The Mytilus chilensis Steamer-like Element-1 Retrotransposon Antisense mRNA Harbors an Internal Ribosome Entry Site That Is Modulated by hnRNPK.

LTR-retrotransposons are transposable elements characterized by the presence of long terminal repeats (LTRs) directly flanking an internal coding region. They share genome organization and replication strategies with retroviruses. Steamer-like Element-1 (MchSLE-1) is an LTR-retrotransposon identified in the genome of the Chilean blue mussel Mytilus chilensis. MchSLE-1 is transcribed; however, whether its RNA is also translated and the mechanism underlying such translation remain to be elucidated. Here, we characterize the MchSLE-1 translation mechanism. We found that the MchSLE-1 5' and 3'LTRs command transcription of sense and antisense RNAs, respectively. Using luciferase reporters commanded by the untranslated regions (UTRs) of MchSLE-1, we found that in vitro 5'UTR sense is unable to initiate translation, whereas the antisense 5'UTR initiates translation even when the eIF4E-eIF4G interaction was disrupted, suggesting the presence of an internal ribosomal entry site (IRES). The antisense 5'UTR IRES activity was tested using bicistronic reporters. The antisense 5'UTR has IRES activity only when the mRNA is transcribed in the nucleus, suggesting that nuclear RNA-binding proteins are required to modulate its activity. Indeed, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNPK) was identified as an IRES trans-acting factor (ITAF) of the MchSLE-1 IRES. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing an IRES in an antisense mRNA derived from a mussel LTR-retrotransposon.

The Xpert® MTB/RIF cycle threshold value predicts M. tuberculosis transmission to close contacts in a Brazilian prospective multicenter cohort.

BACKGROUND: The Xpert® MTB/RIF rapid molecular test provides a quantitative measure of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) DNA in the form of cycle threshold (Ct) values. This information can be translated into mycobacterial load and used as a potential risk measure of bacterial spread for tuberculosis cases, which can impact infection control. However, the role of Ct values in assessing Mtb transmission to close contacts has not yet been demonstrated. METHODS: A prospective study was performed to investigate the association between Xpert® MTB/RIF Ct values and Mtb transmission to close contacts of patients with culture-confirmed pulmonary TB in a multi-center Brazilian cohort. We evaluated clinical and laboratory data, such as age, sex, race, smoking habits, drug use, alcohol use, chest radiograph, Xpert® MTB/RIF results among pulmonary tuberculosis cases, and QuantiFERON(QFT)-Plus results at baseline and after six months for close contacts who had a negative result at baseline. RESULTS: A total of 1,055 close contacts of 382 pulmonary tuberculosis cases were included in the study. The median Ct values from pulmonary tuberculosis cases of QFT-Plus positive (at baseline or six months) close contacts were lower compared with those who were QFT-Plus negative. An adjusted logistic regression demonstrated that reduced Ct values from the index cases were independently associated with QFT-Plus conversion from negative to positive (OR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.12-2.32) after adjusting for clinical characteristics. CONCLUSION: Close contacts of pulmonary TB index cases exhibiting low Xpert MTB/RIF Ct values displayed higher rates of TB infection, reflecting Mtb transmission.

Association between friendship quality and subjective wellbeing in adolescents: a cross-sectional observational study.

BACKGROUND: Friendships play a vital role in the social lives of teenagers, and friendship quality can substantially impact the adolescents' overall health and wellbeing. This study aimed to investigate the association between friendship quality and subjective wellbeing in Northern Irish adolescents. METHODS: In this cross-sectional observational study, we used data from the second wave of the Wellbeing in Schools Survey, conducted in Northern Ireland from April 2 to May 31, 2018. This survey used a clustering sampling method and included students aged 15-19 years. The survey was approved by the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work's Research Ethics Committee, with pupil opt-in and parental opt-out consents. Participants from the survey's initial wave in 2016 were considered eligible. Data on friendship quality and classroom friendships were gathered. Subjective wellbeing was assessed using the 7-item Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale. Metrics for psychological wellbeing (6 items), mood (7 items), and friendship quality (6 items) were taken from the KIDSCREEN-52 questionnaire. All items were rated on a 1-5 point Likert scale. We examined the association between friendship network quality and subjective wellbeing outcomes through social network analysis and network autocorrelation modelling. FINDINGS: Of 1542 students invited, 1189 (77%) from 83 schools responded to the friendship network queries. Slightly more than half of these participants were female (609 [51%] girls and 580 [49%] boys), and the median age was 16 years (range 14-19, IQR 16-16). The median overall friendship score stood at 20 (IQR 18-26, with possible scores ranging from 6 to 30). Adjusted network autocorrelation models indicated that higher friendship quality scores were significantly associated with improved psychological wellbeing (ß=0·3448, p<0·0001), subjective wellbeing (ß=0·3075, p<0·0001), and a reduction in negative mood (ß=-0·1934, p<0·0001). INTERPRETATION: The study found that friendship quality had a significant association with mood, psychological wellbeing, and subjective wellbeing in adolescents. The results emphasise the value of fostering positive social relationships among adolescents, with a particular focus on the quality of their friendships. Next stages of this research include longitudinal analysis to test these associations more robustly. FUNDING: Taibah University.

