Epidemiology of hepatitis B virus infection in people living in poverty in the central-west region of Brazil.

BACKGROUND: People living in poverty (PLP) are highly vulnerable to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of HBV infection in PLP in the metropolitan region of Goiânia, Goiás State, in the Central-West Region of Brazil. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from August to December 2016 in adults aged ≥12 years living in poverty. The following serological markers for HBV were investigated: hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibody to HBV core antigen (total anti-HBc), IgM anti-HBc, and hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs), which were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Poisson regression analysis with robust variance was performed to verify the factors associated with HBV exposure. RESULTS: The study included 378 participants. The overall prevalence rate of HBV (any viral marker) was 9.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.2-13.2). The prevalence rate of HBsAg in combination with total anti-HBc was 0.8% (95% CI, 0.3-2.4), total anti-HBc in combination with anti-HBs was 7.7% (95% CI, 5.4-10.9), and total anti-HBc alone was 1.3% (95% CI, 0.5-3.0) in the population. Furthermore, isolated positivity for anti-HBs was identified in only 25.4% (95% CI, 21.3-30.0) of the participants. Multiple regression analysis revealed that age (adjusted prevalence ratio [APR], 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.07), female sex (APR, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.01-4.73), sexual intercourse under the influence of alcohol (APR, 2.49; 95% CI, 1.36-7.06), and exposure to Treponema pallidum (APR, 3.10; 95% CI, 1.36-7.06) were associated with HBV exposure. CONCLUSION: There was a high prevalence of HBV exposure in PLP in the Central-West Region of Brazil, indicating significant viral spread of the infection. Additionally, there was low serological evidence of immunisation against hepatitis B, indicating that a large proportion of the participants in this study are susceptible to the infection. The results support the need for public health policies that facilitate access to the existing healthcare services in hard-to-reach groups with special regard to immunisation programmes against hepatitis B.

Metabolic effects of epinephrine on the crab Neohelice granulata.

Although widely known for their involvement in the control of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism of vertebrates, the participation of catecholamines (CAs) in the metabolism of invertebrates is less understood. This study was designed to identify the physiological role of Epinephrine (E) in the intermediary metabolism of the burrowing crab Neohelice granulata and how E regulates the metabolism in crabs fed with a high-carbohydrate (HC) or a high-protein (HP) diet. To answer these questions, we evaluated in vivo the effects of E injections on glucose and triglycerides in the hemolymph and tissue glycogen levels of crabs fed with HC or HP diet. An in vitro investigation was carried out to assess the direct effects of E on glycogenolysis, lipolysis and glycolysis pathways in the hepatopancreas, mandibular muscle and anterior and posterior gills of this crab. E injections increased glucose and did not affect triglycerides levels in the hemolymph of either group of crabs, and E decreased glycogen in the hepatopancreas and mandibular muscle only in HP crabs, suggesting that these effects may be mediated by the crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (CHH). When the tissues were incubated with different concentrations of E, the concentration of glucose released to the medium decreased in the hepatopancreas and posterior gills, while glucose oxidation increased in the posterior gills of HP crabs. Incubation with E did not alter any parameter in tissues of HC crabs. These effects suggest that E may be involved in the metabolic response to osmotic stress.

