Use of digital strategies in the diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma: a scoping review.

Telediagnosis uses information and communication technologies to support diagnosis, shortening geographical distances. It helps make decisions about various oral lesions. The objective of this scoping review was to map the existing literature on digital strategies to assist in the diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma. this review was structured based on the 5-stage methodology proposed by Arksey and O'Malley, the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Evidence Synthesis and followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews. The methods were registered on the Open Science Framework. The research question was: What digital strategies have been used to assist in the diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma? The search was conducted on PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and ScienceDirect. Inclusion criteria comprised studies on telediagnosis, teleconsultation or teleconsultation mediated by a professional and studies in English, without date restrictions. The search conducted in June 2023 yielded 1,798 articles, from which 16 studies were included. Telediagnosis was reported in nine studies, involving data screening through applications, clinical images from digital cameras, mobile phones or artificial intelligence. Histopathological images were reported in four studies. Both, telediagnosis and teleconsultation, were mentioned in seven studies, utilizing images and information submission services to platforms, WhatsApp or applications. One study presented teleconsultations involving slides and another study introduced teleconsultation mediated by a professional. Digital strategies telediagnosis and teleconsultations enable the histopathological diagnosis of oral cancer through clinical or histopathological images. The higher the observed diagnostic agreement, the better the performance of the strategy.

Phenotypic variation seems not to be associated with the genetic profile in Zygopetalum (Orchidaceae): a case study of a high-elevation rocky complex.

BACKGROUND: Hybridization associated with polyploidy studies is rare in the tropics. The genus Zygopetalum (Orchidaceae) was investigated here as a case study of Neotropical plants. In the rocky highlands of the Ibitipoca State Park (ISP), southeast Brazil, individuals with intermediate colors and forms between the species Z. maculatum and Z. triste were commonly identified. METHODS AND RESULTS: Chromosomal analysis and DNA quantity showed a uniform population. Regardless of the aspects related to the color and shape of floral structures, all individuals showed 2n = 96 chromosomes and an average of 14.05 pg of DNA. Irregularities in meiosis associated with chromosome number and C value suggest the occurrence of polyploidy. The genetic distance estimated using ISSR molecular markers revealed the existence of genetic variability not related to morphological clusters. Morphometric measurements of the flower pieces revealed that Z. maculatum shows higher variation than Z. triste although lacking a defined circumscription. CONCLUSION: The observed variation can be explained by the polyploid and phenotypic plasticity resulting from the interaction of the genotypes with the heterogeneous environments observed in this habitat.

Comprehensive landscape of neutralizing antibody and cell-mediated response elicited by the 1/5 fractional dose of 17DD-YF primary vaccination in adults.

The present study aimed at evaluating the YF-specific neutralizing antibody profile besides a multiparametric analysis of phenotypic/functional features of cell-mediated response elicited by the 1/5 fractional dose of 17DD-YF vaccine, administered as a single subcutaneous injection. The immunological parameters of each volunteer was monitored at two time points, referred as: before (Day 0) [Non-Vaccinated, NV(D0)] and after vaccination (Day 30-45) [Primary Vaccinees, PV(D30-45)]. Data demonstrated high levels of neutralizing antibodies for PV(D30-45) leading to a seropositivity rate of 93%. A broad increase of systemic soluble mediators with a mixed profile was also observed for PV(D30-45), with IFN-γ and TNF-α presenting the highest baseline fold changes. Integrative network mapping of soluble mediators showed increased correlation numbers in PV(D30-45) as compared to NV(D0) (532vs398). Moreover, PV(D30-45) exhibited increased levels of Terminal Effector (CD45RA+CCR7-) CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells and Non-Classical memory B-cells (IgD+CD27+). Dimensionality reduction of Mass Cytometry data further support these findings. A polyfunctional cytokine profile (TNF-α/IFN-γ/IL-10/IL-17/IL-2) of T and B-cells was observed upon in vitro antigen recall. Mapping and kinetics timeline of soluble mediator signatures for PV(D30-45) further confirmed the polyfunctional profile upon long-term in vitro culture, mediated by increased levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α along with decreased production of IL-10. These findings suggest novel insights of correlates of protection elicited by the 1/5 fractional dose of 17DD-YF vaccine.

Resveratrol-loaded octenyl succinic anhydride modified starch emulsions and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) microparticles: Cytotoxicity and antioxidant bioactivity assessment after in vitro digestion.

