Risk and Protective Factors Associated With Intimate Partner Violence with Gay Men: A Scoping Review.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a complex, multidimensional phenomenon and may involve different risk and protective factors, as well as people of different sexual orientations, including gay men. Despite scientific evidence of the high prevalence of victimization and perpetration of this phenomenon, IPV in gay men is still largely invisible. The aim of this study was to map the risk and protective factors related to IPV among gay cis men based on a literature review. The Scopus, PsycNET, Pubmed, BVS-Psi, and SciELO databases were searched to retrieve articles published between 2018 and 2022. Thematic analysis was used to map the risk and protective factors of the 29 articles that met the inclusion criteria. Among the results, most studies investigated the risk factors for victimization of IPV, despite showing the high prevalence of bidirectionality in IPV among gay men. In addition, multiple risk and protective factors (individual, relational, and socio-community) have been shown to be associated with IPV among gay men. Mapping risk and protective factors for IPV at different ecological levels makes it possible to identify a more accurate profile of gay men's vulnerabilities, in addition to enabling the construction of more systemic interventions, which are multisectoral with specific prevention strategies, for IPV among gay men.

Integrated control strategies for dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya virus infections.

Arboviruses are a major threat to public health in tropical regions, encompassing over 534 distinct species, with 134 capable of causing diseases in humans. These viruses are transmitted through arthropod vectors that cause symptoms such as fever, headache, joint pains, and rash, in addition to more serious cases that can lead to death. Among the arboviruses, dengue virus stands out as the most prevalent, annually affecting approximately 16.2 million individuals solely in the Americas. Furthermore, the re-emergence of the Zika virus and the recurrent outbreaks of chikungunya in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, with one million cases reported annually, underscore the urgency of addressing this public health challenge. In this manuscript we discuss the epidemiology, viral structure, pathogenicity and integrated control strategies to combat arboviruses, and the most used tools, such as vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, treatment, etc., in addition to presenting future perspectives for the control of arboviruses. Currently, specific medications for treating arbovirus infections are lacking, and symptom management remains the primary approach. However, promising advancements have been made in certain treatments, such as Chloroquine, Niclosamide, and Isatin derivatives, which have demonstrated notable antiviral properties against these arboviruses in vitro and in vivo experiments. Additionally, various strategies within vector control approaches have shown significant promise in reducing arbovirus transmission rates. These encompass public education initiatives, targeted insecticide applications, and innovative approaches like manipulating mosquito bacterial symbionts, such as Wolbachia. In conclusion, combatting the global threat of arbovirus diseases needs a comprehensive approach integrating antiviral research, vaccination, and vector control. The continued efforts of research communities, alongside collaborative partnerships with public health authorities, are imperative to effectively address and mitigate the impact of these arboviral infections on public health worldwide.

Four new species of Heilus Kuschel 1955 (Curculionidae, Molytinae, Molytini, Hylobiina) from Brazil.

Four new species, namely Heilus rosadonetoi Lira, De Sousa & Marques sp. nov., Heilus christinae Lira, De Sousa & Marques sp. nov., Heilus vanini Lira, De Sousa & Marques sp. nov., and Heilus obrieni Lira, De Sousa & Marques sp. nov., are described from Brazil. The new species are illustrated with habitus photographs and drawings of male and female genitalia. The present study expands the diversity of the genus Heilus to include 22 species in the Neotropical region, with the highest number of species (16 species) distributed in Brazil.

Vaccines against Emerging and Neglected Infectious Diseases: An Overview.

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are a group of diseases that are highly prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, and closely associated with poverty and marginalized populations. Infectious diseases affect over 1.6 billion people annually, and vaccines are the best prophylactic tool against them. Along with NTDs, emerging and reemerging infectious diseases also threaten global public health, as they can unpredictably result in pandemics. The recent advances in vaccinology allowed the development and licensing of new vaccine platforms that can target and prevent these diseases. In this work, we discuss the advances in vaccinology and some of the difficulties found in the vaccine development pipeline for selected NTDs and emerging and reemerging infectious diseases, including HIV, Dengue, Ebola, Chagas disease, malaria, leishmaniasis, zika, and chikungunya.

