Peer support during in vivo exposure homework increases likelihood of prolonged exposure therapy completion.

Exposure-based treatments such as prolonged exposure therapy (PE) are effective for veterans with PTSD. However, dropout rates as high as 50% are common. The Department of Veterans Affairs employs peers to increase mental health treatment engagement, however peers are not routinely used to help patients complete PE homework assignments. The present study included 109 veterans who decided to drop out from exposure-based treatment after completing seven or fewer sessions and used a randomized controlled design to compare PE treatment completion rates in response to 2 forms of peer support: (1) standard weekly telephone-based peer support vs. (2) peer-assisted in vivo exposure, wherein peers accompanied veterans (virtually or in person) during a limited number of in vivo exposure assignments. There were no differences between instrumental vs general peer support conditions as randomized. However, post hoc analyses indicated that 87% of those who completed at least one peer-assisted in vivo exposure completed treatment, compared to 56% of those not completing any peer-assisted in vivo exposure. The dose effect of peer-assisted in vivo exposure increased to 93% with 2 or more peer-assisted exposures, and 97% with 3 or more peer-assisted exposures. The present study suggests that augmenting PE with instrumental peer support during in vivo exposure homework may reduce dropout if completed. Future research should test whether the impact of peer-assisted in vivo exposure is enhanced when offered at the beginning of treatment as opposed to waiting until the point of dropout.

Home-based tDCS for apathy in Alzheimer's disease: a protocol for a randomized double-blinded controlled pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Apathy is among the most common behavioral symptoms in dementia and is consistently associated with negative outcomes in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Despite its prevalence and clinical relevance, available pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies to treat apathy in AD have been marked, respectively, by potentially severe side effects and/or limited efficacy. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a relatively novel non-pharmacological method of neuromodulation with promising results. Compared to previous tDCS formats, recent technological advances have increased the portability of tDCS, which creates the potential for caregiver-administered, home use. Our study aims to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of home-based tDCS for the treatment of apathy in AD. METHODS/DESIGN: This is an experimenter- and participant-blinded, randomized, sham-controlled, parallel-group (1:1 for two groups) pilot clinical trial, involving 40 subjects with AD. After a brief training, caregivers will administer tDCS for participants at home under remote televideo supervision by research staff to ensure the use of proper technique. Participants will be assessed at baseline, during treatment (week 2, week 4, and week 6), and 6 weeks post-treatment. Dependent measures will cover cognitive performance, apathy, and other behavioral symptoms. Data about side effects and acceptability will also be collected. DISCUSSION: Our study will address apathy, an overlooked clinical problem in AD. Our findings will advance the field of non-pharmacological strategies for neuropsychiatric symptoms, presenting a great potential for clinical translation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04855643.

Sensory remapping: a possible therapy option / Remapeamento sensorial: uma possível opção de terapia

The human sensory receptors are morphologically specialized to transduce specific stimuli into the brain. However, when an injury occurs, mainly in the spinal cord, which can be of traumatic or non-traumatic origin, it provokes various degrees of sensory deficits, autonomic, motor and sphincter dysfunction below the level of the injury. Based on this, a new therapeutic modality is being proposed by neuroscientist Miguel Nicolelis, which is based on the brain-machine interface, that is, using other pathways so that the information can reach the cerebral cortex and thus be consciously processed (AU).

Os receptores sensoriais humanos são morfologicamente especializados para realizar a transdução de estímulos específicos para o encéfalo. Entretanto, quando ocorre uma lesão, principalmente, na medula espinal, que pode ser de origem traumática e não traumática, provocam diversos graus de déficits sensoriais, disfunção autônoma, motora e esfincteriana, abaixo do nível da lesão. Com base nisso, uma nova modalidade terapêutica está sendo proposto pelo neurocientista Miguel Nicolelis, que tem como base a interface cérebro máquina, isto é, utilizar-se de outras vias para que as informações possam chegar no córtex cerebral e assim serem processadas conscientemente.Palavras-chave: Interfaces cérebro-computador, Neurociências, Órgãos dos sentidos (AU).

Potential Role of Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis in Traumatic Brain Injury.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious cause of disability and death among young and adult individuals, displaying complex pathophysiology including cellular and molecular mechanisms that are not fully elucidated. Many experimental and clinical studies investigated the potential relationship between TBI and the process by which neurons are formed in the brain, known as neurogenesis. Currently, there are no available treatments for TBI's long-term consequences being the search for novel therapeutic targets, a goal of highest scientific and clinical priority. Some studies evaluated the benefits of treatments aimed at improving neurogenesis in TBI. In this scenario, herein, we reviewed current pre-clinical studies that evaluated different approaches to improving neurogenesis after TBI while achieving better cognitive outcomes, which may consist in interesting approaches for future treatments.

