Mucormycosis: A sweet enemy, case series / Mucormicosis: un dulce enemigo, serie de casos.

Mucormycosis is a rare fungal infection caused by fungi of the Mucorales order that occurs in immunocompromised individuals or with loss of skin or mucosa barrier integrity. This report presents four cases of rhinocerebral mucormycosis attended at a third-level hospital in Cali (Colombia) during a period of three years. All patients had different case histories and times of evolution. All four had a previous or de novo diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus, with glycated hemoglobin higher than 10% on admission. We ruled out other possible pathologies that could explain their immunocompromised condition. Mucormycosis diagnosis was made with direct visualization of hyaline coenocytic hyphae on biopsies. The basis of treatment was liposomal amphotericin B and surgical debridement. Two patients presented bacterial coinfection. One asked for voluntary discharge without having completed the treatment, and another one died. The remaining two have attended controls and had an adequate evolution.

La mucormicosis es una infección fúngica poco frecuente causada por hongos del orden Mucorales, la cual se presenta en individuos inmunocomprometidos o con pérdida de la integridad de la barrera de piel o mucosas. Se reportan cuatro casos de mucormicosis rinocerebral atendidos en un hospital de tercer nivel de Cali (Colombia) durante un periodo de tres años. Los cuatro pacientes presentaron diferentes cuadros clínicos y tiempos de evolución. Todos tenían diagnóstico de diabetes mellitus de tipo 2, de novo o previo, con una hemoglobina glucosilada de ingreso mayor del 10 % y en todos se descartaron otras enfermedades que explicaran su compromiso inmunitario. La mucormicosis se diagnosticó por la visualización directa de hifas hialinas sincitiales (coenocytic) en las biopsias tomadas. El pilar del tratamiento fue la anfotericina B liposómica junto con el desbridamiento quirúrgico. Dos pacientes presentaron coinfección bacteriana. De los cuatro, uno firmó su egreso voluntario sin completar el tratamiento y otro falleció. Los dos pacientes restantes han asistido a los controles y han mostrado una adecuada evolución.

Cardiac and Liver Fibrosis Assessed by Multiparametric MRI in Patients with Fontan Circulation.

The abnormal hemodynamics in Fontan circulation due to persistently increased systemic venous pressure results in hepatic venous congestion and Fontan-associated liver disease. Combined assessment of cardiac and liver fibrosis and cardiac remodeling using multiparametric MRI in this context have not been fully explored. To evaluate cardiac and liver fibrosis and cardiac remodeling using multiparametric MRI in patients who have undergone Fontan procedures. Thirty-eight patients and 23 controls underwent cardiac and liver MRI examinations in a 3.0-T scanner. Mann-Whitney, Fisher exact test, and Spearman's correlation were applied to evaluate myocardial volumes, function, native cardiac and liver T1 mapping, ECVs and liver stiffness. The mean native cardiac T1 value (p = 0.018), cardiac ECV (p < 0.001), liver native T1 (p < 0.001), liver ECV (p < 0.001), and liver stiffness (p < 0.001) were higher in patients than controls. The indexed end-diastolic volume (EDVi) correlated with the myocardial ECV (r = 0.356; p = 0.033), native liver T1 (r = 0.571; p < 0.001), and with liver stiffness (r = 0.391; p = 0.015). In addition, liver stiffness correlated with liver ECV (r = 0.361; p = 0.031) and native liver T1 (r = 0.458; p = 0.004). An association between cardiac remodeling and cardiac and liver fibrosis were found in this population. The usefulness of MRI to follow cardiac and liver involvement in these patients is critical to improve treatment strategies and to prevent the need for combined liver and heart transplantation.

Cambios en los conocimientos sobre la relación periodontitis/enfermedades sistémicas. Estudio transversal no analítico / Changes in knowledge regarding the relationship between periodontitis and systemic diseases. Non-analytical cross-sectional study

