Molecular characterization of Chikungunya virus recovered from patients in the Maranhão state, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an arbovirus from the Togaviridae family which has four genotypes: West African (WA), East/Central/South African (ECSA) and Asian/Caribbean lineage (AL) and Indian Ocean Lineage (IOL). The ECSA genotype was first registered in Brazil in Feira de Santana and spread to all Brazilian regions. This study reports the characterization of CHIKV isolates recovered from sera samples of fifty patients from seventeen cities in Maranhão, a state from Brazilian northeast region and part of the Legal Amazon area. METHODS AND RESULTS: Primers were developed to amplify the partial regions coding structural proteins (E1, E3, E2, 6 K, and Capsid C). The consensus sequences have 2871 bp, covering approximately 24% of the genome. The isolates were highly similar (> 99%) to the ECSA isolate from Feira de Santana (BHI3734/H804698), presenting 30 non-synonymous mutations in E1 (5.95%), 18 in E2 (4.46%), and 1 in E3 (3.03%), taking the BHI3734/H804698 isolate as standard. Although the mutations described have not previously been related to increased infectivity or transmissibility of CHIKV, in silico analysis showed changes in physicochemical characteristics, antigenicity, and B cell epitopes of E1 and E2. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate the importance of molecular approaches for monitoring the viral adaptations undergone by CHIKV and its geographic distribution.

Impact of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) guidelines implementation in cesarean delivery: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cesarean delivery rate is increasing, with no prediction of this rate to drop. Implementation of Early Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program adapted to this high prevalent obstetrical surgical procedure proposes better peri-operative care achievement with improved maternal medical care, namely reduced morbidity, faster return to normal daily activities and improved impact on quality of life. Our aim was to analyze the outcomes of ERAS guidelines implementation in cesarean sections (CS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic review was performed across 3 databases (MEDLINE (Pubmed), Scopus and Web of Science), with no time or language filters, for articles comparing outcomes on pregnant women who delivered via CS with ERAS guidelines implementation versus the traditional approach without ERAS implementation. Outcomes established: primary - hospital length of stay; secondary - opioid consumption, readmission rates and maternal complications (overall, surgical site infection and emetic morbidity). Statistical analyses were conducted using Review Manager 5.4 and its results were expressed as mean difference, standardized mean difference and odds ratio, with 95% of confidence intervals. This systematic review was reported according to the PRISMA statement. RESULTS: This systematic review included 16 studies (3 randomized controlled trials (RCT), 4 prospective cohorts and 9 retrospective cohorts), with a pool analysis of 19,001 women (9752 with the traditional approach and 9249 following ERAS guidelines). Our results showed a significative decrease in length of hospital stay (MD: -13.78 h; CI 95 % -19.28 to -8.28; p < 0.00001) and opioid consumption (SMD: -0.91; CI 95 % -1.51 to -0.32; p = 0.003), with similar readmission rates (OR: 0.85; CI 95 % 0.50 to 1.44; p = 0.53) and maternal complications, namely: overall (OR: 0.87; CI 95 % 0.56 to 1.35; p = 0.53); surgical site infection (OR: 1.13; CI 95 % 0.72 to 1.77; p = 0.60) and emetic morbidity (OR: 0.78; CI 95 % 0.31 to 1.96; p = 0.60). CONCLUSIONS: ERAS guidelines applied at CS management are associated with decreased length of stay and opioid consumption, without negatively impact on readmission rates and overall maternal complications, including surgical site infection and emetic morbidity. The reduced number of RCT studies and the heterogeneity of the studies (heterogeneous inter-study protocols) constitutes the major limitation of the evidence found. Still, these findings may be a foremost help to confirm the beneficial impact of an ERAS approach during peri-cesarean management.

Placenta Accreta Spectrum Disorders - The Impact of the Creation of a Multidisciplinary Team on Maternal Outcomes in Portugal / Patologia do espectro do acretismo placentário - O impacto da criação de uma equipa multidisciplinar nos desfechos maternos em Portugal

Abstract Objective To describe a cohort of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) cases from a tertiary care institution and compare the maternal outcomes before and after the creation of a multidisciplinary team (MDT). Methods Retrospective study using hospital databases. Identification of PAS cases with pathological confirmation between 2010 and 2021. Division in two groups: standard care (SC) group - 2010-2014; and MDT group - 2015-2021. Descriptive analysis of their characteristics and maternal outcomes. Results During the study period, there were 53 cases of PAS (24 - SC group; 29 - MDT group). Standard care group: 1 placenta increta and 3 percreta; 12.5% (3/24) had antenatal suspicion; 4 cases had a peripartum hysterectomy - one planned due to antenatal suspicion of PAS; 3 due to postpartum hemorrhage. Mean estimated blood loss (EBL) was 2,469 mL; transfusion of packed red blood cells (PRBC) in 25% (6/24) - median 7.5 units. Multidisciplinary team group: 4 cases of placenta increta and 3 percreta. The rate of antenatal suspicion was 24.1% (7/29); 9 hysterectomies were performed, 7 planned due to antenatal suspicion of PAS, 1 after intrapartum diagnosis of PAS and 1 after uterine rupture following a second trimester termination of pregnancy. The mean EBL was 1,250 mL, with transfusion of PRBC in 37.9% (11/29) - median 2 units. Conclusion After the creation of the MDT, there was a reduction in the mean EBL and in the median number of PRBC units transfused, despite the higher number of invasive PAS disorders.

