Can habits and behaviors predict colonization by community-associated MRSA in patients admitted to a Brazilian hospital?

This study aimed to identify factors associated with colonization by community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) in adult patients admitted to a Brazilian hospital. This is a cross-sectional study, in which patients underwent a nasal swab and were asked about hygiene behavior, habits, and clinical history. Among the 702 patients, 180 (25.6%) had S. aureus and 21 (2.9%) MRSA. The factors associated with MRSA colonization were attending a gym (OR 4.71; 95% CI; 1.42 - 15.06), smoking habit in the last year (OR 2.37; 95% CI; 0.88 - 6.38), previous hospitalization (OR 2.18; CI 95%; 0.89 - 5.25), and shared personal hygiene items (OR 1.99; 95% CI; 0.71 - 5.55). At the time of admission, colonization by CA-MRSA isolates was higher than that found in the general population. This can be an important public health problem, already endemic in hospitals, whose factors such as those associated with habits (smoking cigarettes) and behaviors (team sports practice and activities in gyms) have been strongly highlighted. These findings may help developing infection control policies, allowing targeting patients on higher-risk populations for MRSA colonization.

Atopic dermatitis pediatric patients show high rates of nasal and intestinal colonization by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) patients have high rates of colonization by Staphylococcus aureus, which has been associated with worsening of the disease. This study characterized Staphylococcus spp isolates recovered from nares and feces of pediatric patients with AD in relation to antimicrobial susceptibility, staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) type, presence of pvl genes and clonality. Besides, gut bacterial community profiles were compared with those of children without AD. RESULTS: All 55 AD patients evaluated had colonization by Staphylococcus spp. Fifty-three (96.4%) patients had colonization in both clinical sites, whereas one patient each was not colonize in the nares or gut. Staphylococcus aureus was identified in the nostrils and feces of 45 (81.8%) and 39 (70.9%) patients, respectively. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus spp. isolates were found in 70.9% of the patients, and 24 (43.6%) had methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). S. aureus (55.6%) and S. epidermidis (26.5%) were the major species found. The prevalent lineages of S. aureus were USA800/SCCmecIV (47.6%) and USA1100/SCCmecIV (21.4%), and 61.9% of the evaluated patients had the same genotype in both sites. Additionally, gut bacterial profile of AD patients exhibits greater dissimilarity from the control group than it does among varying severities of AD. CONCLUSIONS: High rates of nasal and intestinal colonization by S. aureus and methicillin-resistant staphylococci isolates were found in AD patients. Besides, gut bacterial profiles of AD patients were distinctly different from those of the control group, emphasizing the importance of monitoring S. aureus colonization and gut microbiome composition in AD patients.

Mitochondria dysfunction induced by decyl-TPP mitochondriotropic antioxidant based on caffeic acid AntiOxCIN6 sensitizes cisplatin lung anticancer therapy due to a remodeling of energy metabolism.

The pharmacological interest in mitochondria is very relevant since these crucial organelles are involved in the pathogenesis of multiple diseases, such as cancer. In order to modulate cellular redox/oxidative balance and enhance mitochondrial function, numerous polyphenolic derivatives targeting mitochondria have been developed. Still, due to the drug resistance emergence in several cancer therapies, significant efforts are being made to develop drugs that combine the induction of mitochondrial metabolic reprogramming with the ability to generate reactive oxygen species, taking into consideration the varying metabolic profiles of different cell types. We previously developed a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant (AntiOxCIN6) by linking caffeic acid to lipophilic triphenylphosphonium cation through a 10-carbon aliphatic chain. The antioxidant activity of AntiOxCIN6 has been documented but how the mitochondriotropic compound impact energy metabolism of both normal and cancer cells remains unknown. We demonstrated that AntiOxCIN6 increased antioxidant defense system in HepG2 cells, although ROS clearance was ineffective. Consequently, AntiOxCIN6 significantly decreased mitochondrial function and morphology, culminating in a decreased capacity in complex I-driven ATP production without affecting cell viability. These alterations were accompanied by an increase in glycolytic fluxes. Additionally, we demonstrate that AntiOxCIN6 sensitized A549 adenocarcinoma cells for CIS-induced apoptotic cell death, while AntiOxCIN6 appears to cause metabolic changes or a redox pre-conditioning on lung MRC-5 fibroblasts, conferring protection against cisplatin. We propose that length and hydrophobicity of the C10-TPP+ alkyl linker play a significant role in inducing mitochondrial and cellular toxicity, while the presence of the antioxidant caffeic acid appears to be responsible for activating cytoprotective pathways.

Non­synonymous polymorphisms in the HRC and ADRB1 genes may be associated with all­cause death in patients with non­ischemic heart failure.

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is an unpredictable and common mode of death in patients with heart failure (HF). Alterations in calcium handling may lead to malignant arrhythmias, resulting in SCD, and variants in calcium signaling-related genes have a significant association with SCD. Therefore, the aim of the present retrospective cohort study was to investigate the association of Ser96Ala [histidine-rich calcium-binding protein (HRC)], Ser49Gly [ß1-adrenergic receptor (ADRB1)], Arg389Gly (ADRB1) and Gly1886Ser [ryanodine receptor 2 (RYR2)] polymorphisms with serious arrhythmic events and overall mortality in patients with HF with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction of non-ischemic etiology. In total, 136 patients with HF underwent physical examination, routine laboratory tests, non-invasive assessment of cardiac function and an invasive electrophysiological study. The primary outcome was the occurrence of serious arrhythmic events, set as either SCD or appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy, and the secondary outcome was all-cause death. During a median follow-up of 37 months, arrhythmic events occurred in 26 patients (19%) and 41 patients (30%) died. Patients carrying the Ser allele of the Ser96Ala polymorphism in HRC had worse survival than those with the Ala/Ala genotype (log-rank P=0.043). Despite the difference in survival time, the Ala/Ala genotype was not associated with all-cause death in the regression analysis [unadjusted hazard ratio (HR)=0.17; 95% CI, 0.02-1.21]. Regarding the Ser49Gly and Arg389Gly polymorphisms in ADRB1, homozygosity for the major alleles at both sites (Ser49Ser and Arg389Arg) was associated with a two-fold increased risk of all-cause death compared with the other genotype combinations (unadjusted HR=1.98; 95% CI, 1.02-3.82). However, this association was lost after controlling for clinical covariates. No association was observed for the Gly1886Ser polymorphism in RYR2. Overall, the present findings are concurrent with the hypothesis that the Ser96Ala (HRC), Ser49Gly (ADRB1) and Arg389Gly (ADRB1) polymorphisms may be associated with HF prognosis. In particular, the Ser96Ala polymorphism might aid in risk stratification and patient selection for ICD implantation.

