Assessment of Brazil's vesicular syndrome surveillance system: Profile of notifications and performance of the official veterinary service.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is an ailment that causes serious damage to the productive chain, and its control through vaccination is of utmost importance for its eradication. Brazil initiated the National Foot-and-Mouth Disease Surveillance Program (PNEFA) with the aim of making the country FMD-free by 2026. As part of the program, notifications of vesicular lesions became mandatory for the Official Veterinary Service (OVS), which is responsible for verifying them. Due to its size, border areas with countries that do not have FMD-free status pose a risk to Brazil and require greater attention. This study described the profile of notifications of suspected outbreaks of vesicular syndrome in Brazil and analyzed the performance of the surveillance system. The results showed 7134 registered notifications of suspected vesicular syndrome outbreaks from 2018 to 2022, with 2022 having the highest number (n = 2343 or 32.85 %). The species that generated the most notifications were swine (90.99 %), cattle and buffaloes (7.54 %), goats and sheep (1.44 %), and others (0.03 %). The sources of notification were "Veterinary medicine professionals" (61.82 %), "Owners or employees" (13.66 %), "Third parties" (8.90 %), "OVS" (7.20 %), and "others" (2.66 %). 41.69 % of notifications originated from non-border municipalities, and 58.32 % from border areas. Only the state of Paraná account for 51.73 % of the total notifications. This state also accounted for 66.70 % of the 32.47 % of notifications with a final diagnosis of "absence of clinically compatible signs or susceptible animals", indicating a certain lack of knowledge in the area, leading to unnecessary notifications and system overload. The performance of the OVS was evaluated based on the service response time from notification registration trough Logistic and Negative binomial regressions. A total of 27.83 % of notifications did not meet the Brazilian legally specified time, and the zone related to the state of Parana needs improvements in performance. The presence and peaks of Senecavirus A cases may have influenced an increased number of swine notifications and led to a decrease in OVS response time. The results demonstrate better performance of surveillance in border areas. Given the vast territory of Brazil, it is not expected that 100 % of responses occur within the legal timeframe, however, the performance of the surveillance system proved to be adequate, with 86 % complied to the legislation. The performance indicators could be used as a monitoring tool, along with indicators to demonstrate system overload. Continued education actions are crucial for strengthening PNEFA.

Realities, perceptions, and strategies for implementation of an ethical population management program for dogs and cats on university campuses.

Stray dogs and cats pose significant challenges for public health and animal welfare due to their potential involvement in zoonotic disease transmission, accidents, and aggressions. Large urban centers exacerbated challenges due to the presence of these animals in public areas with high human density. Ethical Population Management Programs (EPMP), rooted in the One Health approach, are crucial for addressing this issue comprehensively. This study aimed to demonstrate the approach on cats and dogs EPMP and evaluate the perceptions of academic community regarding EPMP implementation on a campus situated in urban territory. The study was conducted at the Pampulha campus of UFMG in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. In response to issues of animal abandonment and conflicts, the Permanent Commission for Animal Policies (CPPA-UFMG) was established in 2019 to manage the campus's dog, cat, and wildlife populations. The commission implemented the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) method, along with health assessments and vaccinations for animals. Interviews were conducted with campus staff to gauge their perception of animal management strategies. Retrospective and prospective analyses of the commission's actions were carried out to assess implementation processes and challenges. The animal population survey conducted on campus between July 2018 and September 2021 revealed a total of 266 animals recorded. Among these animals, 195 were cats (73.3%) and 71 were dogs (26.7%), with the majority being adults. Subsequent surveys in 2019 and 2021 showed a slight increase in the animal population, with measures such as sterilization contributing to population control. Perception analysis among campus users indicated strategies such as TNR were widely endorsed for population control. The employees perception questionnaire was applied to 115 individuals, representing 42 units/departments and five gates. Associations were found between these beliefs and support for institutional actions. The majority favored sterilization (92.17%) and agreed that TNR is an appropriate approach to population control. Overall, the study reflects a community concerned about animal welfare and supportive of measures to address population management and cruelty prevention. The continuous efforts of the university's CPPA have led to stability in the resident animal population, indicating success in achieving population control objectives.

The Flavonol Quercitrin Hinders GSK3 Activity and Potentiates the Wnt/ß-Catenin Signaling Pathway.

The Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway dictates cell proliferation and differentiation during embryonic development and tissue homeostasis. Its deregulation is associated with many pathological conditions, including neurodegenerative disease, frequently downregulated. The lack of efficient treatment for these diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), makes Wnt signaling an attractive target for therapies. Interestingly, novel Wnt signaling activating compounds are less frequently described than inhibitors, turning the quest for novel positive modulators even more appealing. In that sense, natural compounds are an outstanding source of potential drug leads. Here, we combine different experimental models, cell-based approaches, neuronal culture assays, and rodent behavior tests with Xenopus laevis phenotypic analysis to characterize quercitrin, a natural compound, as a novel Wnt signaling potentiator. We find that quercitrin potentiates the signaling in a concentration-dependent manner and increases the occurrence of the Xenopus secondary axis phenotype mediated by Xwnt8 injection. Using a GSK3 biosensor, we describe that quercitrin impairs GSK3 activity and increases phosphorylated GSK3ß S9 levels. Treatment with XAV939, an inhibitor downstream of GSK3, impairs the quercitrin-mediated effect. Next, we show that quercitrin potentiates the Wnt3a-synaptogenic effect in hippocampal neurons in culture, which is blocked by XAV939. Quercitrin treatment also rescues the hippocampal synapse loss induced by intracerebroventricular injection of amyloid-ß oligomers (AßO) in mice. Finally, quercitrin rescues AßO-mediated memory impairment, which is prevented by XAV939. Thus, our study uncovers a novel function for quercitrin as a Wnt/ß-catenin signaling potentiator, describes its mechanism of action, and opens new avenues for AD treatments.

Effect of Delayed Graft Function on the Outcome and Allograft Survival of Kidney Transplanted Patients from a Deceased Donor.

BACKGROUND: In kidney transplantation (KT), delayed graft function (DGF) is a significant early complication observed in the first week. The study aimed to investigate the impact of DGF on the outcome, allograft, and patient survival after KT with organs from deceased donors. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted using 304 KT patients who received an organ from deceased donors from 2008 to 2018. The patients were divided into 2 groups, DGF positive (DGF+) and DGF negative (DGF-). The database containing the clinical, laboratory, and immunologic information of donors and recipients was statistically analyzed using the SSPS program. RESULTS: In this study, 189 (62.17%) were DGF+ and 115 (37.83%) were DGF-. Until 6 months after KT, the estimate glomerular filtration rate was better in group DGF-, but it was similar between the groups during 10-year follow-up. Graft losses were higher in DGF+ group than in the DGF- (P = .046). The serum creatinine level was persistently higher in DGF+ group until the sixth month (P ≤ .05). Allograft survival rates were better in patients who were DGF- (P = .033). Those who had DGF for more than 15 days had a worse graft survival (P = .003), but in 10 year follow-up, patient survival rates were similar (P = .705). CONCLUSION: DGF+ patients were associated with dialysis time before KT, ischemia time, and the donors' clinical status, such as age, organ quality, and serum creatinine. All these factors had a great impact on graft survival but not on patient survival.

Establishing embryonic territories in the context of Wnt signaling.

This review highlights the work that my research group has been developing, together with international collaborators, during the last decade. Since we were able to establish the Xenopus laevis experimental model in Brazil, we have been focused on understanding early embryonic patterns regarding neural induction and axes establishment. In this context, the Wnt pathway appears as a major player and has been much explored by us and other research groups. Here, we chose to review three published works which we consider to be landmarks within the course of our research and also within the history of modern findings regarding neural induction and patterning. We intend to show how our series of discoveries, when painted together, tells a story that covers crucial developmental windows of early differentiation paths of anterior neural tissue: 1. establishing the head organizer in contrast to the trunk organizer in the early gastrula; 2. deciding between neural ectoderm and epidermis ectoderm at the blastula/gastrula stages, and 3. the gathering of prechordal unique properties in the late gastrula/early neurula.

Prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade em idosas frequentadoras da Universidade Aberta da Terceira Idade ­ UATI / Prevalence of overweight and obesity in elderly people attending the Open University of the Elderly ­ UATI

Introdução: este artigo trata-se da prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade em idosas frequentadoras da Universidade Aberta da Terceira Idade. Objetivo: avaliar as prevalências de sobrepeso e de obesidade associadas a fatores socioeconômicos e presença de comorbidades, em uma amostra de idosas não institucionalizadas de Salvador-BA, Brasil. Metodologia: um estudo transversal com uma amostra de 72 idosas com mais de 60 anos frequentadoras da Universidade Aberta da Terceira Idade (UATI) vinculada a Universidade Estadual da Bahia (UNEB). Foram aplicados questionários as participantes sobre aspectos pessoais, sócio-demográficos e presença de comorbidades. Resultados: os dados antropométricos avaliados foram o Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC) e da Circunferência da Cintura (CC). Associações entre as variáveis categóricas foram testadas utilizando o teste qui-quadrado com um nível de significância 5%. Observou-se que prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade de acordo com o IMC foi de 34,48% e 24,14%, respectivamente e 86,54% dos idosos apresentaram um substancial aumento da circunferência abdominal. Verificou-se que 13,46% dos indivíduos eram diabéticos, 63,46% hipertensos. Conclusão: neste estudo não houve associação com significância estatística entre excesso de peso e renda ou presença de comorbidades (Diabete Melito e Hipertensão).

Introduction: the aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of overweight and obesity associated with socioeconomic factors and the presence of comorbidities, in a sample of non-institutionalized elderly women from Salvador-BA, Brazil. Metodology: crosssectional study was carried out with a sample of 72 elderly women over 60 years of age attending the Open University of the Third Age (UATI) linked to the State University of Bahia (UNEB). Questionnaires were applied to participants on personal, socio-demographic and presence of comorbidities. Results: the anthropometric data evaluated were the body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). Associations between categorical variables were tested using the chi-square test with a 5% significance level. It was observed that the prevalence of overweight and obesity according to the BMI was high (34.48% and 24.14%, respectively) and 86.54% of the elderly showed a substantial increase in waist circumference. It was found that 13.46% of the individuals were diabetic, 63.46% were hypertensive. Conclusion: It was observed that BMI was not significantly associated (p <0.05) with income or the presence of comorbidities (Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension).

The Chalcone Lonchocarpin Inhibits Wnt/ß-Catenin Signaling and Suppresses Colorectal Cancer Proliferation.

The deregulation of the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway is a central event in colorectal cancer progression, thus a promising target for drug development. Many natural compounds, such as flavonoids, have been described as Wnt/ß-catenin inhibitors and consequently modulate important biological processes like inflammation, redox balance, cancer promotion and progress, as well as cancer cell death. In this context, we identified the chalcone lonchocarpin isolated from Lonchocarpus sericeus as a Wnt/ß-catenin pathway inhibitor, both in vitro and in vivo. Lonchocarpin impairs ß-catenin nuclear localization and also inhibits the constitutively active form of TCF4, dnTCF4-VP16. Xenopus laevis embryology assays suggest that lonchocarpin acts at the transcriptional level. Additionally, we described lonchocarpin inhibitory effects on cell migration and cell proliferation on HCT116, SW480, and DLD-1 colorectal cancer cell lines, without any detectable effects on the non-tumoral intestinal cell line IEC-6. Moreover, lonchocarpin reduces tumor proliferation on the colorectal cancer AOM/DSS mice model. Taken together, our results support lonchocarpin as a novel Wnt/ß-catenin inhibitor compound that impairs colorectal cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo.

Advances in the use of Xenopus for successful drug screening.

INTRODUCTION: Understanding embryogenesis currently relies largely on the control of gene expression via several signaling pathways. Many of the embryonic signaling pathways guiding embryological events are implicated in diseases that lack effective cure or treatment. Because of the large number and size of the eggs, the rapid development of the embryos and the fact they are amenable to pharmacological, surgical and genetic techniques, Xenopus laevis has been successfully used in searching for compounds that target embryonic signaling pathways. Areas covered: Here, the authors address the use of amphibian eggs/embryos in successful chemical screenings; egg extracts as well as embryo phenotypes have been assayed to reveal drug toxicology effects and novel compounds acting in the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway. They do not discuss the use of Xenopus oocyte two-electrode voltage clamps or genome editing tools as approaches for drug discovery because they have been discussed elsewhere. Expert opinion: While high-throughput screening is commonly performed in egg extracts, the embryo axes perturbation system is more suited to the refinement and/or the validation of drug discovery targeting embryonic signaling (particularly the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway). In addition, Xenopus has also been used in FETAX (frog embryo teratogenesis assay: Xenopus) to address chemical toxic/teratogenic effects. However, further studies are necessary.