Antiviral Activity of an Endogenous Parvoviral Element.

Endogenous viral elements (EVEs) are genomic DNA sequences derived from viruses. Some EVEs have open reading frames (ORFs) that can express proteins with physiological roles in their host. Furthermore, some EVEs exhibit a protective role against exogenous viral infection in their host. Endogenous parvoviral elements (EPVs) are highly represented in mammalian genomes, and although some of them contain ORFs, their function is unknown. We have shown that the locus EPV-Dependo.43-ODegus, an EPV with an intact ORF, is transcribed in Octodon degus (degu). Here we examine the antiviral activity of the protein encoded in this EPV, named DeRep. DeRep was produced in bacteria and used to generate antibodies that recognize DeRep in western blots of degu tissue. To test if DeRep could protect against exogenous parvovirus, we challenged cells with the minute virus of mice (MVM), a model autonomous parvovirus. We observed that MVM protein expression, DNA damage induced by replication, viral DNA, and cytopathic effects are reduced when DeRep is expressed in cells. The results of this study demonstrate that DeRep is expressed in degu and can inhibit parvovirus replication. This is the first time that an EPV has been shown to have antiviral activity against an exogenous virus.

Identification of wild rodents as intermediate hosts for Hydatigera taeniaeformis in Peru.

Hydatigera taeniaeformis is a cestode that uses felines and rodents as definitive and intermediate hosts, respectively. Its larval stage, or metacestode, infects a wide variety of rodent species and develops in the liver parenchyma into a cyst. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of H. taeniaeformis metacestode in various species of wild rodents from Peru. For this, the livers of 356 rodents were macroscopically examined for any parasitic form compatible with metacestodes. Metacestodes were identified by measuring characteristic morphological parameters, and the diagnosis was confirmed by molecular analysis of a fragment of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (cox1). Five rodents: two small-eared pygmy rice rats (Oligoryzomys microtis), two white-naped squirrels (Simosciurus nebouxii), and one pygmy rice rat (Oligoryzomys sp.) were infected with H. taeniaeformis metacestodes. The cox1 sequences from our metacestodes showed up to 100% identity with previous H. taeniaeformis sequences from the GenBank. These results demonstrated the occurrence of H. taeniaeformis in new intermediate hosts, as well as the first molecular contribution for H. taeniaeformis from Peru.

Is the Pharmacokinetics of First-Line Anti-TB Drugs a Cause of High Mortality Rates in TB Patients Admitted to the ICU? A Non-Compartmental Pharmacokinetic Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with tuberculosis (TB) may develop multi-organ failure and require admission to intensive care. In these cases, the mortality rates are as high as 78% and may be caused by suboptimal serum concentrations of first-line TB drugs. This study aims to compare the pharmacokinetics of oral rifampin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide and ethambutol patients in intensive care units (ICU) to outpatients and to evaluate drug serum concentrations as a potential cause of mortality. METHODS: A prospective pharmacokinetic (PK) study was performed in Amazonas State, Brazil. The primary PK parameters of outpatients who achieved clinical and microbiological cure were used as a comparative target in a non-compartmental analysis. RESULTS: Thirteen ICU and twenty outpatients were recruited. The clearance and volume of distribution were lower for rifampin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide and ethambutol. ICU thirty-day mortality was 77% versus a cure rate of 89% in outpatients. CONCLUSIONS: ICU patients had a lower clearance and volume of distribution for rifampin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide and ethambutol compared to the outpatient group. These may reflect changes to organ function, impeded absorption and distribution to the site of infection in ICU patients and have the potential to impact clinical outcomes.

