Correlation of blood-based immune molecules with cardiac gene expression profiles reveals insights into Chagas cardiomyopathy pathogenesis.

Introduction: Understanding compartmentalized immune responses in target organs is crucial for elucidating the pathogenesis of various diseases. However, obtaining samples from affected vital organs often poses safety challenges. In this study, we aimed to investigate potential correlations between the levels of disease-associated immune molecules in the bloodstream with their gene expression profiles in the hearts of patients suffering from Chagas Cardiomyopathy (CCC). This debilitating and often fatal condition is caused by infection with the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. Methods: Blood samples were analyzed using the Bio-Plex platform. Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was used to determine gene expression profile in heart tissue from CCC and non-Chagas controls (CTRL). Results: Elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines were detected in the plasma of CCC patients, and these levels correlated with clinical indicators of deteriorating cardiac function. Notably, 75% of the soluble factors assessed in the plasma exhibited a consistent relationship with their gene expression levels in the cardiac tissue of CCC patients. Analysis of interactions and signaling pathways related to these molecules revealed an overrepresentation of inflammatory pathways in both blood and heart compartments. Moreover, we identified that differentially expressed genes in CCC cardiac tissue were primarily associated with T-cell signaling pathways and correlated with the presence of CD8+ T cells in the myocardium. Discussion: Our findings establish a strong correlation between relevant immune molecules and their signaling pathways in both the blood and heart tissue in CCC. This validates the use of blood as a non-invasive medium for understanding immunopathology and identifying markers for cardiac dysfunction in Chagas disease.

Mapping the contributions of dyadic approaches to couples' psychosocial adaptation to prostate cancer: a scoping review.

INTRODUCTION: Prostate cancer is the second-most prevalent cancer diagnosis worldwide among males. Although prostate cancer affects the physical, sexual, and mental health of patients, the impact of prostate cancer on partners has also been increasingly recognized. Hence, taking a dyadic approach is of relevance. Moreover, there is evidence of the utility of dyadic approaches to the study of relational stress that chronic diseases such as prostate cancer can bring to couples, even though knowledge is sparse about prostate cancer. OBJECTIVES: This scoping review aimed to map existing dyadic studies on the psychosocial adaptation of couples to prostate cancer. METHODS: A systematic search of studies published from 2005 to November 2022 was conducted on electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, EBSCOHost, Scopus, and Web of Science) following PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses-Extension for Scoping Reviews). RESULTS: The review included 25 eligible studies from the initial 2514 articles retrieved. Overall, the results emphasized the interdependency between couple members and suggested how partners' adaptation influences patients' adaptation to prostate cancer and vice versa, regarding several psychosocial dimensions (eg, intimacy, quality of life). CONCLUSIONS: This work can bring awareness to health care professionals to adopt a couples approach when managing prostate cancer whenever there is a partner, due to these interdependent influences. For researchers and future studies, this work can strengthen the relevance of dyadic approaches on how couples adapt to prostate cancer and explore which other dimensions influence these complex dynamics.

Rattus norvegicus infectados com Trypanosoma cruzi: efeitos clínicos do tratamento com Lycopodium clavatun e phosphorus ultradiluídos / Rattus norvegicus infected with Trypanosoma cruzi: clinical effects of treatment with highly diluted Lycopodium clavatun and phosphorus / Rattus norvegicus infectado con Trypanosoma cruzi: efectos clínicos del tratamiento con Clavatun licopodio altamente diluido y fósforo

A doença de Chagas causada pelo parasita Trypanosoma cruzi acomete milhões de pessoas no mundo e não conta com um medicamento de ação efetiva para o seu tratamento etiológico. As drogas disponíveis, o nifurtimox e o benznidazol possuem índices de cura baixos com efeitos colaterais e toxidade que dificultam a adesão dos pacientes à terapia. Este fato impulsiona a busca por alternativas de tratamento que sejam mais efetivas e menos agressivas. Sendo assim, este trabalho teve como objetivo a avaliação dos efeitos clínicos apresentados por Rattus norvergicus infectados por T. cruzi e tratados com soluções ultradiluídas de Lycopodium clavatum ou Phosphorus. O estudo envolveu 93 ratos com quarenta e cinco dias de idade infectados intraperitonealmente com 5x106 formas tripomastigotas sanguíneos da cepa Y de T. cruzi, distribuídos nos grupos: Sadio SD (n=13) - controle não infectado e não tratado, grupo CI (n=27) - controle infectado e tratado com solução hidroalccólica 7% (etanol ­ água), grupo LY diluição 1:1x1026 (n=27) - infectado e tratado com Lycopodium, grupo PH diluição 1:1x1026 (n=26) - infectado e tratado com Phosphorum. Os animais foram avaliados clinicamente através dos parâmetros peso, temperatura, consumo de água e ração, quantidade de excretas, diâmetro e comprimento intestinal, aspecto da pelagem e consistência das fezes. Este estudo mostrou que os parâmetros utilizados foram importantes para a definição clínica da infecção de Rattus novergicus, linhagem Wistar pelo T. cruzi. Mostrou que os medicamentos LY e PH apresentam efeitos benéficos na evolução da clínica dos animais tratados. A utilização de Lycopodium clavatum e Phosphorus diluídos na proporção de 1:1x1026, apresentaram efeitos diferentes. Oito e seis parâmetros de quatorze analisados mostraram efeitos positivos para LY e PH, respectivamente. Os parâmetros consumo de água e ração, quantidade de excretas, diarreia, alopecia difusa e comprimento intestinal apresentaram diferenças significativas em relação ao controle infectado mostrando que mais estudos são necessários com o uso de medicamentos ultradiluídos na infecção pelo T. cruzi.