Efficacy of ultramicronised diclofenac in patients with osteoarthritis - systematic review with network meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review with network meta-analysis was performed to compare the effectiveness of oral anti-inflammatory drugs used in Brazil for osteoarthritis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Randomized clinical trials evaluating ultramicronised diclofenac, diclofenac, celecoxib, etodolac and placebo in patients with osteoarthritis were identified. A search was conducted in May 2021 through PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases. A network meta-analysis was developed for efficacy outcome related to analgesia measured by the pain subscale of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities tool. In addition, surface under the cumulative ranking was performed to rank the drugs in relation to this outcome. RESULTS: Twelve randomized clinical trials were included. Overall, ultramicronised diclofenac 105 mg/day (UD105) was better than all the others, including ultramicronised diclofenac 70 mg/day (UD70). In addition, surface under the cumulative ranking resulted in the following order: 1) ultramicronised diclofenac 105 mg/day (100%), 2) ultramicronised diclofenac 70 mg/day (80%), 3) celecoxib 200 mg/day (49%), 4) diclofenac 100 mg/day (48%), 5) placebo (19%) and 6) diclofenac 150 mg/day (6%). CONCLUSIONS: Ultramicronised diclofenac demonstrated superior efficacy compared to other conventional anti-inflammatory drugs and placebo in relieving osteoarthritis pain.

Educação em saúde para sensibilizar adolescentes escolares para a vacinação contra o papiloma vírus humanos / Health education to sensitize school teenagers to get Human Virus Papillomavaccine / Educación en salud para alentar los adolescentes escolares para la vacunación contra el Papiloma Virus Humano

Introdução:Educação em saúde visa sensibilizar a consciência cidadã a partir do conhecimento do sujeito e de estratégias pedagógicas dialógicas. Tal atividade pode envolver os diferentes ciclos de vida, como crianças e adolescentes. Objetivo:relatar a experiência de um grupo tutorial da disciplina Saúde e CidadaniaII da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Nortena produção e realização de ações de educação em saúde voltadas a sensibilização para adesão a vacinação contra o Papiloma Vírus Humano no território adscrito a uma Unidade de Saúde da Famíliade Natal/RN no primeiro semestre do ano de 2018. Metodologia:A seleção das temáticas-alvo se deu a partir das percepções dos discentes acerca do contexto epidemiológico do bairro e, sobretudo, dos processos contínuosde escuta ativa, em que profissionais de saúde da Unidadee lideranças do território expuseram as demandas locais. Utilizou-se a ferramenta CANVAS para estruturação do planejamento estratégico das intervenções.Exposições dialogadas, com uso de multimídia, cartazes, jogos educativos e paródias foram empregados na interação com o público da escola do bairro. Resultados:As percepções do grupo discente foram positivas e satisfatórias ao final das intervenções, em meio à ativa participação dos escolares e interesse nas temáticas abordadas, evidenciando adequação das estratégias realizadas. Conclusões:as intervenções buscaram responder a uma demanda de educação em saúde relativa ao adolescente. Ademais, contribuíram para o crescimento acadêmico e pessoal dos discentes ao trabalhar competências do saber, do ser, conviver, essenciais a efetivação do modelo da vigilância à saúde, bem como houve um balanço positivo, uma vez que os resultados esperados no planejamento foram alcançados. Desta forma, concretizou-se oprincípio da integração ensino-serviço-comunidade (AU).

Introduction:Health education aims to raise awareness among citizens based on the subject's knowledge and dialogical pedagogical strategies. This activity can involve different life cycles, such as children and teenagers. Objective: To report the experience of a tutorial group of the discipline Health and Citizenship II of Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte in the production and carrying out of health education actions aimed at raising awareness about adherence to Human Papilloma Virus vaccination in the territory assigned to a Family Health Service in Natal / RN in the first half of the year 2018. Methodology:The selection of the target themes was based on students' perceptions about the epidemiological context of the neighborhood and, above all, on the continuous processes of active listening, in which health professionals and leaders of the territory exposed to the local demands. The CANVAS tool was used to structure the strategic planning of the interventions. Dialogue exhibitions, with multimedia, posters, educational games, and parodies were used in the interaction with the youth public of school.Results:The student group's perceptions were positive and satisfactory at the end of the interventions, amidst the active participation of the students and interest in the topics addressed, evidencing the adequacy of the strategies carried out.Conclusions:the interventions sought the goal of health promotion in a collaborative environment involving adolescents. Also, they contributed to students' academic and personal growth by working on the skills of knowing, being, living together, essential for the implementation of the health surveillance model and a positive balance since the results expected in the planning were achieved. In this way, the principle of teaching-service-community integration was materialized (AU).

