LOCUS (LOng Covid-Understanding Symptoms, events and use of services in Portugal): A three-component study protocol.

Approximately 10% of patients experience symptoms of Post COVID-19 Condition (PCC) after a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Akin acute COVID-19, PCC may impact a multitude of organs and systems, such as the cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, and neurological systems. The frequency and associated risk factors of PCC are still unclear among both community and hospital settings in individuals with a history of COVID-19. The LOCUS study was designed to clarify the PCC's burden and associated risk factors. LOCUS is a multi-component study that encompasses three complementary building blocks. The "Cardiovascular and respiratory events following COVID-19" component is set to estimate the incidence of cardiovascular and respiratory events after COVID-19 in eight Portuguese hospitals via electronic health records consultation. The "Physical and mental symptoms following COVID-19" component aims to address the community prevalence of self-reported PCC symptoms through a questionnaire-based approach. Finally, the "Treating and living with Post COVID-19 Condition" component will employ semi-structured interviews and focus groups to characterise reported experiences of using or working in healthcare and community services for the treatment of PCC symptoms. This multi-component study represents an innovative approach to exploring the health consequences of PCC. Its results are expected to provide a key contribution to the optimisation of healthcare services design.

Perfil de cuidadores de idosos dependentes em contexto de pandemia: impactos na saúde e no trabalho de quem cuida em Portugal / Profile of caregivers of dependent elderly in a pandemic context: impacts on the health and work of caregivers in Portugal / Perfil de los cuidadores de personas mayores dependientes en un contexto de pandemia: impactos en la salud y el trabajo de los cuidadores en Portugal

Objetivo: conhecer o perfil dos cuidadores formais e informais de idosos com dependência funcional em Portugal. Método: inquérito online realizado em junho-novembro 2021 pela Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública-NOVA de Lisboa. O questionário foi divulgado em redes sociais e em instituições que atuam nos cuidados a idosos dependentes. Protocolo aprovado pela Comissão de Ética da ENSP. Resultados: o sexo feminino prevaleceu (91,4% cuidadoras formais e 88% informais). Predominou o nível superior de escolaridade em ambas as categorias. Os cuidadores formais situavam-se numa faixa etária mais jovem que os cuidadores familiares. 51% dos cuidadores formais e 63,7% dos cuidadores informais relataram sofrer algum problema crônico de coluna. Os sentimentos de isolamento, tristeza e depressão predominaram entre os cuidadores formais e informais. Conclusão: o trabalho de cuidar é predominantemente feminino e a pandemia de Covid 19 trouxe impactos importantes para a saúde dos cuidadores, em especial para a saúde mental.

Objective: to know the profile of formal and informal caregivers of the elderly with functional dependence in Portugal. Method: online survey conducted in June-November 2021 by the National School of Public Health-NOVA of Lisbon. The questionnaire was published on social networks and in institutions that work in the care of dependent elderly. Protocol approved by the Ethics Committee of the School. Results: females prevailed (91.4% formal and 88% informal caregivers). Higher education level predominated in both categories. Formal caregivers were in a younger age group than family caregivers. 51% of formal caregivers and 63.7% of informal caregivers reported suffering from a chronic back problem. Feelings of isolation, sadness and depression predominated among formal and informal caregivers. Conclusion: caring work is predominantly female and the Covid 19 pandemic has had important impacts on the health of caregivers, especially mental health.

Objetivo: conocer el perfil de los cuidadores formales e informales de ancianos con dependencia funcional en Portugal. Método: encuesta online realizada en junio-noviembre de 2021 por la Escuela Nacional de Salud Pública-NOVA de Lisboa. El cuestionario fue difundido en redes sociales y en instituciones que trabajan en el cuidado de ancianos dependientes. Protocolo aprobado por el Comité de Ética de la Escuela. Resultados: predominó el sexo femenino (91,4% cuidadoras formales y 88% informales). El nivel de educación superior predominó en ambas categorías. Los cuidadores formales estaban en un grupo de edad más joven que los cuidadores familiares. El 51% de los cuidadores formales y el 63,7% de los cuidadores informales reportaron padecer un problema crónico de espalda. Los sentimientos de aislamiento, tristeza y depresión predominaron entre los cuidadores formales e informales.Conclusión: el trabajo de cuidado es predominantemente femenino y la pandemia de Covid 19 ha tenido impactos importantes en la salud de los cuidadores, especialmente en la salud mental.