Resumo Objetivo Descrever uma coorte de casos do espectro do acretismo placentário (PAS) de uma instituição terciária e comparar os resultados maternos antes e depois da criação de uma equipa multidisciplinar (MDT). Métodos Estudo retrospectivo utilizando bancos de dados hospitalares. Identificação de casos de PAS com confirmação patológica entre 2010 e 2021. Divisão em dois grupos: grupo Standard Care (SC) - 2010-2014; e grupo MDT - 2015-2021. Análise descritiva de suas características e desfechos maternos. Resultados Durante o período do estudo, houve 53 casos de PAS (24 - grupo SC; 29 - grupo MDT). Grupo Standard Care: 1 placenta increta e 3 percretas; 12,5% (3/24) tiveram suspeita anteparto; 4 casos tiveram histerectomia periparto - uma eletiva devido à suspeita anteparto de PAS; 3 devido a hemorragia pós-parto. A média de perda hemática estimada (EBL) foi de 2.469 mL; transfusão de concentrado eritrocitário (PRBC) em 25% (6/24) - mediana 7,5 unidades. Equipa multidisciplinar: 4 casos de placenta increta e 3 percretas. A taxa de suspeita anteparto foi de 24,1% (7/29); foram realizadas 9 histerectomias, 7 eletivas por suspeita anteparto de PAS, 1 após diagnóstico intraparto de PAS e 1 após rotura uterina após interrupção da gravidez no segundo trimestre. A EBL média foi de 1.250 mL, com transfusão de PRBC em 37,9% (11/29) - mediana de 2 unidades. Conclusão Após a criação da MDT, houve redução na média de EBL e na mediana do número de unidades de PRBC transfundidas, apesar do maior número de PAS invasivos.

Placenta Accreta Spectrum Disorders - The Impact of the Creation of a Multidisciplinary Team on Maternal Outcomes in Portugal.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a cohort of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) cases from a tertiary care institution and compare the maternal outcomes before and after the creation of a multidisciplinary team (MDT). METHODS: Retrospective study using hospital databases. Identification of PAS cases with pathological confirmation between 2010 and 2021. Division in two groups: standard care (SC) group - 2010-2014; and MDT group - 2015-2021. Descriptive analysis of their characteristics and maternal outcomes. RESULTS: During the study period, there were 53 cases of PAS (24 - SC group; 29 - MDT group). Standard care group: 1 placenta increta and 3 percreta; 12.5% (3/24) had antenatal suspicion; 4 cases had a peripartum hysterectomy - one planned due to antenatal suspicion of PAS; 3 due to postpartum hemorrhage. Mean estimated blood loss (EBL) was 2,469 mL; transfusion of packed red blood cells (PRBC) in 25% (6/24) - median 7.5 units. Multidisciplinary team group: 4 cases of placenta increta and 3 percreta. The rate of antenatal suspicion was 24.1% (7/29); 9 hysterectomies were performed, 7 planned due to antenatal suspicion of PAS, 1 after intrapartum diagnosis of PAS and 1 after uterine rupture following a second trimester termination of pregnancy. The mean EBL was 1,250 mL, with transfusion of PRBC in 37.9% (11/29) - median 2 units. CONCLUSION: After the creation of the MDT, there was a reduction in the mean EBL and in the median number of PRBC units transfused, despite the higher number of invasive PAS disorders.

OBJETIVO: Descrever uma coorte de casos do espectro do acretismo placentário (PAS) de uma instituição terciária e comparar os resultados maternos antes e depois da criação de uma equipa multidisciplinar (MDT). MéTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo utilizando bancos de dados hospitalares. Identificação de casos de PAS com confirmação patológica entre 2010 e 2021. Divisão em dois grupos: grupo Standard Care (SC) ­ 2010­2014; e grupo MDT ­ 2015­2021. Análise descritiva de suas características e desfechos maternos. RESULTADOS: Durante o período do estudo, houve 53 casos de PAS (24 - grupo SC; 29 - grupo MDT). Grupo Standard Care: 1 placenta increta e 3 percretas; 12,5% (3/24) tiveram suspeita anteparto; 4 casos tiveram histerectomia periparto ­ uma eletiva devido à suspeita anteparto de PAS; 3 devido a hemorragia pós-parto. A média de perda hemática estimada (EBL) foi de 2.469 mL; transfusão de concentrado eritrocitário (PRBC) em 25% (6/24) - mediana 7,5 unidades. Equipa multidisciplinar: 4 casos de placenta increta e 3 percretas. A taxa de suspeita anteparto foi de 24,1% (7/29); foram realizadas 9 histerectomias, 7 eletivas por suspeita anteparto de PAS, 1 após diagnóstico intraparto de PAS e 1 após rotura uterina após interrupção da gravidez no segundo trimestre. A EBL média foi de 1.250 mL, com transfusão de PRBC em 37,9% (11/29) - mediana de 2 unidades. CONCLUSãO: Após a criação da MDT, houve redução na média de EBL e na mediana do número de unidades de PRBC transfundidas, apesar do maior número de PAS invasivos.