Introducción: La educación para la salud tiene como objetivo sensibilizar a los ciudadanos a partir de los conocimientos del sujeto y de estrategias pedagógicas dialógicas. Esta actividad puede implicar a diferentes ciclos vitales, como los niños y los adolescentes. Objetivo:Relatar la experiencia de un grupo tutorial de la disciplina Salud y Ciudadanía II de la Universidad Federal de Río Grande del Norte en la producción y realización de acciones de educación para la salud dirigidas a la sensibilización de la adhesión a la vacunación contra el Virus del Papiloma Humano en el territorio asignado a un Servicio de Salud de la Familia en Natal / RN en el primer semestre del año 2018.Metodología: La selección de los temas objetivo se basó en las percepciones de los estudiantessobre el contexto epidemiológico del barrio y, sobre todo, en los continuos procesos de escucha activa, en los que los profesionales de la salud y los líderes del territorio expusieron las demandas locales. Se utilizó la herramienta CANVAS para estructurar la planificación estratégica de las intervenciones. Se utilizaron exposiciones de diálogo, con multimedia, carteles, juegos educativos y parodias en la interacción con el público juvenil de la escuela. Resultados: Las percepciones del grupo de estudiantes fueron positivas y satisfactorias al final de las intervenciones, en medio de la participación activa de los estudiantes y del interés por los temas abordados, evidenciando la adecuación de las estrategias realizadas. Conclusiones: las intervenciones buscaron el objetivo de la promoción de la salud en un ambiente de colaboración con los adolescentes. Además, contribuyeron al crecimiento académico y personal de los alumnos al trabajar las habilidades de conocer, ser y convivir, esenciales para la implementación del modelo de vigilancia de la salud y un balance positivo ya que se alcanzaron los resultados esperados en la planificación. De esta manera, se materializó el principio de integración enseñanza-servicio-comunidad (AU).

Circulating Angiotensin-(1-7) Is Reduced in Alzheimer's Disease Patients and Correlates With White Matter Abnormalities: Results From a Pilot Study.

INTRODUCTION: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia worldwide. Despite the extensive research, its pathophysiology remains largely unelucidated. Currently, more attention is being given to the disease's vascular and inflammatory aspects. In this context, the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) emerges as a credible player in AD pathogenesis. The RAS has multiple physiological functions, conducted by its two opposing axes: the classical, led by Angiotensin II (Ang II), and the alternative, driven by Angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)]. These peptides were shown to interact with AD pathology in animal studies, but evidence from humans is scarce. Only 20 studies dosed RAS molecules in AD patients' bloodstream, none of which assessed both axes simultaneously. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional, case-control exploratory study to compare plasma levels of Ang II and Ang-(1-7) in AD patients vs. age-matched controls. Within each group, we searched for correlations between RAS biomarkers and measures from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: We evaluated patients with AD (n = 14) and aged-matched controls (n = 14). Plasma Ang II and Ang-(1-7) were dosed using ELISA. Brain MRI was performed in a 3 Tesla scan, and a three-dimensional T1-weighted volumetric sequence was obtained. Images were then processed by FreeSurfer to calculate: (1) white matter hypointensities (WMH) volume; (2) volumes of hippocampus, medial temporal cortex, and precuneus. Statistical analyses used non-parametrical tests (Mann-Whitney and Spearman). RESULTS: Ang-(1-7) levels in plasma were significantly lower in the AD patients than in controls [median (25th-75th percentiles)]: AD [101.5 (62.43-126.4)] vs. controls [209.3 (72-419.1)], p = 0.014. There was no significant difference in circulating Ang II. In the AD patients, but not in controls, there was a positive and significant correlation between Ang-(1-7) values and WMH volumes (Spearman's rho = 0.56, p = 0.038). Ang-(1-7) did not correlate with cortical volumes in AD or in controls. Ang II did not correlate with any MRI variable in none of the groups. CONCLUSION: If confirmed, our results strengthen the hypothesis that RAS alternative axis is downregulated in AD, and points to a possible interaction between Ang-(1-7) and cerebrovascular lesions in AD.

Insights on SARS-CoV-2 Molecular Interactions With the Renin-Angiotensin System.