Introducción: Las enfermedades periodontales tienen efectos locales y sistémicos sobre algunas enfermedades sistémicas. Propósito: Identificar cambios después de una jornada informativa preventiva sobre la relación de las EP y las enfermedades sistémicas en un ambiente universitario de carreras del área de la salud. Materiales y métodos: Estudio transversal no analítico cuyo objeto de estudio fue el cambio de la información obtenida por los participantes de una jornada de educación en salud en una muestra no aleatoria de 264 individuos de facultades de salud diferentes a odontología quienes recibieron encuestas "antes y después". Las variables de los cambios en los conocimientos se evaluaron mediante una escala Likert. Resultados: Antes de la estrategia, el 51,6% consideraban poco importante o que podría ser importante la salud oral como estilo de vida saludable vs un 99.2% al final. El 67.8 % de los sujetos, consideraban que la enfermedad periodontal no compartía factores de riesgo con condiciones sistémicas vs un 92.9%. Se incrementó de un 67.75% a 93.2% el reconocimiento del control del riesgo periodontal como estrategia para incidir en las enfermedades sistémicas. Conclusión: Una estrategia educativa sensibilizar positivamente sobre la importancia de la prevención de las enfermedades periodontales y las condiciones sistémicas.

Introduction: Periodontal diseases have local and systemic effects on some systemic diseases. Purpose: Identify changes after a preventive information session on the relationship between PD and systemic diseases in health faculties. Materials and methods: Non-analytical cross-sectional study whose object was the change in the information obtained by the participants of a health education session in a non-random sample of 264 individuals from health faculties other than dentistry who received "before and after" surveys. The variables were evaluated using a Likert scale. Results: Before the strategy, 51.6% considered oral health to be important for a healthy lifestyle vs. 99.2% at the end of the session. 67.8% of the subjects considered that periodontal disease shared risk factors with systemic conditions before the session vs. 92.9% after it. The recognition of periodontal risk control as a strategy to influence systemic diseases increased from 67.75% to 93.2%. Conclusion: An educational strategy raises a positive awareness of the importance of preventing periodontal diseases and systemic conditions.

Efeito de uma ação de aconselhamento nutricional, com uso de rede social, no enfrentamento à obesidade / Effect of a nutritional counseling activities, by using a social network, in coping with obesity

Estratégias inovadoras precisam ser adotadas para o combate à crescente prevalência de obesidade. Assim, o objetivo desse trabalho é avaliar o efeito de uma ação de aconselhamento nutricional com uso de rede social no enfrentamento à obesidade. Este é um estudo experimental do tipo antes e depois, incluindo 60 indivíduos com excesso de peso e adscritos a uma Unidade Básica de Saúde. Foi realizado de junho-outubro de 2020. As ações educativas (compartilhamento de informações sobre alimentação saudável e saúde e pactuação de desafios) foram realizadas pelo aplicativo WhatsApp®, semanalmente, por 16 semanas. Foram coletadas informações sociodemográficas, econômicas, clínicas, antropométricas, sobre consumo alimentar e exames bioquímicos. Os dados foram comparados por teste de Wilcoxon ou Kappa. A maioria dos participantes era do sexo feminino e 36,4% com diagnóstico de hipertensão. Após a intervenção, verificou-se redução de circunferência da cintura (antes:107,3±11,4; depois:105,6±11,5 cm, p=0,004), colesterol total (antes:205,9±48,3; depois:191,5±34,3 mg/dL, p<0,001) e LDL-c (antes:132,4±37,8; depois:120,2±29,3 mg/dL, p<0,001). A ação foi capaz de promover reduções de marcadores corporais de obesidade e de descompensações metabólicas associadas a obesidade, demonstrando a importância de intervenções inovadoras que possam somar a outras intervenções e facilitar a adesão do público.

Innovative strategies need to be adopted to combat the growing prevalence of obesity. Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of a nutritional counseling activity using a social network in coping with obesity. This is a before-and-after experimental study, including 60 overweight individuals enrolled in a Primary Care Center. It was carried out from June to October 2020. Educational actions (sharing information about healthy eating and health and agreeing on challenges) were carried out through the WhatsApp® application, weekly, for 16 weeks. Sociodemographic, economic, clinical, anthropometric, food consumption, and biochemical data were collected. Data were compared by the Wilcoxon or Kappa test. Most participants were female and 36.4% had a diagnosis of hypertension. After the intervention, there was a reduction in waist circumference (before:107.3±11.4; after:105.6±11.5 cm, p=0.004), total cholesterol (before:205.9±48, 3; after:191.5±34.3 mg/dL, p<0.001), and LDL-c (before:132.4±37.8; after:120.2±29.3 mg/dL, p<0.001). The activity was able to promote reductions in body markers of obesity and metabolic imbalances associated with obesity, demonstrating the importance of innovative interventions that can add to other interventions and facilitate public adherence.

Complex gastroschisis with apple peel jejunoileal atresia, primary closure, and Santulli procedure as a surgical alternative. Case report.