Complications of herpes zoster hospitalizations in a reference hospital in Fortaleza-Ceará, 2009-2018 / Complicações de internações por herpes zoster em um hospital de referência em Fortaleza-Ceará, 2009-2018

Objective: the aim of this study was to relate sociodemographic, epidemiological and clinical conditions to the occurrence of severe cases of HZ in reference hospital of Fortaleza. Methods: this is a cross-sectional analytical study, based on medical records of patients admitted from 2009 to 2018. Pearson's x2 test or Fisher's exact test were used when appropriate. Results: we analyzed 196 medical records. The presence of complications occurred in 69.9%, the most affected region was the cranial (68.9%), and 1.5% died. The presence of vesicles (PR=1.37; 95%CI: 1.03-1.82; p=0.01) and the choice of antibiotic associated antiviral therapy (PR=0.58; 95%CI: 0.46-0.73; p=0.00) were significantly associated with the severity. Conclusions: the disease may be more severe at ages over 50. The presence of lesions in vesicles was associated with a higher prevalence of complications and the use of antibiotics and antivirals as a protective factor.

Objetivo: relacionar condições sociodemográficas, epidemiológicas e clínicas à ocorrência de casos graves de HZ em hospital de referência de Fortaleza. Métodos: trata-se de um estudo analítico transversal, baseado em prontuários de pacientes internados de 2009 a 2018. Foram utilizados o teste x2 de Pearson ou o teste exato de Fisher, quando apropriado. Resultados: foram analisados 196 prontuários. A presença de complicações ocorreu em 69,9%, a região mais acometida foi a craniana (68,9%), e 1,5% foi a óbito. A presença de vesículas (RP=1,37; IC95%: 1,03-1,82; p=0,01) e a escolha da terapia antiviral associada a antibióticos (RP=0,58; IC95%: 0,46-0,73; p=0,00) foram significativamente associadas com a gravidade. Conclusões: a doença pode ser mais grave a partir dos 50 anos. A presença de lesões em vesículas foi associada à maior prevalência de complicações e o uso de antibióticos e antivirais como fator de proteção.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding Sylvatic Rabies among High-Risk Households in Ceará State, Brazil.

Rabies transmitted by sylvatic populations has become an increasing concern in Brazil. A total of 113 participants with a history of contact with sylvatic populations were interviewed in 27 municipalities of Ceará State in northeast Brazil. Questionnaires included questions on knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding sylvatic rabies. Most of the respondents (92%) knew about rabies and confirmed at least one species that transmitted the disease (79.6%). Of these respondents, 69% mentioned monkeys, and 67.2% mentioned dogs. However, 16% of the respondents listed an incorrect species. In general, knowledge on the symptoms and signs and on prevention measures was weak. The majority raised pets (93.8%), most commonly dogs and cats, and, of all the pets, 85.7% were claimed to be vaccinated against rabies. A total of 67.3% reported the appearance of free-living wild animals around their houses, mostly marmosets and wild canids; 18.3% reported that sylvatic populations had attacked animals or humans. Seventy-three percent had raised or still were raising wild animals as pets, mostly capuchin monkeys (79.5%) and marmosets (24.1%). This is the first KAP study on sylvatic rabies in Brazil. The data indicate important knowledge gaps and risk behavior within a high-risk population. There is a need for strengthening and improving sylvatic rabies surveillance and control, combined with the intensification of education and information campaigns.

High Effectiveness of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines in Reducing COVID-19-Related Deaths in over 75-Year-Olds, Ceará State, Brazil.