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)-based microparticles and modified starch emulsions (OSA-MS) were loaded with resveratrol and characterized regarding their physicochemical and thermal properties. Both delivery systems were subject to an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion to assess the bioaccessibility of resveratrol. In addition, cell-based studies were conducted after in vitro digestion and cytotoxicity and oxidative stress were assessed. HPMC-based microparticles displayed higher average sizes (d) and lower polydispersity index (PDI) (d = 948 nm, PDI < 0.2) when compared to OSA-MS-based emulsions (d = 217 nm, PDI < 0.3). Both proved to protect resveratrol under digestive conditions, leading to an increase in bioaccessibility. Resveratrol-loaded HPMC-microparticles showed a higher bioaccessibility (56.7 %) than resveratrol-loaded emulsions (19.7 %). Digested samples were tested in differentiated co-cultures of Caco-2 and HT29-MTX, aiming at assessing cytotoxicity and oxidative stress, and a lack of cytotoxicity was observed for all samples. Results displayed an increasing antioxidant activity, with 1.6-fold and 1.4-fold increases over the antioxidant activity of free resveratrol, for HPMC-microparticles and OSA-MS nanoemulsions, respectively. Our results offer insight into physiological relevancy due to assessment post-digestion and highlight the protection that the use of micro-nano delivery systems can confer to resveratrol and their potential to be used as functional food ingredients capable of providing antioxidant benefits upon consumption.

Cardiovascular rhythmicity in overweight and obese children / Ritmicidade cardiovascular em crianças com sobrepeso e obesidade

Abstract Introduction: Obesity is thought to play a role in the disruption of cardiac rhythmicity in obese children, but this is mostly an unexplored field of investigation. We aimed to evaluate the impact of overweight and obesity on circadian and ultradian cardiovascular rhythmicity of prepubertal children, in comparison with normal weight counterparts. Methods: We performed a cross sectional study of 316 children, followed in the birth cohort Generation XXI (Portugal). Anthropometrics and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure were measured and profiles were examined with Fourier analysis for circadian and ultradian blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) rhythms. Results: Overweight/obese children presented more frequently a non-dipping BP pattern than normal weight counterparts (31.5% vs. 21.6%, p = 0.047). The prevalence of 24-hour mean arterial pressure (MAP) and 8-hour HR rhythmicity was significantly lower in obese children (79.3% vs. 88.0%, p = 0.038 and 33.3% vs. 45.2%, p = 0.031, respectively). The prevalence of the remaining MAP and HR rhythmicity was similar in both groups. No differences were found in the median values of amplitudes and acrophases of MAP and HR rhythms. Discussion: The alterations found in rhythmicity suggest that circadian and ultradian rhythmicity analysis might be sensitive in detecting early cardiovascular dysregulations, but future studies are needed to reinforce our findings and to better understand their long-term implications.

Resumo Introdução: Acredita-se que a obesidade desempenhe um papel na desregulação da ritmicidade cardíaca em crianças obesas, mas esse é um campo de investigação ainda pouco explorado. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o impacto do sobrepeso e da obesidade na ritmicidade cardiovascular circadiana e ultradiana de crianças pré-púberes, em comparação com crianças com peso normal. Métodos: Realizamos um estudo transversal com 316 crianças, acompanhadas na coorte de nascimentos Geração XXI (Portugal). Foram medidos dados antropométricos e a pressão arterial ambulatorial de 24 horas, e os perfis foram examinados com uma análise de Fourier para ritmos circadianos e ultradianos de pressão arterial (PA) e frequência cardíaca (FC). Resultados: Crianças com sobrepeso/obesidade apresentaram mais frequentemente um padrão de PA não-dipper em comparação com crianças com peso normal (31,5% vs. 21,6%; p = 0,047). A prevalência da pressão arterial média (PAM) de 24 horas e da ritmicidade da FC de 8 horas foi significativamente menor em crianças obesas (79,3% vs. 88,0%; p = 0,038 e 33,3% vs. 45,2%; p = 0,031, respectivamente). A prevalência das restantes ritmicidades da PAM e da FC foi semelhante em ambos os grupos. Não foram encontradas diferenças nos valores medianos das amplitudes e acrofases dos ritmos de PAM e FC. Discussão: As alterações encontradas na ritmicidade sugerem que a análise da ritmicidade circadiana e ultradiana pode ser sensível na detecção de desregulações cardiovasculares precoces, mas são necessários novos estudos para reforçar nossos achados e entender melhor suas implicações a longo prazo.

Serotype-associated immune response and network immunoclusters in children and adults during acute Dengue virus infection.

