MOLECULAR AND MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF SARCOCYSTIS INFECTIONS IN THE MUSCLES OF GRAY WOLVES (CANIS LUPUS) FROM MINNESOTA SUGGEST THEY MAY SERVE AS RESERVOIRS FOR INFECTION IN DOMESTICATED DOGS.

ABSTRACT: Sarcocystis infections were found for the first time in the muscles of 3 of 3 gray wolves (Canis lupus) from Minnesota. Two kinds (thin-walled and thick-walled) of sarcocysts were detected, based on the appearance of the sarcocyst wall. In wolf 1, sarcocysts were thin-walled (<0.5 µm), and without any visible protrusions. Ultrastructurally, the sarcocyst wall was type 1a and identical to Sarcocystis svanai of the domestic dog (Canis familiaris). The second kind of sarcocyst, with a relatively thicker (>1 µm) sarcocyst wall, was detected in wolves 2 and 3. Ultrastructurally, the sarcocyst wall had undulating, pleomorphic villar protrusion of type 9c; these sarcocysts were identical to Sarcocystis caninum from the domestic dog. Molecularly, the 2 Sarcocystis species were characterized using 18S, 28S, COI, ITS-1, and rpoB genetic markers. All these markers showed 100% identity to either of the 2 species previously described from the domestic dog. The thick-walled sarococyst corresponded to Sarcocystis caninum, whereas the thin-walled sarcocyst corresponded to Sarcocystis svanai.

Trichinella murrelli identified in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Pennsylvania, USA.

Trichinella infections have been eliminated from pork where pigs are raised in biosecure facilities, but wildlife infections persist. Trichinella murrelli is the primary zoonotic species in wild carnivores in the United States, having been identified in several species of omnivores and carnivores. Here, we document its occurrence in seven of 21 (33.3%) red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from six counties in Pennsylvania. Encysted Trichinella larvae were detected in muscle squashes (<5 g samples) of all seven foxes, and in histological sections of the tongue and limb muscle of three. Larvae from muscle squashes were pooled and tested in a multiplex PCR capable of differentiating all Trichinella species native to the USA; all samples contained only T. murrelli. This is the first identification of T. murrelli in red foxes from Pennsylvania, and the first such survey performed in the last three decades. Results indicate that Trichinella remains endemic in Pennsylvania wildlife and a threat to the health of those who consume wild game.

TRICHINELLA AND AT LEAST THREE SPECIES OF SARCOCYSTIS PARASITIZE THE MUSCLES OF BOBCATS (LYNX RUFUS) FROM MISSISSIPPI.

Muscles of 25 bobcats (Lynx rufus) from remote areas of Mississippi in 2017 were tested for parasites. Testing for Sarcocystis infections included microscopic examination of fresh unstained muscle squashes, pepsin digestion of hearts and tongues, and histological sections of paraffin-embedded tissues. Sarcocystis spp. infections were detected in the muscles of 21 (84%) by a combination of methods. Sarcocysts were detected in the unstained tongue squashes of 2 bobcats. Sarcocystis sp. bradyzoites were detected in the pepsin digests of 3 of 19 hearts, and 12 of 19 tongues. In paraffin-embedded histological sections, sarcocysts were detected in 7 of 25 hearts, 17 of 25 tongues, and 5 of 23 limb muscles. Based on the character of the cyst wall, at least 3 morphologic types of sarcocysts were detected: those with small spikes on the cyst wall, corresponding to Sarcocystis felis, those with long villar protrusions, corresponding to Sarcocystis neurona, and those lacking visible cyst wall protrusions, representing an unidentified type of sarcocyst. Myositis associated with sarcocysts was seen in the tongues of 3, and in the limb muscles of 1 bobcat. Multilocus genotyping of the DNA extracted from paraffin-embedded sections from 2 bobcats, employing 18S, 28S, COI, ITS-1, and 5.8S and rpoB genes, diagnosed Sarcocystis caninum, S. felis, Sarcocystis lutrae, and S. neurona. An encapsulated species of Trichinella was identified in the tongue of 1; it represents the first documented occurrences in bobcats from Mississippi. Taken together, these observations suggest intensive exposure of these wild carnivores to Trichinella tissue cysts, implies predation or scavenging on these tissues promotes parasite transmission, and raises caution concerning zoonotic risk when such meat is rendered for human consumption.

