Prenatal stress induces sex- and tissue-specific alterations in insulin pathway of Wistar rats offspring.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Prenatal stress may lead to tissue and sex-specific cardiometabolic disorders in the offspring through imbalances in the insulin signaling pathway. Therefore, we aimed to determine the sex-specific adaptations of prenatal stress on the insulin signaling pathway of cardiac and hepatic tissue of adult offspring Wistar rats. METHODS: Wistar pregnant rats were divided into control and stress groups. Unpredictable stress protocol was performed from the 14th to the 21st day of pregnancy. After lactation, the dams were euthanized and blood was collected for corticosterone measurement and the offspring were separated into four groups according to sex and intervention (n=8/group). At 90 days old, the offspring were submitted to an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and an insulin tolerance test (ITT). After euthanasia blood collection was used for biochemical analysis and the left ventricle and liver were used for protein expression and histological analysis. RESULTS: Stress increased maternal corticosterone levels, and in the offspring, decreased glucose concentration in both OGTT and ITT, reduced insulin receptor (Irß) and insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS1) activation and reduced insulin receptor inhibition (PTP1B) in the liver of male offspring at 90 days old, without repercussions in cardiac tissue. Moreover, female offspring submitted to prenatal stress exhibited reduced fatty acid uptake, with lower hepatic CD36 expression, reduced high density lipoprotein (cHDL) and increased Castelli risk indexes I and II. CONCLUSIONS: Unpredictable prenatal stress evoked reduced insulin sensitivity and liver-specific impairment in insulin signaling activation in male while increasing markers of cardiovascular risk in females.

Genomic Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in Healthcare Workers: A Critical Sentinel Group for Monitoring the SARS-CoV-2 Variant Shift.

SARS-CoV-2 genome surveillance is important for monitoring risk groups and health workers as well as data on new cases and mortality rate due to COVID-19. We characterized the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 variants from May 2021 to April 2022 in the state of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil, and evaluated the similarity between variants present in the population and healthcare workers (HCW). A total of 5291 sequenced genomes demonstrated the circulation of 55 strains and four variants of concern (Alpha, Delta, Gamma and Omicron-sublineages BA.1 and BA.2). The number of cases was relatively low in May 2021, but the number of deaths was higher with the Gamma variant. There was a significant increase in both numbers between December 2021 and February 2022, peaking in mid-January 2022, when the Omicron variant dominated. After May 2021, two distinct variant groups (Delta and Omicron) were observed, equally distributed among the five Santa Catarina mesoregions. Moreover, from November 2021 to February 2022, similar variant profiles between HCW and the general population were observed, and a quicker shift from Delta to Omicron in HCW than in the general population. This demonstrates the importance of HCW as a sentinel group for monitoring disease trends in the general population.

Risk factors for seroconversion of HIV among children exposed in the State of Santa Catarina, 2007-2017 / Fatores de risco para a soroconversão de crianças expostas ao HIV no Estado de Santa Catarina, 2007-2017

Abstract Objectives: to estimate the proportion of seroconversion cases among infants exposed to HIV and verify the risk factors associated. Methods: this was a historical cohort study conducted in the State of Santa Catarina between 2007 and 2017. The data were obtained from the Notifable Diseases Information System (SINAN - Portuguese acronym) that records HIV-infected pregnant women and HIV-exposed infants. The public health service monitored the infants from birth to 18 months of age to determine whether HIV seroconversion occurred. Results: a total of 5,554 HIV-infected pregnant women were included in the study (mean age 26.7±6.5 years). They were predominantly white, with poor education level, and were diagnosed with HIV until the 2nd trimester of pregnancy. A total of 4,559 records of HIV-exposed infants were screened, of which 130 cases (2.9%) of seroconversion were confrmed. Non-use of antiretroviral drugs during pregnancy (OR=9.31, CI95%=5.97-14.52; p<0.001) and breastfeeding (OR=3.10, CI95%=1.34-7.20; p=0.008) were independent risk factors for seroconversion. Conclusions: these data demonstrate gaps in prenatal care, regarding adherence to treatment and monitoring of HIV-infected mothers, resulting in new cases of HIV among children, which could be avoided.

