Gastrointestinal Helminths in Wild Felids in the Cerrado and Pantanal: Zoonotic Bioindicators in Important Brazilian Biomes.

Environmental changes in the Brazilian Pantanal and Cerrado facilitate the spread of parasitic diseases in wildlife, with significant implications for public health owing to their zoonotic potential. This study aimed to examine the occurrence and diversity of gastrointestinal parasites in wild felids within these regions to assess their ecological and health impacts. We collected and analyzed helminth-positive samples from 27 wild felids using specific taxonomic keys. Diverse parasitic taxa were detected, including zoonotic helminths, such as Ancylostoma braziliense, Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma pluridentatum, Toxocara cati, Toxocara canis, Dipylidium caninum, Taenia spp., Echinococcus spp., and Spirometra spp. Other nematodes, such as Physaloptera praeputialis and Physaloptera anomala, were identified, along with acanthocephalans from the genus Oncicola and a trematode, Neodiplostomum spp. (potentially the first record of this parasite in wild felids in the Americas). Human encroachment into natural habitats has profound effects on wild populations, influencing parasitic infection rates and patterns. This study underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and research on parasitic infections as a means of safeguarding both wildlife and human populations and highlights the role of wild felids as bioindicators of environmental health.

Spatial mapping of hepatic ER and mitochondria architecture reveals zonated remodeling in fasting and obesity.

The hepatocytes within the liver present an immense capacity to adapt to changes in nutrient availability. Here, by using high resolution volume electron microscopy, we map how hepatic subcellular spatial organization is regulated during nutritional fluctuations and as a function of liver zonation. We identify that fasting leads to remodeling of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) architecture in hepatocytes, characterized by the induction of single rough ER sheet around the mitochondria, which becomes larger and flatter. These alterations are enriched in periportal and mid-lobular hepatocytes but not in pericentral hepatocytes. Gain- and loss-of-function in vivo models demonstrate that the Ribosome receptor binding protein1 (RRBP1) is required to enable fasting-induced ER sheet-mitochondria interactions and to regulate hepatic fatty acid oxidation. Endogenous RRBP1 is enriched around periportal and mid-lobular regions of the liver. In obesity, ER-mitochondria interactions are distinct and fasting fails to induce rough ER sheet-mitochondrion interactions. These findings illustrate the importance of a regulated molecular architecture for hepatocyte metabolic flexibility.

O26 Polysaccharides as Key Players in Enteropathogenic E. coli Immune Evasion and Vaccine Development.

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) produce a capsule of polysaccharides identical to those composing the O-antigen polysaccharide of its LPS (lipopolysaccharide) molecules. In light of this, the impact of O26 polysaccharides on the immune evasion mechanisms of capsulated O26 EPEC compared to non-capsulated enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) was investigated. Our findings reveal that there was no significant difference between the levels in EPEC and EHEC of rhamnose (2.8:2.5), a molecule considered to be a PAMP (Pathogen Associated Molecular Patterns). However, the levels of glucose (10:1.69), heptose (3.6:0.89) and N-acetylglucosamine (4.5:2.10), were significantly higher in EPEC than EHEC, respectively. It was also observed that the presence of a capsule in EPEC inhibited the deposition of C3b on the bacterial surface and protected the pathogen against lysis by the complement system. In addition, the presence of a capsule also protected EPEC against phagocytosis by macrophages. However, the immune evasion provided by the capsule was overcome in the presence of anti-O26 polysaccharide antibodies, and additionally, these antibodies were able to inhibit O26 EPEC adhesion to human epithelial cells. Finally, the results indicate that O26 polysaccharides can generate an effective humoral immune response, making them promising antigens for the development of a vaccine against capsulated O26 E. coli.

