Healthcare Experience of People with Acute Spinal Cord Injury: A Phenomenological Study.

Living with spinal cord injury (SCI) is a challenge that begins in the acute phase, when the disease, the limitations, and the treatments fill the days at the hospital. This study aims to understand the healthcare experience of the person with SCI in the acute phase, based on the Activities of Living Nursing Model (ALNM). It is a qualitative and phenomenological study based on the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews. Content analysis was performed using the ATLAS.ti software and Bardin's methodology. The article was written following the COREQ guidelines. The categories were defined using the Roper-Logan-Tierney Model for Nursing. The sample included 16 people with incomplete SCI, different etiology, and neurological levels. Eleven of the twelve ALNM emerged from the interviews. The activities of mobilizing, eliminating, maintaining a safe environment, and communicating were emphasized the most. Controlling body temperature was not relevant. Mobility deficits and pain increased dependence. Feelings of motivation, encouragement, and frustration were highlighted. Professional expertise, rehabilitation resources, and support equipment promoted independence. The results in this sample revealed that people with SCI in the acute phase have complex challenges related to dependence awareness and treatments, but they always keep recovery expectations in mind.

Transição após a lesão medular na fase aguda. Vivência dos processos de eliminação vesical / Transition after spinal cord injury in the acute phase. Experiencing bladder elimination processes

A Lesão Medular é um evento devastador para a pessoa que a vivencia. Pode surgir em qualquer fase do ciclo vital e tem consequências na sua vida pessoal, familiar e social. Manifesta-se por alterações motoras e sensitivas abaixo do nível da lesão e tem repercussões na função gastrointestinal, na sexualidade e na eliminação vesical. Objetivo: Perceber como vivenciam as pessoas com LM na fase aguda, a transição dos processos de eliminação urinária durante o internamento hospitalar. Métodos: Estudo qualitativo com abordagem fenomenológica, através de entrevistas semiestruturadas a dezasseis pessoas com LM que tiveram um internamento em neurocirurgia. A informação transcrita foi validada pelos participantes, organizada e submetida à análise de conteúdo tendo como referência para categorização o modelo conceptual de enfermagem de Afaf Meleis. O tratamento de dados realizou-se com auxílio da ferramenta AtlasTi. Resultados: Dos 16 participantes, 13 apresentavam alterações da sua eliminação vesical. Nas narrativas das vivências, foram identificadas as categorias: Viver uma Transição, Fatores Facilitadores e Inibidores da Transição, Padrões de resposta (indicadores de processo e resultado) e Terapêuticas de Enfermagem. A transição saúde/doença foi vivenciada pelos participantes. A consciencialização, os pontos e eventos críticos, foram propriedades identificadas na transição. A volição, o conhecimento prévio, a família e os recursos da comunidade foram fatores influenciadores da gestão da eliminação vesical. Os indicadores Coping, o Sentir-se Ligado, a Mestria e Reformulação da Identidade, foram facilmente identificados nas narrativas. As Terapêuticas de Enfermagem foram valorizadas pelos participantes, onde a ligação, o suporte emocional dado por estes profissionais e o ensino das técnicas, foram determinantes na gestão dos processos de eliminação vesical. Conclusão: As pessoas com LM no internamento em fase aguda, vivenciam uma transição de saúde/doença em que as terapêuticas de enfermagem e os fatores facilitadores foram as categorias determinantes para uma transição saudável e uma boa gestão da eliminação vesical.

Spinal cord injury is a devastating event for the person who experiences it. It can occur at any stage of life and has consequences for personal, family and social life. It is manifested by motor and sensory alterations below the level of the injury and has repercussions on gastrointestinal function, sexuality and bladder elimination. Aim: Understand how people with SCI experience in the acute phase, the transition of urinary elimination processes during hospitalization. Methods: Qualitative study with a phenomenological approach, through semi- structured interviews with sixteen people with SCI who had been hospitalized in neurosurgery. The transcribed information was submitted to thematic-categorical content analysis, in the light of Afaf Meleis conceptual nursing model, using the content analysis technique and the AtlasTi tool. Results: Of the 16 participants, 13 had alterations to their bladder elimination. In the narratives of the experiences, were identified the following categories: Living a Transition, Transition Facilitating and Inhibiting Factors, Response Patterns (process and outcome indicators) and Nursing Therapies. The health/illness transition was experienced by the participants. Awareness, critical points and events were properties of the transitions manifested. Volition, prior knowledge, family and community resources was facilitating factors of bladder elimination management. Indicators Coping, Feeling Connected, Mastery and Identity Reformulation were easily identified in the narratives. Nursing Therapies were valued by the participants, where the connection, emotional support given by these professionals and the teaching of techniques were decisive in the management of bladder elimination processes. Conclusion: People with SCI in acute hospitalization experience a health/illness transition in which nursing therapies and facilitating factors were the determining categories for a healthy transition and good bladder elimination management.