In Brazil, the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination program has so far prioritized people over 75 years of age. By the end of March 2021, in Ceará State, a total of 313,328 elderly people had received at least one dose of vaccine (45% Oxford-AstraZeneca/Fiocruz and 55% CoronaVac-Sinovac/Butantan), and 159,970 had received two doses (83% CoronaVac-Sinovac/Butantan and 17% Oxford-AstraZeneca/Fiocruz). After a single dose, there was already a significant reduction in COVID 19-related deaths (protection ratio: 19.31 (95% CI: 18.20-20.48), attributable protection ratio: 94.8%); higher protection ratios were observed after the application of two doses of the vaccine (132.67; 95% CI: 109.88-160.18), with an attributable protection ratio of 99.2%. SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are highly effective in reducing the number of COVID-19-related deaths in over 75-year-olds in Brazil, one of the hardest hit countries by the current pandemic.

Silencing of Transposable Elements Mediated by 5-mC and Compensation of the Heterochromatin Content by Presence of B Chromosomes in Astyanax scabripinnis.

The way in which transcriptional activity overcomes the physical DNA structure and gene regulation mechanisms involves complex processes that are not yet fully understood. Modifications in the cytosine-guanine sequence of DNA by 5-mC are preferentially located in heterochromatic regions and are related to gene silencing. Herein, we investigate evidence of epigenetic regulation related to the B chromosome model and transposable elements in A. scabripinnis. Indirect immunofluorescence using anti-5-mC to mark methylated regions was employed along with quantitative ELISA to determine the total genomic DNA methylation level. 5-mC signals were dispersed in the chromosomes of both females and males, with preferential accumulation in the B chromosome. In addition to the heterochromatic methylated regions, our results suggest that methylation is associated with transposable elements (LINE and Tc1-Mariner). Heterochromatin content was measured based on the C-band length in relation to the size of chromosome 1. The B chromosome in A. scabripinnis comprises heterochromatin located in the pericentromeric region of both arms of this isochromosome. In this context, individuals with B chromosomes should have an increased heterochromatin content when compared to individuals that do not. Although, both heterochromatin content and genome methylation showed no significant differences between sexes or in relation to the occurrence of B chromosomes. Our evidence suggests that the B chromosome can have a compensation effect on the heterochromatin content and that methylation possibly operates to silence TEs in A. scabripinnis. This represents a sui generis compensation and gene activity buffering mechanism.

Effect of one session of aerobic exercise associated with abdominal laser therapy in lipolytic activity, lipid profile, and inflammatory markers.

BACKGROUND: Increased abdominal fat and sedentary lifestyles contribute to cardiovascular disease risk. The combination of exercise and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) appears to be an innovative method to increase the lipolytic rate of abdominal adipocytes, in order to reduce abdominal fat. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of one session of aerobic exercise associated with abdominal laser therapy in lipolytic activity, profile lipid, and inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein-CRP). METHODS: Experimental randomized controlled study in 36 participants of female sex divided into three groups: placebo group (PG) (n = 12), experimental group 1 (EG1) (n = 11), and experimental group 2 (EG2) (n = 13). The EG1 and EG2 performed the laser therapy protocol followed by 50 minutes of aerobic exercise on cycle ergometer, of 45%-55% of reserve heart rate; however, in EG2 the laser therapy was applied without power. The PG only performed the laser therapy protocol without power. The anthropometric measures were evaluated, and all participants were subject to blood samples at the beginning and at the end of the intervention for measure glycerol, lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, and LDL), and CRP. One-way ANOVA was used to compare the groups in the quantitative variables and Fisher's test to compare the groups in the qualitative variables. To compare the variables between moments (M0 and M1), we used the t test for paired samples. RESULTS: In the group that performed physical exercise and lipolytic laser and in the group that performs only physical exercise, there was a significant increase in glycerol mobilization between M0 and M1 (P < .001). The same did not occur in the placebo group. Regarding the CRP levels and lipidic profile, no significant differences were observed between moments in the experimental groups. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that one session of aerobic exercise associated with LLLT and one session of aerobic exercise appears to be able to increase the lipolytic activity. However, it appears that LLLT does not provide increased value to the aerobic physical exercise by itself in lipolysis process.

