Metformin inhibits paclitaxel-induced mechanical allodynia by activating opioidergic pathways and reducing cytokines production in the dorsal root ganglia and thalamus.

It has been shown that AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is involved in the nociceptive processing. This observation has prompted us to investigate the effects of the AMPK activator metformin on the paclitaxel-induced mechanical allodynia, a well-established model of neuropathic pain. Mechanical allodynia was induced by four intraperitoneal (i.p) injections of paclitaxel (2 mg/kg.day) in mice. Metformin was administered per os (p.o.). Naltrexoneandglibenclamide were used to investigate mechanisms mediating metformin activity. Concentrations of cytokines in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and thalamus were determined. After a single p.o. administration, the two highest doses of metformin (500 and 1000 mg/kg) attenuated the mechanical allodynia. This response was attenuated by all doses of metformin (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg) when two administrations, 2 h apart, were carried out. Naltrexone (5 and 10 mg/kg, i.p.), but not glibenclamide (20 and 40 mg/kg, p.o.), attenuated metformin activity. Concentrations of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1ß and CXCL-1 in the DRG were increased after administration of paclitaxel. Metformin (1000 mg/kg) reduced concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1ß and CXCL-1 in the DRG. Concentration of IL-6, but not TNF-α, in the thalamus was increased after administration of paclitaxel. Metformin (1000 mg/kg) reduced concentration of IL-6 in the thalamus. In summary, metformin exhibits activity in the model of neuropathic pain induced by paclitaxel. This activity may be mediated by activation of opioidergic pathways and reduced production of TNF-α, IL-1ß and CXCL-1 in the DRG and IL-6 in the thalamus.

Systematic literature review of primary and secondary cervical cancer prevention programs in South America.

Objective: To identify the 2022 recommendations made by ministries of health in the 13 countries and areas of South America for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and cervical cancer screening. Methods: A systematic review of scientific literature and official documents was conducted between July 7 and October 17, 2022. The review included an initial search on official websites (e.g. ministries of health, national cancer institutes and health departments) of South American countries to identify current guidelines or recommendations for HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening. Results: Recommendations for HPV vaccination were found for 11 countries, with the exceptions of French Guiana and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Recommendations were found for cervical cancer screening in official documents from 11 countries, with the exceptions of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, where one article was found that was not an official recommendation, and Suriname, for which no documents were found on websites or in other publications. A total of 12 countries use cytology to screen for cervical cancer. Four countries (Bolivia [Plurinational State of], Colombia, Guyana and Peru) use visual inspection with acetic acid and the screen-and-treat strategy. Six countries (Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru) are transitioning from cytology to HPV testing. Conclusions: No documents were found about a national HPV vaccination program in French Guiana and Venezuela, and no official guidelines for cervical cancer screening were found for Suriname and Venezuela; thus, it will be difficult to eliminate this public health problem in these countries. Countries in South America must update their guidelines for HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening as new evidence emerges. Official websites with information about HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening are important sources that can be accessed by health professionals and the population.

RI75, a curcumin analogue, inhibits tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 production and exhibits antiallodynic and antiedematogenic activities in mice.

Curcumin and its analogues exhibited anti-inflammatory activity in different experimental models. Recently, we synthesized (2E,3E)-3-buten-2-one-4-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-(4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-thiazolyl)hydrazone (RI75), a curcumin analogue with a thiazolyl hydrazone moiety. In the present study, we investigated the effects induced by RI75 in different models of inflammation and pain in mice, as well as some underlying mechanisms. Pre-treatment with RI75 (40 mg/kg, intraperitoneal; i.p.) or curcumin (40 mg/kg, i.p.) reduced the mechanical allodynia and paw edema induced by intraplantar (i.pl) injection of carrageenan. RI75 antiallodynic activity was reduced by pre-treatment with naltrexone (5 and 10 mg/kg, i.p.) and cyproheptadine (10 mg/kg, i.p.), but not glibenclamide (20 and 40 mg/kg, i.p.). In a model of neuropathic pain, a single i.p. administration of RI75 (40 mg/kg) or curcumin (40 mg/kg) attenuated the ongoing mechanical allodynia induced by repeated administrations of paclitaxel. Pre-treatment with RI75 (40 mg/kg, i.p.) or curcumin (40 mg/kg, i.p.) also reduced tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 production and myeloperoxidase activity induced by carrageenan. The results of the present study demonstrate that RI75, a synthetic curcumin analogue, exhibits antiallodynic and antiedematogenic activities. Activation of opioidergic and serotonergic mechanisms and reduced production of inflammatory mediators and neutrophil recruitment may underlie RI75 activities.

Insights into the proteomic profile and gene expression of Lutzomyia longipalpis-derived Lulo cell line.