A experiência da escrita para uma construção cartográfica: caderno digital itinerante como dispositivo / The writing experience for a cartographic construction: itinerant digital notebook as a device / La experiencia de escritura para una construcción cartográfica: el cuaderno digital itinerante como dispositivo

O objetivo deste trabalho foi discutir acerca da utilização de um dispositivo de pesquisa: o caderno digital itinerante, a partir do qual foi possível promover a construção conjunta de uma pesquisa, partindo do método cartográfico. A pesquisa de campo que deu origem a esta reflexão metodológica teve por objetivo principal cartografar experiências sapatão na cidade, por meio da construção conjunta de um caderno digital itinerante no qual as participantes, juntamente com a pesquisadora, escreviam sobre suas experiências como mulheres lésbicas e/ou pessoas que se reconheciam enquanto sapatão. Tendo como um dos instrumentos a análise do diário de campo, produzido durante a pesquisa, foi possível discutir em profundidade o enfoque metodológico adotado e questionar a dicotomia pesquisadora-objeto, provocando algumas reflexões acerca da temática da participação e do desenvolvimento de pesquisas on-line, sobretudo no período pandêmico. Por fim, apostar na cartografia enquanto método de pesquisa com e não sobre permitiu a produção de uma pesquisadora sapatão que pudesse se ocupar da escuta, lendo sobre diferentes processos de subjetivação e, com isso, produzindo outros sentidos para seu objeto de pesquisa. (AU)

The aim of this study was to discuss the use of a research tool: the itinerant digital notebook, which facilitated the collaborative construction of research based on the cartographic method. The field research that gave rise to this methodological reflection aimed to map dyke experiences in the city through the collaborative construction of an itinerant digital notebook. In this note-book, participants, alongside the researcher, wrote about their experiences as lesbian women and/or individuals who identified as dykes. Using the analysis of the field diary produced during the research as one of the instruments, it was possible to deeply discuss the adopted methodological approach and question the researcher-object dichotomy, prompting reflections on the theme of participation and the development of online research, especially during the pandemic period. Ultimately, embracing cartography as a research method with, not on, participants allowed the production of a dyke researcher who could engage in listening, reading about different processes of subjectivation, and thereby generating alternative meanings for her object of study. (AU)

El objetivo de este trabajo fue discutir el uso de un dispositivo de investigación: el cuaderno digital itinerante, a partir del cual fue posible promover la cons-trucción conjunta de una investigación, a partir del método cartográfico. La investigación de campo que dio origen a esta reflexión metodológica tuvo como objetivo principal mapear las experiencias lesbianas en la ciudad, a través de la construcción conjunta de un cuaderno digital itinerante en el que las parti-cipantes, junto con la investigadora, escribieron sobre sus experiencias como lesbianas y/o personas que se reconocían como bolleras/camioneras. Teniendo como uno de los instrumentos el análisis del diario de campo producido durante la investigación, fue posible discutir en profundidad el abordaje metodológico adoptado y cuestionar la dicotomía investigadora-objeto, provocando algunas reflexiones sobre el tema de la participación y el desarrollo de investigación, especialmente en el período de pandemia. Finalmente, apostar por la carto-grafía como método de investigación con participantes y no sobre las partici-pantes permitió producir una investigadora lesbiana que podía ocuparse de escuchar, leer sobre diferentes procesos de subjetivación y, con eso, producir otros significados para su objeto de investigación. (AU)

Conception rate and pregnancy loss in fixed-time cattle embryo transfer programs are related to the luteal blood perfusion but not to the corpus luteum size.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of luteal blood perfusion and corpus luteum (CL) area on the conception rate and occurrence of pregnancy loss of recipients in a large-scale fixed-time embryo transfer (FTET) program. Multiparous Brangus cows (n = 1700) at 45 days postpartum and body condition scores (BCS) between 2.5 and 4.0 (3.0 ± 0.3) were used in this study. On a random day of the estrous cycle (day -10), the females received progesterone and estradiol based on the FTET protocol. On day 7, 1465 recipients had at least one CL and were evaluated using B-mode ultrasound for the CL area (cm2) and color Doppler for the luteal blood perfusion score (I/low-vascularization area <40% of the CL; II/medium-vascularization >45% to < 50%; and III/high-vascularization >50%). Immediately after CL evaluation, each recipient received a single fresh embryo (blastocyst stage) ipsilateral to the CL, in vitro produced from a commercial laboratory. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed at 30 days and repeated 60 days later to evaluate pregnancy loss (30-90 days). Ultrasound evaluation and embryo transfer were performed by a single technician. For data analysis, in addition to luteal blood perfusion groups, recipients were retrospectively ranked according to CL area into small (<3 cm2; 2.63 ± 0.01), medium (>3 to < 4 cm2; 3.44 ± 0.01), and large (>4 cm2; 4.77 ± 0.03). Data were analyzed using a logistic regression model (P < 0.05). The overall conception rate was 44.2% (648/1465), influenced by the luteal blood perfusion score [P = 0.03; high 48.4%a (134/277), medium 44.6%a (427/958), and low 37.8%b (87/230)] but not by CL area ranking [P = 0.37; large 41.8% (225/538), medium 45.2% (276/610), and small 46.4% (147/317)]. There was no interaction between the luteal blood perfusion score and CL area ranking (P = 0.81), and the BCS did not affect the results of this study (P = 0.51). In terms of pregnancy loss up to 90 days, there was no effect on the CL area ranking (P = 0.77), but the flow score showed an effect [P = 0.03; high 3.6%b (5/139), medium 9.3%a (44/471), and low 10.3%a (10/97)]. The conception rate and occurrence of pregnancy loss in the FTET program in beef cattle are related to luteal blood perfusion but not CL size.