Resumo Objetivos: estimar a proporção de soroconversão da criança exposta ao HIV e verificar os fatores de risco associados, no período de 2007-2017 em Santa Catarina. Métodos: o delineamento utilizado foi de coorte histórica e os dados obtidos no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) que registra as gestantes infectadas e as crianças expostas ao HIV. As crianças foram acompanhadas pelo serviço de saúde desde o nascimento até o 18º mês de vida, para determinar a ocorrência de soroconversão pelo HIV. Resultados: foram identificadas 5.554 gestantes infectadas pelo HIV com média de idade de 26,7±6,5 anos, predomínio da raça branca, baixa escolaridade e que receberam o diagnóstico para o HIV até o 2º trimestre gestacional. Foram incluídas 4.559 fichas de crianças expostas ao HIV, das quais 130 casos (2,9%) de soroconversão foram confrmados. O não uso de antirretroviral durante a gestação (OR=9,31, IC95%=5,97-14,52; p<0,001) e aleitamento materno (OR=3,10, IC95%=1,34-7,20; p=0,008) foram fatores de risco independentes para a soroconversão. Conclusões: esses dados demonstram lacunas na assistência pré-natal, quanto a adesão ao tratamento e acompanhamento de mães infectadas pelo HIV, resultando em casos novos de HIV entre crianças, que poderiam ser evitados.

The emergence of two distinct SARS-CoV-2 Gamma related variants during the second wave of COVID-19 in Santa Catarina, Southern Brazil and the rapid spread of P.1-like-II SARS-CoV-2 variant transmission and a regionalization in the Western region

The Western mesoregion, the State of Santa Catarina (SC), Southern Brazil, was heavily affected as a whole by the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2021. This study aimed to evaluate the dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 virus spreading patterns in the SC state through March 2020 to April 2021 using genomic surveillance. During this period, 23 distinct variants, including Beta and Gamma, among which, the Gamma and related lineages were predominant in the second pandemic wave within SC. A regionalization of P.1-like-II in the Western-SC region was observed, concomitant to the increase in cases, mortality, and case fatality rate (CFR) index. This is the first evidence of the regionalization of the SARS-CoV-2 in SC transmission and highlights the importance of tracking variants, dispersion, and impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the public health systems.

Association between healthy food environment and metabolic syndrome, waist circumference, and systolic blood pressure in older adults in Southern Brazil.

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between healthy food outlet proximity, metabolic syndrome (MS), and two of its components, waist circumference (WC) and systolic blood pressure (SBP), in older adults (63-107 years old, median age 73 years) living in Florianópolis, South Brazil in 2013-2014. This is a cross-sectional analysis of the second wave of the EpiFloripa Aging Cohort Study. Individual-level data on MS, WC, SBP, and socio-demographic and health-related characteristics were collected from face to face interviews. The healthy food environment was assessed via the number and types of establishments present. The residences of older adult participants were georeferenced using Geographical Information System (GIS) software. The number of each type of food establishment in a 500 m buffer around the each residence was determined. Multivariate linear regression was used to test association between food outlet proximity and continuous outcomes (SBP and WC), and multiple logistic regression was used to examine the relations between the predictor variables and the dichotomous outcome of MS (yes/no). The study revealed that greater frequency of supermarkets and restaurants in the neighborhood was associated with a lower likelihood of having MS. WC was lower in individuals living in places with greater availability of greengrocers' shops and restaurants. The results demonstrated that the number of establishments in a neighborhood is associated with cardiometabolic outcomes, and the likelihood of MS and increased WC is lower for older adults who live in neighborhoods with more access to establishments that sell foundational components of a healthy diet.

Prevalence and simultaneity of cardiovascular risk factors in elderly participants of a population-based study in southern Brazil. / Prevalência e simultaneidade de fatores de risco cardiovasculares em idosos participantes de um estudo de base populacional no sul do Brasil.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of simultaneity of cardiovascular risk factors and their association with socio-demographic characteristics in older adults in Southern Brazil. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 1.553 elderly participants of the EpiFloripa study in Florianópolis-SC. The risk factors evaluated were: Inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption, insufficient leisure-time physical activity, alcohol consumption and smoking. The construction of the outcome was performed by combining all of the factors mentioned and then categorized. Bivariate and multivariate analyzes were performed using the Poisson regression. RESULTS: It was found that 57.6% of the elderly coexist with the simultaneity of cardiovascular risk factors. The combination of inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption and insufficient leisure-time physical activity was the most prevalent. The highest prevalence observed in women and men was the insufficient leisure-time physical activity and inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption of 46.4 and 28.1%, respectively. The observed prevalence of the four factors was higher among men (2.5%), whereas for women (0.3%). Men were 11.0% more likely to accumulate risk factors compared to women. And each additional year of schooling represents 4.0% less probability of accumulating cardiovascular risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: The differences between the simultaneity of risk factors and sociodemographic aspects should be considered in the approach for older adults, both at the individual level and in the construction of public policies.