Biosurfactant Production by Pseudomonas: a Systematic Review.

It is of fundamental interest to research and develop innovative biotechnologies, as well as bioproducts that replace or are alternatives to those of non-renewable origin, such as biosurfactants in relation to traditional surfactants used in various sectors. Consequently, there are a large number of experimental studies addressing different subjects, especially with the use of bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas; however, there is a lack of work that demonstrates the evaluation of this science produced to date. Therefore, this article discusses the production of biosurfactants by Pseudomonas with the aim of surveying and analyzing experimental articles on this topic. To realize this, a systematic search was carried out with well-defined temporal space, databases, and inclusion and exclusion criteria, based on metric studies that guided what information would be collected and the method of evaluation. Therefore, a large number of articles were selected, which demonstrated Pseudomonas aeruginosa as the bioagent mostly used in the tests, which aimed to improve the process in the area. Furthermore, interest in this field has increased over the years, predominantly in emerging market countries, where the most prominent authors on the topic are found. Therefore, it is necessary that there is an expansion of interest in the area to make the production of biosurfactants cheaper in areas that currently have greater development deficiencies, such as means of purifying the bioprocess and reducing foam formation in the bioprocess.

Pregnancy in girls under 14 years old: Spatial analysis in Brazil, 2011-2021. / Gravidez em meninas menores de 14 anos: análise espacial no Brasil, 2011 a 2021.

The objective was to analyze the spatial distribution of pregnancy in children under 14 years and six months by Brazilian region and municipality and sociodemographic and health characteristics of pregnant women and live births. Ecological study analyzing the Live Birth Information System (SINASC) from 2011 to 2021 in three age groups (< 14 years and six months, 15-19 years, and 20 years and above) by demographic and birth variables. We applied the Global and Local Moran. A total of 127,022 live births to girls aged 10-14 years were identified during the period, most of whom were Black, 21.1% in common-law or married relationships, with a lower proportion of seven prenatal care appointments and enrollment in the first trimester, a higher proportion of low birth weight and low Apgar score, residing in the North and Northeast. The mean live birth rate for 10-to-14-year-old girls was significantly autocorrelated with space, especially in municipalities of the Midwest and North. Pregnancy from 10 to 14 years of age reveals several vulnerabilities suffered by these girls due to pregnancy at an early age, which is more common among Black women, with implications for morbimortality for them and their children and the presumed violence in these cases, including denied access to legal abortion.

O objetivo foi analisar a distribuição espacial da gravidez em menores de 14 anos e seis meses segundo regiões e municípios brasileiros e características sociodemográficas e de saúde das parturientes e nascidos vivos. Estudo ecológico, analisando o Sistema de Informação sobre Nascidos Vivos (SINASC), 2011-2021, em três grupos etários (<14 anos e 6 meses, 15-19 e 20 anos e mais), segundo variáveis demográficas e do parto. Foram aplicados os Índices Global e Local de Moran. No período foram 127.022 nascidos vivos de meninas 10-14 anos, na maioria negras, 21,1% em união estável ou casadas, com menor proporção de 7 consultas de pré-natal e captação no primeiro trimestre, maior proporção de baixo peso ao nascer e baixo índice de Apgar, residentes nas regiões Norte e Nordeste. A taxa média de nascidos vivos de 10-14 anos mostrou autocorrelação significativa com o espaço, especialmente em municípios do Centro-Oeste e Norte. A gravidez de 10 a 14 revela uma sequência de vulnerabilidades sofridas por essas meninas, pela gravidez em idade precoce, maior frequência entre negras, com implicações na morbimortalidade para ela e seus filhos; e pela violência presumida nesses casos, incluindo o acesso negado ao aborto legal.

Advances in uromodulin biology and potential clinical applications.