Complicações das internações por varicela em um hospital de referência em Fortaleza- Ceará, 2012-2018 / Complications of varicella hospitalizations in a reference hospital in Fortaleza-Ceará, 2012-2018

Objetivo: Relacionar as condições sociodemográficas, epidemiológicas e clínicas à ocorrência de casos graves de varicela. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal e analítico, tendo como fonte de dados prontuários de pacientes internados entre os anos de 2009 a 2018 no Hospital São José de doenças infecciosas (HSJ). Todas as variáveis selecionadas foram analisadas pelo programa Stata versão 15.1 e relacionadas com a presença de complicação, de forma a descobrir os fatores associados. Resultado: De um total de 302 prontuários, 54,3% eram do sexo masculino com idade mediana de 8 anos. A presença de complicação ocorreu em 82,4%, sendo complicações cutâneas as mais relatadas (65,4%). Das internações, 2,3% foram a óbito. A escolha da terapêutica com uso de antivirais associados a antibióticos (RP: 0,44; IC95%: 0,33 ­ 0,59 p=0,00) e alterações no exame de raios x de tórax (RP: 1,37; IC95%: 1,13 ­ 1,66; p=0,01) foram significativamente associados à gravidade do quadro de infecção por varicela. Conclusão: A varicela não deve ser considera uma doença inofensiva devido aos inúmeros tipos de complicações que podem associar-se à doença, causando internamento hospitalar e, em alguns casos, necessidade de tratamento intensivo. Os fatores associados foram a terapêutica utilizada, reduzindo a gravidade, e alteracoes no raio-x, aumentando a gravidade do caso.

Objective: The aim of this study is to relate sociodemographic, epidemiological and clinical conditions to the occurrence of severe cases of varicella. Methods: This is a cross-sectional and analytical study, using as a source of data medical records of patients hospitalized between the years 2009 to 2018 at the São José Hospital for infectious diseases (HSJ). All selected variables were analyzed by Stata program version 15.1 and related to the presence of complication in order to discover the associated factors. Result: From a total of 302 records, 54.3% were male, with a median age of 8 years. The presence of complications occurred in 82.4%, with cutaneous complications being the most reported (65.4%). Of the hospitalizations, 2.3% died. Choice of therapy with use of antivirals associated with antibiotics (PR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.33 - 0.59; p = 0.00) and changes in chest x-ray exams (PR: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.13 - 1.66; p = 0.01) were significantly associated with the severity of varicella infection. Conclusion: Varicella should not be considered a harmless disease due to the numerous types of complications that can be associated with the disease, causing hospitalization and, in some cases, the need for intensive treatment. The associated factors were the therapy used, reducing the severity, and changes on x-ray that increased the severity of the case.

Balance assessment in HTLV-1 associated myelopathy or tropical spastic paraparesis.

INTRODUCTION: A good rating of the device in people with HTLV-1 in this population is essential for accuracy in prescribing data (walking). Thus, this study aimed to analyze the counterpart assessment methods that are best suited to patients with human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV)-1 associated myelopathy or tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). METHODS: This cross-sectional study related stabilometric and kinematic variables of postural oscillations with Berg's balance scale (BBS) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) in subjects with HAM/TSP compared to asymptomatic subjects. To assess the posterior and lateral postural projection, baropodometry and the Footwork® system was used, and the CVMob system was applied to kinematic parameters. The means comparison tests and correlations were applied with an alpha of 5%. RESULTS: Thirty-nine subjects (predominantly female) made up the sample. There was an increase in barodopometric oscillations, in the total oscillation area (p = 0.004), in the anteroposterior oscillation in the left (p = 0.015) and right views (p = 0.036), and in the lateral oscillation (p = 0.039) in the HAM/TSP group. Moderate correlations were found between oscillation baropodometry and the angular variation of the ankle, as well as with the BBS in the three angles and the TUG for lateral oscillation (p = 0.406). CONCLUSIONS: Each method has advantages and disadvantages, including cost accuracy. The best resources available at no additional cost for outpatient to use are the kinematic evaluation using a simple smartphone camera and free analysis software, and the TUG.

Genetic and phenotypic determinants of resistance to antibiotics in Aeromonas spp., strains isolated from pediatric patients.