Regulation of human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 antisense promoter by myocyte enhancer factor-2C in the context of adult T-cell leukemia and lymphoma.

Adult T-cell leukemia and lymphoma (ATLL) is an intractable T-cell neoplasia caused by a retrovirus, namely human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1). Patients suffering from ATLL present a poor prognosis and have a dearth of treatment options. In contrast to the sporadic expression of viral transactivator protein Tax present at the 5' promoter region long terminal repeats (LTR), HTLV-1 bZIP gene (HBZ) is encoded by 3'LTR (the antisense promoter) and maintains its constant expression in ATLL cells and patients. The antisense promoter is associated with selective retroviral gene expression and has been an understudied phenomenon. Herein, we delineate the activity of transcription factor MEF (myocyte enhancer factor)-2 family members, which were found to be enriched at the 3'LTR and play an important role in the pathogenesis of ATLL. Of the four MEF isoforms (A to D), MEF-2A and 2C were highly overexpressed in a wide array of ATLL cell lines and in acute ATLL patients. The activity of MEF-2 isoforms were determined by knockdown experiments that led to decreased cell proliferation and regulated cell cycle progression. High enrichment of MEF-2C was observed at the 3'LTR along with cofactors Menin and JunD resulting in binding of MEF-2C to HBZ at this region. Chemical inhibition of MEF-2 proteins resulted in the cytotoxicity of ATLL cells in vitro and reduction of proviral load in a humanized mouse model. Taken together, this study provides a novel mechanism of 3'LTR regulation and establishes MEF-2 signaling a potential target for therapeutic intervention for ATLL.

Peptide fragments of bradykinin show unexpected biological activity not mediated by B1 or B2 receptors.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Bradykinin (BK-(1-9)) is an endogenous nonapeptide involved in multiple physiological and pathological processes. Peptide fragments of bradykinin are believed to be biologically inactive. We have now tested the two major peptide fragments of bradykinin in human and animals. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: BK peptides were quantified by MS in male rats. NO release was quantified from human, mouse and rat cells loaded with DAF-FM. Rat aortic rings were used to measure vascular reactivity. Changes in BP and HR were measured in conscious male rats. To evaluate pro-inflammatory effects both vascular permeability and nociception were measured in adult mice. KEY RESULTS: BK-(1-7) and BK-(1-5) are produced in vivo from BK-(1-9). Both peptides induced NO production in all cell types tested. However, unlike BK-(1-9), NO production elicited by BK-(1-7) or BK-(1-5) was not inhibited by B1 or B2 receptor antagonists. BK-(1-7) and BK-(1-5) induced concentration-dependent vasorelaxation of aortic rings, without involvement of B1 or B2 receptors. Intravenous or intra-arterial administration of BK-(1-7) or BK-(1-5) induced similar hypotensive response in vivo. Nociceptive responses of BK-(1-7) and BK-(1-5) were reduced compared to BK-(1-9), and no increase in vascular permeability was observed for BK-(1-9) fragments. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: BK-(1-7) and BK-(1-5) are endogenous peptides present in plasma. BK-related peptide fragments show biological activity, not mediated by B1 or B2 receptors. These BK fragments could constitute new, active components of the kallikrein-kinin system.

Adoption of Precision Technologies by Brazilian Dairy Farms: The Farmer's Perception.

The use of precision farming technologies, such as milking robots, automated calf feeders, wearable sensors, and others, has significantly increased in dairy operations over the last few years. The growing interest in farming technologies to reduce labor, maximize productivity, and increase profitability is becoming noticeable in several countries, including Brazil. Information regarding technology adoption, perception, and effectiveness in dairy farms could shed light on challenges that need to be addressed by scientific research and extension programs. The objective of this study was to characterize Brazilian dairy farms based on technology usage. Factors such as willingness to invest in precision technologies, adoption of sensor systems, farmer profile, farm characteristics, and production indexes were investigated in 378 dairy farms located in Brazil. A survey with 22 questions was developed and distributed via Google Forms from July 2018 to July 2020. The farms were then classified into seven clusters: (1) top yield farms; (2) medium-high yield, medium-tech; (3) medium yield and top high-tech; (4) medium yield and medium-tech; (5) young medium-low yield and low-tech; (6) elderly medium-low yield and low-tech; and (7) low-tech grazing. The most frequent technologies adopted by producers were milk meters systems (31.7%), milking parlor smart gate (14.5%), sensor systems to detect mastitis (8.4%), cow activity meter (7.1%), and body temperature (7.9%). Based on a scale containing numerical values (1-5), producers indicated "available technical support" (mean; σ2) (4.55; 0.80) as the most important decision criterion involved in adopting technology, followed by "return on investment-ROI" (4.48; 0.80), "user-friendliness" (4.39; 0.88), "upfront investment cost" (4.36; 0.81), and "compatibility with farm management software" (4.2; 1.02). The most important factors precluding investment in precision dairy technologies were the need for investment in other sectors of the farm (36%), the uncertainty of ROI (24%), and lack of integration with other farm systems and software (11%). Farmers indicated that the most useful technologies were automatic milk meters systems (mean; σ2) (4.05; 1.66), sensor systems for mastitis detection (4.00; 1.57), automatic feeding systems (3.50; 2.05), cow activity meter (3.45; 1.95), and in-line milk analyzers (3.45; 1.95). Overall, the concerns related to data integration, ROI, and user-friendliness of technologies are similar to those of dairy farms located in other countries. Increasing available technical support for sensing technology can have a positive impact on technology adoption.

