Genomic surveillance of Anopheles mosquitoes on the Bijagós Archipelago using custom targeted amplicon sequencing identifies mutations associated with insecticide resistance.

BACKGROUND: Insecticide resistance is reducing the efficacy of vector control interventions, consequently threatening efforts to control vector-borne diseases, including malaria. Investigating the prevalence of molecular markers of resistance is a useful tool for monitoring the spread of insecticide resistance in disease vectors. The Bijagós Archipelago (Bijagós) in Guinea-Bissau is a region of stable malaria transmission where insecticide-treated nets are the mainstay for malaria control. However, the prevalence of molecular markers of insecticide resistance in malaria vectors is not well understood. METHODS: A total of 214 Anopheles mosquitoes were analysed from 13 islands across the Bijagós. These mosquitoes were collected using CDC light traps in November 2019, during the peak malaria transmission season. High-throughput multiplex amplicon sequencing was used to investigate the prevalence of 17 different molecular markers associated with insecticide resistance in four genes: vgsc, rdl, ace1 and gste2. RESULTS: Of the 17 screened mutations, four were identified in mosquitoes from the Bijagós: vgsc L995F (12.2%), N1570Y (6.2%) and A1746S (0.7%) and rdl A269G (1.1%). This study is the first to report the L995F knock-down resistance (kdr)-west allele in Anopheles melas on the Archipelago. An additional eight non-synonymous single-nucleotide polymorphisms were identified across the four genes which have not been described previously. The prevalences of the vgsc L995F and N1570Y mutations were higher on Bubaque Island than on the other islands in this study; Bubaque is the most populous island in the archipelago, with the greatest population mobility and connection to continental Guinea-Bissau. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the first surveillance data for genetic markers present in malaria vectors from islands across the Bijagós Archipelago. Overall prevalence of insecticide resistance mutations was found to be low. However, the identification of the vgsc L995F and N1570Y mutations associated with pyrethroid resistance warrants further monitoring. This is particularly important as the mainstay of malaria control on the islands is the use of pyrethroid insecticide-treated nets.

Protocol for a cluster randomised placebo-controlled trial of adjunctive ivermectin mass drug administration for malaria control on the Bijagós Archipelago of Guinea-Bissau: the MATAMAL trial.

INTRODUCTION: As malaria declines, innovative tools are required to further reduce transmission and achieve elimination. Mass drug administration (MDA) of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) is capable of reducing malaria transmission where coverage of control interventions is already high, though the impact is short-lived. Combining ACT with ivermectin, an oral endectocide shown to reduce vector survival, may increase its impact, while also treating ivermectin-sensitive co-endemic diseases and minimising the potential impact of ACT resistance in this context. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: MATAMAL is a cluster-randomised placebo-controlled trial. The trial is being conducted in 24 clusters on the Bijagós Archipelago, Guinea-Bissau, where the peak prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) parasitaemia is approximately 15%. Clusters have been randomly allocated to receive MDA with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine and either ivermectin or placebo. The primary objective is to determine whether the addition of ivermectin MDA is more effective than dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine MDA alone in reducing the prevalence of P. falciparum parasitaemia, measured during peak transmission season after 2 years of seasonal MDA. Secondary objectives include assessing prevalence after 1 year of MDA; malaria incidence monitored through active and passive surveillance; age-adjusted prevalence of serological markers indicating exposure to P. falciparum and anopheline mosquitoes; vector parous rates, species composition, population density and sporozoite rates; prevalence of vector pyrethroid resistance; prevalence of artemisinin resistance in P. falciparum using genomic markers; ivermectin's impact on co-endemic diseases; coverage estimates; and the safety of combined MDA. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The trial has been approved by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine's Ethics Committee (UK) (19156) and the Comite Nacional de Eticas de Saude (Guinea-Bissau) (084/CNES/INASA/2020). Results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed publications and in discussion with the Bissau-Guinean Ministry of Public Health and participating communities. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04844905.

Validation of a method for the dry preservation and rehydration of Anopheles gambiae sensu lato for parity analysis to assess the impact of vector control measures in the field.

