Análise da tuberculose e hanseníase nos projetos pedagógicos das faculdades de Medicina e a relação espacial dos casos / Analysis of tuberculosis and leprosy in the pedagogical projects of Medicine courses and the spatial relationship between cases

Resumo Introdução: A educação médica é essencial para formar profissionais de saúde. No Brasil, houve avanços na formação médica, com foco no Sistema Único de Saúde e na atenção primária. A inclusão da tuberculose e da hanseníase no currículo médico é crucial devido ao impacto dessas doenças na saúde pública. As faculdades de Medicina deveriam garantir que os estudantes aprendessem sobre essas doenças para melhorar os resultados de saúde no país. Objetivo: Este trabalho buscou analisar como estão incluídos os temas de hanseníase e tuberculose nos projetos pedagógicos do curso (PPC) de Medicina nas instituições de ensino superior da Região Sul do Brasil. Método: Foi realizado um estudo documental e exploratório, de abordagem qualitativa. Os projetos pedagógicos foram coletados entre janeiro e agosto de 2023. A análise dos PPC se concentrou em identificar as palavras-chave "hanseníase" e "tuberculose", e avaliar como essas doenças eram abordadas nos documentos, tanto no contexto teórico quanto nas intenções de ensino prático. As unidades de conteúdo foram identificadas e agrupadas em duas categorias principais: aprendizado teórico e aprendizado clínico-prático. Resultado: Os resultados indicaram que as referências à tuberculose eram mais frequentes do que à hanseníase nos PPC analisados. Foi observado que a maioria das instituições prioriza o ensino dessas doenças nos primeiros anos do curso de Medicina, com pouca ênfase na fase de internato médico. Além disso, a análise revelou que o ensino dessas doenças tende a ser mais teórico, com poucas referências à prática clínica. Também foi realizada uma distribuição espacial da hanseníase em Santa Catarina e feita sua correlação entre a presença de cursos de Medicina em certos municípios e o número de casos de hanseníase diagnosticados nesses locais. Conclusão: O estudo destaca a importância de revisar e aprimorar os PPC dos cursos de Medicina em Santa Catarina, a fim de melhorar o ensino de doenças negligenciadas. Isso inclui a incorporação de abordagens práticas e a consideração da relevância epidemiológica dessas doenças. O estudo também destaca a necessidade de repensar a forma como esses temas são ensinados e como os estudantes de Medicina podem desempenhar um papel ativo na detecção e no manejo dessas doenças na comunidade.

Abstract Introduction: Medical education is crucial for the training of healthcare professionals. In Brazil, medical training has advanced, focusing on the Unified Health System and primary care. The inclusion of tuberculosis and leprosy in the medical curriculum is essential due to the impact of these diseases on public health. Medical schools should ensure that students learn about these diseases to improve health outcomes in the country. Objective: This study aims to analyze how the topics of leprosy and tuberculosis are included in the pedagogical projects of medicine courses at university institutions in the Southern region of Brazil. Method: A documentary and exploratory study with a qualitative approach was conducted. Pedagogical projects were collected between January and August 2023. The analysis of the pedagogical projects focused on identifying the keywords "leprosy" and "tuberculosis" and evaluating how these diseases were addressed in the documents, both in theoretical contexts and in practical teaching intentions. Content units were identified and grouped into two main categories: Theoretical Learning and Clinical-Practical Learning. Results: The results indicated that references to tuberculosis were more frequent than leprosy in the analyzed pedagogical projects. Most institutions prioritize teaching these diseases in the early years of medical school, with little emphasis during the clinical internship phase. Furthermore, the analysis revealed that the teaching of these diseases tends to be more theoretical, with few references to clinical practice. A spatial distribution of leprosy in Santa Catarina was also conducted, correlating the presence of medical courses in certain municipalities with the number of leprosy cases diagnosed in those areas. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of reviewing and improving the pedagogical projects of medical courses in Santa Catarina to enhance the teaching of leprosy and tuberculosis. This includes incorporating practical approaches and considering the epidemiological relevance of these diseases in the regions where courses are conducted. The study also emphasizes the need to rethink how these topics are taught and how medical students can play an active role in detecting and managing these diseases in the community.

Influence of the presence of dental implants on the accuracy and difficulty level of diagnosis of furcation involvement in molars: An in vitro CBCT study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the possible interference of image artifacts (IA) generated by dental implants in the evaluation of furcation involvement (FI) in molars. METHODS: Tomographic scans of first molars (1M) were performed in dry skulls in the absence and presence of titanium (TI) and zirconia (ZI) dental implants. FI grades were simulated in the alveoli of the 1Ms. Diagnostic accuracy of FI and level of difficulty were verified. Chi-squared test and logistic regression analysis were used. RESULTS: There was no difference in the diagnostic accuracy of FI between the arches (p = .117). The highest diagnostic accuracy value for the implant variable was found in the absence of implants (88.3%) and the lowest in the presence of two ZI implants (66.7%). The highest diagnostic accuracy value for FI was observed in grade 0 (G0). There was no significant difference between the arches regarding the evaluators' perception of difficulty (p > .05). Assessments were considered difficult in 12.7% of the TI implants and in 29% of the ZI implants. Regarding the number of dental implants, assessments were considered difficult in 24.4% cases including one implant and 17.4% cases including two implants. The logistic regression model showed a significant p-value only for one and two ZI implants (p = .0061 and p = .0096, respectively). CONCLUSION: The presence of dental implants in the region adjacent to the area of investigation of FI decreased the diagnostic accuracy while increasing the perception of difficulty by the examiners, especially in cases with ZI implants.