Preoperative staging of uterine cancer: can transvaginal ultrasonography play a role?

Introduction: Preoperative staging of uterine cancer has recently been implied as an important contribution to an accurate selection of low-risk cases, ultimately avoiding unnecessary lymph node debulking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of transvaginal ultrasonography (TVS) in preoperative staging of uterine cancer in comparison to pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and permanent section. Methods: We conducted a prospective longitudinal multicenter trial between 2017 and 2018. Inclusion criteria comprised cases of endometrial neoplasia histologically confirmed or strong imaging suspicion, candidates for elective surgery as primary treatment. Proportions of Agreement (PA), kappa statistic (K), sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Results: Eighty-two patients were eligible for the study, presenting a mean age of 68 years (standard deviation 11). In what concerns the TVS evaluation of myometrial invasion, the subjective and objective methods of Gordon and Karlsson presented a sensitivity of 79%, 79% and 67% [95%CI 63-91; 63-91; 50-81], a specificity of 65%, 58% and 79% [95%CI 49-79; 42-73; 64-89] and an overall accuracy of 72%, 68% and 73% [95%CI 61-81; 57-78; 63-82]. MRI presented respectively a sensitivity, specificity and overall accuracy of 92%, 70% and 82% [95%CI 77-98; 52-85; 71-90]. Regarding cervical involvement, the sensitivity was respectively 31%, 50% and 67% [95%CI 9-61; 21-79; 35-90] for the subjective method, objective TVS and MRI, and the specificity was 98%, 90% and 100% [95%CI 92-100; 77-97; 94;100]. Agreement between TVS and MRI was superior in the assessment of cervical invasion, with PA ranging from 0.82 to 0.93 and K from 0.45 to 0.58, in comparison to myometrial invasion with PA ranging from 0.68 to 0.73 and K from 0.31 to 0.50. Considering the assessment of cervical involvement, as MRI showed a specificity of 100% it is not possible to increase the specificity. However, it was possible to increase the sensitivity, considering the combination of TVS with objective approach and MRI. Conclusion: TVS may have a promising role as a tool for preoperative staging of endometrial carcinoma, presenting a performance that approximates to MRI, with a higher agreement in the assessment of cervical invasion.

Non-Excisional therapeutic modalities in vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia.

Vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia is an uncommon Human Papilloma Virus-related premalignant lesion of the lower genital tract. There is still no consensus regarding its management. Therapeutic modalities include observation, laser ablation, topical agents, radiation and surgical approach. Due to the current increasing adherence to minimally invasive therapies the aim of this study is to identify and characterize non-excisional treatment modalities. Expectant management is the first therapeutical option in low-grade lesions management. Up to 81% of lesions through an expectant approach regressed spontaneously and most of them were low-grade lesions. In contrast, high-grade lesions, due to its higher potential to invasion progression and low regression rate, require treatment, which should be selected depending on its characteristics and the patient's preference. Laser ablation is suitable for multifocal lesions in sexually active young women with a cure rate up to 90% and recurrence rate up to 6.3%. Brachytherapy can be 71.4%-90% efficient with a maximum of 5.8% and 20% of persistence rate and recurrence rate, respectively. However, due to its toxicity, it should be reserved for selected cases only. Topical modalities for multifocal lesions, such as Imiquimod 5% and 5-Flouorouracil, have a good therapeutic effect, low pharmacological morbidity, and 25%-98% cure rate, 11.1%-75% persistence rate and 5.6%-94.4% recurrence rate.

Phenotypic but no genetic adaptation in zooplankton 24 years after an abrupt +10°C climate change.

