The Infertility of Repeat-Breeder Cows During Summer Is Associated with Decreased Mitochondrial DNA and Increased Expression of Mitochondrial and Apoptotic Genes in Oocytes.

Oocyte quality is known to be a major cause of infertility in repeat-breeder (RB) and heat-stressed dairy cows. However, the mechanisms by which RB oocytes become less capable of supporting embryo development remain largely unknown. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate whether the decreased oocyte competence of RB cows (RBs) during summer is associated with an altered gene expression profile and a decrease in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number. Therefore, oocytes collected from heifers, non-RBs in peak lactation (PLs), and RBs were used to evaluate mtDNA amounts as well as the expression levels of genes associated with the mitochondria (MT-CO1, NRF1, POLG, POLG2, PPARGC1A, and TFAM), apoptosis (BAX, BCL2, and ITM2B), and oocyte maturation (BMP15, FGF8, FGF10, FGF16, FGF17, and GDF9). The oocytes retrieved from RBs during winter contained over eight times more mtDNA than those retrieved from RBs during summer. They also contained significantly less mtDNA than oocytes retrieved from heifers and PLs during summer. Moreover, the expression of mitochondria- (NRF1, POLG, POLG2, PPARGC1A, and TFAM) and apoptosis-related (BAX and ITM2B) genes, as well as of GDF9, in RB oocytes collected during summer was significantly greater than that in oocytes collected from heifers and PLs during the same season. In oocytes from heifers and PLs, the expression levels of these genes were lower in those collected during summer compared with winter, but this difference was not observed in oocytes collected from RBs. Altogether, these data provide evidence of altered gene expression and reduced mtDNA copy number in the oocytes collected from RBs during summer. This indicates a loss of fertility in RBs during summer, which might be caused by a possible mitochondrial dysfunction associated with a greater chance of oocytes to undergo apoptosis.

Use of new recombinant proteins for ovarian stimulation in ruminants.

Currently, gonadotropin products (follicle stimulating hormone, FSH, and luteinizing hormone, LH) used in animal reproduction are produced by extraction and purification from abattoir-derived pituitary glands. This method, relying on animal-derived materials, carries the potential risk of hormone contamination and pathogen transmission. Additionally, chorionic gonadotropins are extracted from the blood of pregnant mares (equine chorionic gonadotropin; eCG) or the urine of pregnant women (human chorionic gonadotropin; hCG). However, recent advancements have introduced recombinant gonadotropins for assisted animal reproduction therapies. The traditional use of FSH for superovulation has limitations, including labor requirements and variability in superovulation response, affecting the success of in vivo (SOV) and in vitro (OPU/IVEP) embryo production. FSH treatment for superstimulation before OPU can promote the growth of a homogenous follicular population and the recovery of competent oocytes suitable for IVEP procedures. At present, a single injection of a preparation of long-acting bovine recombinant FSH (rFSH) produced similar superovulation responses resulting in the production of good-quality in vivo and in vitro embryos. Furthermore, the treatment with eCG at FTAI protocol has demonstrated its efficacy in promoting follicular growth, ovulation, and P/AI, mainly in heifers and anestrous cows. Currently, treatment with recombinant glycoproteins with eCG-like activity (r-eCG) have shown promising results in increasing follicular growth, ovulation, and P/AI in cows submitted to P4/E2 -based protocols. Bovine somatotropin (bST) is a naturally occurring hormone found in cows. Recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST), produced through genetic engineering techniques, has shown potential in enhancing reproductive outcomes in ruminants. Treatment with rbST has been found to improve P/IA, increase donor embryo production, and enhance P/ET in recipients. The use of recombinant hormones allows to produce non-animal-derived products, offering several advantages in assisted reproductive technologies for ruminants. This advancement opens up new possibilities for improving reproductive efficiency and success rates in the field of animal reproduction.

COVID-19 epidemic curve in Brazil: a sum of multiple epidemics, whose inequality and population density in the states are correlated with growth rate and daily acceleration. An ecological study.