Chagas disease caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi affects millions of people worldwide and does not have an effective drug for its etiological treatment. The available drugs, nifurtimox and benznidazole, have low cure rates with side effects and toxicity that make it difficult for patients to adhere to therapy. This fact drives the search for treatment alternatives that are more effective and less aggressive. Therefore, this work aimed to evaluate the clinical effects presented by Rattus norvergicus infected by T. cruzi and treated with ultradiluted solutions of Lycopodium clavatum or Phosphorus. The study involved 93 forty five day old rats intraperitoneally infected with 5x106 blood trypomastigotes forms of the Y strain of T. cruzi, distributed in the following groups: Healthy SD (n=13) - non-infected and untreated control, CI group (n =27) - infected control and treated with 7% hydroalcoholic solution (ethanol ­ water), LY group dilution 1:1x1026 (n=27) - infected and treated with Lycopodium, PH group dilution 1:1x1026 (n=26) - infected and treated with Phosphorum. The animals were clinically evaluated through the parameters weight, temperature, water and feed consumption, amount of excreta, intestinal diameter and length, coat appearance and feces consistency. This study showed that the parameters used were important for the clinical definition of infection of Rattus novergicus, Wistar lineage by T. cruzi. It showed that LY and PH drugs have beneficial effects on the clinical evolution of treated animals. The use of Lycopodium clavatum and Phosphorus diluted in the ratio of 1:1x1026, showed different effects. Eight and six parameters out of fourteen analyzed showed positive effects for LY and PH, respectively. The parameters water and feed consumption, amount of excreta, diarrhea, diffuse alopecia and intestinal length showed significant differences in relation to the infected control, showing that more studies are needed with the use of ultradiluted drugs in T. cruzi infection.

La enfermedad de Chagas causada por el parásito Trypanosoma cruzi afecta a millones de personas en todo el mundo y no cuenta con un fármaco eficaz para su tratamiento etiológico. Los fármacos disponibles, nifurtimox y benznidazol, presentan bajas tasas de curación con efectos secundarios y toxicidad que dificultan la adherencia terapéutica de los pacientes. Este hecho impulsa la búsqueda de alternativas de tratamiento más eficaces y menos agresivas. Por lo tanto, este trabajo tuvo como objetivo evaluar los efectos clínicos presentados por Rattus norvergicus infectados por T. cruzi y tratados con soluciones ultradiluidas de Lycopodium clavatum o Fósforo. En el estudio participaron 93 ratas de cuarenta y cinco días de edad infectadas intraperitonealmente con 5x106 formas tripomastigotes sanguíneas de la cepa Y de T. cruzi, distribuidos en los siguientes grupos: SD sano (n=13) - control no infectado y no tratado, grupo CI (n =27) - control infectado y tratado con solución hidroalcohólica al 7% (etanol - agua), grupo LY dilución 1:1x1026 (n=27) - infectado y tratado con Lycopodium, grupo PH dilución 1:1x1026 (n=26) - infectado y tratado con Phosphorum. Los animales fueron evaluados clínicamente mediante los parámetros peso, temperatura, consumo de agua y pienso, cantidad de excrementos, diámetro y longitud intestinal, aspecto del pelaje y consistencia de las heces. Este estudio demostró que los parámetros utilizados eran importantes para la definición clínica de la infección de Rattus novergicus, linaje Wistar por T. cruzi. Demostró que los fármacos LY y PH tienen efectos beneficiosos en la evolución clínica de los animales tratados. El uso de Lycopodium clavatum y Phosphorus diluidos en la proporción de 1:1x1026, mostró efectos diferentes. Ocho y seis parámetros de los catorce analizados mostraron efectos positivos para LY y PH, respectivamente. Los parámetros consumo de agua y pienso, cantidad de excretas, diarrea, alopecia difusa y longitud intestinal mostraron diferencias significativas en relación al control infectado, mostrando que son necesarios más estudios con el uso de fármacos ultradiluidos en la infección por

Análise da produção científica de alunos de odontologia de uma universidade comunitária de Santa Catarina (Brasil) / Analysis of the scientific production of dentistry students from a community university of Santa Catarina (Brazil)