The present study was designed as an exploratory investigation to characterize the overall profile of chemokines, growth factors, and pro-inflammatory/regulatory cytokines during acute DENV infection according to DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-4 serotypes and age: children: <1-10-year-old (yo); adolescents:11-20 yo; adults 21-40 yo; and older adults: 41-75 yo. The levels of soluble immunemediators were measured in serum by high-throughput microbeads array in 636 subjects including 317 DENV-infected and 319 age-matching non-infected control (NI). Overall, most soluble mediators were increased in DENV-infected patients as compared to NI group regardless of age and DENV serotype, with high magnitude order of increase for CCL2, CXCL10, IL-1ß, IFN-γ, IL1-Ra (fold change >3x), except PDGF in which no fold change was observed. Moreover, despite the age ranges, DENV-1 and DENV-4 presented increased levels of VEGF, IL-6, and TNF-α in serum but decreased levels of PDGF, while DENV-2 exhibited increased levels of CXCL8, CCL4, and IL-12. Noteworthy was that DENV-2 showed increased levels of IL-12, IL-15, IL-17, IL-4, IL-9, and IL-13, and maintained an unaltered levels of PDGF at younger ages (<1-10 yo and 11-20 yo), whereas in older ages (21-40 yo and 41-75 yo), the results showed increased levels of CCL2, IL-6, and TNF-α, but lower levels of PDGF. In general, DENV infection at younger age groups exhibited more complex network immunoclusters as compared to older age groups. Multivariate analysis revealed a clustering of DENV cases according to age for a set of soluble mediators especially in subjects infected with DENV-2 serotype. Altogether, our findings demonstrate that the profile of circulating soluble mediators differs substantially in acute DENV according to age and DENV serotypes suggesting the participation of serotype-associated immune response, which may represent a potential target for development of therapeutics and could be used to assist medical directive for precise clinical management of severe cases.

Perfil epidemiológico e cobertura vacinal do sarampo no Brasil / Epidemiological profile and vaccination coverage of measles in Brazil

Verificar o perfil epidemiológico e a cobertura vacinal do sarampo no Brasil.Foi realizado um estudo epidemiológico descritivo retrospectivo a respeito da cobertura vacinal do sarampo no Brasil a partir de dados disponibilizados pelo Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde. A partir da análise dos dados, observou-se maior número de casos na região Norte. O maior número de casos registrados foi no ano de 2019. Os indivíduos mais acometidos eram do sexo masculino. A faixa etária ≤ 1 ano representou 41,12% dos casos, e pessoas de cor parda, 47% dos casos. Foram registrados 6 óbitos no período estudado. Por fim, em relação à cobertura vacinal do imunizante tríplice viral, observou-se maior cobertura no ano de 2019. Dentre as regiões geográficas, o maior índice de cobertura foi na região Sul. Percebe-se a necessidade de intensificação de campanhas de conscientização sobre a importância vacinal.

To verify the status and the immunization coverage of measles in Brazil It is a descriptive retrospective epidemiological study about the immunization coverage of measles in Brazil based on data provided by the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System.From the data analysis, there was a greater number of cases in the North region. The highest number of registered cases was in 2019. The most affected individuals were males. The age group ≤ 1 year old represented 41,12% of cases, and people of mixed color, 47% of cases. Six deaths occurred during the study period. Finally, in relation to vaccination coverage, with immunization with two doses of the MMR vaccine, there was greater coverage in 2019. Among the geographic regions, the highest coverage index was in the South region. There is a need to intensify awareness campaigns about the importance of vaccination.

Safety climate in the surgical center during the Covid-19 pandemic: mixed-method study.

CONTEXT: The gradual impact of the Covid-19 pandemic had important effects on routines in surgical environments. In order to cope with the impact and re-establish anaesthesiology and surgery procedures, it was imperative to pursue in-depth studies with a view to ensuring safe surgical care, reducing hazards, as well as protecting the health, safety and wellbeing of the health personnel involved. The purpose of this study was to evaluate quantitative and qualitative approaches to domains of safety climate among multi-professional staffs of surgical centres during the Covid-19 pandemic and to identify intersections. METHODS: This mixed-method project employed a concomitant triangulation strategy on a quantitative approach in an exploratory, descriptive, cross-sectional study, as well as a qualitative approach by way of a descriptive study. Data were collected using the validated, self-applicable Safety Attitudes Questionnaire/Operating Room (SAQ/OR) questionnaire and a semi-structured interview script. The 144 participants were the surgical, anaesthesiology, nursing and support teams working in the surgical centre during the Covid-19 pandemic. RESULTS: The study found an overall safety climate score of 61.94, the highest-scoring domain being 'Communication in the surgical environment' (77.91) and the lowest, 'Perception of professional performance' (23.60). On integrating the results, a difference was found between the domains 'Communication in the surgical environment' and 'Working conditions'. However, there was intersection by the 'Perception of professional performance' domain, which permeated important categories of the qualitative analysis. CONCLUSIONS: For care practice, it is hoped to encourage improved patient safety, educational interventions to strengthen the patient safety climate and promote in-job wellbeing on the job for health personnel working in surgical centres. It is suggested that further studies explore the subject in greater depth among several surgical centres with mixed methods, so as to permit future comparisons and to monitor the evolving maturity of safety climate.

The neurotoxic branch of the kynurenine pathway is highly activated in the central nervous system of patients with pneumococcal meningitis.