INTRODUCTION: Intestinal and extraintestinal infections by Aeromonas spp., remain controversial, due to the existence of healthy carriers of Aeromonas spp. In children under five years old, the diarrhea of infectious origin constitutes the second cause of mortality and remains a major concern for public health. The aim of this work was to detect the pheno/genotype of ß-lactamases and class 1 integrons in Aeromonas spp., strains isolated from pediatric patients in a tertiary referral hospital in Mexico. METHODOLOGY: Sixty-six strains of Aeromonas spp., were isolated from clinical samples of pediatric origin and were identified by RFLP-PCR 16S rRNA. Resistance phenotype according to CLSI, genetic and phenotypic detection of extended-spectrum ß-lactamases (ESBL) and metallo-b-lactamases (MBL) was performed. Finally, characterization of class 1 integrons was performed. RESULTS: Aeromonas spp., strains of diarrheic origin were more predominant. A wide heterogeneity was detected, where A. caviae was the predominant specie. Second-generation cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, and nitrofurans had best antimicrobial activity; moreover, antibiotics of the ß-lactamic and lincosamides families showed lower inhibitory activity. Phenotypically, prevalences of 4.55% and 3.03% were detected for MBL (intestinal origin) and ESBL (extraintestinal origin), respectively. blaIMIS-cphA and blaTEM-1 genes, and nineteen class 1 integrons carrying two variants of cassettes corresponding to adenylyl transferases (aadA), and dihydrofolate reductases (dfrA). Monogenic array with aadA1 cassette was predominantly. CONCLUSIONS: ESBL and class 1 integrons, in Aeromonas collected from pediatric patients, determines a major detection challenge for the clinical microbiology laboratory and represents a remarkable epidemiological risk of nosocomial spread of multidrug-resistant determinants.

Corn silage rehydrated with crude glycerin in lambs' diets.

We investigated whether the feed intake efficiency, digestibility, microbial efficiency, and nitrogen balance would be affected by inclusion of rehydrated corn grain silage with crude glycerin or water to substitute the dry corn in diets for feedlot lambs. Ten crossbred (Santa Ines × Dorper) uncastrated male lambs (25.6 ± 4.0 kg body weight) were assigned in a replicated 5 × 5 Latin square design and subjected to five experimental diets, one containing dry corn and four diets containing corn grain silage rehydrated with crude glycerin in levels of 0, 75, 150, and 225 in g/kg of natural matter. The moisture of 32.5% was maintained in all silages. The inclusion of crude glycerin represented 0, 40, 80, and 120 g/kg of total diet. The inclusion of rehydrated corn silage did not affect the DM, CP, EE, and ED intake. The diets with rehydrated corn silage improved the digestibility of DM, without affecting the fiber digestibility. The nitrogen losses were insignificant, resulting in the efficient use of dietary nutrients. In conclusion, corn silage rehydrated with 150 g/kg NM of crude glycerin is recommended as a feed to substitute dry corn diet, as it did not influence the nutrients intake, increased the dry matter digestibility with efficient use of the dietary nutrients, improving the animal performance in the feedlot.

Dynamics of Replication and Nuclear Localization of the B Chromosome in Kidney Tissue Cells in Astyanax scabripinnis (Teleostei: Characidae).

B chromosomes are extra genomic compounds found in different taxonomic groups, including plants and animals. Obtaining patterns of resolutive chromosomal bands is necessary to understand the nuclear organization, variability and nature of B chromosome chromatin and possible transcriptional regions. In this study, we analyzed 35 Astyanax scabripinnis specimens sampled from Fazenda Lavrinha, a stream in the Paraíba do Sul river basin, Brazil. Through the incorporation of the thymidine analog 5'-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (5-BrdU) in vivo, it was possible to recognize the replicating regions of the B chromosome at the beginning of the S phase, differentially characterized in relationship to the regions of late replication. In this perspective, it is possible to suggest that the B chromosome of this species possesses a territory and the chromatin accessible for transcription, especially in the light (i.e., early replicating) bands (p1.1; p1.3; and p2.1 and q1.1, q1.3, q2.1, and q2.2). The late-replicating regions are corresponding to the blocks of constitutive heterochromatin. They show a preferential accumulation of satellite DNA As51. By the use of the fluorochrome chromomycin A3 (CMA3), it was possible to identify GC-rich chromosomal regions, corresponding to late-replicating parts of genome, confirming the revealed data by the replication banding and C-banding. In addition, the analysis by confocal microscopy in kidney cells indicates the location of a peripheral anchorage of this chromosome in the nuclear lamina, reinforcing the idea of downregulation of the associated regions.

