Peptide fragments of bradykinin show unexpected biological activity not mediated by B1 or B2 receptors.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Bradykinin (BK-(1-9)) is an endogenous nonapeptide involved in multiple physiological and pathological processes. Peptide fragments of bradykinin are believed to be biologically inactive. We have now tested the two major peptide fragments of bradykinin in human and animals. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: BK peptides were quantified by MS in male rats. NO release was quantified from human, mouse and rat cells loaded with DAF-FM. Rat aortic rings were used to measure vascular reactivity. Changes in BP and HR were measured in conscious male rats. To evaluate pro-inflammatory effects both vascular permeability and nociception were measured in adult mice. KEY RESULTS: BK-(1-7) and BK-(1-5) are produced in vivo from BK-(1-9). Both peptides induced NO production in all cell types tested. However, unlike BK-(1-9), NO production elicited by BK-(1-7) or BK-(1-5) was not inhibited by B1 or B2 receptor antagonists. BK-(1-7) and BK-(1-5) induced concentration-dependent vasorelaxation of aortic rings, without involvement of B1 or B2 receptors. Intravenous or intra-arterial administration of BK-(1-7) or BK-(1-5) induced similar hypotensive response in vivo. Nociceptive responses of BK-(1-7) and BK-(1-5) were reduced compared to BK-(1-9), and no increase in vascular permeability was observed for BK-(1-9) fragments. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: BK-(1-7) and BK-(1-5) are endogenous peptides present in plasma. BK-related peptide fragments show biological activity, not mediated by B1 or B2 receptors. These BK fragments could constitute new, active components of the kallikrein-kinin system.

Adoption of Precision Technologies by Brazilian Dairy Farms: The Farmer's Perception.

The use of precision farming technologies, such as milking robots, automated calf feeders, wearable sensors, and others, has significantly increased in dairy operations over the last few years. The growing interest in farming technologies to reduce labor, maximize productivity, and increase profitability is becoming noticeable in several countries, including Brazil. Information regarding technology adoption, perception, and effectiveness in dairy farms could shed light on challenges that need to be addressed by scientific research and extension programs. The objective of this study was to characterize Brazilian dairy farms based on technology usage. Factors such as willingness to invest in precision technologies, adoption of sensor systems, farmer profile, farm characteristics, and production indexes were investigated in 378 dairy farms located in Brazil. A survey with 22 questions was developed and distributed via Google Forms from July 2018 to July 2020. The farms were then classified into seven clusters: (1) top yield farms; (2) medium-high yield, medium-tech; (3) medium yield and top high-tech; (4) medium yield and medium-tech; (5) young medium-low yield and low-tech; (6) elderly medium-low yield and low-tech; and (7) low-tech grazing. The most frequent technologies adopted by producers were milk meters systems (31.7%), milking parlor smart gate (14.5%), sensor systems to detect mastitis (8.4%), cow activity meter (7.1%), and body temperature (7.9%). Based on a scale containing numerical values (1-5), producers indicated "available technical support" (mean; σ2) (4.55; 0.80) as the most important decision criterion involved in adopting technology, followed by "return on investment-ROI" (4.48; 0.80), "user-friendliness" (4.39; 0.88), "upfront investment cost" (4.36; 0.81), and "compatibility with farm management software" (4.2; 1.02). The most important factors precluding investment in precision dairy technologies were the need for investment in other sectors of the farm (36%), the uncertainty of ROI (24%), and lack of integration with other farm systems and software (11%). Farmers indicated that the most useful technologies were automatic milk meters systems (mean; σ2) (4.05; 1.66), sensor systems for mastitis detection (4.00; 1.57), automatic feeding systems (3.50; 2.05), cow activity meter (3.45; 1.95), and in-line milk analyzers (3.45; 1.95). Overall, the concerns related to data integration, ROI, and user-friendliness of technologies are similar to those of dairy farms located in other countries. Increasing available technical support for sensing technology can have a positive impact on technology adoption.

Spirocamallanus krameri and Contracaecum sp. thirdstage larvae (Nematoda) in Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus (Erythrinidae) of eastern Amazon (Brazil).

This study aimed to investigate the presence of nematodes Spirocamallanus krameri and Contracaecum sp. in Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus caught in a lake in the state of Pará, in northern Brazil, eastern Amazon region (Brazil). From 92 hosts, 83.7% were infected, and a total of 401 parasites were covered. There was a high prevalence of S. krameri, while the predominance was of Contracaecum sp. larvae. Both parasite species presented aggregated dispersion, and abundance of these parasites presented positive correlation with weight and length of the hosts. Morphological and morphometric data of third-stage larvae of Contracaecum sp. are described.