BACKGROUND: Acute bacterial meningitis (ABM) causes excessive activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDAr), leading to cortical and hippocampal neuron death. As opposite, enteroviral meningitis is more frequently benign. The kynurenine (KYN) pathway is the major catabolic route of tryptophan (TRP) and some of its metabolites are agonists or antagonists of NMDAr. METHODS: In order to investigate the pathogen-specific patterns of KYN pathway modulation in the central nervous system of children with acute meningococcal (MM), pneumococcal (PM) or enteroviral (VM) meningitis, the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of TRP, KYN, kynurenic acid (KYNA) and quinolinic acid (QUINA) were evaluated by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (uHPLC) coupled to mass spectrometry. In addition, CSF levels of IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α were quantified by multi-analyte flow assay. The data was mined and integrated using statistical and machine learning methods. RESULTS: The three forms of meningitis investigated herein up-regulated the neurotoxic branch of the KYN pathway within the intrathecal space. However, this response, represented by the concentration of QUINA, was six and nine times higher in PM patients compared to MM or VM, respectively. CSF levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-10 were increased in MM and PM patients when compared to controls. In VM, CSF IL-6 and IL-10, but not TNF-α were increased compared to controls, although not reaching the high levels found in bacterial meningitis. No correlation was found between the concentrations or the ratios of any pair of KYN metabolites and any cytokine or standard cytochemical parameter tested. CONCLUSIONS: CNS infection with meningococci, pneumococci, and enteroviruses intrathecally activate the KYN pathway, favoring its neurotoxic branch. However, in PM, higher CSF levels of QUINA, compared to MM and VM, may contribute to its poorer neurologic outcome.

Panoramic snapshot of serum soluble mediator interplay in pregnant women with convalescent COVID-19: an exploratory study.

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy can induce changes in the maternal immune response, with effects on pregnancy outcome and offspring. This is a cross-sectional observational study designed to characterize the immunological status of pregnant women with convalescent COVID-19 at distinct pregnancy trimesters. The study focused on providing a clear snapshot of the interplay among serum soluble mediators. Methods: A sample of 141 pregnant women from all prenatal periods (1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters) comprised patients with convalescent SARS-CoV-2 infection at 3-20 weeks after symptoms onset (COVID, n=89) and a control group of pre-pandemic non-infected pregnant women (HC, n=52). Chemokine, pro-inflammatory/regulatory cytokine and growth factor levels were quantified by a high-throughput microbeads array. Results: In the HC group, most serum soluble mediators progressively decreased towards the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy, while higher chemokine, cytokine and growth factor levels were observed in the COVID patient group. Serum soluble mediator signatures and heatmap analysis pointed out that the major increase observed in the COVID group related to pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-12, IFN-γ and IL-17). A larger set of biomarkers displayed an increased COVID/HC ratio towards the 2nd (3x increase) and the 3rd (3x to 15x increase) trimesters. Integrative network analysis demonstrated that HC pregnancy evolves with decreasing connectivity between pairs of serum soluble mediators towards the 3rd trimester. Although the COVID group exhibited a similar profile, the number of connections was remarkably lower throughout the pregnancy. Meanwhile, IL-1Ra, IL-10 and GM-CSF presented a preserved number of correlations (≥5 strong correlations in HC and COVID), IL-17, FGF-basic and VEGF lost connectivity throughout the pregnancy. IL-6 and CXCL8 were included in a set of acquired attributes, named COVID-selective (≥5 strong correlations in COVID and <5 in HC) observed at the 3rd pregnancy trimester. Discussion and conclusion: From an overall perspective, a pronounced increase in serum levels of soluble mediators with decreased network interplay between them demonstrated an imbalanced immune response in convalescent COVID-19 infection during pregnancy that may contribute to the management of, or indeed recovery from, late complications in the post-symptomatic phase of the SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women.

Serum biomarkers in patients with unilateral or bilateral active pulmonary tuberculosis: Immunological networks and promising diagnostic applications.

The present observational study was designed to characterize the integrative profile of serum soluble mediators to describe the immunological networks associated with clinical findings and identify putative biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of active tuberculosis. The study population comprises 163 volunteers, including 84 patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis/(TB), and 79 controls/(C). Soluble mediators were measured by multiplexed assay. Data analysis demonstrated that the levels of CCL3, CCL5, CXCL10, IL-1ß, IL-6, IFN-γ, IL-1Ra, IL-4, IL-10, PDGF, VEGF, G-CSF, IL-7 were increased in TB as compared to C. Patients with bilateral pulmonary involvement/(TB-BI) exhibited higher levels of CXCL8, IL-6 and TNF with distinct biomarker signatures (CCL11, CCL2, TNF and IL-10) as compared to patients with unilateral infiltrates/(TB-UNI). Analysis of biomarker networks based in correlation power graph demonstrated small number of strong connections in TB and TB-BI. The search for biomarkers with relevant implications to understand the pathogenetic mechanisms and useful as complementary diagnosis tool of active TB pointed out the excellent performance of single analysis of IL-6 or CXCL10 and the stepwise combination of IL-6 â†’ CXCL10 (Accuracy = 84 %; 80 % and 88 %, respectively). Together, our finding demonstrated that immunological networks of serum soluble biomarkers in TB patients differ according to the unilateral or bilateral pulmonary involvement and may have relevant implications to understand the pathogenetic mechanisms involved in the clinical outcome of Mtb infection.

