Spatio-Temporal Analysis and Clinical-Epidemiological Characterization of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Maranhão, Brazil, from 2009 to 2020.

This study was carried out to identify the spatial distribution and characterize the clinical-epidemiological profile of Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) in Maranhão state, Brazil, from 2009 to 2020. This descriptive ecological study collected sociodemographic and clinical data of VL cases from the Brazilian Notifiable Diseases Information System database. A spatial autocorrelation analysis (Moran statistics) was performed. From 2009 to 2020, 5699 cases of VL were reported, with incidence of 6.5 cases/100,000 and prevalence of 7.1 cases/100,000. The temporal analysis showed a significant growth in incidence from 2009 to 2018, followed by a significant decrease between 2019 and 2020. The Moran map shows hotspots of high values in the central-west and central-east regions, and hotspots of low values in the northern region of Maranhão. The profile of patients affected by VL comprises males (OR = 1.8; IC95% = 1.72-1.92), aged under 14 years, brown, and with incomplete elementary schooling. The main symptoms reported were fever, fatigue, and edema. The main diagnostic method was laboratory. The mortality rate was 6.8%, and co-infection with HIV was reported by 8.5% of patients. The results of this study indicated the increase in incidence and lethality, as well as the expansion, of leishmaniasis in the state of Maranhão.

Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG) induces changes in IFN-pathway and Interferon-Stimulated Genes (ISGs) on the bovine endometrium at Day 18 of pregnancy.

We hypothesized that the hCG modulates the expression of IFNT-pathway and ISGs in bovine endometrium during early pregnancy. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the effect of hCG on IFNT-pathway signals and ISGs expression in endometrial cells. For this, 29 non-lactating cross-bread cows were used in the study and submitted to a 9-day fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocol. The day of the AI was considered Day 0 (D0), and five days (D5) after the FTAI, the cows were allocated into two groups: Control and hCG group, when a hCG group received a single dose of 2.500UI of hCG. On day 18 after FTAI (D18) cows were slaughtered and endometrial tissue samples were collected. There was no difference between the embryo recovery rate of the cows in C compared to the hCG. The hCG group increased the accessory corpus luteum formation rate. The hCG resulted in greater serum progesterone concentration in the hCG group compared to the C on Day 14. Only the expression of IFNAR2 and STAT1 were upregulated on pregnant cows of the hCG group compared to the C group. The pathway genes (JAK1, STAT2, and IRF9) were not regulated. The mRNA abundance of ISG15, MX1, MX2, and OAS1 was upregulated in pregnant cows for hCG group, compared to C group. The results show that the administration of hCG, 5 days after AI, in addition to increasing the serum progesterone, modulates the expression of IFNT-pathway and ISGs on bovine endometrium on Day 18 of pregnancy.

Bone strength is reduced in a neonatal androgenized rat model.

Background: Whether polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects bone health during a woman's lifespan remains controversial. An androgenized rodent model replicated many metabolic and reproductive features of women with PCOS, and we aimed to use it to investigate the impact of androgens on microarchitecture (by micro-CT), bone mechanical strength, bone formation and resorption markers in rats with intact ovaries (SHAM) who underwent oophorectomy. Methods: Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus) were employed for the experiments in this study. The protocol of androgenization consisted of the application of 1.25 mg s.c. testosterone propionate beteween days 2-5 of life, while the controls received the same amount of corn oil s.c. as previously established. Androgenized SHAM rats exhibited chronic anovulation identified by vaginal cytology and a reduction in the proportion of corpus luteum in the ovary in comparison to control SHAM rats. The realization of the ovariectomy or SHAM procedure occurred on Day 100 of life. All groups (n = 8) were followed-up for 180 days to address the study endpoints. Results: Micro-CT from androgenized female rats (SHAM) showed a divergence between the trabecular and cortical bone profiles. Compared to SHAM controls, these rats had an increase in trabecular bone mass with a diminution in bone resorption C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX) (p < 0.05), a concomitant decrease in cortical area and thickness in the femur, and a reduction in the strength of the femur on the mechanical test (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Our results suggest that a reduction in the cortical thickness and cortical area observed in PCOS model rats was associated with a reduced strength of the femur, despite increased trabecular formation. Ovariectomy in the androgenized OVX group limited the progression rate of cortical bone loss, resulting in bone resistance and cortical thickness comparable to those observed in the control OVX group.

The use of functional near infrared spectroscopy and gait analysis to characterize cognitive and motor processing in early-stage patients with multiple sclerosis.

Background: Dual-task paradigms are a known tool to evaluate possible impairments in the motor and cognitive function in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). A technique to evaluate the cortical function during movement is functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). The evaluation of the MS course or its treatment by associating fNIRS with gait measurements may be flexible and low-cost; however, there are no feasibility studies in the literature using these combined techniques in early-stage patients with MS. Objective: To evaluate cortical hemodynamics using fNIRS and gait parameters in patients at early stages of MS and in healthy controls during a dual-task paradigm. Methods: Participants performed cognitive tasks while walking to simulate daily activities. Cortical activation maps and gait variability were used to evaluate differences between 19 healthy controls and 20 patients with MS. Results and conclusion: The results suggest an enhanced cortical activation in the motor planning areas already at the early stages of MS when compared to controls. We have also shown that a systematic analysis of the spatiotemporal gait variability parameters indicates differences in the patient population. The association of cortical and gait parameters may reveal possible compensatory mechanisms related to gait during dual tasking at the early stages of the disease.

Energy balance and hippo effector activity in endometrium and corpus luteum of early pregnant ewes.

CONTEXT: The establishment of pregnancy in cows requires uterine activity regulation of the main Hippo signalling effector yes-associated protein 1 (YAP). It remains unknown (1) how YAP activity at the corpus luteum (CL) correlates with early pregnancy-related events in ruminants; and (2) if YAP activity in the uterus and CL can be affected by metabolic disorders that may lead to pregnancy failure in ruminants. AIMS AND METHODS: To determine the effect of early pregnancy on total and phospho-YAP expression and its transcriptional activity in the CL, we compared non-pregnant vs pregnant ewes. To understand the YAP activity dysregulation with disorders that may result in pregnancy loss, we induced negative energy balance in pregnant ewes. KEY RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Our main results indicate that early pregnancy alters the expression and activity patterns of YAP in the ovine CL but not in the endometrium. In addition, while our NEB-induced model fails to alter YAP activity at the endometrium level, we found that fasting during the first but not second week of pregnancy affects YAP activity in the CL of pregnant ewes. IMPLICATIONS: The data presented herein provide considerable insight into the activity of a signalling pathway that may be a key player in pregnancy recognition and establishment in ewes.

Cobertura vacinal em crianças menores de um ano no estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil / Vaccination coverage in children under one year of age in Minas Gerais state, Brazil

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é analisar as taxas de coberturas vacinais em crianças menores de um ano durante o período de 2015 a 2020 no estado de Minas Gerais (MG). Estudo ecológico, de série temporal, sobre as coberturas vacinais em crianças menores de 1 ano, considerando-se como unidade de análise as 28 Gerências/Superintendências Regionais de Saúde (GRS/SRS) de MG. Analisaram-se as coberturas vacinais dos seguintes imunobiológicos vacinas: contra o Bacilo de Calmette e Guérin (BCG), contra rotavírus humano, contra pneumococo 10, pentavalente, contra meningococo C, contra febre amarela e contra a poliomielite. Empregou-se o modelo autorregressivo de Prais-Winsten para análise de tendência. Destaca-se o ano de 2020, que apresentou a menor proporção de GRS e SRS que alcançaram as metas preconizadas de cobertura vacinal para os imunobiológicos analisados. Quanto à análise de tendência da cobertura, 8 das 28 GRS/SRS apresentaram tendência decrescente de, pelo menos, 5 dos 7 imunobiológicos avaliados. Observou-se tendência decrescente na cobertura vacinal de pelo menos cinco imunobiológicos em oito das GRS /SRS, com destaque para a vacina Pentavalente, que apresentou tendência decrescente de cobertura vacinal em 60,71% das GRS e SRS.

Abstract The scope of this article is to analyze vaccination coverage rates in children under one year of age during the period from 2015 to 2020 in the state of Minas Gerais (MG). It involved an ecological, time-series study on vaccination coverage in children under 1 year of age, considering the 28 Regional Health Management/Superintendencies (GRS/SRS) of MG as the unit of analysis. The following immunobiological vaccine coverage was analyzed: Bacillus Calmette and Guérin, human rotavirus, pneumococcal 10, pentavalent, meningococcus C, yellow fever, and polio vaccines. The Prais-Winsten autoregressive model was employed for trend analysis. The year 2020 stands out, as it presented the lowest proportion of GRS and SRS that reached the recommended vaccine coverage goals for the immunobiologicals analyzed. Regarding the analysis of the coverage trend, 8 of the 28 GRS/SRS showed a decreasing trend for at least 5 of the 7 immunobiologicals evaluated. We observed a downward trend in the vaccination coverage of at least five immunobiologicals in eight of the GRS/SRS, with emphasis on the Pentavalent vaccine, which showed a downward trend in vaccination coverage in 60.71% of the GRS and SRS.

[Vaccination coverage in children under one year of age in Minas Gerais state, Brazil]. / Cobertura vacinal em crianças menores de um ano no estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil.

The scope of this article is to analyze vaccination coverage rates in children under one year of age during the period from 2015 to 2020 in the state of Minas Gerais (MG). It involved an ecological, time-series study on vaccination coverage in children under 1 year of age, considering the 28 Regional Health Management/Superintendencies (GRS/SRS) of MG as the unit of analysis. The following immunobiological vaccine coverage was analyzed: Bacillus Calmette and Guérin, human rotavirus, pneumococcal 10, pentavalent, meningococcus C, yellow fever, and polio vaccines. The Prais-Winsten autoregressive model was employed for trend analysis. The year 2020 stands out, as it presented the lowest proportion of GRS and SRS that reached the recommended vaccine coverage goals for the immunobiologicals analyzed. Regarding the analysis of the coverage trend, 8 of the 28 GRS/SRS showed a decreasing trend for at least 5 of the 7 immunobiologicals evaluated. We observed a downward trend in the vaccination coverage of at least five immunobiologicals in eight of the GRS/SRS, with emphasis on the Pentavalent vaccine, which showed a downward trend in vaccination coverage in 60.71% of the GRS and SRS.

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar as taxas de coberturas vacinais em crianças menores de um ano durante o período de 2015 a 2020 no estado de Minas Gerais (MG). Estudo ecológico, de série temporal, sobre as coberturas vacinais em crianças menores de 1 ano, considerando-se como unidade de análise as 28 Gerências/Superintendências Regionais de Saúde (GRS/SRS) de MG. Analisaram-se as coberturas vacinais dos seguintes imunobiológicos vacinas: contra o Bacilo de Calmette e Guérin (BCG), contra rotavírus humano, contra pneumococo 10, pentavalente, contra meningococo C, contra febre amarela e contra a poliomielite. Empregou-se o modelo autorregressivo de Prais-Winsten para análise de tendência. Destaca-se o ano de 2020, que apresentou a menor proporção de GRS e SRS que alcançaram as metas preconizadas de cobertura vacinal para os imunobiológicos analisados. Quanto à análise de tendência da cobertura, 8 das 28 GRS/SRS apresentaram tendência decrescente de, pelo menos, 5 dos 7 imunobiológicos avaliados. Observou-se tendência decrescente na cobertura vacinal de pelo menos cinco imunobiológicos em oito das GRS /SRS, com destaque para a vacina Pentavalente, que apresentou tendência decrescente de cobertura vacinal em 60,71% das GRS e SRS.

Absence of yellow fever virus circulation in wildlife rodents from Brazil.

Yellow fever (YF), caused by the yellow fever virus (YFV), is an emerging viral zoonosis that affects humans and non-human primates (NHP). In South America, YF is naturally maintained through enzootic/sylvatic cycles involving NHPs and mosquitoes (Haemagogus and Sabethes). In this study, we retrospectively analyzed wildlife rodents to better understand their role in a potential alternative YF sylvatic cycle. The plaque reduction neutralization test was performed to detect anti-YFV antibodies, while qPCR targeting the NS5 region of flaviviruses and standard PCR targeting the CprM region were applied to detect YFV RNA in tissue and blood samples. YFV was not evidenced in any of the tested samples. These findings provide additional information regarding sylvatic YFV and emphasize the importance of YFV surveillance in wild animals as potential reservoirs/hosts given the well-established enzootic cycle in the studied areas, mainly in the Atlantic Forest.

FGF18 modulates CTGF mRNA expression in cumulus-oocyte complexes and early bovine embryos: preliminary data.

The Hippo pathway is involved in the proliferation of intrafollicular cells and in early embryonic development, mainly because effectors of this pathway are key transcription regulators of genes such as CTGF and CYR61, which are involved in cell proliferation. Recent studies by our group found that fibroblast growth factor 18 (FGF18) is present in the fallopian tube during early embryonic development, leading to the hypothesis that FGF18 may have a role during embryonic development. Therefore, the aim of the following study was to determine whether FGF18 modulates the expression of Hippo pathway target genes, CTGF and CYR61, during oocyte maturation and early embryonic development. Three experiments were carried out, with in vitro maturation (IVM) of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) and embryo culture. In experiment one, FGF18 (100 ng/ml) induced an increase (P < 0.05) in CTGF gene expression at 12 h post-exposure. In experiment two, FGF18 (100 ng/ml) induced a reduction (P < 0.05) in CTGF expression at 3 h post-exposure. In the third experiment, day 7 embryos exposed to FGF18 during oocyte IVM expressed greater CTGF mRNA abundance, whereas FGF18 exposure during embryo in vitro embryo culture did not alter CTGF expression in comparison with untreated controls. The preliminary data presented here show that FGF18 modulates CTGF expression in critical periods of oocyte nuclear maturation, cumulus expansion and early embryonic development in cattle.

Performance and its determinants in the Portuguese municipal solid waste utilities.

The unprecedented population increase brings several consequences to the environment, including the rise of urbanization levels and municipal solid waste (MSW) production - one expects that it may reach 3.4 billion tons per year by 2050. This paper contributes to the debate of efficiency measurement of MSW utilities management using the Portuguese case study. Our objectives are twofold. First, we assess the efficiency levels of municipalities in MSW collection through the Data Envelopment Analysis model, choosing total costs, staff, and vehicles as inputs, and the quantity of MSW collected (selective and refuse waste) as outputs. The efficiency results point to an average inefficiency level of about 35% and potential cost savings of over €96 million yearly. Second, by using a set of fifteen performance indicators monitored by the regulatory agency, we evaluate their relationship with the efficiency of MSW utilities, through the order-m model. Our results suggest that, in opposition to the management model, the rural/urban nature of councils helps explain part of the inefficiency. In general, the conditional-to-unconditional efficiency ratios reached values statistically different from 1, meaning that those indicators help explaining their efficiency distribution and the benchmarks profile, and need to be considered in future performance analyses. Remarkable and influential indicators include the accessibility to the service (average ratio = 0.95), the recycling rate (0.94), the monetization of the vehicle fleet (0.92), the pollution resulting from greenhouse gas emissions of waste collection vehicles (0.81), and council size measured by the population or the number of households (0.47).

Possible impact of neutrophils on immune responses during early pregnancy in ruminants.

The interaction between early embryo and maternal immune system for the establishment of pregnancy is the focus of several studies; however, it remains unclear. The maternal immune response needs to keep a balance between avoiding any damage to the conceptus and maintaining its function in combating microbes as well. When conceptus-maternal crosstalk cannot achieve this balance, pregnancy losses might occur. Intercommunication between mother and conceptus is fundamental during early pregnancy to dictate the outcome of pregnancy. In ruminants, the embryo reacts with the maternal system mainly via interferon tau (IFNT) release. IFNT can act locally on the embryo and endometrial cells and systemically in several tissues and cells to regulate their response via the expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). Also, IFNT can induce the expression of inflammatory-related genes in immune cells. Day 7 embryo induces a shift in the maternal immune response towards anti-inflammatory (Th2) immune responses. During maternal recognition of pregnancy, peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) express markers that configure an anti-inflammatory response. However, PMNs response is more sensitive to the effects of IFNT. PMNs are more likely to express interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), transforming growth factor-beta (TGFB), interleukin 10 (IL10), and arginase-1 (ARG1), configuring one of the most rapid immune responses to early pregnancy. This review focus on the local and peripheral immune responses during early pregnancy in ruminants, mainly the PMNs function in the immune system.

Heat stress modulates polymorphonuclear cell response in early pregnancy cows: I. interferon pathway and oxidative stress.

One of the major causes of early pregnancy loss is heat stress. In ruminants, interferon tau (IFNT) is the embryo signal to the mother. Once the interferon signaling pathway is activated, it drives gene expression for interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) and alters neutrophils responses. The aim of the present study was to evaluate interferon (IFN) pathway, ISGs and gene expression in polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and oxidative stress in dairy cows under heat stress. Pregnant cows had their estrous cycle synchronized and randomly assigned to a comfort or heat stress group. Blood samples were collected at artificial insemination (AI) and on Days 10, 14 and 18 following AI. Pregnant cows were pregnancy checked by ultrasound on Day 30 and confirmed on Day 60 post-AI. Results are presented as mean ± SEM. The corpus luteum (CL) diameter was not different between groups of pregnant cows; concentration of progesterone of pregnant cows on Day 18 following AI was greater in comfort group compared to heat stressed group. Comfort pregnant cows had higher expression of all analyzed genes from interferon pathway, except for IFNAR1, on both Days 14 and 18. Conversely, heat stressed cows did not show altered expression of IFNT pathway genes and ISGs between Days 10, 14, and 18 after AI. The oxidative stress, determined as malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, was greater in heat stress group on Days 10, 14 and 18, independent of pregnancy status. Heat stress negatively influences expression of ISGs, IFN pathway gene expression in neutrophils, and oxidative stress. Our data suggest that lower conception rates in cows under heat stress are multifactorial, with the association of interferon pathway activation and the unbalanced oxidative stress being main contributing factors.

Relationship between Anthropometric Parameters and Sensory Processing in Typically Developing Brazilian Children with a Pediatric Feeding Disorder.

In this study, we aimed to relate anthropometric parameters and sensory processing in typically developing Brazilian children diagnosed with a pediatric feeding disorder (PFD). This was a retrospective study of typically developing children with a PFD. Anthropometric data were collected and indices of weight-for-age, length/height-for-age, and body mass index-for-age (BMI-for-age) were analyzed as z-scores. Sensory profile data were collected for auditory, visual, tactile, vestibular, and oral sensory processing. We included 79 medical records of children with a PFD. There were no statistically significant (p > 0.05) relationships between the anthropometric variables (weight-, length/height-, or BMI-for-age) and the sensory variables (auditory, visual, tactile, vestibular, or oral sensory processing). In conclusion, we found no relationship between anthropometric parameters and sensory processing in the sample of typically developing Brazilian children diagnosed with a PFD under study.

Factors Associated With Use of Medications for Anxiety and Depression in Pharmacy Students in Brazil.

Objective. To map undergraduate pharmacy students' use of medications for anxiety and depression and associated factors at one university in Brazil.Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to July 2019 among undergraduate pharmacy students at one university. Data regarding sociodemographic issues and the use of psychotropics were collected using an online questionnaire. Exploratory descriptive analysis of data, the chi-square test, and multivariate binary logistic regression were performed to identify factors associated with the use of medications for anxiety and depression.Results. Of 900 students enrolled, usable survey responses were received from 198. Most respondents were female with a mean age of 22.3 years. Among these, 17.7% of pharmacy students used medications to treat anxiety and 13.1% used medications for depression. The most common psychotropics were escitalopram and fluoxetine. There were two peak usage times: the initial and final year of pharmacy school. Dissatisfaction with the pharmacy program and psychological care were significantly associated with the use of medications for anxiety. In contrast, monthly income from three to 15 times the minimum wage, religiosity/spirituality, and psychological care were associated with students' use of medications for depression.Conclusion. There was a high prevalence of medication use to treat anxiety and depression among undergraduate pharmacy students, and this use was associated with psychological care, monthly income, and religiosity/spirituality.

Evaluation of interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) expression in blood neutrophils in beef cattle poisoned by Senecio spp

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to assess liver damage and interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) blood expression as a consequence of embryonic signaling on maternal recognition of pregnancy in beef cattle presenting natural ingestion of Senecio spp. Epidemiological aspects, as the presence of the plant, associated to gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity can be used as Senecio spp. poisoning diagnosis. Maternal recognition of pregnancy period occurs when the embryo secretes interferon tau (IFNT) to signal its presence to the mother and eventually extend corpus luteum (CL) lifespan. In our study, liver damage was determined by concentration serum GGT, cytological and histopathological examinations. Reproductive status was evaluated by concentration of progesterone, CL diameter and ISG15 mRNA expression on Day 19 following fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI). Cows were categorized into two groups based on concentration of GGT: Group 1 (GGT 30U/L) and 2 (GGT>31U/L). No difference on body condition scores was observed. All the cows presented liver damage based on cytology and histopathological exams. Cows from the Group 1 had higher pregnancy rate, presenting larger CL diameter and greater concentration of progesterone. Interestingly, ISG15 mRNA expression had no difference between Groups 1 and 2, even presenting difference in pregnancy status. These findings suggest embryonic loss beyond Day 19. It suggests late embryonic mortality may be associated to liver insufficiency. In conclusion, liver injury and/or concentration of GGT does not alter ISG15 expression on blood neutrophils, however cows presenting lower concentration of GGT ( 30U/L) had increased pregnancy status. Therefore, the concentration of GGT allow us to screen liver status and foresee a successful pregnancy in beef cattle.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a lesão hepática e a expressão sanguínea do gene estimulado por interferon 15 (ISG15) durante a sinalização embrionária, no reconhecimento materno da gestação, em bovinos de corte apresentando ingestão natural de Senecio spp. Fatores epidemiológicos, como a presença da planta, associados à atividade da gama glutamil transferase (GGT) podem ser utilizados como diagnóstico da intoxicação por Senecio spp. O reconhecimento materno da gestação ocorre quando o embrião secreta interferon tau (IFNT) para sinalizar sua presença à mãe. Em nosso estudo, a lesão hepática foi determinada pela concentração sérica de GGT, pelos exames citológicos e histopatológicos. O estado reprodutivo foi avaliado pela concentração de progesterona, diâmetro de corpo lúteo (CL) e expressão de mRNA ISG15 no Dia 19 após a inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF). As vacas foram separadas em dois grupos com base na concentração de GGT sanguíneo: Grupo 1 (GGT 30U/L) e Grupo 2 (GGT>31U/L). Não foi observada nenhuma diferença no escore de condição corporal entre os grupos. Na citologia e nos exames histopatológicos todas as vacas apresentaram lesão hepática. As vacas do Grupo 1 apresentaram maior taxa de prenhez, maior diâmetro do CL e maior concentração de progesterona. Diferente do esperado, a expressão do mRNA ISG15 não foi diferente entre os Grupos 1 e 2, mesmo apresentando diferença na taxa de prenhez. Esses achados sugerem perda embrionária após o Ddia 19. Isso demonstra que a mortalidade embrionária tardia pode estar associada à insuficiência hepática. Dessa forma, conclui-se que a lesão hepática e/ou concentração de GGT não altera a expressão de ISG15 nos neutrófilos sanguíneos, porém vacas com menor concentração de GGT ( 30U/L) apresentaram maiores taxas de prenhez. Assim, a concentração de GGT nos permite avaliar a saúde hepática e prever uma gestação bem-sucedida em bovinos de corte.

Avaliação do registro eletrônico de diagnósticos e intervenções de enfermagem em sistema informatizado / Evaluation of the electronic record of nursing diagnoses and interventions in a computerized system / Evaluación del registro electrónico de diagnósticos e intervenciones de enfermería en un sistema informatizado

Objetivo: verificar a opinião de enfermeiros acerca do registro eletrônico de diagnósticos e de intervenções de enfermagem em um sistema informatizado no âmbito hospitalar. Método: estudo transversal, realizado com enfermeiros, com dados coletados in loco mediante questionário. Estatística descritiva foi utilizada para análise de dados. Resultados: foram incluídos 87 enfermeiros, dos quais 52,9% estão satisfeitos com o registro eletrônico do Processo de Enfermagem (PE), 47,1% consideram o registro fácil, 58,6% identificam e selecionam os Diagnósticos de Enfermagem (DE) com alguma dificuldade e 60,9% autoavaliam-se com conhecimento regular sobre o uso da taxonomia NANDA-I. A seleção, modificação ou cancelamento e o aprazamento de intervenções foram as dificuldades apontadas. Conclusão: a maioria dos enfermeiros está satisfeita com o registro eletrônico do PE, apontam a identificação e seleção de DE como a etapa de maior dificuldade e avaliam-se com conhecimento médio acerca da taxonomia. Foram citadas dificuldades na etapa de intervenções de enfermagem.

Objective: to assess the opinion of nurses in regard to the electronic recording of nursing diagnoses and interventions in an information system in the hospital context. Method: cross-sectional study, carried out with nurses using data collected in loco through a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used for data collection. Results: 87 nurses were included. From these, 52.9% were satisfied with the electronic records of the Nursing Process (NP), 47.1% believe that registering is easy, 58.6% have some difficulty to identify and select the Nursing Diagnoses (ND), and 60.9% self-evaluate their knowledge about using the NANDA-I taxonomy as regular. The selection, modification, scheduling, or cancellation of interventions were indicated as the most difficult tasks. Conclusion: most nurses are satisfied with the electronic records of the NP. They indicate the selection of the ND as the most difficult stage and evaluate their own knowledge about the taxonomy as medium. The participants mentioned difficulties in the stage of nursing interventions.

Objetivo: verificar la opinión de enfermeros sobre el registro electrónico de diagnósticos e intervenciones de enfermería en un sistema informatizado en el ámbito hospitalario. Método: Estudio trasversal, realizado con enfermeros y con datos colectados in loco por medio de un cuestionario. Se utilizó a la estadística descriptiva en el análisis de los datos. Resultados: 87 enfermeros fueron inclusos. 52,9% de ellos están satisfechos con el registro electrónico del Proceso de Enfermería (PE), 47,1% creen que el registro es fácil, 58.6% tienen alguna dificultad en la identificación y elección de los Diagnósticos de Enfermería (DE), y 60,9% evalúan su conocimiento sobre el uso de la taxonomía NANDA-I como regular. La elección, modificación o cancelación, y la selección de datas para intervenciones fueron las dificultades encontradas. Conclusión: la mayoría de los enfermeros están satisfechos con el registro electrónico del PE, indican que su etapa más difícil es la identificación y selección de DE, y, según su autoevaluación tienen conocimiento medio con respecto a la taxonomía. Citaron dificultades en el estadio de intervenciones de enfermería.

Evaluation of interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) expression in blood neutrophils in beef cattle poisoned by Senecio spp / Avaliação da expressão do gene estimulado por interferon 15 (ISG15) em neutrófilos sanguíneos em bovinos de corte intoxicados por Senecio spp

This study aimed to assess liver damage and interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) blood expression as a consequence of embryonic signaling on maternal recognition of pregnancy in beef cattle presenting natural ingestion of Senecio spp. Epidemiological aspects, as the presence of the plant, associated to gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity can be used as Senecio spp. poisoning diagnosis. Maternal recognition of pregnancy period occurs when the embryo secretes interferon tau (IFNT) to signal its presence to the mother and eventually extend corpus luteum (CL) lifespan. In our study, liver damage was determined by concentration serum GGT, cytological and histopathological examinations. Reproductive status was evaluated by concentration of progesterone, CL diameter and ISG15 mRNA expression on Day 19 following fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI). Cows were categorized into two groups based on concentration of GGT: Group 1 (GGT<30U/L) and 2 (GGT>31U/L). No difference on body condition scores was observed. All the cows presented liver damage based on cytology and histopathological exams. Cows from the Group 1 had higher pregnancy rate, presenting larger CL diameter and greater concentration of progesterone. Interestingly, ISG15 mRNA expression had no difference between Groups 1 and 2, even presenting difference in pregnancy status. These findings suggest embryonic loss beyond Day 19. It suggests late embryonic mortality may be associated to liver insufficiency. In conclusion, liver injury and/or concentration of GGT does not alter ISG15 expression on blood neutrophils, however cows presenting lower concentration of GGT (<30U/L) had increased pregnancy status. Therefore, the concentration of GGT allow us to screen liver status and foresee a successful pregnancy in beef cattle.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a lesão hepática e a expressão sanguínea do gene estimulado por interferon 15 (ISG15) durante a sinalização embrionária, no reconhecimento materno da gestação, em bovinos de corte apresentando ingestão natural de Senecio spp. Fatores epidemiológicos, como a presença da planta, associados à atividade da gama glutamil transferase (GGT) podem ser utilizados como diagnóstico da intoxicação por Senecio spp. O reconhecimento materno da gestação ocorre quando o embrião secreta interferon tau (IFNT) para sinalizar sua presença à mãe. Em nosso estudo, a lesão hepática foi determinada pela concentração sérica de GGT, pelos exames citológicos e histopatológicos. O estado reprodutivo foi avaliado pela concentração de progesterona, diâmetro de corpo lúteo (CL) e expressão de mRNA ISG15 no Dia 19 após a inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF). As vacas foram separadas em dois grupos com base na concentração de GGT sanguíneo: Grupo 1 (GGT<30U/L) e Grupo 2 (GGT>31U/L). Não foi observada nenhuma diferença no escore de condição corporal entre os grupos. Na citologia e nos exames histopatológicos todas as vacas apresentaram lesão hepática. As vacas do Grupo 1 apresentaram maior taxa de prenhez, maior diâmetro do CL e maior concentração de progesterona. Diferente do esperado, a expressão do mRNA ISG15 não foi diferente entre os Grupos 1 e 2, mesmo apresentando diferença na taxa de prenhez. Esses achados sugerem perda embrionária após o Ddia 19. Isso demonstra que a mortalidade embrionária tardia pode estar associada à insuficiência hepática. Dessa forma, conclui-se que a lesão hepática e/ou concentração de GGT não altera a expressão de ISG15 nos neutrófilos sanguíneos, porém vacas com menor concentração de GGT (<30U/L) apresentaram maiores taxas de prenhez. Assim, a concentração de GGT nos permite avaliar a saúde hepática e prever uma gestação bem-sucedida em bovinos de corte.(AU)

Re-Emergence of Yellow Fever in Brazil during 2016-2019: Challenges, Lessons Learned, and Perspectives.

Yellow fever (YF) is a re-emerging viral zoonosis caused by the Yellow Fever virus (YFV), affecting humans and non-human primates (NHP). YF is endemic in South America and Africa, being considered a burden for public health worldwide despite the availability of an effective vaccine. Acute infectious disease can progress to severe hemorrhagic conditions and has high rates of morbidity and mortality in endemic countries. In 2016, Brazil started experiencing one of the most significant YF epidemics in its history, with lots of deaths being reported in regions that were previously considered free of the disease. Here, we reviewed the historical aspects of YF in Brazil, the epidemiology of the disease, the challenges that remain in Brazil's public health context, the main lessons learned from the recent outbreaks, and our perspective for facing future YF epidemics.

Heat stress on oocyte or zygote compromises embryo development, impairs interferon tau production and increases reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress in bovine embryos produced in vitro.

Interferon tau (IFNT) is the cytokine responsible for the maternal recognition of pregnancy in ruminants and plays a role modulating embryo-maternal communication in the oviduct inducing a local response from immune cells. We aimed to investigate IFNT production, reactive oxygen species, and oxidative stress under the influence of heat stress (HS) during different stages of bovine in vitro embryo production. HS was established when the temperature was gradually raised from 38.5°C to 40.5°C in laboratory incubator, sustained for 6 hr, and decreased back to 38.5°C. To address the HS effects on IFNT production, reactive oxygen species, and oxidative stress, ovaries from a slaughterhouse were used according to treatments: control group (38.5°C); oocytes matured under HS; oocytes fertilized under HS; zygotes cultured in the first day under HS; and cells submitted to HS at oocyte maturation, fertilization, and the first day of zygote culture. The HS negatively affected cleavage and blastocyst rates, in all HS groups. On Day 7, all HS-treated embryos showed decrease IFNT gene and protein expressions, whereas reactive oxygen species were increased in comparison to the control. In conclusion, the compromised early embryo development due to higher temperatures during in vitro oocyte maturation, fertilization, and/or zygote stage have diminished IFNT expression and increased reactive oxygen species in bovine.

Design, Synthesis and Characterization of a New Series of Fluorescent Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Type 5 Negative Allosteric Modulators.

In recent years, new drug discovery approaches based on novel pharmacological concepts have emerged. Allosteric modulators, for example, target receptors at sites other than the orthosteric binding sites and can modulate agonist-mediated activation. Interestingly, allosteric regulation may allow a fine-tuned regulation of unbalanced neurotransmitter' systems, thus providing safe and effective treatments for a number of central nervous system diseases. The metabotropic glutamate type 5 receptor (mGlu5R) has been shown to possess a druggable allosteric binding domain. Accordingly, novel allosteric ligands are being explored in order to finely regulate glutamate neurotransmission, especially in the brain. However, before testing the activity of these new ligands in the clinic or even in animal disease models, it is common to characterize their ability to bind mGlu5Rs in vitro. Here, we have developed a new series of fluorescent ligands that, when used in a new NanoBRET-based binding assay, will facilitate screening for novel mGlu5R allosteric modulators.