The safety and satisfaction of ovarian tissue cryopreservation in prepubertal and adolescent girls.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Is ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) for fertility preservation in prepubertal and adolescent girls safe, and who would benefit most from the procedure? DESIGN: Survey and retrospective study including patients who had OTC under the age of 18 years in a single centre for fertility preservation. Serum anti-Müllerian hormone levels were measured as a marker for detection of diminished ovarian reserve. RESULTS: Fifty-three from 102 women participated in the survey (12 deceased, 19 declined, 17 unreachable, 1 palliative). The average age at OTC was 14.8 ± 2.3 (range: 6-17) years and at survey 21.9 ± 4.3 (range: 16-33) years. Ovarian tissue retrieval (laparoscopy: n = 45, laparotomy: n = 8) was without complications in 52 cases. In 23 (53.5%) of the 43 women who were post-menarchal at OTC, transient amenorrhoea occurred. At survey, 15 women reported a regular menstrual cycle, 25 used oral contraceptives, 9 women reported hormone replacement therapy due to primary ovary insufficiency and 4 had amenorrhoea. Two patients reported the birth of a healthy child after IVF, while 51 patients are still childless, mostly due to their young age (mean: 21.2 years). To date, one patient has had transplantation of the ovarian tissue (17 years at cryopreservation). Forty-nine of the interviewees would again decide on OTC, while three argued against it on the basis of the previous financial cost; one woman was unsure. CONCLUSIONS: Children with cancer may be at risk for gonadal insufficiency. OTC is practically the only technique that can be offered to young girls. The procedure is safe and well accepted.

Balance assessment in HTLV-1 associated myelopathy or tropical spastic paraparesis

Abstract INTRODUCTION: A good rating of the device in people with HTLV-1 in this population is essential for accuracy in prescribing data (walking). Thus, this study aimed to analyze the counterpart assessment methods that are best suited to patients with human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV)-1 associated myelopathy or tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). METHODS: This cross-sectional study related stabilometric and kinematic variables of postural oscillations with Berg's balance scale (BBS) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) in subjects with HAM/TSP compared to asymptomatic subjects. To assess the posterior and lateral postural projection, baropodometry and the Footwork® system was used, and the CVMob system was applied to kinematic parameters. The means comparison tests and correlations were applied with an alpha of 5%. RESULTS: Thirty-nine subjects (predominantly female) made up the sample. There was an increase in barodopometric oscillations, in the total oscillation area (p = 0.004), in the anteroposterior oscillation in the left (p = 0.015) and right views (p = 0.036), and in the lateral oscillation (p = 0.039) in the HAM/TSP group. Moderate correlations were found between oscillation baropodometry and the angular variation of the ankle, as well as with the BBS in the three angles and the TUG for lateral oscillation (p = 0.406). CONCLUSIONS: Each method has advantages and disadvantages, including cost accuracy. The best resources available at no additional cost for outpatient to use are the kinematic evaluation using a simple smartphone camera and free analysis software, and the TUG.

First clinical isolate of Escherichia coli harboring mcr-1 gene in Mexico.

Our aim in this report was to describe the characteristics of the first clinical isolate of Escherichia coli (EC-PAG-733) harboring the mcr-1 gene found in Mexico. This isolate was obtained from a fecal sample from a young child with an oncological condition. We obtained the whole-genome sequence using next-generation sequencing and analyzed the sequence by bioinformatics tools. EC-PAG-733 was resistant to third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins and was susceptible to all carbapenems and amikacin; it was also resistant to ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, gentamicin and colistin at a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 4 µg/mL. This isolate was classified as O11:H25-ST457. EC-PAG-733 harbored an ESBL type CTX-M-55 as well as several virulence factors that have been associated with Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC). The mcr-1 gene was located within an IncI2 plasmid. The results of this whole genome shotgun project were deposited in DDBJ/ENA/GenBank under the accession number QKXE00000000.