Efeitos da suplementação de óleo de abacate sobre o perfil lipídico e índices aterogênicos em intervenção duplo-cego e randomizada em pacientes com síndrome metabólica / Effects of avocado oil supplementation on lipid profile and atherogenic indices in a double-blind and randomised intervention in patients with metabolic syndrome

Introdução: A síndrome metabólica é definida como um conjunto de condições clínicas que acometem cerca de 25% da população mundial e 29,6% dos brasileiros. Essa síndrome está relacionada ao aumento dos desfechos cardiovasculares, que podem ser preditos através do perfil lipídico. Compostos bioativos, tais como os ácidos graxos monoinsaturados (MUFA), são fortes aliados na prevenção desses desfechos. Um alimento importante por conter compostos bioativos e MUFA em abundância é o abacate. Há, porém, poucos estudos avaliando o efeito do óleo puro/virgem de abacate sobre o perfil lipídico em humanos com síndrome metabólica, e seus efeitos sobre os índices aterogênicos inexistem. Objetivo: O estudo buscou avaliar a suplementação de óleo de abacate sobre os níveis lipídicos e índices aterogênicos em pacientes portadores de síndrome metabólica. Método: 31 indivíduos adultos e obesos foram randomizados em grupo controle (óleo de soja) e grupo intervenção (óleo de abacate). Estes foram avaliados nos períodos pré e pós-intervenção (12 semanas) através de anamnese clínica e avaliação nutricional. Resultados: Observou-se que tanto o grupo controle quanto o grupo intervenção tinham a ingestão de lipídeos e gordura saturada maior que o recomendável. Quanto ao perfil lipídico e índices aterogênicos, não foi observada diferença significativa entre os períodos pré e pós. Conclusão: Os resultados podem ter se dado pela ausência do controle alimentar, sobrecarga de medicamentos, duração da intervenção, modo de administração e dose do suplemento. Logo, são necessários estudos futuros sobre os efeitos do óleo de abacate nessa população, que controlem melhor essas variáveis.

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome is defined as a set of clinical conditions that affect approximately 25% of the world's population and 29.6% of Brazilians. This syndrome is related to increased cardiovascular outcomes, which may be predicted by the lipid profile. Bioactive compounds, such as monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), are strong allies in preventing these outcomes. Avocado is an important food because it contains abundant bioactive compounds and MUFAs. However, few studies evaluated the effects of pure/virgin avocado oil on the lipid profile in humans with metabolic syndrome, and its effects on atherogenic indices are not known. Objective:This study evaluated avocado oil supplementation on lipid levels and atherogenic indices in patients with metabolic syndrome. Method: Thirty-one obese adults were randomised into a control group (soybean oil) and an intervention group (avocado oil). These groups were evaluated in the pre- and post-intervention periods (12 weeks) via clinical anamnesis and nutritional assessment. Results: The control group and the intervention group had higher intakes of lipids and saturated fat than recommended. For the lipid profile and atherogenic indices, no significant difference was observed between the pre- and postintervention periods. Conclusion: These results may have been due to the absence of dietary control, medication overload, intervention duration, mode of administration and dose of the supplement. Therefore, future studies on the effects of avocado oil are needed in this population to better control these variables.

Evolução temporal de indicadores de consumo alimentar e estado nutricional relacionados às doenças crônicas entre adultos na cidade do Rio de Janeiro e nas demais capitais brasileiras, 2006-2019 / Temporal trend of indicators of food consumption and nutritional status related to noncommunicable diseases in adults from the city of Rio de Janeiro and other Brazilian capitals, 2006 to 2019

Resumo Introdução: Alimentação e estado nutricional inadequados são importantes fatores de risco para doenças crônicas não transmissíveis (DCNT). No Brasil, a cidade do Rio de Janeiro (RJ) tem se destacado pela elevada prevalência de obesidade. Objetivo: Avaliar a evolução temporal de indicadores de consumo alimentar e de estado nutricional, relacionados às DCNT, em adultos da cidade do Rio de Janeiro e das demais capitais brasileiras. Método: Utilizou-se dados do Vigitel de 2006 a 2019. Modelos de regressão de Prais-Winsten foram empregados para avaliar a variação na prevalência dos indicadores de interesse. Esses foram definidos com base nas metas do Plano Nacional de Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional (2016-19) e do Plano de Ações Estratégicas para o Enfrentamento das DCNT no Brasil (2011-22). Resultados: Não houve variação significativa no consumo regular e recomendado de frutas e hortaliças, assim como no consumo regular de doces. O consumo regular de refrigerantes diminuiu no RJ e nas demais capitais no período. A prevalência de excesso de peso e de obesidade aumentou significativamente no RJ e nas demais capitais do país. Conclusões: A evolução dos indicadores revela um cenário desfavorável para a saúde da população e para o alcance das metas dos planos nacionais.