O objetivo da pesquisa foi analisar a produção científica procedente da atividade curricular de Trabalho de Iniciação Científica, do período de 2003 a 2017, dos alunos do curso de Odontologia de uma universidade comunitária. Trata-se de um estudo exploratório, mediante a coleta de dados secundários. As informações foram obtidas junto aos Resumos das Semanas de Iniciação Científica do Curso, à Plataforma Lattes e à Plataforma Sucupira. A análise dos dados ocorreu através de estatística descritiva. Foram analisados 456 trabalhos. A tipologia de pesquisa mais frequente foi o Estudo Transversal (59%). Um total de 18 diferentes áreas temáticas foi identificado, sendo as mais frequentes: Odontologia Social e Preventiva; Materiais Odontológicos; e Odontopediatria que juntas somaram 52,1%. Em cinco áreas temáticas foi possível perceber a presença de 6 eixos norteadores da pesquisa, segundo critérios da Agenda Nacional de Prioridades de Pesquisa em Saúde. Quanto à divulgação dos resultados destas investigações, 37,7% (N=172) foram apresentadas em Eventos Científicos externos à Universidade e 23,7% (N=108) publicadas em periódicos científicos. Pode-se concluir que a atividade curricular de iniciação científica dos acadêmicos do curso analisado tem contribuído para a produção de conhecimento na área da Saúde Coletiva, bem como, evidencia um fortalecimento da divulgação dos resultados das pesquisas no âmbito externo à instituição.

The objective of the research was to analyze the scientific production derived from the curricular activity of Scientific Initiation Work, from 2003 to 2017, of Dentistry' students from a community university. This is an exploratory study, through the collection of secondary data. The information was obtained from the Abstracts of the Scientific Initiation Weeks of the Course, the Lattes Platform and the Sucupira Platform. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics. 456 papers were analyzed. The most frequent type of research was the Cross-Sectional Study (59%). A total of 18 different thematic areas were identified, the most frequent of which are: Social and Preventive Dentistry; Dental Materials; and Pediatric Dentistry, which together accounted for 52.1%. In five thematic areas, it was possible to perceive the resence of 6 guiding axes of the research, according to criteria of the National Agenda of Priorities in Health Research. As for the dissemination of the results of these investigations, 37.7% (N = 172) were presented at Scientific Events outside the University and 23.7% (N = 108) published in scientific journals. It can be concluded that curricular activity of scientific initiation in the analysed course has contributed to the production of knowledge in the area of Public Health, as well as, it evidences a strengthening of the dissemination of research results outside the institution.

Experimental infection of Rhodnius robustus Larrousse, 1927 (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) with Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas, 1909) (Kinetoplastida, Trypanosomatidae) IV.

Vector competence of triatomines (kissing bugs) for Trypanosoma cruzi transmission depends on the parasite-vector interaction and the genetic constitution of both. This study evaluates the susceptibility and vector competence of Rhodnius robustus experimentally infected with T. cruzi IV (TcIV). Nymphs were fed on infected mice or an artificial feeder with blood containing culture-derived metacyclic trypomastigotes (CMT) or blood trypomastigotes (BT). The intestinal contents (IC) and excreta of the insects were examined by fresh examination and kDNA-PCR. The rate of metacyclogenesis was also determined by differential counts. Fifth instar nymphs fed with CMT ingested a greater blood volume (mean of 74.5 µL) and a greater amount of parasites (mean of 149,000 CMT/µL), and had higher positivity in the fresh examination of the IC. Third instar nymphs fed with CMT had higher positivity (33.3%) in the fresh examination of the excreta. On the 20th day after infection (dai), infective metacyclic trypomastigote (MT) forms were predominant in the excreta of 3/4 experimental groups, and on the 30th dai, the different parasitic forms were observed in the IC of all the groups. Higher percentages of MT were observed in the excreta of the 5th instar nymphs group (84.1%) and in the IC of the 3rd instar nymphs group (80.0%). Rhodnius robustus presented high susceptibility to infection since all nymphs were infected, regardless of the method used for blood meal, in addition these insects demonstrated vector competence for TcIV with high rates of metacyclogenesis being evident.

Centro Rede CEDES - MA: uma experiência exitosa / CEDES Network Center - MA: a successful experience / Centro Red CEDES - MA: una experiencia exitosa

RESUMO O presente artigo tem como objetivo relatar as principais ações desenvolvidas pelo Centro de Desenvolvimento de Pesquisas em Políticas de Esporte e Lazer da Rede CEDES do estado do Maranhão, no período de 2016 a 2019. A estruturação do Centro foi planejada tendo em vista atividades sistemáticas e projetos especiais. Destacam-se, como ações exitosas, dois projetos de pesquisa, um Curso de Aperfeiçoamento em Lazer e um Curso de Pós-Graduação Lato Sensu em Gestão de Políticas Públicas de Esporte e Lazer.