BACKGROUND: Gastroschisis is a closure defect of the abdominal wall classified as complex when it presents with necrosis, volvulus, or atresia of the gastrointestinal tract. Jejunoileal atresia is caused by abnormal closure, discontinuity, or narrowing of the intestine. Apple Peel or type IIIb is the rarest presentation, with an incidence of 1.3 per 10,000 live births. In addition to presenting a high mortality rate. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We present a preterm newborn patient of 30 weeks with a diagnosis of gastroschisis and jejunoileal atresia type IIIB. The congenital wall defect was closed in the first surgical stage, and he was then taken at four weeks to correct the atresia. In the second surgery, we found a difference in intestinal calibers of 8:1, and the surgical team decides to perform remodeling of the proximal sac with a mechanical stapler and perform anastomosis using the Santulli technique. On day 6 of life, enteral feeding began through a nutrition tube localized under intestinal anastomosis with progressive nutritional increase. Subsequently, intermittent and progressive occlusion of the stoma was performed, leading the patient to a definitive surgical closure one month later. CONCLUSIONS: The mortality rate for gastroschisis and complex intestinal atresia is high. Advances in prenatal diagnosis, neonatal intensive care, and proper surgical correction are crucial to improving survival rates. The Santulli procedure is a surgical alternative for intestinal atresias with a caliber discrepancy greater than 4 to 1 or when the characteristics of the distal part do not allow a primary anastomosis to be performed.

Maternal smoking during pregnancy and intelligence quotient of offspring aged 18 and 30 years: Evidence from two birth cohorts in southern Brazil.

Maternal smoking during pregnancy causes several harmful effects, including deficits in the intelligence quotient (IQ), a measure associated with academic achievements and higher socioeconomic position. We aimed to measure the association between maternal smoking during pregnancy and offspring's IQ in two birth cohorts from Pelotas, Brazil. Data from the 1982 and 1993 birth cohorts were analyzed. Smoking during pregnancy was ascertained at the perinatal follow-up, and IQ was measured at 30 years (1982) and 18 years (1993). Simple and multiple linear regressions were used for crude and adjusted analysis. Mediation analysis was performed using birth weight and breastfeeding as possible mediators. Data analysis was conducted in 2020. There were 3611 and 4050 participants from the 1982 and 1993 cohorts, respectively. After adjustment for potential confounders, the inverse association between smoking during pregnancy and children's IQ remained significant in both cohorts. Offspring of mothers who smoked during pregnancy had an average of 1.32 less IQ points (95%CI: -2.23, -0.242) in the 1982 cohort, and an average of 1.66 less IQ points (95%CI: -2.42, -0.90) in the 1993 cohort. Neither cohort showed association with paternal smoking (negative controls) after adjustment. Breastfeeding's mediated effects accounted for 26.2% and 23.9% of the association in the 1982 and 1993 cohorts, respectively, while birth weight's accounted for 6.8% and 30.1%, respectively; indirect effects were not significant. The inverse association between maternal smoking and IQ and the lack of association with paternal smoking reinforces our findings of a negative association between exposure and outcome.

Electromyographic biofeedback and visual feedback in myofunctional therapy: usage profile by speech-language-hearing pathologists / Biofeedback eletromiográfico e feedback visual na terapia miofuncional: perfil de uso pelos fonoaudiólogos

ABSTRACT Purpose: to identify the usage profile of mirrors and electromyographic biofeedback to support myofunctional therapy by speech-language-hearing therapists who work with oral-motor function in Brazil. Methods: a quantitative cross-sectional study with an online (SurveyMonkey) questionnaire, which was structured with questions on the use of mirrors and/or electromyographic biofeedback. A descriptive analysis was made, and the Mann-Whitney U test and the chi-square test were applied (p < 0.05). Results: most professionals (23 [82.14%]) used mirrors, whereas only five (17.85%) used electromyographic biofeedback. The electromyographic biofeedback was used at some point with all age groups, to treat mastication and swallowing functions and facial mimics. Dysphagia and facial palsy were regularly or occasionally treated with it. The patients' perception was significantly associated with the use of either instrument. The electromyographic biofeedback group showed a consensus among patients, while approximately half of the mirror group (12 [52.17%]) were indifferent to its use. Conclusion: the profile showed young adult professionals, who used national equipment. The findings reinforce the need for research on complementary therapeutic procedures in the field of oral-motor functions, particularly, electromyographic biofeedback.