Uromodulin (also known as Tamm-Horsfall protein) is a kidney-specific glycoprotein secreted bidirectionally into urine and into the circulation, and it is the most abundant protein in normal urine. Although the discovery of uromodulin predates modern medicine, its significance in health and disease has been rather enigmatic. Research studies have gradually revealed that uromodulin exists in multiple forms and has important roles in urinary and systemic homeostasis. Most uromodulin in urine is polymerized into highly organized filaments, whereas non-polymeric uromodulin is detected both in urine and in the circulation, and can have distinct roles. The interactions of uromodulin with the immune system, which were initially reported to be a key role of this protein, are now better understood. Moreover, the discovery that uromodulin is associated with a spectrum of kidney diseases, including acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease and autosomal-dominant tubulointerstitial kidney disease, has further accelerated investigations into the role of this protein. These discoveries have prompted new questions and ushered in a new era in uromodulin research. Here, we delineate the latest discoveries in uromodulin biology and its emerging roles in modulating kidney and systemic diseases, and consider future directions, including its potential clinical applications.

Effect of hydrostatic pressure on the supramolecular assembly of surfactant-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes.

The supramolecular assembly of simple colloids into complex, hierarchical structures arises from a delicate interplay of short-range directional and isotropic long-range forces. These assemblies are highly sensitive to environmental changes, such as temperature variations and the presence of specific molecules, making them promising candidates for nanomachine design. In this study, we investigate the effect of hydrostatic pressure, up to 1800 bar, on the supramolecular assemblies of cyclodextrin/surfactant complexes. Using small-angle neutron scattering, we demonstrate that while the overall structure of the supramolecular aggregates remains largely stable under pressure, the stiffness of the planar lattice formed by the inclusion complexes, the basic structural unit of the supramolecular assemblies, shows a fourfold increase between 250 and 1000 bar. These findings suggest that high-pressure studies can be exploited to better understand the mechanisms of supramolecular assembly processes, thereby aiding in the design of more robust and functional systems.

Biodiversity of carbapenem-resistant bacteria in clinical samples from the Southwest Amazon region (Rondônia/Brazil).

Brazil is recognized for its biodiversity and the genetic variability of its organisms. This genetic variability becomes even more valuable when it is properly documented and accessible. Understanding bacterial diversity through molecular characterization is necessary as it can improve patient treatment, reduce the length of hospital stays and the selection of resistant bacteria, and generate data for health and epidemiological surveillance. In this sense, in this study, we aimed to understand the biodiversity and molecular epidemiology of carbapenem-resistant bacteria in clinical samples recovered in the state of Rondônia, located in the Southwest Amazon region. Retrospective data from the Central Public Health Laboratories (LACEN/RO) between 2018 and 2021 were analysed using the Laboratory Environment Manager Platform (GAL). Seventy-two species with carbapenem resistance profiles were identified, of which 25 species carried at least one gene encoding carbapenemases of classes A (blaKPC-like), B (blaNDM-like, blaSPM-like or blaVIM-like) and D (blaOXA-23-like, blaOXA-24-like, blaOXA-48-like, blaOXA-58-like or blaOXA-143-like), among which we will highlight Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Serratia marcescens, and Providencia spp. With these results, we hope to contribute to the field by providing epidemiological molecular data for state surveillance on bacterial resistance and assisting in public policy decision-making.

HER2 aptamer-conjugated iron oxide nanoparticles with PDMAEMA-b-PMPC coating for breast cancer cell identification.

Aim: To synthesize HER2 aptamer-conjugated iron oxide nanoparticles with a coating of poly(2-(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate)-poly(2-methacryloyloxyethylphosphorylcholine) block copolymer (IONPPPs). Methods: Characterization covered molecular structure, chemical composition, thermal stability, magnetic characteristics, aptamer interaction, crystalline nature and microscopic features. Subsequent investigations focused on IONPPPs for in vitro cancer cell identification. Results: Results demonstrated high biocompatibility of the diblock copolymer with no significant toxicity up to 150 µg/ml. The facile coating process yielded the IONPP complex, featuring a 13.27 nm metal core and a 3.10 nm polymer coating. Functionalized with a HER2-targeting DNA aptamer, IONPPP enhanced recognition in HER2-amplified SKBR3 cells via magnetization separation. Conclusion: These findings underscore IONPPP's potential in cancer research and clinical applications, showcasing diagnostic efficacy and HER2 protein targeting in a proof-of-concept approach.