BACKGROUND: As the control of malaria remains heavily dependent on vector management interventions, it is important to understand the impact of these on mosquito populations. Age-grading is a valuable tool for this; however, logistical challenges in remote, resource-poor areas make current methodologies difficult to incorporate into clinical trials and routine surveillance. Our aim was to validate a methodology that could be easily implemented in such settings. Using dried mosquito specimens instead of freshly killed ones, we validated the commonly used ovarian tracheation technique for assessing population age structure. METHODS: Laboratory-reared Anopheles coluzzii mosquitoes with known parity status were dry preserved in silica gel for up to 12 weeks and rehydrated prior to parity assessment. The results were compared to parity results for freshly killed mosquitoes from the same colony. Preserved, field-caught Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) from Guinea-Bissau were assessed by three different assessors blinded to each other's scores. An overall index of agreement was calculated using inter-rater reliability of all assessor pairings. The impact of preservation time was investigated using a one-way ANOVA to look for differences in assessor agreement over three time periods. RESULTS: The parity status was correctly identified for 90% of dry preserved and rehydrated insectary-reared An. coluzzii and for 98% of freshly killed insectary-reared An. coluzzii. The inter-rater reliability was highest (0.94) for freshly killed An. coluzzii. The results for all time points showed excellent strength of agreement between assessors. For field-caught An. gambiae s.l., the overall index of agreement between all three assessors was 0.86 (95% confidence interval 0.78-0.93), indicating almost perfect agreement. There was no significant difference between assessor agreement between time frames. CONCLUSIONS: Dry preserving and rehydrating Anopheles mosquitoes provides an alternative to using freshly killed mosquitoes to assess the efficacy of a control intervention in remote settings where it is logistically difficult to dissect fresh specimens. This method also provides the flexibility required for parity assessment to be done on larger scales over bigger areas.

Population dynamics and drug resistance mutations in Plasmodium falciparum on the Bijagós Archipelago, Guinea-Bissau.

Following integrated malaria control interventions, malaria burden on the Bijagós Archipelago has significantly decreased. Understanding the genomic diversity of circulating Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites can assist infection control, through identifying drug resistance mutations and characterising the complexity of population structure. This study presents the first whole genome sequence data for P. falciparum isolates from the Bijagós Archipelago. Amplified DNA from P. falciparum isolates sourced from dried blood spot samples of 15 asymptomatic malaria cases were sequenced. Using 1.3 million SNPs characterised across 795 African P. falciparum isolates, population structure analyses revealed that isolates from the archipelago cluster with samples from mainland West Africa and appear closely related to mainland populations; without forming a separate phylogenetic cluster. This study characterises SNPs associated with antimalarial drug resistance on the archipelago. We observed fixation of the PfDHFR mutations N51I and S108N, associated with resistance to sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine, and the continued presence of PfCRT K76T, associated with chloroquine resistance. These data have relevance for infection control and drug resistance surveillance; particularly considering expected increases in antimalarial drug use following updated WHO recommendations, and the recent implementation of seasonal malaria chemoprevention and mass drug administration in the region.

Serine hydroxymethyl transferase is required for optic lobe neuroepithelia development in Drosophila.

Cell fate and growth require one-carbon units for the biosynthesis of nucleotides, methylation reactions and redox homeostasis, provided by one-carbon metabolism. Consistently, defects in one-carbon metabolism lead to severe developmental defects, such as neural tube defects. However, the role of this pathway during brain development and in neural stem cell regulation is poorly understood. To better understand the role of one carbon metabolism we focused on the enzyme Serine hydroxymethyl transferase (Shmt), a key factor in the one-carbon cycle, during Drosophila brain development. We show that, although loss of Shmt does not cause obvious defects in the central brain, it leads to severe phenotypes in the optic lobe. The shmt mutants have smaller optic lobe neuroepithelia, partly justified by increased apoptosis. In addition, shmt mutant neuroepithelia have morphological defects, failing to form a lamina furrow, which likely explains the observed absence of lamina neurons. These findings show that one-carbon metabolism is crucial for the normal development of neuroepithelia, and consequently for the generation of neural progenitor cells and neurons. These results propose a mechanistic role for one-carbon during brain development.

