Dissimilar Trypanosoma cruzi genotype-specific serological profile assessed by Chagas-Flow ATE IgG1 upon benznidazole etiological treatment of chronic Chagas disease.

The present study aimed to verify the impact of etiological treatment on the genotype-specific serological diagnosis of chronic Chagas disease patients (CH), using the Chagas-Flow ATE IgG1 methodology. For this purpose, a total of 92 serum samples from CH, categorized as Not Treated (NT, n = 32) and Benznidazole-Treated (Bz-T, n = 60), were tested at Study Baseline and 5Years Follow-up. At Study Baseline, all patients have the diagnosis of Chagas disease confirmed by Chagas-Flow ATE IgG1, using the set of attributes ("antigen/serum dilution/cut-off"; "EVI/250/30%"). The genotype-specific serodiagnosis at Study Baseline demonstrated that 96% of patients (44/46) presented a serological profile compatible with TcII genotype infection. At 5Years Follow-up monitoring, NT and Bz-T presented no changes in anti-EVI IgG1 reactivity. However, significant differences were detected in the genotype-specific IgG1 reactivity for Bz-T. The most outstanding shift comprised the anti-amastigote TcVI/(AVI), anti-amastigote TcII/(AII) and anti-epimastigote TcVI/(EVI) reactivities. Regardless no changes in the genotype-specific serology of NT (TcI = 6%; TcII = 94%), distinct T. cruzi genotype-specific sero-classification was detected for Bz-T samples at 5Years Follow-up (TcII = 100%) as compared to Baseline (TcII = 97%; TcVI = 3%). The anti-trypomastigote TcI/(TI) was the attribute accountable for the change in genotype-specific sero-classification. In conclusion, our findings of dissimilar T. cruzi genotype-specific serology upon Bz-treatment re-emphasize the relevance of accomplishing the genotype-specific serodiagnosis during clinical pos-therapeutic management of chronic Chagas disease patients.

Blood leukocytes from benznidazole-treated indeterminate chagas disease patients display an overall type-1-modulated cytokine profile upon short-term in vitro stimulation with Trypanosoma cruzi antigens.

BACKGROUND: Benznidazole (Bz)-chemotherapy is recommended to prevent Chagas disease progression, despite its limited efficacy during chronic disease. However, the host mechanisms underlying these benefits still remain to be elucidated. METHODS: In this study, we have used short-term whole blood cultures to describe the cytokine profile of Bz-treated Indeterminate Chagas disease patients-(INDt) as compared to untreated patients-(IND). RESULTS: Our findings showed that IND presented increased levels of IL-10+neutrophils, IL-12⁺ and IL-10⁺ monocytes and IFN-γ⁺NK-cells. Moreover, IND showed slight increase of IL-4⁺CD4⁺T-cells and enhanced levels of IL-10⁺CD8⁺T-cells and B-cells. Additional analysis of cytokine Low and High producers also highlighted the presence of High cytokine producers within IND, including IL-10 from CD4⁺ T-cells and IFN-γ from CD8⁺ T-cells, as compared to NI. The Bz-treatment lead to an overall cytokine down-regulation in the innate and adaptive compartments, including low levels of IL-12⁺ and IL-10⁺ neutrophils and monocytes, IFN-γ⁺NK-cells, IL-12⁺, TNF-α⁺, IFN-γ⁺ and IL-5⁺CD4⁺T-cells and IL-10⁺B-cells, along with basal levels of cytokine-expressing CD8⁺T-cells in INDt as compared to IND. The in vitro antigen stimulation shifted the cytokine profile toward a type 1-modulated profile, with increased levels of IL-12⁺ and IL-10⁺ monocytes, IFN-γ⁺ and IL-4⁺NK-cells along with TNF-α⁺ and IFN-γ⁺CD8⁺T-cells. Analysis of Low and High cytokine producers, upon in vitro antigen stimulation, further confirm these data. CONCLUSION: Together, our findings showed that the Bz treatment of Indeterminate Chagas' disease patients shifts the cytokine patterns of peripheral blood monocytes, NK-cells and CD8⁺ T-cells towards a long-lasting Type-1-modulated profile that could be important to the maintenance of a non-deleterious immunological microenvironment.

Probing population dynamics of Trypanosoma cruzi during progression of the chronic phase in chagasic patients.

