The importance on the use of active methods when teaching human morphophysiology.

Traditional didactic methods have not been successful in promoting independent and reflective students. Thus new teaching techniques are essential to optimize the way students learn. This study aimed to evaluate the perception of students, from the Faculty of Ceilandia, University of Brasília (FCE/UnB), about the active method "inverted class," which has as its primary characteristic to stimulate the student to study and research the contents before the theoretical classes or explanation of the teacher. To this end, 64 students of the summer course participated in the Flipped Classroom and later evaluated the discipline method. Initially, they received a script with clinical questions about the class's content, which should be discussed and answered about the basic, clinical, and practical application concepts. To evaluate the didactic method applied, on the last day of class, the summer class students were invited to answer a survey about satisfaction when learning the contents. For 98% of the students, the teaching method used was approved. It is also emphasized that this class had 48 repeating students, unmotivated with the course because, for many, they declared themselves unable to be approved. Given the success of the method, we decided to apply it throughout 2018, so the method was applied to over 180 students of FCE/UnB health courses. In short, it is considered that the results presented here to support other studies that highlight the need for changes in traditional teaching methods, which is a didactic option in undergraduate courses.

Inducible nitric oxide synthase controls experimental Strongyloides infection.

Infection with Strongyloides sp. induces a host immune response, predominantly the Th2 type, that is able to eliminate the parasite. However, little is known about the role of the nitric oxide (NO) mediator, induced by the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS), in strongyloidiasis. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the immune response of mice genetically deficient in the enzyme inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS-/- ), infected with Strongyloides venezuelensis. C57BL/6 wild-type (WT) and iNOS-/- mice were individually inoculated by subcutaneous injection of 3000 S. venezuelensis L3 larvae. In the absence of iNOS, mice were more susceptible to the infection than WT animals, in which the parasite was completely eliminated. The overall production of cytokines and specific IgG, IgG1 or IgE antibodies against the parasite was significantly lowered in infected iNOS-/- mice. The expression of iNOS was observed in the intestine of WT hosts but mainly in the wall of the parasite, despite the presence of iNOS in mice. Altogether, we concluded that iNOS expression may play an important role in the control of S. venezuelensis infection.

Clinical and epidemiological features of mpox in a Brazilian reference center for HIV and sexually transmitted infections: A cross-sectional study.

Background: The 2022 mpox outbreak has affected disproportionately people living with HIV (PLWH) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) users. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study to evaluate factors associated with laboratory diagnosis of mpox among suspected cases, and access differences between PrEP users and PLWH with confirmed diagnostic. Results: 394 mpox suspected cases were analyzed, 309 (78.4%) confirmed. Most patients with mpox were PLWH (54.4%) and 99 (32%) PrEP users. Mpox cases were likely to be between 25 and 39 years old (aOR=2.8; p=0.042), men who have sex with men/bisexual or transgender women (aOR=17.2; p< 0.001) and to have fever (aOR=4.7; p< 0.001), adenomegaly (aOR=7.2; p< 0.001) and multiple vesicular lesions (aOR=4.2; p< 0.001). Comparing PrEP users to PLWH with confirmed mpox, PrEP users had lesions predominantly with exclusive genital involvement (p=0.016); while PLWH had higher extragenital involvement (p=0.018). Conclusions: PrEP users and PLWHA were the main epidemiological groups in our cohort. Recognizing the differences between vulnerable populations can contribute to the development public policies to control mpox in settings with reduced access to vaccines.

Antiretroviral treatment adherence in childhood and adolescence: multidisciplinary team as an associated factor in Brazil.

Our aim was to analyze factors associated with non-adherence to antiretroviral (ARV) treatment among children and adolescents. A cross-sectional study was carried out involving non-institutionalized children and adolescents between 2 and 20 years of age, addressing non-adherence to ARV treatment, which was defined as taking ≤89% of the medications on the day of the interview and the three previous days. The investigation into the association between non-compliance and the variables of interest was performed using unconditional logistic regression. The independent factors associated with non-adherence were forgetfulness (OR = 3.22; 95%CI = 1.75-5.92), difficulties coping with treatment (OR = 2.65; 95%CI = 1.03-6.79), and living with grandparents (OR = 2.28; 95%CI = 1.08-4.83), whereas a protective effect was found with participation in multidisciplinary activities (OR = 0.49; 95%CI = 0.25-0.96), i.e., this factor indicates that the exposure to the variable is beneficial, promoting adherence. We concluded that forgetting to take the medications and reporting having difficulty coping with ARV treatment are potentially modifiable factors through educational and programmatic actions. Residing with one's grandparents may strongly impact adherence to ARV treatment, indicating the need for the systematic support of these family members. Participation in multidisciplinary activities should be stimulated at health-care services.