BACKGROUND: The epidemic curve has been obtained based on the 7-day moving average of the events. Although it facilitates the visualization of discrete variables, it does not allow the calculation of the absolute variation rate. Recently, we demonstrated that the polynomial interpolation method can be used to accurately calculate the daily acceleration of cases and deaths due to COVID-19. This study aimed to measure the diversity of epidemic curves and understand the importance of socioeconomic variables in the acceleration, pek cases, and deaths due to COVID-19 in Brazilian states. METHODS: Epidemiological data for COVID-19 from federative units in Brazil were obtained from the Ministry of Health's website from February 25 to July 11, 2020. Socioeconomic data were obtained from the Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (https://www.ibge.gov.br/). Using the polynomial interpolation methods, daily cases, deaths and acceleration were calculated. Moreover, the correlation coefficient between the epidemic curve data and socioeconomic data was determined. RESULTS: The combination of daily data and case acceleration determined that Brazilian states were in different stages of the epidemic. Maximum case acceleration, peak of cases, maximum death acceleration, and peak of deaths were associated with the Gini index of the gross domestic product of Brazilian states and population density but did not correlate with the per capita gross domestic product of Brazilian states. CONCLUSIONS: Brazilian states showed heterogeneous data curves. Population density and socioeconomic inequality were correlated with a more rapid exponential growth in new cases and deaths.

The Volume-Time Curve by Three-Dimensional Echocardiography in Chagas Cardiomyopathy: Insights into the Mechanism of Hemodynamic Adaptations. / A Curva Volume-Tempo Obtida pela Ecocardiografia Tridimensional na Cardiomiopatia Chagásica: Análise do Mecanismo das Adaptações Hemodinâmicas.

BACKGROUND: Three-dimensional echocardiography (3D ECHO) allows the generation of a volume-time curve representative of changes in the left ventricular (LV) volume throughout the entire cardiac cycle. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to demonstrate the hemodynamic adaptations present in Chagas cardiomyopathy (CC) by means of the volume and flow measurements obtained by the volume-time curve by 3D ECHO. METHODS: Twenty patients with CC and 15 healthy subjects were prospectively enrolled in a cross-sectional design study. 3D ECHO was performed in all subjects and the volume over time curves of the LV was generated. The flow was obtained by the first derivative of the volume-time curve using the software MATLAB. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: Although CC patients had lower LV ejection fraction compared to the control group (29.8±7.5 vs. 57.7±6.1, p<0.001), stroke volume (61.5±25.2 vs. 53.8±21.0, p=0.364) and maximum ejection flow during systole (-360.3±147.5 vs. -305.6±126.0, p=0.231) were similar between the groups. Likewise, the maximum flow in the early diastolic filling phase and during atrial contraction was similar between groups. An increase in preload expressed by LV end diastolic volume (204.8±79.4 vs. 93.0±32.6), p<0.001) may maintain the flow and stroke volumes similar to the controls. CONCLUSION: Using a non-invasive tool, we demonstrated that an increase in LV end-diastolic volume may be the main adaptation mechanism that maintains the flow and stroke volumes in the setting of severe LV systolic dysfunction.

FUNDAMENTO: A ecocardiografia tridimensional (ECO 3D) permite a geração de uma curva volume-tempo representativa das alterações no volume ventricular esquerdo (VE) ao longo de todo o ciclo cardíaco. OBJETIVO: O presente estudo tem como objetivo demonstrar as adaptações hemodinâmicas presentes na cardiomiopatia chagásica (CC) por meio das medidas de volume e fluxo obtidas pela curva volume-tempo por ECO 3D. MÉTODOS: Vinte pacientes com CC e 15 indivíduos saudáveis foram incluídos prospectivamente em um estudo de desenho transversal. Realizou-se ECO 3D em todos os indivíduos e as curvas volume-tempo do VE foram geradas. O fluxo foi obtido pela primeira derivada da curva volume-tempo por meio do software MATLAB. A significância estatística foi definida com p<0,05. RESULTADOS: Embora os pacientes com CC tivessem menor fração de ejeção do VE em comparação com o grupo controle (29,8±7,5 vs. 57,7±6,1, p<0,001), o volume (61,5±25,2 vs. 53,8±21,0, p=0,364) e o fluxo de ejeção máximo durante a sístole (-360,3±147,5 vs. -305,6±126,0, p = 0,231) mostraram-se semelhantes entre os grupos. Da mesma forma, o fluxo máximo na fase de enchimento inicial e durante a contração atrial mostrou-se semelhante entre os grupos. Um aumento na pré-carga expressa pelo volume diastólico final do VE (204,8±79,4 vs. 93,0±32,6), p<0,001) pode manter o fluxo e o volume ejetado semelhantes aos dos controles. CONCLUSÃO: Com uma ferramenta não invasiva, demonstramos que o aumento no volume diastólico final do VE pode ser o principal mecanismo de adaptação que mantém o fluxo e o volume ejetado no cenário de disfunção sistólica ventricular esquerda severa.