Our research aimed to characterize the genetic profiles of 102 Trypanosoma cruzi isolates recently obtained from 44 chronic chagasic patients from different regions of the states of Minas Gerais and Goiás in Brazil. At least two isolates were obtained from each patient at different times in order to study the parasite population dynamics during disease progression in the chronic phase. The isolates were characterized molecularly by genotyping the 3' region of the 24S alpha rRNA, the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 2 (COII) gene, and the intergenic region of the spliced leader intergenic region (SL-IR) gene. Seventy-seven isolates were analyzed for nine microsatellite loci. The data presented here show a strong correlation between the T. cruzi lineage II (T. cruzi II) and human infection in these regions of Brazil. Interestingly, isolates from two patients were initially characterized (by rRNA genotyping) as T. cruzi I and hybrid strains, but subsequent analyses of the COII and SL-IR genes confirmed that those isolates belonged to T. cruzi III and a hybrid group, respectively. Our results confirm the risk of misclassifying T. cruzi isolates on the basis of analysis of a single molecular marker. The microsatellite profiles showed that different isolates obtained from the same patient were genetically identical and monoclonal. Exceptions were observed for T. cruzi isolates from two patients who presented differences for the SCLE11 locus and also from two other patients who showed amplification of three peaks for a microsatellite locus (TcAAAT6), implying that they were multiclonal. On the basis of the findings of the studies described here, we were not able to establish a correlation between the clinical forms of Chagas' disease and the genetic profiles of the T. cruzi isolates.

[Promotion of children's rights and prevention of child abuse]. / Promoção dos direitos da criança e prevenção de maus tratos infantis.

Child abuse is a complex, multi-faceted and controversial topic. A retrospective cohort study aimed to characterize the profile of children victims of domestic violence and their aggressors and to evaluate the efficiency of judicial interventions. Ninety-eight cases lodged with the Infancy and Childhood Court involving 179 children and 121 perpetrators were analyzed. Negligence/abandonment (62%) and physical violence (30%) were the most frequent violations. Mothers were identified as the most frequent aggressor; monthly income of up to one minimum wage and history of alcohol use have been associated with violence. Seventy-one percent of victims were enrolled in educational institutions. In 25% of the cases the severity of the abuse required the removal of the child from the family. A third of the children were enrolled in official programs designed to provide the family with support, orientation and follow-up. This protective judicial intervention was successful in reducing abuse in 93% of the cases within 2 years. Prevention of child abuse requires the involvement of professionals of multiple fields at an early stage. The promotion and safeguarding of children's rights must come primarily from the implementation of public policy not judicial intervention.

A violência praticada contra crianças é tema complexo e polissêmico. Estudo de coorte retrospectiva buscou caracterizar o perfil das crianças vítimas de violência doméstica e de seus agressores e avaliar a eficácia das intervenções judiciais. Analisou-se 98 processos da Vara da Infância e Juventude, envolvendo 179 crianças e 121 agressores. Negligência/abandono e violência física foram as violações mais frequentes. Revelou-se a mãe como principal agressora; renda mensal de até um salário mínimo e história de uso de álcool mostraram-se associados à violência. Encontrou-se 71% das vítimas matriculadas em instituições de ensino. Em 25% a gravidade da situação determinou o afastamento da família. Um terço das crianças foram incluídas em programas de apoio, orientação e acompanhamento à família. A intervenção judicial garantiu 93% de interrupção da violência em até dois anos, tempo ainda longo, pelo risco da criança ser revitimizada. Ações efetivas pressupõem o envolvimento da família, da sociedade, das instituições escolares e de saúde. A garantia de direitos tem na execução das políticas públicas, e não na judicialização, o lócus privilegiado de efetivação.

Burnout and job satisfaction among emergency and intensive care providers in a public hospital.

BACKGROUND: New technologies and inadequate management of work might have negative impact on the mental health of workers. OBJECTIVE: To investigate factors associated with the prevalence of burnout and levels of job satisfaction among emergency department and intensive care providers in a large public hospital. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 91 healthcare workers, who were administered the self-report questionnaires Maslach Burnout Inventory - Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) and Job Satisfaction Scale (JSS20/23). RESULTS: The sample was predominantly composed of women (58.2%), married workers or with a stable partner (52.8%), having attended graduate studies (75.8%) and with average age 37 years old. Twenty-five percent of the participants exhibited emotional exhaustion and dissatisfaction with the work environment and hierarchical relationships, and 66% had already thought of leaving the profession. Allocation to intensive care unit, lack of professional growth opportunities, dissatisfaction with hierarchical relationships, nursing profession, and having thought of leaving the profession explained 55% of the prevalence of emotional exhaustion. CONCLUSION: Positive correlation between emotional exhaustion and job dissatisfaction was the earliest identifiable indicator of burnout. Periodic evaluations for early detection and prevention are important to reduce occupational disorders, and consequently improve the quality and safety of care delivery.