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2/human/Wuhan/X1/2019, a virus belonging to the species Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus, and the recognition of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a pandemic have highly increased the scientific research regarding the pathogenesis of COVID-19. The Renin Angiotensin System (RAS) seems to be involved in COVID-19 natural course, since studies suggest the membrane-bound Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) works as SARS-CoV-2 cellular receptor. Besides the efforts of the scientific community to understand the virus' molecular interactions with human cells, few studies summarize what has been so far discovered about SARS-CoV-2 signaling mechanisms and its interactions with RAS molecules. This review aims to discuss possible SARS-CoV-2 intracellular signaling pathways, cell entry mechanism and the possible consequences of the interaction with RAS components, including Angiotensin II (Ang II), Angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)], Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), ACE2, Angiotensin II receptor type-1 (AT1), and Mas Receptor. We also discuss ongoing clinical trials and treatment based on RAS cascade intervention. Data were obtained independently by the two authors who carried out a search in the PubMed, Embase, LILACS, Cochrane, Scopus, SciELO and the National Institute of Health databases using Medical Subject Heading terms as "SARS-CoV-2," "COVID-19," "Renin Angiotensin System," "ACE2," "Angiotensin II," "Angiotensin-(1-7)," and "AT1 receptor." Similarly to other members of Coronaviridae family, the molecular interactions between the pathogen and the membrane-bound ACE2 are based on the cleavage of the spike glycoprotein (S) in two subunits. Following the binding of the S1 receptor-binding domain (RBD) to ACE2, transmembrane protease/serine subfamily 2 (TMPRSS2) cleaves the S2 domain to facilitate membrane fusion. It is very likely that SARS-CoV-2 cell entry results in downregulation of membrane-bound ACE2, an enzyme that converts Ang II into Ang-(1-7). This mechanism can result in lung injury and vasoconstriction. In addition, Ang II activates pro-inflammatory cascades when binding to the AT1 Receptor. On the other hand, Ang-(1-7) promotes anti-inflammatory effects through its interactions with the Mas Receptor. These molecules might be possible therapeutic targets for treating COVID-19. Thus, the understanding of SARS-CoV-2 intracellular pathways and interactions with the RAS may clarify COVID-19 physiopathology and open perspectives for new treatments and strategies.

Inflammation in Huntington's disease: A few new twists on an old tale.

Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by prominent loss of neurons in the striatum and cortex. Traditionally research in HD has focused on brain changes as they cause progressive motor dysfunction, cognitive decline and psychiatric disorders. The discovery that huntingtin protein (HTT) and its mutated form (mHTT) are expressed not only in the brain but also in different organs and tissues paved the way for the hypothesis that HD might affect regions beyond the central nervous system (CNS). Besides pathological deposition of mHTT, other mechanisms, including inflammation, seem to underlie HD pathogenesis and progression. Altered inflammation can be evidenced even before the onset of classical symptoms of HD. Herein, we will discuss current pre-clinical and clinical evidence on immune/inflammatory changes in peripheral organs during HD development and progression. The understanding of the impact of inflammation on peripheral organs may open new venues for the development of novel therapeutic targets in HD.

Effect of immune activation on the kynurenine pathway and depression symptoms - A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Dysregulated kynurenine (KYN) pathway has been implicated in the pathophysiology of depression. In this systematic review, we examined the relationship between kynurenine pathway metabolites (KYN, kynurenic acid KYNA, tryptophan TRP, quinolinic acid QUIN, KYN/TRP ratio) and depression symptoms in the context of pro-inflammatory activation and immune response. Out of 5,082 articles, fifteen studies were suitable; ten studies (N = 315 medically ill patients treated with interferon-alpha IFN-α) reported baseline and post-intervention plasma KYN, TRP and KYN/TRP ratios which were included in quantitative meta-analysis. Data from five studies were summarized (IFN-α, interferon-beta IFN-ß, and lipopolysaccharide LPS). We found that IFN-α treatment in patients with chronic illnesses was associated with decreased TRP, increased levels of KYN and KYN/TRP ratio and depression scores from baseline to follow-up at both 4 and 24 weeks. Our findings suggest that increased risk of depression observed after immune-activating agents in patients with chronic medical illnesses is likely mediated by the kynurenine pathway. Further prospective studies are required to investigate the exact pathophysiology of the KYN pathway in depression.