The climate is currently warming fast, threatening biodiversity all over the globe. Populations often adapt rapidly to environmental change, but for climate warming very little evidence is available. Here, we investigate the pattern of adaptation to an extreme +10°C climate change in the wild, following the introduction of brine shrimp Artemia franciscana from San Francisco Bay, USA, to Vinh Chau saltern in Vietnam. We use a resurrection ecology approach, hatching diapause eggs from the ancestral population and the introduced population after 13 and 24 years (∼54 and ∼100 generations, respectively). In a series of coordinated experiments, we determined whether the introduced Artemia show increased tolerance to higher temperatures, and the extent to which genetic adaptation, developmental plasticity, transgenerational effects, and local microbiome differences contributed to this tolerance. We find that introduced brine shrimp do show increased phenotypic tolerance to warming. Yet strikingly, these changes do not have a detectable additive genetic component, are not caused by mitochondrial genetic variation, and do not seem to be caused by epigenetic marks set by adult parents exposed to warming. Further, we do not find any developmental plasticity that would help cope with warming, nor any protective effect of heat-tolerant local microbiota. The evolved thermal tolerance might therefore be entirely due to transgenerational (great)grandparental effects, possibly epigenetic marks set by parents who were exposed to high temperatures as juveniles. This study is a striking example of "missing heritability," where a large adaptive phenotypic change is not accompanied by additive genetic effects.

Concerns about the contemporary labor curves and guidelines: Is it time to revisit the old ones?

BACKGROUND: One of the main reasons for the rising caesarean section rate is labor progression abnormalities. New guidelines were released promoting the changing paradigm from Friedman to Zhang's labor curves. However, the lack of evidence of its safety and the unclear effect on caesarean section rates have been challenging its adoption. OBJECTIVE: Comparison between women with Friedman's criteria of arrested labor and women with Zhang's in terms of maternal and neonatal outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective, single-center cohort study in a tertiary hospital between January 1st 2015 and December 31st of 2016. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: preterm or multiple deliveries, women without entering the active stage of labor, scheduled caesarean deliveries. Women were classified into 3 groups: normal progress, labor arrest by Friedman's criteria or by Zhang's criteria. Maternal morbidity included thrombotic, hemorrhagic, traumatic, infectious, and "total" (any of the previous morbidities). Adverse neonatal outcomes were assessed as a composite. Single and multivariable logistic regression was used to obtain the odd ratio (ORs) of each group and by stage of labor. Statistical significance threshold was set at 0,05. RESULTS: From a total number of 5051 deliveries, 3665 deliveries were included in the study, 2839 with normal labor progression, 426 with labor arrest according to Friedman's criteria and 400 according to Zhang's criteria. Regarding neonatal outcomes, no significant differences were observed. Compared to normal labor, labor arrest was significantly associated with higher total maternal morbidity (OR for Friedman's criteria 3.04; 95% confidence interval, 2.26-4.09; OR for Zhang's criteria 3.59; 2.68-4.80), maternal hemorrhagic (OR for Friedman's criteria 2.87; 1.81-4.55; OR for Zhang's criteria 2.80; 1.75-4.49) and infectious morbidity (OR for Friedman's criteria 3.56; 2.44-5.18; OR for Zhang's criteria 4.77; 3.34-6.80). Results were still significant after adjustment for confounders. Comparing Friedman's and Zhang's criteria, no significant differences regarding maternal and neonatal outcomes were verified. CONCLUSION: Changing criteria of labor arrest from Friedman's to Zhang's was not associated with more maternal morbidity in our study population nor worse neonatal outcomes. Changing labor arrest criteria from Friedman's to Zhang's may reduce caesarean section rates without an important increase in maternal and neonatal morbidities.

Fatores associados a óbitos de adultos hospitalizados vivendo com AIDS / Factores associated with deaths of hospitalized adults living whith AIDS / Factores asociados con la muerte en adultos hospitalizados con SIDA

Este trabalho visa identificar os fatores associados a óbitos de adultos hospitalizadas com aids. Para isso, foi realizado estudo do tipo transversal, desenvolvido mediante dados secundários obtidos de prontuários hospitalar de 263 adultos com diagnóstico de aids em Fortaleza, Ceará. As variáveis sociodemográficas e clínicas foram consideradas preditoras e o óbito foi a variável desfecho. Foram expressas as frequências absoluta e relativa de cada variável e aplicados os testes exato de Fisher ou qui-quadrado de Pearson. Os fatores relacionados significativamente ao risco de óbito entre adultos foram: ensino fundamental incompleto (p = 0,001, OR = 1,85; IC = 1,02-3,37), estar afastado do trabalho (p = 0,039, OR = 1,59; IC = 0,81-3,23), possuir doença renal (92%; OR = 3,05; IC = 1,49-6,59), sífilis (85%; OR = 3,05; IC = 1,49-6,58), herpes simples (95%; OR = 3,98; IC = 1,16-19,01), histoplasmose (82%; OR = 0,22; I.C = 0,09-0,46), última contagem de LTCD4 < 200 (p = 0,002; OR = 3,35; IC = 1,37-9,20), queixas de dispneia e febre na admissão hospitalar (p < 0,001; OR = 0,74; IC = 0,20-2,67), tempo de internamento até sete dias (p < 0,001; OR = 0,12; IC = 0,03-0,33), primeira admissão no hospital (p = 0,002; OR = 2,15; IC = 1,31-3,55), acima de três internações no hospital (p = 0,003; OR = 3,09; IC = 1,43-6,88), ter sido internado em UTI (p < 0,001; OR = 0,12; IC = 0,04-0,28), ter realizado hemodiálise (p < 0,001; OR = 0,09; IC = 0,02-0,24), ventilação mecânica (p < 0,001; OR = 0,06; IC = 0,02-0,14) e recebido hemocomponentes e/ou hemoderivados (p < 0,001; OR = 0,18; IC = 0,10-0,32). Com esses dados, concluímos que os óbitos de adultos com aids aconteceram majoritariamente entre pessoas com condições sociodemográficas vulneráveis e com incidência considerável de doenças oportunistas, com demandas de cuidados intensivos.