ABSTRACT This article aims to report the main actions developed by the Center for Research Development in Sports and Leisure Policies of the CEDES Network in Maranhão from 2016 to 2019. The structuring of the Center was planned in systematic activities and special projects. Two research projects, a Leisure Improvement Course and a Lato Sensu Post-Graduate Course in Management of Public Sports and Leisure Policies, stand out as successful actions.

RESUMEN Este artículo tiene como objetivo relatar las principales acciones desarrolladas por el Centro de Desarrollo de la Investigación en Políticas de Deporte y Ocio de la Red CEDES en Maranhão de 2016 a 2019. La estructuración del Centro fue planificada en actividades sistemáticas y proyectos especiales. Destacan como actuaciones de éxito dos proyectos de investigación, un Curso de Mejora del Ocio y un Curso de Postgrado Lato Sensu en Gestión de Políticas Públicas de Deporte y Ocio.

Políticas públicas de esporte e lazer: um balanço crítico da produção científica no GEPPEF/UFMA / Public policies on sport and leisure: a critical assessment of the scientific production of GEPPEF/UFMA Maranhão / Políticas públicas de deporte y ocio: una valoración crítica de la producción científica de GEPPEF/UFMA

Este trabalho investiga a trajetória do Grupo de Estudos e Pesquisas Pedagógicas em Educação Física (GEPPEF/UFMA) na área das políticas públicas de esporte e lazer, realizando um balanço crítico da sua produção científica. Faz-se uma pesquisa documental de natureza quanti-qualitativa, no período de 2005 a 2020, com um total de 73 trabalhos analisados nas seguintes categorias: fontes de publicação, temáticas, períodos, tipos de trabalho e aporte teórico. Constata-se predominância de publicação de trabalhos completos em anais de eventos nacionais e internacionais, com prevalência temática em gestão e ordenamento legal. Quanto ao aporte teórico, verifica-se inicialmente que os trabalhos se destacaram pela pluralidade epistemológica e, mais recentemente, o Grupo vem fundamentando suas pesquisas nos pressupostos do Materialismo Histórico Dialético. Concluiu-se que o GEPPEF aponta caminhos no intuito de contribuir para o debate das políticas públicas de esporte e lazer no Maranhão, sobretudo para a concretização desses direitos.

This work investigates the trajectory of the Group of Studies and Pedagogical Research in Physical Education (GEPPEF / UFMA) in the area of public policies on sport and leisure, making a critical assessment of its scientific production. A quantitative and qualitative documentary research is carried out in the period from 2005 to 2020, with a total of 73 papers analyzed in the following categories: publication sources, themes, periods, work types and theoretical contribution. There is a predominance of publication of complete papers in annals of national and international events, with thematic prevalence in management and legal order. As for the theoretical contribution, it is verified initially that the works stood out for their epistemological plurality and, more recently, the Group has been basing its research on the assumptions of Dialectical Historical Materialism. It was concluded that GEPPEF points out ways to contribute to the debate on sports and leisure public policies in Maranhão, especially aiming for the realization of these rights.

Este trabajo analiza la trayectoria del Grupo de Estudios e Investigaciones Pedagógicas en Educación Física (GEPPEF/UFMA) en el ámbito de las políticas públicas de deporte y ocio, realizando una valoración crítica de su producción científica. Se realiza una investigación documental de carácter cuantitativo y cualitativo de las producciones realizadas en el período de 2005 a 2020, con un total de 73 trabajos analizados en las siguientes categorías: fuentes de publicación, temáticas, periodos, tipos de trabajo y contribución teórica. Se constata el predominio de publicaciones de trabajos completos en anales de eventos nacionales e internacionales, con prevalencia temática en gestión y ordenamiento jurídico. En cuanto a la contribución teórica, se observa inicialmente que los trabajos se destacaron por su pluralidad epistemológica y, más recientemente, la base de la investigación del Grupo en los supuestos del Materialismo Histórico Dialéctico. Se concluye que el GEPPEF señala caminos con el objetivo de contribuir al debate acerca de las políticas públicas de deporte y ocio en el Maranhão, especialmente para la concretización de estos derechos.

Investigação do potencial erosivo de gomas de mascar não convencionais / Investigation the erosive potential of unconventional chewing gums