A carga de doença por COVID-19 em Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brasil, no período de um ano / The burden of disease due to COVID-19 in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil, over a one-year period

Resumo A COVID-19 gerou impacto na sociedade com elevados índices de morbidade e mortalidade. A utilização de indicador epidemiológico que estime a carga de doença, agregando em uma medida a mortalidade precoce e os casos não fatais, tem potencial de auxiliar no planejamento de ações adequadas em diferentes níveis de atenção à saúde. O objetivo deste artigo é estimar a carga de doença por COVID-19 em Florianópolis/SC de abril de 2020 a março de 2021. Foi realizado um estudo ecológico com dados de notificação e óbitos por COVID-19 no período de 12 meses. Utilizou-se o indicador de carga denominado Anos de Vida Perdidos Ajustados por Incapacidade (DALY), obtido pela soma dos Anos de Vida Perdidos (YLL) com os Anos Vividos com Incapacidade (YLD). Foram incluídos 78.907 casos de COVID-19 confirmados. Desses, 763 evoluíram a óbito no período estudado. No total, foram estimados 4.496,6 DALYs, taxa de 883,8 DALYs/100.000 habitantes. No sexo masculino, foram 2.693,1 DALYs, taxa de 1.098,0 DALYs/100.000 homens. Em mulheres, foram 1.803,8 DALYs, taxa de 684,4 DALYs/100.000 mulheres. A faixa etária mais acometida em ambos os sexos foi de 60 a 69 anos. Foi alta a carga de COVID-19 na cidade estudada. As maiores taxas foram encontradas no sexo feminino e na faixa-etária de 60-69 anos.

Abstract COVID-19 has had a powerful impact on society with high rates of morbidity and mortality. The use of an epidemiological indicator that estimates the burden of a disease by aggregating early mortality and non-fatal cases in a single measure has the potential to assist in the planning of more appropriate actions at different levels of health care. The scope of this article is to estimate the burden of disease due to COVID-19 in Florianópolis/SC from April 2020 through March 2021. An ecological study was carried out with data from notification and deaths by COVID-19 in the period of 12 months. The burden indicator called Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALY) was used, obtained by adding the Years of Life Lost (YLL) to the Years of healthy life lost due to disability (YLD). A total of 78,907 confirmed COVID-19 cases were included. Of these, 763 died during the period under study. Overall, 4,496.9 DALYs were estimated, namely a rate of 883.8 DALYs per 100,000 inhabitants. In males, there were 2,693.1 DALYs, a rate of 1,098.0 DALYs per 100,000 males. In women, there were 1,803.8 DALYs, a rate of 684.4 DALYs per100,000 women. The age group most affected in both sexes was 60 to 69 years. The burden of COVID-19 was high in the city studied. The highest rates were in females and in the 60-69 age group.

The burden of disease due to COVID-19 in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil, over a one-year period. / A carga de doença por COVID-19 em Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brasil, no período de um ano.

COVID-19 has had a powerful impact on society with high rates of morbidity and mortality. The use of an epidemiological indicator that estimates the burden of a disease by aggregating early mortality and non-fatal cases in a single measure has the potential to assist in the planning of more appropriate actions at different levels of health care. The scope of this article is to estimate the burden of disease due to COVID-19 in Florianópolis/SC from April 2020 through March 2021. An ecological study was carried out with data from notification and deaths by COVID-19 in the period of 12 months. The burden indicator called Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALY) was used, obtained by adding the Years of Life Lost (YLL) to the Years of healthy life lost due to disability (YLD). A total of 78,907 confirmed COVID-19 cases were included. Of these, 763 died during the period under study. Overall, 4,496.9 DALYs were estimated, namely a rate of 883.8 DALYs per 100,000 inhabitants. In males, there were 2,693.1 DALYs, a rate of 1,098.0 DALYs per 100,000 males. In women, there were 1,803.8 DALYs, a rate of 684.4 DALYs per100,000 women. The age group most affected in both sexes was 60 to 69 years. The burden of COVID-19 was high in the city studied. The highest rates were in females and in the 60-69 age group.