This cross-sectional study identifies the factors associated with deaths of hospitalized adults with AIDS. Secondary data were collected from the hospital records of 263 adults diagnosed with AIDS in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were considered predictors and death the outcome variable. The absolute and relative frequencies of each variable were expressed and Fisher's exact or Pearson's chi-square tests were applied. Factors significantly related to the risk of death among adults were: having incomplete primary education (p = 0.001, OR = 1.85; CI = 1.02-3.37), being off work (p = 0.039, OR = 1.59; CI = 0.81-3.23), having kidney disease (92%; OR = 3.05; CI = 1.49-6.59), syphilis (85%; OR = 3.05; CI = 1.49-6.58), herpes simplex (95%; OR = 3.98; CI = 1.16-19.01), histoplasmosis (82%; OR = 0.22; IC = 0.09-0.46), last LTCD4 count < 200 (p = 0.002; OR = 3.35; IC = 1.37-9.20), complaints of dyspnea and fever on hospital admission (p < 0.001; OR = 0.74; IC = 0.20-2.67), length of stay up to seven days (p < 0.001; OR = 0.12; IC = 0.03-0.33), first hospital admission (p = 0.002; OR = 2.15; IC = 1.31-3.55), over 3 hospital admissions (p = 0.003; OR = 3.09; IC = 1.43-6.88), ICU admission (p < 0.001; OR = 0.12; IC = 0.04-0.28), having performed hemodialysis (p < 0.001; OR = 0.09; IC = 0.02-0.24), mechanical ventilation (p < 0.001; OR = 0.06; IC = 0.02-0.14), and receiving hemocomponents and/or hemoderivatives (p < 0.001; OR = 0.18; IC = 0.10-0.32). In conclusion, deaths of adults with AIDS occurred mostly among those with vulnerable sociodemographic conditions and with considerable incidence of opportunistic diseases, demanding intensive care.

Este trabajo pretende identificar los factores asociados a óbito en adultos hospitalizados con sida. Para ello, se realizó un estudio transversal, basado en datos secundarios obtenidos de historias clínicas de 263 adultos con diagnóstico de sida en Fortaleza, Ceará (Brasil). Las variables sociodemográficas y clínicas fueron consideradas predictoras; y el óbito fue la variable resultado. Se expresaron las frecuencias absoluta y relativa de cada variable y se aplicaron las pruebas exactas de Fisher o chi-cuadrado de Pearson. Los factores relacionados significativamente al riesgo de óbito entre adultos fueron: poseer enseñanza primaria incompleta (p = 0,001, OR = 1,85; IC = 1,02-3,37), estar alejado del trabajo (p = 0,039, OR = 1,59; IC = 0,81-3,23), poseer Enfermedad Renal (92%; OR = 3,05; IC = 1,49-6,59), sífilis (85%; OR = 3,05; IC = 1,49-6,58), herpes simple (95%; OR = 3,98; IC = 1,16-19,01), histoplasmosis (82%; OR = 0,22; IC = 0,09-0,46), último conteo de LTCD4 < 200 (p = 0,002; OR = 3,35; IC = 1,37-9,20), quejas de disnea y fiebre en la admisión hospitalaria (p < 0,001; OR = 0,74; IC = 0,20-2,67), tiempo de hospitalización hasta siete días (p < 0,001; OR = 0,12; IC = 0,03-0,33), primera admisión en el hospital (p = 0,002; OR = 2,15; IC = 1,31-3,55), por encima de tres internaciones en el hospital (p = 0,003; OR = 3,09; IC = 1,43-6,88), haber sido internado en UCI (p < 0,001; OR = 0,12; IC = 0,04-0,28), haber realizado hemodiálisis (p < 0,001; OR = 0,09; IC = 0,02-0,24), ventilación mecánica (p < 0,001; OR = 0,06; IC = 0,02-0,14) y haber recibido hemocomponentes y/o hemoderivados (p < 0,001; OR = 0,18; IC = 0,10-0,32). Se concluye que los óbitos de adultos con sida ocurrieron mayoritariamente entre personas con condiciones sociodemográficas vulnerables y con una incidencia considerable de enfermedades oportunistas, con demandas de cuidados intensivos.

