Comportamentos sexuais durante a pandemia da Covid-19: representações sociais de homens gays e heterossexuais

Objetivo. O presente artigo objetivou comparar as representações sociais (RS) entre grupos de homens gays e heterossexuais sobre os comportamentos sexuais face ao isolamento social decorrente da pandemia da Covid-19. Método. Participaram 200 homens (100 heterossexuais e 100 homossexuais), com médias de idade de 27,06 e 28,12, respectivamente. Utilizou-se um formulário sociodemográfico on-line e uma entrevista semiestruturada com duas perguntas disparadoras para apreensão das RS. Os dados foram analisados pelo software IRAMUTEQ. Resultados. Verificou-se similaridades em ambos os grupos quanto a vida sexual ativa e uso de tecnologias para Sexting e acesso a pornografia. Entretanto, os homossexuais divergem na estrutura representacional ao buscarem estas estratégias compensatórias em maior quantidade, em razão de relacionamentos com pouca duração e/ou pouca união estável. Conclui-se que o distanciamento físico desvela intercorrências heterogêneas à vida afetivo-sexual nessa nova realidade social.

Objective. This article aimed to compare the social representations between groups of gay and heterosexual men about sexual behavior as a result of social isolation from the Covid-19 pandemic. Method. 200 men participated (100 heterosexuals and 100 homosexuals) with average age of 27.06 and 28.12, respectively. A sociodemographic questionnaire was used for sample characterization and a semi-structured interview for the apprehension of SR, with data processed by the IRAMUTEQ software. Results. Similarities were found in both groups in terms of active sex life and the use of technologies for sexing and access to pornography. However, homosexuals diverge in the representational structure when seeking greater compensatory strategies for having more stable civic states. It is concluded that physical distance reveals heterogeneous intercurrences to affective-sexual life in this new social reality.

Precision health diagnostic and surveillance network uses S gene target failure (SGTF) combined with sequencing technologies to track emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.

INTRODUCTION: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic revealed a worldwide lack of effective molecular surveillance networks at local, state, and national levels, which are essential to identify, monitor, and limit viral community spread. SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) such as Alpha and Omicron, which show increased transmissibility and immune evasion, rapidly became dominant VOCs worldwide. Our objective was to develop an evidenced-based genomic surveillance algorithm, combining reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and sequencing technologies to quickly identify highly contagious VOCs, before cases accumulate exponentially. METHODS: Deidentified data were obtained from 508,969 patients tested for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with the TaqPath COVID-19 RT-PCR Combo Kit (ThermoFisher) in four CLIA-certified clinical laboratories in Puerto Rico (n = 86,639) and in three CLIA-certified clinical laboratories in the United States (n = 422,330). RESULTS: TaqPath data revealed a frequency of S Gene Target Failure (SGTF) > 47% for the last week of March 2021 in both, Puerto Rico and US laboratories. The monthly frequency of SGTF in Puerto Rico steadily increased exponentially from 4% in November 2020 to 47% in March 2021. The weekly SGTF rate in US samples was high (>8%) from late December to early January and then also increased exponentially through April (48%). The exponential increase in SGFT prevalence in Puerto Rico was concurrent with a sharp increase in VOCs among all SARS-CoV-2 sequences from Puerto Rico uploaded to Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISAID) (n = 461). Alpha variant frequency increased from <1% in the last week of January 2021 to 51.5% of viral sequences from Puerto Rico collected in the last week of March 2021. CONCLUSIONS: According to the proposed evidence-based algorithm, approximately 50% of all SGTF patients should be managed with VOCs self-quarantine and contact tracing protocols, while WGS confirms their lineage in genomic surveillance laboratories. Our results suggest this workflow is useful for tracking VOCs with SGTF.

Low urinary selenium levels are associated with iodine deficiency in Brazilian schoolchildren and adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Selenium (Se) and iodine (Io) are important micronutrients for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, as they are crucial for the synthesis and activation of the thyroid hormones (TH) triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the Se and Io nutritional status among schoolchildren. METHODOLOGY: Cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study conducted in 982 schoolchildren aged 6-14 years from public schools in the state of Bahia, Brazil. Sociodemographic and anthropometric variables, as well as urinary Se (USC) and Io concentrations (UIC) using the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from filter paper blood collection, were evaluated. RESULTS: The median USC and UIC were 38.7 and 210.0 (IQR: 26.8-52.9 and 129.3-334.1 µg/L, respectively). The prevalence of iodine deficiency and excessive UIC were observed in 17.1% and 30.9% of schoolchildren, respectively. Concomitant low USC and IoD was found in 3.9% of schoolchildren. There was a positive correlation between USC and UIC (r = 0.60; p = 0.00). The median TSH was 0.95 (IQR: 0.69-1.30 µUI/L). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that USC is a good biomarker for assessing Se status, meantime more studies are needed to establish cutoff USC in child population. Despite adequate median intake, a subgroup of schoolchildren had IoD and low USC. The correlation between UIC and USC point at the importance of two micronutrients, raising the question whether measuring Se should be included in monitoring programs that address the prevention of nutritional disturbances.

Association of Salt Iodization and Urine Iodine Concentration in Schoolchildren from Public Schools in Northeast of Brazil.

Iodine deficiency (ID) is recognized as a leading risk factor for child development. Universal salt iodization (USI) is an effective and well-established intervention strategy for the prevention of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD). To evaluate the levels of iodine in household salt samples and the urinary iodine concentration (UIC) in schoolchildren aged 6 to 14 years in public schools in Bahia, Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1231 students (6 to 14 years old) from 17 public schools in Bahia. The iodine concentration was evaluated in salt and UIC samples. The adapted Sandell-Kolthoff reaction was used to determine urinary iodine levels. A spectrophotometer (UV-Vis) was used to examine the reduction of ceric ammonium sulfate. A standard iodine solution using a potassium iodate was used to extrapolate the iodine concentrations. The total of 665 salt samples had a median iodine concentration of 24 mg/kg (25th-75th percentile 17.0 to 28.5 mg/kg). The largest proportion (79.6%) of salt samples had iodine concentration in the recommended range, 17.6% of the samples presented iodine at a salt concentration below the established level (<15 mg/kg) and a small proportion was above it (2.8%). The general mean urinary iodine concentration (MUIC) was 217.53 ± 28.30 µg/L and median was 205.50 µg/L. The students evaluated and the salt samples analyzed showed satisfactory results, as recommended by Brazilian legislation and nutritional recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Velhice LGBT e facilitadores de grupos de convivências de idosos: suas representações sociais / LGBT old age and facilitators of elderly living groups: their social representations

Resumo O presente artigo buscou identificar as Representações sociais dos facilitadores de grupos de convivência dos Centros de Referência da Assistência Social (Cras) a respeito da velhice LGBT, dos estados do Ceará e Piauí, Brasil. Trata-se de um estudo exploratório e descritivo com dados transversais. Assim, utilizou-se para coleta de dados entrevistas semiestruturadas e questionário sociodemográfico. O estudo contou com 20 facilitadores de grupos de convivência, de ambos os sexos, com idade entre 22 e 49 anos (M= 30,95; DP=7,41). Verificou-se a partir dos dados apreendidos as percepções que permeiam o universo dessa coorte, que foram: sociedade preconceituosa para com a população LGBT; indivíduos sem preconceito; falta de informação e naturalização do processo de envelhecimento.

Abstract This article aimed to identify the Social Representations of the facilitators of Social Assistance Reference Centers (CRAS) living groups regarding LGBT old age, from Ceará and Piauí states, Brazil. This is an exploratory and descriptive study with cross-sectional data. To collect data, sociodemographic questfonnaire and semi-structured interviews were used. The study included 20 facilitators of living groups, both sexes, aged between 22 and 49 years (M = 30.95; SD = 7.41). It was verified from the data apprehended as perceptions that permeate the universe of this cohort, which were: prejudiced society for the LGBT population; isolated without prejudice; lack of information and naturalization of the aging process.

Representações sociais da velhice LGBT entre os profissionais do programa estratégia da família (PEF) / Social representations of LGBT old age among professionals of the family strategy program (PEF) / Representaciones sociales de la vejez LGBT entre los profesionales del programa estrategia de la familia (PEF)

A presente pesquisa objetivou identificar as representações sociais entre profissionais cadastrados no Programa Estratégia da Família (PEF) acerca da velhice LGBT. Contou-se com 50 profissionais dos estados brasileiros Ceará e Piauí, maioria mulheres 96%, idade média de 35,3 anos (DP=9,7). Para a coleta de dados, utilizouse um questionário sociodemográfico e uma pergunta: Como você entende a velhice LGBT? Posteriormente, foram submetidas a uma análise, no software Iramuteq, pelo método da Classificação Hierárquica Descendente (CHD) que originou 6 classes de aproximação semântica. Os dados sociodemográficos foram analisados pelo software SPSS. Nos resultados, verificouse que as Representações Sociais circundam na invisibilidade dos idosos LGBT. Assim como, preconceitos e estereótipos negativos relacionados a orientação sexual. Por outro lado, as Representações Sociais dos profissionais direcionamse a aspectos psicossociais ligados ao processo de senescência como um todo e a uma velhice feliz e autônoma.

This research aimed to identify the social representations among professionals enrolled in the Family Strategy Program (PEF) about LGBT old age. It counted with 50 professionals from the Brazilian states of Ceará and Piauí, mostly women 96% with an average age of 35.3 years (SD = 9.7). For the collection of data, we used a sociodemographic questionnaire and the question: How do you understand LGBT old age? Then, they were submitted to analysis in the software Iramuteq, by the descending hierarchical classification method (CHD) that originated 6 classes of semantic approximation. Sociodemographic data were analyzed by the SPSS software. In the results, it was found that the social representations surround the invisibility of LGBT elderly people. As well as negative prejudices and stereotypes related to sexual orientation. On the other hand, the social representations of professionals are directed to psychosocial aspects related to the process of senescence as a whole and to a happy and autonomous old age.

Esta investigación pretendía identificar las representaciones sociales entre los profesionales inscritos en el programa de estrategia familiar (PEF) sobre la vejez LGBT. Contó con 50 profesionales de los Estados brasileños Ceará y Piauí, la mayoría de las mujeres 96%, media de edad de 35,3 años (SD = 9,7). Para la recopilación de datos, usamos un cuestionario sociodemográfico y una pregunta: ¿Cómo entiendes la vejez LGBT? Posteriormente, fueron sometidos a un análisis, en el software Iramuteq, por el método de clasificación jerárquica descendente (CHD) que originó 6 clases de aproximación semántica. Los datos sociodemográficos fueron analizados por el software SPSS. En los resultados, se encontró que las representaciones sociales rodean la invisibilidad de los ancianos LGBT. Así como prejuicios negativos y estereotipos relacionados con la orientación sexual. Por otro lado, las representaciones sociales de los profesionales están dirigidas a aspectos psicosociales relacionados con el proceso de senescencia en su conjunto y a una vejez feliz y autónoma.

Iodine Nutritional Status in Schoolchildren from Public Schools in Brazil: A Cross-Sectional Study Exposes Association with Socioeconomic Factors and Food Insecurity.

INTRODUCTION: National programs of salt iodization were implemented in Brazil to combat iodine deficiency (ID) in children of school age. Currently, there are limited data in Brazil on those still vulnerable to this deficiency and the state of nutritional iodine status in the northeast region of Brazil, where children are vulnerable to malnutrition. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the iodine nutritional status, household food insecurity, socioeconomic and demographic characteristics among schoolchildren from the public school system living in state the state of Bahia, Brazil. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1419 schoolchildren in Bahia between the ages of 6 and 14 years old. Anthropometric parameters, urinary iodine concentrations (UIC), and thyrotropin (TSH) measurements were evaluated from blood spots on filter paper. RESULTS: The mean UIC was 206.4 ± 80.5 µg/L, with a median of 221.6 µg/L, indicating sufficient iodine intake in the region. Low urinary iodide concentration (<100 µg/L) was detected in 12.3% of the schoolchildren (n = 174), with 6.2% with mild (<100 µg/L), 3.0% with moderate (20-49 µg/L), and 3.1% with severe ID (<20 µg/L). Moreover, 9.4% (n = 134) had a urinary iodide concentration of >300 µg/L, indicating the coexistence of excessive iodine intake (EII). The mean TSH was 1.0 ± 0.6 mIU/L. The body mass index category "overweight/obesity" was a protective factor against EII (odds ratio [OR] = 0.64 [confidence interval (CI) 0.4-1.0]; p = 0.07). Urban areas (73%) had a mean UIC of 213.1 ± 80 µg/L compared with 176.8 ± 76.1 µg/L in rural areas. The risk for EII increased in children living in a house with more than six people (OR = 1.62 [CI 0.9-2.6]; p < 0.05) and water consumption from shallow wells (OR = 1.70 [CI 0.9-3.1]; p = 0.09). The risk of ID was increased by 70% in schoolchildren who had moderate or severe food insecurity (OR = 1.70 [CI 0.9-3.0]; p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of schoolchildren still have ID or EII in the northeast region of Brazil, emphasizing the importance of committed public policies to address this problem. Socioeconomic factors and the lack of education about nutritional importance of iodine were important influencing factors in the presence of ID in schoolchildren.

Assessment of emotional distress in chronic kidney disease patients and kidney transplant recipients.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the presence of emotional distress in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and the effect of kidney transplant on these symptoms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a two-part study. Part one was cross-sectional, observational, and descriptive, where 75 patients with CKD were evaluated for emotional distress with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD) and the Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90). In part two, we longitudinally followed 19% of the study cohort to examine symptomatological changes after their kidney transplantation. RESULTS: The results of the HAD indicated that 30.7% of the study cohort with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) showed anxious symptoms, and 25.3% showed depressive symptoms. The change in the HAD total score before and after kidney transplant was not significant. However, a significant decrease in total score on the SCL-90 was observed before and after transplantation. CONCLUSION: Improvement on emotional distress was found after kidney transplantation.