Parental Monitoring of Computer Use and its Association with Drug Use among Students in Southern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Parental control is considered important in preventing drug use among adolescents. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the association between the perception of parental monitoring of computer use and drug use among adolescent students. METHODS: A cross-sectional school-based study was conducted in 2012 among 2,980 students aged 12-17 years from Southern Brazil. The outcomes investigated were the use of tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, and other illicit drugs in the previous year. The main exposure was the self-reported perception of parental monitoring of computer use. Poisson regression with robust variance was used for the multivariable analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence rates of drugs used were 48.3% (95% confidence interval[CI]: 46.5-50.0) for alcohol, 9.7% (95%CI: 8.7-10.7) for tobacco, 5.1% (95%CI: 4.3-5.9) for cannabis, and 8.7% (95%CI: 7.7-9.7) for other illicit drugs. The absence of monitoring of computer use was reported by 44.3% (95%CI: 42.5-46.1) of the students. After adjusting for potential confounders, we found that students aged 12 to 14 years who reported no parental monitoring of computer use had a higher probability of alcohol (Prevalence Ratio[PR] = 1.26, 95%CI:1.07-1.49) and cannabis use (PR = 3.25, 95%CI:1.11-9.53). In addition, a higher consumption of tobacco was observed among students aged 15 to 17 years who reported no parental monitoring of computer use (PR = 1.75, 95%CI:1.17-2.63). In both age groups, psychiatric morbidity was a covariate significantly associated with drug use throughout analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Parental monitoring of computer use was significantly associated with adolescent drug use, suggesting its importance in preventing drug use.

Potential role of microRNAs as biomarkers in human glioblastoma: a mini systematic review from 2015 to 2020.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common, aggressive and malignant type of glioma, with poor prognosis, despite advances in medical knowledge and technology. It's known that some microRNAs (miRNAs) can be dysregulated and associated with tumors. We aim to investigate miRNAs that may have a role as potential biomarkers in human glioblastoma. A search was performed using PubMed, LILACS and SCIELO databases to find papers from 2015 to 2020, related to human in vitro and ex vivo data. From 99 articles, 10 were eligible and 13 dysregulated miRNAs were found with description of regulation, target(s), pathway(s) and mechanism(s). The miRNAs of interest were found and seem to be involved in development and progression of glioblastoma and used as target therapies. Understanding the mechanisms in which those miRNAs are involved and their role in epigenetic pathways that lead to cancer, as well as their potential in clinical application, may improve GBM clinical outcome (CRD42020182706, 07/10/2020, retrospectively registered).

Dense optical flow software to quantify cellular contractility.

Cell membrane deformation is an important feature that occurs during many physiological processes, and its study has been put to good use to investigate cardiomyocyte function. Several methods have been developed to extract information on cardiomyocyte contractility. However, no existing computational framework has provided, in a single platform, a straightforward approach to acquire, process, and quantify this type of cellular dynamics. For this reason, we develop CONTRACTIONWAVE, high-performance software written in Python programming language that allows the user to process large data image files and obtain contractility parameters by analyzing optical flow from images obtained with videomicroscopy. The software was validated by using neonatal, adult-, and human-induced pluripotent stem-cell-derived cardiomyocytes, treated or not with drugs known to affect contractility. Results presented indicate that CONTRACTIONWAVE is an excellent tool for examining changes to cardiac cellular contractility in animal models of disease and for pharmacological and toxicology screening during drug discovery.

Increased cholinergic activity under conditions of low estrogen leads to adverse cardiac remodeling.