Objetivo: mensurar o potencial erosivo de gomas de mascar não convencionais disponíveis no mercado brasileiro. Material e método: estudo experimental (in vitro) de caráter quantitativo. Foram adquiridos oito sabores de gomas de mascar: Poosh® (pinta língua); Plutonita® (abraço congelante, dentada ardente, baba de bruxa e língua ácida); e TNT® (sangue, lava e tumba). Para análise da acidez, foram realizadas leituras em triplicata do pH e acidez titulável (AT), utilizando um potenciômetro e eletrodo combinado de vidro em soluções obtidas após a maceração das gomas de mascar em água duplamente deionizada. Nas soluções com valores de pH inferiores a 5,5, foi mensurada a AT adicionando-se alíquotas de 100 µLNaOH 0,1 M, até alcançar pH 5,5. Os resultados foram submetidos à Análise de Variância (ANOVA). As comparações das médias de pH e acidez titulável foram realizadas pelo teste de Tukey, com um nível de 5% de significância (p<0,05). Resultados: os valores de pH variaram entre 2,4 (abraço congelante) e 3,5 (baba de bruxa), diferin-do significantemente do controle (água mineral/pH=6,2). Os valores de acidez titulável variaram entre 628µL de NaOH 0,1 M (sangue) e 10700µL de NaOH 0,1 M (abraço congelante). A goma de mascar sabor abraço congelante apresentou o pH mais baixo e a mais elevada acidez titulável, diferindo significantemente dos demais sabores. Conclusões: as gomas de mascar avaliadas são ácidas, mas diferem quanto ao seu potencial erosivo. Seu consumo abusivo pode constituir um fator de risco para erosão dental.(AU)

Objective: to measure the erosive potential of non- -conventional chewing gums available in the Brazilian market. Material and methods: this is an in vitro study using the following flavors of chewing gums from the Brazilian market: Poosh® (tongue cleaner); Plutonita® (freezing hug, burning bite, witch slime and acid tongue); TNT® (blood, lava and tomb). For acidity analysis, pH and titratable acidity (TA) readings were performed in triplicate using a potentiometer and combined glass electrode in solutions obtained after maceration of the chewing gums in double deionized water. In solutions with pH values below 5.5, the TA was measured by adding aliquots of 100 µL 0.1 M NaOH, until pH 5.5 was reached. The results were submitted to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Comparisons of pH and titratable acidity means were performed by Tukey test at a 5% significance level (p<0.05). Results: the pH values that ranged from 2.4 (freezing hug) to 3.5 (witch's slime) differed significantly from the control (mineral water/ pH=6.2). Titratable acidity values ranged from 628µL of 0.1 M NaOH (blood) to 10700µL of 0.1 M NaOH (freezing hug). The freezing hug flavor chewing gum had the lowest pH and the highest titratable acidity differing significantly from the other flavors. Conclusions: the evaluated chewing gums are acidic, but differ in their erosive potential. Their abusive consumption may constitute a risk factor for dental erosion.(AU)

Conhecimento de gestantes do papel do aleitamento materno no sistema estomatognático / Knowledge of pregnant women about the importance of breastfeeding for the stomatognathic system

Objetivo: avaliar o conhecimento de um grupo de gestantes em relação à importância do aleitamento materno sob o aspecto odontológico. Material e método: a população-alvo foi composta por gestantes em atendimento de pré-natal na Unidade de Saúde Clínica Materno Infantil Dra. Maria da Graça, no Município de Caçador-SC. A amostra foi do tipo não probabilística obtida por conveniência. O instrumento para coleta de dados foi um questionário constituído por duas partes: na primeira foram coletadas informações para caracterização das participantes; na segunda foi investigado o conhecimento das gestantes sobre a importância do aleitamento materno sob o aspecto odontológico com questões dicotômicas que abordaram o aleitamento materno e sua relação com o desenvolvimento do sistema estomatognático. Para a determinação do conhecimento da população, foram definidos três níveis, a saber: Baixo: para um total de acertos entre 1 e 3 questões; Médio: para um total de acertos entre 4 e 7 questões; Bom: para um total de acertos entre 8 e 11 questões. O tratamento estatístico foi do tipo descritivo, mediante cálculo da frequência relativa. Para analisar a relação entre o conhecimento das gestantes com a escolaridade e renda familiar, foi aplicado o teste Qui-Quadrado. Resultados: observou-se que 60% das gestantes apresentaram nível bom de conhecimento, 36% nível médio e 4% das participantes com nível baixo de conhecimento. Conclusão: a maioria das gestantes apresentou nível de conhecimento bom em relação à importância do aleitamento materno sob o aspecto odontológico; o conhecimento das gestantes não apresentou relação estatisticamente significante com o nível de escolaridade e a renda familiar

Aim: to evaluate the knowledge of a group of pregnant women about the importance of breastfeeding under the dentistry aspect. Material and method: the target population was composed of pregnant women under prenatal care at the "Dra Maria da Graça" Mother and Child Clinical Health Unit of the municipality of Caçador-SC. Sample was non-probabilistic and obtained by convenience. Data collection instrument was a questionnaire consisting of two parts: in the first part, information was collected to characterize participants; in the second part, the knowledge of pregnant women about the importance of breastfeeding under the dentistry aspect was investigated with dichotomous questions that addressed breastfeeding and its relationship with the development of the stomatognathic system. Three levels were defined to determine the knowledge of participants: Low - for total number of correct answers between 1 and 3 questions; Medium: for total number of correct answers between 4 and 7 questions; Good: for total of 8 to 11 questions. Statistical treatment was of descriptive type, by calculating the relative frequency. To analyze the relationship between knowledge of pregnant women with schooling and family income, the Chi-Square test was applied. Results: it was observed that 60% of pregnant women had good level of knowledge, 36% had medium level and 4% of participants had low level of knowledge. Conclusion: most pregnant women had good level of knowledge regarding the importance of breastfeeding under the dentistry aspect; the knowledge of pregnant women did not show statistically significant relationship with schooling and family income.