Cholesterol-rich membrane microdomains modulate Wnt/ß-catenin morphogen gradient during Xenopus development.

Wnt/ß-catenin has been described as crucial for dorsal-ventral and antero-posterior patterning, playing multiple roles at different stages of development. Cholesterol-rich membrane microdomains (CRMMs), cholesterol- and sphingolipid-enriched domains of the plasma membrane, are known as platforms for signaling pathways. Although we have demonstrated the importance of the CRMMs for head development, how they participate in prechordal plate formation and embryo axis patterning remains an open question. Moreover, the participation of the CRMMs in the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway activity in vivo is unclear, particularly during embryonic development. In this study, we demonstrated that CRMMs disruption by methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MßCD) potentiates the activation of the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo during embryonic development, causing head defects by expanding the Wnt expression domain. Furthermore, we also found that the action of CRMMs depends on the microenvironmental context because it also works in conjunction with dkk1, when dkk1 is overexpressed. Thus, we propose CRMMs as a further mechanism of prechordal plate protection against the Wnt signals secreted by posterolateral cells, complementing the action of secreted antagonists.

Modelo calgary na avaliaçãoestrutural, desenvolvimental e funcionalda família de mulheres mastectomizadas após câncer de mama / Use of the calgary family assessment model instructural, developmental and functional assessment of the family of mastectomized women with breast cancer / Modelo calgary en la evaluación estructural, de desarrollo y funcional de la familia de mujeres mastectomizadas pos cáncer de mama

Objetivou-se avaliar a estrutura, o desenvolvimento e a funcionalidade da família de mulheres com câncer de mama submetidas à mastectomia. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo em que foi utilizado como referencial teórico o Modelo Calgary de avaliação familiar e como estratégia metodológica o estudo de caso. Os dados foram coletados junto a duas famílias, no período de maio a setembro de 2014, por meio de instrumento pré-elaborado. Verificou-se que uma família era nuclear, formada pelo casal e suas três filhas, a outra família era estendida, constituída por duas irmãs, ambas mastectomizadas e seus respectivos filhos. A aplicação do modelo de avaliação familiar permitiu conhecer aspectos relacionados à estrutura, ao funcionamento e ao desenvolvimento das duas famílias, que interferem, dificultam ou favorecem o desenvolvimento do cuidado no cotidiano. Conclui-se que este estudo possibilitou a realização da abordagem familiar que pode interferir, dificultar ou favorecer o desenvolvimento do cuidado no dia-a-dia (AU).

The present study aimed to assess the structure, development and functionality of the family of women with breast cancer who underwent mastectomy. It is a qualitative study based on the Calgary Family Assessment Model and case study methodology was used. The data were collected from two families in May­September 2014, through a previously designed instrument. One of the families was a nuclear family formed by the biological parents and their three daughters, and the other family was extended, consisting of two sisters, both mastectomized, and their respective children. The use of the family assessment model provided knowledge on aspects related to the structure, functioning and development of the two families that interfere, impair or favor the adequate provision of daily care.In conclusion, this study made it possible to use a family assessment model that can interfere, impair or favor the adequate provision of daily care to the patients (AU).

El objetivo fue evaluar la estructura, el desarrollo y la funcionalidad de la familia de mujeres con cáncer de mama sometidas a la mastectomía. Es un estudio cualitativo en que fue utilizado como referencial teórico el Modelo Calgary de evaluación familiar y como estrategia metodológica el estudio de caso. Los datos fueron obtenidos con dos familias, en el periodo de mayo a septiembre de 2014, por medio de instrumento preelaborado. Se ha verificado que una familia era nuclear, formada por la pareja y sus tres hijas, la otra familia era ampliada, constituida por dos hermanas, ambas mastectomizadas y sus respectivos hijos. La aplicación del modelo de evaluación familiar permitió conocer aspectos relacionados a la estructura, al funcionamiento y al desarrollo de las dos familias, los cuales interfieren, dificultan o favorecen el desarrollo del cuidado en el cotidiano. Se concluye que este estudio posibilitó la realización del abordaje familiar que puede interferir, dificultar o favorecer el desarrollo del cuidado en el día a día (AU).