The use of peripherally inserted central catheter reduced the incidence of phlebitis in heart failure patients: A randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: During decompensated heart failure, the use of intravenous inotropes can be necessary. With peripheral venous access, prolonged inotrope infusion can cause phlebitis. However, traditional central venous catheters have possible complications. Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) may be an alternative to traditional catheters. AIM: Our objective was to compare the incidence of phlebitis between patients with PICC and those with peripheral venous access catheter indwelling. METHODS: In a randomized clinical trial, the patients were randomized to PICC and control groups, with 40 patients in each group. The inclusion criteria were hospitalized patients with advanced heart failure, ejection fraction of <0.45, and platelet count of >50,000/mm3 and current use of continuous intravenous infusion of dobutamine. The patients were randomly assigned to receive a PICC or keep their peripheral venous access. The primary end point was the occurrence of phlebitis. RESULTS: The PICC and control groups included 40 patients each. The median age was 61.5 years; ejection fraction, 0.24; and dobutamine dose, 7.73 µg/(kg min). Phlebitis occurred in 1 patient (2.5%) in the PICC group and in 38 patients (95.0%) in the control group, with an odds ratio of 0.10% (95% confidence interval: 0.01%-1.60%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, in severe heart failure patients who received intravenous dobutamine, PICC use reduced the incidence of phlebitis when compared to patients with peripheral venous access. Therefore, the PICC use should considered over peripheral venous access for prolonged intravenous therapy in heart failure patients.

The Genetic Psychosocial Risk Instrument (GPRI): A Validation Study for European Portuguese.

INTRODUCTION: Screening instruments specifically developed to identify genetic testing applicants who may need professional psychosocial support are much needed. However, there are no screening instruments validated for the Portuguese language. This paper presents the translation, adaptation, and validation process of the Genetic Psychosocial Risk Instrument in a sample of 207 Portuguese applicants to genetic testing in the context of inherited cancer risk. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Participants were mainly female (84.06%), with a mean age of 40.08 (SD = 12.89) and were recruited from the Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to confirm the Genetic Psychosocial Risk Instrument factorial structure. Convergent validity was assessed with the Impact of Events Scale, the Clinical Outcome Routine Evaluation - Outcome Measure, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. RESULTS: A model composed by the factors 'Internal Impact of Genetic Testing', 'External Impact of Genetic Testing' and 'History of Mental Health Concerns' was confirmed. These factors showed good internal consistency, convergent and discriminant validity. The factor 'Personal Loss to Cancer' proposed in the Canadian and French versions did not converge. We propose excluding this factor from the European Portuguese version of the scale. CONCLUSION: The European Portuguese version of the Genetic Psychosocial Risk Instrument is a reliable and valid instrument, although more research is needed to effectively use it in routine clinical oncogenetic departments.

Introdução: A literatura tem apontado a necessidade de instrumentos de rastreio de risco psicossocial desenvolvidos especificamente para o contexto do teste genético. No entanto, de acordo com o nosso melhor conhecimento, não existe nenhum instrumento com estas características que esteja validado para a língua portuguesa. Este artigo apresenta o processo de tradução, adaptação e validação do Instrumento de Risco Psicossocial Genético numa amostra de 207 utentes convidados à realização de testes genéticos no contexto de risco de cancro hereditário. Material e Métodos: Os participantes são maioritariamente do sexo feminino (84,06%), com média de idade de 40,08 (DP = 12,89) e foram recrutados no Instituto Português de Oncologia do Porto. Foi realizada uma análise fatorial confirmatória para estudar a estrutura fatorial do Instrumento de Risco Genético Psicossocial. A validade convergente foi avaliada com a Escala de Impacto de Eventos, a Escala da Avaliação de Rotina de Resultado Clínico - Medida de Resultado e a Escala de Ansiedade e Depressão Hospitalar. Resultados: Confirmou-se um modelo composto pelos fatores 'Impacto Interno do Teste Genético', 'Impacto Externo do Teste Genético' e 'Histórico de Preocupações com a Saúde Mental'. Estes fatores apresentaram boa consistência interna, validade convergente e discriminante. O fator 'Perda Pessoal para o Cancro' proposto nas versões Canadiana e Francesa não convergiu. Propomos excluir este fator da versão portuguesa da escala. Conclusão: A versão portuguesa do Instrumento de Risco Genético Psicossocial é um instrumento confiável e válido, embora seja necessária mais investigação para que seja integrado efetivamente na prática de rotina.