Gestão das ações de segurança alimentar frente à pandemia pela COVID-19 / Gestión de acciones de seguridad alimentaria frente a la pandemia de COVID-19 / Management of food security actions during the COVID-19 pandemic

Resumo O presente artigo tem como objetivo analisar as estratégias de intervenção adotadas pela gestão pública frente à crise desencadeada pela COVID-19 para redução da insegurança alimentar, baseado em um estudo de caso no Rio Grande do Norte. Com abordagem qualitativa, foram utilizadas a Teoria do Programa e a abordagem dos múltiplos fluxos para análise das ações emergenciais. No estado, a pandemia confluiu para uma janela de oportunidade, evidenciando o papel importante das Políticas Públicas na agenda governamental, como o Programa Restaurante Popular, e favorecendo a elaboração de respostas rápidas e de medidas de adequação na implementação da política. Conclui-se, neste estudo, que esta pode ser considerada uma boa prática e que ela pode servir de referência a outras ações semelhantes pelo país.

Resumen Este artículo tiene como objetivo analizar las estrategias de intervención adoptadas por la administración pública frente a la crisis desencadenada por la COVID-19 para reducir la inseguridad alimentaria, con base en un estudio de caso en Río Grande do Norte. Con un enfoque cualitativo, se utilizaron la teoría del programa y el enfoque de múltiples flujos para el análisis de acciones de emergencia. En el estado, la pandemia se convirtió en una ventana de oportunidad, destacando el importante papel de las políticas públicas en la agenda gubernamental, como el Programa Restaurante Popular, y favoreciendo la elaboración de respuestas rápidas y de medidas de adecuación en la implementación de las políticas. Se concluye que esta puede ser una buena práctica y que puede ser una referencia para otras acciones similares en todo el país.

Abstract This article aims to analyze the intervention strategies adopted by public management during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce food insecurity, based on a case study in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Norte. The study used a qualitative approach based on Program Theory and the multiple streams model to analyze the actions. In the state, the pandemic brought a window of opportunity, showing the importance of public policy in the government agenda, such as the program "Restaurante Popular," which offers low-cost meals, and favors quick response and adequacy of means of implementation. The study highlights best practices, inspiring actions all over the country.

Arbovirus expansion: New species of culicids infected by the Chikungunya virus in an urban park of Brazil.

The Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya viruses have been spreading in tropical regions, causing epidemics with high morbidity rates and fatal cases. The aim of this study was to assess the diversity and abundance of culicid species and the presence of arboviruses in mosquitoes, at the epicenter of an epidemic outbreak that occurred in people living near an urban Atlantic Forest park. Mosquitoes were captured with a Shannon trap between 2 and 6 pm in seven months of 2019. The Chikungunya virus was investigated according to the protocol described by Lanciotti (2007). The most abundant species were Wyeomyia bourrouli (66.9%) and Aedes albopictus (23.9%). Also captured were Aedes fluviatilis (3.2%); Haemagogus leucocelaenus (2.2%); Aedes scapularis (2.2%); Aedes aegypti (1.6%); Aedes serratus and (0.3%) and Aedes taeniorhynchus (0.3%). The Chikungunya virus was identified in A. aegypti females; A. albopictus females and males; Aedes fluviatilis and Wy.bourrouli. The presence of the Chikungunya virus in the afore mentioned mosquitoes reinforces the hypothesis that arbovirus expansion is associated with the participation of other mosquito species in the transmission areas, primarily the Chikungunya virus in the study area. The data also demonstrate the need for permanent entomological surveillance and measures to preserve the area, in order to hinder its degradation, the adaptation of culicid species to new habitats and the formation of enzootic cycles of these viruses in the forest.

Immune-Based Therapies for Traumatic Brain Injury: Insights from Pre-Clinical Studies.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a major public health problem. It is the leading cause of death and disability, especially among children and young adults. The neurobiology basis underlying TBI pathophysiology remains to be fully revealed. Over the past years, emerging evidence has supported the hypothesis that TBI is an inflammatory based condition, paving the way for the development of potential therapeutic targets. There is no treatment capable to prevent or minimize TBIassociated outcomes. Therefore, the search for effective therapies is a priority goal. In this context, animal models have become valuable tools to study molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in TBI pathogenesis as well as novel treatments. Herein, we discuss therapeutic strategies to treat TBI focused on immunomodulatory and/or anti-inflammatory approaches in the pre-clinical setting.