Investigation of possible relationship between atopic dermatitis and salivary biomarkers, stress, and sleep disorders.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing, multifactorial inflammatory disease with genetic, environmental, and immunological characteristics. The quality of life and sleep of patients and their families are affected by AD, which triggers stress, described as one of the factors that worsens AD. Salivary biomarkers such as cortisol, alpha-amylase, chromogranin A, and melatonin have been associated with stress and sleep disturbances. Therefore, the evaluation of stress and sleep disorders using salivary biomarkers in AD patients is important. This review aims to describe the possible relationship between atopic dermatitis and stress, sleep disorders, and salivary biomarkers, seeking to contribute to better understanding and clinical management of AD. This descriptive study is characterized as a narrative literature review. A literature search was conducted of studies published in English and Portuguese between January 2012 and October 2022 that are available in electronic media from various databases, such as Scientific Electronic Library Online, Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences, and PubMed. AD is associated with different degrees of impact on the lives of individuals who present with the disease. Psychological stress may induce changes in saliva composition and worsen AD; at the same time, the severity of the disease may be associated with emotional impact. Further studies are needed to assess and correlate AD severity, stress, and sleep disturbances with salivary biomarkers in order to better understand this association.

O relaxamento como técnica de redução da ansiedade da pessoa com doença mental: revisão integrativa da literatura / Relaxation as a technique to reduce the anxiety of people with mental illness: an integrative literature review / La relajación como técnica para reducir la ansiedad de las personas con enfermedad mental: una revisión integrativa de la literatura

Resumo Contexto: As perturbações da ansiedade estão entre as perturbações mentais mais prevalentes, caracterizando-se por uma resposta exagerada e desadequada a um estímulo. A probabilidade do seu aparecimento na pessoa com doença mental aumenta consideravelmente, quando comparado com a população em geral. Torna-se perentório a implementação de intervenções de âmbito psicoterapêutico que incluem a técnica de relaxamento. Objetivo: Sistematizar a evidência científica sobre os resultados obtidos com a utilização da técnica de relaxamento, na redução da ansiedade na pessoa com doença mental. Métodos: Revisão integrativa da literatura, através da pesquisa nas bases de dados eletrónicas (CINAHL e MEDLINE) realizada em junho de 2022. Sendo aplicado um conjunto de descritores e critérios de inclusão e exclusão, obteve-se uma amostra final de 7 estudos, publicados entre 2012-2022. Resultados: A evidência científica analisada demonstra resultados benéficos na utilização da técnica de relaxamento na redução da ansiedade e sintomas psicóticos na pessoa com doença mental, devendo ser implementada como intervenção de âmbito psicoterapêutico. Os avanços tecnológicos (realidade virtual e programas online) são um grande aliado para potencializar os seus efeitos imediatos, produzindo efeitos positivos na audição, visão e sensoriais, melhorando consideravelmente a experiência do relaxamento. Conclusões: Os resultados obtidos revelam que a implementação de diversos métodos de técnica de relaxamento (muscular, respiração, imaginação guiada, yoga, biofeedback, bodywareness e meditação guiada) apresentam um potencial terapêutico benéfico na redução imediata dos sinais e sintomas de ansiedade, sendo potencializado através da exposição contínua à intervenção. Contudo, os seus efeitos a longo prazo devem ser alvo de mais estudo.

Abstract Context: Anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent mental disorders, characterized by an exaggerated and inadequate response to a stimulus. The probability of its appearance in people with mental illness increases considerably when compared to the general population. It is imperative to implement psychotherapeutic interventions that include the relaxation technique. Objective: To systematize the scientific evidence on the results obtained with the use of the relaxation technique, in reducing anxiety in people with mental illness. Methods: Integrative literature review, through research in electronic databases (CINAHL and MEDLINE) carried out in June 2022. Applying a set of descriptors and inclusion and exclusion criteria, a final sample of 7 published studies was obtained between 2012-2022. Results: The analyzed scientific evidence demonstrates beneficial results in the use of the relaxation technique in reducing anxiety and psychotic symptoms in people with mental illness and should be implemented as a psychotherapeutic intervention. Technological advances (virtual reality and online programs) are a great ally to enhance their immediate effects, producing positive effects on hearing, vision and sensory, considerably improving the experience of relaxation. Conclusions: The results obtained reveal that the implementation of various methods of relaxation techniques (muscle, breathing, guided imagery, yoga, biofeedback, bodywareness and guided meditation) have a beneficial therapeutic potential in the immediate reduction of signs and symptoms of anxiety, being enhanced through continuous exposure to the intervention. However, its long-term effects need to be studied further.