Low-grade albuminuria and its relationship with cardiovascular disease risk in hypertensive and diabetic patients in primary health care.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the presence of LGA and the relationship with the 10-year risk of a cardiovascular event in hypertensive and diabetic patients in Primary Health Care. STUDY DESIGN: The study design used is cross-sectional. METHODS: This study was based on the application of questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, and laboratory tests carried out from August 2017 to April 2018. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the odds ratio of the explanatory variables in relation to the highest tercile of LGA. The Framingham risk score was used to assess the 10-year risk of cardiovascular event. The comparison of this score with the LGA terciles was analyzed using ANOVA. RESULTS: An increase in the 10-year risk of cardiovascular event score was observed with an increasing LGA tercile, and this pattern prevailed after adjusting for confounding variables. CONCLUSION: An association between LGA and the 10-year risk of cardiovascular event was observed in a representative sample of hypertensive and diabetic patients.

Narrativas antivacinas e a crise de confiança em algumas instituições / Anti-vaccine narratives and the crisis of trust in some institutions / Narrativas antivacunas y crisis de confianza en algunas instituciones

As narrativas antivacinas vêm ganhando força ao redor do mundo e têm sido foco de preocupação de autoridades de saúde nacionais e internacionais. Este artigo tem como objetivo principal analisar as narrativas postadas em dois grupos antivacinas no Facebook publicadas em 2020, quando o mundo iniciava o enfrentamento da pandemia de covid-19. A estratégia metodológica utilizada para alcançar o objetivo e ancorar as análises é o Mapa das Mediações, de Martín-Barbero. Os resultados revelam, entre outros pontos, que as narrativas antivacinas estão, em grande parte, relacionadas com uma desconfiança em duas instituições: a ciência e o Estado. Isso permite o desdobramento de novos estudos focados no desenvolvimento de políticas públicas para o combate à desinformação sobre a saúde nos meios de comunicação.

Anti-vaccine narratives have been gaining strength around the world and have been a focus of concern of national and international health authorities. This article has as main objective to analyze the narratives posted in two anti-vaccine groups on Facebook, published in 2020, when the world was starting the fighting against the covid-19 pandemic. The methodological strategy to achieve the objective and anchor the analyzes is the Map of Mediations, produced by Martín-Barbero. The results reveal, among other points, that the antivaccine narratives are connected with a distrust in two institutions: the science and the State, allowing the development of new studies focused on public policies to combat misinformation about health in the media.

Las narrativas contra las vacunas están ganando fuerza en todo el mundo y están siendo un foco de preocupación para las autoridades sanitarias nacionales e internacionales. Este artículo tiene como objetivo principal analizar las narrativas publicadas en dos grupos antivacunas en Facebook, en 2020, cuando el mundo empezó a luchar contra la pandemia de covid-19. La estrategia metodológica utilizada para lograr el objetivo y realizar los análisis es el Mapa de las mediaciones, evidenciado por Martín-Barbero. Los resultados revelan, entre otros puntos, que las narrativas antivacuna están conectadas con la desconfianza en dos instituciones: la ciencia y el Estado, lo que permite el desarrollo de nuevos estudios enfocados en políticas públicas para combatir la desinformación sobre salud en los medios de comunicación.

"I have always lived with the disease in the family": family adaptation to hereditary cancer-risk.

BACKGROUND: Hereditary cancer syndromes have been conceptualized as a family level process. The present study explores the complexity and challenges of family adaptation to the hereditary cancer syndrome, in the context of genetic counseling and long-term cancer risk management and follow-up surveillance. METHODS: We performed semi-structured interviews with 13 participants with one of the following hereditary cancer syndromes: Lynch Syndrome, Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer Syndrome, Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome, or Familial Adenomatous Polyposis. The interview was developed through a participatory approach with the involvement of healthcare professionals and individuals with first-hand experience of living with the hereditary cancer syndromes. RESULTS: The family is the main source of information and emotional support to deal with hereditary cancer syndromes. Multiple individual adaptation processes and communal coping networks interact, influencing the emotional and health-related behavior of family members. This is affected and affects the family's communication and its' members reactions to disclosure, with consequent changes in relationships. CONCLUSIONS: The systemic interdependent dynamics of family adaptation calls for family-centered care of genetic cancer syndromes.

Distress facing increased genetic risk of cancer: The role of social support and emotional suppression.