RESUMO Objetivo: identificar o perfil de uso do espelho e do Biofeedback Eletromiográfico como suporte à terapia miofuncional por Fonoaudiólogos atuantes na área de Motricidade Orofacial no Brasil. Métodos: estudo quantitativo e transversal, por meio da aplicação de questionário online (plataforma SurveyMonkey). O questionário foi estruturado com perguntas sobre o uso do espelho e/ou do Biofeedback Eletromiográfico. Foi realizada análise descritiva e aplicação dos Testes U de Mann-Whitney e Qui-quadrado (p<0,05). Resultados: a maioria dos profissionais, 23 (82,14%), utiliza o espelho, enquanto apenas cinco (17,85%) utilizam o biofeedback eletromiográfico. O Biofeedback Eletromiográfico é eventualmente utilizado em todas as faixas etárias, assim como para as funções de mastigação, deglutição e mímica facial. As patologias referidas com uso regular e eventual foram a disfagia e a paralisia facial. Houve associação significante na percepção dos pacientes em relação ao uso de algum dos instrumentos, porém no grupo do Biofeedback Eletromiográfico houve consenso entre os pacientes e, no grupo espelho, aproximadamente metade 12 (52,17%) achou indiferente. Conclusão: o perfil encontrado foi de profissionais adultos jovens, com uso de instrumentação nacional. Os achados reforçam a necessidade de pesquisas voltadas aos procedimentos terapêuticos complementares na área de Motricidade Orofacial, sobretudo Biofeedback Eletromiográfico.

Stressors in Indoor and Field Brazilian Soccer: Are They Perceived as a Distress or Eustress?

Soccer players inescapably live under stress during the sportive career, and many real-life aspects of soccer situations operate in the ongoing performance. This study's main objective was to elaborate the List of Stressors in Professional Indoor and Field Soccer, a self-report instrument designed to measure the impact of 77 soccer situations upon the sport performance. Participants were 138 indoor and field soccer players from the Brazilian Premier League. Each situation was evaluated on a 7-point scale, ranging from the most negative (-3) to the most positive (+3). Data were analyzed according to the players' perception of the items: distress or eustress and its intensity, and after that, situations perceived as plus -1 and +1 were compared by time in which they were experienced and distributed among five categories established by the literature: Expectations about the Performance, Personal Factors, Competition Aspects, Training Demands, and Relationship with Significant People. Narratives of athletes' experiences were also used to discuss the results. An Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling using Bi-factorial (BI-ESEM) was employed to assess the factor structure. For the total participants, 49 situations were perceived as distress and 28 as eustress. Using the criteria established a priori, the distribution was among the five categories in the remaining 32 situations. Differences in perception between less and more experienced players were found in 11 situations. The results revealed that Brazilian professional soccer players experience various stressful situations. These events are important representations of environmental demands and could predict the performance as they are perceived as eustress or distress. Some of these stressful situations are inherent in sport and others adjacent to the sports system or environment. Coach pressure to win and conflicts with teammates are examples of stressors in-sport, family problems and disputes with press or fans are examples of stressors external to the team, also called peripheral opponents, and showed the relative social influence of significant others in soccer performance. We can conclude that the knowledge of the direction of a given stress situation has important practical implications in preparing athletes and helping them face the performance stressors that are part of soccer daily life.

Risky Sexual Behavior Among Street Children, Adolescents, and Young People Living on the street in southern Brazil.

Although adolescents living on the street tend to have unprotected sex with many partners and substance abuse, little is known about this reality in Brazil. To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with risky sexual behavior among children and adolescents living on the street in Porto Alegre and Rio Grande. A cross-sectional study was carried out using the Respondent-Driven Sampling (RDS) sampling method to quickly and efficiently access populations of difficult access. Poisson regression with robust adjustment of variance was used in the multivariate analysis. The sample consisted of 231 participants aged 10-21 years. Most were male and aged 16- 21 years. More than half (66.7%) of the respondents did not have a school bond, and 64.5% did not live with the family. Half of the sample had been living on the street for at least four years, spending 15 h or more on the street. Most (86.6%) responded that they had already used illicit drugs in their lives, and unprotected sex prevalence was 61.9%. The variables independently associated with unprotected sex were years living on the street, hours spent on the street, having a steady partner, illicit drug use, and sexual intercourse without a condom under the influence of drugs. The high prevalence of unprotected sex points to the need for intervention policies for this population to prevent the main risk factors.