Effects of Highly Diluted Drugs on Experimental Infection with Trypanosoma cruzi In Vivo: Systematic Review.

Objective: To investigate, through a systematic review, the effects of the use of highly diluted drugs in the treatment of experimental infection with Trypanosoma cruzi. Design: The authors searched for scientific publications in the databases PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, LILACS, and the Google Scholar search system, from 2000 to 2018, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement. According to the criteria established, a total of 22 studies were included. Settings/Location: The study took place at the State University of Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brazil. Subjects: Male mice (Mus musculus) or rats (Rattus norvegicus). Interventions: Highly diluted drugs. Outcome measures: The parameters evaluated in the studies were parasitological, clinical, immunological, histopathological and hematological. Results: The studies demonstrated that the effects of highly diluted drugs are related to their dynamizations, treatment regimen, and host susceptibility to T. cruzi infection, and depend on the initial information transmitted to the treated organism, making this information the "model" of how the treated organism will react. Regardless of the mechanism of action, these drugs provide a decrease in inflammation, which is one of the central phenomena of the pathogenesis of T. cruzi infection. Conclusions: This systematic review brings out the importance of the T. cruzi infection model as a reliable and valid model for studying different effects produced by highly diluted drugs. Considering the findings and in a broader perspective, this study contributes to considering these drugs as a possible way of dealing with "treatment" in general, presents the need to reexamine the biochemical model and develop a model for the effect of high dilutions in general, as well as for the treatment of parasitic infections.

Treatment with Lycopodium clavatum 200dH Intensifies Kidney and Liver Injury in Mice Infected with Toxoplasma gondii.

The effects of infection with Toxoplasma gondii vary from asymptomatic to the development of alterations in various organs (including the liver and kidneys) which may be irreversible, and lead to the death of the host. Whereas homeopathy is an alternative and effective method for treating various diseases, including those caused by protozoa, we questioned the effect of using Lycopodium clavatum in mice infected with T. gondii. One hundred male Swiss mice, 60 days old, were divided into four groups (n = 25/group): NIC (uninfected and untreated control), IC (infected and treated with un-dynamized 7% alcohol solution [vehicle]), G48 (infected and treated 48 h before infection and treated three more times; at 2, 4, and 6 days post-infection (dpi) with L. clavatum 200dH), and G72 (infected and treated for 3 consecutive days before infection with L. clavatum 200dH). In this study, physiological, histopathological, and immunological parameters were evaluated. The L. clavatum 200dH intensified renal damage in mice infected with T. gondii from 7 dpi, causing severe and progressive alterations during this period, such as various degrees of inflammation, edema, atrophy, and tubular cystic dilation, degenerated tubules with intra-cytoplasmic vacuoles and coalescing spots, severe vascular lesions, glomerulonephritis, and peri-glomerular congestion. In the G72 animals, which received L. clavatum 200dH, more severe cortex damage was observed (91.66-96.66%) as compared to the IC group (55-80%) and more renal corpuscle, and renal tubule injury was observed (80 ± 5 to 96.7% ± 2.89 of the total area) during all periods, as compared to the IC group (p < 0.05). Both groups presented high liver enzyme levels, and the highest values for AST were observable at 60 dpi. We observed significant increases of type I and III collagen, as well as high levels of TGF-ß1 in both organs of the treated animals, the main factor involved in fibrosis in areas damaged by the process. L. clavatum 200dH intensifies kidney and liver alterations in mice infected with T. gondii. Our results reinforce caution when indicating administration schemes and dosages for ultra-diluted drugs.

Linear mixed model for weight analysis in mice infected by Trypanosoma cruzi

The use of linear mixed models for nested structure longitudinal data is called hierarchical linear modeling. Thismodeling takes into account the dependence of existing data within each level and between hierarchical levels. The process of modeling, estimating and analyzing diagnoses was illustrated through data on the weights of mice experimentally infected by Trypanosoma cruzi, divided into different treatment groups, with the purpose of verifying the evolution of their body weight as a result of usingdifferent types of biotherapeutics produced from Gallus gallus domesticus(chicken) serum to treat Trypanosoma cruzi. Through the model selection criteria AIC and BIC and the likelihood ratio test, a model was chosen to describe the data correctly. Model diagnoses were then performed by means of residual analysis for both levels and an analysis of influential observations to verify if any observations were signaled as influencing the fixed effects, the components of variance and the adjusted values. After the analysis, it was possible to notice that the observations that were signaled as influential had little impact on the Model chosen initially, so it was maintained, with no differences being evidenced between the treatments with the biotherapeutics tested; only the Time variable and the Random intercept were necessary to describe the weight of the mice.