Biomarkers of neuropsychiatric dysfunction in intensive care unit survivors: a prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess factors associated with long-term neuropsychiatric outcomes, including biomarkers measured after discharge from the intensive care unit. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was performed with 65 intensive care unit survivors. The cognitive evaluation was performed through the Mini-Mental State Examination, the symptoms of anxiety and depression were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and posttraumatic stress disorder was evaluated using the Impact of Event Scale-6. Plasma levels of amyloid-beta (1-42) [Aß (1-42)], Aß (1-40), interleukin (IL)-10, IL-6, IL-33, IL-4, IL-5, tumor necrosis factor alpha, C-reactive protein, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor were measured at intensive care unit discharge. RESULTS: Of the variables associated with intensive care, only delirium was independently related to the occurrence of long-term cognitive impairment. In addition, higher levels of IL-10 and IL-6 were associated with cognitive dysfunction. Only IL-6 was independently associated with depression. Mechanical ventilation, IL-33 levels, and C-reactive protein levels were independently associated with anxiety. No variables were independently associated with posttraumatic stress disorder. CONCLUSION: Cognitive dysfunction, as well as symptoms of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder, are present in patients who survive a critical illness, and some of these outcomes are associated with the levels of inflammatory biomarkers measured at discharge from the intensive care unit.

Ubiquinone deficiency drives reverse electron transport to disrupt hepatic metabolic homeostasis in obesity.

Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mROS) are central to physiology. While excess mROS production has been associated with several disease states, its precise sources, regulation, and mechanism of generation in vivo remain unknown, limiting translational efforts. Here we show that in obesity, hepatic ubiquinone (Q) synthesis is impaired, which raises the QH 2 /Q ratio, driving excessive mROS production via reverse electron transport (RET) from site I Q in complex I. Using multiple complementary genetic and pharmacological models in vivo we demonstrated that RET is critical for metabolic health. In patients with steatosis, the hepatic Q biosynthetic program is also suppressed, and the QH 2 /Q ratio positively correlates with disease severity. Our data identify a highly selective mechanism for pathological mROS production in obesity, which can be targeted to protect metabolic homeostasis.

Mesenchymal stem cell- and extracellular vesicle-based therapies for Alzheimer's disease: progress, advantages, and challenges.

Alzheimer's disease is a severe, highly disabling neurodegenerative disease, clinically characterized by a progressive decline in cognitive functions, and is the most common form of dementia in the elderly. For decades, the search for disease-modifying therapies has focused on the two main Alzheimer's disease histopathological hallmarks, seeking to prevent, mitigate, or clear the formation of extracellular aggregates of ß-amyloid peptide and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles of tau protein, although without clinical success. Mesenchymal stem cell-based therapy has emerged as a promising alternative for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, especially because it also targets other crucial players in the pathogenesis of the disease, such as neuroinflammation, synaptic dysfunction/loss, oxidative stress, and impaired neurogenesis. Herein, we review current knowledge of the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells and their extracellular vesicles for Alzheimer's disease, discussing the most recent findings in both preclinical and clinical trials as well as how advanced technologies have helped to overcome some limitations and contributed to stimulate the development of more effective treatments.

Gangliosides in nervous system development, regeneration, and pathologies.

Gangliosides, sialic acid-containing sphingolipids, are major constituents of neuronal membranes. According to the number of sialic acids and the structure of the oligosaccharide chain, gangliosides can be classified as simple or complex and grouped in different ganglio-series. Hundreds of gangliosides have been identified in vertebrate cells, with different expression patterns during development and related to several physiological processes, especially in the nervous system. While GD3 and its O-acetylated form, 9acGD3, are highly expressed in early developmental stages, GM1, GD1a, GD1b, and GT1b are the most abundant ganglioside species in the mature nervous system. Mutations in enzymes involved in ganglioside metabolism can lead to the accumulation of specific species, a condition termed gangliosidosis and usually marked by severe neurological impairment. Changes in ganglioside levels have also been described in several neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. In this review, we summarized recent information about the roles of GD3, 9acGD3, GM1, GD1a, GD1b, GT1b, and other ganglioside species in nervous system development and regeneration, as well as clinical trials evaluating possible therapeutic applications of these molecules.

