0,225; IC=0,507-2,131) y satisfacción con las relaciones sociales (ß:0,190; IC=0,360-2,351) se presentaron relacionadas con la espiritualidad más elevada, incluso después de control por indicadores sociodemográficos. Conclusión: La espiritualidad está relacionada con comportamientos saludables en los ancianos investigados atendidos en la atención básica de salud.

Ambulatory heart rate variability in overweight and obese men after high-intensity interval exercise versus moderate-intensity continuous exercise.

Despite the growing evidence for the beneficial effects of high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) on vascular health of overweight and obese individuals, it is not clear whether the autonomic stress promoted by HIIE during the ambulatory period is higher than that by moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE). Therefore, this study compares the 24 hour (h) ambulatory heart rate variability (HRV) following HIIE and MICE in young overweight and obese men. Eleven untrained men aged 23.2 ± 1.9 years, with average body mass index (BMI) of 31.6 ± 3.9 kg/m² (three overweight and eight obese), underwent three exercise sessions: HIIE, MICE and Control (CT). HRV was recorded in the laboratory and for the next 24 h following laboratory recovery. There were no differences in HRV indices in the rest period between the sessions (p > .05). During the ambulatory period, the area under the curve (AUC) of the low-frequency band transformed into natural logarithm (Ln-LF) during sleep was higher after HIIE than after CT (43.31 ± 8.59 vs. 41.11 ± 7.28 ms²*h, p = .034). The HRV followed by MICE did not differ from other sessions (p > .05). In conclusion, the 24 h ambulatory HRV did not differ after HIIE and MICE. However, despite the small effect, HIIE increased the cardiac autonomic modulation during the sleep period, as a protector of cardiovascular system. Highlights24 h ambulatory HRV could add important information about the cardiovascular safety of the exercise protocols in overweight and obese individuals.There was no disturbances in the cardiac autonomic modulation during the awake period, regardless of the exercise protocol.LnLF index was higher in HIIE compared to CT in the sleep period.24 h ambulatory HRV did not differ between the HIIE and MICE sessions.

Distinct behavior of bovine-associated staphylococci species in their ability to resist phagocytosis and trigger respiratory burst activity by blood and milk polymorphonuclear leukocytes in dairy cows.

Mastitis affects a high proportion of dairy cows and is still one of the greatest challenges faced by the dairy industry. Staphylococcal bacteria remain the most important cause of mastitis worldwide. We investigated how distinct staphylococcal species evade some critical host defense mechanisms, which may dictate the establishment, severity, and persistence of infection and the outcome of possible therapeutic and prevention interventions. Thus, the present study investigated variations among distinct bovine-associated staphylococci in their capability to resist phagocytosis and to trigger respiratory burst activity of blood and milk polymorphonuclear neutrophil leukocytes (PMNL) in dairy cows. To do so, PMNL of 6 primiparous and 6 multiparous dairy cows were used. A collection of 38 non-aureus staphylococci (NAS) and 12 Staphylococcus aureus were included. The phagocytosis and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by blood and milk PMNL were analyzed by flow cytometry. Phagocytosis, by both blood and milk PMNL, did not differ between S. aureus and NAS as a group, although within-NAS species differences were observed. Staphylococcus chromogenes (a so-called milk-adapted NAS species) better resisted phagocytosis by blood PMNL than the so-called environmental (i.e., Staphylococcus fleurettii) and opportunistic (i.e., Staphylococcus haemolyticus) NAS species. Otherwise, S. haemolyticus was better phagocytosed by blood PMNL than S. aureus, S. fleurettii, and S. chromogenes. No influence of the origin of the isolates within the staphylococci species in the resistance to phagocytosis by blood and milk PMNL was found. Overall, both S. aureus and NAS did not inhibit intracellular ROS production in blood and milk PMNL. Non-aureus staphylococci induced fewer ROS by milk PMNL than S. aureus, which was not true for blood PMNL, although species-specific differences in the intensity of ROS production were observed. Staphylococcus chromogenes induced more blood PMNL ROS than S. fleurettii and S. haemolyticus, and as much as S. aureus. Conversely, S. chromogenes induced fewer milk PMNL ROS than S. aureus. The origin of the isolates within the staphylococci species did not affect the ROS production by blood and milk PMNL. In conclusion, our study showed differences in staphylococci species in evading phagocytosis and triggering ROS production, which may explain the ability of some staphylococci species (i.e., S. aureus and S. chromogenes) to cause persistent infection and induce inflammation.

Staphylococcus aureus-cure-associated antigens Elicit type 3 immune memory T cells

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most frequently major mastitis pathogens that cause clinical and subclinical mastitis worldwide. Current antimicrobial treatments are usually ineffective, and the commercially available vaccines lack proven effectiveness. The immunological response elicited by the recombinant S. aureus-cure-associated proteins phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK), enolase (ENO), and elongation factor-G (EF-G) in combination with the granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) DNA vaccination was studied in this work. Methods: Here, twenty-three C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups and vaccinated with: G1: none (control); G2: GM-CSF DNA plasmid DNA vaccine; G3: the combination of EF-G+ENO+PGK; and G4: the combinations of EF-G+ENO+PGK proteins plus GM-CSF plasmid DNA vaccine. After 44 days, spleen cells were collected for immunophenotyping and lymphocyte proliferation evaluation by flow cytometry upon S. aureus stimulus. Results: Immunization with the three S. aureus recombinant proteins alone resulted in a higher percentage of IL-17A+ cells among CD8+ T central memory cells, as well as the highest intensity of IL-17A production by overall lymphocytes indicating that the contribution of the combined lymphocyte populations is crucial to sustaining a type 3 cell immunity environment. Conclusion: The immunization with three S. aureus-cure-associated recombinant proteins triggered type 3 immunity, which is a highly interesting path to pursue an effective bovine S. aureus mastitis vaccine.