A COVID-19 gerou impacto na sociedade com elevados índices de morbidade e mortalidade. A utilização de indicador epidemiológico que estime a carga de doença, agregando em uma medida a mortalidade precoce e os casos não fatais, tem potencial de auxiliar no planejamento de ações adequadas em diferentes níveis de atenção à saúde. O objetivo deste artigo é estimar a carga de doença por COVID-19 em Florianópolis/SC de abril de 2020 a março de 2021. Foi realizado um estudo ecológico com dados de notificação e óbitos por COVID-19 no período de 12 meses. Utilizou-se o indicador de carga denominado Anos de Vida Perdidos Ajustados por Incapacidade (DALY), obtido pela soma dos Anos de Vida Perdidos (YLL) com os Anos Vividos com Incapacidade (YLD). Foram incluídos 78.907 casos de COVID-19 confirmados. Desses, 763 evoluíram a óbito no período estudado. No total, foram estimados 4.496,6 DALYs, taxa de 883,8 DALYs/100.000 habitantes. No sexo masculino, foram 2.693,1 DALYs, taxa de 1.098,0 DALYs/100.000 homens. Em mulheres, foram 1.803,8 DALYs, taxa de 684,4 DALYs/100.000 mulheres. A faixa etária mais acometida em ambos os sexos foi de 60 a 69 anos. Foi alta a carga de COVID-19 na cidade estudada. As maiores taxas foram encontradas no sexo feminino e na faixa-etária de 60-69 anos.

What is the impact of national public expenditure and its allocation on neonatal and child mortality? A machine learning analysis.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the impact of national public expenditure and its allocation on child mortality may help governments move towards target 3.2 proposed in the 2030 Agenda. The objective of this study was to estimate the impacts of governmental expenditures, total, on health, and on other sectors, on neonatal mortality and mortality of children aged between 28 days and five years. METHODS: This study has an ecological design with a population of 147 countries, with data between 2012 and 2019. Two steps were used: first, the Generalized Propensity Score of public spending was calculated; afterward, the Generalized Propensity Score was used to estimate the expenditures' association with mortality rates. The primary outcomes were neonatal mortality rates (NeoRt) and mortality rates in children between 28 days and 5 years (NeoU5Rt). RESULTS: The 1% variation in Int$ Purchasing Power Parity (Int$ PPP) per capita in total public expenditures, expenditure in health, and in other sectors were associated with a variation of -0.635 (95% CI -1.176, -0.095), -2.17 (95% CI -3.051, -1.289) -0.632 (95% CI -1.169, -0.095) in NeoRt, respectively The same variation in public expenditures in sectors other than health, was associates with a variation of -1.772 (95% CI -6.219, -1.459) on NeoU5Rt. The results regarding the impact of total and health public spending on NeoU5Rt were not consistent. CONCLUSION: Public investments impact mortality in children under 5 years of age. Likely, the allocation of expenditures between the health sector and the other social sectors will have different impacts on mortality between the NeoRt and the NeoU5Rt.

Socioeconomic inequality in hospital case fatality rate and care among children and adolescents hospitalized for COVID-19 in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association of hospital case fatality rate and care received by children and adolescents hospitalized for COVID-19 with the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita of Brazilian municipalities and regions of residence. METHODS: Data were collected from the Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System and the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. The dichotomous outcomes analyzed were hospital case fatality rate of COVID-19, biological samples collected for COVID-19 diagnosis, X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, use of ventilatory support, and intensive care unit hospitalization. The covariates were municipal GDP per capita and the Brazilian region of residence. Poisson regression was used for the outcomes recorded in 2020 and 2021 in Brazil, covering the two COVID-19 waves in the country, adjusted for age and gender. RESULTS: The hospital case fatality rate was 7.6%. In municipalities with lower GDP per capita deciles, the case fatality rate was almost four times higher among children and twice as high in adolescents compared to cities with higher deciles. Additionally, residents of municipalities with lower GDP per capita had fewer biological samples collected for diagnosis, X-ray examinations, and CT scans. We found regional disparities associated with case fatality rate, with worse indicators in the North and Northeast regions. The findings remained consistent over the two COVID-19 waves. CONCLUSION: Municipalities with lower GDP per capita, as well as the North and Northeast regions, had worse indicators of hospital case fatality rate and care.