Cholinesterase inhibitors are used in postmenopausal women for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Despite their widespread use in the clinical practice, little is known about the impact of augmented cholinergic signaling on cardiac function under reduced estrogen conditions. To address this gap, we subjected a genetically engineered murine model of systemic vesicular acetylcholine transporter overexpression (Chat-ChR2) to ovariectomy and evaluated cardiac parameters. Left-ventricular function was similar between Chat-ChR2 and wild-type (WT) mice. Following ovariectomy, WT mice showed signs of cardiac hypertrophy. Conversely, ovariectomized (OVX) Chat-ChR2 mice evolved to cardiac dilation and failure. Transcript levels for cardiac stress markers atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) were similarly upregulated in WT/OVX and Chat-ChR2/OVX mice. 17ß-Estradiol (E2) treatment normalized cardiac parameters in Chat-ChR2/OVX to the Chat-ChR2/SHAM levels, providing a link between E2 status and the aggravated cardiac response in this model. To investigate the cellular basis underlying the cardiac alterations, ventricular myocytes were isolated and their cellular area and contractility were assessed. Myocytes from WT/OVX mice were wider than WT/SHAM, an indicative of concentric hypertrophy, but their fractional shortening was similar. Conversely, Chat-ChR2/OVX myocytes were elongated and presented contractile dysfunction. E2 treatment again prevented the structural and functional changes in Chat-ChR2/OVX myocytes. We conclude that hypercholinergic mice under reduced estrogen conditions do not develop concentric hypertrophy, a critical compensatory adaptation, evolving toward cardiac dilation and failure. This study emphasizes the importance of understanding the consequences of cholinesterase inhibition, used clinically to treat dementia, for cardiac function in postmenopausal women.

Efetividade do treinamento físico sobre o desempenho físico em pacientes com dermatomiosite e polimiosite: revisão sistemática e metanálise / Eficacia del entrenamiento físico sobre el rendimiento físico en pacientes con dermatomiositis y polimiositis: una revisión sistemática y metaanálisis / Effectiveness of physical training on physical performance in patients with dermatomyositis and polymyositis: systematic review and meta-analysis

RESUMO Este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar o impacto do treinamento físico sobre o desempenho físico em pacientes com dermatomiosite e polimiosite. Para tanto, uma revisão sistemática e metanálise foi conduzida de acordo com as diretrizes do PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). A pesquisa bibliográfica foi realizada nas seguintes bases de dados: PubMed/MEDLINE e Web of Science, utilizando combinações das seguintes palavras-chave em inglês: dermatomyositis OR polymyositis OR myositis AND exercise OR physical exercise OR physical therapy OR aerobic exercise OR endurance exercise OR resistance exercise. Foram incluídos estudos que atenderam aos seguintes critérios: (1) os participantes apresentavam diagnóstico de dermatomiosite ou polimiosite; (2) os pacientes foram submetidos a um protocolo de treinamento físico; (3) o desempenho físico foi mensurado antes e após o protocolo de treinamento físico. Um total de 14 artigos foram selecionados para inclusão na revisão sistemática e 10 artigos foram selecionados para inclusão na metanálise. Os resultados demonstram que o treinamento físico é eficaz em aumentar o desempenho físico global nos pacientes com dermatomiosite e polimiosite (tamanho do efeito: 0,72; IC 95% 0,55; 0,89). Além disso, foi demonstrado também que tanto as variáveis de desempenho aeróbio (tamanho do efeito: 0,88; IC 95% 0,54; 1,21), quanto as variáveis de desempenho resistido (tamanho do efeito: 0,64; IC 95% 0,43; 0,85) são beneficiadas com o treinamento físico nesses pacientes. Conclui-se que o treinamento físico apresentou um efeito benéfico significativo sobre o desempenho físico global, aeróbio e resistido em pacientes com dermatomiosite e polimiosite.

RESUMEN Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar el impacto del entrenamiento físico sobre el rendimiento físico en pacientes con dermatomiositis y polimiositis. Para ello, se realizó una revisión sistemática y metaanálisis siguiendo las guías PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). Se hizo una búsqueda bibliográfica en las siguientes bases de datos: PubMed/MEDLINE y Web of Science, utilizando las siguientes palabras clave combinadas en inglés: dermatomyositis OR polymyositis OR myositis AND exercise OR physical exercise OR physical therapy OR aerobic exercise OR endurance exercise OR resistance exercise. Se incluyeron los estudios que cumplieron los siguientes criterios: (1) los participantes tenían un diagnóstico de dermatomiositis o polimiositis; (2) los pacientes se sometieron a un protocolo de entrenamiento físico; y (3) el rendimiento físico se midió antes y después del protocolo de entrenamiento físico. Al total se seleccionaron 14 artículos para incluir en la revisión sistemática y 10 artículos en el metaanálisis. Los resultados demuestran que el entrenamiento físico es eficaz para aumentar el rendimiento físico general en pacientes con dermatomiositis y polimiositis (tamaño del efecto: 0,72; IC 95% 0,55; 0,89). Además, tanto las variables de rendimiento aeróbico (tamaño del efecto: 0,88; IC 95% 0,54; 1,21) como las variables de rendimiento de resistencia (tamaño del efecto: 0,64; IC 95% 0,43; 0,85) mejoraron con la actividad física en estos pacientes. Se concluye que el entrenamiento físico tuvo un efecto significativo sobre el rendimiento físico global, aeróbico y de resistencia en pacientes con dermatomiositis y polimiositis.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the impact of physical training on physical performance in patients with dermatomyositis and polymyositis. For this purpose, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis according to the guidelines of PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). The literature search was conducted in the following databases: PubMed/MEDLINE and Web of Science, using combinations of the following keywords in English: dermatomyositis OR polymyositis OR myositis AND exercise OR physical exercise OR physical therapy OR aerobic exercise OR endurance exercise OR resistance exercise. Studies that met the following criteria were included: (1) participants diagnosed with dermatomyositis or polymyositis; (2) patients that undergone a physical training protocol; (3) physical performance measured before and after the physical training protocol. A total of 14 articles were selected for inclusion in the systematic review and 10 articles were selected for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The outcomes demonstrate that physical training is effective in increasing overall physical performance in patients with dermatomyositis and polymyositis (effect size: 0.72; 95% CI 0.55; 0.89). Also, our study demonstrated that both the aerobic performance (effect size: 0.88; 95% CI 0.54; 1.21) and resistance performance variables (effect size: 0.64; CI 95% 0.43; 0.85) benefit from physical training in these patients. We concluded that physical training had a significant beneficial effect on the overall, aerobic and resistance physical performance in patients with dermatomyositis and polymyositis.