Gestão de custos no serviço público: proposta de metodologia para análise e controle em unidades de alimentação e nutrição / Costs management in public service: methodology proposal for analysis and control in food services

Introdução:A contabilidade de custos é uma etapa importante na gestão pública para otimizar os gastos e diminuir desperdícios, representando um indicador de eficiência econômica. Contudo, é uma atividade complexa, onde a maioria dos custos é de difícil obtenção, especialmente em Unidades de alimentação e nutrição (UANs), devido à variação no número de refeições e matéria prima, e indisponibilidade de custos indiretos individualizados. Objetivo:Apresentar uma proposta metodológica para cálculo do custo-refeição em UANs vinculadas a serviços públicos.Método:Esta proposta surgiu de um estudo prático realizado no restaurante da Escola Agrícola de Jundiaí/UFRN. Para a composição do custo-refeição foram observados os componentes dos custos diretos e indiretos. Os preços unitários por material/serviço foram obtidos por meio das atas de licitações e contratos.Resultados:A análise individual de cada componente permitiu verificar a necessidade de estabelecer diretrizes para os custos, obtendo-se os seguintes direcionamentos: gêneros de alimentação ­elaboração das fichas técnicas de preparação de, no mínimo, dois cardápios semanais completos e preços por gênero calculados por média ponderada; material de limpeza, telefonia, gás de cozinha e água mineral -análise do gasto trimestral; energia elétrica ­análise da potência, tempo e horário de funcionamento de cada equipamento e cálculo do gasto de energia conforme tarifas na "ponta" e "fora da ponta"; despesas com manutenção de equipamentos e instalações, material de expediente e descartável ­análise semestral e, todos os cálculos efetuados utilizando a média mensal. Por fim, a partir do custo com gêneros alimentícios foram calculados os pesos de cada refeição e gerada a unidade-refeição, obtendo-se o custo final por meio da soma do custo de cada refeição com o produto de seu peso vezes a unidade-refeição.Conclusão:A presente proposta apresenta uma perspectiva prática e fidedigna para o cálculo de custo-refeição (AU).

Introduction:Costs accountancy is an important step on public management to optimize expenses and reduce wasting, representing an economicalefficiency index. However, that is a complex activity, which the most of costs is hard to obtain, especially in Food Services due the variability on number of meals and raw material, and individualized indirect costs unavailable.Objective:To present a methodological proposal to compute meal-cost in public Food Services. Methods:This proposal emerged from a practical study performed in the restaurant of Jundiai Agricultural School (Escola Agrícola de Jundiai/UFRN). To compose meal-cost, direct and indirect components were observed. Material/services unitary prices were obtained through bidding and contracts records. Results:Individual analysis of each component allowed to verify the necessity of establishment guidelines for cost, obtaining the following directions: groceries -technical cards elaboration of, at least, two full weekly menus and groceries prices computed by weighted average; cleaning stuff, telephony, cooking gas and mineral water ­three months expenses analysis; electrical energy ­analysis of power, time and shift of working for each equipment and energy expenses calculation "on the tip" and "out of the tip"; equipment and installation maintenance expenses, office stuff and disposable stuff ­six months expenses analysis and, all calculations using monthly average. Finally, from groceries costs weighs were computed of each meal and the meal-unit was generated, obtaining the final cost by summing the cost of each meal with the product of its weight multiplied by the meal-unit. Conclusion:The present proposal shows a practical and reliable perspective for meal-cost calculation (AU).

O sistema de segurança alimentar e nutricional como mecanismo de governança no âmbito municipal no rio grande do norte, Brasil / The food and nutritional safety system asagovernance mechanism in the municipal areain Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