Antiproliferative effect of guava fruit extracts in MDA-MB-435 and MCF-7 human breast cancer cell lines.

Breast cancer is the most frequent and lethal neoplastic disease among women worldwide. Psidium Guajava is a promising functional food against cancer, owing to a variety of bioactive compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the anticarcinogenic potential of Pedro Sato (PS), Hitigio (HI) and Tsumori (TS) guava cultivars fruit pulp extracts in MDA-MB-435 and MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. The antioxidant capacity of the extracts and their effect on cell viability, cell cycle and apoptosis were assessed. Additionally, the concentration of carotenoids, total phenolics, ascorbic acid and other physicochemical parameters were evaluated. PS pulp extract showed the highest in vitro antioxidative activity by all tested methods, as well as the highest content of lycopene and total phenolics, while TS pulp extract presented the highest concentration of ß-carotene. After 48 hours treatment, all guava cultivars' extracts caused reduction of MDA-MB-435 and MCF-7 cells viability, with PS and HI being the most effective extracts. All guava extracts caused MDA-MB-435 and MCF-7 cell count reduction in G0/G1 and G2/M phases and increased apoptosis. The present results strongly suggest that guava pulp exerts antiproliferative effect on breast adenocarcinoma cells.

Depression in the elderly of a rural region in Southern Brazil. / Depressão em idosos de uma região rural do Sul do Brasil.

The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of depression and its associated factors in elderly residents of the rural area of Rio Grande/RS. In this cross-sectional population-based study performed with 994 elderly (≥ 60 years), whose sampling was based on the 2010 Demographic Census, the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) was used for Major Depressive Episode (EDM) screening. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression. The overall prevalence for Major Depressive Episode screening was 8.1%. The variables independently associated with depression were: female gender, continuous use of medications, chronic diseases, body mass index and worse health perception. The creation of programs target at the elderly in the rural area, aimed at screening, early diagnosis of depression and maintenance of treatment, encompassing several factors related to health, are important actions that must be fostered by the health system.

O objetivo deste estudo é estimar a prevalência de depressão e seus fatores associados em idosos residentes da zona rural do município de Rio Grande/RS. Neste estudo transversal de base populacional realizado com 994 idosos (≥ 60 anos), cuja amostragem foi baseada no Censo Demográfico de 2010, utilizou-se o "Patient Health Questionnaire 9" (PHQ-9) para o rastreio de Episódio Depressivo Maior (EDM). Foram realizadas análises descritiva, bivariada e multivariável, com uso de regressão logística. A prevalência geral para o rastreio de Episódio Depressivo Maior foi de 8,1%. As variáveis independentemente associadas com depressão foram: sexo feminino, uso contínuo de medicamentos, doenças crônicas, índice de massa corporal e pior percepção de saúde. A criação de programas de atendimento direcionados aos idosos da área rural, visando rastreamento, diagnóstico precoce de depressão e manutenção do tratamento, englobando diversos fatores relacionados à saúde, são ações importantes que devem ser fomentadas pelo sistema de saúde.

Maternal knowledge on infant feeding in São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil / Conhecimento materno sobre alimentação infantil em São Luís, Maranhão, Brasil

Abtract Objectives: to describe the knowledge of infant feeding on breastfeeding and the introduction of complementary feeding among mothers of children under one-year-old in São Luís, MA. Methods: a cross-sectional descriptive study using a single questionnaire, standardized by trained interviewers, who visited all the residents in 20 communities chosen by convenience. This questionnaire searched for socioeconomic, demographic information, care received during pregnancy, and the knowledge about infant feeding. The analysis was performed through the creation of knowledge scores, frequency listing, central tendency and dispersion measurements. Results: among the 709 interviewees, 53.5% presented satisfactory knowledge. The score on the percentage mean of knowledge on infant feeding was 66.7%. The specific score on the introduction of complementary feeding was 60.7% and breastfeeding was71.4%. The benefits of breastfeeding for the babies were better known than the advantages it confers on mothers. The worst result was related to porridge preparation,(13.5%). Conclusion: the proportion of mothers who did not know about the basic teachings of infant feeding is high. This can lead to reduce exclusive breastfeeding time, increase rates of improper introduction of food and drink, and in favor early weaning.