Trace element bioaccumulation in hypersaline ecosystems and implications of a global invasion.

Hypersaline ecosystems are under increasing threat due to anthropogenic pressures such as environmental pollution and biological invasions. Here we address the ecotoxicological implications of the Artemia franciscana (Crustacea) invasion in saltpans of southern Spain. This North American species is causing the extinction of native Artemia populations in many parts of the globe. The bioaccumulation of trace elements (As, Cd, Cu, Co, Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) in native populations (A. parthenogenetica) from Cabo de Gata and Odiel saltpans and invasive Artemia from Cádiz saltpan was studied at different salinities. Furthermore, in Odiel, the most polluted study site, we also analysed the bioaccumulation of trace elements by Chironomus salinarius larvae (Diptera) and Ochthebius notabilis adults (Coleoptera). High levels of trace elements were detected in the studied saltpans, many of them exceeding the recommended threshold guidelines for aquatic life. Bioaccumulation of trace elements by Artemia was lowest at the highest salinity. The invasive A. franciscana showed higher potential to bioaccumulate trace elements than its native counterpart (in particular for As, Cd, Ni and Cr). In Odiel, O. notabilis stood out as showing the highest potential to bioaccumulate As and Cu. Results showed that the shift from a native to an alien Artemia species with a higher bioaccumulation capacity may increase the transfer of trace elements in hypersaline food webs, especially for waterbirds that depend on Artemia as food. Thus, our study identifies an indirect impact of the Artemia franciscana invasion that had not previously been recognised.

The European Portuguese version of the Reproductive Concerns After Cancer Scale (RCACS): A psychometric validation for young adult female cancer survivors.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the 18-item Reproductive Concerns After Cancer Scale (RCACS) among young adult female cancer survivors. METHODS: The psychometric validation was conducted based on a convenience sample of 192 cancer survivors aged between 18 and 40 years. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to test the factor structure of the Portuguese version of RCACS and reliabilities were examined. Convergent and discriminant validity was also used to assess the construct validity. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core-30 (EORT QLQ-C30) and the need for parenthood and rejection of child-free lifestyle subscales of the Fertility Problem Inventory (FPI) were used as convergent measures. RESULTS: A five-factor model was obtained with acceptable fit indexes and internal consistencies (.72<α<.89): (1) fertility potential, (2) children's health risk and future life, (3) partner disclosure, (4) barriers to getting pregnant/having children and (5) acceptance. Overall, convergent and discriminant validities were confirmed. Levels of anxiety and depression symptoms as well as health-related quality of life (QoL) had weak-to-moderate associations with reproductive concerns. Women who had a child or did not want a biological child were less concerned. CONCLUSION: This scale proved to be a reliable and valid measure of reproductive concerns for the Portuguese population with potential relevance for application in clinical practice.

Sofrimento emocional relacionado ao diabetes mellitus tipo 2: análise na atenção primária à saúde / Emotional suffering related to type 2 diabetes mellitus: analysis in primary health care

Objective:To analyze the emotional suffering related to type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in people assisted in primary health care. Method:Cross-sectional, quantitative study conducted in two basic health units in Ceará. The Brazilian version of the Problem Areas in Diabetes Scale was used for data collection and assessment of emotional distress. Data were collected from a primary source through home visits. Descriptive and analytical statistics were performed. The ethical principles of research with human beings were respected. Results:One hundred and thirteen (113) people with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus participated in the research. Elderly, mixed race/black women, with incomplete elementary education, sedentary, non-smokers and non-alcoholics predominated. Most participants had a high degree of emotional distress. The concern with future complications and the fear of living with the disease were considered relevant problems by the participants. There was a statistically significant association between the variables sex and place of residence with a high degree of mental suffering. Conclusion:Primary care professionals need to plan nursing care aimed at emotional suffering related to type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, especially among female people who live in rural areas.

Objetivo: Analisar o sofrimento emocional relacionado ao Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2, em pessoas atendidas na atenção primária à saúde. Método: Estudo transversal, quantitativo, realizado em duas unidades básicas de saúde cearenses. Para coleta de dados, utilizou-se da Escala Brazilian version of the Problem Areas in Diabetes para avaliar o sofrimento emocional. Os dados foram coletados com fonte primária, por visitas domiciliares. Realizou-se estatística descritiva e analítica. Os princípios éticos de pesquisa com seres humanos foram respeitados. Resultados: Participaram da pesquisa 113 pessoas com Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2. Predominaram idosas, pardas/ negras, com nível de escolaridade de ensino fundamental incompleto, sedentárias, não tabagistas e não etilistas. Em maioria, os participantes apresentaram alto grau de sofrimento emocional. A preocupação com complicações futuras e o medo de conviver com a doença foram considerados problemas relevantes pelos participantes. Houve associação estatisticamente significante das variáveis sexo e local de residência com alto grau de sofrimento mental. Conclusão: Os profissionais da atenção primária precisam planejar a assistência de enfermagem voltada para o sofrimento emocional relacionado ao Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2, especialmente entre pessoas do sexo feminino e que residem em áreas rurais.