Blood count reference intervals for the Brazilian adult population: National Health Survey / Intervalos de referência de hemograma da população adulta brasileira: Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde

ABSTRACT Objective: To estimate the reference intervals (RIs) of complete blood count parameters in the Brazilian adult population. Methods: Cross-sectional study, with data from the National Health Survey (Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde - PNS), between 2014-2015. The final sample consisted of 2,803 adults. To establish the RIs, exclusion criteria were applied, outliers were removed and partitions were made by gender, age, and race/skin color. The non-parametric method was adopted. Differences were assessed using the Mann Whitney and Kruskal Wallis tests (p≤0.05). Results: There were statistically significant differences for the following hematological parameters based on gender, red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCH, MCHC, eosinophils and absolute monocytes, neutrophils and platelets (p≤0.05). When analyzed by age, the RIs were statistically different in females for hematocrit, MCV, white blood cells and RDW and in males for red blood cells, white blood cells, eosinophils, mean platelet volume, MCV, RDW, and MCH (p≤0.05). For race/color, there were differences in the RIs for parameters of hemoglobin, MCH, MCHC, white blood cells and mean platelet volume, neutrophils and absolute eosinophils (p≤0.05). Conclusion: The differences found in the RIs of some in blood count parameters in Brazilian adults reaffirm the importance of having their own laboratory reference standards. The results can support a more accurate interpretation of tests, adequate identification and disease prevention in Brazil.

RESUMO Objetivo: Estimar os intervalos de referência (IR) de parâmetros de hemograma completo na população adulta brasileira. Métodos: Estudo transversal, com dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS), entre 2014-2015. A amostra final constitui-se de 2.803 adultos. Para estabelecer os IR, aplicou-se critérios de exclusão, removeram-se outliers e foram feitos particionamentos por sexo, idade e raça/cor da pele. Adotou-se o método não paramétrico. As diferenças foram avaliadas pelos testes Mann Withney e Kruskal Wallis (p≤0,05). Resultados: Houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas nos IR segundo sexo para glóbulos vermelhos, hemoglobina, hematócrito, HCM, CHCM, eosinófilos, monócitos, neutrófilos absolutos e plaquetas (p≤0,05). Quando analisados por idade, houve diferenças nos IR de mulheres para hematócrito, VCM, glóbulos brancos e RDW, e nos homens em glóbulos vermelhos, glóbulos brancos, eosinófilos, volume plaquetário médios, VCM, RDW e HCM (p≤0,05). Para raça/cor, houve diferenças nos IR de hemoglobina, HCM, CHMC, glóbulos brancos e volume plaquetário médio, neutrófilos e eosinófilos absolutos (p≤0,05). Conclusão: As diferenças encontradas nos IR de alguns parâmetros de hemograma nos adultos brasileiros, reafirmam a importância de se ter padrões laboratoriais próprios de referência. Os resultados podem subsidiar a interpretação mais precisa dos exames, identificação adequada e a prevenção de doenças no Brasil.

Biomarkers of neuropsychiatric dysfunction in intensive care unit survivors: a prospective cohort study / Biomarcadores de disfunção neuropsiquiátrica em sobreviventes de unidades de terapia intensiva: um estudo de coorte prospectivo