Resumo Objetivos: descrever o conhecimento em alimentação infantil sobre aleitamento materno e introdução da alimentação complementar entre mães de menores de um ano em São Luís, MA. Métodos: estudo descritivo transversal com aplicação de questionário único, padronizado por entrevistadoras treinadas, que visitaram todos os domicílios de 20 comunidades escolhidas por conveniência. Este questionário buscava informações socioe-conômicas, demográficas, assistência recebida durante a gestação e sobre conhecimento em alimentação infantil. A análise consistiu da montagem de escores do conhecimento, listagem de frequências e medidas de tendência central e de dispersão. Resultados: dentre as 709 entrevistadas, 53,5% apresentaram conhecimento satisfatório. A média em percentual de acertos do escore do conhecimento em alimentação infantil foi de 66,7%. O escore específico da introdução alimentar obteve 60,7% e o do aleitamento materno 71,4%. Os benefícios da amamentação para os bebês foram mais conhecidos do que as vantagens que esta confere às mães. O pior resultado esteve relacionado ao preparo de papas (13,5%). Conclusões: é elevada a proporção de mães que desconhece ensinamentos básicos sobre alimentação infantil. Isto pode levar à redução do tempo de aleitamento exclusivo, aumentar as taxas de introdução inadequada de alimentos e bebidas e favorecer o desmame precoce.

Avaliação da prática mindfulness em cidades do Vale do Paraíba / Evaluation of mindfulness practice in cities of Vale do Paraíba

A técnica de Meditação de Atenção Plena (Mindfulness) é definida como um método de atenção na experiência do momento presente de forma receptiva sugerindo uma nova postura por meio de um entendimento consciente do que acontece à sua volta, deste modo, diminuindo os fatores emocionais e fisiológicos, intervindo por meio da reatividade afetiva com benefícios mentais e físicos na saúde. Para isto, foi realizado uma análise quantitativa do controle de estresse com a prática Mindfulness entre duas cidades do Vale do Paraíba visto a escassez de evidencias iniciais na região, o estudo inicial foi realizado em 8 sessões em uma amostra delimitada aleatoriamente de 20 participantes (8 homens e 12 mulheres). Os resultados demonstraram o potencial que a prática possibilitou nas duas amostras avaliadas, com a melhora nos indicadores de estresse após o período da prática (P= 0,022 e P=0,003), além disso, foi possível avaliar o potencial de controle que a prática proporcionou (P= 0,002). Portanto, os resultados obtidos indicam o potencial de melhora nos indicadores analisados e que a prática contínua do método de Atenção Plena- Mindfulness, influencia na qualidade de vida dos indivíduos da sociedade e propicia bem-estar.

Depressão em idosos de uma região rural do Sul do Brasil / Depression in the elderly of a rural region in Southern Brazil

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo é estimar a prevalência de depressão e seus fatores associados em idosos residentes da zona rural do município de Rio Grande/RS. Neste estudo transversal de base populacional realizado com 994 idosos (≥ 60 anos), cuja amostragem foi baseada no Censo Demográfico de 2010, utilizou-se o "Patient Health Questionnaire 9" (PHQ-9) para o rastreio de Episódio Depressivo Maior (EDM). Foram realizadas análises descritiva, bivariada e multivariável, com uso de regressão logística. A prevalência geral para o rastreio de Episódio Depressivo Maior foi de 8,1%. As variáveis independentemente associadas com depressão foram: sexo feminino, uso contínuo de medicamentos, doenças crônicas, índice de massa corporal e pior percepção de saúde. A criação de programas de atendimento direcionados aos idosos da área rural, visando rastreamento, diagnóstico precoce de depressão e manutenção do tratamento, englobando diversos fatores relacionados à saúde, são ações importantes que devem ser fomentadas pelo sistema de saúde.

Abstract The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of depression and its associated factors in elderly residents of the rural area of Rio Grande/RS. In this cross-sectional population-based study performed with 994 elderly (≥ 60 years), whose sampling was based on the 2010 Demographic Census, the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) was used for Major Depressive Episode (EDM) screening. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression. The overall prevalence for Major Depressive Episode screening was 8.1%. The variables independently associated with depression were: female gender, continuous use of medications, chronic diseases, body mass index and worse health perception. The creation of programs target at the elderly in the rural area, aimed at screening, early diagnosis of depression and maintenance of treatment, encompassing several factors related to health, are important actions that must be fostered by the health system.

Growth Parameters and Survivability of Saccharomyces boulardii for Probiotic Alcoholic Beverages Development.