Gravidez em meninas menores de 14 anos: análise espacial no Brasil, 2011 a 2021 / Pregnancy in girls under 14 years old: Spatial analysis in Brazil, 2011-2021

Resumo O objetivo foi analisar a distribuição espacial da gravidez em menores de 14 anos e seis meses segundo regiões e municípios brasileiros e características sociodemográficas e de saúde das parturientes e nascidos vivos. Estudo ecológico, analisando o Sistema de Informação sobre Nascidos Vivos (SINASC), 2011-2021, em três grupos etários (<14 anos e 6 meses, 15-19 e 20 anos e mais), segundo variáveis demográficas e do parto. Foram aplicados os Índices Global e Local de Moran. No período foram 127.022 nascidos vivos de meninas 10-14 anos, na maioria negras, 21,1% em união estável ou casadas, com menor proporção de 7 consultas de pré-natal e captação no primeiro trimestre, maior proporção de baixo peso ao nascer e baixo índice de Apgar, residentes nas regiões Norte e Nordeste. A taxa média de nascidos vivos de 10-14 anos mostrou autocorrelação significativa com o espaço, especialmente em municípios do Centro-Oeste e Norte. A gravidez de 10 a 14 revela uma sequência de vulnerabilidades sofridas por essas meninas, pela gravidez em idade precoce, maior frequência entre negras, com implicações na morbimortalidade para ela e seus filhos; e pela violência presumida nesses casos, incluindo o acesso negado ao aborto legal.

Abstract The objective was to analyze the spatial distribution of pregnancy in children under 14 years and six months by Brazilian region and municipality and sociodemographic and health characteristics of pregnant women and live births. Ecological study analyzing the Live Birth Information System (SINASC) from 2011 to 2021 in three age groups (< 14 years and six months, 15-19 years, and 20 years and above) by demographic and birth variables. We applied the Global and Local Moran. A total of 127,022 live births to girls aged 10-14 years were identified during the period, most of whom were Black, 21.1% in common-law or married relationships, with a lower proportion of seven prenatal care appointments and enrollment in the first trimester, a higher proportion of low birth weight and low Apgar score, residing in the North and Northeast. The mean live birth rate for 10-to-14-year-old girls was significantly autocorrelated with space, especially in municipalities of the Midwest and North. Pregnancy from 10 to 14 years of age reveals several vulnerabilities suffered by these girls due to pregnancy at an early age, which is more common among Black women, with implications for morbimortality for them and their children and the presumed violence in these cases, including denied access to legal abortion.

Impairments, health conditions and health risk behaviors: occurrence and associations, in the National Health Survey, Brazil, 2019.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze association of visual, hearing, mental/intellectual, physical and multiple impairments with health conditions and health risk behaviors in Brazil. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study, using data from the 2019 National Health Survey; associations between impairments and presence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), high cholesterol, alcohol abuse and smoking were estimated using logistic regression, thus obtaining the odds ratios (OR). RESULTS: Impairment was reported by 7.6% of the 90,846 participants. Having a impairment was associated with greater odds of reporting chronic conditions, especially CVD (OR = 2.11; 95%CI 1.76;2.54) and DM (OR = 1.78; 95%CI 1.56;2.02 ); visual impairment was associated with greater odds of smoking (OR = 1.52; 95%CI 1.28;1.81); mental/intellectual impairment was inversely related to smoking (OR = 0.45; 95%CI 0.30;0.67) and alcohol abuse (OR = 0.13; 95%CI 0.06;0.26). CONCLUSION: Having any of the impairments studied may be associated with greater odds of having chronic health conditions. MAIN RESULTS: Positive association was identified between having one or more impairments, and health conditions and health risk behaviors. The higher the prevalence of mental/intellectual, physical and multiple impairments, the lower alcohol abuse and smoking. IMPLICATIONS FOR SERVICES: As this population is vulnerable to chronic health conditions, health services need strategies to reduce barriers to access, as well as health promotion actions, such as health education, adapted for people with impairments. PERSPECTIVES: Topics for future studies, examining the inverse relationship between impairments and alcohol abuse and smoking, in addition to acting on the causal chain, so as to prevent health conditions and health risk behaviors.