Can skinfold thickness equations be substituted for bioimpedance analysis in children?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the agreement between the most used skinfold thickness equations with multi-frequency bioimpedance analysis in the prediction of body fat levels in children. METHOD: A cross-sectional study of healthy Brazilian community-dwelling individuals. The anthropometric assessment included height, body mass, arm circumference, and waist circumference. The percentage of body fat was obtained by measuring skinfold thickness equations and using bioimpedance analysis, and skinfold thickness was measured using a scientific skinfold caliper. Bland-Altman plot analysis was used to verify the agreement between the methods. RESULTS: There were 439 children and adolescents evaluated, with a mean age of 11.6±3.7 years. The mean body fat by bioimpedance analysis was 22.8%±10.4%, compared to 22.4%±8.8% by Slaughter (1), 20.4%±9.2% by Slaughter (2), 19.6%±4.4% by Goran, and 24.7%±10.0% by Huang equations. Bland-Altman plot analysis revealed limits of agreement greater than 8% between the bioimpedance analysis approach and equations, exceeding the clinically acceptable limit predefined a priori. None of the equations had good agreement with bioimpedance analysis. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that skinfold thickness and bioimpedance analysis should not be used interchangeably in children and adolescents.

Osteonevus of Nanta: a case report in a combined melanocytic nevus.

Secondary osteoma cutis is a phenomenon that may occur in several conditions. When it occurs in a melanocytic nevus it is named osteonevus of Nanta, an event considered uncommon and characterized by the presence of bone formation adjacent or interposed with melanocytic cells. There are reports of its occurrence in various melanocytic lesions, being more frequently associated with intradermal nevus. We report a case of osteonevus of Nanta in combined nevus, possibly the first description of this association.

Covid-19 growth rate analysis: application of a low-complexity tool for understanding and comparing epidemic curves.

INTRODUCTION: The acceleration of new cases is important for the characterization and comparison of epidemic curves. The objective of this study was to quantify the acceleration of daily confirmed cases and death curves using the polynomial interpolation method. METHODS: Covid-19 epidemic curves from Brazil, Germany, the United States, and Russia were obtained. We calculated the instantaneous acceleration of the curve using the first derivative of the representative polynomial. RESULTS: The acceleration for all curves was obtained. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporating acceleration into an analysis of the Covid-19 time series may enable a better understanding of the epidemiological situation.

Cartografia das estratégias utilizadas para o trabalho colaborativo em equipes de saúde da família / Cartografía de las estrategias utilizadas para el trabajo colaborativo en equipos de salud de la familia / Strategies used for collaborative work in family health teams: a cartographic analysis

O estudo objetivou mapear as estratégias utilizadas para o trabalho colaborativo em equipes de Saúde da Família (eSF) inseridas na Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS), em um município do norte de Minas. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo, com a proposta metodológica da Cartografia. Os dados foram produzidos em quatro eSF por meio de observação participante, questionário de identificação, diário cartográfico, entrevista semiestruturada individual e grupo focal. A análise do discurso e o rastreio cartográfico possibilitaram a construção de duas categorias temáticas e um mapa cartográfico. Alcançou-se que as estratégias, consideradas linhas de fuga, permitem transformações existenciais no trabalho em equipe, pois originam nascentes em solos cristalizados, pensamentos problematizadores, subjetividade e interações disciplinares. Concluiu-se que as linhas duras não devem ser eliminadas do trabalho em equipe, pois coexistem nessa realidade, e o que importa é como são vivenciadas nas relações.(AU)