Resumen Contexto: Los trastornos de ansiedad se encuentran entre los trastornos mentales más prevalentes, caracterizados por una respuesta exagerada e inadecuada a un estímulo. La probabilidad de su aparición en personas con enfermedad mental aumenta considerablemente en comparación con la población general. Es imperativo implementar intervenciones psicoterapéuticas que incluyan la técnica de relajación. Objetivo: Sistematizar la evidencia científica sobre los resultados obtenidos con el uso de la técnica de relajación, en la reducción de la ansiedad en personas con enfermedad mental. Métodos: Revisión integrativa de la literatura, mediante investigación en bases de datos electrónicas (CINAHL y MEDLINE) realizada en junio de 2022. Aplicando un conjunto de descriptores y criterios de inclusión y exclusión, se obtuvo una muestra final de 7 estudios publicados entre 2012-2022. Resultados: A evidencia científica analizada demuestra resultados beneficiosos en el uso de la técnica de relajación en la reducción de la ansiedad y los síntomas psicóticos en personas con enfermedad mental, y debería implementarse como una intervención psicoterapéutica. Los avances tecnológicos (realidad virtual y programas online) son un gran aliado para potenciar sus efectos inmediatos, produciendo efectos positivos en la audición, la visión y los sentidos, mejorando considerablemente la experiencia de relajación. Conclusiones: Los resultados muestran que la implementación de diversos métodos de técnicas de relajación (muscular, respiratoria, imaginería guiada, yoga, biofeedback, bodywareness y meditación guiada) tienen un potencial terapéutico beneficioso en la reducción inmediata de signos y síntomas de ansiedad, siendo potenciado a través de exposición continua a la intervención. Sin embargo, sus efectos a largo plazo deben estudiarse más a fondo.

Novel biochemical aspects of lugdulysin, a Staphylococcus lugdunensis metalloprotease that inhibits formation and disrupts protein biofilm of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Staphylococcus lugdunensis produces lugdulysin, a metalloprotease that may contribute to its virulence. This study aimed to evaluate the biochemical aspects of lugdulysin and investigate its effect on Staphylococcus aureus biofilms. The protease was isolated and characterized for its optimal pH and temperature, hydrolysis kinetics, and influence of metal cofactor supplementation. The protein structure was determined via homology modeling. The effect on S. aureus biofilms was assessed by the micromethod technique. The protease optimal pH and temperature were 7.0 and 37 °C, respectively. EDTA inhibited protease activity, confirming it as a metalloprotease. Lugdulysin activity was not recovered by divalent ion supplementation post-inhibition, and supplementation with divalent ions did not change enzymatic activity. The isolated enzyme was stable for up to 3 h. Lugdulysin significantly inhibited the formation and disrupted preestablished protein-matrix MRSA biofilm. This preliminary study indicates that lugdulysin has a potential role as a competition mechanism and/or modulation of staphylococcal biofilm.

Systemic infection caused by the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus USA300-LV lineage in a Brazilian child previously colonized.

The methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) USA300-Latin American variant (USA300-LV) lineage is well documented in northern Latin American countries. It has replaced established clones in hospital environments. We herein report a systemic infection caused by a USA300-LV isolate in a 15-year-old boy, from a low-income area of Rio de Janeiro, previously colonized by the same strain. During hospital stay, seven pvl-positive MRSA USA300-LV isolates were recovered by nasal swab, blood and abscess secretion. The patient underwent intravenous vancomycin, daptomycin, and oral sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, and was discharged after 45 days after full recovery. This is the first documented case of a community-acquired MRSA infection caused by the USA300-LV variant in Brazil in a previously colonized adolescent with no history of recent travel outside of Rio de Janeiro. The need for improved surveillance programs to detect MRSA colonization in order to control the spread of hypervirulent lineages among community and hospital settings is highlighted.

Síndrome de Burnout en estudiantes y profesionales de la Carrera de Terapia Ocupacional de la Universidad Central del Ecuador / Burnout syndrome in students and professionals of the Occupational Therapy Career of the Central University of Ecuador

Introducción: El síndrome de Burnout es un fenómeno muy común en los diferentes am-bientes de trabajo, pero estudios de prevalencia en profesionales y estudiantes de terapia ocupacional son limitados.Objetivo: Establecer la presencia de síndrome de Burnout en estudiantes y profesionales de los centros de práctica de la carrera de Terapia Ocupacional de la Universidad Central del Ecuador.Material y métodos: Diseño de estudio observacional, descriptivo, de corte transversal, en 177 estudiantes de la carrera de Terapia Ocupacional y 35 profesionales en el área que laboran en los centros de práctica vinculados a la práctica preprofesional. En cada suje-to se determinó agotamiento emocional, despersonalización y falta de realización personal mediante la Escala Maslach Burnout Inventory; la presencia de nivel alto en las subescalas agotamiento emocional y despersonalización y nivel bajo en realización personal define sín-drome de Burnout. Se calculó la prevalencia del síndrome en estudiantes y profesionales y la correlación con años de ejercicio laboral y sexo.Resultados: El 2.9 % (1/35) de los profesionales y 4.5 % (8/177) de estudiantes presentaron síndrome Burnout, el que se relacionó con las variables ambientales personales incluidas en la escala de Maslach. Del 45.83% al 82.14 % de estudiantes presentaron niveles bajos de cansancio emocional y despersonalización, mientras que, del 37.14 % al 52.94 %, presenta-ron niveles medios de realización personal.Conclusión: La prevalencia del síndrome de Burnout es baja en los profesionales y en los estudiantes de la carrera de Terapia Ocupacional que hacen prácticas preprofesionales en diferentes instituciones.