Estratégias de prevenção de quedas em puérperas: revisão integrativa da literatura / Strategies to prevent falls in puerperal women: an integrative literature review

Objective:To identify scientific evidence published from 2009 to July 2020 on strategies to prevent falls in puerperal women. Methods:This is an integrative review of the literature in the electronic databases: The US National Library of Medicine, Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde, Medical Literature analysis and Retrieval System Online, Cochrane Library and Scientific Electronic Library Online. Results:We found 429 articles, nine of which were selected for analysis. The thematic axes found were based on the use of protocols and tools for the evaluation and prevention of falls in puerperal women, focusing on the importance of guidance and care measures for fall prevention. The limitation of the study lays on the low number of publications that led specifically with falls among puerperal women, which made it difficult to further analyze. Conclusion:The studies demonstrated that the strategies adopted prevented falls in puerperal women. The contribution of this study is based on the reflection of safe professional practice and contributes to the promotion of patient's safety culture. The lack of Brazilian research is highlighted as a knowledge gap, which points to the need to conduct studies that address this theme, especially by nurses.

Objetivo: Identificar evidências científicas, publicadas de 2009 a julho de 2020, sobre estratégias para prevenir quedas em puérperas. Métodos: Revisão integrativa da literatura realizada nas bases eletrônicas: The US National Library of Medicine, Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrievel System Online, Cochrane Library e Scientific Eletronic Library Online. Resultados: Encontraram-se 429 artigos, sendo nove selecionados para análise. Os eixos temáticos encontrados se basearam na utilização de protocolos e ferramentas para avaliação e prevenção de quedas em puérperas, com enfoque na importância das orientações e medidas de cuidados para prevenção de quedas. A limitação deste estudo se refere ao baixo número de publicações que trataram especificamente de quedas entre puérperas, o que dificultou análise mais ampla. Conclusão: Os estudos demonstraram que as estratégias adotadas preveniram quedas em puérperas. A contribuição deste estudo se pauta na reflexão da prática profissional segura e promoção da cultura da segurança do paciente. Ademais, aponta-se como lacuna do conhecimento a ausência de pesquisas brasileiras, urgindo, deste modo, condução de estudos que contemplem essa temática, sobretudo, por enfermeiros.

On the prediction of foetal acidaemia: A spectral analysis-based approach.

A computational analysis of physiological systems has been used to support the understanding of how these systems work, and in the case of foetal heart rate, many different approaches have been developed in the last decades. Our objective was to apply a new method of classification, which is based on spectral analysis, in foetal heart rate (FHR) traces to predict foetal acidosis diagnosed with umbilical arterial blood pH ≤ 7.05. Fast Fourier transform was applied to a real database for the classification approach. To evaluate the models, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used. Sensitivity equal to 1, specificity equal to 0.85 and an area under the ROC curve of 0.94 were found. In addition, when the definition of metabolic acidosis of umbilical arterial blood pH ≤ 7.05 and base excess ≤ -10 mmol/L was used, the proposed methodology obtained sensitivity = 1, specificity = 0.97 and area under the ROC curve = 0.98. The proposed methodology relies exclusively on the spectral frequency decomposition of the FHR signal. After further successful validation in more datasets, this approach can be incorporated easily in clinical practice due to its simple implementation. Likewise, the incorporation of this novel technique in an intrapartum monitoring station should be straightforward, thus enabling the assistance of labour professionals in the anticipated detection of acidaemia.

Phylogeny of the genus Hypophthalmus Cuvier, 1829 (Pimelodidae - Siluriformes), based on a multilocus analysis, indicates diversification and introgression in the Amazon basin.