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess factors associated with long-term neuropsychiatric outcomes, including biomarkers measured after discharge from the intensive care unit. Methods: A prospective cohort study was performed with 65 intensive care unit survivors. The cognitive evaluation was performed through the Mini-Mental State Examination, the symptoms of anxiety and depression were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and posttraumatic stress disorder was evaluated using the Impact of Event Scale-6. Plasma levels of amyloid-beta (1-42) [Aβ (1-42)], Aβ (1-40), interleukin (IL)-10, IL-6, IL-33, IL-4, IL-5, tumor necrosis factor alpha, C-reactive protein, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor were measured at intensive care unit discharge. Results: Of the variables associated with intensive care, only delirium was independently related to the occurrence of long-term cognitive impairment. In addition, higher levels of IL-10 and IL-6 were associated with cognitive dysfunction. Only IL-6 was independently associated with depression. Mechanical ventilation, IL-33 levels, and C-reactive protein levels were independently associated with anxiety. No variables were independently associated with posttraumatic stress disorder. Conclusion: Cognitive dysfunction, as well as symptoms of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder, are present in patients who survive a critical illness, and some of these outcomes are associated with the levels of inflammatory biomarkers measured at discharge from the intensive care unit.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar os fatores associados aos desfechos neuropsiquiátricos de longo prazo, incluindo biomarcadores, medidos após a alta da unidade de terapia intensiva. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo de coorte prospectivo com 65 sobreviventes de unidades de terapia intensiva. A avaliação cognitiva foi realizada por meio do Miniexame do Estado Mental; os sintomas de ansiedade e depressão foram avaliados por meio da Escala Hospitalar de Ansiedade e Depressão, e o transtorno de estresse pós-traumático foi avaliado pela Escala de Impacto do Evento-6. Os níveis plasmáticos de beta amiloide (1-42), beta amiloide (1-40), interleucina 10, interleucina 6, interleucina 33, interleucina 4, interleucina 5, fator de necrose tumoral alfa, proteína C-reativa e fator neurotrófico derivado do cérebro foram medidos na alta da unidade de terapia intensiva. Resultados: Das variáveis associadas à terapia intensiva, apenas o delirium foi relacionado de forma independente à ocorrência de comprometimento cognitivo de longo prazo. Além disso, níveis mais altos de interleucina 10 e interleucina 6 foram associados à disfunção cognitiva. Apenas a interleucina 6 foi associada de forma independente à depressão. A ventilação mecânica, os níveis de interleucina 33 e os níveis de proteína C-reativa foram associados de forma independente à ansiedade. Nenhuma variável foi associada de forma independente ao transtorno de estresse pós-traumático. Conclusão: A disfunção cognitiva, bem como os sintomas de depressão, ansiedade e transtorno de estresse pós-traumático, estão presentes em pacientes que sobrevivem a uma doença grave, e alguns desses desfechos estão associados aos níveis de biomarcadores inflamatórios medidos na alta da unidade de terapia intensiva.

Meglumine antimoniate was associated with a higher cure rate than liposomal amphotericin B in the treatment of American tegumentary leishmaniasis: A retrospective cohort study from a Leishmania braziliensis-endemic area.

Background: Pentavalent antimonials (PAs) are the primary therapeutic option for American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL). However, the use of these drugs is complicated by adverse events (AEs), resistance and contraindications. Alternative therapies relative effectiveness is not well established. Objective: This study compared the effectiveness of liposomal amphotericin B (LAB) with intravenous meglumine antimoniate (NMG) in the treatment of ATL. We also analysed and compared associated AEs and treatment interruption rates. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study from Brazil. The potential risk factors for the primary outcome were age, sex, total cutaneous lesion area, presence of mucosal lesions, AEs and treatment interruption. The primary outcome was lesion healing within 6 months of treatment. AEs and treatment interruption were also analysed. Multiple analytic strategies were employed to evaluate the reliability of the results. Results: Before propensity score (PS) matching, patients in the LAB group were older and had a higher frequency of mucosal lesions. The NMG group had a higher cure rate than the LAB group (cure rate 88% versus 55% respectively) in the adjusted analysis (relative risk (RR)=1.55 95% CI: 1.19 - 2.02) and after PS matching (RR=1.63 95% CI: 1.20 - 2.21). NMG group had a higher AE rate (event rate 52% versus 44%) in the adjusted analysis (RR= 1.61, 95% CI: 1.06 - 2.43, p=0.02), but this result was not observed after PS matching (RR= 0.87, 95% CI: 0.49 -1.52, p= 0.61). Conclusions: We observed that the NMG group had a higher cure rate than the LAB group, with an equivocally higher EV rate in the adjusted analysis.

Somos todes youtubers? Indústria 4.0 e precarização do trabalho docente em tempos de pandemia / Are we all youtubers? Industry 4.0 and precariousness of teaching work in times of pandemic

Resumo: Sob a justificativa de que são necessárias ao isolamento social nem à preservação da saúde pública, as plataformas digitais nestes tempos de pandemia de covid-19 se tornaram parte do cotidiano profissional de diversas áreas do trabalho, incluindo a da educação. A era informacional da Indústria 4.0 se intensificou abruptamente à vida universitária. Examinamos alguns dos nefastos impactos do Ensino Emergencial Remoto para a docência em Serviço Social: que formação para qual projeto societário? Somos todes youtubers?