Family Functioning of People with Disabilities: Cluster-Based Analysis / Funcionamiento Familiar de las Personas con Discapacidad: Análisis Basado en Clusters / Funcionamento Familiar de Pessoas com Deficiência: Análise Baseada em Clusters

Abstract Disability tends to impact family functioning in different ways. The aim of this study was to investigate the family functioning clusters of people with disabilities, comparing them in terms of sociodemographic characteristics, social support, autonomy, and prejudice. A sociodemographic questionnaire, Family Cohesion and Flexibility Rating Scale, Prejudice Scale and Social Support Satisfaction Scale were used in 205 people. Three clusters were identified: Low, Medium, and High Family Functioning. The low Family Functioning group had the lowest levels of Social Support and highest levels of prejudice; whereas the high Family Functioning group was characterized by higher education, higher Social Support, and lower prejudice. In conclusion, the relevance of understanding disability and its impact on Family Functioning is highlighted from a broader viewpoint, which relates it to psychosocial variables (prejudice, Social Support and schooling), beyond the issue of the injury itself.

Resumo A deficiência tende a impactar o funcionamento familiar de diferentes formas. Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar os clusters de funcionamento familiar de pessoas com deficiências, comparando-os quanto às características sociodemográficas, ao suporte social, à autonomia e ao preconceito. Utilizou-se um questionário sociodemográfico, Escala de Avaliação da Coesão e Flexibilidade Familiar, Escala de Preconceito e Escala de Satisfação com o Suporte Social em 205 pessoas. Três clusters foram identificados: Baixo, Médio e Alto Funcionamento Familiar. O grupo de baixo Funcionamento Familiar apresentou os níveis mais baixos de Suporte Social e mais altos de preconceito; já o grupo de alto Funcionamento Familiar se caracterizou pela maior escolaridade, maior Suporte Social e menor preconceito. Conclui-se evidenciando a relevância de se compreender a deficiência e seu impacto no Funcionamento Familiar a partir de uma visão mais ampla, que a relaciona a variáveis psicossociais (preconceito, Suporte Social e escolaridade), para além da questão da lesão em si.

Resumen La discapacidad tiende a afectar al funcionamiento de la familia de diferentes maneras. Este estudio pretendía investigar los grupos de funcionamiento familiar de personas con discapacidad, comparándolos en términos de características sociodemográficas, apoyo social, autonomía y prejuicios. Se utilizó un cuestionario sociodemográfico, la Escala de Evaluación de la Cohesión y Flexibilidad Familiar, la Escala de Preconcepto y la Escala de Satisfacción con el Soporte Social en 205 personas. Se identificaron tres grupos: funcionamiento familiar bajo, medio y alto. El grupo de bajo Funcionamiento Familiar mostró los niveles más bajos de Soporte Social y los niveles más altos de prejuicios; mientras que el grupo de alto Funcionamiento Familiar se caracterizó por una mayor educación, mayor Soporte Social y menores prejuicios. Concluimos destacando la relevancia de entender la discapacidad y su impacto en el Funcionamiento Familiar desde una visión más amplia, que la relacione con variables psicosociales (prejuicios, Soporte Social y educación), más allá de la cuestión de la lesión en sí.

VLP-Based COVID-19 Vaccines: An Adaptable Technology against the Threat of New Variants.

Virus-like particles (VLPs) are a versatile, safe, and highly immunogenic vaccine platform. Recently, there are developmental vaccines targeting SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic affected humanity worldwide, bringing out incomputable human and financial losses. The race for better, more efficacious vaccines is happening almost simultaneously as the virus increasingly produces variants of concern (VOCs). The VOCs Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta share common mutations mainly in the spike receptor-binding domain (RBD), demonstrating convergent evolution, associated with increased transmissibility and immune evasion. Thus, the identification and understanding of these mutations is crucial for the production of new, optimized vaccines. The use of a very flexible vaccine platform in COVID-19 vaccine development is an important feature that cannot be ignored. Incorporating the spike protein and its variations into VLP vaccines is a desirable strategy as the morphology and size of VLPs allows for better presentation of several different antigens. Furthermore, VLPs elicit robust humoral and cellular immune responses, which are safe, and have been studied not only against SARS-CoV-2 but against other coronaviruses as well. Here, we describe the recent advances and improvements in vaccine development using VLP technology.