Non-occupational physical activity and risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer and mortality outcomes: a dose-response meta-analysis of large prospective studies.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the dose-response associations between non-occupational physical activity and several chronic disease and mortality outcomes in the general adult population. DESIGN: Systematic review and cohort-level dose-response meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and reference lists of published studies. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Prospective cohort studies with (1) general population samples >10 000 adults, (2) ≥3 physical activity categories, and (3) risk measures and CIs for all-cause mortality or incident total cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, stroke, heart failure, total cancer and site-specific cancers (head and neck, myeloid leukaemia, myeloma, gastric cardia, lung, liver, endometrium, colon, breast, bladder, rectum, oesophagus, prostate, kidney). RESULTS: 196 articles were included, covering 94 cohorts with >30 million participants. The evidence base was largest for all-cause mortality (50 separate results; 163 415 543 person-years, 811 616 events), and incidence of cardiovascular disease (37 results; 28 884 209 person-years, 74 757 events) and cancer (31 results; 35 500 867 person-years, 185 870 events). In general, higher activity levels were associated with lower risk of all outcomes. Differences in risk were greater between 0 and 8.75 marginal metabolic equivalent of task-hours per week (mMET-hours/week) (equivalent to the recommended 150 min/week of moderate-to-vigorous aerobic physical activity), with smaller marginal differences in risk above this level to 17.5 mMET-hours/week, beyond which additional differences were small and uncertain. Associations were stronger for all-cause (relative risk (RR) at 8.75 mMET-hours/week: 0.69, 95% CI 0.65 to 0.73) and cardiovascular disease (RR at 8.75 mMET-hours/week: 0.71, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.77) mortality than for cancer mortality (RR at 8.75 mMET-hours/week: 0.85, 95% CI 0.81 to 0.89). If all insufficiently active individuals had achieved 8.75 mMET-hours/week, 15.7% (95% CI 13.1 to 18.2) of all premature deaths would have been averted. CONCLUSIONS: Inverse non-linear dose-response associations suggest substantial protection against a range of chronic disease outcomes from small increases in non-occupational physical activity in inactive adults. PROSPERO registration number CRD42018095481.

Socioeconomic inequality in hospital case fatality rate and care among children and adolescents hospitalized for COVID-19 in Brazil / Desigualdade socioeconômica na letalidade e no cuidado hospitalar de crianças e adolescentes internados por COVID-19 no Brasil

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the association of hospital case fatality rate and care received by children and adolescents hospitalized for COVID-19 with the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita of Brazilian municipalities and regions of residence. Methods: Data were collected from the Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System and the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. The dichotomous outcomes analyzed were hospital case fatality rate of COVID-19, biological samples collected for COVID-19 diagnosis, X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, use of ventilatory support, and intensive care unit hospitalization. The covariates were municipal GDP per capita and the Brazilian region of residence. Poisson regression was used for the outcomes recorded in 2020 and 2021 in Brazil, covering the two COVID-19 waves in the country, adjusted for age and gender. Results: The hospital case fatality rate was 7.6%. In municipalities with lower GDP per capita deciles, the case fatality rate was almost four times higher among children and twice as high in adolescents compared to cities with higher deciles. Additionally, residents of municipalities with lower GDP per capita had fewer biological samples collected for diagnosis, X-ray examinations, and CT scans. We found regional disparities associated with case fatality rate, with worse indicators in the North and Northeast regions. The findings remained consistent over the two COVID-19 waves. Conclusion: Municipalities with lower GDP per capita, as well as the North and Northeast regions, had worse indicators of hospital case fatality rate and care.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a associação entre a letalidade e o cuidado hospitalar recebido por crianças e adolescentes internados por COVID-19 e o produto interno bruto (PIB) per capita dos municípios brasileiros e a região de residência. Métodos: Os dados foram extraídos do Sistema de Informação de Vigilância Epidemiológica da Gripe e do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística. Analisaram-se como desfechos dicotômicos a letalidade hospitalar por COVID-19, a coleta de amostra biológica para diagnóstico de COVID-19, a realização de exames raio X e tomografia, o uso de suporte ventilatório e a internação em unidade de terapia intensiva. As covariáveis foram o PIB municipal per capita e a região brasileira de residência. Foi realizada regressão de Poisson para os desfechos registrados em 2020 e 2021 no Brasil e segundo o período compreendido em duas ondas de COVID-19 no país, ajustando-a por idade e sexo. Resultados: A letalidade hospitalar foi de 7,6%. Nos municípios dos menores decis de PIB per capita a letalidade foi quase quatro vezes maior entre crianças e duas vezes mais elevada entre adolescentes quando comparada àquela dos maiores decis. Adicionalmente, os residentes de municípios com menor PIB per capita realizaram menos coleta de amostra biológica para diagnóstico, exames de raio X e tomografias. Foram encontradas disparidades regionais associadas à letalidade, com piores indicadores nas regiões Norte e Nordeste. Os achados mantiveram-se consistentes durante as duas ondas de COVID-19. Conclusão: Em municípios com menor PIB per capita e das regiões Norte e Nordeste houve piores indicadores de letalidade e cuidado hospitalar.