Abstract Background: Inadequate diet and nutritional status are important risk factors for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). In Brazil, the city of Rio de Janeiro (RJ) has stood out for its high prevalence of obesity. Objective: To evaluate the temporal trend of indicators of food consumption and nutritional status related to NCDs in the adult population of the city of RJ and other Brazilian capitals. Method: Vigitel data between 2006 and 2019 were used. Prais-Winsten regression was used to evaluate the variation in the prevalence of interest indicators. These were defined based on the goals of the National Plan for Food and Nutritional Security (Plano Nacional de Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional - 2016-19) and the Strategic Action Plan to Tackle NCDs in Brazil (Plano de Ações Estratégicas para o Enfrentamento das DCNT no Brasil - 2011-22). Results: Regular and recommended consumption of fruits and vegetables and regular consumption of sweets did not present significant variation, while the regular consumption of soft drinks decreased in RJ and other capitals during the period. The prevalence of excess weight and obesity increased significantly in RJ and in other capitals. Conclusions: The trend of the indicators reveals an unfavorable scenario for the health's population and to achieve the goals proposed in the national plans.

Association of thyroid function, within the euthyroid range, with cardiovascular risk: The EPIPorto study.

Background: Thyroid hormones are important modulators of cardiovascular function. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are known to contribute to an increased cardiovascular risk. It remains uncertain whether thyroid hormones level within the euthyroid range are associated with cardiometabolic risk. We aimed to evaluate the association between thyroid function levels within the euthyroid range and cardiovascular risk in a population-based cohort. Methods: Eight hundred thirty-five subjects aged ≥45 years from the EPIPorto population-based cohort were included. We excluded participants with TSH, free T4 (FT4), or free T3 (FT3) outside of the reference range, or with previous cardiovascular or thyroid disease. The associations between thyroid function, cardiovascular risk factors and the 10-year estimated risk of cardiovascular events (using SCORE2 and SCORE2-OP) were evaluated in linear and logistic regression models, crudely and adjusting for age, sex, BMI, diabetes, and smoking. Results: The mean age of the participants was 61.5 (SD 10.5) years and 38.9% were men. Eleven percent of the participants had diabetes, 47.8% had dyslipidemia, and 54.8% had hypertension. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 27.4 (SD 4.6) kg/m2, and the median (percentile25-75) 10-year risk of cardiovascular events was 5.46% (2.92, 10.11). Participants with higher BMI, larger waist circumference and higher hs-CRP had higher levels of FT3 and FT3/FT4 ratio. Lower FT3/FT4 ratio and higher FT4 levels were associated with higher prevalence of diabetes and more adverse lipid profile. Higher TSH, lower FT3 and lower FT3/FT4 ratio were associated with lower eGFR. Lower FT3, lower FT3/FT4 ratio and higher FT4 were associated with an increased 10-year risk of cardiovascular events. Conclusions: In a population-based study, variations of thyroid function within the euthyroid range were associated with cardiovascular risk factors. On one hand, individuals with higher BMI, larger waist circumference and higher hs-CRP had higher levels of FT3 and FT3/FT4 ratio. On the other hand, a decreased conversion of T4 to T3 (lower FT3, lower FT3/FT4 ratio and/or higher FT4) was associated with a higher prevalence of diabetes, a more adverse lipid profile, a lower eGFR and an increased 10-year risk of cardiovascular events.

Unbalanced networks and disturbed kinetics of serum soluble mediators associated with distinct disease outcomes in severe COVID-19 patients.

The present study applied distinct models of descriptive analysis to explore the integrative networks and the kinetic timeline of serum soluble mediators to select a set of systemic biomarkers applicable for the clinical management of COVID-19 patients. For this purpose, a total of 246 participants (82 COVID-19 and 164 healthy controls - HC) were enrolled in a prospective observational study. Serum soluble mediators were quantified by high-throughput microbeads array on hospital admission (D0) and at consecutive timepoints (D1-6 and D7-20). The results reinforce that the COVID-19 group exhibited a massive storm of serum soluble mediators. While increased levels of CCL3 and G-CSF were associated with the favorable prognosis of non-mechanical ventilation (nMV) or discharge, high levels of CXCL10 and IL-6 were observed in patients progressing to mechanical ventilation (MV) or death. At the time of admission, COVID-19 patients presented a complex and robust serum soluble mediator network, with a higher number of strong correlations involving IFN-γ, IL-1Ra and IL-9 observed in patients progressing to MV or death. Multivariate regression analysis demonstrates the ability of serum soluble mediators to cluster COVID-19 from HC. Ascendant fold change signatures and the kinetic timeline analysis further confirmed that the pairs "CCL3 and G-CSF" and "CXCL10 and IL-6" were associated with favorable or poor prognosis, respectively. A selected set of systemic mediators (IL-6, IFN-γ, IL-1Ra, IL-13, PDGF and IL-7) were identified as putative laboratory markers, applicable as complementary records for the clinical management of patients with severe COVID-19.