Spirocamallanus krameri and Contracaecum sp. thirdstage larvae (Nematoda) in Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus (Erythrinidae) of eastern Amazon (Brazil).

This study aimed to investigate the presence of nematodes Spirocamallanus krameri and Contracaecum sp. in Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus caught in a lake in the state of Pará, in northern Brazil, eastern Amazon region (Brazil). From 92 hosts, 83.7% were infected, and a total of 401 parasites were covered. There was a high prevalence of S. krameri, while the predominance was of Contracaecum sp. larvae. Both parasite species presented aggregated dispersion, and abundance of these parasites presented positive correlation with weight and length of the hosts. Morphological and morphometric data of third-stage larvae of Contracaecum sp. are described.

Potential role of microRNAs as biomarkers in human glioblastoma: a mini systematic review from 2015 to 2020.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common, aggressive and malignant type of glioma, with poor prognosis, despite advances in medical knowledge and technology. It's known that some microRNAs (miRNAs) can be dysregulated and associated with tumors. We aim to investigate miRNAs that may have a role as potential biomarkers in human glioblastoma. A search was performed using PubMed, LILACS and SCIELO databases to find papers from 2015 to 2020, related to human in vitro and ex vivo data. From 99 articles, 10 were eligible and 13 dysregulated miRNAs were found with description of regulation, target(s), pathway(s) and mechanism(s). The miRNAs of interest were found and seem to be involved in development and progression of glioblastoma and used as target therapies. Understanding the mechanisms in which those miRNAs are involved and their role in epigenetic pathways that lead to cancer, as well as their potential in clinical application, may improve GBM clinical outcome (CRD42020182706, 07/10/2020, retrospectively registered).

Parental Monitoring of Computer Use and its Association with Drug Use among Students in Southern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Parental control is considered important in preventing drug use among adolescents. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the association between the perception of parental monitoring of computer use and drug use among adolescent students. METHODS: A cross-sectional school-based study was conducted in 2012 among 2,980 students aged 12-17 years from Southern Brazil. The outcomes investigated were the use of tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, and other illicit drugs in the previous year. The main exposure was the self-reported perception of parental monitoring of computer use. Poisson regression with robust variance was used for the multivariable analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence rates of drugs used were 48.3% (95% confidence interval[CI]: 46.5-50.0) for alcohol, 9.7% (95%CI: 8.7-10.7) for tobacco, 5.1% (95%CI: 4.3-5.9) for cannabis, and 8.7% (95%CI: 7.7-9.7) for other illicit drugs. The absence of monitoring of computer use was reported by 44.3% (95%CI: 42.5-46.1) of the students. After adjusting for potential confounders, we found that students aged 12 to 14 years who reported no parental monitoring of computer use had a higher probability of alcohol (Prevalence Ratio[PR] = 1.26, 95%CI:1.07-1.49) and cannabis use (PR = 3.25, 95%CI:1.11-9.53). In addition, a higher consumption of tobacco was observed among students aged 15 to 17 years who reported no parental monitoring of computer use (PR = 1.75, 95%CI:1.17-2.63). In both age groups, psychiatric morbidity was a covariate significantly associated with drug use throughout analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Parental monitoring of computer use was significantly associated with adolescent drug use, suggesting its importance in preventing drug use.

Increased Cholinergic Tone Causes Pre-synaptic Neuromuscular Degeneration and is Associated with Impaired Diaphragm Function.