OBJECTIVES: Healthy individuals from hereditary cancer families undergoing genetic testing for cancer susceptibility (GTC) report more distress when they perceive their social support as low and suppress their emotions. This study aimed to explore how suppressing emotions and perceiving others as unsupportive are related with cancer-risk distress. METHODS: We performed a regression-based mediation analysis to assess if expressive suppression mediates or is mediated by perceived social support in the relation with cancer-risk distress. Participants were 125 healthy adults aged over 18 (M = 36.07, SD = 12.86), mostly female (72,4%), who undergone GTC to assess the presence of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer or Lynch syndromes. RESULTS: Controlling for age and gender, we found a moderate size indirect effect of social support on cancer-risk distress through expressive suppression (ß = -0.095) and a direct effect of expressive suppression on cancer-risk distress. CONCLUSIONS: When healthy individuals from hereditary cancer families perceive their social network as less responsive, they tend to not express their emotions, which relates to increased distress facing GTC. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Practitioners may assess cancer-risk related distress before the GTC and offer distressed individuals interventions focused on changing emotion regulation strategies in a safe group context.

The modulatory role of internet-supported mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on extracellular vesicles and psychological distress in people who have had cancer: a protocol for a two-armed randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have been used in oncology contexts as a promising tool with numerous benefits for various health-related and psychosocial outcomes. Despite the increasing popularity of MBIs, few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have examined their effects upon biological parameters. Specifically, no previous study has examined the effects of MBIs on extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are potentially important markers of health, disease, and stress. Moreover, the lack of RCTs is even more limited within the context of technology-mediated MBIs and long-term effects. METHODS: The current study protocol presents a two-arm, parallel, randomized controlled study investigating the effects of internet-supported mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) compared with treatment as usual (TAU). Primary outcomes are psychological distress and EV cargo of distressed participants with previous breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer diagnoses. Secondary outcomes are self-reported psychosocial and health-related measures, and additional biological markers. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 4 weeks after baseline (mid-point of the intervention), 8 weeks after baseline (immediately post-intervention), 24 weeks after baseline (after booster sessions), and 52 weeks after baseline. Our goal is to recruit at least 111 participants who have been diagnosed with breast, prostate, or colorectal cancer (cancer stage I to III), are between 18 and 65 years old, and have had primary cancer treatments completed between 3 months and 5 years ago. Half of the participants will be randomized to the TAU group, and the other half will participate in an 8-week online MBCT intervention with weekly group sessions via videoconference. The intervention also includes asynchronous homework, an online retreat after the fifth week, and 4 monthly booster sessions after completion of the 8-week programme. DISCUSSION: This study will allow characterizing the effects of internet-based MBCT on psychosocial and biological indicators in the context of cancer. The effects on circulating EVs will also be investigated, as a possible neurobiological pathway underlying mind-body intervention effects. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04727593 (date of registration: 27 January 2021; date of record verification: 6 October 2021).

Family Adjustment to Hereditary Cancer Syndromes: A Systematic Review.

Hereditary cancer syndromes are inherited pathogenic genetic variants that significantly increase the risk of developing cancer. When individuals become aware of their increased probability of having cancer, the whole family is affected by this new reality and needs to adjust. However, adjustment to hereditary cancer syndromes has been mainly studied at an individual level, and research about familial adjustment remains dispersed and disorganized. To overcome this gap, this review aims to understand how families adjust to genetic testing and risk management, and to what extent the family's adjustment influences the psychological response and risk management behaviors of mutation carriers. We conducted searches on the PubMed/Med Line, PsycInfo, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar databases and used the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT-v2018) to assess the methodological quality of each selected study. Thirty studies met the inclusion criteria. Most results highlighted the interdependent nature of adjustment of pathogenic variant carriers and their families. The way carriers adjust to the syndrome is highly dependent on family functioning and related to how family members react to the new genetic information, particularly partners and siblings. Couples who share their worries and communicate openly about cancer risk present a better long-term adjustment than couples who use protective buffering (not talking about it to avoid disturbing the partner) or emotional distancing. Parents need help dealing with disclosing genetic information to their children. These findings reinforce the importance of adopting a family-centered approach in the context of genetic counseling and the necessity of involving family members in research.

Emotion-focused therapy for fear of cancer recurrence: A hospital-based exploratory outcome study.