A review of the South American species of Heilus Kuschel, 1955 (Curculionidae: Molytinae: Molytini: Hylobiina) with emphasis on those from Brazil.

The fourteen described South American species of Heilus (Curculionidae, Molytinae, Molytini, Hylobiina) are reviewed for the first time. Eleven species are redescribed based on specimens (almost exclusively from Brazil) examined by us: H. bistigma (Hustache, 1938), H. faldermanni (Boheman, 1836), H. fasciculatus (Boheman, 1843), H. freyreissi (Boheman, 1836), H. inaequalis (Boheman, 1836) [= type species of the genus], H. iniquus (Kirsch, 1874), H. myops (Boheman, 1836), H. ochrifer (Boheman, 1843), H. pupillatus (Olivier, 1790), H. rufescens (Boheman, 1836), and H. tuberculosus (Perty, 1832). Diagnoses of one additional Brazilian species, Heilus admixtus (Hustache, 1938), and two additional South American species, H. asperulus (Erichson, 1847), and H. inornatus (Kirsch, 1874), are presented based on the literature and by examination of images of the type material. Integument texture and the variations in the patterns of maculation are the main characteristics used for species identification. Geographic distribution, descriptions of male and female genitalia are provided for eleven redescribed species, together with habitus photographs, and an identification key to the fourteen described South American species.

The Potential of IgG to Induce Murine and Human Thymic Maturation of IL-10+ B Cells (B10) Revealed in a Pilot Study.

Regulatory B (B10) cells can control several inflammatory diseases, including allergies; however, the origin of peripheral B10 cells is not fully understood, and the involvement of primary lymphoid organs (PLOs) as a primary site of maturation is not known. Here, using a murine model of allergy inhibition mediated by maternal immunization with ovalbumin (OVA), we aimed to evaluate whether B10 cells can mature in the thymus and whether IgG can mediate this process. Female mice were immunized with OVA, and offspring thymus, bone marrow, spleen, lung, and serum samples were evaluated at different times and after passive transfer of purified IgG or thymocytes. A translational approach was implemented using human nonatopic thymus samples, nonatopic peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and IgG from atopic or nonatopic individuals. Based on the expression of CD1d on B cells during maturation stages, we suggest that B10 cells can also mature in the murine thymus. Murine thymic B10 cells can be induced in vitro and in vivo by IgG and be detected in the spleen and lungs in response to an allergen challenge. Like IgG from atopic individuals, human IgG from nonatopic individuals can induce B10 cells in the infant thymus and adult PBMCs. Our observations suggest that B10 cells may mature in the thymus and that this mechanism may be mediated by IgG in both humans and mice. These observations may support the future development of IgG-based immunoregulatory therapeutic strategies.

Microsclerotia production of Metarhizium spp. for dual role as plant biostimulant and control of Spodoptera frugiperda through corn seed coating.

The fungal genus Metarhizium comprises entomopathogenic species capable of producing overwintering structures known as microsclerotia. These structures offer many advantages in pest control due to the formation of infective conidia in situ and their persistence in the environment under adverse conditions. In addition, the in vitro production of Metarhizium microsclerotia under controlled liquid fermentation is faster and with greater process control than the production of aerial conidia. However, the potential of Metarhizium microsclerotia to control pests from the orders Lepidoptera and Hemiptera is unexplored. In this study, we examined the ability of Metarhizium spp. microsclerotia to promote corn growth and to provide plant protection against Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Dalbulus maidis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), through seed coating using microsclerotial granules. A screening to find higher microsclerotia producers was conducted by culturing 48 native Brazilian isolates of Metarhizium spp. (Metarhizium anisopliae, Metarhizium robertsii, Metarhizium humberi and Metarhizium sp. indeterminate). The best microsclerotia producers, M. anisopliae ESALQ1814, M. robertsii ESALQ2450 and M. humberi ESALQ1638 improved the leaf area, plant height, root length, and dry weight of plants compared to un-inoculated plants. Significant reduction in S. frugiperda survival (mortality > 55% after 7 days) was observed when larvae were fed on corn plants treated with any of the three Metarhizium species. Conversely, survival of D. maidis adults were unaffected by feeding on fungus-inoculated plants. Our results suggest that microsclerotia of Metarhizium spp. may act as biostimulants and to provide protection against S. frugiperda in corn through seed coating, thus adding an innovative strategy into the integrated management of this major worldwide pest.