SARCOCYSTIS AND OTHER PARASITES IN FECES OF BOBCATS (LYNX RUFUS) FROM MISSISSIPPI.

Rectal contents of 56 adult bobcats (Lynx rufus) in 2014 and 2017 from remote areas of Mississippi were examined microscopically for parasite stages after the sugar flotation method. Among the helminths, eggs/larvae found were: Paragonimus sp. in 12, Toxocara cati-like in 16, trichurid-capillarid-like in 3, hookworms in 27, and lungworms in 28. Among the protozoa, oocysts/cysts found were: Cystoisospora felis-like in 2, Cystoisospora rivolta-like in 4, Cryptosporidium sp. in 1, and Giardia sp. in 1. Additionally, numerous Sarcocystis sporocysts were detected in the feces of 12 bobcats; sporocysts were described morphologically. The status of C. felis derived from the bobcat and other wild felids is reviewed and compared with C. felis from the domestic cat. It is the first record of C. rivolta from the bobcat. The presence of eggs of Paragonimus sp. and T. cati in feces of 21.4% and 28.5%, respectively, suggests a role for the bobcat in the dissemination of these zoonotic helminths in the environment in the wild. Taxonomy of coccidia of wild Felidae is discussed and Isospora lyncisLevine and Ivens, 1981 from the Lynx is now regarded as a species inquirenda.

Principais causas de mortalidade por doenças respiratórias em crianças de 0 a 4 anos de 2015 a 2020 / Main causes of mortality to respiratory diseases in children aged 0 to 4 years from 2015 to 2020 / Principales causas de mortalidad por enfermedades respiratorias en niños de 0 a 4 años del 2015 al 2020

Introdução:A maioria das doenças respiratórias se enquadram no grupo de causas evitáveis e, dessa forma, taxas elevadas de mortalidade em crianças são reflexo das condições de desenvolvimento socioeconômico, além de mensurar o acesso e qualidade dos serviços de saúde.Objetivo:Avaliar a mortalidade por doenças respiratórias em crianças menores de 0 a 4 anos de idade no Brasil, no período de 2015 a 2020.Metodologia:Trata-se deum estudo ecológico de série temporal, retrospectivo, de abordagem quantitativa, com ênfase nas cinco doenças respiratórias mais evidentes em crianças de até 4 anos no Brasil, entre os anos de 2015 a 2020. Realizou-se coleta de dados pelo DATASUS, sendo utilizado o software Microsoft Excel©para subsidiar as etapas de processamento e análise. Resultados:A análise mostra a pneumonia como a principal causa de morte no país e, a partir da análise regional, a Região Norte possui taxas que excedem as demais regiões dentro do período observado. A mesma tendência é observada na análise das demais infecções respiratórias, porém é importante ressaltar o declínio da mortalidade em todas as variáveis e regiões observadas em 2020.Conclusões:Conclui-se que as maiorestaxas de mortalidade entre crianças no Brasil ratificam a premissa de que as afecções respiratórias são diretamente proporcionais à vulnerabilidade socioeconômica, enquanto a cobertura vacinal e a disponibilidade de leitos contribuem na redução dos indicadores. Não obstante, em 2020 evidenciou-se queda abrupta decorrente das medidas preventivas do coronavírus e, a partir da menor procura por atendimento, maior probabilidade de subnotificação dos casos (AU).