Introduction: Burnout syndrome is a very common phenomenon in different work environments; however, prevalence studies in occupational therapy professionals and students are limited.Objective: To establish the presence of Burnout syndrome in students and professionals at practice centers of the Occupational Therapy Career from Universidad Central del Ecuador.Material and methods: Cross-sectional, descriptive, observational study design in 177 stu-dents belonging to the Occupational Therapy Career and 35 professionals in the area who work in the practice centers linked to pre-professional practice. Emotional exhaustion, de-personalization and lack of personal fulfillment were determined in each subject using the Maslach Burnout Inventory Scale; the presence of a high level in the emotional exhaustion and depersonalization subscales and a low level of personal fulfillment defines Burnout syn-drome. The prevalence of Burnout syndrome in students and professionals and the correla-tion with years of work practice and gender were calculated.Results: 2.9% (1/35) of the professionals and 4.5% (8/177) of the students presented Bur-nout syndrome, which was related to the personal environmental variables included in the Maslach scale. From 45.83% to 82.14% of students presented low levels of emotional fati-gue and depersonalization; on the other hand, from 37.14% to 52.94% presented average levels of personal fulfillment.Conclusion: The prevalence of Burnout syndrome is low as in professionals as in students of the Occupational Therapy Career who do pre-professional practices in different institutions.

Clinical-epidemiological characterization of women who received post-exposure HIV prophylaxis in a public hospital in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul / Caracterização clínico-epidemiológica de mulheres que receberam a profilaxia pós-exposição ao HIV em um hospital público de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul

Introduction: Prevention strategies are key to combating the epidemic of infections such as HIV and syphilis. The epidemiological scenario of Porto Alegre/RS for these infections shows the need for greater efforts in the area of prevention, seeking to characterize both the population that uses these strategies and the services involved in the care of exposed people. Objective: This study aimed to characterize the clinical and epidemiological profile of patients who received post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to HIV treated in a public hospital in Porto Alegre/RS. Methods: This is a retrospective, research, descriptive study based on the Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines for PEP, updated in 2018 by the Ministry of Health. Prophylaxis request forms and medical records of patients treated were analyzed. Results: The population consisted of 87 women who received PEP from January to September 2019. There was a predominance of women aged between 20 and 29 years old (55.2%). The most frequent sexual exposure was consensual (69.0%) followed by sexual assault (31.0%). Porto Alegre was the place of residence of most patients (73.6%). The most frequently used therapeutic regimen was the combination of atazanavir, ritonavir, and tenofovir plus lamivudine. On the first visit, 8.0% of the patients showed reactive results for the treponemal syphilis test. Only 23.0% and 14.9% of patients returned for anti-HIV tests in the first and third months after exposure, respectively, and the results were non-reactive. Only 19 patients (21.8%) attended the consultations between 0 and 28 days after PEP. Conclusion: It was identified that a considerable percentage of women already had reactive serology for syphilis, most women did not return for follow-up within 28 and 90 days after the first consultation, more than half of the women were aged between 20 and 29 years old, and the most frequent sexual exposure was consensual. In this sense, efforts are needed, such as adequate counseling, adoption of interventions such as sending messages by cell phone, telephone calls, and preparation of educational materials, seeking to improve adherence to treatment and follow-up in the service, which is important given the scenario of epidemiology in Porto Alegre.Keywords: HIV. Sexually transmitted diseases. Post-exposure prophylaxis. Disease prevention

Introdução: Estratégias de prevenção são fundamentais para o combate à epidemia de infecções como o vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV) e sífilis. O cenário epidemiológico de Porto Alegre/RS para essas infecções mostra a necessidade de maiores esforços na área de prevenção, buscando caracterizar tanto a população que utiliza essas estratégias quanto os serviços envolvidos no atendimento das pessoas expostas. Objetivo: Caracterizar o perfil clínico-epidemiológico das pacientes que receberam a profilaxia pós-exposição (PEP) ao HIV atendidas em um hospital público de Porto Alegre/RS. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo, documental, descritivo e baseado no Protocolo Clínico e Diretrizes Terapêuticas para PEP, atualizado em 2021 pelo Ministério da Saúde. Foram analisados os formulários de solicitação da profilaxia e prontuários das pacientes atendidas. Resultados: A população foi composta de 87 mulheres que receberam a PEP no período de janeiro a setembro de 2019. Predominaram mulheres com idades entre 20 e 29 anos (55,2%). A exposição sexual mais frequente foi a consentida (69,0%), seguida pela violência sexual (31,0%). Porto Alegre foi o local de residência da maioria das pacientes (73,6%). O esquema terapêutico utilizado com maior frequência foi a combinação com atazanavir, ritonavir e tenofovir associado à lamivudina. No primeiro atendimento, 8,0% das pacientes demonstraram resultados reagentes para o teste treponêmico de sífilis. Retornaram para a realização dos testes anti-HIV no primeiro e terceiro mês após a exposição apenas 23,0 e 14,9% das pacientes, respectivamente, e os resultados foram não reagentes. Apenas 19 delas (21,8%) compareceram às consultas entre zero e 28 dias posteriores à PEP. Conclusão: Foi identificado que um percentual considerável de mulheres já apresentava sorologia reagente para sífilis, a maioria das mulheres não retornou para o seguimento no período de 28 e 90 dias após o primeiro atendimento, mais da metade delas tinha idade entre 20 e 29 anos e a exposição sexual mais frequente foi a consentida. Nesse sentido, são necessários esforços como aconselhamento adequado, adoção de intervenções como o envio de mensagens pelo celular, ligações telefônicas e elaboração de materiais educativos, buscando a melhoria da adesão ao tratamento e do acompanhamento no serviço, o que é importante diante do cenário epidemiológico de Porto Alegre.Palavras-chave: HIV. Infecções sexualmente transmissíveis. Profilaxia pós-exposição. Prevenção

Estimated intracranial pressure in glaucoma patients and its correlation with disease severity.