In vertebrates, muscle activity is dependent on acetylcholine (ACh) released from neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), and changes in cholinergic neurotransmission are linked to a variety of neuromuscular diseases, including congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS). The storage and release of ACh depends on the activity of the Vesicular Acetylcholine Transporter (VAChT), a rate-limiting step for cholinergic neurotransmission whose loss of function mutations was shown to cause human congenital myasthenia. However, we know much less about increased VAChT activity, due to copy number variations, for example. Therefore, here we investigated the impact of increased VAChT expression and consequently ACh levels at the synaptic cleft of the diaphragm NMJs. We analyzed structure and function of nerve and muscles from a mouse model of cholinergic hyperfunction (ChAT-ChR2-EYFP) with increased expression of VAChT. Our results showed a significant increase of ACh released under evoked stimuli. However, we observed deleterious changes in synaptic vesicles cycle (impaired endocytosis and decrease in vesicles number), together with structural alterations of NMJs. Interestingly, ultrastructure analyses showed that synaptic vesicles from ChAT-ChR2-EYFP mice NMJs were larger, which might be related to increased ACh load. We also observed that these larger synaptic vesicles were less rounded in comparison with control. Finally, we showed that ChAT-ChR2-EYFP mice NMJs have compromised safety factor, possible due to the structural alterations we described. These findings reveal that physiological cholinergic activity is important to maintain the structure and function of the neuromuscular system and help to understand some of the neuromuscular adverse effects experienced by chronically increased NMJ neurotransmission, such as individuals treated with cholinesterase inhibitors.

Dynein-dynactin segregate meiotic chromosomes in C. elegans spermatocytes.

The microtubule motor cytoplasmic dynein 1 (dynein) and its essential activator dynactin have conserved roles in spindle assembly and positioning during female meiosis and mitosis, but their contribution to male meiosis remains poorly understood. Here, we characterize the G33S mutation in the C. elegans dynactin subunit DNC-1, which corresponds to G59S in human p150Glued that causes motor neuron disease. In spermatocytes, dnc-1(G33S) delays spindle assembly and penetrantly inhibits anaphase spindle elongation in meiosis I, which prevents the segregation of homologous chromosomes. By contrast, chromosomes segregate without errors in the early dnc-1(G33S) embryo. Deletion of the DNC-1 N-terminus shows that defective meiosis in dnc-1(G33S) spermatocytes is not due to the inability of DNC-1 to interact with microtubules. Instead, our results suggest that the DNC-1(G33S) protein, which is aggregation prone in vitro, is less stable in spermatocytes than the early embryo, resulting in different phenotypic severity in the two dividing tissues. Thus, the dnc-1(G33S) mutant reveals that dynein-dynactin drive meiotic chromosome segregation in spermatocytes and illustrates that the extent to which protein misfolding leads to loss of function can vary significantly between cell types.

Dense optical flow software to quantify cellular contractility.

Cell membrane deformation is an important feature that occurs during many physiological processes, and its study has been put to good use to investigate cardiomyocyte function. Several methods have been developed to extract information on cardiomyocyte contractility. However, no existing computational framework has provided, in a single platform, a straightforward approach to acquire, process, and quantify this type of cellular dynamics. For this reason, we develop CONTRACTIONWAVE, high-performance software written in Python programming language that allows the user to process large data image files and obtain contractility parameters by analyzing optical flow from images obtained with videomicroscopy. The software was validated by using neonatal, adult-, and human-induced pluripotent stem-cell-derived cardiomyocytes, treated or not with drugs known to affect contractility. Results presented indicate that CONTRACTIONWAVE is an excellent tool for examining changes to cardiac cellular contractility in animal models of disease and for pharmacological and toxicology screening during drug discovery.

Increased cholinergic activity under conditions of low estrogen leads to adverse cardiac remodeling.

Cholinesterase inhibitors are used in postmenopausal women for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Despite their widespread use in the clinical practice, little is known about the impact of augmented cholinergic signaling on cardiac function under reduced estrogen conditions. To address this gap, we subjected a genetically engineered murine model of systemic vesicular acetylcholine transporter overexpression (Chat-ChR2) to ovariectomy and evaluated cardiac parameters. Left-ventricular function was similar between Chat-ChR2 and wild-type (WT) mice. Following ovariectomy, WT mice showed signs of cardiac hypertrophy. Conversely, ovariectomized (OVX) Chat-ChR2 mice evolved to cardiac dilation and failure. Transcript levels for cardiac stress markers atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) were similarly upregulated in WT/OVX and Chat-ChR2/OVX mice. 17ß-Estradiol (E2) treatment normalized cardiac parameters in Chat-ChR2/OVX to the Chat-ChR2/SHAM levels, providing a link between E2 status and the aggravated cardiac response in this model. To investigate the cellular basis underlying the cardiac alterations, ventricular myocytes were isolated and their cellular area and contractility were assessed. Myocytes from WT/OVX mice were wider than WT/SHAM, an indicative of concentric hypertrophy, but their fractional shortening was similar. Conversely, Chat-ChR2/OVX myocytes were elongated and presented contractile dysfunction. E2 treatment again prevented the structural and functional changes in Chat-ChR2/OVX myocytes. We conclude that hypercholinergic mice under reduced estrogen conditions do not develop concentric hypertrophy, a critical compensatory adaptation, evolving toward cardiac dilation and failure. This study emphasizes the importance of understanding the consequences of cholinesterase inhibition, used clinically to treat dementia, for cardiac function in postmenopausal women.