Low Expression Loci and the Use of Pronase in Flow Cytometry Crossmatch.

Pronase treatment of lymphocytes has been used to improve the specificity and sensitivity of flow cytometric crossmatch, especially B-cell flow cytometric crossmatch, due to the presence of Fc receptors on the cell surface. Some limitations have been reported in the literature: false negatives due to the reduction of major histocompatibility complex expression and false-positive T cells in HIV+ patients due to exposure to cryptic epitopes. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of pronase in our assays, using untreated and treated cells with 2.35 U/mL of pronase to improve flow cytometric crossmatch specificity and sensitivity. The study was carried out with donor-specific IgG antibodies (DSAs) to low expression loci (HLA-C, -DQ, or -DP) because, in our laboratory practice, patients with virtual crossmatch (LABScreen single antigen assays) to DSA against antigen HLA-A, B, and DR are excluded from cellular crossmatch. Our results showed that, for T-cell flow cytometry crossmatch (FCXM), a cutoff value of 1171 median fluorescence intensity (MFI), an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.926 (P < .0001), and 0.834 (P < .0001), a sensitivity of 100% and 85.7%, and a specificity of 77.5% and 74.4%, without and with pronase treatment, respectively. For B-cell FCXM without pronase treatment, the best cutoff was 2766 MFI, an AUC of 0.731 (P < .0001), a sensitivity of 69.6%, and a specificity of 66.7%, whereas for B cells treated with pronase, the cutoff value was 4496 MFI, an AUC of 0.852 (P < .0001), a sensitivity of 86.4%, and a specificity of 77.8%. Our analysis of 128 FCXM showed a better performance using the untreated lymphocytes for FCXM with the prerequisite of a higher cutoff value (≈5000 MFI) to reach a better sensitivity and specificity due to the loss of HLA expression.

Caracterização dos pacientes internados em uti- covid com evolução a óbito / Characterization of patients admitted to uti-covid and evolution to death / Caracterización de pacientes ingresados en uti-covid y evolución a muerte

A infecção humana pelo SARS-CoV-2 desencadeia alterações respiratórias altamente patogênicas e contagiosas e já culminou em mais de 15 milhões de mortes no mundo. Mesmo com o desenvolvimento de vacinas específicas, o COVID-19 persiste até o momento, devido fatores como o surgimento de variantes virais e o declínio da imunidade. O objetivo foi determinar as caraterísticas clínicas, laboratoriais e de imagem dos pacientes que foram a óbito por COVID-19 hospitalizados em um hospital do Meio Oeste de Santa Catarina, entre 2020 e 2022. Trata-se de um estudo observacional descritivo, com coleta de dados secundários e abordagem quantitativa, no período de 2022 a 20223. Foram incluídos prontuários de pacientes da população alvo registrados nos sistemas de informação do hospital. Com isso, foram incluídos na pesquisa 62 pacientes com média de idade de 79 anos, do sexo feminino (55%), branco (80%), com baixa escolaridade (61%), com comorbidades (84%) sendo a principal comorbidade hipertensão, seguido por dislipidemia e cardiopatia. A causa da morte mais frequente foi insuficiência respiratória aguda (27,9%), após uma média de 5 dias de internação, sendo que antes disso, a média de dias desde o surgimento dos sintomas até a internação foram de 6 dias. A ocorrência de vidro fosco na avaliação tomográfica inicial foi de 67%. Laboratorialmente, os exames; d-dímero, creatinina, ureia e leucócitos apresentaram elevação com a progressão da doença, enquanto os valores médios das hemácias, hemoglobina, linfócitos e de albumina tiveram valores reduzidos. Concluindo, é importante conhecer o perfil do paciente e estudar os preditores que apresentam possíveis mecanismos de progressão da doença, para o desenvolvimento de estratégias de prevenção e de tratamento do COVID-19 com foco nos grupos com maior risco de evolução desfavorável, nesse estudo representado pelo sexo feminino, com idade elevada, com doenças crônicas e que usam medicamentos para estas comorbidades e que apresentaram acometimento tomográfico e laboratorial precoce.

Human infection by SARS-CoV-2 triggers highly pathogenic and contagious respiratory changes and has already led to over 15 million deaths worldwide. Even with the development of specific vaccines, COVID-19 persists to date, due to factors such as the emergence of viral variants and declining immunity. The aim was to determine the clinical, laboratory and imaging characteristics of patients who died from COVID-19 hospitalized in a hospital in the Midwest of Santa Catarina between 2020 and 2022. This is a descriptive observational study, with secondary data collection and quantitative approach, in the period from 2022 to 20223. Patient charts of the target population recorded in the hospital's information systems were included. With this, 62 patients were included in the research with a mean age of 79 years, female (55%), white (80%), with low education (61%), with comorbidities (84%) being the main comorbidity hypertension, followed by dyslipidemia and heart disease. The most frequent cause of death was acute respiratory failure (27.9%), after a mean of 5 days of hospitalization, and before that, the mean number of days from onset of symptoms to hospitalization was 6 days. The occurrence of ground glass on initial CT evaluation was 67%. Laboratory tests; d-dimer, creatinine, urea and leukocytes showed elevation with disease progression, while mean values of RBCs, hemoglobin, lymphocytes and albumin had reduced values. In conclusion, it is important to know the patient's profile and study the predictors that present possible mechanisms of disease progression, for the development of prevention and treatment strategies for COVID-19 focusing on groups at higher risk of unfavorable evolution, in this study represented by female, aged, with chronic diseases and who use medications for these comorbidities and who presented early tomographic and laboratory involvement.

La infección humana por SARS-CoV-2 desencadena alteraciones respiratorias altamente patógenas y contagiosas y ya ha provocado más de 15 millones de muertes en todo el mundo. Incluso con el desarrollo de vacunas específicas, el COVID- 19 persiste hasta la fecha, debido a factores como la aparición de variantes virales y la disminución de la inmunidad. El objetivo fue determinar las características clínicas, de laboratorio y de imagen de los pacientes fallecidos por COVID-19 hospitalizados en un hospital del Centro-Oeste de Santa Catarina entre 2020 y 2022. Se trata de un estudio observacional descriptivo, con recolección de datos secundarios y abordaje cuantitativo, en el período de 2022 a 20223. Fueron incluidas las historias clínicas de los pacientes de la población objetivo registradas en los sistemas de información del hospital. Con esto, 62 pacientes fueron incluidos en la investigación con edad media de 79 años, sexo femenino (55%), raza blanca (80%), con baja escolaridad (61%), con comorbilidades (84%) siendo la principal comorbilidad la hipertensión, seguida de dislipidemia y cardiopatía. La causa más frecuente de muerte fue la insuficiencia respiratoria aguda (27,9%), tras una media de 5 días de hospitalización, y antes de eso, la media de días desde el inicio de los síntomas hasta la hospitalización fue de 6 días. La aparición de vidrio deslustrado en la evaluación inicial por TC fue del 67%. Las pruebas de laboratorio; d-dímero, creatinina, urea y leucocitos mostraron elevación con la progresión de la enfermedad, mientras que los valores medios de GR, hemoglobina, linfocitos y albúmina presentaron valores reducidos. En conclusión, es importante conocer el perfil del paciente y estudiar los predictores que presentan posibles mecanismos de progresión de la enfermedad, para el desarrollo de estrategias de prevención y tratamiento de la COVID- 19 con enfoque en los grupos de mayor riesgo de evolución desfavorable, en este estudio representados por el sexo femenino, de edad avanzada, con enfermedades crónicas y que utilizan medicamentos para estas comorbilidades y que presentaron compromiso tomográfico y laboratorial precoz.

Saúde mental em estudantes do ensino superior politécnico na pandemia COVID-19 / The mental health of polytechnic higher education students in the COVID-19 pandemic / Salud mental de los estudiantes de educación superior politécnica en la pandemia COVID-19

Resumo Enquadramento: A pandemia mudou significativamente as rotinas sociais e académicas dos estudantes do ensino superior. Objetivo: Identificar os níveis de saúde mental de estudantes do ensino superior e fatores associados. Metodologia: Estudo transversal com amostra de conveniência de 567 estudantes (idade média 23,92, ± 8,36; 63,8% feminino), que responderam a um questionário online no início do segundo confinamento, que incluiu o General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), aspetos sociodemográficos, académicos e as principais mudanças ocorridas durante a pandemia. Resultados: A pontuação média do GHQ foi 29,18 (± 12,99) e as menores e as maiores pontuações médias foram obtidas nas subescalas depressão grave (3,55 ± 4,46) e disfunção social (11,44 ± 3,81), respetivamente. 60,5% registou risco para problemas mentais. Os participantes que identificam alterações laborais têm melhor saúde mental. Quem identifica alterações nas rotinas familiares tem maior sintomatologia depressiva e quem identifica alterações nas relações familiares maior sintomatologia ansiógena e insónia. Conclusão: Urge considerar a saúde mental dos estudantes, promovendo estratégias para minimizar o impacto da pandemia, nomeadamente na disfunção social.

Abstract Background: The pandemic significantly changed social and academic routines of higher education students. Objective: Identify the mental health levels of higher education students and the associated factors. Methods: Cross-sectional study with a convenience sample of 567 students (mean age 23.92, ± 8.36; 63.8% female), that answered an online survey at the beginning of the second lockdown, which included the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), sociodemographic and academic aspects, and main changes that occurred during the pandemic. Results: The mean score of the GHQ was 29.18 (±12.99) and the lowest and highest scores were obtained in severe depression (3.55±4.46) and social dysfunction (11.44±3.81). 60.5% indicated risk for mental problems. Participants identifying changes at labor level had better mental health. The ones identifying changes at familiar routines had higher depressive symptomatology and changes in familiar relationships had higher anxiety symptomatology and insomnia. Conclusion: It is urgent to consider the mental health of students, promoting strategies to minimize the impact of the pandemic, namely in social dysfunction.

Resumen Marco contextual: La pandemia ha cambiado significativamente las rutinas sociales y académicas de los estudiantes de educación superior. Objetivo: Identificar los niveles de salud mental de los estudiantes de educación superior y los factores asociados. Metodología: Estudio transversal con una muestra de conveniencia de 567 estudiantes (edad media de 23,92, ± 8,36; 63,8% mujeres), que completaron un cuestionario en línea al inicio del segundo confinamiento, que incluía el Cuestionario de Salud General (GHQ-28), aspectos sociodemográficos y académicos, y los principales cambios ocurridos durante la pandemia. Resultados: La puntuación media del GHQ fue de 29,18 (± 12,99) y las puntuaciones medias más bajas y más altas se obtuvieron en las subescalas depresión grave (3,55 ± 4,46) y disfunción social (11,44 ± 3,81), respectivamente. El 60,5% registró riesgo de problemas mentales. Los participantes que identifican cambios en el trabajo tienen una mejor salud mental. Los que identifican cambios en las rutinas familiares tienen más síntomas depresivos y los que identifican cambios en las relaciones familiares tienen más síntomas de ansiedad e insomnio. Conclusión: Se debe considerar urgentemente la salud mental de los estudiantes, así como promover estrategias para minimizar el impacto de la pandemia, especialmente en la disfunción social.

Obesity Among Industrial Workers in Brazil: A Cross-sectional Study on Prevalence and Associated Factors.

OBJECTIVE: Estimate the prevalence of obesity and its associated factors among industrial workers. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of secondary data from workers aged 18 to 59 years in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. RESULTS: A total of 20,820 workers (12,372 men and 8448 women) were investigated. The overall prevalence of obesity was 14.6% (95% CI [confidence interval]: 14.2 to 15.1), 16.4% (95% CI: 15.6 to 17.2) among women and 13.5% (95% ci: 12.9 to 14.1) among men. After adjusting, obesity was significantly associated with increasing age, living with a partner, lower education, and ex-smoking status in both sexes. However, it was associated with lower income in women, and higher income and physical inactivity in men. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity was prevalent among Brazilian industrial workers and sociodemographic characteristics are important factors related to obesity.

The Impact of Cone-beam Computed Tomography on Diagnostic Thinking, Treatment Option, and Confidence in Dental Trauma Cases: A Before and After Study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to identify whether cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) imaging affects endodontists' diagnostic thinking, treatment option, and confidence in dental trauma cases. METHODS: Twelve endodontists reviewed 15 dental trauma cases with clinical histories and periapical radiography (PR) and answered questions regarding their diagnostic thinking and treatment decisions and their confidence in both. One month later, the same participants reviewed the same cases and answered similar questionnaires with the aid of CBCT imaging. A statistical analysis of their responses was conducted. RESULTS: Differences were observed in diagnostic thinking when using PR or CBCT imaging (P < .05), and the use of PR was associated with a higher number of "unsure" answers to questions about diagnoses. After reviewing periapical radiographic images, the approach most frequently endorsed was "don't start conventional endodontic treatment and order CBCT," whereas the most common decision made after analyzing the CBCT images was "start conventional endodontic treatment." Clinical interventions were proposed more often when participants evaluated the clinical case using CBCT imaging than when using PR (P < .05). The participants' degree of confidence in their diagnostic thinking was not different after analysis using PR or CBCT imaging (P > .05). However, there was a difference between PR and CBCT imaging in participants' confidence in their treatment decisions (P < .05). Participants who initially indicated a lack of confidence in their diagnosis or treatment option gained confidence when CBCT images were available. However, the inverse behavior was also observed for participants who were initially confident on the basis of PR (P < .05). Participants who decided to start treatment after CBCT analysis were less confident than when using PR (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: In dental trauma cases, CBCT imaging influenced participants' diagnostic thinking and choice of treatment modality and affected their confidence in the decision-making process.

Avaliação da prevalência e localização de canais mandibulares bífidos: um estudo em TCFC / Evaluation of the prevalence and location of bifid mandibular canals: a CBCT study

Objetivo: Investigar a prevalência e localização de canais mandibulares bífidos (CMB) por meio de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC). Materiais e métodos: Três radiologistas odontológicos treinados e calibrados avaliaram individualmente 1254 exames tomográficos por meio do software I-Cat Vision (Imaging Sciences International®) e classificaram em quatro tipos distintos (Retromolar, Dental, Anteriorizado e Bucolingual). Os dados de frequência, coletados a partir de um formulário Access (Microsoft® Office), foram analisados por meio dos testes de Fischer e Friedman. O nível de significância estatística foi estabelecido em 5%. Resultados: CMBs foram encontrados em 276 casos (22%), sem predileção por gênero (P=0,186). Houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os tipos (P=0,001). Discussão: O reconhecimento de um CMB é de grande relevância quando associado a procedimentos anestésicos e cirúrgicos na região posterior da mandíbula. Apesar de muitos estudos demostrarem que o CMB não é comumente visto, uma falha em sua identificação pode resultar em danos ao nervo alveolar inferior (NAI) ou em dificuldade na obtenção do bloqueio anestésico. Conclusão: O tipo mais frequente de CMB em ambos os gêneros, foi o retromolar (P=0,001), representando 18,5%, e visualizado com taxas de 47,1% nas mulheres e 52,9% nos homens. A frequência de CMBs analisada por meio da TCFC foi significativa na população avaliada e apresentou-se com diferentes configurações. Desta forma, sua investigação não deve ser negligenciada frente a procedimentos cirúrgicos que envolvam a região posterior da mandíbula.

Aim: To investigate the prevalence and location of bifid mandibular canals (CMB) using cone beam computed to-mography (CBCT). Materials and methods: Three trained and calibrated dental radiologists individually evaluated 1254 CT scans using the I-Cat Vision software (Imaging Sciences International®) and classified them into four distinct types (Retromolar, Dental, Forward and Buco-lingual). Frequency data, collected from an Access form (Microsoft® Office), were analyzed using the Fischer and Friedman test. The level of statistical significance was set at 5%. Results: CMBs were found in 276 cases (22%), with no gender predilection (P = 0.186). There was a statistically significant difference between the types (P = 0.001). Dis-cussion: The recognition of a CMB is of great relevance when associated with anesthetic and surgical procedures in the posterior region of the mandible. Although many studies have shown that CMB is not commonly seen, a failure to identify it can result in damage to the lower alveolar nerve (NAI) or difficulty in obtaining anesthetic block. Conclusion: The most frequent type of CMB in both genders was retromolar (P = 0.001), representing 18.5%, and visualized with rates of 47.1% in women and 52.9% in men. The frequency of CMBs analyzed using the CBCT was significant in the population evaluated and presented in different configurations. Thus, its investigation should not be neglected in the face of surgical procedures that involve the posterior region of the mandible

Rare and intractable fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva shows different PBMC phenotype possibly modulated by ascorbic acid and propranolol treatment.

Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP) is a rare congenital intractable disease associated with a mutation in ACVR1 gene, characterized by skeleton malformations. Ascorbic acid (AA) and propranolol (PP) in combination is reported to minimize flare-ups in patients. FOP leukocyte phenotype may possibly be modulated by AA and PP treatment. In this study, expression of 22 potential target genes was analyzed by RT-PCR in peripheral blood mononuclear cells culture (PBMC) from FOP patients and controls to determine effectiveness of the combination therapy. PBMC were treated with AA, PP and AA+PP combination. Basal expression of 12 of the 22 genes in FOP PBMC was statistically different from controls. ACVR1, ADCY2, ADCY9 and COL3 were downregulated while COL1 was upregulated. ADRB1, ADRB2, RUNX2, TNF-α and ACTB, were all overexpressed in FOP PBMC. In control, AA upregulated COL1, SVCT1, ACTB, AGTR2 and downregulated ADCY2. In FOP cells, AA upregulated ACVR1, BMP4, COL1, COL3, TNF-α, ADCY2, ADCY9, AGTR2 and MAS, while downregulated ADBR2, RUNX2, ADCY1, SVCT1 and ACTB. PP increased ADBR1 and decreased RUNX2, TNF-α, AGTR1, ACTB and CHRNA7 genes in treated control PBMC compared to untreated. PP upregulated ADBR1, ADBR2 and MAS, and downregulated TNF-α and ACTB in treated FOP PBMC versus untreated. AA+PP augmented ADRB1 and ADRB2 expressions in control PBMC. In FOP PBMC, AA+PP augmented ACVR1, COL1, COL3, ADBR1, AGTR2 and MAS expression and downregulated ADBR2, RUNX2, ACTB and MRGD. These data show distinct gene expression modulation in leukocytes from FOP patients when treated with AA and or PP.

Fatores Associados à Ocorrência de Hipertensão Arterial em Trabalhadores da Indústria do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil / Factors Associated with the Occurrence of Arterial Hypertension in Industry Workers of State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Resumo Fundamento A hipertensão é um importante e persistente problema de saúde pública, sendo uma das principais causas de doenças cardiovasculares e mortalidade geral. Objetivos Este estudo buscou verificar a prevalência e os fatores associados à hipertensão arterial sistêmica em trabalhadores da indústria do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo transversal com dados secundários de 20.792 industriários de 18 a 59 anos de idade. A presença de hipertensão arterial foi determinada a partir da pressão arterial sistólica ≥140mmHg e/ou pressão arterial diastólica ≥90mmHg, ou estar fazendo uso de medicação anti-hipertensiva. Os fatores investigados incluíram características demográficas, socioeconômicas, comportamentais, de estado nutricional e de história familiar. Regressão de Poisson foi utilizada na análise multivariável, adotando-se um p<0,05 como nível de significância. Todas as análises foram estratificadas por sexo. Resultados A amostra incluiu 12.349 homens e 8.443 mulheres com média de idade geral de 32,8 anos (Desvio-padrão=9,8 anos). A prevalência de hipertensão foi de 10,3% (IC95%:9,8-10,7), sendo esta significativamente maior entre os homens do que entre as mulheres (10,9% vs 9,4%;p=0,001). A hipertensão mostrou-se associada à elevação da faixa etária, baixa escolaridade, viver com companheiro, ter sobrepeso ou obesidade, e ter pelo menos um parente com história de hipertensão para ambos os sexos. As mulheres com melhores condições socioeconômicas apresentaram menores prevalências de hipertensão. Conclusões Os principais fatores associados à hipertensão arterial compreenderam características sociodemográficas, nutricionais e de história familiar. Ademais, as condições socioeconômicas demonstraram uma associação com a ocorrência de hipertensão, principalmente entre as mulheres.

Abstract Background Hypertension is a serious and persistent public health problem and is one of the main causes of cardiovascular diseases and general mortality. Objectives This study aimed to verify the prevalence and factors associated with systemic arterial hypertension in workers from the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Methods This is a cross-sectional study using the secondary data from 20,792 industry workers from 18 to 59 years of age. The presence of arterial hypertension was determined from systolic blood pressure ≥ 140mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90mmHg or taking antihypertensive medication. Factors investigated included demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral, nutritional status, and family history characteristics. Poisson regression was used in multivariate analysis, adopting a significance level of p<0.05. All analyses were stratified by sex. Results The sample included 12,349 men and 8,443 women with a mean age of 32.8 years (Standard Deviation = 9.8). The prevalence of arterial hypertension was 10.3% (95% CI: 9.8-10.7), which was significantly higher in men than in women (10.9% vs 9.4%; p = 0.001). Arterial hypertension was associated with increased age, a low level of education, living with a partner, being overweight or obese, and having at least one relative with a history of hypertension for both sexes. Women with better socioeconomic conditions presented a lower prevalence of hypertension. Conclusions The main factors associated with hypertension included sociodemographic, nutritional, and family history characteristics. In addition, socioeconomic conditions showed an association with the occurrence of hypertension, especially among women.