Prevalence of Lens Opacity in Interventional Cardiologists and Professional Working in the Hemodynamics in Brazil / Prevalência de Opacidades do Cristalino em Cardiologistas Intervencionistas e Profissionais Atuantes na Área de Hemodinâmica no Brasil

Abstract Background: Posterior subcapsular cataract is a tissue reaction commonly found among professionals exposed to ionizing radiation. Objective: To assess the prevalence of cataract in professionals working in hemodynamics in Brazil. Methods: Professionals exposed to ionizing radiation (group 1, G1) underwent slit lamp examination with a biomicroscope for lens examination and compared with non-exposed subjects (group 2, G2). Ophthalmologic findings were described and classified by opacity degree and localization using the Lens Opacities Classification System III. Both groups answered a questionnaire on work and health conditions to investigate the presence of risk factors for cataract. The level of significance was set at 5% (p < 0.05). Results: A total of 112 volunteers of G1, mean age of 44.95 (±10.23) years, and 88 volunteers of G2, mean age of 48.07 (±12.18) years were evaluated; 75.2% of G1 and 85.2% of G2 were physicians. Statistical analysis between G1 and G2 showed a prevalence of posterior subcapsular cataract of 13% and 2% in G1 and G2, respectively (0.0081). Considering physicians only, 38% of G1 and 15% of G2 had cataract, with the prevalence of posterior subcapsular cataract of 13% and 3%, respectively (p = 0.0176). Among non-physicians, no difference was found in the prevalence of cataract (by types). Conclusions: Cataract was more prevalent in professionals exposed to ionizing radiation, with posterior subcapsular cataract the most frequent finding.

Resumo Fundamento: A catarata subcapsular posterior é uma reação tecidual encontrada com frequência nos profissionais expostos à radiação ionizante. Objetivo: Avaliar a prevalência de catarata nos profissionais que atuam na área de hemodinâmica no Brasil. Métodos: Profissionais expostos à radiação ionizante (grupo 1, G1) foram submetidos ao exame biomicroscópico com lâmpada de fenda para avaliação do cristalino, e comparados aos não expostos (grupo 2, G2). Os achados foram descritos e classificados quanto ao grau de opacidade e localização por meio do Lens opacities classification system III. Ambos os grupos responderam questionário sobre condições de trabalho e de saúde para afastar fatores de risco para catarata, e foram comparados quanto aos achados. Foi utilizado um nível de significância de 5% (p < 0,05). Resultados: Foram avaliados 112 voluntários (G1) com média de idade 44,95 (±10,23) anos e 88 voluntários (G2) com média de 48,07 (±12,18) anos. Desses, 75,2% (G1) e 85,2% (G2) eram médicos. A análise estatística entre os grupos G1 e G2 mostrou uma prevalência da catarata no grupo G1 de 33% comparada ao G2 de 16% (p = 0,0058), sendo a catarata subcapsular posterior presente em 13% no G1 e 2% no G2 (p = 0,0081). Considerando apenas os médicos, 38% no G1 e 15% no G2 (p = 0,0011) apresentaram catarata, sendo a subcapsular posterior 13% e 3% (p = 0,0176), respectivamente. No grupo dos profissionais não médicos, não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa na prevalência dos achados oftalmológicos. Conclusões: A catarata esteve mais presente no grupo de profissionais expostos à radiação ionizante, sendo que a catarata subcapsular posterior foi o dano tecidual mais encontrado.

Prevalence of Lens Opacity in Interventional Cardiologists and Professional Working in the Hemodynamics in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Posterior subcapsular cataract is a tissue reaction commonly found among professionals exposed to ionizing radiation. OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of cataract in professionals working in hemodynamics in Brazil. METHODS: Professionals exposed to ionizing radiation (group 1, G1) underwent slit lamp examination with a biomicroscope for lens examination and compared with non-exposed subjects (group 2, G2). Ophthalmologic findings were described and classified by opacity degree and localization using the Lens Opacities Classification System III. Both groups answered a questionnaire on work and health conditions to investigate the presence of risk factors for cataract. The level of significance was set at 5% (p < 0.05). RESULTS: A total of 112 volunteers of G1, mean age of 44.95 (±10.23) years, and 88 volunteers of G2, mean age of 48.07 (±12.18) years were evaluated; 75.2% of G1 and 85.2% of G2 were physicians. Statistical analysis between G1 and G2 showed a prevalence of posterior subcapsular cataract of 13% and 2% in G1 and G2, respectively (0.0081). Considering physicians only, 38% of G1 and 15% of G2 had cataract, with the prevalence of posterior subcapsular cataract of 13% and 3%, respectively (p = 0.0176). Among non-physicians, no difference was found in the prevalence of cataract (by types). CONCLUSIONS: Cataract was more prevalent in professionals exposed to ionizing radiation, with posterior subcapsular cataract the most frequent finding.

Optimized protocol for multigram preparation of emodin anthrone, a precursor in the hypericin synthesis.

Emodin reduction to emodin anthrone comprise one of three process steps involved in the hypericin synthesis, a powerful natural photosensitiser found in plants of the genus Hypericum. In this communication, an optimized protocol was established for emodin reduction enabling an efficient multigram preparation of emodin anthrone. A screening of reducing agent (SnCl2·2H2O and HClconc) under different reaction times was employed in micro-scale and monitored by electronic absorption spectroscopy technique. Data showed lower yields of emodin anthrone when some experimental conditions previously described in the literature were reproduce. However, using the optimized protocol for the emodin reduction these yields were overcoming, and a gram-scale supply experiment was reproducible for the preparation of 10 grams of emodin anthrone with excellent yield.

Análises Microbiológicas e Físico-Químicas de Queijos Minas Frescal comercializados em feiras livres / Microbiological analysis of "Minas frescal" cheese commercialized in free fairs

Objective: to assess the Minas Frescal Cheese comercialized in open air markets, in Gama- the surining area of Brasilia, Federal District, in order to verify the microbilogical and physical-quimical limits according to the patterns and governantal organisms. Method: We assessed 2 samples of Minas Frescal Cheese comercialized in Gama- DF. Theses samples were saved in isotemric boxes. Micrioboligical and physical-quimical analusis were performed in microbiology and brmotology laboratories. We analysed total and fecal coliforms or thermotolerants, mesophilos and pshycotrophics aerobious counting, and the physical-quimical assessment of acidity, PH, umidity and asshes. Results: findidng attest that the microbiological contmaination index, and the disagrement with physical- quimical paramenters, such as presence of inorganic substances evidenced for the ashes determination analysis and acidity variation. Conclusion: we confirm the lack of pattern and quality control for the raw material in cheese production.

Objetivo: avaliar o Queijo Minas Frescal comercializados em feiras livres, na cidade satélite do Gama no estado do Distrito Federal, a fim de verificar os limites microbiológicos e físico-químicos de acordo com os padrões e órgãos competentes. Método: Foram analisadas 2 amostras de Queijo Minas Frescal comercializados na cidade Gama-DF. As amostras foram acondicionadas em caixa isotérmica Foram realizadas as análises microbiológicas e físico-químicas em laboratórios de microbiologia e bromatologia. Avaliaram-se coliformes totais e fecais ou termotolerantes, contagem de aeróbios mesófilos e psicotróficos, além das análises físico-químicas avaliando acidez, pH, umidade e cinzas. Resultados: as análises comprovam o índice de contaminação microbiológica, bem como a não conformidade aos parâmetros físico-químicos essenciais como, por exemplo, a presença de substâncias inorgânicas apontadas pelas análises de determinação de cinzas e a variação na acidez. Conclusão: evidencia-se a falta de padrão e controle da qualidade da matéria-prima na produção de queijos.