Analyzing weight evolution in mice infected by Trypanosoma cruzi

Concerning the specificities of a longitudinal study, the trajectories of a subject's mean responses not always present a linear behavior, which calls for tools that take into account the non-linearity of individual trajectories and that describe them towards associating possible random effects with each individual. Generalized additive mixed models (GAMMs) have come to solve this problem, since, in this class of models, it is possible to assign specific random effects to individuals, in addition to rewriting the linear term by summing unknown smooth functions, not parametrically specified, then using the P-splines smoothing technique. Thus, this article aims to introduce this methodology applied to a dataset referring to an experiment involving 57 Swiss mice infected by Trypanosoma cruzi, which had their weights monitored for 12 weeks. The analyses showed significant differences in the weight trajectory of the individuals by treatment group; besides, the assumptions required to validate the model were met. Therefore, it is possible to conclude that this methodology is satisfactory in modeling data of longitudinal sort, because, with this approach, in addition to the possibility of including fixed and random effects, these models allow adding complex correlation structures to residuals.

Effect of acetylsalicylic acid on total myenteric neurons in mice experimentally infected with Trypanosoma cruzi.

We investigated the effects of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) on the total myenteric neuronal population in the descending colon in Trypanosoma cruzi-infected mice. Thirty-five male Swiss mice, 60 days old, were divided into a control group (C group), control group treated with ASA (CA group), infected group (I group), and infected group treated with ASA (IA group). A total of 1300 trypomastigotes of the Y strain of T. cruzi were intraperitoneally inoculated in the IA and I groups. The CA and IA groups were treated with ASA intraperitoneally. At 75 days post-infection (dpi), all of the animals were sacrificed. Neurons in the colon were stained with Giemsa, quantified, and measured. No difference in the course of infection was observed between the IA and I groups, reflected by the parasitemia curve. Acetylsalicylic acid treatment in the CA and IA groups did not alter the total number of myenteric neurons compared with the C and I groups. The CA and IA groups exhibited an increase in the nuclear area, cytoplasmic area, and neuronal body area compared with the C and I groups. Future studies should elucidate the mechanism of action of ASA against Chagas' disease in the chronic phase.

Potencial erosivo de doces azedos (sour candies) dissolvidos em água e saliva artificial

O consumo frequente de balas e doces ácidos está associado a etiologia da erosão dental. Objetivo: o objetivo deste estudo é mensurar o potencial erosivo de doces azedos (sour candies) dissolvidos em água e saliva artificial. Materiais e método: os doces Sour Tubes Ácido Fini® sabores: maçã verde, tutti frutti, morango e melancia foram selecionados e divididos em 2 grupos ‒ doces dissolvidos em água destilada (G-1) e doces dissolvidos em saliva artificial (G-2). O pH foi mensurado utilizando potenciômetro e eletrodo combinado de vidro, previamente calibrado com soluções padrão pH 7,0 e pH 4,0 antes de cada leitura. A acidez titulável foi mensurada adicionando-se alíquotas de 100 µL NaOH 1M, até alcançar o pH 5,5. Os resultados foram submetidos à Análise de Variância (Anova), e as comparações das médias foram realizadas pelo teste Tukey, em um nível de 5% de significância (p<0,05). Resultados: todas as balas apresentaram valores de pH abaixo de 5,5, quando dissolvidas em água (G-1) e saliva artificial (G-2). Na comparação entre os grupos, houve elevação significante do pH após dissolução em saliva artificial (G-2). A acidez titulável mostrou-se menor no grupo G-2. Conclusão: todos os doces ácidos dissolvidos em água e saliva artificial são potencialmente erosivos, podendo contribuir para a etiologia da erosão dental.

Phosphorus protects cardiac tissue by modifying the immune response in rats infected by Trypanosoma cruzi.