Psychosocial Adjustment Profiles of Gay and Lesbian Individuals Involved in Marital Relations: A Cluster-Based Analysis / Perfis de Ajustamento Psicossocial de Gays e Lésbicas Envolvidos em Relacionamentos Conjugais: Uma Análise Baseada em Clusters / Perfiles de Ajuste Psicosocial de Gays y Lesbianas en Relaciones Conyugales: Un Análisis con Base en Clusters

Abstract Sexual minorities continue to face stressful environments arising from a heterosexist and homophobic system, endangering their health as well as their relational competence. This study characterizes psychosocial adjustment profiles from gay men and lesbians, verifying their differences according to socio-demographic data and protection factors. For such, 176 self-declared gay and lesbian participants, residents of Fortaleza, Aracaju and Uberaba, with stable marital relationships, responded to the following instruments: Internalized Homophobia Scales, Marital Satisfaction Scale, and the General Health Questionnaire. By using the cluster analytical method, four adaptive patterns were identified: resilient (n = 58); vulnerable (n = 41); competent (n = 43); and poorly adapted (n = 34). The identification of distinct profiles emphasized individual development paths, pointing out directions on how to promote resilience processes among sexual minorities that experienced such internal perception of stigma.

Resumo Minorias sexuais continuam a enfrentar ambientes estressantes decorrentes do sistema heterossexista e homofóbico, colocando em risco a sua saúde, bem como a sua competência relacional. Esse estudo objetivou caracterizar perfis de ajustamento psicossocial de gays e lésbicas, verificando as suas diferenças de acordo com os dados sociodemográficos e os fatores de proteção. Para tal, 176 participantes autodeclarados gays e lésbicas, residentes de Fortaleza, Aracaju e Uberaba e que viviam relações conjugais estáveis, responderam os seguintes instrumentos: Escalas de Homofobia Internalizada, Escala de Satisfação Conjugal e o Questionário de Saúde Geral. Através do método analítico de cluster quatro padrões adaptativos foram identificados: resiliente (n = 58); vulnerável (n = 41); competente (n = 43); e mal adaptado (n = 34). A identificação de perfis distintos evidenciou trajetórias de desenvolvimento singulares, apontando direções sobre como promover processos de resiliência entre as minorias sexuais que vivenciaram a percepção interna do estigma.

Resumen Las minorías sexuales siguen enfrentando ambientes estresantes resultado del sistema heterosexista y homofóbico poniendo en riesgo su salud y su competencia en las relaciones. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo caracterizar los perfiles de ajuste psicosocial de gays y lesbianas, verificando sus diferencias según los datos sociodemográficos y los factores de protección. Para ello, 176 participantes homosexuales y lesbianas autodeclarados, residentes en Fortaleza, Aracaju y Uberaba y que se encontraban en estables relaciones conyugales respondieron los siguientes instrumentos: Escalas de Homofobia Internalizada, Escala de Satisfacción Conyugal y Cuestionario de Salud General. Utilizando el método analítico de cluster se identificaron cuatro estándares adaptativos: resiliente (n = 58); vulnerable (n = 41); competente (n = 43); y mal adaptado (n = 34). Los distintos perfiles identificados mostraron trayectorias de desarrollo singulares, destacando instrucciones sobre cómo promover procesos de resiliencia entre las minorías sexuales que experimentaron la percepción interna del estigma.

Clusters de engajamento e satisfação de profissionais da rede contra a violência sexual infantojuvenil / Clusters of engagement and satisfaction in network professionals against child sexual violence / Clusters de compromisso y satisfacción en profesionales de la red contra la violencia sexual infantil