PURPOSE: To compare the intracranial pressure (ICP) and the translaminar pressure difference (TLPD) between primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients and non-glaucoma subjects and to assess the correlation between the ICP (and TLPD) and glaucoma severity. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. Patients with POAG and age-matched controls were included. ICP was calculated using proxy algorithm to attain indirect surrogate parameter values. Differences were compared between groups. The correlation between ICP (and TLPD) and both structural and functional variables was evaluated using linear and non-linear regression analysis and estimated with Pearson's correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Fifty patients with POAG and 25 normal controls were included. The mean estimated ICP was lower in POAG (10.9 ± 3.2 mmHg) as compared to controls (15.0 ± 3.7 mmHg, p < 0.001). The TLPD was higher in POAG (2.6 ± 4.1 mmHg) when compared to non-glaucoma (-0.3 ± 3.6 mmHg, p = 0.002). ICP displayed a negative correlation with cup-to-disk ratio (r = -0.566; 95% CI, -0.699 to -0.369, p'0.000) and a positive correlation with retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (r = 0.441; 95% CI, 0.230 to 0.612; p'0.000). There was a positive correlation between ICP and mean deviation (r = 0.280; 95% CI, 0.05 to 0.482, p = 0.017). CONCLUSION: Glaucoma patients presented lower ICP values; lower ICP values were associated with more advanced disease. These observations strengthen the role of ICP as a potential player on the glaucoma pathogeny.

Evolução temporal da via de parto e os fatores maternos associados no Brasil (2011-2021) / Temporal evolution of the way of delivery and associated maternal factors in Brazil (2011-2021) / Evolución temporal de la vía del parto y factores maternos asociados en Brasil (2011-2021)

O processo de parto é um evento fisiológico fundamental na vida reprodutiva das mulheres. No entanto, o parto cirúrgico tem se tornado cada vez mais comum, tanto no Brasil como em outros países, resultando em preocupações com a medicalização excessiva do parto. O estudo visa fornecer informações abrangentes sobre o tema, considerando diferentes regiões geográficas do Brasil. Trata-se de estudo é ecológico e retrospectivo, utilizando dados do Sistema de Informações sobre Nascidos Vivos (SINASC) disponíveis no Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde (DATASUS). Foram analisados dados de 2011 a 2021, com ênfase nas taxas de parto vaginal e cesariano, fatores sociodemográficos e obstétricos. Durante o período analisado, foram registrados 31.702.562 nascimentos no Brasil. Dos registros válidos, 43,9% foram partos vaginais e 56,1% foram cesarianos. Houve um aumento geral nas taxas de cesariana em todas as regiões brasileiras. A região Norte teve o maior percentual de partos vaginais (53,5%) e o menor de cesarianas (46,5%), enquanto as regiões Sul, Sudeste e Centro-Oeste apresentaram as maiores taxas de cesárea. O estudo revela um aumento nas taxas de cesariana ao longo da última década no Brasil, com diferenças regionais significativas. A prevalência de cesarianas nas regiões Sul, Sudeste e Centro-Oeste levanta preocupações sobre a medicalização do parto. Essas informações podem subsidiar ações de melhoria da qualidade da assistência ao parto e nascimento, com o objetivo de reduzir intervenções desnecessárias e promover melhores desfechos materno-fetais.

The childbirth process is a fundamental physiological event in the reproductive life of women. However, surgical delivery has become increasingly common, both in Brazil and in other countries, resulting in concerns about the excessive medicalization of childbirth. The study aims to provide comprehensive information on the subject, considering different geographic regions of Brazil. This is an ecological and retrospective study, using data from the Information System on Live Births (SINASC) available at the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System (DATASUS). Data from 2011 to 2021 were analyzed, with emphasis on vaginal and cesarean delivery rates, sociodemographic and obstetric factors. During the analyzed period, 31,702,562 births were registered in Brazil. Of the valid records, 43.9% were vaginal deliveries and 56.1% were cesarean sections. There was a general increase in cesarean section rates in all Brazilian regions. The North region had the highest percentage of vaginal deliveries (53.5%) and the lowest of cesarean sections (46.5%), while the South, Southeast and Midwest regions had the highest cesarean rates. The study reveals an increase in cesarean rates over the last decade in Brazil, with significant regional differences. The prevalence of cesarean sections in the South, Southeast and Midwest regions raises concerns about the medicalization of childbirth. This information can support actions to improve the quality of delivery and birth care, with the aim of reducing unnecessary interventions and promoting better maternal-fetal outcomes.

El proceso del parto es un evento fisiológico fundamental en la vida reproductiva de la mujer. Sin embargo, el parto quirúrgico se ha vuelto cada vez más común, tanto en Brasil como en otros países, lo que genera preocupaciones sobre la excesiva medicalización del parto. El estudio tiene como objetivo proporcionar información completa sobre el tema, considerando diferentes regiones geográficas de Brasil. Se trata de un estudio ecológico y retrospectivo, utilizando datos del Sistema de Información de Nacidos Vivos (SINASC) disponible en el Departamento de Informática del Sistema Único de Salud (DATASUS). Se analizaron datos de 2011 a 2021, con énfasis en las tasas de parto vaginal y por cesárea, factores sociodemográficos y obstétricos. Durante el período analizado, se registraron 31.702.562 nacimientos en Brasil. De los registros válidos, 43,9% fueron partos vaginales y 56,1% cesáreas. Hubo un aumento general en las tasas de cesáreas en todas las regiones brasileñas. La región Norte tuvo el porcentaje más alto de partos vaginales (53,5%) y el más bajo de cesáreas (46,5%), mientras que las regiones Sur, Sudeste y Centro-Oeste presentaron las tasas más altas de cesáreas. El estudio revela un aumento en las tasas de cesáreas durante la última década en Brasil, con diferencias regionales significativas. La prevalencia de cesáreas en las regiones Sur, Sudeste y Centro-Oeste plantea preocupaciones sobre la medicalización del parto. Esta información puede apoyar acciones para mejorar la calidad de la atención del parto y nacimiento, con el objetivo de reducir las intervenciones innecesarias y promover mejores resultados materno-fetales.