Increased susceptibility to Strongyloides venezuelensis infection is related to the parasite load and absence of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules.

In human and murine models strongyloidiasis induce a Th2 type response. In the current study we investigated the role of different loads of Strongyloides venezuelensis in the immune response raised against the parasite and the participation of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecule in the disease outcome in face of the different parasite burden. The C57BL/6 wild type (WT) and MHC II(-/-) mice were individually inoculated by subcutaneous injection with 500 or 3000 S. venezuelensis L3. The MHC II(-/-) mice infected with 3000L3 were more susceptible to S. venezuelensis infection when compared with WT groups, in which the parasite was completely eliminated. The production of Th2 cytokines and specific IgG1 or IgE antibodies against parasite were significantly lowered in MHC II(-/-) infected mice with different larvae inoculums. The infection of MHC II(-/-) mice with S. venezuelensis induced slight inflammatory alterations in the small intestine, and these lesions were lower when compared with WT mice, irrespective of the parasite load utilized to infect animals. Finally, we concluded that MHC class II molecules are essential in the immune response against S. venezuelensis mainly when infection occurs with high parasite inoculum.

Seropositivity to Cysticercosis in School-Age Children Living in a Low-Income Municipality in the Midwest Region of Brazil.

Background: Human cysticercosis (CC) is a global public health problem, especially in Latin America, including Brazil. We aimed to analyze the seroprevalence of CC among school-age children and adolescents. Methods: We analyzed the presence of specific IgG antibodies against Taenia solium metacestodes in 500 serum samples from elementary school children and adolescents in Jataí City, state of Goiás, Brazil. IgG antibodies against the antigenic extract of the parasite were detected and analyzed by ELISA, and specific peptides were identified by confirmatory Western Blotting test. Results: Of the 500 study participants, 205 (41%) were male, and 295 (59%) were female. Participants aged between 4 and 18 years (mean age 8.4 years). The percentage of serum samples reactive by ELISA was 37.2%. These samples were analyzed by Western Blotting, which confirmed that the seropositivity rate was 6.2% (95% CI 2.4-14.7) in 31 samples reactive for CC-specific bands, determined in serum samples from 18 male (5-11 years old) and 13 female (4-12 years old) students. Conclusion: The CC seroprevalence demonstrated in schoolchildren suggests that this parasitosis is endemic in the study area. Further investigations are necessary to clarify the local epidemiology of this parasitosis.

IgG4 and IgE anti-Strongyloides stercoralis as additional parameters in characterizing patients with diabetes from a hyperendemic area.

We report the detection of IgG, IgG1, IgG4 and IgE anti-Strongyloides stercoralis as complementary tool for screening in patients with diabetes in hyperendemic areas for strongyloidiasis. A panel of 119 serum samples were analyzed: 76 from patients with DM2 and 43 patients with other endocrine diseases and a positive correlation for total IgG levels with IgG4 (rs = 0.559; P = 0.024; n = 16) and IgG and IgE (rs = 0.585; P < 0.0001; n = 76) was found in the diabetes group.

Estrogen, cognitive functions and emotion: an overview on humans, non-human primates and rodents in reproductive years.

Accumulating evidence has highlighted a number of important, global issues regarding the influence of estrogen on emotion and cognitive functions,including learning and memory processes, both in animal models and humans. The influence of estrogen on cognition and emotion can be explained by taking into account its modulator role on several neurotransmitter systems, acetylcholine in particular, but also catecholamines,serotonin and GABA in rodents, primates and humans. Another reason may lie in the wide spread presence of the two classes (a and~) of estrogen receptors in many brain regions involved in emotion and cognition, including the hippocampal formation, amygdala and cerebral cortex. The present review reports on research conducted in our laboratory and others with the objective of identifying the action of estrogens on cognition and emotion in rodents, monkeys and humans in youth. In particular, the first section,focused on the mechanisms of estrogens action in the brain, illustrates the involvement of estrogen receptors and neurotransmitters in the cognitive and emotional processes; the second section deals with the estrogen effects on cognitive and emotional mechanisms, with particular emphasis on memory and the involvement of estrogen in emotion and cognition across the estrous/menstrual cycle.