Association between interferon lambda 3 rs12979860 polymorphism and clinical outcome in dengue virus-infected children.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in immune-related genes have been shown to play a role in driving the development of the severe phenotypes of dengue virus (DENV) infection. We assessed the association between IFNL3 gene SNP (rs12979860) and dengue clinical outcomes in children. Patients with dengue-related symptoms (aged 1-15 years) admitted at a public hospital in Northeast Brazil were invited to participate. The association between rs12979860 polymorphism and dengue classification and clinical signs and symptoms were analysed. A total of 206 DENV-infected children were included: 53.4% of the infections were classified as severe dengue. The T allele carriers had higher risk of developing severe dengue when compared to CC genotype carriers (OR: 1.81; 95% CI: 0.98-3.32 p = .054). The T allele carriers also showed longer fever episodes when compared to patients with the CC genotype (OR: 1.90; 95%CI: 1.07-3.38; p = .027). On the other hand, the ones carrying the CT/TT genotype had 70% lower chance of developing thrombocytopenia when compared to those with the CC genotype (OR: 0.30; 95%CI: 0.08-0.88; p = .042). Our findings demonstrated that the T allele carriers of the IFNL3 gene had higher risk of developing severe dengue, suggesting a link between IFN-λ expression and DENV immunopathogenesis.

Efeitos da vitimização por pares sobre o uso de substâncias psicoativas e comportamentos violentos em adolescentes / Effects of peer vitimization on the use of psychoactive substances and violent behavior in adolescents / Efectos de la vitimización por pares sobre el uso de sustancias psicoativas y comportamientos violentos en adolescentes

Estudo transversal, de base escolar, que investigou se vitimização por pares associa-se à policonsumo de substâncias e envolvimento em comportamentos violentos (brigas e/ou porte de armas). Participaram 3.547 escolares do interior do Rio Grande do Sul, com idade média de 14 anos (dp = 1,66). Realizou-se amostragem aleatória, estratificada por sexo, idade, município e rede de ensino. Os dados foram coletados em 2012, através de questionário autoaplicável. Foram realizadas análises descritivas, através do teste Chi Quadrado de Pearson, e modelo de equações estruturais. Evidenciou-se que vitimização associa-se ao policonsumo apenas quando há sofrimento psíquico e relação negativa com pai e/ou mãe, associando-se ao maior envolvimento com comportamentos violentos tanto de forma direta como mediada pela relação com os pais e pela saúde mental dos escolares. Conclui-se que a vitimização parece instigar comportamentos violentos, denunciando a existência de um ciclo vicioso de agressividade, o que reforça a importância do seu enfrentamento.

A cross-sectional, school-based study that evaluated whether victimization by peers is associated with polydrug use and involvement in violent behavior (fights and/or carrying arms). A total of 3,547 students from the interior of Rio Grande do Sul, with a mean age of 14 years (SD = 1.66) participated. Sampling was randomized, stratified by gender, age, municipality and educational network. Data were collected in 2012, through a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive analyzes were performed using the Pearson's Chi Square test and a Structural Equations Model. It has been shown that victimization is associated with polydrug use only when there is psychological distress and negative relationship with father and/or mother, and is associated with the greater involvement with violent behaviors even directly or mediated by the adolescents' relationship with parents and adolescents' mental health. It is concluded that victimization seems to foster violent behavior, denouncing the existence of a vicious cycle of aggression and reinforcing the importance of being confronted.