OBJETIVO: Investigar a prevalência da simultaneidade de fatores de risco cardiovasculares e sua associação com características sociodemográficas em idosos no sul do Brasil. METODOLOGIA: Estudo transversal com 1.553 idosos participantes do Estudo Epidemiológico das Condições de Saúde dos Idosos de Florianópolis (EpiFloripa Idoso), Santa Catarina. Os fatores de risco foram: insuficiência no consumo de frutas, legumes e vegetais (FLV), insuficiência de atividade física no lazer, consumo abusivo de álcool e tabagismo. Construiu-se a variável desfecho através da combinação de todos os fatores, categorizada em nenhum, um, dois, três e quatro fatores de risco. Foram realizadas análises bivariadas e multivariadas empregando-se a regressão de Poisson. RESULTADOS: Constatou-se que 57,6% dos idosos convivem com a simultaneidade de fatores de risco para doenças cardiovasculares. A maior prevalência observada tanto nas mulheres quanto nos homens foi da insuficiência de atividade física com a insuficiência no consumo de FLV, sendo de 46,4 e 28,1%, respectivamente. A prevalência observada dos quatro fatores simultâneos foi maior entre os homens (2,5%) em comparação às mulheres (0,3%). O sexo masculino apresentou 11,0% mais probabilidade de acumular fatores de risco comparado ao sexo feminino. E cada ano a mais de escolaridade representa 4,0% a menos de probabilidade de acumular fatores de risco cardiovasculares. CONCLUSÕES: As diferenças entre a simultaneidade de fatores de risco e aspectos sociodemográficos devem ser consideradas na abordagem do idoso tanto em nível individual quanto na construção de políticas públicas.

Estudo Longitudinal EpiFloripa Idoso - Rotinas de organização e protocolos referentes à coleta, análise e armazenamento de material biológico, exames de imagem e capacidade físico-funcional / EpiFloripa Ageing Longitudinal Study - Organizational routines and protocols related to the collection, analysis and storage of biological material, image exams and physical-functional capacity

Resumo Introdução Exames complementares podem contribuir para a compreensão da etiologia de agravos à saúde de idosos. Objetivo Descrever os aspectos operacionais e protocolos referentes à coleta, análise e armazenamento de material biológico, exames de imagem e capacidade físico-funcional. Método Estudo longitudinal, de base populacional, com 604 idosos (≥ 60 anos) do estudo EpiFloripa Idoso, em 2014. Foram coletados dados de material biológico, composição corporal, densitometria óssea, ultrassonografia da espessura íntima média das artérias carótidas, força de preensão manual e a atividade física. Resultados A taxa de resposta foi de 50,4%. Houve perda de seguimento em relação à faixa etária, estado cognitivo e atividades de vida diária. Os indivíduos que realizaram os exames eram mais novos, trabalhavam no momento da entrevista, ingeriam álcool, eram fisicamente ativos. Além de apresentarem menor grau de dependência, ausência de déficit cognitivo, ausência de sintomas depressivos e ausência de dificuldade na mobilidade. Conclusão Espera-se que a descrição das rotinas aplicadas possa auxiliar no desenvolvimento de novas pesquisas semelhantes em grupos de idosos. Assim, poderá ser acompanhado o processo de envelhecimento da população, seus fatores de risco e proteção.

Abstract Background Complementary exams may contribute to the understanding of the etiology of health problems in older adults. Objective To describe the operational aspects and protocols used to collect, analyze and storage biological materials, image exams and physical-functional capacity tests. Method This is a longitudinal and population-based study with 604 older adults (≥ 60 years) from EpiFloripa Ageing Study, in 2014. Data of biological material, body composition, bone densitometry, ultrasonography of the carotid artery intima average thickness, hand grip strength and physical activity were collected. Results The response rate was 50.4%. There was loss of follow-up in relation to age, cognitive status, and activities of daily living. The individuals who performed the tests were younger, worked by the time of the interview, ingested alcohol and were physically active. Also, they were less dependent, absence of cognitive impairment, absence of depressive symptoms and absence of difficulty in mobility. Conclusion It is expected that the description of the applied routines may help in the development of new similar research in the older adult population. Thus, the aging process of the population, its risk and protection factors can be followed.

Consumption of fruits and vegetables and association with life habits and nutritional status: a prospective study in a cohort of the elderly. / Consumo de frutas, legumes e verduras e associação com hábitos de vida e estado nutricional: um estudo prospectivo em uma coorte de idosos.