Profile development of noncommunicable chronic diseases in a Brazilian rural town.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between socioeconomic and anthropometric data, frequency of food consumption, and the development of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in patients from a small rural town in northeastern Brazil. METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire study was performed on patients from the Lagarto City Hospital (n = 50) and from family health units (n = 370). RESULTS: The 420 patients in the study had one or more NCDs such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia. The mean age was 63.1 ± 8.7 years for both sexes. The typical patient was of mixed or black descent (66%), a farmer, and of low socioeconomic status and education; 100% of men and 84% of women were illiterate or had less than 4 years of schooling. Approximately 50% of women and 89% of men were married and most had never used tobacco or were ex-smokers. The body mass index (BMI) of the study population was 29.4 ± 5.5 kg/m(2), where 70% of the patients were type 2 diabetic with waist circumferences of 99.8 ± 21.2 cm for men and 98.1 ± 13.9 cm for women. The correlation between BMI and waist circumference was r = 0.88. Even with the use of medication, total cholesterol levels of above 240 mg/dL were recorded in 10% of women and about 5% of men. Likewise, 10% of women and 100% of men had triglyceride levels above 200 mg/dL; glucose levels were 133.6 ± 47.4 mg/dL in men and 110.8 ± 38.8 mg/dL in women. Blood pressure values were high, even in patients using one or more antihypertensive drugs for at least 2 years (systolic pressure = 128.5 ± 18.2; diastolic pressure = 86.3 ± 8.9 mmHg). Indices considered above the limit recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) were obtained for 60% of women and 100% of men. Our research revealed that this population is characterized by a relatively low intake of fats and oils. Nevertheless, 100% of patients consumed meat every day, 57.6% never consumed processed foods such as candy or soft drinks, and 89% consumed coffee daily. Furthermore, the consumption of fruits was very low: 46.6% of respondents never ate fruit and 7.8% rarely consumed fruit. Likewise, 68.2% reported never eating milk and dairy products. Vegetables were consumed by only 51.4% of the population and 38.5% rarely or never consumed green vegetables. Products made from wheat, maize, cassava, beans, and rice were often consumed by 59.2% of the population. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that the studied population is affected by nutritional transition, in which the greater access to carbohydrates and animal proteins is associated with high BMI, with the vast majority overweight and suffering from uncontrolled hypertension despite the use of medications. The high consumption of carbohydrates and animal protein, rapid urbanization, and sedentary lifestyle are the main factors responsible for the epidemic of noncommunicable diseases, especially among people with low income and education. Men are particularly affected, with increased visceral fat characterized by an increased waist circumference.

Increased Depression and the Worsening of Depressive Symptoms Associated with Physical Inactivity during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Two-Phase Cross-Sectional Study.

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the incidence of depression and other mental disorders in the general population, influenced by various individual and contextual factors. Physical activity (PA) interventions offer a promising approach to mitigating the negative mental health effects of the pandemic. This study aims to analyze the association between PA and depressive symptoms. A total of 785 individuals aged 37.4 ± 13.2 years (72.5% female) were evaluated at two different time points: the first between 2018 and 2019, and the second during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Depressive symptoms, demographic, and socioeconomic data were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory to estimate depressive symptoms. Frequency analysis and binary and multinomial regression were employed for data analysis. The prevalence of mild depressive symptoms increased from 23.1% before the pandemic to 35.1% during the pandemic. Our findings reveal that practicing PA before the pandemic was a protective factor (OR: 0.19; 95% CI: 0.13, 0.30; p < 0.001) against mild depressive symptoms. Additionally, individuals who continued to practice PA during the pandemic had a lower chance of presenting mild (OR: 0.21; 95% CI: 0.15, 0.30) and moderate/severe (OR: 0.15; 95% CI: 0.08, 0.27) symptoms. Furthermore, our study shows that PA, which was already a protective factor before the pandemic, remained protective during the pandemic, even for those with the highest levels of depression.

Characterization by Raman and infrared spectroscopy and fluorescence microscopy of human hair treated with cosmetic products.

Analytical studies on hair structures have evolved significantly over the years and vibrational spectroscopic techniques, such as Raman and infrared, have been increasingly used for such purposes. Nowadays, there is a need to understand more and more about the action of cosmetics on the hair fiber, so this work aims to analyze the permeation of cosmetic treatments into the hair. For the molecular structural characterization, Raman and infrared spectroscopy techniques were used, being verified the efficiency in the analysis of hair samples, demonstrating the internal characteristics of the fiber and the permeation of different cosmetics. Four cosmetics were chosen for this study and, due to the techniques used, it was possible to observe the diffusion of these products inside the bleached hair. It was observed with the Raman vibrational spectroscopy that the concentration of the products is found mainly in the cuticular region, decreasing the permeate content when approaching the central region, and the infrared spectroscopy showed results compatible with the Raman spectroscopy. Therefore, vibrational spectroscopy proved to be a valuable tool for the study of cosmetic permeation into the hair fiber and for the analysis of its external and internal structure.

Evaluation of rotational grazing as a control strategy for Rhipicephalus microplus in a tropical region.

Rhipicephalus microplus is the most significant tick of livestock and its control is particularly challenging due to its resistance to commercial acaricides. Pasture rotation is considered a management strategy that could help control R. microplus, however, the literature only contemplates mathematical models and little is known about the effects of this practice in the field. The objective of this work was to determine whether pasture rotation is an efficient method for controlling R. microplus. Two different experiments were performed that involved groups of continuous and rotational grazing bovines. Female ticks measuring 4.5-8.0 mm were counted on animals while larvae in pasture were counted using the flannel drag technique. Treatment for infested bovines was applied when the average group tick count was ≥30 females. The results showed that rotational grazing (with 20-day periods of rest) had a higher tick count on-host than continuous grazing (P < 0.05) and additional bovine treatment was needed. Sixty and 105 days were needed to re-infest and disinfest pasture of R. microplus larvae, respectively. The first treatment of bovines occurred 91 days after the animals were placed in a closed area. The results indicate that rotational grazing is not an efficient way to control R. microplus.