AIM: This study evaluates and correlates the number of myocarditis focuses and production of cytokines in Rattus norvegicus (Wistar lineage), experimentally infected with T. Cruzi and treated with Phosphorus. METHODS: In two blind, controlled and randomized trials, 53 45-day-old, male animals were allocated into groups Control (n=24): Control group infected and treated with 7% hydroalcoholic solution, the preparation vehicle of the test medication; and Phosphorus (n=24 on days 0, 5, 10 and 24 after infection): group infected and treated with Phosphorus 13cH, diluted 10-26 and dynamized (test medication). The animals were inoculated intraperitoneally with 5×106 blood trypomastigotes of T. cruzi-Y strain. The medication was administered overnight (16 consecutive hours), diluted in water (1mL/100mL) in amber water bottles. The animals were treated 2days before and 2, 4, and 6days after infection. Enumeration of inflammatory foci in cardiac tissue (Hematoxylin-Eosin) and dosage of cytokines TNF-α and IFN-γ in the serum were performed on days 0, 5, 10 and 24 after infection, using three animals/group. Mann-Whitney, Friedman ANOVA, Spearman correlation (p<0.05), and Statistica Single User Software version 13.2 were used for data analysis. RESULTS: The animals treated with Phosphorus 13cH had high concentration of INF-É£ on the 5th day of infection with significant decrease on the 10th and 24th days (p<0.05), and high concentration of TNF-α on the 5th and 10th days of infection with decrease on the 24th day (p<0.05). The treatment with Phosphorus caused a significant increase of INF-É£ and TNF-α on the 5th day of infection compared with the Control (p<0.05), with reestablishment on the 24th day, as well as in the Control group. The group treated with Phosphorus had 52.5% less number of myocarditis focuses in heart than Control group (p<0.05) on the 10th day of infection. The significant increase in cytokines on the5th day of infection in the Phosphorus group is related to a significant decrease in the number of inflammatory foci in cardiac tissue on the 10th day of infection in this group. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Treatment with Phosphorus 13cH promotes beneficial effects in T. cruzi infection in Wistar rats by modulating the secretion of IFN-γ and TNF-α with decreased inflammation in cardiac tissue. These results reinforce the importance of considering the use of homeopathy for establishing new therapeutic approaches in the management of patients with Chagas disease.

Estratégias para o controle da Sífilis Congênita no município de Diadema-SP / Strategies for the control of congenital syphilis in Diadema-SP

Este trabalho aborda as distintas estratégias construídas em rede por meio de cooperação horizontal adotadas pelo município de Diadema, para subsidiar as equipes mediante a complexidade que é ofertar a longitudinalidade do cuidado aos pacientes com suspeita /diagnóstico de sífilis. Dessa forma, o principal objetivo é apoiar, aperfeiçoar e padronizar a assistência ofertada pelas equipes da Atenção Básica com arranjos de baixo custo nas ações de prevenção, detecção, tratamento, monitoramento e combate à sífilis adquirida, em gestante e congênita, de acordo com as diretrizes do Ministério da Saúde. O progresso das estratégias utilizadas demonstrou impactos positivos a respeito do rastreamento e tratamento da sífilis no município, em médio prazo e custo relativamente baixo.

Sympatry influence in the interaction of Trypanosoma cruzi with triatomine.

INTRODUCTION: Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent of Chagas disease, is widely distributed in nature, circulating between triatomine bugs and sylvatic mammals, and has large genetic diversity. Both the vector species and the genetic lineages of T. cruzi present a varied geographical distribution. This study aimed to verify the influence of sympatry in the interaction of T. cruzi with triatomines. Methods: The behavior of the strains PR2256 (T. cruzi II) and AM14 (T. cruzi IV) was studied in Triatoma sordida (TS) and Rhodnius robustus (RR). Eleven fifth-stage nymphs were fed by artificial xenodiagnosis with 5.6 × 103 blood trypomastigotes/0.1mL of each T. cruzi strain. Every 20 days, their excreta were examined for up to 100 days, and every 30 days, the intestinal content was examined for up to 120 days, by parasitological (fresh examination and differential count with Giemsa-stained smears) and molecular (PCR) methods. Rates of infectivity, metacyclogenesis and mortality, and mean number of parasites per insect and of excreted parasites were determined. RESULTS: Sympatric groups RR+AM14 and TS+PR2256 showed higher values of the four parameters, except for mortality rate, which was higher (27.3%) in the TS+AM14 group. General infectivity was 72.7%, which was mainly proven by PCR, showing the following decreasing order: RR+AM14 (100%), TS+PR2256 (81.8%), RR+PR2256 (72.7%) and TS+AM14 (36.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Our working hypothesis was confirmed once higher infectivity and vector capacity (flagellate production and elimination of infective metacyclic forms) were recorded in the groups that contained sympatric T. cruzi lineages and triatomine species.

Beneficial immunomodulatory and neuro digestive effect in Trypanosoma cruzi infection after Lycopodium clavatum 13c treatment.

Studies show that highly diluted medications demonstrate benefits in treating infections, constituting an alternative for their treatment. The present study evaluated the effects of Lycopodium clavatum, dynamization 13c, in Wistar rats infected with T. cruzi. In this study 42 male rats were intraperitoneally inoculated with T. cruzi - Y strain and allocated into groups: IC (infected control group) and Ly (treated with L. clavatum 13c). The cytokines dosage (IFN-γ, IL-12, IL-10, IL-4), quantification and morphometry of myenteric neurons were evaluated. The treatment with L. clavatum modifies the immune response, with increase of IFN-γ on day 10 a.i. and IL-12 on day 24 a.i., decrease of IL-10 concentration on day 10 a.i. and subsequent increase of this cytokine and IL-4 on day 24 a.i., affording a bigger number of myenteric neurons compared to IC group. Thus, L. clavatum 13c promoted on rats infected with T. cruzi a beneficial immunomodulatory action reducing the pathogenic progression of digestive Chagas disease.