Association between friendship quality and subjective wellbeing among adolescents: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Social integration with friends has an important role in shaping adolescents' behavior and determining their wellbeing. Friendship features such as companionship, trust, closeness, intimacy, and conflicts all form the concept of friendship quality. The quality of friendships can either enhance or impede mental development during adolescence. Therefore, this systematic review was conducted to understand the association between friendship quality and adolescents' mental wellbeing. METHODS: In November 2020 and later in August 2022, the search for evidence was conducted on five databases (Medline, Embase, ProQuest, Scopus, and PsycINFO). Only peer-reviewed quantitative studies published from January 2000 to August 2022 that investigated friendship quality as their exposure variable in relation to six constructs of subjective wellbeing (mood, loneliness, life satisfaction, happiness, self-esteem, and subjective wellbeing) were included. After screening for eligibility, two reviewers independently extracted the data based on population characteristics, study design, exposure and outcome variables, outcome measures used, and results. Risk of bias assessment was performed utilizing the NIH Quality Assessment Tool. Narrative evidence synthesis was performed based on the constructs of subjective wellbeing. RESULTS: Forty-three articles out of 21,585 records were included in the review. The relationship between friendship quality and depression has been investigated extensively in the literature and negative (beneficial) associations were found in eighteen studies out of twenty-three. Poor peer relationship was associated with loneliness in nine studies out of ten. All seven studies on life satisfaction and quality of peer connection found a positive association. In five studies, better peer relationship was found to be associated with happiness. A positive association between friendship quality and self-esteem was observed in five out of six applicable studies. Friendship quality was found to be positively associated with subjective well-being in all of five included studies. CONCLUSIONS: Although majority of the included studies were cross-sectional in nature, this review demonstrates the paramount value of promoting healthy friendship to adolescents' subjective wellbeing constructs. Interventions that aim to promote subjective wellbeing among adolescents should consider the development and maintenance of healthy friendships. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42020219312.

Barriers and facilitators of domain-specific physical activity: a systematic review of reviews.

BACKGROUND: Knowing what facilitates and hinders physical activity behaviour across domains (leisure, travel, work or education, and household) is central for the development of actions for more active lifestyles. Thus, the aim of this systematic review of reviews was to summarize the evidence on barriers and facilitators of domain-specific physical activity. METHODS: We included systematic reviews with or without meta-analysis that investigated the association between modifiable barriers and facilitators and levels of domain-specific physical activity. Reviews published until September 2020 were retrieved from PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, Regional Library of Medicine (BIREME), and PsycNET, and from the reference list of selected articles. Each review was screened by two independent reviewers for eligibility. Data extracted from selected papers included methodological aspects (number of primary studies, study designs, and age groups); physical activity domains and barriers and facilitators investigated; and direction of association. For each pair of barrier/facilitator and domain-specific physical activity, we recorded the number of positive, negative, and null associations reported across reviews. Quality assessment of each systematic review was performed using the AMSTAR-2 tool. RESULTS: Forty-four systematic reviews were selected. The evidence base was largest for leisure-time followed by travel-related physical activity. A very small number of reviews included physical activity in work, educational and domestic settings. Across all physical activity domains, factors related to the built environment were more abundant in the reviews than intra and interpersonal factors. Very consistent positive associations were observed between a range of intrapersonal factors and leisure-time physical activity, as well as moderately consistent evidence of positive association for general social support and support from family members. Evidence of moderate consistency was found for the positive association between transport-related physical activity and positive beliefs about consequences, walkability, and existence of facilities that support active travel. Evidence on barriers and facilitators for physical activity at work, educational, and domestic settings was limited in volume and consistency. CONCLUSIONS: Efforts and resources are required to diversify and strength the evidence base on barriers and facilitators of domain-specific physical activity, as it is still limited and biased towards the leisure domain and built environment factors. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42020209710.