INTRODUÇÃO: A incorporação tecnológica e a gestão inadequada do trabalho podem impactar negativamente a saúde mental dos trabalhadores. OBJETIVOS: Estimar fatores associados à prevalência de síndrome de Burnout (SB) e satisfação no trabalho (ST) de equipes da sala de emergência e do centro de tratamento intensivo (CTI) de hospital público de grande porte. MÉTODO: Estudo transversal com 91 profissionais de saúde, utilizando questionários autoaplicáveis, o Maslach Burnout Inventory ­ Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) para identificação da SB e o Job Satisfaction Scale (JSS20/23) para avaliação da ST. RESULTADOS: Entre os participantes houve predomínio de mulheres (58,2%), casados/união estável (52,8%), com pós-graduação (75,8%) e idade média de 37 anos. Verificou-se que 25% apresentaram exaustão emocional, insatisfação com o ambiente de trabalho e com a relação hierárquica e 66% já tiveram pensamento de abandonar a profissão. As variáveis: trabalhar em CTI, falta de oportunidade de crescimento profissional, insatisfação com a relação hierárquica, categoria profissional de enfermagem e pensamento prévio de abandonar a profissão foram significativas e explicam até 55% da exaustão emocional entre os trabalhadores. CONCLUSÕES: A associação positiva entre exaustão emocional e insatisfação com o trabalho mostrou-se como o primeiro marcador identificável da SB. Avaliações periódicas para identificação precoce e prevenção do adoecimento laboral são importantes na redução do sofrimento do profissional e consequente melhoria da qualidade e segurança do cuidado prestado.

[Representations, myths, and behaviors among Chagas disease patients with pacemakers]. / Representações, mitos e comportamentos do paciente submetido ao implante de marcapasso na doença de Chagas.

This anthropological study aimed to evaluate the incorporation of pacemakers into the lives of individuals with Chagas disease. An ethnographic methodology was used, based on an open interview focusing on the personal perceptions of 15 patients with chronic Chagas cardiopathy who had required pacemaker implants at the Federal University Hospital in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. As part of a broader quality of life analysis, the study investigated the cultural, physical, and psychological resources used by patients to confront, explain, and accept the disease process, including mental representations on the cultural perception of the illness and definition of social relations. The study was intended to contribute to comprehensive patient care by health professionals, including psychosocial aspects. Decoded and integrated orientation in the cultural sphere assumes an important role in order to prevent disinformation from perpetuating the dissemination of popular myths as active elements in patient stigmatization.

[Profile of notified tuberculosis cases and factors associated with treatment dropout]. / Perfil de casos de tuberculose notificados e fatores associados ao abandono, Belo Horizonte, MG.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the profile of notified tuberculosis cases and analyze the factors associated with treatment dropout. METHODS: A total of 178 cases of tuberculosis notified in the western region of Belo Horizonte (Southeastern Brazil) in 2001 and 2002 and recorded in the National System for Notifiable Diseases were described. An unmatched case-control study was conducted, with data collected by means of interviews, to compare patients who dropped out of treatment with those who achieved cure. The following variables were analyzed: sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics, associations with AIDS, side effects, information on the disease and interest in treatment. Univariate analysis and unconditional logistic regression for multivariate analysis were used. Adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence limits were used as the measurement for associations. RESULTS: The coefficient of incidence was 56.6/100,000 inhabitants. There was predominance of men aged 30 to 49 years and of the pulmonary form (76.4%) and bacillary form (72.5%). Among the notified cases, 65.2% achieved cure, 12.4% dropped out of treatment and 9.6% died. Treatment location had no influence on the results. In the case-control study, there was no difference regarding gender, color, schooling, income, occupation, family support, association with AIDS and alcohol consumption. The use of drugs, interest in treatment and information about the disease were shown to be independently associated with dropout. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to treatment is a challenge in controlling tuberculosis. The protection factors (interest in treatment and information about the disease) and recognition that drug use is a risk factor must form part of the strategies for patient care in order to reduce dropout rates and restore health.

Formação interprofissional na graduação em saúde: revisão sistemática de estratégias educativas / Interprofessional education in undergraduate health courses: systematic review

Resumo: Introdução: A educação interprofissional (EIP) procura desenvolver habilidades colaborativas dos profissionais de saúde para a melhoria do cuidado ao paciente. Objetivo: Essa revisão explora as estratégias educacionais não pontuais utilizadas na formação interprofissional, na graduação em saúde, identificando seus potenciais e suas fragilidades. Método: A busca incluiu artigos publicados nas bases de dados BVS (LILACS), Cochrane, CINAHL, Embase e MEDLINE. Definiu-se a questão de pesquisa pelo anagrama PICO: selecionaram-se estudos que incluíssem, pelo menos, dois cursos de graduação em saúde, sendo um deles de Medicina, e que relatassem estratégia educacional mínima de 15 horas e sua avaliação. Resumos publicados em congressos, opiniões, editoriais e revisões sistemáticas foram excluídos. Resultado: Avaliaram-se 28 estudos publicados entre 2005 e 2019, sendo 31% no último biênio. Prevaleceram a simulação (36%) ou o uso de métodos combinados (29%) na avaliação de atitudes dos alunos, a compreensão dos papéis dos profissionais de saúde, o trabalho em equipe, a comunicação e o conhecimento em resposta à intervenções de EIP. Predominaram estudos nos domínios: papéis e responsabilidades (75%) e trabalho em equipe (64%). A abordagem de valores e ética (32%) e de comunicação (28%) foi menos frequente. Dos artigos, 18 (64%) apresentavam dois ou mais objetivos e seis (18%) buscavam estudar, em conjunto, os quatro domínios da EIP. Entre as intervenções utilizadas como estratégias de ensino, 36% (dez estudos) eram de simulação; 29% (oito), métodos combinados; 18% (cinco), prática clínica (trabalho colaborativo em unidades ambulatoriais ou enfermarias); 14% (quatro), observação direta (shadowing); 11%, aprendizagem baseada em problemas; e dois, aprendizado on-line (e-learning) e workshop. A qualidade geral dos estudos incluídos foi baixa, atendendo de dois a cinco dos seis critérios de qualidade. O cegamento do avaliador não foi citado em 25 publicações. O trabalho colaborativo em cenários reais é descrito como o mais eficiente. Conclusão: A EIP vem sendo incorporada ao processo de formação na saúde, e múltiplas estratégias focadas em resultados e baseadas em competências otimizam a construção de relações efetivas e o desenvolvimento de habilidades para a prática colaborativa. A fragilidade dos artigos aponta que a EIP de estudantes ainda constitui grande desafio para as instituições formadoras.

Abstract: Introduction: Interprofessional Education (IPE) seeks to develop collaborative practice among health professionals to improve patient care. Objective: This systematic review exploits the non-punctual IPE strategies in undergraduate health courses, identifying their potential and weaknesses. Method: The search included articles published in the LILACS, COCHRANE, CINAHL, EMBASE and MEDLINE. The research question was defined by the PICO anagram: studies were selected that included at least two undergraduate health courses, one of them in Medicine, and that reported a minimum educational strategy of 15 hours and its review. Abstracts published in congresses, opinions, editorials, and systematic reviews were excluded. Results: There have been 28 reviewed studies published between 2005-2019, 31% of which have been in the last two years. The dominant themes were simulation (36%) or the use of combined methods (29%) in the assessment of student attitudes, understanding of health professionals' roles, teamwork, communication, and knowledge in response to IPE interventions. Studies in the Domains - Roles and responsibilities (75%) and teamwork (64%) predominated. The approach to values and ethics (32%); communication (28%) was less frequent. 18 articles (64%) had two or more objectives and six articles (18%) sought to study the four domains of IPE together. Among the interventions used as teaching strategies, 36% (10 studies) were simulation, 29% (8 studies) combined methods, 18% (5 studies) clinical practice (collaborative work in outpatient units or wards), 14% (4 studies) direct observation (shadowing), 11% problem-based learning, and 2 online learning studies (e-learning) and workshops. The overall quality of the included studies was low, meeting two to five of the six quality criteria. Blind peer reviewing was not cited in 25 publications. Collaborative work in real settings is described as the most efficient. Conclusion: IPE has been incorporated in the process of healthcare training and multiple results-based competence optimizes effective relationship development and the abilities needed in the collaborative practice. The fragility of the articles indicates that the interprofessional education of students is still a great challenge for educational institutions.

Desenvolvimento de competência moral na formação médica / Development of moral competence in undergraduate medical education

Resumo: Introdução: A prática da medicina requer competência moral, além de competências técnicas. Na formação médica, os docentes são corresponsáveis por apresentar os valores intrínsecos aos direitos humanos e mediar o desenvolvimento de atitudes, motivação e práticas, além de servirem como modelos aos jovens aprendizes. Desenvolvimento: Educar em valores não significa que os professores podem escolher aqueles a serem seguidos pelos alunos. A competência moral compreendida como a capacidade de julgar e tomar decisões segundo princípios internos é uma habilidade, mais do que uma simples atitude, que pode e deve ser construída ao longo da vida. Assim, a educação/formação moral deve ser entendida como um processo que conduz o sujeito à reflexão sobre situações cotidianas, envolvendo dilemas morais. O futuro profissional tem a oportunidade de se sensibilizar para considerar a singularidade de cada situação diante de decisões e avaliações, bem como se responsabilizar pelas escolhas feitas e pelas suas consequências. Para o desenvolvimento da competência moral nos processos formativos, os professores devem ampliar, para além da transmissão de informações, a reflexão sobre o compromisso social e ético e buscar a formação de cidadãos autônomos, críticos e participativos. Acreditar que apenas o exemplo do professor é capaz de promover o desenvolvimento moral restringe a questão aos seus aspectos afetivos, pois, assim, não se vislumbram os aspectos cognitivos da formação moral e o pensamento crítico para o favorecimento da abordagem e condução de conflitos morais ao longo da vida acadêmica e profissional. Conclusão: Os valores morais necessitam deixar de serem impostos por agentes externos e converterem-se em diretrizes internas, legitimadas pela própria pessoa e, portanto, desenvolvidas por meio de uma reflexão crítica, responsável, autônoma e criativa de cada sujeito. Mais do que aprender teorias ou discutir os grandes filósofos, os alunos devem ser capazes de despertar em si mesmos sentimentos e atitudes que os levem a valorizar convicções humanistas e humanitárias, e adotar comportamentos justos e empáticos como elementos essenciais da boa prática médica, de modo que se tornem moralmente competentes.

Abstract: Introduction: The practice of medicine requires moral competence, in addition to technical competence. In medical training, professors are jointly responsible for presenting values intrinsic to human rights and for mediating the development of attitudes, motivation, and practices, as well as serving as a model for young apprentices. Development: Educating on values does not mean that teachers can choose the values be followed by students. Moral competence understood as the ability to judge and make decisions according to internal principles is a skill, more than a simple attitude, which can and should be built throughout life. Thus, moral education/training must be understood as a process that leads the subject to reflect on everyday situations, involving moral dilemmas. The future professional has the opportunity to become aware of the uniqueness of each situation in the face of decisions and evaluations, as well as being responsible for the choices made and their consequences. For the development of moral competence in training processes, in addition to transmitting information, teachers must expand reflection on social and ethical commitment and seek the formation of autonomous, critical, and participatory citizens. Believing that only the teacher's example can promote moral development restricts the issue to its affective aspects, ignoring the cognitive aspects of moral education, and thereby favoring the approach and handling of moral conflicts throughout academic and professional life. Conclusion: Moral values should no longer be imposed by external agents, but rather become internal guidelines, legitimized by the person, developed through a critical, responsible, autonomous, and creative reflection of each subject. More than learning theories or discussing great philosophers, students should be touched to spark feelings and attitudes that lead them to value humanistic and humanitarian convictions and to adopt fair, empathetic behavior as essential elements of good medical practice, thus becoming morally competent.

2 nd Brazilian Consensus on Chagas Disease, 2015.

Chagas disease is a neglected chronic condition with a high burden of morbidity and mortality. It has considerable psychological, social, and economic impacts. The disease represents a significant public health issue in Brazil, with different regional patterns. This document presents the evidence that resulted in the Brazilian Consensus on Chagas Disease. The objective was to review and standardize strategies for diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control of Chagas disease in the country, based on the available scientific evidence. The consensus is based on the articulation and strategic contribution of renowned Brazilian experts with knowledge and experience on various aspects of the disease. It is the result of a close collaboration between the Brazilian Society of Tropical Medicine and the Ministry of Health. It is hoped that this document will strengthen the development of integrated actions against Chagas disease in the country, focusing on epidemiology, management, comprehensive care (including families and communities), communication, information, education, and research .

[Brazilian Consensus on Chagas Disease, 2015]. / II Consenso Brasileiro em Doença de Chagas, 2015.

Chagas disease is a neglected chronic condition that presents high morbidity and mortality burden, with considerable psychological, social, and economic impact. The disease represents a significant public health issue in Brazil, with different regional patterns. This document presents the evidence that resulted in the Brazilian Consensus on Chagas Disease. The objective was to review and standardize strategies for diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control of Chagas disease in the country, based on the available scientific evidence. The consensus is based on collaboration and contribution of renowned Brazilian experts with vast knowledge and experience on various aspects of the disease. It is the result of close collaboration between the Brazilian Society of Tropical Medicine and the Ministry of Health. This document shall strengthen the development of integrated control measures against Chagas disease in the country, focusing on epidemiology, management, comprehensive care (including families and communities), communication, information, education, and research.

Traffic accidents in Belo Horizonte: the view from three different sources, 2008 to 2010.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the contribution of three data sources in the description of traffic accidents in the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. METHODS: Exploratory study of databases: BHTRANS (metropolitan traffic and transportation authority), Hospital Admissions and Mortality Information Systems, with estimation of proportions, coefficients and odds ratios. RESULTS: Incomplete data was observed in the three sources, especially regarding alcohol consumption by drivers and use of safety equipment. The victim profile among the sources was consistent: young adults, males, motorcycle riders and pedestrians. In addition to the high mortality rate (19.4 per 100.000 inhabitants), an increase in the number of non-fatal accidents was observed. An increase of 34% in hospital admissions and of 53% in hospital costs was evidenced. The motorcycle accident rate is higher than expected given the fleet composition. Male drivers have the highest risk of injury or death; relative to drivers, passengers or pedestrians have a 1,8 times higher risk of death. There was a 12% increase in the number of deaths at the site of the accident, 55% of which showed positive evidence of alcohol use and 50% higher risk of fatal accidents on weekends. CONCLUSIONS: Despite some incomplete record keeping and non-specific death registry codes, it was possible to characterize the main factors associated with accidents: elderly pedestrians, motorcycle riders, alcohol consumption and speeding. The study demonstrated the complementarity of the three data sources, with their different goals, and revealed important features of the traffic accident event-chain and victim profile, providing key data for the development of mitigation strategies.

Predictive factors for the progression of chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy in patients without left ventricular dysfunction.

The identification of predictors for the progression of chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC) is essential to ensure adequate patient management. This study looked into a non-concurrent cohort of 165 CCC patients between 1985 and 2010 for independent predictors for CCC progression. The outcomes were worsening of the CCC scores and the onset of left ventricular dysfunction assessed by means of echo-Doppler cardiography. Patients were analyzed for social, demographic, epidemiologic, clinical and workup-related variables. A descriptive analysis was conducted, followed by survival curves based on univariate (Kaplan-Meier and Cox's univariate model) and multivariate (Cox regression model) analysis. Patients were followed from two to 20 years (mean: 8.2). Their mean age was 44.8 years (20-77). Comparing both iterations of the study, in the second there was a statistically significant increase in the PR interval and in the QRS duration, despite a reduction in heart rates (Wilcoxon < 0.01). The predictors for CCC progression in the final regression model were male gender (HR = 2.81), Holter monitoring showing pauses equal to or greater than two seconds (HR = 3.02) increased cardiothoracic ratio (HR = 7.87) and time of use of digitalis (HR = 1.41). Patients with multiple predictive factors require stricter follow-up and treatment.

Promoção dos direitos da criança e prevenção de maus tratos infantis / Promotion of children's rights and prevention of child abuse

Resumo A violência praticada contra crianças é tema complexo e polissêmico. Estudo de coorte retrospectiva buscou caracterizar o perfil das crianças vítimas de violência doméstica e de seus agressores e avaliar a eficácia das intervenções judiciais. Analisou-se 98 processos da Vara da Infância e Juventude, envolvendo 179 crianças e 121 agressores. Negligência/abandono e violência física foram as violações mais frequentes. Revelou-se a mãe como principal agressora; renda mensal de até um salário mínimo e história de uso de álcool mostraram-se associados à violência. Encontrou-se 71% das vítimas matriculadas em instituições de ensino. Em 25% a gravidade da situação determinou o afastamento da família. Um terço das crianças foram incluídas em programas de apoio, orientação e acompanhamento à família. A intervenção judicial garantiu 93% de interrupção da violência em até dois anos, tempo ainda longo, pelo risco da criança ser revitimizada. Ações efetivas pressupõem o envolvimento da família, da sociedade, das instituições escolares e de saúde. A garantia de direitos tem na execução das políticas públicas, e não na judicialização, o lócus privilegiado de efetivação.

Abstract Child abuse is a complex, multi-faceted and controversial topic. A retrospective cohort study aimed to characterize the profile of children victims of domestic violence and their aggressors and to evaluate the efficiency of judicial interventions. Ninety-eight cases lodged with the Infancy and Childhood Court involving 179 children and 121 perpetrators were analyzed. Negligence/abandonment (62%) and physical violence (30%) were the most frequent violations. Mothers were identified as the most frequent aggressor; monthly income of up to one minimum wage and history of alcohol use have been associated with violence. Seventy-one percent of victims were enrolled in educational institutions. In 25% of the cases the severity of the abuse required the removal of the child from the family. A third of the children were enrolled in official programs designed to provide the family with support, orientation and follow-up. This protective judicial intervention was successful in reducing abuse in 93% of the cases within 2 years. Prevention of child abuse requires the involvement of professionals of multiple fields at an early stage. The promotion and safeguarding of children's rights must come primarily from the implementation of public policy not judicial intervention.

Esgotamento profissional e satisfação no trabalho em trabalhadores do setor de emergência e terapia intensiva em hospital público / Burnout and job satisfaction among emergency and intensive care providers in a public hospital

Introdução: A incorporação tecnológica e a gestão inadequada do trabalho podem impactar negativamente a saúde mental dos trabalhadores. Objetivos: Estimar fatores associados à prevalência de síndrome de Burnout (SB) e satisfação no trabalho (ST) de equipes da sala de emergência e do centro de tratamento intensivo (CTI) de hospital público de grande porte. Método: Estudo transversal com 91 profissionais de saúde, utilizando questionários autoaplicáveis, o Maslach Burnout Inventory ­ Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) para identificação da SB e o Job Satisfaction Scale ( JSS20/23) para avaliação da ST. Resultados: Entre os participantes houve predomínio de mulheres (58,2%), casados/união estável (52,8%), com pós-graduação (75,8%) e idade média de 37 anos. Verificou-se que 25% apresentaram exaustão emocional, insatisfação com o ambiente de trabalho e com a relação hierárquica e 66% já tiveram pensamento de abandonar a profissão. As variáveis: trabalhar em CTI, falta de oportunidade de crescimento profissional, insatisfação com a relação hierárquica, categoria profissional de enfermagem e pensamento prévio de abandonar a profissão foram significativas e explicam até 55% da exaustão emocional entre os trabalhadores. Conclusões: A associação positiva entre exaustão emocional e insatisfação com o trabalho mostrou-se como o primeiro marcador identificável da SB. Avaliações periódicas para identificação precoce e prevenção do adoecimento laboral são importantes na redução do sofrimento do profissional e consequente melhoria da qualidade e segurança do cuidado prestado.

New technologies and inadequate management of work might have negative impact on the mental health of workers. Objective: To investigate factors associated with the prevalence of burnout and levels of job satisfaction among emergency department and intensive care providers in a large public hospital. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 91 healthcare workers, who were administered the self-report questionnaires Maslach Burnout Inventory ­ Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) and Job Satisfaction Scale ( JSS20/23). Results: The sample was predominantly composed of women (58.2%), married workers or with a stable partner (52.8%), having attended graduate studies (75.8%) and with average age 37 years old. Twenty-five percent of the participants exhibited emotional exhaustion and dissatisfaction with the work environment and hierarchical relationships, and 66% had already thought of leaving the profession. Allocation to intensive care unit, lack of professional growth opportunities, dissatisfaction with hierarchical relationships, nursing profession, and having thought of leaving the profession explained 55% of the prevalence of emotional exhaustion. Conclusion: Positive correlation between emotional exhaustion and job dissatisfaction was the earliest identifiable indicator of burnout. Periodic evaluations for early detection and prevention are important to reduce occupational disorders, and consequently improve the quality and safety of care delivery.

Evidence of substantial recombination among Trypanosoma cruzi II strains from Minas Gerais.

Due to the scarcity of evidence of sexuality in Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, it has been general accepted that the parasite reproduction is essentially clonal with infrequent genetic recombination. This assumption is mainly supported by indirect evidence, such as Hardy-Weinberg imbalances, linkage disequilibrium and a strong correlation between independent sets of genetic markers of T. cruzi populations. However, because the analyzed populations are usually isolated from different geographic regions, the possibility of population substructuring as generating these genetic marker imbalances cannot be eliminated. To investigate this possibility, we firstly compared the allele frequencies and haplotype networks using seven different polymorphic loci (two from mitochondrial and five from different nuclear chromosomes) in two groups of TcII strains: one including isolates obtained from different regions in Latin America and the other including isolates obtained only from patients of the Minas Gerais State in Brazil. Our hypothesis was that if the population structure is essentially clonal, Hardy-Weinberg disequilibrium and a sharp association between the clusters generated by analyzing independent markers should be observed in both strain groups, independent of the geographic origin of the samples. The results demonstrated that the number of microsatellite loci in linkage disequilibrium decreased from 4 to 1 when only strains from Minas Gerais were analyzed. Moreover, we did not observed any correlation between the clusters when analyzing the nuclear and mitochondrial loci, suggesting independent inheritance of these markers among the Minas Gerais strains. Besides, using a second subset of five physically linked microsatellite loci and the Minas Gerais strains, we could also demonstrate evidence of homologous recombination roughly proportional to the relative distance among them. Taken together, our results do not support a clonal population structure for T. cruzi, particularly in TcII, which coexists in the same geographical area, suggesting that genetic exchanges among these strains may occur more frequently than initially expected.

Formação médica, atenção primária e interdisciplinaridade: relato de experiência sobre articulações necessárias / Medical training, primary care and interdisciplinarity: experience report on necessary joints

Relata-se a experiência de implantação de atividade curricular obrigatória, de 225 horas, em três semestres sequenciais do curso médico da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, voltada para o desenvolvimento de competências na prática em serviço. Descrevem-se as estratégias educacionais utilizadas para oportunizar aos estudantes: o reconhecimento da Rede de Atenção à Saúde e seu território, a determinação social do processo saúde-doença, o processo de trabalho das equipes, o estabelecimento de vínculo e relações interpessoais. Pautadas pela intencionalidade pedagógica e pela cooperação entre instituição formadora e serviços de saúde, as ações foram mediadas por docentes e contaram com participação ativa da equipe profissional nas atividades desenvolvidas em unidades de saúde, território e domicílios. A adequada compreensão da Atenção Primária à Saúde e a valorização de ações de promoção da saúde desenvolvidas a partir das necessidades de saúde das comunidades abordadas foram evidenciadas nos portfólios reflexivos sobre a prática, demonstrando o êxito da iniciativa.

We report a compulsory curricular implantation experience of 225 hours in three sequential semesters of the Federal University of Minas Gerais medical course, focused on the skills development in service practice. The educational strategies for student development are described as: health care network recognition and its territory, the social determination of health-disease process, the work process of the equipment, the establishment of bond and the interpersonal relations. Guided by pedagogical intentionality and health services cooperation, actions were tutored by teachers and accounted with specialized team participation in the activities developed in Health Units, territory and households. An adequate evaluation of Primary Health Care and a valuation of Health Promotion actions developed from the addressed communities health needs were evidenced in the reflexive portfolios about the practice, demonstrating the initiative success.

Epidemiological profile of Trypanosoma cruzi-infected mothers and live birth conditions in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess the epidemiological characteristics of Trypanosoma cruzi-infected mothers and the live birth conditions of neonates. METHODS: A serological survey with IgG-specific tests was conducted using dried blood samples from newborn infants in the State of Minas Gerais. T. cruzi infection was confirmed in mothers through positive serology in two different tests, and infected mothers were required to have their infants serologically tested after the age of 6 months. The birth conditions of the neonates were obtained from the System of Information on Live Births database. RESULTS: The study included 407 children born to T. cruzi-infected mothers and 407 children born to uninfected mothers. The average age of seropositive mothers was 32 years (CI95% 31.3-32.6), which was greater than the average age of seronegative mothers - 25 years (CI95% 24.8-25.2). The mothers' level of education was higher among uninfected mothers (41% had 8 or more years of education, versus 22% between the infected mothers). Vaginal delivery was more frequent among infected mothers. There was no evidence of inter-group differences with respect to the child's sex, gestational age, birth weight or Appearance, pulse, grimace, activity and respiration (APGAR) scores at 1 and 5 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: The level of education and the greater number of previous pregnancies and cases of vaginal delivery reflect the lower socioeconomical conditions of the infected mothers. In the absence of vertical transmission, neonates had similar health status irrespective of the infection status of their mothers.

Violência velada e revelada contra idosos em Minas Gerais-Brasil: análise de denúncias e notificações / Veiled and revealed violence against the elderly in Minas Gerais-Brazil: analysis of complaints and notifications

RESUMO O estudo caracterizou a violência contra idosos, a partir de denúncias e notificações registradas no Disque Direitos Humanos e Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificações (Sinan) em 2011 e 2012. Ocorreram 2.337 denúncias (13%) e 1.886 notificações (5%) contra idosos. A taxa de denúncia aumentou três vezes, e a de notificação duplicou no período. Verificou-se que as vítimas, na maioria, são mulheres, agredidas no domicílio (90%) por conhecidos (90%), com predomínio (80%) da tipologia por negligência/abandono, nas duas fontes. O aprimoramento da vigilância contribui para revelar a violência em todos os seus disfarces, efetivar políticas públicas e estimular reflexão/ação da sociedade.

ABSTRACT The study aims to characterize the violence against the elderly, from complaints and notifications recorded in Dial Human Rights, and Information System for Notifiable Diseases (Sinan) in 2011 and 2012. 2337 complaints (12.7%) and 1886 notifications (5.3%) against the elderly were found. The complaint rate increased 3 times and the notification rate increased 2 times in a year. It was verified that the majority of the victims were women, beaten at home (90%) by known people (90%), with predominance (80%) of typology by neglect/abandonment in both sources. The improvement of surveillance contributes to reveal the violence in all its guises, to effect public policy, and stimulate the reflection/action of society.