The aim of this research was to optimize the growth parameters (pH, ethanol tolerance, initial cell concentration and temperature) for Saccharomyces boulardii and its tolerance to in vitro gastrointestinal conditions for probiotic alcoholic beverage development. Placket-Burman screening was used to select only statistically significant variables, and the polynomial mathematical model for yeast growth was obtained by central composite rotatable design. Confirmation experiments to determine the kinetic parameters for yeast growth were carried out by controlling the temperature and pH. Soon after, the survivability of yeast was tested under in vitro conditions mimicking the human upper gastrointestinal transit. S. boulardii had suitable resistance to alcohol and gastrointestinal conditions for probiotic alcoholic beverage development.

How far can you go? Association between illicit drug use and academic migration / Até onde você pode ir? Associação entre uso de drogas ilícitas e migração acadêmica

ABSTRACT Objective: To measure the prevalence of illicit drugs use in the lifetime, last year and last month, as well as the factors associated to the last year's use and its association with academic migration, among undergraduate students of a university in southern Brazil. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data were collected through self-administered questionnaire. It was conducted a clustered systematic sampling. For multivariate analyses, it was used Poisson regression. Results: 1,423 students participated. The prevalence of illicit drug use in the lifetime, last year and last month were 42.4%, 25.5% and 17.7%, respectively. Regarding illicit substances, marijuana use was the most prevalent. The variables independently associated with illicit drugs use in the last year were academic migration, being male, younger, single, high parent's educational level, living with peers, tobacco use in the last year, and having friend and relative that have used illicit drugs. Religious practice had a protective effect. Conclusion: Individuals who migrated from their cities to study at the university are more exposed to the main risk factors pointed out by this research and hence to the use of illicit drugs. Based on these results, we suggest that universities develop evaluation, prevention, treatment or referral strategies considering specific needs of this population

RESUMO Objetivo: Medir a prevalência do uso de drogas ilícitas na vida, no último ano e no último mês, assim como os fatores associados ao uso no último ano e a sua relação com a migração acadêmica, entre estudantes de graduação de uma universidade no sul do Brasil. Métodos: Neste estudo transversal, os dados foram coletados por meio de um questionário autoaplicável. Foi conduzida uma amostragem sistemática por conglomerados. Para a análise multivariável, foi utilizada a regressão de Poisson. Resultados: Foram entrevistados 1.423 estudantes. A prevalência de uso de drogas ilícitas na vida, no último ano e no último mês foi de 42,4%, 25,5% e 17,7%, respectivamente. Em relação às substâncias ilícitas, o uso de maconha foi o mais prevalente. As variáveis independentemente associadas ao uso de drogas ilícitas no último ano foram a migração acadêmica, ser do sexo masculino, ser mais jovem, ser solteiro, o maior nível educacional dos pais, morar com os pares, ter feito uso de tabaco no último ano e ter amigos e familiares que já fizeram uso de drogas ilícitas. A prática religiosa teve efeito protetivo. Conclusão: Indivíduos que migraram de suas cidades para estudar na universidade estão mais expostos aos principais fatores de risco apontados nesta pesquisa e, assim, ao uso de drogas ilícitas. Com base nesses resultados, sugerimos que as universidades desenvolvam estratégias de avaliação, prevenção, tratamento ou encaminhamento, considerando as necessidades específicas dessa população.

Clinicopathological relationship in Colombian patients with lupus nephritis / Relación clínicopatológica en pacientes colombianos con nefritis lúpica

ABSTRACT Background: There are several clinical and laboratory features for lupus nephritis diagnosis; however, renal biopsy remains as the gold standard. Different series have tried to establish the relationship between these findings, with conflicting results. Objective: To describe the correlation between clinical and laboratory variables with histo-logical biopsy-proven lupus nephritis. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted, between January, 2004 and December, 2012. Qualitative variables were described using absolute and relative frequencies, while quantitative variables were assessed by medians with interquartile range. The relationship with clinical findings was explored using chi-square maximum likelihood test, adjusted standardized residuals, hierarchical Kruskal-Wallis test, homogeneity of variance in data, post hoc Dunn's test, Spearman's correlation coefficient, and Mann-Whitney test. Results: 132 patients were included. Proliferative lupus nephritis was the most frequent (74%). The most common clinical condition was nephritic syndrome (46%); proteinuria was observed in 80%. No relationship was found between clinical syndromes and histological types; only statistically significant differences were observed between proliferative and nonproliferative forms regarding hematuria (72.1 vs. 46.7%; p = 0.012), C3 hypocomplementemia (70.9 vs. 43.3%; p = 0.007), 24-h proteinuria (2560 vs 741 mg; p = 0.001), and serum creatinine (1 vs. 0.77 mg/dL; p = 0.006). We found positive correlations between activity index and serum creatinine values, 24-h proteinuria, C3 hypocomplementemia, along with positive anti-DNA antibodies. Conclusion: There is a clinicopathological relationship within proliferative types and certain laboratory features (hematuria, elevated 24-h protein excretion, serum creatinine level, and C3 hypocomplementemia) in a mestizo population with lupus nephritis; nonetheless, no association was found with any other variables.