Buscou-se investigar os perfis de engajamento e satisfação de 146 profissionais (M = 38,30 anos; DP = 10,29) da rede de proteção contra a violência sexual de crianças e adolescentes. Utilizou-se um questionário sociodemográfico/laboral e medidas de engajamento e satisfação com o trabalho. A análise de Cluster agrupou os participantes em três perfis. O Cluster 1 (n = 62), grupo com alto (a) engajamento/satisfação; o Cluster 2 (n = 61), grupo com moderado (a) engajamento/satisfação; e, o Cluster 3 (n = 23), grupo com baixo (a) engajamento/satisfação. Os participantes do Cluster 1 apresentaram as maiores médias de recursos pessoais e laborais, enquanto as menores médias se concentraram no Cluster 3. Diferenças quanto ao sexo e contexto de trabalho também foram identificadas entre os clusters. Destaca-se a importância dos gestores estarem atentos a tais aspectos, a fim de possibilitar ambientes de trabalho que sejam mais promotores de crescimento profissional. (AU)

This study aimed to investigate profiles of engagement and satisfaction in 146 professionals (M = 38.30 years; SD = 10.29) from the network of protection of children and adolescents against sexual violence. A sociodemographic/work questionnaire and measures of engagement and satisfaction with work were used. Cluster analysis grouped participants into three profiles. Cluster 1 (n = 62) group with high engagement/satisfaction; Cluster 2 (n = 61) group with moderate engagement/satisfaction; and Cluster 3 (n = 23) group with low engagement/satisfaction. Cluster 1 participants had the highest mean scores in personal and work resources, while the lowest mean scores were concentrated in Cluster 3. Differences in gender and work context were also identified between the clusters. The importance is highlighted of managers being aware of these aspects in order to establish work environments that are better promoters of professional growth. (AU)

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar perfiles de rendimiento y satisfacción de 146 profesionales (M = 38,30 años; DS = 10,29) de la red de protección contra la violencia sexual de niños y adolescentes. Se utilizó un cuestionario sociodemográfico/laboral y medidas de rendimiento y satisfacción con el trabajo. El análisis de cluster agrupó los participantes en tres perfiles. Cluster 1 (n = 62) grupo con alto rendimiento/satisfacción; Cluster 2 (n = 61) grupo con rendimiento/satisfacción moderados; y Cluster 3 (n = 23) grupo con bajo rendimiento/satisfacción. Los participantes del Cluster 1 tuvieron los promedios más altos referente a los recursos personales y laborales, mientras que los promedios más bajos se concentraron en el Cluster 3. También se identificaron diferencias cuanto al género y al contexto laboral entre los grupos. Cabe destacar la importancia de que los gestores sean conscientes de dichos aspectos, a fin de fomentar entornos de trabajo que sean promotores del crecimiento profesional. (AU)

Maternal IgG impairs the maturation of offspring intrathymic IL-17-producing γδT cells: Implications for murine and human allergies.

BACKGROUND: The precise mechanism involved in the acquisition of the IL-17+ profile of γδT cells, the ligands responsible for this change, and whether this default is acquired during intrathymic maturation need to be elucidated. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate whether IL-17-producing γδT cells are present in the airways of tolerant offspring from allergen-sensitized mothers and the possible implication of maternal IgG in the generation of these cells. METHODS: Female mice were immunized or not, and the allergic response, frequency of γδT cell subsets and cytokine production of the offspring were analysed by flow cytometry. The effects of passive in vivo transfer of purified IgG were investigated in offspring. A translational approach was employed to analyse γδT cells in the thymus and PBMCs from humans. RESULTS: Maternal immunization reduced the frequency of spontaneous IL-17-producing γδT cells in the thymus, spleen and lung of offspring. This effect was mimicked by the in vivo treatment of females with purified IgG. IgG directly interacted with γδT cell membranes. The modulatory effect of human IgG on human infant intrathymic and adult peripheral γδT cells showed similarities to murine γδT cells, which is rarely reported in the literature. CONCLUSIONS & CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Together, our results reveal that IgG from potentially tolerant atopic mothers can influence offspring thymic IL-17-producing γδT cell maturation. Furthermore, we suggest that IgG is an unprecedented modulatory factor of murine and human γδT cells. These observations may support the future development of IgG-based immunoregulatory therapeutic strategies.

Immunological Parameters of the Pomacea lineata Spix, 1827 (Mollusca: Caenogastropoda) Exposed to Schistosoma mansoni Sambon, 1907.