BACKGROUND: Lutzomyia longipalpis-derived cell line (Lulo) has been suggested as a model for studies of interaction between sandflies and Leishmania. OBJECTIVES: Here, we present data of proteomic and gene expression analyses of Lulo cell related to interactions with Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis. METHODS: Lulo cell protein extracts were analysed through a combination of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry and resulting spots were further investigated in silico to identify proteins using Mascot search and, afterwards, resulting sequences were applied for analysis with VectorBase. RESULTS: Sixty-four spots were identified showing similarities to other proteins registered in the databases and could be classified according to their biological function, such as ion-binding proteins (23%), proteases (14%), cytoskeletal proteins (11%) and interactive membrane proteins (9.5%). Effects of interaction with L. (V.) braziliensis with the expression of three genes (enolase, tubulin and vacuolar transport protein) were observed after an eight-hour timeframe and compared to culture without parasites, and demonstrated the impact of parasite interaction with the expression of the following genes: LLOJ000219 (1.69-fold), LLOJ000326 (1.43-fold) and LLOJ006663 (2.41-fold). CONCLUSIONS: This set of results adds relevant information regarding the usefulness of the Lulo cell line for studies with Leishmania parasites that indicate variations of protein expression.

Peripheral blood fibrocytes: new information to explain the dynamics of Leishmania infection.

Fibrocytes are important for understanding the progression of many diseases because they are present in areas where pathogenic lesions are generated. However, the morphology of fibrocytes and their interactions with parasites are poorly understood. In this study, we examined the morphology of peripheral blood fibrocytes and their interactions with Leishmania (L.) amazonensis . Through ultrastructural analysis, we describe the details of fibrocyte morphology and how fibrocytes rapidly internalise Leishmania promastigotes. The parasites differentiated into amastigotes after 2 h in phagolysosomes and the infection was completely resolved after 72 h. Early in the infection, we found increased nitric oxide production and large lysosomes with electron-dense material. These factors may regulate the proliferation and death of the parasites. Because fibrocytes are present at the infection site and are directly involved in developing cutaneous leishmaniasis, they are targets for effective, non-toxic cell-based therapies that control and treat leishmaniasis.

Comprehensive analysis of differentially expressed miRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma: Prognostic, predictive significance and pathway insights.

Robust prognostic and predictive factors for hepatocellular carcinoma, a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, have not yet been identified. Previous studies have identified potential HCC determinants such as genetic mutations, epigenetic alterations, and pathway dysregulation. However, the clinical significance of these molecular alterations remains elusive. MicroRNAs are major regulators of protein expression. MiRNA functions are frequently altered in cancer. In this study, we aimed to explore the prognostic value of differentially expressed miRNAs in HCC, to elucidate their associated pathways and their impact on treatment response. To this aim, bioinformatics techniques and clinical dataset analyses were employed to identify differentially expressed miRNAs in HCC compared to normal hepatic tissue. We validated known associations and identified a novel miRNA signature with potential prognostic significance. Our comprehensive analysis identified new miRNA-targeted pathways and showed that some of these protein coding genes predict HCC patients' response to the tyrosine kinase inhibitor sorafenib.

Synthesis of 2-(2-(4-thioxo-3H-1,2-dithiole-5-yl) phenoxy)ethyl)isoindole-1,3-thione, a novel hydrogen sulfide-releasing phthalimide hybrid, and evaluation of its activity in models of inflammatory pain.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a gaseous mediator that modulates several physiological and pathological processes. Phthalimide analogues, substances that have the phthalimide ring in the structure, belong to the group of thalidomide analogues. Both H2S donors and phthalimide analogues exhibit activities in models of inflammation and pain. As molecular hybridization is an important strategy aiming to develop drugs with a better pharmacological profile, in the present study we synthesized a novel H2S-releasing phthalimide hybrid, 2-(2-(4-thioxo-3H-1,2-dithiole-5-yl) phenoxy)ethyl)isoindole-1,3-thione (PTD-H2S), and evaluated its activity in models of inflammatory pain in mice. Per os (p.o.) administration of PTD-H2S (125 or 250 mg/kg) reduced mechanical allodynia induced by carrageenan and lipopolysaccharide. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of PTD-H2S (25 mg/kg), but not equimolar doses of its precursors 5-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3H-1,2-dithiole-3-thione (14.2 mg/kg) and 2-phthalimidethanol (12 mg/kg), reduced mechanical allodynia induced by lipopolysaccharide. The antiallodynic effect induced by PTD-H2S (25 mg/kg, i.p.) was more sustained than that induced by the H2S donor NaHS (8 mg/kg, i.p.). Previous administration of hydroxocobalamin (300 mg/kg, i.p.) or glibenclamide (40 mg/kg, p.o.) attenuated PTD-H2S antiallodynic activity. In conclusion, we synthesized a novel H2S-releasing phthalimide hybrid and demonstrated its activity in models of inflammatory pain. PTD-H2S activity may be due to H2S release and activation of ATP-sensitive potassium channels. The demonstration of PTD-H2S activity in models of pain stimulates further studies aiming to evaluate H2S-releasing phthalimide hybrids as candidates for analgesic drugs.

Exact and computationally efficient Bayesian inference for generalized Markov modulated Poisson processes.

Statistical modeling of temporal point patterns is an important problem in several areas. The Cox process, a Poisson process where the intensity function is stochastic, is a common model for such data. We present a new class of unidimensional Cox process models in which the intensity function assumes parametric functional forms that switch according to a continuous-time Markov chain. A novel methodology is introduced to perform exact (up to Monte Carlo error) Bayesian inference based on MCMC algorithms. The reliability of the algorithms depends on a variety of specifications which are carefully addressed, resulting in a computationally efficient (in terms of computing time) algorithm and enabling its use with large data sets. Simulated and real examples are presented to illustrate the efficiency and applicability of the methodology. A specific model to fit epidemic curves is proposed and used to analyze data from Dengue Fever in Brazil and COVID-19 in some countries.

Woman-centered shared decision-making to promote contraceptive counseling: an integrative review.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize scientific evidence on the woman-centered shared decision-making process for the promotion of contraceptive counseling. METHODS: Integrative literature review with a sample of nine primary articles selected from MEDLINE via PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Embase, LILACS, and BDENF. RESULTS: The study evidenced a comprehensive chain of segments for the development of the shared approach centered on women through counseling on contraception, fragmenting the evidence acquisition in relational elements for the choice implementation and continuation of the chosen method; systematization of consistent information for choice implementation and continuation of the method; and challenges for implementing shared decision-making. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: The process of woman shared decision-making centered during the consultation on contraception counseling favors the qualified choice and effective adherence to a contraceptive method based on the professional's clinical vision adjusted to the woman's preferences.

Aflagellar Epimastigote of Trypanosoma caninum: Biological and Ultrastructural Study of this Atypical Evolutionary Form.

PURPOSE: Trypanosoma caninum exhibits atypical epimastigote forms under axenic conditions. This study aimed to analyze this evolutionary form under different cultivation conditions and provide more information about this evolutionary form. METHODS: We selected a T. caninum isolate with a high percentage of aflagellar epimastigote forms in axenic cultures. Two separate growth curves were generated for T. caninum cultured in Schneider axenic medium and co-cultured with the DH82 cell line, followed by analysis and quantification of evolutionary forms using bright field microscopy. In addition, ultrastructural analysis of T. caninum was performed under both cultivation conditions. RESULTS: The growth curves of T. caninum under axenic and co-cultivation conditions exhibited similar profiles. However, in the axenic culture, the number of parasites was three times higher at the peak of the exponential phase than in the co-culture. In contrast to that in the axenic culture, in which only the epimastigote forms were observed along the entire curve, during co-cultivation with the DH82 cell line, differentiation was observed for the trypomastigote and spheromastigote forms in low proportions. These results demonstrated that when cultured alone, the T. caninum isolate preserved the aflagellar epimastigote form, but in the presence of DH82 canine macrophages, they differentiated into evolutionary forms, particularly trypomastigote forms. Moreover, this study is the first to describe the presence of lipid bodies, structure described as the parasite's nutritional reserve, throughout the body of T. caninum. CONCLUSIONS: These findings describe biological and ultrastructural aspects of epimastigote aflagellar and suggest that this evolutionary form may be involved in the biological cycle of T. caninum, still unknown.

Electrochemical evidence of nitrate release from the nitrooxy compound 4-((nitrooxy) methyl)-3-nitrobenzoic acid and its antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities in mice.

Considering the many biological activities of nitric oxide (NO), some lines of research focused on the modulation of these activities through the provision of this mediator by designing and synthesizing compounds coupled with an NO donor group. Thus, the objectives of the present study were to carry out an electrochemical investigation of the nitrooxy compound 4-((nitrooxy) methyl)-3-nitrobenzoic acid (1) and evaluate its activities and putative mechanisms in experimental models of pain and inflammation. Voltammetric studies performed in aprotic medium (mimetic of membranes) showed important electrochemical reduction mechanisms: nitroaromatic reduction, self-protonation, and finally reductive elimination, which leads to nitrate release. Systemic administration of the nitrooxy compound (1) inhibited the nociceptive response induced by heat and the tactile hypersensitivity and paw edema induced by carrageenan in mice. The activities in the models of inflammatory pain and edema were associated with reduced neutrophil recruitment and production of inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α and CXCL-1, and increased production of IL-10. Concluding, electrochemical analysis revealed unequivocally that electron transfer at the nitro group of the nitrooxy compound (1) results in the cleavage of the organic nitrate, potentially resulting in the generation of NO. This electrochemical mechanism may be compared to a biochemical electron-transfer mediated nitrate release that, by appropriate in vivo bioreduction (enzymatic or not) would lead to NO production. Compound (1) exhibits activities in models of inflammatory pain and edema that may be due to reduced recruitment of neutrophils and production of inflammatory cytokines and increased production of IL-10. These results reinforce the interest in the investigation of NO donor compounds as candidates for analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Histopathological analysis of initial cellular response in TLR-2 deficient mice experimentally infected by Leishmania (L.) amazonensis.

Tegumentary leishmaniasis is an important public health problem in several countries. The capacity of the Leishmania species, at the initial moments of the infection, to invade and survive inside the host cells involves the interaction of surface molecules that are crucial in determining the evolution of the disease. Using C57BL/6 wild-type and TLR-2(-/-) mice infected with L. (L.) amazonensis, we demonstrated that TLR-2(-/-) mice presented eosinophilic granuloma in the ear dermis, different from C57BL/6 wild-type mice that presented a cellular profile characterized mainly by mononuclear cell infiltrates, besides neutrophils and eosinophils, during the two first week of infection. When the parasite load was evaluated, we found that the absence of TLR-2 lead to a significant reduction of the infection in deficient mice, when compared with C57BL/6 mice which were more susceptible to the infection. Using TLR-2 deficient mice, it was possible to show that the absence of this receptor determined the reduction of the parasite load and the recruitment of inflammatory cells during the two first weeks after L. (L.) amazonensis infection.

Effect of Combined Therapy of Virtual Reality and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Children and Adolescents With Cerebral Palsy: A Study Protocol for a Triple-Blinded Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial.

Background: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and therapy-based virtual reality (VR) have been investigated separately. They have shown promise as efficient and engaging new tools in the neurological rehabilitation of individuals with cerebral palsy (CP). However, the recent literature encourages investigation of the combination of therapy tools in order to potentiate clinic effects and its mechanisms. Methods: A triple-blinded randomised sham-controlled crossover trial will be performed. Thirty-six individuals with gross motor function of levels I to IV (aged 4-14 years old) will be recruited. Individuals will be randomly assigned to Group A (active first) or S (sham first): Group A will start with ten sessions of active tDSC combined with VR tasks. After a 1-month washout, this group will be reallocated to another ten sessions with sham tDCS combined with VR tasks. In contrast, Group S will carry out the opposite protocol, starting with sham tDCS. For the active tDCS the protocol will use low frequency tDCS [intensity of 1 milliampere (mA)] over the primary cortex (M1) area on the dominant side of the brain. Clinical evaluations (reaction times and coincident timing through VR, functional scales: Abilhand-Kids, ACTIVLIM-CP, Paediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory-PEDI- and heart rate variability-HRV) will be performed at baseline, during, and after active and sham tDCS. Conclusion: tDCS has produced positive results in treating individuals with CP; thus, its combination with new technologies shows promise as a potential mechanism for improving neurological functioning. The results of this study may provide new insights into motor rehabilitation, thereby contributing to the better use of combined tDCS and VR in people with CP. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04044677. Registered on 05 August 2019.

A comparison of classifiers for predicting the class color of fluorescent proteins.

Fluorescent proteins have been applied in a wide variety of fields ranging from basic science to industrial applications. Apart from the naturally occurring fluorescent proteins, there is a growing interest in genetically modified variants that emit light in a specific wavelength. Genetically modifying a protein is not an easy task, especially because the exchange of one residue by other has to achieve the desired property while maintaining protein stability. To help in the choice of residue exchange, computational methods are applied to predict function and stability of proteins. In this work we have prepared a dataset composed by 109 fluorescent proteins and tested four classical supervised classification algorithms: artificial neural networks (ANNs), decision trees (DTs), support vector machines (SVMs) and random forests (RFs). This is the first time that algorithms are compared in this task. Results of comparing the algorithm's performance shows that DT, SVM and RF were significantly better than ANNs, and RF was the best method in all the scenarios. However, the interpretability of DTs is highly relevant and can provide important clues about the mechanisms involved in protein color emission. The results are promising and indicate that the use of in silico methods can greatly reduce the time and cost of the in vitro experiments.