Efetividade do treinamento físico sobre o desempenho físico em pacientes com dermatomiosite e polimiosite: revisão sistemática e metanálise / Eficacia del entrenamiento físico sobre el rendimiento físico en pacientes con dermatomiositis y polimiositis: una revisión sistemática y metaanálisis / Effectiveness of physical training on physical performance in patients with dermatomyositis and polymyositis: systematic review and meta-analysis

RESUMO Este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar o impacto do treinamento físico sobre o desempenho físico em pacientes com dermatomiosite e polimiosite. Para tanto, uma revisão sistemática e metanálise foi conduzida de acordo com as diretrizes do PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). A pesquisa bibliográfica foi realizada nas seguintes bases de dados: PubMed/MEDLINE e Web of Science, utilizando combinações das seguintes palavras-chave em inglês: dermatomyositis OR polymyositis OR myositis AND exercise OR physical exercise OR physical therapy OR aerobic exercise OR endurance exercise OR resistance exercise. Foram incluídos estudos que atenderam aos seguintes critérios: (1) os participantes apresentavam diagnóstico de dermatomiosite ou polimiosite; (2) os pacientes foram submetidos a um protocolo de treinamento físico; (3) o desempenho físico foi mensurado antes e após o protocolo de treinamento físico. Um total de 14 artigos foram selecionados para inclusão na revisão sistemática e 10 artigos foram selecionados para inclusão na metanálise. Os resultados demonstram que o treinamento físico é eficaz em aumentar o desempenho físico global nos pacientes com dermatomiosite e polimiosite (tamanho do efeito: 0,72; IC 95% 0,55; 0,89). Além disso, foi demonstrado também que tanto as variáveis de desempenho aeróbio (tamanho do efeito: 0,88; IC 95% 0,54; 1,21), quanto as variáveis de desempenho resistido (tamanho do efeito: 0,64; IC 95% 0,43; 0,85) são beneficiadas com o treinamento físico nesses pacientes. Conclui-se que o treinamento físico apresentou um efeito benéfico significativo sobre o desempenho físico global, aeróbio e resistido em pacientes com dermatomiosite e polimiosite.

RESUMEN Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar el impacto del entrenamiento físico sobre el rendimiento físico en pacientes con dermatomiositis y polimiositis. Para ello, se realizó una revisión sistemática y metaanálisis siguiendo las guías PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). Se hizo una búsqueda bibliográfica en las siguientes bases de datos: PubMed/MEDLINE y Web of Science, utilizando las siguientes palabras clave combinadas en inglés: dermatomyositis OR polymyositis OR myositis AND exercise OR physical exercise OR physical therapy OR aerobic exercise OR endurance exercise OR resistance exercise. Se incluyeron los estudios que cumplieron los siguientes criterios: (1) los participantes tenían un diagnóstico de dermatomiositis o polimiositis; (2) los pacientes se sometieron a un protocolo de entrenamiento físico; y (3) el rendimiento físico se midió antes y después del protocolo de entrenamiento físico. Al total se seleccionaron 14 artículos para incluir en la revisión sistemática y 10 artículos en el metaanálisis. Los resultados demuestran que el entrenamiento físico es eficaz para aumentar el rendimiento físico general en pacientes con dermatomiositis y polimiositis (tamaño del efecto: 0,72; IC 95% 0,55; 0,89). Además, tanto las variables de rendimiento aeróbico (tamaño del efecto: 0,88; IC 95% 0,54; 1,21) como las variables de rendimiento de resistencia (tamaño del efecto: 0,64; IC 95% 0,43; 0,85) mejoraron con la actividad física en estos pacientes. Se concluye que el entrenamiento físico tuvo un efecto significativo sobre el rendimiento físico global, aeróbico y de resistencia en pacientes con dermatomiositis y polimiositis.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the impact of physical training on physical performance in patients with dermatomyositis and polymyositis. For this purpose, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis according to the guidelines of PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). The literature search was conducted in the following databases: PubMed/MEDLINE and Web of Science, using combinations of the following keywords in English: dermatomyositis OR polymyositis OR myositis AND exercise OR physical exercise OR physical therapy OR aerobic exercise OR endurance exercise OR resistance exercise. Studies that met the following criteria were included: (1) participants diagnosed with dermatomyositis or polymyositis; (2) patients that undergone a physical training protocol; (3) physical performance measured before and after the physical training protocol. A total of 14 articles were selected for inclusion in the systematic review and 10 articles were selected for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The outcomes demonstrate that physical training is effective in increasing overall physical performance in patients with dermatomyositis and polymyositis (effect size: 0.72; 95% CI 0.55; 0.89). Also, our study demonstrated that both the aerobic performance (effect size: 0.88; 95% CI 0.54; 1.21) and resistance performance variables (effect size: 0.64; CI 95% 0.43; 0.85) benefit from physical training in these patients. We concluded that physical training had a significant beneficial effect on the overall, aerobic and resistance physical performance in patients with dermatomyositis and polymyositis.