Placentation in the anteaters Myrmecophaga tridactyla and Tamandua tetradactyla (Eutheria, Xenarthra).

BACKGROUND: Since Xenarthra are serious candidates for being basal to Eutheria, their characteristics, e.g. the placental system, influence perceptions of evolution. However, in the subgroup containing the anteaters, data are very limited. The present study aims to elucidate the nature of the feto-maternal interface in the anteater placenta and to interpret these data within an evolutionary context. METHODS: Placentas of two species were investigated with histology, immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: Remnants of the maternal vessel endothelium were absent, resulting in a fully haemochorial barrier throughout the placenta. Two structurally different parts, the villous and trabecular areas were complex and intermingled. In particular, the trabeculae which consisted of cellular, proliferative trophoblast, associated with connective tissue, were attached to the decidua. The villi contained fetal capillaries and hypertrophied mesenchymal cells that occurred near the surface near the end of gestation. The surface of the villi consisted of flat, syncytial trophoblast, interspersed with proliferative trophoblast cells. CONCLUSIONS: Based on fundamental differences between anteaters and armadillos, we inferred that placental evolution was more complex than previously thought. The haemochorial pattern of anteaters was likely an ancient condition of xenarthrans. Consequently, villous placentation may be attributed, at least in part, by convergent evolution, but was also characterized by some features that were widespread among xenarthrans.

HIV-1 tropism and CD4 T lymphocyte recovery in a prospective cohort of patients initiating HAART in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.

While human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 chemokine co-receptors 5 tropism and the GWGR motif in the envelope third variable region (V3 loop) have been associated with a slower disease progression, their influence on antiretroviral response remains unclear. The impact of baseline V3 characteristics on treatment response was evaluated in a randomised, double blind, prospective cohort study with patients initiating highly active antiretroviral therapy with lopinavir or efavirenz plus azithothymidine/3TC (1:1) over 48 weeks. Similar virological and immunological responses were observed for both treatment regimens. The 43 individuals had a mean baseline CD4 T cell count of 119 cells/mm(3) [standard deviation (SD) = 99] and a mean viral load of 5.09 log(10) copies/mL (SD = 0.49). The GWGR motif was not associated with a CD4 T cell response, but predicted R5 tropism by the geno2pheno([clinical20%]) algorithm correlated with higher CD4 T cell levels at all monitoring points (p < 0.05). Moreover, higher false-positive rates (FPR) values from this analysis revealed a strong correlation with CD4 T cell recovery (p < 0.0001). Transmitted drug resistance mutations, documented in 3/41 (7.3%) cases, were unrelated to the assigned antiretroviral regimen and had no impact on patient outcomes. In conclusion, naÏve HIV-1 R5 infected patients exhibited higher CD4 T cell counts at baseline; this difference was sustained throughout therapy. The geno2pheno([clinical]) option FPR positively correlated with CD4 T cell gain and may be useful in predicting CD4 T cell recovery.

Importance of detection of Strongyloides stercoralis DNA in fecal samples from patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: The association between diabetes and Strongyloides infection remains controversial. This study aimed to detect Strongyloides stercoralis DNA in the feces of patients with Diabetes Mellitus type 2 (DM2). METHODS: Fecal samples were analyzed via the Lutz, Rugai, and agar plate culture methods. PCR amplification was performed using two targets (PCR-genus and PCR-species) located on the S. stercoralis 18S ribosomal. RESULTS: The positivity for S. stercoralis using parasitological methods was 1.1%. PCR-genus (14.13%) demonstrated a higher positivity than PCR-species (9.78%). CONCLUSION: The results confirm the greater positivity of the molecular diagnosis in relation to parasitological methods, reinforcing its use as an additional tool for the diagnosis of S. stercoralis infection in patients with DM2 living in endemic areas for this helminthiasis.