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a main concern for most cancer survivors and can bring significant distress impacting well-being and quality of life. Although other psychological approaches have been developed for dysfunctional FCR, based on previous research, emotion-focused therapy (EFT) might also be a relevant intervention for treating this concern. A total of 17 adults with a cancer diagnosis and presenting FCR among other cancer-related concerns were offered EFT, delivered in a regular practice in a cancer hospital (mean number of sessions = 13, range: 4-25). Outcome and process instruments were used to assess general psychological distress, client-generated outcome items, and helpful and hindering aspects of therapy. Significant pre-post outcome differences were found, both for client-generated (d = 1.53) and standard (d = .88) measures, with no cases of reliable deterioration, although most patients did not show clinically significant change by the end of therapy. The most frequent helpful in-session processes were client verbal expression of experience and work on parts of self; the most common immediate session impacts were positive feelings and self-realizations. EFT may be a useful alternative treatment for FCR. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Optimal Cutoff of the TG/HDL-c ratio for Cardiovascular Risk in Hypertensive and Diabetic Patients Monitored by Primary Health Care in a city in Minas Gerais

Abstract Background The analysis of the atherogenic potential of the lipid profile for biomarkers, such as the TG/HDL-c ratio, predicts cardiovascular risk better than isolated lipids. Objective To identify the TG/HDL-c cutoff points for multiple risks (hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus, obesity) and to evaluate the association between sociodemographic, clinical, laboratory, anthropometric, and life habit variables and the TG/HDL-c ratio in hypertensive and/or diabetic individuals in the context of Primary Health Care. Methods This was a cross-sectional study with 833 hypertensive and/or diabetic patients, conducted between August 2017 and April 2018. The cutoff point of the TG/HDL-c were obtained by the ROC curve. Cardiovascular risk was discriminated by TG/HDL-c, categorized by the cutoff and evaluated in relation to multiple risks. The magnitude of the association between TG/HDL-c and independent variables was estimated by logistic regression. The significance level of p<0.05 was adopted for all tests. Results The cutoff values of TG/HDL-c (3.26 for men and 2.72 for women) were more sensitive and less specific than those in the literature. Women (OR=1.90 and 95% CI 1.13-3.20) and men (OR=4.58 and 95% CI 1.78-11.76) with multiple risks, and white men, alcohol users, with a history of stroke, had a higher chance of altered GT/HDL-c. Increases in glycosylated hemoglobin, glycemia, and phosphorus in women, and cholesterol, glycemia, and microalbuminuria in men increased the chances of altered TG/HDL-c. Being a former smoker and black reduced the chance of altered TG/HDL-c in women. Conclusions TG/HDL-c proved to be a good indicator for habitual use in Primary Care.

Low-grade albuminuria in adult and elderly individuals with diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension accompanied by Primary Health Care.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and arterial hypertension (AH) are the two main clinical conditions related to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD); disease also identify by the levels of low-grade albuminuria (LGA). Few studies have simultaneously investigated the associations of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) with LGA. Our study aimed to investigate and compare the association of HbA1c and FPG with the probability of LGA in adult and elderly individuals with DM and AH, within the scope of Primary Health Care (PHC). Cross-sectional study involving 737 Brazilians individuals previously diagnosed with hypertension and/or diabetes. Tests for HbA1c, FPG and LGA were performed. LGA was defined as the highest quartile of albumin urinary (≥ 13 mg/g) among individuals with urinary LGA < 30 mg / g. A significant increase in the prevalence of LGA was found with increasing levels of HbA1c (p < 0.001). There was a significant association of HbA1c with LGA (p < 0.001) and increased probability of LGA for participants with HbA1c ≥ 6.5% compared to those with Hba1c < 5.7% (OR [95% CI]: 2.43 [1.32-4.46], p < 0.05), after adjusting for confounding factors, except when adjusted for FPG (p = 0.379 and p = 0.359, respectively). HbA1c and FPG were significantly associated in a collinear manner with an increased probability of LGA in adult and elderly individuals with DM and AH.

Evidence of psychological and biological effects of structured Mindfulness-Based Interventions for cancer patients and survivors: A meta-review.

OBJECTIVE: A large number of studies have been conducted exploring the effects of mindfulness programs on health outcomes, such as psychological and biological outcomes. However, there is substantial heterogeneity among studies and, consequently, in the systematic reviews/meta-analyses. Since clinical practice is massively informed by evidence on review studies, our main objective was to summarize the reported evidence regarding the effects of structured mindfulness-based programs on psychological, biological, and quality-of-life outcomes in cancer patients. METHODS: We conducted a meta-review, using a literature search from inception to June 2020 in several electronic databases using a combination of keywords including MBSR, MBCT, cancer, and meta-analysis OR "systematic review" (PROSPERO registration CRD42020186511). RESULTS: Ten studies met the eligibility criteria and were included. The main findings were beneficial small to medium effect sizes of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)/Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)/Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) on psychological health, such as anxiety, depression, stress, and quality of life. A beneficial effect was found for biological outcomes, albeit based on a reduced number of studies. Studies were moderate homogenous regarding the intervention, population, and outcomes explored. Results on long-term follow-up seem to indicate that the effects tend not to be maintained, namely in shorter follow-ups (6 months). CONCLUSIONS: This meta-review brings a broad perspective on the actual evidence regarding MBSR/MBCT/MBCR. We expect to contribute to future project design, focused on developing high-quality studies and exploring the moderating effects that might contribute to biased results, as well as exploring who might benefit more from MBSR/MBCT/MBCT interventions.