Association between interferon lambda 3 rs12979860 polymorphism and clinical outcome in dengue virus-infected children.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in immune-related genes have been shown to play a role in driving the development of the severe phenotypes of dengue virus (DENV) infection. We assessed the association between IFNL3 gene SNP (rs12979860) and dengue clinical outcomes in children. Patients with dengue-related symptoms (aged 1-15 years) admitted at a public hospital in Northeast Brazil were invited to participate. The association between rs12979860 polymorphism and dengue classification and clinical signs and symptoms were analysed. A total of 206 DENV-infected children were included: 53.4% of the infections were classified as severe dengue. The T allele carriers had higher risk of developing severe dengue when compared to CC genotype carriers (OR: 1.81; 95% CI: 0.98-3.32 p = .054). The T allele carriers also showed longer fever episodes when compared to patients with the CC genotype (OR: 1.90; 95%CI: 1.07-3.38; p = .027). On the other hand, the ones carrying the CT/TT genotype had 70% lower chance of developing thrombocytopenia when compared to those with the CC genotype (OR: 0.30; 95%CI: 0.08-0.88; p = .042). Our findings demonstrated that the T allele carriers of the IFNL3 gene had higher risk of developing severe dengue, suggesting a link between IFN-λ expression and DENV immunopathogenesis.

Efeitos da vitimização por pares sobre o uso de substâncias psicoativas e comportamentos violentos em adolescentes / Effects of peer vitimization on the use of psychoactive substances and violent behavior in adolescents / Efectos de la vitimización por pares sobre el uso de sustancias psicoativas y comportamientos violentos en adolescentes

Estudo transversal, de base escolar, que investigou se vitimização por pares associa-se à policonsumo de substâncias e envolvimento em comportamentos violentos (brigas e/ou porte de armas). Participaram 3.547 escolares do interior do Rio Grande do Sul, com idade média de 14 anos (dp = 1,66). Realizou-se amostragem aleatória, estratificada por sexo, idade, município e rede de ensino. Os dados foram coletados em 2012, através de questionário autoaplicável. Foram realizadas análises descritivas, através do teste Chi Quadrado de Pearson, e modelo de equações estruturais. Evidenciou-se que vitimização associa-se ao policonsumo apenas quando há sofrimento psíquico e relação negativa com pai e/ou mãe, associando-se ao maior envolvimento com comportamentos violentos tanto de forma direta como mediada pela relação com os pais e pela saúde mental dos escolares. Conclui-se que a vitimização parece instigar comportamentos violentos, denunciando a existência de um ciclo vicioso de agressividade, o que reforça a importância do seu enfrentamento.

A cross-sectional, school-based study that evaluated whether victimization by peers is associated with polydrug use and involvement in violent behavior (fights and/or carrying arms). A total of 3,547 students from the interior of Rio Grande do Sul, with a mean age of 14 years (SD = 1.66) participated. Sampling was randomized, stratified by gender, age, municipality and educational network. Data were collected in 2012, through a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive analyzes were performed using the Pearson's Chi Square test and a Structural Equations Model. It has been shown that victimization is associated with polydrug use only when there is psychological distress and negative relationship with father and/or mother, and is associated with the greater involvement with violent behaviors even directly or mediated by the adolescents' relationship with parents and adolescents' mental health. It is concluded that victimization seems to foster violent behavior, denouncing the existence of a vicious cycle of aggression and reinforcing the importance of being confronted.

Estudio transversal, de base escolar, que investigó si la victimización por pares se asocia al policonsumo de sustancias y la participación en comportamientos violentos (peleas y/o porte de armas). Participaron 3.547 escolares del interior de Rio Grande do Sul, con una edad promedio de 14 años (dp = 1,66). Se realizó muestreo aleatorio, estratificado por sexo, edad, municipio y red de enseñanza. Los datos fueron recogidos en 2012 a través de cuestionario autoadministrado. Se realizaron análisis descriptivos, a través del test Chi cuadrado de Pearson, y el modelo de ecuaciones estructurales. Se evidenció que la victimización se asocia al policonsumo sólo cuando hay sufrimiento psíquico y relación negativa con padre y / o madre, asociándose al mayor involucramiento con comportamientos violentos tanto de forma directa como mediada por la relación de los adolescents con los padres y la salud mental de los adolescentes. Se concluye que la victimización parece instigar los comportamientos violentos, denunciando la existencia de un ciclo vicioso de agresividad, lo que reforza la importancia de su enfrentamiento.