Raman spectroscopy and electronic microscopy structural studies of Caucasian and Afro human hair.

Human hair fibre is subjected to various structural modifications due to the application of chemicals such as dyes, shampoos and bleaches and/or physical procedures such as heating, and often more than one procedure is performed on the same hair. The present work aims to analyze the changes incurred in hair samples of two ethnic groups, namely Caucasian and Afro, before and after different treatments such as thermal, bleaching and straightening. In addition to observing the damage caused by each treatment separately, the study of samples that received all three treatments was carried out. For molecular structural characterization, the Raman vibrational spectroscopic technique was used and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used for morphological analysis of the hair fibres. This investigation has shown, through vibrational spectroscopy, that several important bonds have been modified, such as the S-S, C-S, C-C and S-O bonds as well as the secondary structures of proteins that have indergone changes in their conformation as a result of the treatment. Hair from the two ethnic groups showed small differences in relation to each applied treatment. Excessive heat generated a higher rate of Raman spectral band intensity changes when compared to the other treatments and it was observed that the action of several treatments on the same hair fibres resulted in even more pronounced structural changes. Finally, scanning electron microscopy showed that each treatment caused a different morphological deformation pattern on the capillary surface of the human hair.

Synthesis, vibrational spectroscopy and X-ray structural characterization of novel NIR emitter squaramides.

Two new 2-naphthyl squaramides, 3-methoxy -4-(2-naphtalenylamino)-3-cyclobutene-1,2-dione (SQ-NPh1) and bis-3,4-(2-naphtalenylamino)-3-cyclobutene-1,2-dione (SQ-NPh2) were synthesized via condensation reaction between the dimethylsquarate and 2-naphthylamine. The spectrometric characterization by 13C NMR confirmed the obtaining of the squaramide derivative and nor the squaraine analog. This hypothesis was corroborated by Raman and Infrared spectroscopy since the characteristic vibrational bands related to the oxocarbon portion of both structures have been assigned, such as the ones for SQ-NPh1 and SQ-NPh2. The single-crystal X-ray crystallography for SQ-NPh1 crystal structures have been solved and the structure of SQ-NPh2 have been refined using Powder Diffraction state-of-art. The SQ-NPh1 crystallizes in monoclinic system in P2/c space group. Both squaramides present absorption in the ultra-visible (220-370 nm) and fluorescent emission in the near-infrared (780-800 nm), besides they also presented high thermal stability (around 570 °C). Generally, only squaraines are reported as NIR emitters, this is the first description of NIR emission for squaramides, and since the synthesis of squaramides is very easy and the rational design of small-molecule NIR fluorophores is of high priority and great value, these results are very promising for the development of novel NIR fluorescent dyes.

Effect of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) extract on the metabolism of diabetic rats.

The relationship between metabolic disturbances and clinical events related to diabetes is well known. Yerba mate has presented a potential use as preventive and therapeutic agent on diabetes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of yerba mate on different tissues of diabetic rats, focusing on energetic metabolism. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin, followed by daily yerba mate treatment. After 30 days, the animals were euthanized to evaluate metabolic parameters on liver, adipose tissue, muscle and serum. The results showed mate treatment promoted a decrease in retroperitoneal adipose tissue in healthy animals. Muscle weight returned to control levels in diabetic rats treated with mate. There was improvement on serum glucose, creatinine, urea and total protein levels associated with mate treatment. Muscle parameters, such as glucose uptake and carbon dioxide production, were improved by mate treatment to control levels. The results evidenced the beneficial actions mate can have on metabolic disturbances of diabetes.

HIV infection, high-risk behaviors and substance use in homeless men sheltered in therapeutic communities in Central Brazil.