Análise dos efeitos da implantação de um serviço de rastreamento e diagnóstico de câncer de mama no Sertão Nordestino / Analysis of the effects of implementing a tracking and diagnosis service of breast cancer in the northeastern wilderness

INTRODUÇÃO: O câncer de mama é a neoplasia mais incidente entre mulheres, representando 24,5% entre todos os tipos de câncer nesta população. Além disto, representa a maior causa de morte neste grupo, respondendo por 15,5% dos óbitos entres todos os tipos de cânceres femininos. A faixa etária a partir de 50 anos é mais acometida, sendo relativamente raro antes dos 35 anos. As estratégias de detecção precoce são a base da Política Nacional de Atenção ao Câncer de Mama através do rastreamento e o diagnóstico precoce. Entretanto, parte significativa das mulheres brasileiras recebem o diagnóstico em estágios mais avançados da doença, principalmente nas regiões menos desenvolvidas do país. OBJETIVO: Avaliar os resultados e o impacto do programa de rastreamento e diagnóstico de câncer de mama, na Região de Saúde Juazeiro, Bahia (RSJ/BA), no período de 1998 a 2017. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo de serie temporal, avaliando as taxas de mortalidade por câncer de mama antes e após a implantação do serviço de diagnóstico do câncer na cidade de Juazeiro-BA, referência em diagnóstico de câncer na MSJ/BA, composta por dez cidades. As informações foram coletadas do Sistema de Informação de Mortalidade e Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística, estabelecidas tendências temporais através do softwere JoinPoint e verificadas correlações entre distância e o IDH dos municípios através do teste de correlação de Pearson. Foram descritas características e perfil tumoral de todas as mulheres diagnosticadas no período de 2014 a 2018 através do softwere stata 11. RESULTADOS: As taxas de mortalidade aumentaram após implantação do serviço de diagnóstico, com tendência de crescimento da mortalidade, porém, com maior intensidade após a implantação do serviço. Houve correlação negativa entre as taxas de mortalidade e a distância das cidades e positiva com o IDH dos municípios. A maioria dos casos diagnosticados no serviço de referência (27%) ocorreu em 2018, na faixa etária de 50 a 69 anos (58%), CONCLUSÕES: A tendência de aumento da taxa mortalidade na RSJ/BA coincide com a implantação do serviço de rastreamento e diagnóstico precoce na cidade de Juazeiro ­ BA. Em todas as cidades atendidas pelo serviço, houve aumento das taxas de mortalidade, onde o acesso ao exame de MMG foi facilitado pela implantação do atendimento da unidade móvel de rastreamento e diagnóstico, principalmente nos municípios mais distantes, localizadas a mais de 200 km do centro de diagnóstico. As mulheres residentes em locais mais distantes dos serviços têm mais dificuldades para acessar o diagnóstico precoce e apresentam tumores maiores ao diagnóstico. Aprofundar o conhecimento e a compreensão das condições do acesso ao diagnóstico e tratamento é importante para melhorar as chances de prevenção e sobrevida das mulheres sertanejas.

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer is the most frequent neoplasm among women, representing 24.5% of all types of cancer in this population. In addition, it represents the major cause of death in this group, accounting for 15.5% of deaths among all types of female cancers. The age group from 50 years is more affected, being relatively rare before the age of 35 years. Early detection strategies are the basis of the National Breast Cancer Care Policy through screening and early diagnosis. However, a significant part of Brazilian women are diagnosed at more advanced stages of the disease, especially in less developed regions of the country. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results and impact of the breast cancer screening and diagnosis program in the Juazeiro Health Region, Bahia (RSJ/BA), from 1998 to 2017. MATERIAL AND METHODS: a retrospective serial study was carried out temporal, evaluating breast cancer mortality rates before and after the implementation of the cancer diagnosis service in the city of Juazeiro-BA, reference in cancer diagnosis in MSJ/BA, composed of ten cities. The information was collected from the Mortality Information System and the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, temporal trends were established using the JoinPoint software and correlations between distance and the HDI of the municipalities were verified using Pearson's correlation test. Characteristics and tumor profile of all women diagnosed in the period from 2014 to 2018 were described using the software stata 11. RESULTS: Mortality rates increased after the implementation of the diagnostic service, with a tendency for mortality to increase, but with greater intensity after the implementation of the service. There was a negative correlation between mortality rates and distance from cities and a positive correlation with the HDI of municipalities. Most cases diagnosed in the referral service (27%) occurred in 2018, in the age group from 50 to 69 years (58%). CONCLUSIONS: The trend towards an increase in the mortality rate in RSJ/BA coincides with the implementation of a screening and early diagnosis service in the city of Juazeiro - BA. In all cities served by the service, there was an increase in mortality rates, where access to the MMG test was facilitated by the implementation of the mobile tracking and diagnosis unit, especially in the most distant municipalities, located more than 200 km from the center. of diagnosis. Women residing in locations further away from services have more difficulties in accessing early diagnosis and present larger tumors at diagnosis. Deepening the knowledge and understanding of the conditions of access to diagnosis and treatment is important to improve the chances of prevention and survival of sertaneja women.