Estudio transversal, de base escolar, que investigó si la victimización por pares se asocia al policonsumo de sustancias y la participación en comportamientos violentos (peleas y/o porte de armas). Participaron 3.547 escolares del interior de Rio Grande do Sul, con una edad promedio de 14 años (dp = 1,66). Se realizó muestreo aleatorio, estratificado por sexo, edad, municipio y red de enseñanza. Los datos fueron recogidos en 2012 a través de cuestionario autoadministrado. Se realizaron análisis descriptivos, a través del test Chi cuadrado de Pearson, y el modelo de ecuaciones estructurales. Se evidenció que la victimización se asocia al policonsumo sólo cuando hay sufrimiento psíquico y relación negativa con padre y / o madre, asociándose al mayor involucramiento con comportamientos violentos tanto de forma directa como mediada por la relación de los adolescents con los padres y la salud mental de los adolescentes. Se concluye que la victimización parece instigar los comportamientos violentos, denunciando la existencia de un ciclo vicioso de agresividad, lo que reforza la importancia de su enfrentamiento.

Integralidade e longitudinalidade da atenção primária à saúde da mulher: uma análise de três municípios amazônicos / Integrality and longitudinality of primary care for women's health: an analysis of three amazonian municipalities

O estado do Amazonas abrange municípios ribeirinhos que, devido a suas peculiaridades, são um desafio para organização da Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS). Este estudo objetivou avaliar os atributos essenciais de integralidade e longitudinalidade da APS da mulher em idade reprodutiva em três municípios amazônicos, pois doenças preveníveis pela APS apresentam alta incidência nessa população. Esta é uma pesquisa transversal, de caráter exploratório e abordagem quantitativa, que utilizou o instrumento Avaliação da Atenção Primária (PCATool) Versão Adulto para entrevistar 857 mulheres. Os resultados foram insatisfatórios na avaliação dos dois atributos, longitudinalidade e integralidade, com diferenças significativas entre os municípios. Na avaliação da APS sobre questões de relevância epidemiológica para saúde da mulher amazônica os resultados demonstraram que os serviços de assistência pré-natal e a realização de exame preventivo para o câncer de colo de útero estavam disponíveis para cerca de 90% das mulheres. O aconselhamento para testagem de HIV foi relatado por mais de 60% das mulheres entrevistadas. Assim, este estudo identificou limites e desafios da Atenção Primária a Saúde da mulher nesses municípios, reforçando a importância de processos avaliativos como instrumentos de melhor gerenciamento das políticas públicas em saúde.

The State of Amazonas has riparian municipalities that, due to their peculiarities, are a challenge for the organization of Primary Health Care (PHC). This study aimed to evaluate the integral attributes and longitudinality of PHC to Women's Health in reproductive age in three municipalities of the state, because diseases preventable by PHC are present at high incidence in this population. This is a cross-sectional, exploratory and quantitative study that used the Primary Care Assessment Tool (PCATool) instrument - Adult version - to interview 857 women. The results were unsatisfactory in the evaluation of the two attributes, longitudinality and Integrality, with significant differences between the municipalities. In the PHC evaluation on issues of epidemiological relevance for the health of Amazonian women, the results showed that prenatal care and preventive examination for cervical cancer were available for about 90% of the women. Counseling for HIV testing was reported by more than 60% of the women interviewed. Therefore, this study identified the limits and challenges of Primary Health Care for Women in these municipalities, reinforcing the importance of evaluation processes as tools for better management of public health policies.

School health promotion and use of drugs among students in Southern Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the relationship between the health promotion conditions in schools and the consumption of alcohol and other drugs by students. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with a probabilistic sample of 3,464 students aged 12 to 17 from all schools of the cities of Lajeado and Sapiranga, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and 53 managers from the same schools; the data was collected in 2012. Reports of the use of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs in 2012 were used as outcomes, and the health promotion score in the school environment was used as the exposure of interest. We submitted the data to multilevel analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of the annual use of tobacco was 9.8% (95%CI 8.8-10.8), alcohol was 46.2% (95%CI 44.5-47.8), and other drugs was 10.9% (95%CI 9.9-12.0). In the crude analysis, only the use of tobacco was associated with less health promoting schools (OR = 1.89, 95%CI 1.16-3.09) when compared to those with better conditions. This association lost statistical significance in the adjusted analysis (OR = 1.27, 95%CI 0.74-2.19). CONCLUSIONS: The effects of the school environment on the use of drugs, especially tobacco and alcohol, are manifested mainly by the individual and family conditions of the adolescents.