Introduction:The majority of respiratory diseases fall into the group of preventable causes and, therefore, high mortality rates in children are a reflection of socioeconomic development conditions, beyond measurethe access and the quality of health services. Objective:Evaluate the mortality by respiratory diseases in children younger than 4 years of age in Brazil, in the period from 2015 to 2020. Methodology:It is about ecologic study from time series, retrospective, of quantitative approach, with emphasis on the five respiratory diseases more evident in children of up to 4 years in Brazil, between the years from 2015 to 2020. Data was collected by DATASUS, being used byMicrosoft Excel to subsidize the processing steps and analysis. Results:The analysis shows pneumonia as the main cause of death in the country, and, from the regional analysis, the North region can have rates that exceed other regions under the period observed. The same trend is observed in the analysis from the other respiratory infections, although it is important to emphasize the decline of mortality in all variables and regions observed in 2020. Conclusions:It is concluded that the higher rates of mortality between children in Brazil ratifies the premise that respiratory affections are directly proportional to socioeconomic vulnerability, while the vaccination coverage and the availability of beds contribute to the reduction of indicators. However, in 2020, there was an evident steep drop dueto coronavirus preventive measures and, from smaller demand to attendance, higher probability of underreporting of cases (AU).

Introducción: La mayoría de las enfermedades respiratorias se enmarcan en elgrupo de las causas prevenibles y, por tanto, las altas tasas de mortalidad infantil son un reflejo de las condiciones de desarrollo socioeconómico, además de medir el acceso y la calidad de los servicios de salud.Objetivo: Evaluar la mortalidad por enfermedades respiratorias en niños de 0 a 4 años en Brasil, de 2015 a 2020. Metodología: Se trata de un estudio ecológico, retrospectivo, de serie temporal, con abordaje cuantitativo, con énfasis en las cinco enfermedades respiratorias más evidentes en niños de hasta 4 años en Brasil, entre los años 2015 a 2020. Los datos fueron recolectados mediante DATASUS, utilizando Microsoft Software Excel© para apoyar los pasos de procesamiento y análisis. Resultados: El análisis muestra a la neumonía como la principal causa de muerte en el país y, con base en el análisis regional, la Región Norte presenta tasas que superan a las demás regiones dentro del período observado. La misma tendencia se observa en el análisis de otras infecciones respiratorias, pero es importantedestacar la disminución de la mortalidad en todas las variables y regiones observadas en 2020.Conclusiones: Se concluye que las mayores tasas de mortalidad infantil en Brasil confirman la premisa de que las condiciones respiratorias son directamente proporcionales a la vulnerabilidad socioeconómica, mientras que las coberturas de vacunación y la disponibilidad de camas contribuyen para la reducción de los indicadores. Sin embargo, en 2020 hubo una caída abrupta por las medidas preventivas por el coronavirus y, a partir de la menor demanda de atención, una mayor probabilidad de subregistro de casos (AU).

Untangle the relationship of muscle mass and bone mineral content on handgrip strength: Results of ELSA-Brasil.

The study aims to investigate the independent association of muscle mass (MM) and bone mineral content (BMC) in the performance of the handgrip strength (HGS) test and whether there is effect modification by sex and age. In 12,491 participants from the ELSA-Brasil we estimated the associations between MM, BMC and HGS using linear regression models. All the analyses were performed for total population, also stratified for sex and age. For total population an interaction term was included between each explanatory variable of interest with sex and age to verify the presence of effect modification. We observed that the higher quintiles of MM and BMC were associated to an increasing in the mean of HGS compared to the first quintile, with greater magnitudes in men compared to women, also adults compared to elderly. When we estimated the independent effect of each exposure of interest, MM showed stronger effect in HGS in women, men and adults then BMC. In conclusion, we observed that higher amounts of MM and BMC are associated with higher HGS, regardless of sociodemographic characteristics, health conditions and lifestyle, with this effect being greater in men and adults.