Reproductive characteristics of bulls from two breed compositions and their correlations with infrared thermography.

The objective was to evaluate reproductive characteristics of crossbred Girolando (Gyr x Holstein) bulls from two breed compositions and correlate these results with infrared thermography data. Evaluations were performed considering sperm motility, vigor and morphology; scrotal circumference; body morphology and temperament. Infrared thermography was performed to determine surface temperatures of ocular and scrotal areas. Thermoregulation capacity was assessed by differences between air and rectal temperatures, air and maximum temperatures in ocular and scrotal areas, and dorsal and ventral lines of the scrotum. Data analysis was performed using a linear mixed model (breed composition as fixed effect and year of evaluation as random effect). Spearman correlation coefficient was used to associate thermography and reproductive data. Girolando 3/4 Holstein bulls had higher (P ≤ 0.001) scrotal circumference and higher average body morphology and temperament, whereas 5/8 Holstein bulls had a higher (P < 0.001) percentage of major-type and total sperm defects. Girolando 3/4 Holstein bulls had scrotal temperatures 0.8 °C higher (P < 0.001) and 5/8 Holstein bulls had 9.8% and 10.6% higher differences on "rectal - scrotal area" and "ocular area - scrotal area" temperatures, respectively. Ocular area temperatures had negative correlations (P ≤ 0.1) with sperm motility and vigor, and positive correlations (P < 0.001) with minor-type and total sperm defects. Ventral line scrotal temperatures had positive correlations (P < 0.001) with minor-type and total sperm defects. Girolando 3/4 Holstein bulls were found to be superior to 5/8 Holstein bulls for reproductive characteristics. Under non-stressing climatic conditions, semen characteristics of Girolando bulls were more influenced by breed composition than by the capacity for scrotal thermoregulation. Correlations between semen quality and scrotal temperatures can aid in the identification of bulls for breeding, particularly when a large number of animals are in the tests.

Integralidade e longitudinalidade da atenção primária à saúde da mulher: uma análise de três municípios amazônicos / Integrality and longitudinality of primary care for women's health: an analysis of three amazonian municipalities

O estado do Amazonas abrange municípios ribeirinhos que, devido a suas peculiaridades, são um desafio para organização da Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS). Este estudo objetivou avaliar os atributos essenciais de integralidade e longitudinalidade da APS da mulher em idade reprodutiva em três municípios amazônicos, pois doenças preveníveis pela APS apresentam alta incidência nessa população. Esta é uma pesquisa transversal, de caráter exploratório e abordagem quantitativa, que utilizou o instrumento Avaliação da Atenção Primária (PCATool) Versão Adulto para entrevistar 857 mulheres. Os resultados foram insatisfatórios na avaliação dos dois atributos, longitudinalidade e integralidade, com diferenças significativas entre os municípios. Na avaliação da APS sobre questões de relevância epidemiológica para saúde da mulher amazônica os resultados demonstraram que os serviços de assistência pré-natal e a realização de exame preventivo para o câncer de colo de útero estavam disponíveis para cerca de 90% das mulheres. O aconselhamento para testagem de HIV foi relatado por mais de 60% das mulheres entrevistadas. Assim, este estudo identificou limites e desafios da Atenção Primária a Saúde da mulher nesses municípios, reforçando a importância de processos avaliativos como instrumentos de melhor gerenciamento das políticas públicas em saúde.

The State of Amazonas has riparian municipalities that, due to their peculiarities, are a challenge for the organization of Primary Health Care (PHC). This study aimed to evaluate the integral attributes and longitudinality of PHC to Women's Health in reproductive age in three municipalities of the state, because diseases preventable by PHC are present at high incidence in this population. This is a cross-sectional, exploratory and quantitative study that used the Primary Care Assessment Tool (PCATool) instrument - Adult version - to interview 857 women. The results were unsatisfactory in the evaluation of the two attributes, longitudinality and Integrality, with significant differences between the municipalities. In the PHC evaluation on issues of epidemiological relevance for the health of Amazonian women, the results showed that prenatal care and preventive examination for cervical cancer were available for about 90% of the women. Counseling for HIV testing was reported by more than 60% of the women interviewed. Therefore, this study identified the limits and challenges of Primary Health Care for Women in these municipalities, reinforcing the importance of evaluation processes as tools for better management of public health policies.