Homeless men present high vulnerability to HIV infection, mainly due to sexual risk behaviors and substance use. The objective was to estimate the prevalence of HIV infection, risk behaviors and substance use in homeless men. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 481 homeless men recruited in four therapeutic communities in the Goiás State, Central Brazil. All were interviewed about sociodemographic characteristics, substance use, and risk behaviors. Furthermore, all were tested for HIV. Poisson regression was used to verify factors associated with HIV infection. HIV prevalence was 1.24% (95.0% CI: 0.57 to 2.69%). Previous HIV testing (adjusted prevalence ratio [APR]: 10.0; 95.0% CI: 1.86-55.8) and years of education (APR: 0.76; 95.0% CI: 0.60-0.97) were factors associated with HIV infection. Participants had high rates of hazardous alcohol use and illicit drug use. The prevalence of HIV infection among homeless men was higher than that found in the Brazilian male population and we identified a high rate of risk behaviors for HIV among the homeless men investigated. Thus, it is necessary to expand HIV prevention measures in Brazil, such as health education, condom availability, regular HIV testing and increased testing coverage in this population, and treatment for alcohol and/or illicit drug dependence/abuse.

Eimeria species in dairy and beef cattle of different ages in Goiás state, Brazil.

This study aimed to identify the frequency of occurrence of Eimeria species in Holstein (taurine dairy cattle) and Nelore (zebu beef cattle) on 12 farms in the state of Goiás, Brazil. A total of 2,601 animals were evaluated, and the cattle were divided into the following age-group categories: up to three months old, four to eight months old, nine to 16 months old and cows. Fecal samples were collected directly from the rectum of all animals. None of the cattle presented any clinical signs of eimeriosis during the survey. From the results obtained, it could be concluded that higher rates of infection by Eimeria spp. were observed in Holstein cattle between the 1st and 16 th months of age and in Nelore cattle between the 1st and 8th months of age. Twelve and nine Eimeria species were diagnosed in Holstein and Nelore cattle, respectively. However, Eimeria zuernii was more prevalent in animals up to three months old, while Eimeria bovis was more common in the remaining categories (cattle aged four months and over). Future studies on the epidemiology and/or seasonality of infection by Eimeria species in cattle, from birth onwards, are needed in order to better understand the dynamics of E. zuernii and E. bovis occurrences, especially in cattle under three months of age.

Eimeria species in dairy and beef cattle of different ages in Goiás state, Brazil / Espécies de Eimeria em bovinos de leite e corte de diferentes idades no Estado de Goiás, Brasil

Abstract This study aimed to identify the frequency of occurrence of Eimeria species in Holstein (taurine dairy cattle) and Nelore (zebu beef cattle) on 12 farms in the state of Goiás, Brazil. A total of 2,601 animals were evaluated, and the cattle were divided into the following age-group categories: up to three months old, four to eight months old, nine to 16 months old and cows. Fecal samples were collected directly from the rectum of all animals. None of the cattle presented any clinical signs of eimeriosis during the survey. From the results obtained, it could be concluded that higher rates of infection by Eimeria spp. were observed in Holstein cattle between the 1st and 16 th months of age and in Nelore cattle between the 1st and 8th months of age. Twelve and nine Eimeria species were diagnosed in Holstein and Nelore cattle, respectively. However, Eimeria zuernii was more prevalent in animals up to three months old, while Eimeria bovis was more common in the remaining categories (cattle aged four months and over). Future studies on the epidemiology and/or seasonality of infection by Eimeria species in cattle, from birth onwards, are needed in order to better understand the dynamics of E. zuernii and E. bovis occurrences, especially in cattle under three months of age.

Resumo O presente trabalho teve como objetivo identificar a frequência das espécies de Eimeria spp. em bovinos holandeses (bovinos de leite) e Nelore (bovinos de corte) em 12 propriedades no Estado de Goiás. Foi avaliado um total de 2.601 animais, e em cada propriedade, os bovinos foram divididos nas seguintes categorias conforme a idade: até 3 meses, 4 a 8 meses, 9 a 16 meses e vacas. Amostras de fezes foram coletadas diretamente da ampola retal dos animais. Com base nos resultados obtidos pode-se concluir que em holandeses e Nelores, o maior número de bovinos infectados por Eimeria spp. foi observado do 1º ao 16º e do 1º ao 8º meses de idade, respectivamente. Não houve nenhum caso de eimeriose clínica durante a pesquisa. Doze e nove espécies de Eimeria foram diagnosticadas em holandeses e Nelores, respectivamente. As duas espécies mais frequentes foram Eimeria bovis e Eimeria zuernii, entretanto, E. zuernii foi mais prevalente em animais até os 3 meses de idade, enquanto que E. bovis foi a mais frequente nas demais categorias de bovinos, a partir dos 4 meses de idade. Futuros estudos relacionados à epidemiologia e/ou de sazonalidade da infecção por espécies Eimeria spp., em bovinos desde o seu nascimento, são necessários, a fim de melhor entender a dinâmica de ocorrência de E. zuernii e E. bovis principalmente em bezerros com até 3 meses de idade.