Untangle the relationship of muscle mass and bone mineral content on handgrip strength: Results of ELSA-Brasil / Desvendando a relação entre massa muscular e conteúdo mineral ósseo na força de preensão palmar: Resultados do ELSA-Brasil

Abstract The study aims to investigate the independent association of muscle mass (MM) and bone mineral content (BMC) in the performance of the handgrip strength (HGS) test and whether there is effect modification by sex and age. In 12,491 participants from the ELSA-Brasil we estimated the associations between MM, BMC and HGS using linear regression models. All the analyses were performed for total population, also stratified for sex and age. For total population an interaction term was included between each explanatory variable of interest with sex and age to verify the presence of effect modification. We observed that the higher quintiles of MM and BMC were associated to an increasing in the mean of HGS compared to the first quintile, with greater magnitudes in men compared to women, also adults compared to elderly. When we estimated the independent effect of each exposure of interest, MM showed stronger effect in HGS in women, men and adults then BMC. In conclusion, we observed that higher amounts of MM and BMC are associated with higher HGS, regardless of sociodemographic characteristics, health conditions and lifestyle, with this effect being greater in men and adults.

Resumo O estudo tem como objetivo investigar a associação independente da massa muscular (MM) e conteúdo mineral ósseo (CMO) na realização do teste de força de preensão manual (FPM) e se há modificação do efeito por sexo e idade. Em 12.491 participantes do ELSA-Brasil estimamos as associações entre MM, CMO e FPM usando modelos de regressão linear. Todas as análises foram realizadas para a população total, também estratificada por sexo e idade. Para a população total foi incluído um termo de interação entre cada variável explicativa de interesse com sexo e idade para verificar a presença de modificação de efeito. Observamos que os maiores quintis de MM e BMC estiveram associados a um aumento na média da FPM em relação ao primeiro quintil, com maiores magnitudes em homens em relação a mulheres, também em adultos em relação a idosos. Quando estimamos o efeito independente de cada exposição de interesse, MM mostrou efeito mais forte na FPM em mulheres, homens e adultos do que BMC. Em conclusão, observamos que maiores quantidades de MM e BMC estão associadas a maior FPM, independentemente das características sociodemográficas, condições de saúde e estilo de vida, sendo esse efeito maior em homens e adultos.

Sarcocystis cruzi (Hasselmann, 1923) Wenyon, 1926: redescription, molecular characterization and deposition of life cycle stages specimens in the Smithsonian Museum.

Currently, 7 named Sarcocystis species infect cattle: Sarcocystis hirsuta, S. cruzi, S. hominis, S. bovifelis, S. heydorni, S. bovini and S. rommeli; other, unnamed species also infect cattle. Of these parasites of cattle, a complete life cycle description is known only for S. cruzi, the most pathogenic species in cattle. The life cycle of S. cruzi was completed experimentally in 1982, before related parasite species were structurally characterized, and before the advent of molecular diagnostics; to our knowledge, no archived frozen tissues from the cattle employed in the original descriptions remain for DNA characterization. Here, we isolated DNA from a paraffin-embedded kidney of a calf experimentally infected with S. cruzi in 1980; we then sequenced portions of 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, COX1 and Acetyl CoA genes and verified that each shares 99­100% similarity to other available isolates attributed to S. cruzi from naturally infected cattle. We also reevaluated histological sections of tissues of calves experimentally infected with S. cruzi in the original description, exploiting improvements in photographic technology to render clearer morphological detail. Finally, we reviewed all available studies of the life cycle of S. cruzi, noting that S. cruzi was transmitted between bison (Bison bison) and cattle (Bos taurus) and that the strain of parasite derived from bison appeared more pathogenic than the cattle strain. Based on these newfound molecular, morphological and physiological data, we thereby redescribed S. cruzi and deposited reference material in the Smithsonian Museum for posterity.

Local Food Environment and Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods: Cross-Sectional Data from the Nutritionists' Health Study-NutriHS.