School health promotion and use of drugs among students in Southern Brazil / Promoção de saúde escolar e uso de drogas em escolares no Sul do Brasil

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To analyze the relationship between the health promotion conditions in schools and the consumption of alcohol and other drugs by students. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with a probabilistic sample of 3,464 students aged 12 to 17 from all schools of the cities of Lajeado and Sapiranga, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and 53 managers from the same schools; the data was collected in 2012. Reports of the use of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs in 2012 were used as outcomes, and the health promotion score in the school environment was used as the exposure of interest. We submitted the data to multilevel analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of the annual use of tobacco was 9.8% (95%CI 8.8-10.8), alcohol was 46.2% (95%CI 44.5-47.8), and other drugs was 10.9% (95%CI 9.9-12.0). In the crude analysis, only the use of tobacco was associated with less health promoting schools (OR = 1.89, 95%CI 1.16-3.09) when compared to those with better conditions. This association lost statistical significance in the adjusted analysis (OR = 1.27, 95%CI 0.74-2.19). CONCLUSIONS: The effects of the school environment on the use of drugs, especially tobacco and alcohol, are manifested mainly by the individual and family conditions of the adolescents.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Analisar a relação entre condições de promoção de saúde nas escolas e o consumo de álcool e outras drogas pelos escolares. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal de base escolar, com amostra probabilística de 3.464 escolares de 12 a 17 anos de todas as escolas de Lajeado e Sapiranga, RS, e 53 gestores das mesmas escolas; dados coletados em 2012. Os relatos do uso de 2012 de tabaco, álcool e drogas ilícitas foram tomados como desfechos e o escore de promoção de saúde no ambiente das escolas, como exposição de interesse. Os dados foram submetidos à análise multinível. RESULTADOS: A prevalência do uso anual de tabaco foi 9,8% (IC95% 8,8-10,8), álcool 46,2% (IC95% 44,5-47,8) e outras drogas 10,9% (IC95% 9,9-12,0). Na análise bruta, apenas o uso de tabaco esteve associado a escolas menos promotoras (OR = 1,89; IC95% 1,16-3,09) quando comparado as com melhores condições. Essa associação perdeu significância estatística na análise ajustada (OR = 1,27; IC95% 0,74-2,19). CONCLUSÕES: Os efeitos do ambiente escolar quanto ao uso de drogas, especialmente tabaco e álcool, manifestam-se principalmente pelas condições individuais e familiares dos adolescentes.

Mediators Go Together: High Production of CXCL9, CXCL10, IFN-γ, and TNF-α in HTLV-1-Associated Myelopathy/Tropical Spastic Paraparesis.

HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) is a chronic demyelinating and disabling syndrome caused by human T lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1). Although the pathogenic mechanisms that lead to HAM/TSP outcome have not been elucidated, genetic and immunological factors may be involved in the myelopathy occurrence. This study aimed to compare cytokines, chemokines, and nitric oxide (NO) levels in asymptomatic and HAM/TSP HTLV-1-infected patients. The study group consisted of 21 HAM/TSP and 48 asymptomatic HTLV-1 patients. Chemokines (CCL5, CCL2, CXCL8, CXCL9, and CXCL10) and cytokines [IL-2, interferon gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10] were measured using cytometric bead array, whereas NO production was measured after reaction of supernatants with nitrate reduction solution. CXCL9 and CXCL10 chemokines levels were found to be higher in the HAM/TSP group. CXCL9 was also strongly correlated with CXCL10 and both CXCL9 and CXCL10 were moderately correlated with CCL2 and CCL5 levels, in both HAM/TSP and asymptomatic groups. There was no significant difference related to NO, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10 levels between the clinical groups but TNF-α and IFN-γ levels were increased in HAM/TSP patients. Thus, factors such as CXCL9, CXCL10, TNF-α, and IFN-γ could be good prognostic biomarker candidates, and further studies may help to clarify their association with HAM/TSP immunopathogenesis.