Introdução: OSistema de Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional (SISAN) representa a institucionalização de governança públicapara atuar na Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional (SAN) de forma articulada e intersetorial no Brasil. Objetivo: Este estudo objetiva compreender os desafios enfrentados pela gestão pública nos níveis municipais para implementação do SISAN no Rio Grande do Norte em relação às práticas de governança. Método: O estudo consiste em uma pesquisa-ação,explicativa, qualitativa, no qual foi realizado um levantamento de dados ea análise documentaldas ações do projeto SISAN Universidades no Rio Grande do Norte (RN), recorte de um projeto de extensãomulticêntrico, financiado pelo Ministério do Desenvolvimento Social (MDS),envolvendo três universidades federais (UFPB, UFRPE, UFRN) desenvolvido para fortalecer e/ou implantar os componentes municipais do SISANem seus estados: o Conselho Municipal de Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional(COMSEAs) e a Câmara Intersetorial de Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional(CAISANs). Foram consultados 651 atores sociais, entre gestores públicos e sociedade civil, de 45 municípios do RN, localizados em 10 diferentes territórios, no período de 2016 a 2018. Resultados:Foram observadas deficiências na administração pública dos munícipios, com dificuldade no estabelecimento demetas que contribuam para o alcance efetivo dos objetivos da Política de SAN,além de alta rotatividade e falta de qualificação de técnicos e gestorespara comporem o quadro legal de pessoal, ocasionandoa perda de referências e informações relevantesque fragilizama implementação do SISAN.Odesconhecimento sobre os recursos para ações, ausência de monitoramento e mobilizações debilitadas em prol da operacionalização dos planoscomprometem a accountabilitye a participação social. Conclusões:Os principais desafiosencontrados em relação às práticas de governança para efetivação da SAN nas esferas municipais do RN pode fomentar ações direcionadas aos objetivos estratégicos da política, alinhados aos interesses da sociedade de forma organizada e consistente. Portanto, são necessáriascapacitações contínuas aos técnicos e gestores municipais e engajamento nas atividades concernentes à SAN; construção de um plano operacional característico aos municípios que auxilie a implantação do Sistema, com definição de indicadoresde desempenho que auxiliem na informação e transparência necessários. Assim, a adesão dos entes federados ao SISANcomo mecanismo de gestão de SANfavoreceuma boa governançapública, promovendoa efetividade das açõesem prol do cidadão (AU).

Introduction: The Food and Nutrition Security System (SISANin portuguese) represents the institutionalization of public governance to act in Food and Nutrition Security (SAN) in an articulated and intersectoral way, in Brazil. Objective: This study aims to understand the challenges faced by public management at the municipal levels for the implementation of SISAN in Rio Grande do Norte in relation to governance practices. Method: The study consists of an action research, explanatory, qualitative. A data collection and documentary analysis of the actions of the SISAN Universitiesproject in Rio Grande do Norte (RN) was carried out. Represents a cut of a multicenter extension project, it is funded by the Ministry of Social Development (MDS). It involves three federal universities (UFPB, UFRPE, UFRN) developed to strengthen and / or implant the municipal components of SISAN in their states: the Municipal Council of Food and Nutritional Security (COMSEAs) and the Inter-Sectoral Chamber of Food and Nutrition Security (CAISANs). A total of 651 social actors, including public managers and civil society, were consulted from 45 municipalities of the RN, located in 10 different territories. The collection period occurred between 2016 and 2018. Results: There were deficiencies in the public administration of municipalities, with difficultiesin establishing goals that contribute to the effective achievement of the objectives of the SAN Policy. There is high turnover and lack of qualification of technicians and managers to make up the legal framework of personnel, this causes the loss of reference and relevant information; this weakens the implementation of SISAN. The lack of knowledge about resources for actions, lack of monitoring and weak mobilizations in support of the operationalization of the plans compromise accountability and social participation.Conclusions: The main challenges encountered in relation to governance practices for the implementation of SAN in the municipal spheres of the NR can foster actions directed to the strategic objectives of the policy, align the interests of society in an organized and consistent manner. Therefore, continuous training is required for municipal managers and engagement in SAN activities; construction of an operational plan that is characteristic of the municipalities that will assist in the implementation of the System, with the definition of performance indicators that will assist in the necessary information and transparency. Thus, the adhesion of the federated entities to the SISAN as a mechanism of SAN management favors good public governance, promoting the effectiveness of actions in favor of citizens (AU).

Integrating road traffic externalities through a sustainability indicator.

Road traffic poses negative externalities on society and represents a key challenge in sustainable transportation. However, the existing literature about the assessment of traffic externalities drawn on a common measure is scarce. This paper develops a sustainability indicator that integrates traffic-related externalities as means of traffic congestion, noise, greenhouse gases (GHG) and nitrogen oxides emissions, health impacts and road crash related costs, and adjusted to local contexts of vulnerability. Traffic, road crashes, acoustic and vehicle dynamic data were collected from one real-world intercity corridor pair comprising three alternative routes. The site-specific operations were characterized using a modeling platform of traffic, emissions, noise and air quality. A specific methodology is applied for each road traffic externality and translated in a single factor - external cost. The results indicated that road crashes presented the largest share in the partly rural/urban route while GHG emissions had the highest contribution in external costs for the highway routes. Also, the distribution of external cost component varied according to the type of road, mostly due to different levels of exposed inhabitants. This paper offers a line of research that produced a method for decision-makers with a reliable and flexible cost analysis aimed at reducing the negative impacts of road traffic. It also encourages the design of eco-traffic management policies considering the perspective of drivers, commuters and population.

First report of collapsing variant of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis triggered by arbovirus: dengue and Zika virus infection.