Seroprevalence and systemic immune biomarkers associated with Toxoplasma gondii infection in blood donors from Southern Brazil.

The high seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in Blood Banks could be a potential risk for contamination of blood recipients. The discovery of new biomarkers may help to distinguish between seropositive and seronegative donors. This study determined the seroprevalence and profile of systemic immune biomarkers associated with Toxoplasma gondii infection among blood donors from Southern Brazil. Peripheral blood was collected from 510 blood donors (52.2 % male; mean age: 36.61), 310, and 200 from Erechim, and Chapecó municipalities, respectively. Specific Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM antibodies were detected by Eletrochemioluminescence. Nested PCR and qPCR were performed to detectToxoplasma gondii DNA. Twenty-seven inflammatory factors were analyzed using a high-performance Luminex assay. Among 310 blood donors from Erechim, 44.5 % (138/310) were IgM(-)/IgG(+), and 1.3 % (4/310) were IgM(+)/IgG(+), while out of 200 blood donors from Chapeco, 42.5 % (85/200) were IgM(-)/IgG(+), and 2 % (4/200) were IgM(+)/ IgG(+). We did not find Toxoplasma gondii DNA in the samples analyzed by Nested PCR and qPCR.Additionally, IgM(-)/IgG(+) donors presented higher levels ofdistinct systemic mediators, and were indicated to be high producers of several systemic mediators (CCL11, CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CXCL10, IL-1ß, IL-17, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-9, IL-13, IL-10, IL-1Ra, vascular endothelial growth factor/VEGF, platelet-derived growth factor/PDGF, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor/GM-CSF, and IL-7). However, IgM(+)/IgG(+) donors were found as high producers of CXCL8, CXCL10, CCL4, IL-1ß, IL-1Ra, IL-9, IL-13, and PDGF, while IgM(-)/IgG(-) donors showed unaltered levels for the most soluble mediators evaluated. These distinct biomarker signatures might help identify potential factors to distinguish between IgM(-) and IgM(+) donors.

Construção e validação de instrumento para avaliação das medidas de biossegurança em bioterrorismo pelos bombeiros / Construction and validation of and assessment tool for biosafety measures in bioterrorism for firefighters / Construcción y validación de un instrumento para evaluar las medidas de bioseguridad en el bioterrorismo de los bomberos

Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo desenvolver e validar um instrumento de avaliação das medidas de Biossegurança adotadas pelos bombeiros militares, para a contenção dos agentes biológicos frente a um evento de bioterrorismo. Métodos: Tratou-se de um estudo descritivo de abordagem quantitativa, de desenvolvimento metodológico e do tipo de validação de conteúdo de um instrumento de avaliação. O estudo foi dividido nas fases de desenvolvimento e validação do instrumento. Para o desenvolvimento do instrumento foram feitas revisões da literatura e para a validação do instrumento foi utilizado o método Delphi. Para o estudo foram incluídos 6 juízes que avaliaram o instrumento através da escala numérica tipo Likert. Resultados: Os juízes avaliaram que o instrumento proposto está bem estruturado, possuindo boa clareza e coesão de escrita, com aplicabilidade no campo de estudo e de grande relevância, principalmente em vista a ausência desse tipo de instrumento para a população de bombeiros militares. Para avaliar a concordância entre os juízes foi utilizado o índice de Validade de Conteúdo, que alcançou 98% de concordância e o Índice de Fidedignidade Interavaliadores, que alcançou os conceitos bom e muito bom, mostrando baixa variância das respostas dos juízes, sendo estatisticamente válido. Conclusão: O estudo descreveu o processo de construção e validação do instrumento, provando ser apropriado e confiável para ser utilizado.

Objective: This study aimed to develop and validate an instrument to assess the Biosafety measures adopted by firefighters, for the containment of biological agents in the face of a bioterrorism event. Methods: This is a descriptive study with a quantitative approach, methodological development, and the type of content validation of an assessment instrument. The study was divided into instrument development and validation phases. For the development of the instrument, literature reviews were conducted and for the instrument validation, the Delphi method was used. For the study, 6 judges were included who evaluated the instrument using the Likert-type numerical scale. Results: The judges evaluated that the proposed instrument is well structured, with good clarity and cohesion of writing, with applicability in the field of study and of great relevance, especially considering the absence of this type of instrument for the military firefighter population. To evaluate the agreement between the judges, we used the Content Validity Index which reached 98% of agreement and the Interrate agreement, which reached the concepts good and very good, showing low variance of the judges' answers, being statistically valid. Conclusion: The study described the process of construction and validation of the instrument, proving to be appropriate and reliable to be used.