Análise microbiológica de presunto cozido fatiado comercializado na cidade de Ribeirão Preto - SP / Microbiological analysis of sliced baked ham marketed in the city of Ribeirao Preto - SP

Objetivou-se neste trabalho analisar a qualidade microbiológica do presunto fatiado comercializado na cidade de Ribeirão Preto-SP. Os resultados das análises microbiológicas foram obtidos pela determinação de presença e contagem de micro- -organismos patógenos e/ou deteriorantes, dentre eles Salmonella, coliformes, clostrídios sulfito redutores, Staphylococcus aureus e mesófilos. Foram analisadas 30 amostras, sendo 15 fatiadas e embaladas à vácuo pelo próprio fabricante e 15 fatiadas e embaladas pelo estabelecimento comercial. As amostras diferiam em fabricante e estabelecimento de comercialização. Os dados evidenciam que 6,7% das amostras analisadas de presunto em embalagens à vácuo acusaram a presença de Staphylococcus aureus. Das amostras analisadas e embaladas pelo estabelecimento comercial 13,3% acusaram presença de Staphylococcus aureus e 33,3 % acusaram presença de coliformes. Os resultados obtidos indicam possíveis falhas nas condições higienicossanitárias durante a manipulação do produto.

Instrumento de avaliação da sucção do recém-nascido com vistas a alimentação ao seio materno / Assessment scale of newborn sucking for breastfeeding

OBJETIVO: avaliar a acurácia do "Instrumento de avaliação da sucção do recém-nascido na alimentação no seio materno". MÉTODOS: trata-se de um estudo diagnóstico. O "Instrumento de avaliação da sucção do recém-nascido na alimentação no seio materno" foi elaborado a partir de um instrumento preexistente, já validado. Participaram do estudo 152 binômios mãe/bebê, internados em alojamento conjunto. O estudo foi dividido em duas etapas, sendo a primeira delas de adaptação do instrumento e a segunda da validação do "Instrumento de avaliação da sucção do recém-nascido na alimentação no seio materno" propriamente dito. Para comparação entre os instrumentos, considerou-se como padrão ouro o "Protocolo de avaliação da mamada" proposto pelo UNICEF. Para análise estatística aplicou-se o teste de associação do Qui-quadrado (primeira etapa) e construção da Curva "Receiver Operating Characteristics"(segunda etapa). RESULTADOS: na primeira etapa, o "Instrumento de avaliação da sucção do recém-nascido na alimentação no seio materno" foi elaborado a partir dos comportamentos do recém-nascido que apresentaram associação no seio materno, sendo constituído dos itens postura, movimento e canolamento de língua e movimento de mandíbula. Entretanto, na segunda etapa, verificou-se que o "Instrumento de avaliação da sucção do recém-nascido na alimentação no seio materno" apresenta uma acurácia inadequada, não sendo um preditor do comportamento do bebê no seio materno. CONCLUSÃO: o "Instrumento de avaliação da sucção do recém-nascido na alimentação no seio materno" não pode ser considerado ...

PURPOSE: to evaluate the accuracy of the “Assessment sucking scale to newborn in breastfeeding”. METHODS: this is a diagnostic study. The “Assessment sucking scale to newborn in breastfeeding” was drawn from an existing instrument, has been validated. The study included 152 mothers / newborn hospitalized in rooming in care. The study was divided into two stages, the first stage adaptation of the instrument and the second validation of the “Assessment sucking scale to newborn in breastfeeding” itself. For comparison between the instruments, it was considered as the gold standard “Protocol assessment of breastfeeding” proposed by UNICEF. Statistical analysis was applied to test the association chi square (first stage) and building the “Receiver Operating Characteristics” curve (second stage). RESULTS: in the first phase, the “Assessment sucking scale to newborn in breastfeeding” was drawn from the behavior of newborns who were associated with breastfeeding, consisting of items posture, movement and cupping tongue and jaw movement. However, in the second stage, it was found that “Assessment sucking scale to newborn in breastfeeding” has a poor accuracy and is not a predictor of the behavior of the newborn in the breastfeeding. CONCLUSION: the “Assessment sucking scale to newborn in breastfeeding” cannot be considered a predictor of behavior newborn in the breastfeeding. .