Exposure to physical and sexual violence and suicidal ideation among schoolchildren / Exposição à violência física e sexual e ideação suicida entre escolares

ABSTRACT Objective The purpose of this study was to estimate the association between exposure to physical and sexual violence, and suicidal ideation in Brazilian Schoolchildren, accounting for confounding variables of religious practice, and problems with alcohol and other drugs. Methods This study consists of a cross-sectional analytical approach of a larger school-based study conducted in 2012 in two medium-sized municipalities in south of Brazil. Participants were 3,547 students aging 12 to 17 years old who answered an assembled questionnaire. Descriptive and Logistic Regression analyses were conducted with suicide ideation outcome testing prediction models stratified by sex. Results Suicide ideation prevalence in the sample was of 21.7%, and regression analysis indicated that girls and boys exposed to physical or sexual violence had 3.42 and 3.14 times more probability of referring suicidal ideation in the past 30 days. Adjusted analyses showed little interference of religious practice, while problems with alcohol and other drugs seemed to also explain suicidal ideation in the sample. Conclusion We highlight the importance of future longitudinal studies to investigate the mechanisms through which exposure to physical or sexual abuse influence suicidal ideation among boys and girls, as well as mediation studies that could enlighten the role of drug and alcohol use in this relationship.

RESUMO Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a associação entre exposição à violência física e sexual e ideação suicida em escolares brasileiros, controlando para variáveis relacionadas a prática religiosa e problemas com álcool e outras drogas. Métodos Este estudo consiste de um recorte transversal de um estudo maior realizado em 2012 em dois municípios de médio porte no sul do Brasil. No total, 3.547 alunos de 12 a 17 anos responderam a um questionário desenvolvido para o estudo em questão. Análises descritivas e de regressão logística foram conduzidas testando modelos preditores de ideação suicida estratrificados por sexo. Resultados A prevalência de ideação suicida na amostra foi de 21,7% e a análise de regressão indicou que meninas e meninos expostos à violência física ou sexual tinham 3,42 e 3,14 vezes mais probabilidade de referir ideação suicida nos últimos 30 dias. As análises ajustadas mostraram pouca interferência da prática religiosa, enquanto problemas com álcool e outras drogas também parecem explicar ideação suicida na amostra. Conclusão Destacamos a importância de futuros estudos longitudinais para investigar os mecanismos por meio dos quais a exposição ao abuso físico ou sexual influencia a ideação suicida em meninos e meninas, bem como estudos de mediação que possam esclarecer o papel do uso de drogas e álcool nessa relação.

IL17A Polymorphism Is Not Associated with Human T-Lymphotropic Virus 1-Associated Myelopathy/Tropical Spastic Paraparesis.

The human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1) is the causative agent of HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). The present study investigated the association between the rs2275913 polymorphism in the IL17A gene and the development of HAM/TSP. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 116 patients (29 symptomatic patients with HAM/TSP and 87 asymptomatic) with a positive diagnosis of HTLV-1. The single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping was carried out by real time PCR using TaqMan probes. In addition, serum levels of IL-2, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-17 were measured in 64 infected individuals from the study (47 asymptomatic and 17 HAM/TSP), using cytometric bead array technique. No significant differences were found in genotypic and allelic frequencies between the groups. Analysis of cytokine levels showed highest concentrations of IFN-γ and TNF-α in HAM/TSP patients. The results of the present study, therefore, suggest a lack of association between the rs2275913 polymorphism in the IL17A gene and the presence of HAM/TSP.

Padrão de uso e possibilidade de cessação do consumo do crack: estudo transversal / Patterns of crack cocaine use and probability of cessation: A cross-sectional study

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi analisar a relação entre o padrão de consumo de crack nos últimos seis meses de uso ativo e a condição de abstinência ou não no momento das entrevistas. Trata-se de um estudo transversal com amostragem de conveniência, sendo que foram entrevistadas 495 pessoas entre os 14 e os 54 anos de idade. Foram estimadas razões de prevalência por Regressão de Poisson robusta para a condição abstinente por 12 semanas ou mais, segundo os padrões de consumo referidos, ajustando para sexo, idade, escolaridade, tempo desde o primeiro contato com a droga, uso de medicação e hospitalização em função do crack. Identificou-se associação entre o uso frequente e pesado e a cessação do consumo (RP 1,06 [IC95%: 1,01 - 1,12] p = 0,019). Esse achado amplia o leque de particularidades em relação ao crack e reforça os investimentos terapêuticos para todos os padrões de consumo.(AU)