The aim of this study was to estimate the association between life habits and adequate consumption of fruits and vegetables (F&V) after four years of follow-up among elderly of a cohort in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina. This is a longitudinal population-based study, the sample being composed of individuals 60 years of age or older living in the urban area of the city of Florianópolis-SC. The baseline study took place in 2009-2010 and the second wave in 2013-2014. Adequate consumption was assessed by considering the frequency of ingestion of F&V at least five times a day at least five times a week. Life habits (smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity and Internet use) and a biological variable (nutritional status) were associated. Multilevel logistic regression was used for the statistical analysis. There was a 5.23% increase in F&V consumption between evaluations. In the adjusted final models, internet use was associated with a greater chance of regular consumption of F&V (OR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.09 - 2.01), while overweight was associated with a lower chance of outcome (OR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.61 - 0.95). In conclusion, using the internet has proven to contribute significantly to a more adequate diet in F&V, as well as being overweight has shown to be a risk factor.

O objetivo foi estimar a associação entre hábitos de vida e o consumo adequado de frutas, legumes e verduras (FLV) após quatro anos de seguimento entre os idosos de uma coorte em Florianópolis, Santa Catarina. Trata-se de um estudo longitudinal de base populacional sendo a amostra constituída por indivíduos de 60 anos ou mais, moradores da zona urbana da cidade de Florianópolis-SC. A linha de base do estudo ocorreu em 2009-2010 e a segunda onda em 2013-2014. O consumo adequado foi avaliado considerando a frequência de ingestão de FLV ao menos cinco vezes ao dia em pelo menos cinco vezes na semana. Foi realizada associação com hábitos de vida (tabagismo, consumo de álcool, atividade física e uso de internet) e uma variável biológica (estado nutricional). Nas análises estatísticas utilizou-se regressão logística multinível. Observou-se um aumento de 5,23 % no consumo de FLV de uma onda para outra. Na análise ajustada, o uso de internet foi associado à maior chance de consumo regular de FLV (OR = 1,48 IC95% 1,09 - 2,01), enquanto o excesso de peso foi associado à menor chance do desfecho (OR = 0,76 IC95% 0,61-0,95). Conclui-se que utilizar a internet demonstrou ser um hábito de vida que contribui significativamente para uma dieta mais adequada em FLV, bem como o excesso de peso um fator de risco.

Consumo de frutas, legumes e verduras e associação com hábitos de vida e estado nutricional: um estudo prospectivo em uma coorte de idosos / Consumption of fruits and vegetables and association with life habits and nutritional status: a prospective study in a cohort of the elderly

Resumo O objetivo foi estimar a associação entre hábitos de vida e o consumo adequado de frutas, legumes e verduras (FLV) após quatro anos de seguimento entre os idosos de uma coorte em Florianópolis, Santa Catarina. Trata-se de um estudo longitudinal de base populacional sendo a amostra constituída por indivíduos de 60 anos ou mais, moradores da zona urbana da cidade de Florianópolis-SC. A linha de base do estudo ocorreu em 2009-2010 e a segunda onda em 2013-2014. O consumo adequado foi avaliado considerando a frequência de ingestão de FLV ao menos cinco vezes ao dia em pelo menos cinco vezes na semana. Foi realizada associação com hábitos de vida (tabagismo, consumo de álcool, atividade física e uso de internet) e uma variável biológica (estado nutricional). Nas análises estatísticas utilizou-se regressão logística multinível. Observou-se um aumento de 5,23 % no consumo de FLV de uma onda para outra. Na análise ajustada, o uso de internet foi associado à maior chance de consumo regular de FLV (OR = 1,48 IC95% 1,09 - 2,01), enquanto o excesso de peso foi associado à menor chance do desfecho (OR = 0,76 IC95% 0,61-0,95). Conclui-se que utilizar a internet demonstrou ser um hábito de vida que contribui significativamente para uma dieta mais adequada em FLV, bem como o excesso de peso um fator de risco.

Abstract The aim of this study was to estimate the association between life habits and adequate consumption of fruits and vegetables (F&V) after four years of follow-up among elderly of a cohort in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina. This is a longitudinal population-based study, the sample being composed of individuals 60 years of age or older living in the urban area of the city of Florianópolis-SC. The baseline study took place in 2009-2010 and the second wave in 2013-2014. Adequate consumption was assessed by considering the frequency of ingestion of F&V at least five times a day at least five times a week. Life habits (smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity and Internet use) and a biological variable (nutritional status) were associated. Multilevel logistic regression was used for the statistical analysis. There was a 5.23% increase in F&V consumption between evaluations. In the adjusted final models, internet use was associated with a greater chance of regular consumption of F&V (OR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.09 - 2.01), while overweight was associated with a lower chance of outcome (OR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.61 - 0.95). In conclusion, using the internet has proven to contribute significantly to a more adequate diet in F&V, as well as being overweight has shown to be a risk factor.