Barreiras e facilitadores para a prática de atividade física em diferentes domínios no Brasil: uma revisão sistemática / Barriers and facilitators for physical activity domains in Brazil: a systematic review

Resumo O objetivo foi revisar sistematicamente as evidências científicas sobre as barreiras e os facilitadores para a prática de atividade física (AF) na população brasileira, considerando os diferentes domínios (lazer, deslocamento, trabalho/estudo e tarefas domésticas). A busca foi conduzida nas bases de dados MEDLINE/PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, BIREME/LILACS e APA PsycNET, considerando o período de 2010 a 2020. Posteriormente, foi incluída a busca na Revista Brasileira de Atividade Física e Saúde. O processo de seleção consistiu na leitura de títulos e resumos, seguida de textos na íntegra. A avaliação foi realizada por pares e, mediante discrepância, um terceiro revisor era consultado. O domínio do lazer e as barreiras e os facilitadores ambientais foram os mais investigados nos 78 artigos incluídos. Houve consistência nas associações positivas de seis diferentes facilitadores pessoais e sociais para o lazer e um fator ambiental para o deslocamento. Encontrou-se um número reduzido de investigações sobre os domínios de trabalho/estudo e tarefas domésticas, sendo importante o incentivo a futuras investigações acerca das barreiras e dos facilitadores pessoais e sociais relacionados à AF de deslocamento.

Abstract This study aimed to systematically review scientific evidence on the barriers and facilitators of physical activity (PA) among the Brazilian population, considering different domains (leisure, travel, work/study, and household). The search was conducted in the MEDLINE/PubMed, ISI Web of Science, SCOPUS, BIREME/LILACS, and APA PsycNET databases and was limited to papers published between 2010 and 2020. A manual search of the Brazilian Journal of Physical Activity & Health was also conducted. The selection process consisted of screening titles and abstracts, followed by the analysis of full texts. Each paper was assessed by two independent reviewers, and when discrepancies arose, a third reviewer was consulted. Leisure, environmental barriers and facilitators were the most investigated domains in the 78 included studies. There was consistency in the positive associations between six different intrapersonal and social facilitators for leisure PA and one environmental factor for travel. There have been a small number of investigations on the work/study and household domains, and future investigations on intrapersonal and social barriers and facilitators in the travel domain are important.

Impact assessment of emergency care units on hospitalizations for respiratory system diseases in Brazil / Avaliação do impacto das unidades de pronto atendimento sobre as internações por doenças do aparelho respiratório no Brasil

Abstract Emergency Care Units (UPAs) are part of a national health policy implemented by the Brazilian Government. UPAs are fixed prehospital components of the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS), whose purpose is to provide resolutive emergency care to patients suffering from acute clinical conditions, and to perform the first care in cases of surgical nature. According to the Ministry of Economy, 750 units are operational throughout the country since 2008, and 332 are under construction. Being a public policy in expansion, it is imperative to assess the impact of such units as part of SUS. However, we found few studies that assessed UPAs' impact, which have examined their specific impact on mortality rates. In our research, we aimed to evaluate the impact of UPAs on hospitalization rates for diseases of the respiratory system. To measure the impact, we used a strategy of Machine Learning through the Bayesian Additive Regression Trees (BART) algorithm. The results point to a decrease in the hospitalization rates by respiratory diseases due to Emergency Care Units. Therefore, these units generate a benefit for the Brazilian health system, being an important element for the care of patients with respiratory diseases.

Resumo As Unidades de Pronto Atendimento 24h (UPAs) compõem a Política de Atenção a Urgências e Emergências (PNAU) implementada pelo Governo Federal. São componentes pré-hospitalares fixos do SUS, cujo objetivo é o atendimento resolutivo de urgência a pacientes que sofrem quadros clínicos agudos, e o primeiro atendimento em casos cirúrgicos. Desde 2008, funcionam 750 unidades no Brasil, e há 332 em construção, conforme dados de 2020 do Ministério da Economia. Diante de uma política em expansão, é indispensável avaliar seus efeitos como parte do SUS. No entanto, foram encontrados poucos trabalhos avaliando o impacto das UPAs, e esses mediram os efeitos sobre taxas de mortalidade. Este trabalho objetiva mensurar o efeito das UPAs nas taxas de internação por doenças do aparelho respiratório. Para isso, utilizou-se uma estratégia de Machine Learning por meio do algoritmo Bayesian Additive Regression Trees (BART). Os resultados apontam uma diminuição nas taxas de internações por doenças do aparelho respiratório devido às UPAs. Assim, as evidências são de que essas unidades geram benefício para o sistema de saúde, sendo uma peça importante na linha de cuidado dos pacientes com doenças respiratórias.

Barriers and facilitators for physical activity domains in Brazil: a systematic review. / Barreiras e facilitadores para a prática de atividade física em diferentes domínios no Brasil: uma revisão sistemática.