Abstract: Under the justification that they are necessary for social isolation and the preservation of public health, digital platforms in these times of the covid-19 pandemic have become part of the professional routine in various areas of work, including education. The information age of Industry 4.0 abruptly intensified into university life. We examine some of the disastrous impacts of Remote Emergency Education on Social Work teaching: which training for which society project? Are we all youtubers?

Current Status of Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells for Treatment of Neurological Diseases.

Neurological disorders include a wide spectrum of clinical conditions affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems. For these conditions, which affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide, generally limited or no treatments are available, and cell-based therapies have been intensively investigated in preclinical and clinical studies. Among the available cell types, mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) have been widely studied but as yet no cell-based treatment exists for neurological disease. We review current knowledge of the therapeutic potential of MSC-based therapies for neurological diseases, as well as possible mechanisms of action that may be explored to hasten the development of new and effective treatments. We also discuss the challenges for culture conditions, quality control, and the development of potency tests, aiming to generate more efficient cell therapy products for neurological disorders.

Enriched environment causes epigenetic changes in hippocampus and improves long-term cognitive function in sepsis.

Sepsis is defined as a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by an inappropriate host response to infection. The presence of oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators in sepsis leads to dysregulated gene expression, leading to a hyperinflammatory response. Environmental conditions play an important role in various pathologies depending on the stimulus it presents. A standard environment condition (SE) may offer reduced sensory and cognitive stimulation, but an enriched environment improves spatial learning, prevents cognitive deficits induced by disease stress, and is an important modulator of epigenetic enzymes. The study evaluated the epigenetic alterations and the effects of the environmental enrichment (EE) protocol in the brain of animals submitted to sepsis by cecal ligation and perforation (CLP). Male Wistar rats were divided into sham and CLP at 24 h, 72 h, 10 days and 30 days after sepsis. Other male Wistar rats were distributed in a SE or in EE for forty-five days. Behavioral tests, analysis of epigenetic enzymes:histone acetylase (HAT), histone deacetylase (HDAC) and DNA methyltransferase (DNMT), biochemical and synaptic plasticity analyzes were performed. An increase in HDAC and DNMT activities was observed at 72 h, 10 days and 30 days. There was a positive correlation between epigenetic enzymes DNMT and HDAC 24 h, 10 days and 30 days. After EE, HDAC and DNMT enzyme activity decreased, cognitive impairment was reversed, IL1-ß levels decreased and there was an increase in PSD-95 levels in the hippocampus. Interventions in environmental conditions can modulate the outcomes of long-term cognitive consequences associated with sepsis, supporting the idea of the potential benefits of EE.

Perfil dos usuários e atendimento das Unidades Básicas de Saúde do município de Criciúma (SC) / Profile of users and services of Basic Health Units in the municipality of Criciúma (SC) / Perfil de usuarios y atención de unidades básicas de salud en el municipio de Criciúma (SC)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as características dos usuários e dos atendimentos realizados nas Unidades Básicas de Saúde do município de Criciúma/SC. Foram avaliados todos atendimentos realizados no ano de 2018, através da coleta de dados secundários no sistema de informação em saúde (CELK Saúde) do município. As variáveis analisadas foram: idade, sexo, escolaridade, situação de moradia, encaminhamentos realizados à atenção secundária, classificação e tipos de atendimentos registrados durante as consultas e os principais procedimentos executados. Foram realizadas análises descritivas das variáveis estudadas, com a apresentação das frequências absolutas e relativas. Dentre os 452.605 atendimentos avaliados, observou-se que 64,57% dos atendimentos foram realizados pelo sexo feminino e pelos indivíduos com 60 anos ou mais. A maior prevalência de atendimentos foi na classificação saúde mental. Em relação aos tipos de atendimento, notou-se predominância de consulta médica em todos os distritos. Quanto aos encaminhados realizados à atenção secundária, os mais prevalentes foram a oftalmologia e a ortopedia. Os resultados encontrados neste estudo podem orientar os gestores em saúde no desenvolvimento de estratégias e alternativas de intervenções efetivas na atenção básica, melhorando a qualidade e otimizando os serviços públicos ofertados.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of users and services provided at Basic Health Units in the municipality of Criciúma/SC. All consultations performed in 2018 were evaluated, through the collection of secondary data in the health information system (CELK Saúde) of the municipality. The following variables were analyzed: age, sex, education, housing situation, referrals to secondary care, classification and types of care recorded during consultations and the main procedures performed. Among the 452,605 consultations evaluated, it was observed that 64.57% of the visits were made by females and by individuals aged 60 or older. The highest prevalence of appointments was in mental health classification. Regarding the types of care, there was a predominance of medical appointments in all districts. As for those referred to secondary care, the most prevalent were ophthalmology and orthopedics. The results found in this study can guide health managers in the municipality, in developing strategies and alternatives for effective interventions in primary care, improving quality and optimizing the public services offered.