INTRODUCTION: Pomacea lineata acts as the natural biological controller of Biomphalaria glabrata, the intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni, as they are found in the same environment. However, there are no studies reporting an infection in P. lineata due to S. mansoni. Thus, this work investigated parameters related to the immunity of P. lineata after exposure for 24 and 48 h to S. mansoni under experimental conditions. METHODS: The F1 generation of these snails was used in this study. The total and differential counts of hemocytes, phenoloxidase, nitric oxide, total proteins, expression of TNF-α in hemocytes and histopathology of the head-foot organ were analyzed. RESULTS: Exposure to S. mansoni promoted an increase in the total number of hemocytes, an increase of granulocytes, a reduction of agranulocytes and hyalinocytes, an increase in phenoloxidase levels, total proteins and nitric oxide. There was TNF-α expression in the agranulocytes and granulocytes, increasing in intensity after exposure to the trematode. Head-foot histopathology revealed the presence of sporocytes in the fibromuscular layer surrounded by granulation tissue only within 24 h. At 48 h, there was marked fibrosis in this layer and little granulation tissue. CONCLUSION: Thus, we can conclude that P. lineata seems to trigger a series of immunological strategies in a very effective way that confers some resistance to S. mansoni.

Validity evidences of the Internalized Homophobia Scale for Brazilian gays and lesbians / Evidências de validade da Escala de Homofobia Internalizada para gays e lésbicas brasileiros / Las evidencias de la validez de la Escala de Homofobia Internalizada para gays y lésbicas brasileños

This article gathered evidence of the validity of the Internalized Homophobia Scale (EHI) for Brazilian gays and lesbians. Study 1 found evidence of content validity (performed by two area judges and 10 gay and lesbian people), based on the internal structure and still sought reliability/precision indicators of the instrument. Based on an online survey, 261 participants, with a mean age of 27.6 years (SD = 7.72), answered IHS and sociodemographic questions. Study 2 replicated the factorial solution from study 1, through confirmatory factorial analysis, in addition to seeking complementary evidence of construct validity and reliability, being carried out with 303 gays and lesbians, with a mean age of 30.6 years (SD = 8.29). The results of the two studies suggest a modified version of the IHS with 19 items and two dimensions (Internal Perception of Stigma and Perception [α = 0,814] of Social Oppression [α = 0,622]) because it presented evidence of validity and reliability/precision of the instrument. (AU)

Este artigo reuniu evidências de validade da Escala de Homofobia Internalizada (EHI) para gays e lésbicas brasileiros. O Estudo 1 verificou evidências de validade de conteúdo (realizada por dois juízes da área e 10 pessoas gays e lésbicas), baseadas na estrutura interna e ainda buscou indicadores de confiabilidade/precisão do instrumento. Com base em um inquérito online, 261 participantes, com média de idade de 27,6 anos (DP = 7,72) responderam a EHI e a perguntas sociodemográficas. O Estudo 2 replicou a solução fatorial do estudo 1, através de análise fatorial confirmatória e confiabilidade, sendo realizado com 303 gays e lésbicas, com média de idade de 30,6 anos (DP = 8,29). Os resultados dos dois estudos sugerem uma versão modificada da EHI com 19 itens e duas dimensões (Percepção Interna do Estigma [α = 0,814] e Percepção da Opressão Social [α = 0,622]), pois apresentou evidências de validade e de confiabilidade/precisão do instrumento (AU)

Este artículo reunió evidencias de validez de la Escala de Homofobia Internalizada (EHI) para gays y lesbianas brasileños. El Estudio 1 verificó evidencias de validez de contenido (realizada por dos jueces del área y 10 personas gays y lesbianas), basadas en la estructura interna y aún buscó indicadores de confiabilidad/precisión del instrumento. Con base en una encuesta en línea, 261 participantes con una edad promedio de 27.6 años (DP =7.72), responderieron las perguntas EHI y sociodemográficas. Es estudio 2 replicó la solución factorial del estudio 1, a través del análisis factorial confirmatoria, además de buscar evidencias complementares de validez del constructo y confiabilidad, siendo realizado con 303 gays y lésbicas, con una edad promedio de 30.6 (DP = 8.29). Los resultados de los dos estudios sugieren una versión modificada de la EHI con 19 ítems y dos dimensiones (Percepción Interna del Estigma [α = 0,814] y Percepción de la Opresión Social [α = 0,622]), pues presentó evidencias de validez y confiabilidad/precisión del instrumento. (AU)

Maternal immunization downregulates offspring TCD4 regulatory cells (Tregs) thymic maturation without implications for allergy inhibition.