Secreted Extracellular Vesicle Molecular Cargo as a Novel Liquid Biopsy Diagnostics of Central Nervous System Diseases.

Secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs) are heterogeneous cell-derived membranous granules which carry a large diversity of molecules and participate in intercellular communication by transferring these molecules to target cells by endocytosis. In the last decade, EVs' role in several pathological conditions, from etiology to disease progression or therapy evasion, has been consolidated, including in central nervous system (CNS)-related disorders. For this review, we performed a systematic search of original works published, reporting the presence of molecular components expressed in the CNS via EVs, which have been purified from plasma, serum or cerebrospinal fluid. Our aim is to provide a list of molecular EV components that have been identified from both nonpathological conditions and the most common CNS-related disorders. We discuss the methods used to isolate and enrich EVs from specific CNS-cells and the relevance of its components in each disease context.

The Epidemiology of Plasmodium falciparum Malaria in the Bijagos Islands of Guinea-Bissau.

Distribution of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs), passive detection and treatment with artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), and intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) are the mainstay malaria control measures of Guinea-Bissau's national control programme. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum on Bubaque, the most populous island of the country's remote Bijagos archipelago. A cross-sectional survey was performed at the start of the rainy season in August 2017. Participants were recruited using systematic random sampling in a two-stage stratified cluster design. Malaria parasitemia was detected using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and quantitative PCR (qPCR). Data on housing, education, larval source management, socioeconomic status, anemia, and malaria preventive measures were collected. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to identify associations with P. falciparum infection. Four hundred four persons (aged 6 months-79 years, median 17 years) were enrolled in the study. The prevalence of P. falciparum parasitemia was 5.8% by RDT (95% CI: 3.55-9.33) and 16.9% by qPCR (95% CI: 13.09-21.71). The prevalence of anemia was 74.3% (95% CI: 69.04-78.85) as defined by the WHO criteria. All sampled houses were found to have open eaves; 99.5% of the surveyed population reported sleeping under a bednet (95% CI: 97.8-99.9). Although reported LLIN use is high, there remains an appreciable prevalence of malaria, suggesting that transmission is ongoing and further tools are required to reduce the burden of the disease.

Prevalence of and risk factors for curable sexually transmitted infections on Bubaque Island, Guinea Bissau.

OBJECTIVES: Complications from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can result in severe morbidity and mortality. To date, no STI population studies have been conducted on the Bijagos Islands, Guinea Bissau. Our objective was to estimate the prevalence of and identify risk factors for Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct), Neisseria gonorrhoea (Ng), Mycoplasma genitalium (Mg), Trichomonas vaginalis (Tv) and Treponema pallidum (Tp) on Bubaque, the most populated island. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on the island of Bubaque among people aged 16-49 years. Participants were asked to answer a questionnaire on STI risk factors, to provide urine samples (men and women) and vaginal swabs (women) for PCR testing for Ct, Ng, Mg and Tv, and to provide dry blood spots for Tp particle agglutination assays. Data were analysed to estimate the prevalence of STIs and logistic regression was used to identify risk factors. RESULTS: In total, 14.9% of participants were found to have a curable STI, with the highest prevalence being observed for Tv (5.9%) followed by Ct (3.8%), Ng (3.8%), Mg (1.9%) and Tp (0.8%). Significant risk factors for having any STI included being female, younger age and concurrent partnership. Having had a previous STI that was optimally treated was a protective factor. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that there is a considerable burden of STI on the Bijagos Islands, stressing the need for diagnostic testing to facilitate early detection and treatment of these pathogens to stop ongoing transmission. Moreover, these results indicate the need to conduct further research into the STI burden on the Bijagos Islands to help inform and develop a national STI control strategy.