High-resolution phylogenetics and phylogeography of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 subtype C epidemic in South America.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 subtype C (HIV-1C) represents 30-65% of HIV infections in southern Brazil, and isolated cases of HIV-1C infection have also been reported in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Venezuela. Phylogenetic studies have suggested that the Brazilian subtype C epidemic was initiated by the introduction of closely related strains. Nevertheless, because of sampling limitations, the point of entry and the timing of subtype C introduction into Brazil, as well as the origin of the founder lineage, remain controversial. The present study investigated the origin, spread and phylogeography of HIV-1C in South America. Phylogenetic analysis showed a well-supported monophyletic clade including all available strains from Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina. Only one lineage from Venezuela was unrelated to the epidemic involving the other three countries. Molecular clock and likelihood mapping analysis showed that HIV-1C introduction in Brazil dated back to the period 1960-1970, much earlier than previously thought, and was followed by a nearly simultaneous star-like outburst of viral lineages, indicating a subsequent rapid spread. Phylogeographic patterns suggested Paraná or Rio Grande do Sul as the possible entrance points of subtype C and an asymmetrical gene flow from Paraná to Sao Paulo, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul, as well as from Rio Grande do Sul to Sao Paulo fostered by the strong inter-connectivity between population centres in southern Brazil. The study illustrates how coupling phylogeography inference with geographical information system data is critical to understand the origin and dissemination of viral pathogens and potentially predict their future spread.

Comparative anatomy of the encephalon of new world primates with emphasis for the Sapajus sp.

Studies about the anatomy of the New World Primates are scarce, mainly comparative neuroanatomy, then a morphological comparative analysis about the tropical Primates were performed and a effort was made for an Old World Primates and modern humans relationship for the obtained data; plus, comments about behavior e and allometry were performed to try link the high cognition and abilities of the Sapajus with the neuroanatomical results, however, despite the deep neuroanatomic data obtained, we do not found an intrinsic relation to explain that.

Blastocystis subtypes in patients with diabetes mellitus from the Midwest region of Brazil.

Blastocystis sp. is an enteric protist commonly found in human fecal samples. In Brazil, few studies have been developed, but none of them has explored the presence of Blastocystis in patients with diabetes mellitus. We evaluated the occurrence and molecular identification of Blastocystis sp. among patients with diabetes mellitus in the Midwest region, Goias State, Brazil. Genomic DNA was obtained from 175 fecal samples (99 from the diabetic group and 76 from the control group). PCR was performed using pan-Blastocystis primers from the SSU-rDNA gene. Microscopic examination revealed positivity of 12.1% and 7.9% for Blastocystis in diabetics and in controls, respectively. Amplification of Blastocystis DNA was observed in 34.4% (34 of 99) and 30.3% (23 of 76) from the diabetic and control groups, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses and BLAST searches revealed six subtypes among Blastocystis isolates in the diabetic group, represented by ST1 (38.2%), ST2 (11.8%), ST3 (35.3%), ST6 (2.9%), ST7 (2.9%) and ST8 (8.8%). In the control group, ST1 (21.8%), ST2 (21.8%), ST3 (43.5%), ST6 (4.4%) and ST8 (8.7%) were identified. This study is the first report regarding the occurrence and subtypes distribution of Blastocystis in patients with diabetes mellitus in Brazil. The results reinforce the potential risk of Blastocystis infection in patients with diabetes, in addition, it contributes to the understanding of the genetic diversity of this enigmatic organism.

Open access publishers: The new players.

The essential role of journals as registries of scientific activity in all areas of knowledge justifies concern about their ownership and type of access. The purpose of this research is to analyze the main characteristics of publishers with journals that have received the DOAJ Seal. The specific objectives are a) to identify publishers and journals registered with the DOAJ Seal; b) to characterize those publishers; and c) to analyze their article processing fees. The research method involved the use of the DOAJ database, the Seal option and the following indicators: publisher, title, country, number of articles, knowledge area, article processing charges in USD, time for publication in weeks, and year of indexing in DOAJ. The results reveal a fast-rising oligopoly, dominated by Springer with 35% of the titles and PLOS with more than 20% of the articles. We've identified three models of expansion: a) a few titles with hundreds of articles; b) a high number of titles with a mix of big and small journals; and c) a high number of titles with medium-size journals. We identify a high number of titles without APCs (27%) in all areas while medicine was found to be the most expensive area. Commercial publishers clearly exercise control over the scope of journals and the creation of new titles, according to the interests of their companies, which are not necessarily the same as those of the scientific community or of society in general.

Comparative Gross Anatomy of the Forelimb Arteries of the Japanese Monkey (Macaca fuscata) and a Comparative Pattern of Forelimb Arterial Distribution in Primates.