The regulation of offspring allergy development mediated by maternal immunization was evidenced by several groups, and this mechanism seems to involve the induction of regulatory T cells (Tregs) on offspring. Here, we aimed to evaluate whether the effect of maternal immunization on offspring Tregs occurs as a result of peripheral or central modulation. Briefly, C57BL/6 female mice were immunized with OVA in Alum or Alum alone and boosted with OVA in saline or saline only after 10 and 20 days. Non-immunized offspring serum, thymus and spleen were evaluated at 3 or 20 days old, and some groups of pups were submitted to neonatal OVA-immunization protocol for the subsequent evaluation of antibody production and allergic response. Our experimental protocol could be validated because maternal OVA-immunization inhibited offspring allergic response as evidenced by the suppression of offspring IgE production and allergic lung inflammation. Interestingly, maternal immunization reduced the frequency of offspring thymic Tregs with an opposite effect on spleen Tregs. Furthermore, after neonatal immunization, the frequency of lung-infiltrated Tregs was also augmented on offspring from immunized mothers. In conclusion, maternal OVA-immunization can inhibit the thymic maturation of offspring Tregs without implications on peripheral Tregs induction and allergy inhibition.

Preconceptional allergen immunization can induce offspring IL-17 secreting B cells (B17): do they share similarities with regulatory B10 cells?

BACKGROUND: IL-17-producing B cells can be identified in both mice and human and were named B17 cells. The role of B17 cells still needs to be elucidated and its inflammatory or regulatory functions remain controversial. OBJECTIVE: We evaluate the effect of maternal immunization with OVA on offspring B cells that produces IL-17 and can show a regulatory potential by IL-10 production. METHODS: C57BL/6 WT, IL-10-/- or CD28-/- female mice were immunized or not with OVA in Alum, and immunized females were boosted after 10 and 20 days. Immunized and non-immunized females were mated, and pups from both groups were evaluated at 3 or 20 days old (d.o.). Some offspring from the aforementioned two groups were immunized with OVA at 3 d.o., boosted after 10 days and evaluated at 20 d.o. RESULTS: Maternal immunization with OVA induced offspring B cells to produce IL-17 at higher intensity compared to the control group of offspring at 3 d.o. This effect was maintained until 20 d.o. and even after neonatal immunization with OVA. The co-production of IL-10 on offspring IL-17 + B cells is up-regulated in response to maternal immunization with OVA. Maternal immunization with OVA on IL-10-/- mice reveals reduced percentage and mean of fluorescence intensity of IL-17 on B cells of offspring. CONCLUSION: Preconception OVA immunization can induce offspring B cells that produce IL-17 at higher intensity and co-produce mainly IL-10. This could be the reason why B17 cells had been described in the literature with controversial roles upon their regulatory function

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Estratégias Metodológicas de Investigação da Resiliência em Lésbicas, Gays e Bissexuais (LGBs): Revisão Integrativa de Literatura / Estrategias Metodológicas de Investigación en Resiliencia en Lesbianas, Gays y Bisexuales (LGBs): Revisión Integrativa de la Literatura / Methodological Strategies for Resilience Research in Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals (LGBs): Integrative Review of the Literature

Resumo Pela revisão integrativa de literatura, este artigo buscou analisar as estratégias metodológicas para investigação da resiliência nos estudos empíricos com pessoas lésbicas, gays e bissexuais (LGBs). As buscas foram realizadas nas bases SciELO, PePSIC, LILACS, Index Psi, PsycINFO e PUBMED, até o ano de 2015. Para nortear e sistematizar a execução da revisão seguiu-se as diretrizes enunciadas no protocolo PRISMA e após a consideração dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão, foram identificados e analisados na íntegra 31 artigos. Identificou-se estudos com foco nas variáveis, com foco nas pessoas e os que incluem simultaneamente as variáveis e as pessoas. Apesar dos avanços conceituais e metodológicos acerca da resiliência e a população LGB, algumas controvérsias ainda são observadas, comprometendo a qualidade da avaliação desse construto. A medição e/ou compreensão da resiliência não é uma tarefa simplista, mas passa pela observação e diálogo entre os fatores de risco, de proteção e de adaptação positiva, além de envolver dialeticamente os diferentes níveis e contextos envolvidos: individual, familiar, comunitário e cultural. A inconsistência na operacionalização desses fatores pode prejudicar a generalização e a compreensão dos resultados empíricos.