El objetivo del estudio fue mapear las estrategias utilizadas para el trabajo colaborativo en equipos de Salud de la Familia (eSF), inseridas en la Atención Primaria de la Salud, en un municipio del Norte de Minas Gerais. Se trata de un estudio cualitativo, con la propuesta metodológica de la Cartografía. Los datos se produjeron en cuatro eSF, por medio de observación participativa, cuestionario de identificación, diario cartográfico, entrevista semiestructurada individual y grupo focal. El análisis del discurso y el rastreo cartográfico posibilitaron la construcción de dos categorías temáticas y un mapa cartográfico. Se vio que las estrategias, consideradas líneas de fuga, permiten transformaciones en el trabajo en equipo, puesto que originan manantiales en suelos cristalizados, pensamientos problematizadores, subjetividad e interacciones disciplinarias. Se concluyó que las líneas duras no deben eliminarse del trabajo en equipo, puesto que coexisten en esta realidad y lo que importa es cómo se experimentan en las relaciones.(AU)

The study aimed to map the strategies used for collaborative work in Family Health Teams (FHT), inserted in Primary Health Care, in a municipality in the North of Minas. This is a qualitative study, with the methodological proposal of Cartography. Data were produced in four FHT, through participant observation, identification questionnaire, cartographic diary, semi-structured individual interview and focus group. Discourse analysis and mapping screening enabled the construction of two thematic categories and a cartographic map. It was reached that the strategies, considered lines of flight, allow existential transformations in teamwork, since they originate springs in crystallized soils, problematizing thoughts, subjectivity, and disciplinary interactions. It was concluded that hard lines should not be eliminated from teamwork, for they coexist in this reality, and what matters is how they are experienced in relationships.(AU)

Association between phase angle from bioelectrical impedance analysis and level of physical activity: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between physical activity and phase angle. DESIGN: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: Electronic searches of MEDLINE (via PUBMED), EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, The Cochrane Library), SciELO, LILACS, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception to December 10th, 2017. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES: The PICOS strategy was defined, in which "P" corresponded to participants of any age, sex or ethnicity, "I" indicated any type of physical activity program, "C" denoted lack of exercise or irregular physical activity, "O" corresponded to the phase angle obtained by bio-impedance, and "S" indicated longitudinal or cross-sectional studies. RESULTS: In cross-sectional studies the phase angle was higher among the active individuals (MD = 0.70; 95% CI: 0.48, 0.92, P < 0.001), with low heterogeneity (I2 = 0%; P = 0.619). In longitudinal studies, the mean of the difference of phase angles from the baseline was significantly higher for the active group than the control group (MD = 0.30; 95% CI: 0.11, 0.49, P = 0.001), with low heterogeneity (I2 = 13%, P = 0.331). No evidence of publication bias was found and the overall risk of bias was moderate to high. SUMMARY/CONCLUSION: The positive association of physical activity with phase angle reinforces the importance of routinely including exercise in health care. We also identified the need for further studies to define with different types, intensities and frequencies of exercises should be conducted in order to find the best dose-effect relationship.

Immunolocalization of an osteopontin-like protein in dense granules of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites and its association with the parasitophorous vacuole.

Toxoplasma gondii is an apicomplexan parasite infecting a broad host range, including humans. The parasite invades host cell by active penetration with the participation of its secretory organelles proteins during this process. Until now, only a limited number of secretory proteins have been discovered, and the effectors molecules involved in parasite invasion and survival are not well understood. Osteopontin (OPN) is a multifunctional glycophosphoprotein, secreted by different cell types, which is involved in various physiological and pathological events including cell signaling and survival. For the first time we demonstrated in this work by immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy approaches the localization of an OPN-like protein in dense granules of extracellular T. gondii tachyzoites. Western blotting and RT-PCR confirmed this protein expression by the parasites. Our results also showed, after macrophage invasion, an intense positive labeling for OPN-like protein at the sub-apical portion of tachyzoites, the site of dense granules secretion, and the localization of this protein at the parasitophorous vacuole membrane. These data suggest that dense granules secrete an OPN-like protein, and we speculate that this protein participates during the parasite interaction process with host cells and parasitophorous vacuole formation.

Bioética de proteção: fundamentos e perspectiva / Bioethics of protection: fundamentals and perspective / Bioética de protección: fundamentos y perspectiva

Resumo Este artigo busca promover uma reflexão sobre a perspectiva da bioética de proteção e explicitar suas ferramentas, por meio de levantamento bibliográfico ancorado nos marcos teóricos de seus principais idealizadores e da técnica de leitura informativa, que pretende identificar a temática e as principais ideias envolvidas. Para tanto, apresenta-se, inicialmente, a proteção como princípio bioético mediante um aprofundamento na origem, na definição e na análise dos termos "vulnerabilidade", "suscetibilidade" e "vulneração". Na sequência, busca-se apresentar as abordagens bioéticas voltadas ao "princípio de proteção". Por fim, argumenta-se que a bioética de proteção funciona como paradigma para apreensão, análise e resolução de conflitos morais em saúde pública, revelando-se uma abordagem fundamental nesse campo, haja vista seu desafio de lidar com a tensão entre os âmbitos individual e coletivo.

Abstract This article seeks to reflect on the perspective of bioethics of protection and explain its tools, by using a bibliographic survey based on the theorical marks of its main idealizers and the informative reading technique, which seeks to identify the thematic and the main ideas involved. To that end, we first present protection as a bioethical principle by going deeper into the origin, to the definition and the analysis of the terms "vulnerability", "susceptibility" and "injury". Then, we seek to present the bioethical approaches regarding the "principle of protection". Finally, we argue that bioethics of protection works as a paradigm for the apprehension, analysis, and resolution of moral conflicts in public health, revealing itself a fundamental approach in this field, considering its challenge is facing the tension between the individual and the collective spheres.

Resumen Este artículo pretende fomentar la reflexión sobre la perspectiva de la bioética de protección y explicar sus herramientas a partir de una recopilación bibliográfica realizada en los marcos teóricos de sus principales creadores y la técnica de lectura informativa, con el objetivo de identificar la temática y las ideas principales involucradas. Para ello, primero se presenta la protección como un principio bioético a través de un estudio en profundidad del origen, definición y análisis de los términos "vulnerabilidad", "susceptibilidad" y "vulneración". Después, se exponen los enfoques bioéticos relativos al "principio de protección". Y, por último, se argumenta que la bioética de protección funciona como paradigma para aprehender, analizar y resolver los conflictos morales en salud pública, demostrando ser un abordaje fundamental en este campo teniendo en cuenta su desafío de lidiar con la tensión entre lo individual y lo colectivo.

COVID-19 epidemic curve in Brazil: a sum of multiple epidemics, whose inequality and population density in the states are correlated with growth rate and daily acceleration. An ecological study

ABSTRACT Background: The epidemic curve has been obtained based on the 7-day moving average of the events. Although it facilitates the visualization of discrete variables, it does not allow the calculation of the absolute variation rate. Recently, we demonstrated that the polynomial interpolation method can be used to accurately calculate the daily acceleration of cases and deaths due to COVID-19. This study aimed to measure the diversity of epidemic curves and understand the importance of socioeconomic variables in the acceleration, peak cases, and deaths due to COVID-19 in Brazilian states. Methods: Epidemiological data for COVID-19 from federative units in Brazil were obtained from the Ministry of Health's website from February 25 to July 11, 2020. Socioeconomic data were obtained from the Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (https://www.ibge.gov.br/). Using the polynomial interpolation methods, daily cases, deaths and acceleration were calculated. Moreover, the correlation coefficient between the epidemic curve data and socioeconomic data was determined. Results: The combination of daily data and case acceleration determined that Brazilian states were in different stages of the epidemic. Maximum case acceleration, peak of cases, maximum death acceleration, and peak of deaths were associated with the Gini index of the gross domestic product of Brazilian states and population density but did not correlate with the per capita gross domestic product of Brazilian states. Conclusions: Brazilian states showed heterogeneous data curves. Population density and socioeconomic inequality were correlated with a more rapid exponential growth in new cases and deaths.

A Curva Volume-Tempo Obtida pela Ecocardiografia Tridimensional na Cardiomiopatia Chagásica: Análise do Mecanismo das Adaptações Hemodinâmicas / The Volume-Time Curve by Three-Dimensional Echocardiography in Chagas Cardiomyopathy: Insights into the Mechanism of Hemodynamic Adaptations

Resumo Fundamento A ecocardiografia tridimensional (ECO 3D) permite a geração de uma curva volume-tempo representativa das alterações no volume ventricular esquerdo (VE) ao longo de todo o ciclo cardíaco. Objetivo O presente estudo tem como objetivo demonstrar as adaptações hemodinâmicas presentes na cardiomiopatia chagásica (CC) por meio das medidas de volume e fluxo obtidas pela curva volume-tempo por ECO 3D. Métodos Vinte pacientes com CC e 15 indivíduos saudáveis foram incluídos prospectivamente em um estudo de desenho transversal. Realizou-se ECO 3D em todos os indivíduos e as curvas volume-tempo do VE foram geradas. O fluxo foi obtido pela primeira derivada da curva volume-tempo por meio do software MATLAB. A significância estatística foi definida com p<0,05. Resultados Embora os pacientes com CC tivessem menor fração de ejeção do VE em comparação com o grupo controle (29,8±7,5 vs. 57,7±6,1, p<0,001), o volume (61,5±25,2 vs. 53,8±21,0, p=0,364) e o fluxo de ejeção máximo durante a sístole (-360,3±147,5 vs. -305,6±126,0, p = 0,231) mostraram-se semelhantes entre os grupos. Da mesma forma, o fluxo máximo na fase de enchimento inicial e durante a contração atrial mostrou-se semelhante entre os grupos. Um aumento na pré-carga expressa pelo volume diastólico final do VE (204,8±79,4 vs. 93,0±32,6), p<0,001) pode manter o fluxo e o volume ejetado semelhantes aos dos controles. Conclusão Com uma ferramenta não invasiva, demonstramos que o aumento no volume diastólico final do VE pode ser o principal mecanismo de adaptação que mantém o fluxo e o volume ejetado no cenário de disfunção sistólica ventricular esquerda severa.

Abstract Background Three-dimensional echocardiography (3D ECHO) allows the generation of a volume-time curve representative of changes in the left ventricular (LV) volume throughout the entire cardiac cycle. Objective This study aims to demonstrate the hemodynamic adaptations present in Chagas cardiomyopathy (CC) by means of the volume and flow measurements obtained by the volume-time curve by 3D ECHO. Methods Twenty patients with CC and 15 healthy subjects were prospectively enrolled in a cross-sectional design study. 3D ECHO was performed in all subjects and the volume over time curves of the LV was generated. The flow was obtained by the first derivative of the volume-time curve using the software MATLAB. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results Although CC patients had lower LV ejection fraction compared to the control group (29.8±7.5 vs. 57.7±6.1, p<0.001), stroke volume (61.5±25.2 vs. 53.8±21.0, p=0.364) and maximum ejection flow during systole (-360.3±147.5 vs. -305.6±126.0, p=0.231) were similar between the groups. Likewise, the maximum flow in the early diastolic filling phase and during atrial contraction was similar between groups. An increase in preload expressed by LV end diastolic volume (204.8±79.4 vs. 93.0±32.6), p<0.001) may maintain the flow and stroke volumes similar to the controls. Conclusion Using a non-invasive tool, we demonstrated that an increase in LV end-diastolic volume may be the main adaptation mechanism that maintains the flow and stroke volumes in the setting of severe LV systolic dysfunction.

Adesão das gestantes às ações de educação em saúde bucal / Adherence of pregnant women to oral health education actions

Uma grande parte das gestantes desconhece a importância da saúde bucal e as alterações da condição bucal na gravidez. O estudo teve como objetivo verificar a adesão às ações em saúde bucal das gestantes atendidas na Atenção Primária à Saúde do município de Montes Claros, Minas Gerais. Trata-se de um estudo transversal analítico quantitativo realizado com amostra de 1.269 gestantes cadastradas nas Equipes da Estratégia de Saúde da Família. Para coleta de dados, foi utilizado um questionário estruturado. Foi encontrada associação estatística entre a escolaridade e a prevalência de participação das gestantes nos grupos de educação em saúde realizados com 146 delas (11,5%), sendo que 93 (63%) destas completaram o Ensino Médio. A situação conjugal não influenciou na participação dos grupos. É necessário investir no trabalho de educação em saúde e formulação de novas metodologias que envolvam a equipe de forma interprofissional, para que as ações de educação em saúde sejam atrativas e efetivas, promovendo mudanças na qualidade de vida das gestantes.

Most pregnant women are unaware of the importance of oral health and changes in oral condition in pregnancy. The study aimed to verify the support for oral health actions of pregnant women assisted in primary health care in the municipality of Montes Claros, Minas Gerais. This is a quantitative analytical cross-sectional study conducted with a sample of 1,269 pregnant women registered in the Family Health Strategy Teams. For data collection, a structured questionnaire was used. A statistical association was found between schooling and the prevalence of participation of pregnant women in health education groups conducted with 146 of them (11.5%), and 93 (63%) of them completed high school. Marital status did not influence the participation of the groups. It is necessary to invest in the work of health education and formulation of new methodologies that involve the team in an interprofessional way, so that health education actions are attractive and effective, promoting changes in the quality of life of pregnant women.

Can skinfold thickness equations be substituted for bioimpedance analysis in children?

Abstract Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the agreement between the most used skinfold thickness equations with multi-frequency bioimpedance analysis in the prediction of body fat levels in children. Method: A cross-sectional study of healthy Brazilian community-dwelling individuals. The anthropometric assessment included height, body mass, arm circumference, and waist circumference. The percentage of body fat was obtained by measuring skinfold thickness equations and using bioimpedance analysis, and skinfold thickness was measured using a scientific skinfold caliper. Bland-Altman plot analysis was used to verify the agreement between the methods. Results: There were 439 children and adolescents evaluated, with a mean age of 11.6 ± 3.7 years. The mean body fat by bioimpedance analysis was 22.8% ± 10.4%, compared to 22.4% ± 8.8% by Slaughter (1), 20.4% ± 9.2% by Slaughter (2), 19.6% ± 4.4% by Goran, and 24.7% ± 10.0% by Huang equations. Bland-Altman plot analysis revealed limits of agreement greater than 8% between the bioimpedance analysis approach and equations, exceeding the clinically acceptable limit predefined a priori. None of the equations had good agreement with bioimpedance analysis. Conclusion: It was concluded that skinfold thickness and bioimpedance analysis should not be used interchangeably in children and adolescents.

Lacaziosis - unusual clinical presentation.

Lacaziosis or Jorge Lobo's disease is a fungal, granulomatous, chronic infectious disease caused by Lacazia loboi, which usually affects the skin and subcutaneous tissue. It is characterized by slow evolution and a variety of cutaneous manifestations with the most common clinical expression being nodular keloid lesions that predominate in exposed areas. We report the case of a patient who had an unusual clinical presentation, with a single-plated lesion on the back. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of Lacaziosis.

Osteonevus of Nanta: a case report in a combined melanocytic nevus

Abstract Secondary osteoma cutis is a phenomenon that may occur in several conditions. When it occurs in a melanocytic nevus it is named osteonevus of Nanta, an event considered uncommon and characterized by the presence of bone formation adjacent or interposed with melanocytic cells. There are reports of its occurrence in various melanocytic lesions, being more frequently associated with intradermal nevus. We report a case of osteonevus of Nanta in combined nevus, possibly the first description of this association.

Covid-19 growth rate analysis: application of a low-complexity tool for understanding and comparing epidemic curves

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The acceleration of new cases is important for the characterization and comparison of epidemic curves. The objective of this study was to quantify the acceleration of daily confirmed cases and death curves using the polynomial interpolation method. METHODS: Covid-19 epidemic curves from Brazil, Germany, the United States, and Russia were obtained. We calculated the instantaneous acceleration of the curve using the first derivative of the representative polynomial. RESULTS: The acceleration for all curves was obtained. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporating acceleration into an analysis of the Covid-19 time series may enable a better understanding of the epidemiological situation.