This study aimed to systematically review scientific evidence on the barriers and facilitators of physical activity (PA) among the Brazilian population, considering different domains (leisure, travel, work/study, and household). The search was conducted in the MEDLINE/PubMed, ISI Web of Science, SCOPUS, BIREME/LILACS, and APA PsycNET databases and was limited to papers published between 2010 and 2020. A manual search of the Brazilian Journal of Physical Activity & Health was also conducted. The selection process consisted of screening titles and abstracts, followed by the analysis of full texts. Each paper was assessed by two independent reviewers, and when discrepancies arose, a third reviewer was consulted. Leisure, environmental barriers and facilitators were the most investigated domains in the 78 included studies. There was consistency in the positive associations between six different intrapersonal and social facilitators for leisure PA and one environmental factor for travel. There have been a small number of investigations on the work/study and household domains, and future investigations on intrapersonal and social barriers and facilitators in the travel domain are important.

O objetivo foi revisar sistematicamente as evidências científicas sobre as barreiras e os facilitadores para a prática de atividade física (AF) na população brasileira, considerando os diferentes domínios (lazer, deslocamento, trabalho/estudo e tarefas domésticas). A busca foi conduzida nas bases de dados MEDLINE/PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, BIREME/LILACS e APA PsycNET, considerando o período de 2010 a 2020. Posteriormente, foi incluída a busca na Revista Brasileira de Atividade Física e Saúde. O processo de seleção consistiu na leitura de títulos e resumos, seguida de textos na íntegra. A avaliação foi realizada por pares e, mediante discrepância, um terceiro revisor era consultado. O domínio do lazer e as barreiras e os facilitadores ambientais foram os mais investigados nos 78 artigos incluídos. Houve consistência nas associações positivas de seis diferentes facilitadores pessoais e sociais para o lazer e um fator ambiental para o deslocamento. Encontrou-se um número reduzido de investigações sobre os domínios de trabalho/estudo e tarefas domésticas, sendo importante o incentivo a futuras investigações acerca das barreiras e dos facilitadores pessoais e sociais relacionados à AF de deslocamento.

Impact assessment of emergency care units on hospitalizations for respiratory system diseases in Brazil.

Emergency Care Units (UPAs) are part of a national health policy implemented by the Brazilian Government. UPAs are fixed prehospital components of the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS), whose purpose is to provide resolutive emergency care to patients suffering from acute clinical conditions, and to perform the first care in cases of surgical nature. According to the Ministry of Economy, 750 units are operational throughout the country since 2008, and 332 are under construction. Being a public policy in expansion, it is imperative to assess the impact of such units as part of SUS. However, we found few studies that assessed UPAs' impact, which have examined their specific impact on mortality rates. In our research, we aimed to evaluate the impact of UPAs on hospitalization rates for diseases of the respiratory system. To measure the impact, we used a strategy of Machine Learning through the Bayesian Additive Regression Trees (BART) algorithm. The results point to a decrease in the hospitalization rates by respiratory diseases due to Emergency Care Units. Therefore, these units generate a benefit for the Brazilian health system, being an important element for the care of patients with respiratory diseases.

Silver Trimolybdate (Ag2Mo3O10.2H2O) Nanorods: Synthesis, Characterization, and Photo-Induced Antibacterial Activity under Visible-Light Irradiation.

The present study reports the synthesis, characterization, and antibacterial properties of silver trimolybdate (Ag2Mo3O10.2H2O) nanorods. The synthesis was performed using a conventional hydrothermal method. The sample was characterised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, UV-Vis-NIR diffuse reflectance, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The direct antibacterial activity was evaluated using the microdilution method to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). To assess the ability of Ag2Mo3O10.2H2O nanorods to modulate antibacterial resistance, the MIC of aminoglycosides was established in the presence of a subinhibitory concentration of this substance alone and associated with LED light exposure. The characterization of the sample indicated that the synthesis of silver trimolybdate generated nanometric crystals with rod-like morphology, without secondary phases. The treatment with Ag2Mo3O10.2H2O nanorods alone or combined with visible LED lights exhibited clinically relevant antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. This nanostructure presented a variable antibiotic-modulating action, which was not improved by visible LED light exposure. Nevertheless, LED lights showed promising antibiotic-enhancing activities in the absence of Ag2Mo3O10.2H2O nanorods. In conclusion, silver trimolybdate dihydrate nanorods have antibacterial properties that can be photocatalysed by visible-light exposure. While showing the potential use to combat antibacterial resistance, the simultaneous combination of silver trimolybdate, visible LED lights, and antibacterial drugs should be carefully analysed to avoid antagonist effects that could impair the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy.