Performance of the IMMY® sona Aspergillus lateral flow assay for the detection of galactomannan in tracheal aspirate samples from Brazilian patients with COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis: Cross-sectional and systematic review of literature.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many patients in intensive care units (ICUs) were affected by invasive fungal infections, including aspergillosis, contributing to a high mortality rate. Diagnosing proven COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) requires clinical and radiological evaluations, along with laboratory testing of bronchoalveolar lavage samples or lung biopsies. However, these procedures and equipment are often inaccessible in developing countries or regions with limited resources, including Brazil. Consequently, alternative diagnostic methods, such as measuring Aspergillus galactomannan (GM) in tracheal aspirate (TA), have been explored for CAPA diagnosis. Nonetheless, research on the efficacy of TA-based diagnostic tests is limited. This study aimed to assess the performance of the IMMY® Sona Aspergillus lateral flow assay (LFA) for GM detection in TA samples from 60 ICU patients with suspected CAPA at two tertiary hospitals in Campo Grande, Brazil. The ELISA method (Platelia Aspergillus AG, Bio-Rad®) was used to detect Aspergillus GM in TA samples, serving as the microbiological criterion and reference test. Fifteen patients (12.4%) were identified as having possible CAPA. The overall accuracy of LFA was 94%, and the tests demonstrated an agreement of 93.1% (Cohen's kappa of 0.83). Based on our findings, the LFA for Aspergillus GM detection in TA samples exhibited excellent performance, proving to be a valuable diagnostic tool for potential CAPA. In a systematic review, two studies were included, and the meta-analysis revealed pooled estimates provided a sensitivity of 86% (95% CI, 80%-91%) and specificity of 93% (95% CI, 86%-97%). The diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) for identification of Aspergillus using LFA was 103.38 (95% CI, 38.03-281.03). Despite its lower sensitivity compared to our study, the LFA appears to be a promising diagnostic option for CAPA, particularly in suspected cases that have not received antifungal therapy. This enables timely antifungal treatment and could reduce mortality rates in regions where bronchoscopy is unavailable or limited.

Malignancy risk of thyroid nodules: quality assessment of the thyroid ultrasound report.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid nodules are a challenge in clinical practice and thyroid ultrasonography is essential for assessing the risk of malignancy. The use of ultrasound-based malignancy risk classification systems has been recommended by several scientific societies but radiologist's adherence to these guidelines may vary. The authors aimed to analyze the quality of the information provided by the thyroid ultrasound report, to assess the malignancy risk of thyroid nodules, in Portugal. METHODS: Multicenter and retrospective study, conducted in three of the five Portuguese NUTS2 corresponding to about 88.3% of the mainland population. We included 344 consecutive unselected participants aged ≥ 18 years who underwent thyroid ultrasonography in 2019. The description of six features of the dominant thyroid nodule was analyzed: maximum size, shape, margins, composition, echogenicity and echogenic foci. A utility score, including these six features, was used as an indicator of the report's quality. A score of 4 was considered as a minimum value. RESULTS: Maximum diameter was reported for all nodules. Shape, margins, composition, echogenicity and echogenic foci were reported in 8.1%, 25.0%, 76.5%, 53.2% and 20.9%, respectively. Only 21.8% of the nodules had a score ≥ 4. At least one of four suspicious features, including marked hypoechogenicity, microcalcifications, irregular margins and non-oval shape, was identified in 8.7% of the nodules. Cervical lymph nodes' status was reported in 93% of the exams. The risk category was only reported in 7.8% of the participants. CONCLUSION: The adherence of Portuguese radiologists to a standardized reporting model and to an ultrasound-based malignancy risk stratification system is still low and has implications for the correct characterization of the malignancy risk of nodules and the decision to perform fine-needle aspiration biopsy.

Improved survival in patients with thyroid function test abnormalities secondary to immune-checkpoint inhibitors.

Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are monoclonal antibodies which target molecules to enhance antitumor response. Several adverse events have been described and the major ICI-related endocrinopathies are thyroid dysfunction and hypophysitis. Its occurrence has been associated with improved outcomes, but it is still to be proven. We performed a retrospective study of patients treated with ICI between 2014 and 2019 at an oncologic center to characterize thyroid function test abnormalities (TFTA) and to evaluate clinical outcomes. We excluded patients without regular monitoring of thyroid function, with previous thyroid or pituitary disease, previous head/neck radiotherapy and who performed only one ICI cycle. We included 161 of 205 patients treated with pembrolizumab, nivolumab or ipilimumab for several neoplasms, with a median duration of 18.9 weeks (9.1-42.6) of ICI treatment and 49.4 weeks (26.5-75.8) of follow-up. New-onset TFTA was diagnosed in 18% of patients (n = 29), in median at 10.6 weeks (6.1-31.1) of ICI therapy. On the whole, 8.7% had primary hypothyroidism, 4.3% central hypothyroidism, 2.5% biphasic thyroiditis and 2.5% thyrotoxicosis. Patients who experienced primary or central thyroid dysfunction had a significantly improved overall response rate (58.6% vs 34.2%, p = 0.015) and overall survival (3.27 vs 1.76 years, p = 0.030), compared to the control group. The risk of mortality was two times higher for control group (adjusted HR = 2.43, 95% CI 1.13-5.23, p = 0.023). This study recognizes that primary and central thyroid dysfunction can be a predictive clinical biomarker of a better response to ICI across several neoplasms.

Influence of Mycosphaerella and Teratosphaeria leaf diseases on chemical composition of essential oils of Eucalyptus globulus and effect of these essential oils on ascospores germination.

In a first step, essential oils were extracted from Eucalyptus globulus leaves, healthy and with symptoms and signs of Mycosphaerella leaf disease (MLD) and Teratosphaeria leaf disease (TLD), in two leaf stages. Stage 1: sessile, oval leaves covered by a waxy layer of a bluish colour, with opposite phyllotaxis, inserted along stems of quadrangular section. Stage 2: narrow and sickle leaves with a greyish green surface, mainly on the abaxial surface, inserted in alternating pairs along rounded stems. The essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation and were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Chemical composition data and percentages of essential oil constituents were submitted to cluster analysis and principal component analysis. In a second step, under in vitro conditions, was evaluated the germination of Teratosphaeria nubilosa (one of the causal agents of TLD) ascospores in contact with the four types of essential oils extracted. The evaluations were performed at 24, 48 and 72 h after the experiments were assembled. The present study made it possible to distinguish and identify the chemical composition of essential oils from the eucalypt leaves used, and allowed 1,8-cineole to be identified as the major component for the essential oils investigated. The contact between essential oils and T. nubilosa spores allowed to prove the inhibition of the ascospores germination, being more efficient for the essential oils extracted from materials with the disease, which presented high amounts of 1,8-cineole.

Standardization and Prevalence of the Booster Phenomenon: Evaluation Using a Two-Step Skin Test with 43 kDa Glycoprotein in Individuals from an Endemic Region of Paracoccidioidomycosis.

BACKGROUND: We estimated the occurrence rate of the booster phenomenon by using an intradermal test with 43 kDa glycoprotein in an endemic area of paracoccidioidomycosis in the central-west region of Brazil. METHODS: Individuals who had a negative result on a survey performed by using an intradermal test with 43 kDa glycoprotein in an endemic area of paracoccidioidomycosis underwent a second intradermal test after 10-15 days to determine the presence or absence of the booster phenomenon. Statistical analyses were performed using the Chi-square test, Chi-square for linear trend test, Student's t test, and binomial test; p < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: For the first time, we reported the occurrence of the booster phenomenon to an intradermal reaction caused by 43 kDa glycoprotein at a rate of 5.8-8.4%, depending on the test's cutoff point. This suggests that a cutoff point should be considered for the booster phenomenon in intradermal tests with 43 kDa glycoprotein: a difference of 6-7 mm between readings according to the first and second tests, depending on the purpose of the evaluation. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the prevalence of paracoccidioidal infection in endemic areas is underestimated, as the booster phenomenon has not been considered in epidemiological surveys for this infection.

Celiac disease and fibromyalgia: Is there an association?

It has been found that celiac disease (CD) and non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) have a high prevalence in fibromyalgia (FM) patients. NCGS is a relatively new entity characterized by gastrointestinal and extra-intestinal manifestations in the absence of CD or wheat allergy. It is different from CD because anti-transglutaminase (anti-tTG) or endomysial antibodies (IgA-EmA) are lacking and the intestinal mucosa is normal or with mild abnormalities as increased intraepithelial lymphocytes in the absence of villous atrophy.

Outcomes and Costs in Patients with Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Receiving Front-Line Versus Delayed Caplacizumab: A US Hospital Database Study.

European real-world data indicate that front-line treatment with caplacizumab is associated with improved clinical outcomes compared with delayed caplacizumab treatment. The objective of the study was to describe the characteristics, treatment patterns, and outcomes in hospitalized patients with an immune-mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP) episode treated with front-line versus delayed caplacizumab in the US. This retrospective cohort analysis of a US hospital database included adult patients (≥18 years) with an acute iTTP episode (a diagnosis of thrombotic microangiopathy and ≥1 therapeutic plasma exchange [TPE] procedure) from January 21, 2019, to February 28, 2021. Unadjusted baseline characteristics, treatment patterns, healthcare resource utilization, and costs were compared between patients who received front-line versus delayed (<2 vs ≥2 days after TPE initiation) caplacizumab treatment. Out of 39 patients, 16 (41.0%) received front-line and 23 (59.0%) received delayed treatment with caplacizumab. Baseline characteristics and symptoms were similar between the two groups. Patients who received front-line caplacizumab treatment had significantly fewer TPE administrations (median: 5.0 vs 12.0); and a significantly shorter hospital stay (median: 9.0 days vs 16.0 days) than patients receiving delayed caplacizumab therapy. Both of these were significantly lower in comparison of means (t-test P < .01). Median inpatient costs (inclusive of caplacizumab costs) were 54% higher in the delayed treated patients than in the front-line treated patients (median: $112 711 vs $73 318). TPE-specific cost was lower in the front-line treated cohort (median: $6 989 vs $10 917). In conclusion, front-line treatment with caplacizumab had shorter hospitalizations, lower healthcare resource utilization, and lower costs than delayed caplacizumab treatment after TPE therapy.

Caplacizumab improves clinical outcomes and is well tolerated across clinically relevant subgroups of patients with immune-mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Background: Immune-mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP) may lead to microvascular thrombosis and mortality, despite patients receiving appropriate standard of care treatment (immunosuppressive therapy and therapeutic plasma exchange). Caplacizumab directly inhibits von Willebrand factor-platelet interaction and consequently prevents microthrombi formation. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of caplacizumab in diverse, clinically relevant patient subgroups. Methods: In this post hoc analysis of phase 3 HERCULES study (NCT02553317), patients were categorized by clinically relevant subgroups (prior iTTP history, iTTP severity at presentation, and initial immunosuppression regimen). Results: In patients with previous acute iTTP episodes, less severe disease at presentation, or those who received a corticosteroid-only initial immunosuppression regimen, time to platelet count response was shorter with caplacizumab vs placebo. Across all subgroups, fewer patients experienced a composite outcome of iTTP-related death, exacerbation, or major thromboembolic event on caplacizumab vs placebo. Placebo-treated patients remained at risk of exacerbations and refractoriness on either initial immunosuppression regimen (ie, corticosteroids only or corticosteroids plus rituximab). In the corticosteroids plus rituximab group, no exacerbations were reported in caplacizumab-treated patients, but 8 of the 16 (50%) patients experienced exacerbations in the placebo group. Safety outcomes were consistent with the findings of the main HERCULES study. Conclusion: Caplacizumab treatment of acute iTTP, in combination with therapeutic plasma exchange and immunosuppression, was safe and effective regardless of prior iTTP history, severity, or initial immunosuppression regimen and improved patient outcomes across clinically diverse subgroups. These findings emphasize the need for treatments with rapid onset of action that can reduce mortality and iTTP-related complications.

Evaluation of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis infection by gp 43 intradermal test in rural settlements in Central-West Brazil.

Epidemiological studies of paracoccidioidomycosis have been based on surveys achieved with intradermal tests, and paracoccidioidin is the most common antigen used in most cases. The glycoprotein of 43-kDa (gp43) has been used in intradermal tests. It is the most antigenic component of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, and it provides greater specificity to evaluate infection for this fungus. In this study, the prevalence of P. brasiliensis infection was estimated with intradermal tests involving gp43 for 695 people in rural Central-West Brazil. The infection rate was 45.8 % (95 % CI = 42.1-49.5), and the average age of those infected was 45.8 ± 18.2 years. The prevalence did not show gender-based differences but increased with age. The results demonstrate the importance of P. brasiliensis infection in rural settlements and the early exposure of children in the region to the fungus. Despite the high antigenicity and specificity of gp43, its usage must be standardized, so that epidemiological surveys will be comparable and more accurately reflect P. brasiliensis infection in endemic areas.

Occurrence and Treatment of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Present in Surface Water.

According to the World Health Organization, antibiotic resistance is one of the main threats to global health. The excessive use of several antibiotics has led to the widespread distribution of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes in various environment matrices, including surface water. In this study, total coliforms, Escherichia coli and enterococci, as well as total coliforms and Escherichia coli resistant to ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ampicillin, streptomycin, and imipenem, were monitored in several surface water sampling events. A hybrid reactor was used to test the efficiency of membrane filtration, direct photolysis (using UV-C light emitting diodes that emit light at 265 nm and UV-C low pressure mercury lamps that emit light at 254 nm), and the combination of both processes to ensure the retention and inactivation of total coliforms and Escherichia coli as well as antibiotic-resistant bacteria (total coliforms and Escherichia coli) present in river water at occurrence levels. The membranes used (unmodified silicon carbide membranes and the same membrane modified with a photocatalytic layer) effectively retained the target bacteria. Direct photolysis using low-pressure mercury lamps and light-emitting diode panels (emitting at 265 nm) achieved extremely high levels of inactivation of the target bacteria. The combined treatment (unmodified and modified photocatalytic surfaces in combination with UV-C and UV-A light sources) successfully retained the bacteria and treated the feed after 1 h of treatment. The hybrid treatment proposed is a promising approach to use as point-of-use treatment by isolated populations or when conventional systems and electricity fail due to natural disasters or war. Furthermore, the effective treatment obtained when the combined system was used with UV-A light sources indicates that the process may be a promising approach to guarantee water disinfection using natural sunlight.

RNA fingerprinting analysis of Oenococcus oeni strains under wine conditions.

Oenococcus oeni is a lactic acid bacterium of economic interest used in winemaking. This bacterium is the preferred species for malolactic fermentation (MLF) due its adaptability to the chemically harsh wine environment. MLF enhances the organoleptic properties and ensures deacidification of wines. The aim of this work was the transcriptional characterization of six O. oeni strains, four of them selected from distinct winemaking regions of Portugal, as candidates to malolactic starters, and two commercial malolactic starters. Using crossed assays with wines from different Portuguese winemaking regions, strain characteristic transcriptional patterns induced by each wine were analyzed based on Random Arbitrarily Primed PCR (RAP-PCR). The obtained results suggest that the starter strains showed more constrained and limited transcription profiles, whereas a high variation on the distribution of the transcription profiles was observed for the regional strains in each wine. According with our results, RAP-PCR is a useful technique for a preliminary investigation of strain behavior under different wine environmental conditions, which can be applied in field studies to monitor differential patterns of global gene expression and to select markers for the surveillance of malolactic starters performance in winemaking, as well as for quality and safety control.

[Educational practices for diabetes mellitus: integrative literature review]. / Praticas educativas em diabetes Mellitus: revisão integrativa da literatura.

This is an integrative literature review which aims to identify the multi-professional scientific production on educational practices for individuals with diabetes available in the databases: Latin American Literature in Health Sciences (Literatura Latino Americana em Ciências da Saúde-LILACS), Medical Literature and Retrieval System online (Medline), Spanish Bibliographical Index in Health Sciences (Indice Bibliográfico Español en Ciencias de la Salud-Ibecs) and the Database on Nursing (Base de Dados em Enfermagem-BDENF), from 1999 to 2009. Results show that educational practices are developed mainly for adults and seniors up to 80 years of age, and involve themes that reflect the daily ife of living with diabetes. These practices are spread mainly through groups, bringing benefits not only for the individual with diabetes but also for the healthcare professional. Thus, we can see the process of changing the traditional education paradigm to a problem-based dialogical education, with a view for promoting health.

A Study on Biofouling and Cleaning of Anion Exchange Membranes for Reverse Electrodialysis.

This study covers the modification, (bio)fouling characterization, use, and cleaning of commercial heterogeneous anion exchange membranes (AEMs) to evaluate their feasibility for reverse electrodialysis (RED) applications. A surface modification with poly (acrylic) acid resulted in an improved monovalent perm-selectivity (decreased sulfate membrane transport rate). Moreover, we evaluated the (bio)fouling potential of the membrane using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), sodium dodecyl benzenesulfonate (SDBS), and Aeromonas hydrophila as model organic foulants and a biofoulant, respectively. A detailed characterization of the AEMs (water contact angle, ion exchange capacity (IEC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra) was carried out, verifying that the presence of such foulants reduces IEC and the maximum current obtained by CV. However, only SDS and SDBS affected the contact angle values. Cleaning of the biofouled membranes using a sodium hypochlorite aqueous solution allows for (partially) recovering their initial properties. Furthermore, this work includes a fouling characterization using real surface and sea water matrixes, confirming the presence of several types of fouling microorganisms in natural streams. A lower adhesion of microorganisms (measured in terms of total bacteria counts) was observed for the modified membranes compared to the unmodified ones. Finally, we propose a cleaning strategy to mitigate biofouling in AEMs that could be easily applied in RED systems for an enhanced long-term process performance.

Factors associated with absenteeism in elderly nursing workers.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the factors associated with absenteeism in elderly nursing workers. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 233 elderly nursing workers carried out in six hospitals in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. The data were analyzed using univariate analysis and multivariate regression. RESULTS: Of the 233 elderly nursing professionals interviewed, self-reported absenteeism was present in 34.3% (80) participants. 20.1% (47) of them reported having missed a few days and 14.2% (33) having done so in many days. After adjusted analysis, only work hours and satisfaction with health influenced absenteeism. CONCLUSION: Absenteeism is a complex phenomenon which, among elderly nursing professionals, had a low prevalence and was associated with a workload of more than 40 hours a week and dissatisfaction with health. Therefore, further research is needed in the field to provide quality of life and better working conditions for nursing professionals and regulate their workload.

Late peripheral facial paralysis after COVID-19: a rapid systematic review and two case reports.

Peripheral facial paralysis (PFP) has been shown to be a neurological manifestation of COVID-19. The current study presents two cases of PFP after COVID-19, along with a rapid review of known cases in the literature. Both case reports were conducted following CARE guidelines. We also performed a systematic review of PFP cases temporally related to COVID-19 using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases on August 30, 2021, using a rapid review methodology. The two patients experienced PFP 102 and 110 days after COVID-19 symptom onset. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in nasal samples through reverse-transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) testing. Anosmia was the only other neurological manifestation. PFP was treated with steroids in both cases, with complete subsequent recovery. In the rapid review, we identified 764 articles and included 43 studies. From those, 128 patients with PFP were analyzed, of whom 42.1% (54/128) were male, 39.06% (50/128) female, and in 23 cases the gender was not reported. The age range was 18 to 59 (54.68%). The median time between COVID-19 and PFP was three days (ranging from the first symptom of COVID-19 to 40 days after the acute phase of infection). Late PFP associated with COVID-19 presents mild symptoms and improves with time, with no identified predictors. Late PFP should be added to the spectrum of neurological manifestations associated with the long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection as a post COVID-19 condition.

The role of the Eu3+ concentration on the SrMoO4:Eu phosphor properties: synthesis, characterization and photophysical studies.

SrMoO(4) doped with rare earth are still scarce nowadays and have attracted great attention due to their applications as scintillating materials in electro-optical like solid-state lasers and optical fibers, for instance. In this work Sr(1-x)Eu(x)MoO(4) powders, where x=0.01; 0.03 and 0.05, were synthesized by Complex Polymerization (CP) Method. The structural and optical properties of the SrMoO(4):Eu(3+) were analyzed by powder X-ray diffraction patterns, Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR), Raman Spectroscopy, and through Photoluminescent Measurements (PL). Only a crystalline scheelite-type phase was obtained when the powders were heat-treated at 800 °C for 2 h, 2θ=27.8° (100% peak). The excitation spectra of the SrMoO(4):Eu(3+) (λ(Em.)=614 nm) presented the characteristic band of the Eu(3+5)L(6) transition at 394 nm and a broad band at around 288 nm ascribed to the charge-transfer from the O (2p) state to the Mo (4d) one in the SrMoO(4) matrix. The emission spectra of the SrMoO(4):Eu(3+) powders (λ(Exc.)=394 and 288 nm) show the group of sharp emission bands among 523-554 nm and 578-699 nm, assigned to the (5)D(1)→(7)F(0,1 and 2) and (5)D(0)→(7)F(0,1,2,3 and 4), respectively. The band related to the (5)D(0)→(7)F(0) transition indicates the presence of Eu(3+) site without inversion center. This hypothesis is strengthened by the fact that the band referent to the (5)D(0)→(7)F(2) transition is the most intense in the emission spectra.

Effects of fluoride emission on the morphoanatomy of three plant species endemics to Brazil using passive biomonitoring.

Fluoride is the most phytotoxic atmospheric pollutant. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of fluoride emissions by an aluminum smelter on three plant species endemics to Brazil, located at Parque Estadual do Itacolomi (PEI). The monitored species were Byrsonima variabilis (Malpighiaceae), Myrceugenia alpigena (Myrtaceae), and Eremanthus erythropappus (Asteraceae), which were monitored during 9 months using passive biomonitoring at five different locations with different distances from the smelter. The monitored species did not show macroscopic phytotoxicity damage to fluoride; however, they did show microscopic damage. The species closer to the smelter presented more severe anatomic damages, such as rupture of cell walls, protoplast retraction, and trichome alterations. Damaged stomatal ledges, flaking epicuticular wax, and damages to trichomes were observed. M. alpigena showed a higher accumulation of fluoride than the other species at all monitored sites. The test for cell death with Evans Blue was positive for the three studied species. Through biomonitoring in the PEI, we concluded that the emissions from the aluminum smelter affect the native vegetation and that due to the greater accumulation of fluoride and the diversity of microscopic damage in M. alpigena, the use of this species in the monitoring of environments polluted by fluoride is enhanced.

Raman and Fluorescence Profiles Modifications of Muscular and Adipose Tissues Exposed to Low Energy X-ray Beams.

This work aims to investigate changes induced by low-energy radiation in adipose and muscular tissues employing autofluorescence and Raman spectroscopic techniques. X-ray beams expositions with 25 and 35 kV at 0.11, 1.1, and 2.1 Gy radiation dose levels were applied. Changes in Raman line intensities at specific bands assigned to collagen, proteins, and lipids were observed. Autofluorescent analysis exhibit variations in the collagen and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide emission (NADH), resulting from the structural modifications, variations on the reduced/oxidized fluorophores equilibrium followed by radiation exposure. Results show that Raman and fluorescence spectroscopy are suitable techniques to evaluate radiation effects on biomolecules even at low radiation doses and energies.

Correlation between quality of life, depression, satisfaction and functionality of older people with HIV.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the correlation between the quality of life, depression, life satisfaction, and functional capacity in elderly people living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). METHODS: A cross-sectional study developed in reference hospitals for treatment and follow-up of people with HIV. 241 elderly people participated by applying a questionnaire containing sociodemographic variables, the HIV/AIDS target quality of Life, the Barthel Index, the Life Satisfaction Scale, and the abbreviated version with 15 items of the Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale. RESULTS: The analyses showed an inverse correlation between the dimensions of the HAT-Qol with depression, a positive correlation in the domain satisfaction with life, and statistically significant, but weak, with functionality. CONCLUSION: Depression impairs quality of life in all dimensions, while life satisfaction influences this aspect more positively than functional capacity. DESCRIPTORS: Quality of Life; Depression; Personal Satisfaction; Aged; HIV.

Evidence of altitudinal gradient modifying genomic and chemical diversity in populations of Lychnophora pinaster Mart.

Lychnophora pinaster Mart. (Asteraceae) is endemic to the Brazilian Cerrado. It is distributed along the altitudinal gradient of the mountainous ranges of the state of Minas Gerais. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of altitude on the genetic diversity of L. pinaster populations and the effects of altitude and climatic factors on essential oil chemical composition. Essential oils from L. pinaster populations from the north (North 01, North 02, and North 03, 700-859 m) and the Metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte (MhBH 01 and MrBH 02, 1366-1498 m) were analyzed. SNP markers from L. pinaster in these regions and Campos das Vertentes (CV 01, CV 02, and CV 03, 1055-1292 m) were also analyzed. The main compounds in essential oils were 14-hydroxy-α-humulene (North 01 and North 03), cedr-8(15)-en-9-α-ol (North 02), 14-acetoxy-α-humulene (MrBH 01), and 4-oxo-15-nor-eudesman-11-ene (MrBH 02). Hierarchical cluster and heatmap analyses showed that the North and MrBH populations included five different groups, indicating the chemical composition of essential oils is distinct in each population. Furthermore, principal component analysis showed that higher altitudes (1366 m and 1498 m) in the MrBH influence the chemical composition of essential oils, and climatic factors determine the chemical composition in North region. The genetic diversity showed that most alleles are in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and imply high genetic variation and genetic polymorphisms between populations. Furthermore, the results of Mantel tests (R = 0.3861517; p = 0.04709529; R = 0.9423121; p = 0.02739726) also showed that higher altitude (>1360 m) shapes the genetic diversity at the MrBH. The genetic structure showed that higher altitudes (>1360 m) contribute to the structure of the MrBH populations, but not to North and CV populations. Therefore, the altitudinal ranges of Minas Gerais mountainous ranges determine the higher genetic and chemical diversity of L. pinaster populations.