Macaca fuscata displays characteristic behaviours, such as stone handling, locomotor behaviour, gait position, and intermittent bipedalism. Differences in characteristic behaviours among primate species/genera could be explained by anatomical details of the body. However, the anatomical details have not been well studied in Macaca fuscata. Arterial models could be one of the anatomical bases for the phylogenetic and functional differences among species, since the arterial supply could be associated with the muscular performance, especially locomotor behaviour. In this study, five thoracic limbs of Macaca fuscata adults were dissected to analyse the vessels. Patterns of arterial distribution in the thoracic limbs of Macaca fuscata were compared with those in other primates. The results indicated that the arterial distribution in the Japanese monkeys was more similar to those in Macaca mulatta and Papio anubis, which is consistent with phylogenetic similarities. However, compared with Papio anubis and other macaques, there were anatomical differences in several points, including (1) the origin of the common, anterior, posterior circumflex, and profunda brachii, and (2) the origins of the collateralis ulnaris artery. The comparative anatomy of the arteries in the forelimb of Macaca fuscata, along with the anatomical studies in other primates, indicated characteristic patterns of brachial artery division and the number of the palmar arches in primates, which is consistent with the phylogenetic division among New World primates, Old World primates, and apes.

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II but not MHC class I molecules are required for efficient control of Strongyloides venezuelensis infection in mice.

Strongyloides stercoralis is an intestinal nematode capable of chronic, persistent infection and hyperinfection of the host; this can lead to dissemination, mainly in immunosuppressive states, in which the infection can become severe and result in the death of the host. In this study, we investigated the immune response against Strongyloides venezuelensis infection in major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I or class II deficient mice. We found that MHC II(-/-) animals were more susceptible to S. venezuelensis infection as a result of the presence of an elevated number of eggs in the faeces and a delay in the elimination of adult worms compared with wild-type (WT) and MHC I(-/-) mice. Histopathological analysis revealed that MHC II(-/-) mice had a mild inflammatory infiltration in the small intestine with a reduction in tissue eosinophilia. These mice also presented a significantly lower frequency of eosinophils and mononuclear cells in the blood, together with reduced T helper type 2 (Th2) cytokines in small intestine homogenates and sera compared with WT and MHC I(-/-) animals. Additionally, levels of parasite-specific immunoglobulin M (IgM), IgA, IgE, total IgG and IgG1 were also significantly reduced in the sera of MHC II(-/-) infected mice, while a non-significant increase in the level of IgG2a was found in comparison to WT or MHC I(-/-) infected mice. Together, these data demonstrate that expression of MHC class II but not class I molecules is required to induce a predominantly Th2 response and to achieve efficient control of S. venezuelensis infection in mice.

Microsatellite markers for population genetic studies of the blowfly Chrysomya putoria (Diptera: Calliphoridae).

The investigation of the genetic variation and population structure of Chrysomya species is of great interest for both basic and applied research. However, very limited genetic information is available for this genus across its geographical distribution. Here, we describe 12 polymorphic microsatellite loci isolated from Chrysomya putoria with expected heterozygosities ranging from 0.1402-0.8312. These markers are of potential applied interest for forensic entomologists and for the characterisation of the genetic structure of C. putoria from recently colonised regions, with great promise for understanding the colonisation dynamics and spread of the genus Chrysomya in the New World.

Continuous Use of Combined Hormonal Contraceptive and the Effect on Blood Coagulation Factors in Female Capuchin Monkeys (Sapajus libidinosus).

This study aimed at evaluating the availability of the primate Sapajus libidinosus as an animal model for research assessing the physiological effects of the continuous use of combined hormonal contraceptives. In order to do this, six reproductively active female S. libidinosus from the Primate Research Center of the University of Brasília were selected to take part in this experiment. Every 21 days or so, each female received a single dose of combined hormonal contraceptive (algestone acetophenide and 17-enanthate estradiol) in a total of five doses throughout the experiment. The physiological parameters were accessed by means of 13 blood samples from each female, whereas three were gathered during the baseline and 10 samples were collected during the treatment phase. The results showed that the contraceptive use provoked changes in hematological coagulation factors such as an increase in the amount of platelets (p = 0.039) and a reduction in both prothrombin (p < 0.001) and thromboplastin coagulation time (p < 0.001). These results are similar to what has been observed in human patients; thus, it is concluded that S. libidinosus can be successfully used in studies about the physiological impact of hormonal contraceptives.