This study aimed to analyze the relationship between the patterns of crack cocaine use among active users over the past six months and abstinence (or not) at the time of the interviews. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a convenience sample of 495 crack users aged 14 to 54 years. Prevalence ratios of the variable abstinent for at least 12 weeks were estimated using Poisson regression with robust variance according to the patterns of use, adjusting for sex, age, education, time since first contact trying crack cocaine, and treatments and hospitalization associated with crack use. There was an association between regular and heavy use and cessation of drug use (PR 1.06 [95% CI: 1.01 to 1.12] p = 0.019). This finding expands the range of particularities regarding the use of crack and reinforces the need for investments in crack cocaine addiction treatments for all use patterns.(AU)

Padrão de uso e possibilidade de cessação do consumo do crack: estudo transversal / Patterns of crack cocaine use and probability of cessation: a cross-sectional study

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi analisar a relação entre o padrão de consumo de crack nos últimos seis meses de uso ativo e a condição de abstinência ou não no momento das entrevistas. Trata-se de um estudo transversal com amostragem de conveniência, sendo que foram entrevistadas 495 pessoas entre os 14 e os 54 anos de idade. Foram estimadas razões de prevalência por Regressão de Poisson robusta para a condição abstinente por 12 semanas ou mais, segundo os padrões de consumo referidos, ajustando para sexo, idade, escolaridade, tempo desde o primeiro contato com a droga, uso de medicação e hospitalização em função do crack. Identificou-se associação entre o uso frequente e pesado e a cessação do consumo (RP 1,06 [IC95%: 1,01 - 1,12] p = 0,019). Esse achado amplia o leque de particularidades em relação ao crack e reforça os investimentos terapêuticos para todos os padrões de consumo.

This study aimed to analyze the relationship between the patterns of crack cocaine use among active users over the past six months and abstinence (or not) at the time of the interviews. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a convenience sample of 495 crack users aged 14 to 54 years. Prevalence ratios of the variable abstinent for at least 12 weeks were estimated using Poisson regression with robust variance according to the patterns of use, adjusting for sex, age, education, time since first contact trying crack cocaine, and treatments and hospitalization associated with crack use. There was an association between regular and heavy use and cessation of drug use (PR 1.06 [95% CI: 1.01 to 1.12] p = 0.019). This finding expands the range of particularities regarding the use of crack and reinforces the need for investments in crack cocaine addiction treatments for all use patterns.

Mannose-binding lectin gene (MBL2) polymorphisms related to the mannose-binding lectin low levels are associated to dengue disease severity.

Dengue is the main arbovirosis in the tropical and subtropical areas of the world. The majority of infected individuals present an asymptomatic outcome while others progress to dengue fever (DF) or dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF). Dengue infection evolution to severe outcomes is in part, related to innate immunity response. The MBL2 gene encodes for a pathogen recognition pattern molecule, the mannose-binding lectin (MBL). Variant alleles at promoter and structural regions of the MBL2 are related to serum MBL levels and function. Due to the important inflammatory modulation role of MBL, MBL2 polymorphisms could influence dengue progression. Therefore, this study investigated associations of MBL2 polymorphisms and serum MBL levels in patients with dengue. Genotyping of promoter and structural regions of MBL2 was performed by real-time PCR using Taqman® probes in 161 patients presenting DF or DHF outcome. For the serum MBL determination a commercial ELISA kit was used. The variant OO genotype and O allele were associated with DHF (p=0.008 and p=0.009 respectively). Haplotypes correlated to MBL low levels were associated with DHF (p=0.04). Our results support the hypothesis that patients carrying genotypes or haplotypes of low production of MBL would be more susceptible to DHF.

[Conditions associated with impaired social skills in a convenience sample of crack users]. / Condições associadas a prejuízo de desempenho em habilidades sociais em uma amostra de conveniência de usuários de crack.

The article analyzes conditions associated with low scores on the Social Skills Inventory (SSI) among crack users in Greater Metropolitan Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, based on a cross-sectional study in a convenience sample of 519 individuals interviewed in 2011. Low SSI scores occurred in 52.8% of the sample, and there were no differences according to currently active use of crack (yes/no) or current addiction treatment. Higher likelihood of low SSI was associated with crack users in pre-contemplation or contemplation in University of Rhode Island Change Assessment - URICA (p = 0.031), high Beck Depression Inventory - BDI scores (p = 0.037), mourning a deceased child (p = 0.001), and having committed armed robbery to obtain crack (p = 0/020). Lower likelihood of low SSI was associated with 9 or more years of schooling (p = 0.001), high social support (p < 0.001), high resilience (p < 0.001), having lost contact with parents (p = 0.032), history of hospitalization due to crack (p = 0.009), and history of sex to obtain crack (p = 0.009). The findings are clinically useful and highlight the issue's importance.