BACKGROUND: The collapsing variant of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is the most aggressive form of FSGS and is characterized by at least one glomerulus with segmental or global collapse and overlying podocyte hypertrophy and hyperplasia. Viruses can act as aetiological agents of secondary FSGS. This study aims to establish an aetiological link between dengue virus (DENV) infection and the collapsing variant of FSGS and to analyse possible influences of the apolipoprotein 1 (APOL1) gene risk alleles on the disease. METHODS: Biopsies and medical records were gathered from 700 patients of the Instituto de Nefropatologia, Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Screening for the collapsing variant of FSGS was performed and serological, immunohistochemical, tissue polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and genetic analysis were conducted. RESULTS: Eight patients were identified with positive DENV serology and negative serological and/or tissue markers for hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, Epstein-Barr virus, human immunodeficiency virus, cytomegalovirus and parvovirus B19. In PCR analysis, six patients had positive markers for DENV strain genetic material, one patient had positive markers for co-infection of Zika virus (ZIKV) and DENV and one patient had positive markers only for ZIKV infection. Six of the eight patients did not show risk alleles of the APOL1 gene. One patient had only one risk allele (G1) and the sample from another did not contain enough DNA for genetic analysis to be performed. CONCLUSIONS: This study provided strong evidence that DENV can infect renal tissue and possibly functions as a second hit to the development of the collapsing variant of FSGS. Nonetheless, this study also highlights the possible implication of ZIKV infection in FSGS and supports the argument that risk alleles of the APOL1 gene may not be implicated in the susceptibility to FSGS in these patients.

Anatomical study of length and branching pattern of main trunk of the left coronary artery.

The left coronary artery is responsible for the irrigation of important heart structures. The objective of this study was to analyze the morphological characteristics of the main trunk of left coronary artery in the Brazilian population and its clinical implications. The study was carried out by using 63 adult human hearts of the human anatomy laboratory of the Federal university of Ceará, Brazil. The hearts were dissected for exposure and analysis of the left coronary artery and its branches. The data collected were statistically analyzed. The main trunk arose from the left aortic sinus under the left atrial auricle in all the 63 hearts. The mean length of the main trunk was 8.53±4.03mm. According to the criteria for the classification of the main trunk length, about 78% were medium-sized. The majority of the hearts (52.38%) showed trifurcation of the main trunk. Anova test followed by the Tukey's post hoc test showed that the main trunk length of hearts with trifurcation was significantly longer when compared with hearts with bifurcation (9.77±4.31mm vs. 6.44±3.01mm; P=0.0029). Similar findings were observed in the main trunk length of the hearts with tetrafurcation in comparison with hearts with bifurcation (10.78±1.4mm vs. 6.44±3.01mm; P=0.0387). This study showed that there is a correlation between the branching pattern and the length of the main trunk. Additionally, we showed that the most common branching pattern of the main trunk is the trifurcation, differing from other Brazilian studies and providing additional information to professionals of cardiology, cardiovascular surgery, and radiology.

Evidence for a role of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 in proteinuria of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome.

Introduction: Renin angiotensin system (RAS) plays a role in idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS). Most studies investigated only the classical RAS axis. Therefore, the aims of the present study were to evaluate urinary levels of RAS molecules related to classical and to counter-regulatory axes in pediatric patients with INS, to compare the measurements with levels in healthy controls and to search for associations with inflammatory molecules, proteinuria and disease treatment. Subjects and methods: This cross-sectional study included 31 patients with INS and 19 healthy controls, matched for age and sex. Patients and controls were submitted to urine collection for measurement of RAS molecules [Ang II, Ang-(1-7), ACE and ACE2] by enzyme immunoassay and cytokines by Cytometric Bead Array. Findings in INS patients were compared according to proteinuria: absent (<150 mg/dl, n = 15) and present (≥150 mg/dl, n = 16). Results: In comparison to controls, INS patients had increased Ang II, Ang-(1-7) and ACE, levels while ACE2 was reduced. INS patients with proteinuria had lower levels of ACE2 than those without proteinuria. ACE2 levels were negatively correlated with 24-h-proteinuria. Urinary concentrations of MCP-1/CCL2 were significantly higher in INS patients, positively correlated with Ang II and negatively with Ang-(1-7). ACE2 concentrations were negatively correlated with IP-10/CXCL-10 levels, which, in turn, were positively correlated with 24-h-proteinuria. Conclusion: INS patients exhibited changes in RAS molecules and in chemokines. Proteinuria was associated with low levels of ACE2 and high levels of inflammatory molecules.