Implicações da prática profissional no acolhimento institucional de crianças: perspectiva de cuidadoras / Implications of professional practice in children's institutional sheltering: caregivers' perspective / Implicaciones de la práctica profesional en el alojamiento institucional de niños: perspectiva de cuidadoras

Este estudo qualitativo teve como objetivo compreender, a partir da teoria de bioecológica de desenvolvimento, as implicações da prática profissional no processo de acolhimento de crianças em uma casa-abrigo, na perspectiva de cuidadoras. As participantes foram 10 profissionais de uma casa-abrigo localizada na região sul do Brasil. Utilizou-se a entrevista semiestruturada e a organização e análise dos dados sustentou-se na Grounded Theory, com auxílio do software Atlas.ti 8.4.14. Os resultados evidenciaram uma centralização das ações de acolhimento e atenção em torno dos cuidados físicos das crianças. As ações para promover suporte e cuidados emocionais dentro da casa-abrigo eram delegadas às profissionais da equipe técnica da instituição. Observou-se que as dificuldades encontradas pelas cuidadoras diziam respeito à falta de segurança e preparação para responder e acolher as demandas emocionais das crianças, as quais estão presentes em diversos momentos do processo de acolhimento. Percebeu-se que as práticas institucionais afetaram decisivamente tanto as ações de acolhimento das participantes e o suporte emocional oferecido às crianças na passagem pela casa-abrigo quanto as cuidadoras, no sentido de vivenciarem no trabalho sentimentos de insegurança. Os resultados tensionam ecologicamente a interação nos processos proximais presentes no desenvolvimento humano. Advoga-se pela reflexão sobre as implicações das práticas institucionais de uma casa-abrigo e o desenvolvimento infantil, visando o cuidado integral dos acolhidos.(AU)

Based on the developmental bioecological theory, this study analyzes the implications of professional practice in children's user embracement at a shelter from the caregivers' perspective. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 professionals from a shelter located in southern Brazil. Data organization and analysis was performed based on Grounded Theory using the Atlas.ti 8.4.14 software. Results showed that embracement and attention focus on the physical care of children. Support and emotional care activities were delegated to the institution's technical team. Caregivers faced difficulties regarding the lack of security and preparation to respond to and accept the children's emotional demands, which arise at different moments in the embracement process. The institutional practices decisively affected both user embracement actions and the emotional support offered to the children, as well as the caregivers, in the sense of experiencing feelings of insecurity. These findings ecologically tension the interaction in the proximal processes present in human development. Further reflections on the implications of institutional shelter-based practices for child development are needed to provide comprehensive care.(AU)

Este estudio cualitativo tuvo como objetivo comprender, desde la perspectiva de la teoría bioecológica del desarrollo, las implicaciones de la práctica profesional en el proceso de acogida de niños en una institución infantil desde la perspectiva de las cuidadoras. Las participantes fueron 10 profesionales de una institución de acogida infantil ubicada en la región Sur de Brasil. Se utilizó la entrevista semiestructurada, y para la organización y análisis de datos se aplicó Grounded Theory, con el uso del software Atlas.ti 8.4.14. Los resultados mostraron que las acciones de recepción y atención se centran en el cuidado físico de los niños. Las acciones de promoción de apoyo y cuidado emocional dentro del alojamiento se asignaron a los profesionales del equipo técnico de la institución. Se observó que las dificultades encontradas por las cuidadoras estaban relacionadas con la falta de seguridad y preparación para responder y aceptar las demandas emocionales de los niños, las cuales se encuentran presentes en diferentes momentos del proceso de acogida. Se notó que las prácticas institucionales afectaron decisivamente tanto las acciones de acogida de las participantes como el apoyo emocional que la institución brinda a los niños durante su paso, así como a las cuidadoras en el sentido de experimentar sentimientos de inseguridad en el trabajo. Estos resultados tensan ecológicamente la interacción en los procesos proximales presentes en el desarrollo humano. Se aboga por reflexionar sobre las implicaciones de las prácticas institucionales en los alojamientos institucionales y el desarrollo infantil, apuntando a la atención integral de los acogidos.(AU)

Systemic infection caused by the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus USA300-LV lineage in a Brazilian child previously colonized

ABSTRACT The methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) USA300-Latin American variant (USA300-LV) lineage is well documented in northern Latin American countries. It has replaced established clones in hospital environments. We herein report a systemic infection caused by a USA300-LV isolate in a 15-year-old boy, from a low-income area of Rio de Janeiro, previously colonized by the same strain. During hospital stay, seven pvl-positive MRSA USA300-LV isolates were recovered by nasal swab, blood and abscess secretion. The patient underwent intravenous vancomycin, daptomycin, and oral sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, and was discharged after 45 days after full recovery. This is the first documented case of a community-acquired MRSA infection caused by the USA300-LV variant in Brazil in a previously colonized adolescent with no history of recent travel outside of Rio de Janeiro. The need for improved surveillance programs to detect MRSA colonization in order to control the spread of hypervirulent lineages among community and hospital settings is highlighted.

Methicillin-resistant and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus isolates from skin and nares of Brazilian children with atopic dermatitis demonstrate high level of clonal diversity.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) primarily affects the pediatric population, which is highly colonized by S. aureus. However, little is known about the genetic features of this microorganism and other staphylococcal species that colonize AD patients. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to characterize Staphylococcus spp. isolated from the nares and skin (with and without lesion) of 30 AD and 12 non-AD Brazilian children. METHODS: Skin and nasal swabs were cultured onto mannitol salt agar, and bacterial colonies were counted and identified by matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Antimicrobial susceptibility was evaluated by phenotypic and genotypic tests. In S. aureus isolates, Panton-Valentine leukocidin genes were detected by PCR, and their clonality was assessed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and multilocus sequence typing. RESULTS: S. aureus was more prevalent in the nares (P = 0.005) and lesional skin (P = 0.0002) of children with AD, while S. hominis was more frequent in the skin of non-AD children (P < 0.0001). All children in the study, except one from each group, were colonized by methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococcus and 24% by methicillin-resistant S. aureus. Despite the great clonal diversity of S. aureus (18 sequence types identified), most AD children (74.1%) were colonized by the same genotype in both niches. CONCLUSION: High colonization by polyclonal S. aureus isolates was found among children with AD, while S. hominis was more frequent among non-AD children. The high prevalence of methicillin-resistant staphylococcal isolates highlights the importance of continued surveillance, especially when considering empiric antibiotic therapy for the treatment of skin infections in these patients.

Topotype-Based Chromosomal Diversity among Five Species of Freshwater Armored Catfishes in the Hypostomus auroguttatus Supergroup (Actinopterygii: Siluriformes).

Freshwater catfishes from the genus Hypostomus have been models for several cytogenetic studies, due to their intense variability in diploid number, chromosome morphology, and the distribution of repetitive DNAs. Taking into consideration the taxonomic complexity inherent to this group, the present study aims to describe the karyotypes of five species of Hypostomus collected in their type localities: Hypostomus albopunctatus (Regan, 1908), Hypostomus hermanni (Ihering, 1905), Hypostomus iheringii (Regan, 1908), and Hypostomus paulinus (Ihering, 1905) from the Piracicaba River (the Upper Paraná River Basin); and Hypostomus mutucae Knaack, 1999 from the Claro River (the Upper Paraguay River Basin). Our results evidenced a great inter-specific diploid-number variation: 2n = 72 (H. hermanni); 2n = 74 (H. albopunctatus); 2n = 76 (H. paulinus); 2n = 80 (H. iheringii); and 2n = 82 (H. mutucae), which reflects the important role of Robertsonian rearrangements in the karyotypic differentiation among these species. The distribution of heterochromatin also varied considerably among species, making it possible to distinguish each analyzed species, as well as to detect microstructural variations among populations of the same species. These data can support taxonomic revisions when further associated with molecular markers and morphological analyses to delimit, more consistently, the taxonomic status of these Hypostomus species, which have a complex taxonomic diagnosis history.

Differentiation of influenza B lineages circulating in different regions of Brazil, 2014-2016, using molecular assay.

Background: Two antigenically and genetically distinct lineages of influenza B viruses (B/Victoria and B/Yamagata) have been co-circulating worldwide since 2002. Virological surveillance is essential to differentiate between both lineages with a view to the annual updating of the B component for the trivalent or quadrivalent influenza vaccine composition. Methods: The samples analyzed in the present study were collected by influenza sentinel units located in the Southeast, Midwest, North, and Northeast regions of Brazil, part of the National Influenza Virus Surveillance Network, coordinated by the Ministry of Health of Brazil. A total of 870 influenza B positive samples by reverse transcription real - time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), collected during 2014, 2015, and 2016 influenza seasons, were submitted to the influenza B lineage genotyping panel for characterization as B/Yamagata or Victoria lineages using RT-qPCR. Results: Of the 197 samples analyzed in 2014, a total of 160 (81 %) corresponded to the B/Yamagata lineage, 19 (10 %) to the B/Victoria lineage, and 18 (9 %) to indeterminate lineages. Of the 190 samples analyzed in 2015, a total of 124 (65 %) corresponded to the B/Yamagata lineage; 55 (29 %) to the B/Victoria lineage, whereas 11 (6 %) were of indeterminate lineages. Of the 483 samples analyzed in 2016, a total of 297 (62 %) corresponded to the B /Victoria lineage; 174 (36 %) to the B/Yamagata lineage and 12 (2 %) to indeterminate lineages. This cross-sectional study revealed influenza B virus (IBV) infection in all age groups, and among them, the highest prevalence was observed in individuals between 11 and 49 years of age Our findings demonstrate the match between influenza B virus lineages recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the trivalent vaccine composition to be used in the Southern Hemisphere (SH) and the predominant circulating viruses during the 2014, 2015, and 2016 seasons.

Low prevalence of influenza A strains with resistance markers in Brazil during 2017-2019 seasons.

The influenza A virus (IAV) is of a major public health concern as it causes annual epidemics and has the potential to cause pandemics. At present, the neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs) are the most widely used anti-influenza drugs, but, more recently, the drug baloxavir marboxil (BXM), a polymerase inhibitor, has also been licensed in some countries. Mutations in the viral genes that encode the antiviral targets can lead to treatment resistance. Worldwide, a low prevalence of antiviral resistant strains has been reported. Despite that, this situation can change rapidly, and resistant strain surveillance is a priority. Thus, the aim of this was to evaluate Brazilian IAVs antiviral resistance from 2017 to 2019 through the identification of viral mutations associated with reduced inhibition of the drugs and by testing the susceptibility of IAV isolates to oseltamivir (OST), the most widely used NAI drug in the country. Initially, we analyzed 282 influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and 455 A(H3N2) genetic sequences available on GISAID. The amino acid substitution (AAS) NA:S247N was detected in one A(H1N1)pdm09 strain. We also identified NA:I222V (n = 6) and NA:N329K (n = 1) in A(H3N2) strains. In addition, we performed a molecular screening for NA:H275Y in 437 A(H1N1)pdm09 samples, by pyrosequencing, which revealed a single virus harboring this mutation. Furthermore, the determination of OST IC50 values for 222 A(H1N1)pdm09 and 83 A(H3N2) isolates revealed that all isolates presented a normal susceptibility profile to the drug. Interestingly, we detected one A(H3N2) virus presenting with PA:E119D AAS. Moreover, the majority of the IAV sequences had the M2:S31N adamantanes resistant marker. In conclusion, we show a low prevalence of Brazilian IAV strains with NAI resistance markers, in accordance with what is reported worldwide, indicating that NAIs still remain an option for the treatment of influenza infections in Brazil. However, surveillance of influenza resistance should be strengthened in the country for improving the representativeness of investigated viruses and the robustness of the analysis.