RESUMEN Introducción: Existen varias características clínicas y de laboratorio para el diagnóstico de la nefritis lúpica; sin embargo, la biopsia renal sigue siendo el estándar de oro. Diferentes series han tratado de establecer la relación entre estos hallazgos, con resultados contradictorios. Objetivo: Describir la correlación entre variables clínicas y de laboratorio con los hallazgos histológicos de nefritis lúpica comprobados por biopsia. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal analítico entre enero de 2004 y diciembre de 2012. Se describieron las variables cualitativas utilizando frecuencias absolutas y relativas, mientras que las variables cuantitativas fueron evaluadas por medianas con rango intercuartílico. La relación con los hallazgos clínicos se exploró utilizando: prueba de probabilidad máxima de Chi-cuadrado, residuos estandarizados ajustados, prueba jerárquica de Kruskal-Wallis, homogeneidad en los datos de la varianza, prueba de Dunn post hoc, coeficiente de correlación de Spearman y prueba de Mann-Whitney. Resultados: Se incluyeron 132 pacientes La nefritis lúpica proliferativa fue la más frecuente (74%). La condición clínica más común fue el síndrome nefrítico (46%); Se observó proteinuria en el 80%. No se encontró relación entre los síndromes clínicos y los tipos histológicos; solo se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre las formas proliferativa y no proliferativa con respecto a: hematuria (72,1 vs. 46,7%; p = 0,012), hipocomplementemia C3 (70,9 vs. 43,3%; p = 0,007), proteinuria de 24 h (2.560 vs. 741 mg; p = 0,001) y creatinina sérica (1 vs. 0,77 mg/dl; p = 0,006). Se encontraron correlaciones positivas entre el índice de actividad y los valores de creatinina sérica, proteinuria de 24 h, hipocomplementemia C3, junto con anticuerpos anti-DNA positivos. Conclusión: Existe una relación clínico-patológica entre los tipos proliferativos y ciertos hallazgos paraclínicos (hematuria, elevación de 24 h de proteína, nivel de creatinina sérica e hipocomplementemia C3) en una población mestiza con nefritis lúpica; sin embargo, no se encontró asociación con ninguna otra variable.

Assessment of the antioxidant, cytotoxic, and genotoxic potential of the Annona muricata leaves and their influence on genomic stability.

The popular use of Annona muricata L. is based upon a range of medicinal purposes, and the plant exhibits biological activities including antihyperglycemic, antiparasitic, and antitumor activities. The objectives of this study were to examine the antioxidant, cytotoxic, and genotoxic potential of the hydroalcoholic extract of A. muricata leaves (AMEs), as well as its effects on genotoxicity induced by methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The results using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay showed that AME was able to scavenge 44.71% of free radicals. The extract significantly reduced the viability of V79 cells in the clonogenic assay at concentrations ≥8 µg/ml. No significant differences in micronucleus (MN) frequency were observed between V79 cell cultures treated with different concentrations of the extract (0.125, 0.25, 0.5, and 1 µg/ml) and negative control. When AME concentrations were combined with MMS, data revealed no marked differences from mutagen alone. In contrast, significant reductions in the frequencies of MN were noted in cultures treated with AME combined with H2O2 compared to H2O2 alone. In vivo studies found no significant differences in the frequencies of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCEs) between animals treated with different AME doses compared to control. Animals treated with AME doses of 125 and 250 mg/kg and MMS exhibited significantly higher frequencies of MNPCE compared to mutagen alone. In conclusion, under current experimental conditions, AME was not genotoxic and exerted a modulatory effect on DNA damage depending upon the experimental conditions. The extract did not influence markedly MMS-induced genotoxicity in in vitro test system. However, the extract increased DNA damage induced by mutagen in mice. In V79 cells, AME reduced the genotoxicity produced by H2O2, and this protective effect was attributed in part to the antioxidant activity of AME.