Factors Associated with the Occurrence of Arterial Hypertension in Industry Workers of State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. / Fatores Associados à Ocorrência de Hipertensão Arterial em Trabalhadores da Indústria do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a serious and persistent public health problem and is one of the main causes of cardiovascular diseases and general mortality. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to verify the prevalence and factors associated with systemic arterial hypertension in workers from the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study using the secondary data from 20,792 industry workers from 18 to 59 years of age. The presence of arterial hypertension was determined from systolic blood pressure ≥ 140mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90mmHg or taking antihypertensive medication. Factors investigated included demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral, nutritional status, and family history characteristics. Poisson regression was used in multivariate analysis, adopting a significance level of p<0.05. All analyses were stratified by sex. RESULTS: The sample included 12,349 men and 8,443 women with a mean age of 32.8 years (Standard Deviation = 9.8). The prevalence of arterial hypertension was 10.3% (95% CI: 9.8-10.7), which was significantly higher in men than in women (10.9% vs 9.4%; p = 0.001). Arterial hypertension was associated with increased age, a low level of education, living with a partner, being overweight or obese, and having at least one relative with a history of hypertension for both sexes. Women with better socioeconomic conditions presented a lower prevalence of hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: The main factors associated with hypertension included sociodemographic, nutritional, and family history characteristics. In addition, socioeconomic conditions showed an association with the occurrence of hypertension, especially among women.

FUNDAMENTO: A hipertensão é um importante e persistente problema de saúde pública, sendo uma das principais causas de doenças cardiovasculares e mortalidade geral. OBJETIVOS: Este estudo buscou verificar a prevalência e os fatores associados à hipertensão arterial sistêmica em trabalhadores da indústria do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo transversal com dados secundários de 20.792 industriários de 18 a 59 anos de idade. A presença de hipertensão arterial foi determinada a partir da pressão arterial sistólica ≥140mmHg e/ou pressão arterial diastólica ≥90mmHg, ou estar fazendo uso de medicação anti-hipertensiva. Os fatores investigados incluíram características demográficas, socioeconômicas, comportamentais, de estado nutricional e de história familiar. Regressão de Poisson foi utilizada na análise multivariável, adotando-se um p<0,05 como nível de significância. Todas as análises foram estratificadas por sexo. RESULTADOS: A amostra incluiu 12.349 homens e 8.443 mulheres com média de idade geral de 32,8 anos (Desvio-padrão=9,8 anos). A prevalência de hipertensão foi de 10,3% (IC95%:9,8-10,7), sendo esta significativamente maior entre os homens do que entre as mulheres (10,9% vs 9,4%;p=0,001). A hipertensão mostrou-se associada à elevação da faixa etária, baixa escolaridade, viver com companheiro, ter sobrepeso ou obesidade, e ter pelo menos um parente com história de hipertensão para ambos os sexos. As mulheres com melhores condições socioeconômicas apresentaram menores prevalências de hipertensão. CONCLUSÕES: Os principais fatores associados à hipertensão arterial compreenderam características sociodemográficas, nutricionais e de história familiar. Ademais, as condições socioeconômicas demonstraram uma associação com a ocorrência de hipertensão, principalmente entre as mulheres.

Pensando a Homoparentalidade: Um Estudo Qualitativo com Jovens Adultos Portugueses sem Filhos / Considering Same-Sex Parenting: A Qualitative Study with Portuguese Childless Young Adults

Resumo: O momento atual caracteriza-se por importantes mudanças sociais e legais, com potenciais repercussões na vida de pessoas lésbicas e gays. O presente estudo teve como objetivo identificar perceções de jovens adultos portugueses sem filhos relativamente ao eventual projeto de parentalidade. Foram realizadas entrevistas a sete pessoas que se autoidentificaram como lésbicas, gays e bissexuais e que se voluntariaram para participar no estudo. As transcrições das entrevistas foram submetidas a Análise Interpretativa Fenomenológica. Os temas emergentes revelaram que o desejo e a intenção de ter filhos se associavam à ponderação de desafios ligados ao heterossexismo, mas também à reflexão sobre condições e recursos a mobilizar para o enfrentar. São apresentadas implicações com vista à otimização das experiências individuais a este nível.

Abstract: The present period is characterized by important social and legal changes with potential repercussions in the lives of lesbian and gay people. This study aimed to identify perceptions of Portuguese childless young adults regarding the possible parenthood project. Interviews were conducted with seven people who self-identified as lesbian, gay and bisexual and who volunteered to participate in the study. Interview transcripts were subjected to Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Emerging themes revealed that desire and intention to have children arose associated with the consideration of challenges related to heterosexism, but also associated with reflection on the conditions and resources to be mobilized to tackle it. Implications for the optimization of individual experience at this level are presented.

Same-Sex Parenting: Identification of Social Representations in a Sample of Portuguese Professionals.

Although international scientific research and the position of professional associations reiterate that the parents' sexual orientation is not a criterion of parenting quality, the social recognition of same-sex parenting remains difficult in Portugal. Given the importance of forensic issues in this field, this study aims to identify the representations of psychologists, social workers, lawyers/attorneys, and judges regarding same-sex parenting. The study involves five homogeneous focus groups with a total of 19 professionals. Content analysis reveals reservations regarding same-sex couples' access to parenting, in particular among lawyers/attorneys. There also emerged narratives that highlight specific competencies in these families and that argue that sexual orientation does not define the quality of parenting. Social narratives are more expressive than scientific knowledge in support of professional representations. These findings have critical implications for professional practice and formation.

Characteristics of women who do not consult a doctor: a population-based study.