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar las características de los usuarios y la atención realizada en las Unidades Básicas de Salud del municipio de Criciúma/SC. Toda la atención brindada en 2018 fue evaluada a través de la recolección de datos secundarios en el sistema de información de salud (CELK Saúde) del municipio. Las variables analizadas fueron: edad, sexo, escolaridad, situación habitacional, derivaciones a atención secundaria, clasificación y tipos de atención registrados durante las consultas y los principales procedimientos realizados. Se realizaron análisis descriptivos de las variables estudiadas, con la presentación de frecuencias absolutas y relativas. Entre las 452.605 visitas evaluadas, se observó que el 64,57% de las visitas fueron realizadas por mujeres e individuos de 60 años o más. La mayor prevalencia de atención fue en la clasificación de salud mental. En cuanto a los tipos de atención, hubo un predominio de la consulta médica en todos los distritos. En cuanto a los referidos a cuidados secundarios, los más prevalentes fueron oftalmología y ortopedia. Los resultados encontrados en este estudio pueden orientar a los gestores sanitarios en el desarrollo de estrategias y alternativas para intervenciones eficaces en atención primaria, mejorando la calidad y optimizando los servicios públicos ofrecidos.

Function Over Mass: A Meta-Analysis on the Importance of Skeletal Muscle Quality in COVID-19 Patients.

COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection is a highly contagious disease affecting both the higher and lower portions of the respiratory tract. This disease reached over 265 million people and has been responsible for over 5.25 million deaths worldwide. Skeletal muscle quality and total mass seem to be predictive of COVID-19 outcome. This systematic review aimed at providing a critical analysis of the studies published so far reporting on skeletal muscle mass in patients with COVID-19, with the intent of examining the eventual association between muscle status and disease severity. A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate whether skeletal muscle quantity, quality and function were related to disease severity. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses were conducted according to the guidelines of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and reported according to the guidelines of the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guide. From a total of 1,056 references found, 480 were selected after removing duplicates. Finally, only 7 met the specified inclusion criteria. The results of this meta-analysis showed that skeletal muscle quality, rather than quantity, was associated with COVID-19 severity, as confirmed by lower skeletal muscle density and lower handgrip strength in patients with severe disease. Muscle function assessment can thus be a valuable tool with prognostic value in COVID-19.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy.

The incidence and prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) are increasing worldwide, and the resulting cardiac complications are the leading cause of death. Among these complications is diabetes-induced cardiomyopathy (DCM), which is the consequence of a pro-inflammatory condition, oxidative stress and fibrosis caused by hyperglycemia. Cardiac remodeling will lead to an imbalance in cell survival and death, which can promote cardiac dysfunction. Since the conventional treatment of DM generally does not address the prevention of cardiac remodeling, it is important to develop new alternatives for the treatment of cardiovascular complications induced by DM. Thus, therapy with mesenchymal stem cells has been shown to be a promising approach for the prevention of DCM because of their anti-apoptotic, anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects, which could improve cardiac function in patients with DM.

Detailed Characterization of Brain Dysfunction in a Long-Term Rodent Model of Critical Illness.