Objetivo: Este estudio tenía como objetivo desarrollar y validar un instrumento para evaluar las medidas de bioseguridad adoptadas por los bomberos militares para contener los agentes biológicos durante un evento de bioterrorismo. Métodos: Se trata de un estudio descriptivo de abordaje cuantitativo, de desarrollo metodológico y del tipo de validación de contenido de un instrumento de evaluación. El estudio se dividió en las fases de desarrollo y validación del instrumento. Para la elaboración del instrumento se realizaron revisiones bibliográficas y para la validación del mismo se utilizó el método Delphi. Para el estudio se incluyeron 6 jueces que evaluaron el instrumento mediante una escala numérica tipo Likert. Resultados: Los jueces evaluaron que el instrumento propuesto está bien estructurado, poseyendo buena claridad y cohesión de redacción, con aplicabilidad en el campo de estudio y de gran relevancia, especialmente en vista de la ausencia de este tipo de instrumento para la población de bomberos militares. Se utilizó el Índice de Validez de Contenido para evaluar la concordancia entre los jueces, alcanzando un 98% de acuerdo y el Índice de Fiabilidad Inter-registrador, que alcanzó conceptos buenos y muy buenos, mostrando una baja varianza en las respuestas de los jueces, siendo estadísticamente válido. Conclusión: El estudio describió el proceso de construcción y validación del instrumento, demostrando ser apropiado y confiable para ser utilizado.

Acute kidney injury associated to COVID-19 leads to a strong unbalance of circulant immune mediators.

BACKGROUND: Severe cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have increased risk for acute kidney injury (AKI). The exacerbation of the immune response seems to contribute to AKI development, but the immunopathological process is not completely understood. OBJECTIVES: To analyze levels of circulant immune mediators in COVID-19 patients evolving with or without AKI. We have also investigated possible associations of these mediators with viral load and clinical outcomes. METHODS: This is a longitudinal study performed with hospitalized patients with moderate to severe COVID-19. Serum levels of 27 immune mediators were measured by a multiplex immunoassay. Data were analyzed at two timepoints during the follow-up: within the first 13 days of the disease onset (early sample) and from the 14th day to death or hospital discharge (follow-up sample). RESULTS: We studied 82 COVID-19 patients (59.5 ± 17.5 years, 54.9% male). Of these, 34 (41.5%) developed AKI. These patients presented higher SARS-CoV-2 viral load (P = 0.03), higher frequency of diabetes (P = 0.01) and death (P = 0.0004). Overall, AKI patients presented significantly higher and sustained levels (P < 0.05) of CCL-2, CCL-3, CCL-4, CXCL-8, CXCL-10, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1Ra, IL-10 and VEGF. Importantly, higher levels of CCL-2, CXCL-10, IL-2, TNF-α, IL-10, FGFb, and VEGF were observed in AKI patients independently of death. ROC curves demonstrated that early alterations in CCL-2, CXCL-8, CXCL-10, IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-1Ra and IL-10 show a good predictive value regarding AKI development. Lastly, immune mediators were significantly associated with each other and with SARS-CoV-2 viral load in AKI patients. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 associated AKI is accompanied by substantial alterations in circulant levels of immune mediators, which could significantly contribute to the establishment of kidney injury.

Aneuploids and its increment on diversity of Lippia alba polyploid complex: genetic aspects and origin.

BACKGROUND: Aneuploidy is associated with add or lack of individual chromosomes. The knowledge regarding aneuploidy is still rare in wild and tropical populations. Lippia alba is a tropical polyploid complex naturally formed, with 2x, 3x, 4x, 6x, and aneuploid individuals. The species presents pharmacological and medicinal importance, due to its essential oil compounds, which are related to the ploidal level. Considering the singularity of aneuploids emergence and stability, we proposed to investigate putative cytotypes involved in the aneuploids formation. METHODS AND RESULTS: Molecular, cytogenetic, reproductive, and chemical approaches were adopted. The results showed that the aneuploids possibly have independent origin considering the genetic, chemical and karyotypical profiles. The chemical composition of aneuploids is related to genetic similarity. The aneuploid origin may involve 2x and 3x cytotypes being possible to rise four scenarios of crosses to explain that. CONCLUSIONS: The results, in general, contribute to the comprehension of the origin of aneuploids and highlight the genetic profile of these accessions as a key element on the understanding of the chemical profile of L. alba accessions.