A Study of a Geographical Cluster of Huntington's Disease in a Brazilian Town of Zona da Mata, Minas Gerais State.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Our aim was to investigate a geographical cluster of Huntington's disease (HD) in Ervalia, a Brazilian town of Minas Gerais state (MG). Therefore, we calculated the minimum prevalence of HD in Ervalia, known to have many HD affected families. We also determined the genetic profile of the polymorphic CAG region of the HTT gene in 32 subjects of these affected families. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed, starting in January 2011 until June 2013. Individuals who participated in the survey were all from Ervalia town, MG. RESULTS: The minimum prevalence rate found was 7.2/10,000 people, higher than the worldwide prevalence. CONCLUSION: The minimum prevalence of HD in Ervalia was at least 10.3- to 14.4-fold greater than that of the world population, although it does not represent the overall prevalence of the disease in Brazil. Certainly an expanded survey in the country will lead to a lower prevalence estimate than Ervalia's.

Iodine nutritional status in Brazil: a meta-analysis of all studies performed in the country pinpoints to an insufficient evaluation and heterogeneity.

OBJECTIVES: Iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) is the result of an inadequate dietary intake of iodine, which physiological consequences are endemic goiter and thyroid dysfunction. The objective of this study was to a analyze studies that assessed the status of Brazil's population iodine nutrition and IDD prevalence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Systematic review using PRISMA statement. Electronic database: PubMed, Medline, SciELO and Lilacs. Quality of studies: Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Meta-analysis was carried out with R Core Team Statistical Software, version 3.1.0 (2014). The summary measure (WMD) and its confidence interval (CI) of 95% were calculated. The "Funnel plot" graph assessed publication bias and heterogeneity. RESULTS: Seventeen papers were eligible: pregnant women (2), school children (9), adults/elderly (4) and preschool children/infants (2). Geographic distribution: North (1), Northeast (1), Midwest (2), Southeast (13), South (3). Twenty-three thousand two hundred seventy-two subjects were evaluated between 1997 and 2013 and all have use urinary iodine (UI) measurement. However, only 7 studies could be included in meta-analysis, all from Southeast region. The overall prevalence of IDD in school children in southeast region was 15.3% (95% CI, 13-35%), however this data had an important heterogeneity, expressed by the I2 Statistic of 99.5%. CONCLUSION: Only few studies have been performed and enrolled populations from south/southeast region of Brazil. The actual IDD prevalence analysis is complex because it was detected bias due influence of individual studies and very high heterogeneity. IDD might still be high in some areas but this remained unknown even after this meta-analysis evaluation. The generation of a national program for analysis of iodine status in all regions is urgently required.

Iodine nutritional status in Brazil: a meta-analysis of all studies performed in the country pinpoints to an insufficient evaluation and heterogeneity

Objectives Iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) is the result of an inadequate dietary intake of iodine, which physiological consequences are endemic goiter and thyroid dysfunction. The objective of this study was to a analyze studies that assessed the status of Brazil’s population iodine nutrition and IDD prevalence. Materials and methods Systematic review using PRISMA statement. Electronic database: PubMed, Medline, SciELO and Lilacs. Quality of studies: Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Meta-analysis was carried out with R Core Team Statistical Software, version 3.1.0 (2014). The summary measure (WMD) and its confidence interval (CI) of 95% were calculated. The “Funnel plot” graph assessed publication bias and heterogeneity. Results Seventeen papers were eligible: pregnant women (2), school children (9), adults/elderly (4) and preschool children/infants (2). Geographic distribution: North (1), Northeast (1), Midwest (2), Southeast (13), South (3). Twenty-three thousand two hundred seventy-two subjects were evaluated between 1997 and 2013 and all have use urinary iodine (UI) measurement. However, only 7 studies could be included in meta-analysis, all from Southeast region. The overall prevalence of IDD in school children in southeast region was 15.3% (95% CI, 13-35%), however this data had an important heterogeneity, expressed by the I2 Statistic of 99.5%. Conclusion Only few studies have been performed and enrolled populations from south/southeast region of Brazil. The actual IDD prevalence analysis is complex because it was detected bias due influence of individual studies and very high heterogeneity. IDD might still be high in some areas but this remained unknown even after this meta-analysis evaluation. The generation of a national program for analysis of iodine status in all regions is urgently required. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2015;59(1):13-22 .