Critical illness encompasses a wide spectrum of life-threatening clinical conditions requiring intensive care. Our objective was to evaluate cognitive, inflammatory and cellular metabolism alterations in the central nervous system in an animal model of critical illness induced by zymosan. For this Wistar rats that were divided into Sham and zymosan. Zymozan was administered once intraperitoneally (30 g/100 g body weight) diluted in mineral oil. The animals were submitted to behavioral tests of octagonal maze, inhibitory avoidance and elevated plus maze. Brain structures (cortex, prefrontal and hippocampus) were removed at 24 h, 4, 7 and 15 days after zymosan administration for analysis of cytokine levels (TNF-α, IL-1b, IL-6 and IL-10), oxidative damage and oxygen consumption. Zymosan-treated animals presented mild cognitive impairment both in aversive (inhibitory avoidance) and non-aversive (octagonal maze) tasks by day 15. However, they did not show increase in anxiety (elevated-plus maze). The first neurochemical alteration found was an increase in brain pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α) at day 4th in the hippocampus. In cortex, a late (7 and 15 days) increase in TNF-α was also noted, while the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 decrease from 4 to 15 days. Oxygen consumption was decreased in the hippocampus and pre-frontal, but not cortex, only at 7 days. Additionally, it was observed a late (15 days) increase in oxidative damage parameters. This characterization of brain dysfunction in rodent model of critical illness reproduces some of the alterations reported in humans such neuropsychiatric disorders, especially depression, memory loss and cognitive changes and can add to the nowadays used models.

Factors associated with cardiovascular disease in the Brazilian adult population: National Health Survey, 2019.

OBJECTIVE: to estimate the prevalence and investigate the sociodemographic, health, and lifestyle factors associated with the self-reported diagnosis of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) in the adult Brazilian population. METHODS: Data from the National Health Survey (PNS 2019) were analyzed. The presence of CVD was self-reported through the question: "Has any doctor ever given you a diagnosis of heart disease?". Sociodemographic factors, health conditions, and lifestyle were evaluated. For data analysis, Poisson Regression with robust variance was used. RESULTS: 5.3% (95%CI 5.04-5.57) of Brazilian adults reported CVD, of which, 29.08% (95%CI 27.04-31.21) underwent coronary artery bypass surgery or angioplasty and 8.26% (95%CI 7.09-9.6) reported severe limitation in usual activities due to CVD. The factors associated with CVD were advanced age; being male; white race/color; complete middle school and incomplete high school education; have health insurance; self-assessing health as regular or bad/very bad; self-reported hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes; being a former smoker; consuming fruits and vegetables as recommended; not consuming alcohol in excess; and not practicing leisure-time physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: CVD is associated with sociodemographic, health, and lifestyle factors. It is important to support public policies, programs, and goals for the reduction of cardiovascular diseases in Brazil, especially in the most vulnerable groups.

COVID-19 and Remote Learning: Predictive Factors of Perceived Improvement or Worsening of the Voice in Brazilian Teachers.

OBJECTIVES: Given the transformations in teaching modalities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, this study aimed to evaluate the factors associated with vocal self-perception during the pandemic and to investigate the ability of selected variables to predict changes in vocal self-perception in teachers with professional vocal demands during the investigated period. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. METHOD: A total of 1,126 teachers of both genders (ages 19-78 years, average 43.23 years) who were participating in remote teaching activities using their voice answered the online questionnaire. To characterize vocal changes (improvement, worsening or no change), the teachers' self-assessment of their voice quality was considered; the association between the variables reported in the questionnaire and vocal changes was analyzed, as was the capacity of these variables for predicting voice changes. RESULTS: Most of the teachers worked at a public school, reported having no previous voice changes or difficulties with their voice during online classes and indicated that they began to use their voice less often and with reduced intensity during the pandemic. Vocal demands were divided between teaching synchronous online classes, recording video lessons and participating in online meetings. Several variables were associated with voice improvement and worsening, and some had the capacity to predict voice changes: improvement in voice quality was associated with working in a public school or as an autonomous teacher, reduced voice use and, to a lesser extent, participating in online meetings, certain vocal habits and a reduction in vocal symptoms; worsening voice quality was associated with working in a private school, increased voice use, using the voice at a higher intensity, difficulty with the voice in online classes, vocal habits and vocal symptoms. CONCLUSION: The context of remote education has changed the way teachers communicate during classes, and monitoring is necessary to ensure that necessary adaptations are made to preserve the voice and ensure effective communication.