Resumen Por la revisión integrativa de literatura, este artículo analizó las estrategias metodológicas para la investigación de la resiliencia en los estudios empíricos con lesbianas, gays y bisexuales (LGBs). La búsqueda fue realizada en las bases SciELO, PePSIC, LIlACS, Index Psi, PscycINFO y PUBMED, hasta el año de 2015. Para sistematiza la revisión de literatura, seguimos las directrices enunciadas en el protocolo PRISMA y luego de la consideración de los criterios de inclusión y exclusión, fueron identificados y analizados íntegramente 31 artículos. Se identificaron estudios con foco en las variables, en las personas y aquellos que incluyen a la vez las variables y las personas. A pesar de los avances conceptuales y metodológicos acerca de la resiliencia y de la población LGB, aspectos controversiales fueron observados, lo que comprometió la calidad de la evaluación del constructo. La medición y/o la comprensión de la resiliencia no es una tarea sencilla, pero pasa por la evaluación y el diálogo entre los factores de riesgo, de protección y de adaptación positiva, además de envolver dialécticamente diferentes niveles y contextos: individual, familiar, comunitario y cultural. La inconsistencia en la operacionalización de estos factores puede perjudicar la generalización y la comprensión de los resultados empíricos. Palabras-clave: Resiliencia; LGB; método, revisión integrativa.

Abstract Through the integrative literature review, this article aimed to analyze the methodological strategies for resilience research in empirical studies with lesbians, gays and bisexuals (LGBs). The searches were carried out at SciELO, PePSIC, LILACS, Index Psi, PsycINFO e PUBMED, until the year 2015. In order to guide and systematize the undergoing of the review, the guidelines laid down in the Protocol PRISMA were followed and after consideration of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 31 articles were identified and analyzed in full. Studies focused only on variables, with focus only on people and including both variables and people were identified. Despite the conceptual and methodological advances about the resilience and the LGB population, some controversies are still observed, compromising the quality of evaluation of this construct. The measuring and/or understanding of resilience is not a simplistic task. It passes through observation and dialogue among risk factors, protection factors and positive adaptation factors, as well as dialectically relating to different levels and contexts involved such as individual, family, community and culture. The inconsistency in the operationalization of these factors can impair the generalization and the understanding of the empirical results.

Preconceptional allergen immunization can induce offspring IL-17 secreting B cells (B17): do they share similarities with regulatory B10 cells?

BACKGROUND: IL-17-producing B cells can be identified in both mice and human and were named B17 cells. The role of B17 cells still needs to be elucidated and its inflammatory or regulatory functions remain controversial. OBJECTIVE: We evaluate the effect of maternal immunization with OVA on offspring B cells that produces IL-17 and can show a regulatory potential by IL-10 production. METHODS: C57BL/6 WT, IL-10-/- or CD28-/- female mice were immunized or not with OVA in Alum, and immunized females were boosted after 10 and 20 days. Immunized and non-immunized females were mated, and pups from both groups were evaluated at 3 or 20 days old (d.o.). Some offspring from the aforementioned two groups were immunized with OVA at 3 d.o., boosted after 10 days and evaluated at 20 d.o. RESULTS: Maternal immunization with OVA induced offspring B cells to produce IL-17 at higher intensity compared to the control group of offspring at 3 d.o. This effect was maintained until 20 d.o. and even after neonatal immunization with OVA. The co-production of IL-10 on offspring IL-17+B cells is up-regulated in response to maternal immunization with OVA. Maternal immunization with OVA on IL-10-/- mice reveals reduced percentage and mean of fluorescence intensity of IL-17 on B cells of offspring. CONCLUSION: Preconception OVA immunization can induce offspring B cells that produce IL-17 at higher intensity and co-produce mainly IL-10. This could be the reason why B17 cells had been described in the literature with controversial roles upon their regulatory function.