This study aimed to analyze whether community food environments are associated with individual food consumption among nutrition students and newly graduated nutritionists. This cross-sectional study used data from the Nutritionists' Health Study cohort, which included 357 undergraduate nutrition students from the city of Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. Exposure to the food environment was defined as the proximity and availability of food outlets within a 500 m buffer from the participants' homes. Food consumption was assessed using a Food Frequency Questionnaire and analyzed according to the NOVA classification. Multi-level linear regression models with fixed effects were used to estimate the presence of food outlets within the buffer and their association with food consumption. The presence of mini-markets in the buffer in the fourth quartile was associated with lower consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) when observing socioeconomic and lifestyle conditions (ß = -3.29; 95% CI = -6.39 to -0.19). The presence of bakeries and coffee shops was related to lower consumption of ultra-processed foods among participants when observing socioeconomic conditions (ß = -3.10; 95% CI = -6.18 to -0.02). There was no clear evidence of an association between the type of food outlet and UPF consumption. The community food environment seemed to influence food consumption among study participants, although clearer and more consistent evidence on this subject is needed.

The same genotype of Sarcocystis neurona responsible for mass mortality in marine mammals induced a clinical outbreak in raccoons (Procyon lotor) 10 years later.

Here, we report the first known outbreak of clinical protozoal myeloencephalitis in naturally infected raccoons by the parasite Sarcocystis neurona. The North American opossum (Didelphis virginiana) and the South American opossum (Didelphis albiventris) are its known definitive hosts. Several other animal species are its intermediate or aberrant hosts. The raccoon (Procyon lotor) is considered the most important intermediate host for S. neurona in the USA. More than 50% of raccoons in the USA have sarcocysts in their muscles, however clinical sarcocystosis in raccoons is rare. In 2014, 38 free-living raccoons were found dead or moribund on the grounds of the Saint Louis Zoo, Missouri, USA. Moribund individuals were weak, lethargic, and mildly ataxic; several with oculo-nasal discharge. Seven raccoons were found dead and 31 were humanely euthanized. Postmortem examinations were conducted on nine raccoons. Neural lesions compatible with acute sarcocystosis were detected in eight raccoons. The predominant lesions were meningoencephalitis and perivascular mononuclear cells. Histologic evidence for the Canine Distemper Virus was found in one raccoon. Schizonts and merozoites were present in the encephalitic lesions of four raccoons. Mature sarcocysts were present within myocytes of five raccoons. In six raccoons, S. neurona schizonts and merozoites were confirmed by immunohistochemical staining with S. neurona-specific polyclonal antibodies. Viable S. neurona was isolated from the brains of two raccoons by bioassay in interferon gamma gene knockout mice and in cell cultures seeded directly with raccoon brain homogenate. Molecular characterization was based on raccoon no. 68. Molecular characterization based on multi-locus typing at five surface antigens (SnSAG1-5-6, SnSAG3 and SnSAG4) and the ITS-1 marker within the ssrRNA locus, using DNA isolated from bradyzoites released from sarcocysts in a naturally infected raccoon (no. 68), confirmed the presence of S. neurona antigen type I, the same genotype that caused a mass mortality event in which 40 southern sea otters stranded dead or dying within a 3 week period in April 2004 with S. neurona-associated disease. An expanded set of genotyping markers was next applied. This study reports the following new genotyping markers at 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, COX1, ITS-1, RON1, RON2, GAPDH1, ROP20, SAG2, SnSRS21 and TUBA1 markers. The identity of Sarcocystis spp. infecting raccoons is discussed.

Family instability in childhood affects language and memory in adulthood: results from the Pró-Saúde Study, Brazil.

The study aims to investigate associations between adverse childhood psychosocial exposures and declarative memory, language, and executive function in adults with secondary schooling or more and without dementia. In 361 participants from the Pró-Saúde Study, we estimated associations between maternal educational attainment, principal source of the family´s income, food insecurity, and childhood family structure and performance in learning, word recall, and semantic and phonemic verbal fluency tests using multiple linear regression models. Individuals whose mother was the family breadwinner (mean difference: -1.97, 95%CI: -3.27; -0.72) and head-of-household (mean difference: -1.62, 95%CI: -2.89; -0.35) or who lived with a non-parental caregiver or in institutions in childhood (mean difference: -2.19, 95%CI: -4.29; -0.09) showed a reduction in the mean number of words in language and memory in adulthood. The results provide further evidence of the effect of adverse exposures in childhood. Without effective interventions, such exposures are likely to have far-reaching impacts on cognition.