Systematic literature review of pri- mary and secondary cervical cancer prevention programs in South America

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. To identify the 2022 recommendations made by ministries of health in the 13 countries and areas of South America for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and cervical cancer screening. Methods. A systematic review of scientific literature and official documents was conducted between July 7 and October 17, 2022. The review included an initial search on official websites (e.g. ministries of health, national cancer institutes and health departments) of South American countries to identify current guidelines or recommendations for HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening. Results. Recommendations for HPV vaccination were found for 11 countries, with the exceptions of French Guiana and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Recommendations were found for cervical cancer screening in official documents from 11 countries, with the exceptions of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, where one article was found that was not an official recommendation, and Suriname, for which no documents were found on websites or in other publications. A total of 12 countries use cytology to screen for cervical cancer. Four countries (Bolivia [Plurinational State of], Colombia, Guyana and Peru) use visual inspection with acetic acid and the screen-and-treat strategy. Six countries (Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru) are transitioning from cytology to HPV testing. Conclusions. No documents were found about a national HPV vaccination program in French Guiana and Venezuela, and no official guidelines for cervical cancer screening were found for Suriname and Venezuela; thus, it will be difficult to eliminate this public health problem in these countries. Countries in South America must update their guidelines for HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening as new evidence emerges. Official websites with information about HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening are important sources that can be accessed by health professionals and the population.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Determinar las recomendaciones formuladas en el 2022 por los ministerios de salud de los 13 países y zonas de América del Sur en materia de vacunación contra el virus del papiloma humano (VPH) y detección del cáncer cervicouterino. Métodos. Entre el 7 de julio y el 17 de octubre del 2022 se llevó a cabo una revisión sistemática de publi- caciones científicas y documentos oficiales. La revisión comprendió una búsqueda inicial en los sitios web oficiales (por ejemplo, de los ministerios de salud, los institutos nacionales del cáncer y los departamentos de salud) de los países de América del Sur, para determinar las directrices o recomendaciones actuales relativas a la vacunación contra el VPH y la detección del cáncer cervicouterino. Resultados. Se encontraron recomendaciones sobre la vacunación contra el VPH en 11 países, excepto Guayana Francesa y República Bolivariana de Venezuela. Se encontraron recomendaciones sobre la detec- ción del cáncer cervicouterino en documentos oficiales de 11 países, excepto República Bolivariana de Venezuela, donde se encontró un artículo que no era una recomendación oficial, y Suriname, para el cual no se encontraron documentos ni en sitios web ni en otras publicaciones. En 12 países se utiliza la citología como método para la detección del cáncer cervicouterino. En cuatro países (Bolivia [Estado Plurinacional de], Colombia, Guyana y Perú) se utiliza la inspección visual tras la aplicación de ácido acético y la estrategia de detección y tratamiento. En seis países (Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay y Perú) se está llevando a cabo un proceso de transición, de la citología a la realización de pruebas de detección del VPH. Conclusiones. No se encontraron documentos sobre un programa nacional de vacunación contra el VPH en Guayana Francesa y República Bolivariana de Venezuela, y tampoco se encontraron directrices oficiales para la detección del cáncer cervicouterino en Suriname y Venezuela. En consecuencia, la eliminación de este problema de salud pública en dichos países será una tarea difícil. Los países de América del Sur deben actualizar sus directrices sobre la vacunación contra el VPH y el tamizaje del cáncer cervicouterino a medida que surja nueva evidencia al respecto. Los sitios web oficiales con información sobre la vacunación contra el VPH y la detección del cáncer cervicouterino son fuentes importantes de información que pueden consultar los profesionales de la salud y la población.

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Identificar as recomendações para 2022 dos ministérios da saúde de 13 países e áreas da América do Sul referentes à vacinação contra o papilomavírus humano (HPV) e o rastreamento do câncer do colo do útero. Métodos. Uma revisão sistemática da literatura científica e de documentos oficiais foi realizada entre 7 de julho e 17 de outubro de 2022. A revisão incluiu uma pesquisa inicial em sites oficiais (por exemplo, de ministérios da saúde, institutos nacionais de câncer e departamentos de saúde) de países sul-americanos para identificar diretrizes ou recomendações atuais para a vacinação contra o HPV e o rastreamento do câncer do colo do útero. Resultados. Foram encontradas recomendações de vacinação contra o HPV em 11 países; as exceções foram a Guiana Francesa e a República Bolivariana da Venezuela. Foram encontradas recomendações de rastreamento do câncer do colo do útero em documentos oficiais de 11 países, com exceção da República Bolivariana da Venezuela, onde foi encontrado um artigo que não era uma recomendação oficial, e do Suriname, para o qual não foram encontrados documentos em sites nem em outras publicações. No total, 12 países usam citologia para rastreamento do câncer do colo do útero. Quatro países (Bolívia [Estado Pluri- nacional da], Colômbia, Guiana e Peru) usam inspeção visual com ácido acético e a estratégia de “Ver e Tratar”. Seis países (Argentina, Chile, Colômbia, Equador, Paraguai e Peru) estão fazendo a transição da citologia para a testagem de HPV. Conclusões. Não foram encontrados documentos sobre nenhum programa nacional de vacinação contra o HPV na Guiana Francesa e na Venezuela, e não foram encontradas diretrizes oficiais de rastreamento do câncer do colo do útero no Suriname e na Venezuela; portanto, será difícil eliminar esse problema de saúde pública nesses países. Os países da América do Sul precisam atualizar suas diretrizes de vacinação contra o HPV e de rastreamento do câncer do colo do útero à medida que surjam novas evidências. Os sites oficiais com informações sobre a vacinação contra o HPV e o rastreamento do câncer do colo do útero são fontes importantes que podem ser acessadas pelos profissionais de saúde e pela população.

Systematic literature review of primary and secondary cervical cancer prevention programs in South America / Revisión bibliográfica sistemática de los programas de prevención primaria y secundaria del cáncer cervicouterino en América del Sur / Revisão sistemática da literatura sobre programas de prevenção primária e secundária do câncer do colo do útero na América do Sul

ABSTRACT Objective. To identify the 2022 recommendations made by ministries of health in the 13 countries and areas of South America for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and cervical cancer screening. Methods. A systematic review of scientific literature and official documents was conducted between July 7 and October 17, 2022. The review included an initial search on official websites (e.g. ministries of health, national cancer institutes and health departments) of South American countries to identify current guidelines or recommendations for HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening. Results. Recommendations for HPV vaccination were found for 11 countries, with the exceptions of French Guiana and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Recommendations were found for cervical cancer screening in official documents from 11 countries, with the exceptions of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, where one article was found that was not an official recommendation, and Suriname, for which no documents were found on websites or in other publications. A total of 12 countries use cytology to screen for cervical cancer. Four countries (Bolivia [Plurinational State of], Colombia, Guyana and Peru) use visual inspection with acetic acid and the screen-and-treat strategy. Six countries (Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru) are transitioning from cytology to HPV testing. Conclusions. No documents were found about a national HPV vaccination program in French Guiana and Venezuela, and no official guidelines for cervical cancer screening were found for Suriname and Venezuela; thus, it will be difficult to eliminate this public health problem in these countries. Countries in South America must update their guidelines for HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening as new evidence emerges. Official websites with information about HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening are important sources that can be accessed by health professionals and the population.

RESUMEN Objetivo. Determinar las recomendaciones formuladas en el 2022 por los ministerios de salud de los 13 países y zonas de América del Sur en materia de vacunación contra el virus del papiloma humano (VPH) y detección del cáncer cervicouterino. Métodos. Entre el 7 de julio y el 17 de octubre del 2022 se llevó a cabo una revisión sistemática de publicaciones científicas y documentos oficiales. La revisión comprendió una búsqueda inicial en los sitios web oficiales (por ejemplo, de los ministerios de salud, los institutos nacionales del cáncer y los departamentos de salud) de los países de América del Sur, para determinar las directrices o recomendaciones actuales relativas a la vacunación contra el VPH y la detección del cáncer cervicouterino. Resultados. Se encontraron recomendaciones sobre la vacunación contra el VPH en 11 países, excepto Guayana Francesa y República Bolivariana de Venezuela. Se encontraron recomendaciones sobre la detección del cáncer cervicouterino en documentos oficiales de 11 países, excepto República Bolivariana de Venezuela, donde se encontró un artículo que no era una recomendación oficial, y Suriname, para el cual no se encontraron documentos ni en sitios web ni en otras publicaciones. En 12 países se utiliza la citología como método para la detección del cáncer cervicouterino. En cuatro países (Bolivia [Estado Plurinacional de], Colombia, Guyana y Perú) se utiliza la inspección visual tras la aplicación de ácido acético y la estrategia de detección y tratamiento. En seis países (Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay y Perú) se está llevando a cabo un proceso de transición, de la citología a la realización de pruebas de detección del VPH. Conclusiones. No se encontraron documentos sobre un programa nacional de vacunación contra el VPH en Guayana Francesa y República Bolivariana de Venezuela, y tampoco se encontraron directrices oficiales para la detección del cáncer cervicouterino en Suriname y Venezuela. En consecuencia, la eliminación de este problema de salud pública en dichos países será una tarea difícil. Los países de América del Sur deben actualizar sus directrices sobre la vacunación contra el VPH y el tamizaje del cáncer cervicouterino a medida que surja nueva evidencia al respecto. Los sitios web oficiales con información sobre la vacunación contra el VPH y la detección del cáncer cervicouterino son fuentes importantes de información que pueden consultar los profesionales de la salud y la población.

RESUMO Objetivo. Identificar as recomendações para 2022 dos ministérios da saúde de 13 países e áreas da América do Sul referentes à vacinação contra o papilomavírus humano (HPV) e o rastreamento do câncer do colo do útero. Métodos. Uma revisão sistemática da literatura científica e de documentos oficiais foi realizada entre 7 de julho e 17 de outubro de 2022. A revisão incluiu uma pesquisa inicial em sites oficiais (por exemplo, de ministérios da saúde, institutos nacionais de câncer e departamentos de saúde) de países sul-americanos para identificar diretrizes ou recomendações atuais para a vacinação contra o HPV e o rastreamento do câncer do colo do útero. Resultados. Foram encontradas recomendações de vacinação contra o HPV em 11 países; as exceções foram a Guiana Francesa e a República Bolivariana da Venezuela. Foram encontradas recomendações de rastreamento do câncer do colo do útero em documentos oficiais de 11 países, com exceção da República Bolivariana da Venezuela, onde foi encontrado um artigo que não era uma recomendação oficial, e do Suriname, para o qual não foram encontrados documentos em sites nem em outras publicações. No total, 12 países usam citologia para rastreamento do câncer do colo do útero. Quatro países (Bolívia [Estado Plurinacional da], Colômbia, Guiana e Peru) usam inspeção visual com ácido acético e a estratégia de "Ver e Tratar". Seis países (Argentina, Chile, Colômbia, Equador, Paraguai e Peru) estão fazendo a transição da citologia para a testagem de HPV. Conclusões. Não foram encontrados documentos sobre nenhum programa nacional de vacinação contra o HPV na Guiana Francesa e na Venezuela, e não foram encontradas diretrizes oficiais de rastreamento do câncer do colo do útero no Suriname e na Venezuela; portanto, será difícil eliminar esse problema de saúde pública nesses países. Os países da América do Sul precisam atualizar suas diretrizes de vacinação contra o HPV e de rastreamento do câncer do colo do útero à medida que surjam novas evidências. Os sites oficiais com informações sobre a vacinação contra o HPV e o rastreamento do câncer do colo do útero são fontes importantes que podem ser acessadas pelos profissionais de saúde e pela população.

Woman-centered shared decision-making to promote contraceptive counseling: an integrative review / Toma de decisión conjunta dirigida a la mujer para la promoción de consejo en anticoncepción: revisión integrativa / Tomada de decisão compartilhada centrada na mulher para promoção do aconselhamento em anticoncepção: revisão integrativa

ABSTRACT Objective: To summarize scientific evidence on the woman-centered shared decision-making process for the promotion of contraceptive counseling. Methods: Integrative literature review with a sample of nine primary articles selected from MEDLINE via PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Embase, LILACS, and BDENF. Results: The study evidenced a comprehensive chain of segments for the development of the shared approach centered on women through counseling on contraception, fragmenting the evidence acquisition in relational elements for the choice implementation and continuation of the chosen method; systematization of consistent information for choice implementation and continuation of the method; and challenges for implementing shared decision-making. Final considerations: The process of woman shared decision-making centered during the consultation on contraception counseling favors the qualified choice and effective adherence to a contraceptive method based on the professional's clinical vision adjusted to the woman's preferences.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Resumir evidencias científicas acerca del proceso de toma de decisión conjunta dirigida a mujer para promoción del consejo en anticoncepción. Métodos: Revisión integrativa de la literatura con muestra de nueve artículos primarios seleccionados en las bases MEDLINE vía PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Embase, LILACS y BDENF. Resultados: Evidenciado una abarcadora cadena de segmentos para desarrollo de estrategia conjunta dirigida a mujer mediante consejo en anticoncepción, fragmentando la captación de evidencias en elementos relacionales para efectuación de elección y continuación del método elegido; sistematización de informaciones consistentes para efectuación de elección y continuación del método; y desafíos para implementación de toma de decisiones conjunta. Consideraciones finales: El proceso de toma de decisión conjunta dirigida a mujer durante la consulta de consejo en anticoncepción favorece la elección cualificada y adhesión efectiva a un método contraceptivo basado en la visión clínica del profesional ajustada a preferencias de la mujer.

RESUMO Objetivo: Sumarizar evidências científicas acerca do processo de tomada de decisão compartilhada centrada na mulher para promoção do aconselhamento em anticoncepção. Métodos: Revisão integrativa da literatura com amostra de nove artigos primários selecionados nas bases MEDLINE via PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Embase, LILACS e BDENF. Resultados: Evidenciou-se uma abrangente cadeia de segmentos para desenvolvimento da abordagem compartilhada centrada na mulher por meio do aconselhamento em anticoncepção, fragmentando a captação de evidências em elementos relacionais para efetivação da escolha e continuação do método escolhido; sistematização de informações consistentes para efetivação da escolha e continuação do método; e desafios para implementação da tomada de decisões compartilhada. Considerações finais: O processo de tomada de decisão compartilhada centrada na mulher durante a consulta de aconselhamento em anticoncepção favorece a escolha qualificada e adesão efetiva a um método anticoncepcional com base na visão clínica do profissional ajustada às preferências da mulher.

Efeitos do isolamento social na pandemia da covid-19 na saúde mental da população / Efectos del aislamiento social durante la pandemia por COVID-19 en la salud mental de la población / Effects of social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic on people's mental health

Objetivo: analisar as consequências do distanciamento social para a contenção da covid-19 na saúde mental na população. Síntese de conteúdo: revisão integrativa da literatura conduzida nas bases de dados eletrônicas Web of Science, Scopus e MEDLINE/PubMed. Evidenciou-se a ampliação de sentimentos relacionados à ansiedade e à depressão, à redução da qualidade do sono e às preocupações com a vida, a saúde, a morte e a família, ao passo que se observou a redução da satisfação com a vida, da felicidade e do interesse por lazer e encontros Conclusões: as consequências do distanciamento social na pandemia da covid-19 na saúde mental demandam estratégias assistenciais inovadoras para o enfrentamento. Recomendam-se intervenções públicas sobre a disseminação de informações inverídicas acerca da pandemia, além do desenvolvimento de mais pesquisas sobre a temática.

Objetivo: analizar los efectos en la salud mental de la población asociados con el distanciamiento social para contener el avance de la Covid-19 Síntesis de contenido: revisión bibliográfica integral realizada en las bases de datos Web of Science, Scopus y MEDLINE/PubMed. Se observa un incremento en las emociones relacionadas con la ansiedad y la depresión, una disminución en la calidad del sueño y mayores preocupaciones sobre la vida, la salud, la muerte y la familia. Además, se observa una reducción en la satisfacción con la vida, la felicidad y el interés por el ocio y los encuentros personales. Conclusiones: las implicaciones para la salud mental asociadas con el distanciamiento social debido a la pandemia de Covid-19 demandan estrategias innovadoras de asistencia para hacer frente a la situación. Se recomienda la ejecución de intervenciones públicas acerca de la difusión de información falsa sobre la pandemia, junto con el desarrollo de más investigaciones sobre el tema.

Objective: To study the effects of social isolation measures implemented to contain COVID-19 on people's mental health. Content synthesis: Integrative literature review conducted in the electronic databases Web of Science, Scopus, and MEDLINE/PubMed. An increase in feelings related to anxiety and depression, reduced quality of sleep, and concerns about life, health, death and family were observed, coupled with a reduction in satisfaction with life, happiness, and interest in leisure and personal encounters. Conclusions: The implications for mental health associated with social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic demand innovative assistance strategies. Public interventions on the dissemination of untrue information about the pandemic are recommended, in addition to the development of more research studies on the topic.

Destiny and intracellular survival of Leishmania amazonensis in control and dexamethasone-treated glial cultures: protozoa-specific glycoconjugate tagging and TUNEL staining.

Leishmania amazonensis, an obligatory intracellular parasite, survives internalization by macrophages, but no information is available on the involvement of microglia. We have investigated microglia-protozoa interactions in mixed glial cultures infected with promastigote forms of L. amazonensis after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or dexamethasone (DM) treatment. After 2 hr of exposure to parasites in control cultures, there was a small number of infected microglia (1%). Preincubation with LPS or DM led to 14% or 60% of microglial cells with attached parasites, respectively. DM treatment resulted in 39% of microglial cells with internalized parasites (controls or LPS-treated cells had < or =1%). Scanning electron micrographs showed numerous filopodia in DM-treated cells, whereas these projections were rarely observed in LPS-treated or control cells. DM treatment also affected the intramicroglial survival of Leishmania. In control cultures, internalized parasites, tagged with an anti-lipophosphoglycan (anti-LPG) antibody, showed fragmented DNA [terminal deoxyribonucleotide transferase-mediated dUTP-X nick end labeling (TUNEL+)] after 4 hr of interaction, but changes seemed slightly delayed in DM-treated cultures. After 12 hr, there were no LPG+/TUNEL+ profiles in controls, whereas rare LPG+ profiles still persisted in DM-treated cells. Our results suggest that microglia are highly effective in the elimination of Leishmania and that the process can be effectively studied by LPG/TUNEL double labeling.

[Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis in naturally infected dogs]. / Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis em cães naturalmente infectados.

Eight dogs from Maricá Municipality (RJ), with suggestive lesion of American tegumentary leishmaniasis were studied by parasitological and serological methods. Leishmania spp was found in six dogs by in vitro cultivation. Specific antibodies were detected in six dogs by ELISA and in two by indirect immunofluorescence. Five canine isolates were found to belong to the same zymodeme as Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis. The authors suggest that clinically suspect dogs should be followed-up in an attempt to confirm the diagnostic of canine tegumentary leishmaniasis.