School health promotion and use of drugs among students in Southern Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the relationship between the health promotion conditions in schools and the consumption of alcohol and other drugs by students. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with a probabilistic sample of 3,464 students aged 12 to 17 from all schools of the cities of Lajeado and Sapiranga, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and 53 managers from the same schools; the data was collected in 2012. Reports of the use of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs in 2012 were used as outcomes, and the health promotion score in the school environment was used as the exposure of interest. We submitted the data to multilevel analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of the annual use of tobacco was 9.8% (95%CI 8.8-10.8), alcohol was 46.2% (95%CI 44.5-47.8), and other drugs was 10.9% (95%CI 9.9-12.0). In the crude analysis, only the use of tobacco was associated with less health promoting schools (OR = 1.89, 95%CI 1.16-3.09) when compared to those with better conditions. This association lost statistical significance in the adjusted analysis (OR = 1.27, 95%CI 0.74-2.19). CONCLUSIONS: The effects of the school environment on the use of drugs, especially tobacco and alcohol, are manifested mainly by the individual and family conditions of the adolescents.

Inferences on specificity recognition at the Malus×domestica gametophytic self-incompatibility system.

In Malus × domestica (Rosaceae) the product of each SFBB gene (the pollen component of the gametophytic self-incompatibility (GSI) system) of a S-haplotype (the combination of pistil and pollen genes that are linked) interacts with a sub-set of non-self S-RNases (the pistil component), but not with the self S-RNase. To understand how the Malus GSI system works, we identified 24 SFBB genes expressed in anthers, and determined their gene sequence in nine M. domestica cultivars. Expression of these SFBBs was not detected in the petal, sepal, filament, receptacle, style, stigma, ovary or young leaf. For all SFBBs (except SFBB15), identical sequences were obtained only in cultivars having the same S-RNase. Linkage with a particular S-RNase was further established using the progeny of three crosses. Such data is needed to understand how other genes not involved in GSI are affected by the S-locus region. To classify SFBBs specificity, the amino acids under positive selection obtained when performing intra-haplotypic analyses were used. Using this information and the previously identified S-RNase positively selected amino acid sites, inferences are made on the S-RNase amino acid properties (hydrophobicity, aromatic, aliphatic, polarity, and size), at these positions, that are critical features for GSI specificity determination.

School health promotion and use of drugs among students in Southern Brazil / Promoção de saúde escolar e uso de drogas em escolares no Sul do Brasil

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To analyze the relationship between the health promotion conditions in schools and the consumption of alcohol and other drugs by students. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with a probabilistic sample of 3,464 students aged 12 to 17 from all schools of the cities of Lajeado and Sapiranga, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and 53 managers from the same schools; the data was collected in 2012. Reports of the use of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs in 2012 were used as outcomes, and the health promotion score in the school environment was used as the exposure of interest. We submitted the data to multilevel analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of the annual use of tobacco was 9.8% (95%CI 8.8-10.8), alcohol was 46.2% (95%CI 44.5-47.8), and other drugs was 10.9% (95%CI 9.9-12.0). In the crude analysis, only the use of tobacco was associated with less health promoting schools (OR = 1.89, 95%CI 1.16-3.09) when compared to those with better conditions. This association lost statistical significance in the adjusted analysis (OR = 1.27, 95%CI 0.74-2.19). CONCLUSIONS: The effects of the school environment on the use of drugs, especially tobacco and alcohol, are manifested mainly by the individual and family conditions of the adolescents.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Analisar a relação entre condições de promoção de saúde nas escolas e o consumo de álcool e outras drogas pelos escolares. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal de base escolar, com amostra probabilística de 3.464 escolares de 12 a 17 anos de todas as escolas de Lajeado e Sapiranga, RS, e 53 gestores das mesmas escolas; dados coletados em 2012. Os relatos do uso de 2012 de tabaco, álcool e drogas ilícitas foram tomados como desfechos e o escore de promoção de saúde no ambiente das escolas, como exposição de interesse. Os dados foram submetidos à análise multinível. RESULTADOS: A prevalência do uso anual de tabaco foi 9,8% (IC95% 8,8-10,8), álcool 46,2% (IC95% 44,5-47,8) e outras drogas 10,9% (IC95% 9,9-12,0). Na análise bruta, apenas o uso de tabaco esteve associado a escolas menos promotoras (OR = 1,89; IC95% 1,16-3,09) quando comparado as com melhores condições. Essa associação perdeu significância estatística na análise ajustada (OR = 1,27; IC95% 0,74-2,19). CONCLUSÕES: Os efeitos do ambiente escolar quanto ao uso de drogas, especialmente tabaco e álcool, manifestam-se principalmente pelas condições individuais e familiares dos adolescentes.