OBJECTIVE To analyze the prevalence of not consulting a doctor within a year. METHODS Cross-sectional population-based study, including women aged 20-60 years, living in the urban area of São Leopoldo, state of Rio Grande do Sul, in 2015. The association between variables and outcome was assessed using prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). The adjusted analysis was performed using Poisson regression with robust variance. RESULTS Among the 1,127 women participating in the study, 954 (84.6%, 95%CI 82.5-86.7) reported having consulted a physician in the year prior to the interview, 173 (15.4%, 95%CI 13.2-17.5) did not. Women belonging to lower income classes D and E, younger, and smokers had higher prevalences of no medical visits. The participants with hypertension had a higher prevalence of consultations. CONCLUSIONS There was no expected evolution in the local health system, despite the emergence of the policies implemented in this period. It is necessary to provide care for those in less favored socioeconomic conditions and for younger women.

Characteristics of women who do not consult a doctor: a population-based study / Características das mulheres que não consultam com médico: estudo de base populacional

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze the prevalence of not consulting a doctor within a year. METHODS Cross-sectional population-based study, including women aged 20-60 years, living in the urban area of São Leopoldo, state of Rio Grande do Sul, in 2015. The association between variables and outcome was assessed using prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). The adjusted analysis was performed using Poisson regression with robust variance. RESULTS Among the 1,127 women participating in the study, 954 (84.6%, 95%CI 82.5-86.7) reported having consulted a physician in the year prior to the interview, 173 (15.4%, 95%CI 13.2-17.5) did not. Women belonging to lower income classes D and E, younger, and smokers had higher prevalences of no medical visits. The participants with hypertension had a higher prevalence of consultations. CONCLUSIONS There was no expected evolution in the local health system, despite the emergence of the policies implemented in this period. It is necessary to provide care for those in less favored socioeconomic conditions and for younger women.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Analisar a prevalência de não consultar com médico no período de um ano. MÉTODOS Estudo transversal de base populacional, incluindo mulheres de 20 a 60 anos, residentes na zona urbana de São Leopoldo, RS, em 2015. A associação entre as variáveis e o desfecho foi avaliada por meio das razões de prevalência e dos intervalos de 95% de confiança (IC95%). A análise ajustada foi realizada por meio da regressão de Poisson com variância robusta. RESULTADOS Entre as 1.127 mulheres participantes do estudo, 954 (84,6%; IC95% 82,5-86,7) referiram consultar com médico no ano anterior à entrevista, 173 (15,4%; IC95% 13,2-17,5) não consultaram. As mulheres inseridas nas classes econômicas D e E, com menor idade, e fumantes apresentaram maiores prevalências de não consulta médica. As participantes com hipertensão arterial tiveram maior prevalência de consultas. CONCLUSÕES Não houve a esperada evolução no sistema local de saúde, apesar do surgimento das políticas implantadas nesse período. É necessário provimento da atenção para os indivíduos em condições socioeconômicas menos favorecidas e para as mulheres mais jovens.

Etiological profile of early neonatal bacterial sepsis by multiplex qPCR.

INTRODUCTION: Given the major impact in terms of morbidity and mortality that episodes of early neonatal sepsis (ENS) have on both newborns and health systems, this study aimed to identify the etiological profile of early neonatal bacterial sepsis by a multiplex quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). METHODOLOGY: Blood samples from newborns diagnosed with clinical ENS and hospitalized in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) were collected and analyzed using the multiplex qPCR method to detect Streptococcus agalactiae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter sp., Serratia sp., and Staphylococcus aureus. A universal primer was used in the analysis. RESULTS: A total of 150 neonates with clinical sepsis and 10 newborns as healthy controls were included in the study. The group with clinical sepsis was 100% positive for the presence of bacterial genomic DNA through the universal primer. The control group showed negativity by qPCR. The multiplex qPCR analysis showed that 76% of the samples were positive for Escherichia coli, 34% for Staphylococcus aureus, 13.3% for Streptococcus agalactiae, 7.3% for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and 0.7% for Enterobacter sp. and Serratia sp. Multiplex qPCR of patients with clinical sepsis matched with 8.1% of the blood samples that tested positive by the microbiological method. CONCLUSIONS: Rapid and sensitive detection of the pathogens causing ENS by this new multi-target approach based on multiplex qPCR could potentially excel compared to microbiological methods, with the simple objective of facilitating the progression to a more rapid and specific antimicrobial therapy, avoiding the abuse of antibiotics in NICUs.

Homoparentalidaee: da abordagem científica aos normativos legais em Portugal / Homparentalidad:: dsde el enfoque científico a las normativas legaales en Portugal / Lesbian and gay parenting: from scientific evidence to legal dispositions in Portugal

A homoparentalidade é uma temática que ativa opiniões e tomadas de posição nos vários setores da sociedade que, por sua vez, podem influenciar a postura de cada profissional que trabalha na área das responsabilidades parentais. Neste artigo pretende-se analisar as convergências e dissonâncias entre as disposições da Ordem Jurídica portuguesa e os princípios emergentes da investigação científica adotados por associações como a American Psychological Association (APA) e a American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) na área da homoparentalidade. Pretende-se, ainda, fazer uma análise crítica dos estudos reportados pela literatura, ponderando possíveis implicações para a investigação e para as práticas profissionais...

La homoparentalidad es un tema que activa opiniones y posiciones en los distintos sectores de la sociedad que, a su vez, pueden influir en la postura de cada profesional que trabaja en el área de las responsabilidades parentales. En este artículo pretendemos analizar las convergencias y disonancias entre las disposiciones del sistema jurídico portugués y los principios emergentes de la investigación científica, adoptados por asociaciones como la American Psychological Association (APA) y la American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) en el dominio de la homoparentalidad. También se pretende hacer un análisis crítico de los estudios reportados en la literatura, considerando posibles implicaciones para la investigación y para las prácticas profesionales...

Lesbian and gay parenting is a theme that activates opinions and positions in the various sectors of society which, in turn, can influence the attitude of every professional working in the area of parenting responsibilities. In this article we intend to analyze how the Portuguese laws converge/do not converge with the principles emerging from scientific research that have been adopted by associations such as the American Psychological Association (APA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in the area of ​​lesbian and gay parenting. Also, we intend to make a critical analysis of the studies reported in the literature, considering possible implications for research and professional practices...

Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis in blood of newborns with suspected nosocomial infection.

Enterococci are Gram-positive cocci saprophyte of the human gastrointestinal tract, diners who act as opportunistic pathogens. They can cause infections in patients hospitalized for a long time or who have received multiple antibiotic therapy. Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium are the most common species in human infections. To evaluate the possibility of rapid detection of these species and their occurrence in the blood of newborns with suspected nosocomial infection, blood samples were collected from 50 newborns with late infections, admitted to the Neonatal Care Unit of the University Hospital Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS-HU), from September 2010 to January 2011. The samples were subjected to conventional PCR and real time PCR (qPCR) to search for Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis, respectively. The PCR results were compared with respective blood cultures from 40 patients. No blood cultures were positive for Enterococci, however, eight blood samples were identified as genomic DNA of Enterococcus faecium by qPCR and 22 blood samples were detected as genomic DNA of Enterococcus faecalis by conventional PCR. These findings are important because of the clinical severity of the evaluated patients who were found positive by conventional PCR and not through routine microbiological methods.

Enterococcus faecium AND Enterococcus faecalis IN BLOOD OF NEWBORNS WITH SUSPECTED NOSOCOMIAL INFECTION / Enterococcus faecium e Enterococcus faecalis no sangue de recém-nascidos com suspeita de infecção nosocomial

Enterococci are Gram-positive cocci saprophyte of the human gastrointestinal tract, diners who act as opportunistic pathogens. They can cause infections in patients hospitalized for a long time or who have received multiple antibiotic therapy. Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium are the most common species in human infections. To evaluate the possibility of rapid detection of these species and their occurrence in the blood of newborns with suspected nosocomial infection, blood samples were collected from 50 newborns with late infections, admitted to the Neonatal Care Unit of the University Hospital Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS-HU), from September 2010 to January 2011. The samples were subjected to conventional PCR and real time PCR (qPCR) to search for Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis, respectively. The PCR results were compared with respective blood cultures from 40 patients. No blood cultures were positive for Enterococci, however, eight blood samples were identified as genomic DNA of Enterococcus faecium by qPCR and 22 blood samples were detected as genomic DNA of Enterococcus faecalis by conventional PCR. These findings are important because of the clinical severity of the evaluated patients who were found positive by conventional PCR and not through routine microbiological methods.

Os enterococos são cocos Gram-positivos saprófitas do trato gastrointestinal humano, atuam como patógenos oportunistas. Podem causar infecções em pacientes: hospitalizados por um longo tempo ou que receberam antibioticoterapia múltipla. Enterococcus faecalis e Enterococcus faecium são as espécies mais comuns em infecções humanas. Para avaliar a possibilidade de detecção rápida dessas espécies e sua ocorrência no sangue de recém-nascidos com suspeita de infecção hospitalar, foram coletadas amostras de sangue de 50 recém-nascidos, com infecção tardia, internados na Unidade de Terapia Neonatal do Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS-HU), no período de setembro de 2010 a janeiro de 2011. As amostras foram submetidas a PCR convencional e PCR em tempo real (qPCR) para pesquisa de Enterococcus faecium e Enterococcus faecalis, respectivamente. Os resultados da PCR foram comparados com culturas de sangue respectivos de 40. Nenhuma hemocultura foi positiva para enterococos, no entanto, em oito amostras de sangue foi identificado DNA genômico de Enterococcus faecium através da técnica de reação em cadeia da polimerase em tempo real, e em 22 amostras de sangue, foram detectados DNA genômico de Enterococcus faecalis, através de PCR convencional. A descoberta é importante por causa da gravidade clínica dos pacientes avaliados que foram positivos por PCR convencional e não foram detectados na rotina por métodos microbiológicos.

Flow cytometry assessment of graft-infiltrating lymphocytes can accurately identify acute rejection in kidney transplants.

BACKGROUND: Previously, we have reported that flow cytometry analysis of fine-needle aspirates can accurately predict rejection in kidney transplants treated with cyclosporine-azathioprine-prednisolone. In this study, we examined this technique's accuracy using current immunosuppression. METHODS: Kidney transplant recipients were treated with calcineurin inhibitors, mycophenolate mofetil, and prednisolone: 92 remained rejection-free - Group I - and 37 developed acute rejection - Group II. An allograft aspiration specimen and peripheral blood were collected from Group I on post-transplant day 7 and from Group II on the day of clinical rejection. RESULTS: Significant changes were seen in both aspiration and peripheral blood samples in several T cell subsets when comparing Groups I and II. A sensitivity of 94.6%, specificity of 85%, and AUC = 0.966 were observed through combining CD8DR with CD3CD69 values from aspiration specimen; the corresponding AUC in peripheral blood was 0.847. Irreversible rejections displayed a significantly higher activation score (p = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS: Flow cytometry analysis of aspiration specimen achieved high diagnostic performance in renal transplants through studying CD8DR and CD3CD69 under current immunosuppressive therapy. Peripheral blood analysis, although not significant, showed the same trend. The activation score anticipated the irreversibility of rejection. The data suggest this test, through an easily tolerated technique, merits further diagnostic use.