The genus Hypophthalmus encompasses four valid South American freshwater catfish species: H. marginatus, H. edentatus, H. fimbriatus, and H. oremaculatus. More recently two new species were proposed Hypophthalmus n. sp. 1 and Hypophthalmus n. sp. 2. While Hypophthalmus species are a fundamentally important resource for the commercial fisheries that operate in the continental waters of the Amazon basin, their phylogenetic relationships and the true diversity of the genus have yet to be defined conclusively. Given this, the present study analyzed sequences of the mitochondrial COI gene and four nuclear markers (RAG2, Myh6, Plagl2 and Glyt) to evaluate the phylogenetic relationships and the diversity of the species of this genus. All the analyses showed that Hypophthalmus is monophyletic, and the species delimitation tests recovered all the Hypophthalmus taxa as distinct species. The putative new species Hypophthalmus n. sp. 1 and Hypophthalmus n. sp. 2 presented mean genetic divergence similar to or greater than that observed between valid Hypophthalmus taxa. All the analyses showed that H. oremaculatus is the sister group of H. n. sp. 1, which together group with H. fimbriatus. This clade is the sister group of the clade containing H. edentatus and H. n. sp. 2. One specimen, morphologically identified as H. oremaculatus, presented the nuclear genome of this species and the mitochondrial genome of H. n. sp. 1; while another specimen, morphologically identified as H. n. sp. 2, presented the nuclear Myh6 of H. n. sp. 2 and the mitochondrial and RAG2 genome of H. edentatus. These results indicate that hybridization and introgression has occurred between species in Hypophthalmus. The findings of this study indicate that the diversity of the Hypophthalmus is underestimated, emphasize the need for a taxonomic review of the genus, and a more systematic evaluation of the hybridization patterns found, to understanding the role of hybridization and introgression in the evolution of the genus.

Dengue e Chikungunya: soroepidemiologia em usuários da atenção básica / Dengue and chikungunya: seroepidemiology in primary care users

Objetivo: caracterizar o perfil epidemiológico das arboviroses dengue e Chikungunya. Método: trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico, descritivo, retrospectivo, quantitativo. Escolheu-se um total de mil prontuários de pacientes com sorologia IgM positiva para dengue e Chikungunya de forma aleatória entre os resultados sorológicos ocorridos no ano de 2016. Coletaram-se as informações sociodemográficas dos pacientes, e os resultados se apresentam em forma de figuras. Resultados: revela-se que, dos mil prontuários escolhidos aleatoriamente de ambas as arboviroses, o sexo feminino foi o mais acometido; a faixa etária com maior número de casos foi de 21 a 40 anos e a com menor número foi em maiores de 60 anos; a etnia parda e a zona urbana foram as que mais apresentaram casos de dengue e Chikungunya e, em relação à notificação, somente um pouco mais da metade dos casos foi notificado. Conclusão: apontou-se, pelo estudo, um perfil endêmico de infecção por arboviroses que merece atenção e esforço dos gestores, profissionais e da sociedade, para o devido controle e monitoramento das arboviroses no Brasil. Ressalta-se a necessidade de os serviços de Atenção Primária à Saúde terem resolutividade quanto à vigilância epidemiológica, principalmente na notificação e investigação das arboviroses de forma adequada.(AU)

Objective: to characterize the epidemiological profile of arboviruses dengue and Chikungunya. Method: this is an epidemiological, descriptive, retrospective, quantitative study. A total of one thousand patient records were selected from patients with dengue-positive IgM seropositivity and were randomly selected from the serological results of the year 2016. Sociodemographic information was collected from the patients, and the results are presented in the form of figures. Results: it is revealed that, of the thousand records chosen at random from both arboviruses, the female was the most affected; the age group with the highest number of cases was between 21 and 40 years old, and the smallest age group was older than 60 years; the ethnic group and the urban area were the ones that presented the most cases of dengue and Chikungunya, and in relation to the notification, only a little more than half of the cases were reported. Conclusion: an endemic profile of arbovirus infection that deserves attention and effort by managers, professionals and society, for the proper control and monitoring of arboviruses in Brazil, was pointed out by the study. It is important to emphasize the need for Primary Health Care services to have a high level of epidemiological surveillance, especially when reporting and investigating arboviruses in an adequate manner.(AU)

Objetivo: caracterizar el perfil epidemiológico de las arbovirosis dengue y chikungunya. Método: se trata de un estudio epidemiológico, descriptivo, retrospectivo, cuantitativo. Se eligió un total de mil prontuarios de pacientes con serología IgM positiva para dengue y chikungunya de forma aleatoria entre los resultados serológicos ocurridos en el año 2016. Se recogen las informaciones sociodemográficas de los pacientes y los resultados se presentan en forma de figuras. Resultados: se revela que, de los mil prontuarios elegidos aleatoriamente de ambas arbovirosis, el sexo femenino fue el más acometido; el grupo de edad con mayor número de casos fue de 21 a 40 años y la con menor número fue en mayores de 60 años; la etnia parda y la zona urbana fueron las que más presentaron casos de dengue y chikungunya y, en relación a la notificación, sólo un poco más de la mitad de los casos fue notificado. Conclusión: se apuntó, por el estudio, un perfil endémico de infección por arbovirosis que merece atención y esfuerzo de los gestores, profesionales y de la sociedad, para el debido control y monitoreo de las arbovirosis en Brasil. Se resalta la necesidad de que los servicios de Atención Primaria a la Salud tengan resolución en cuanto a la vigilancia epidemiológica, principalmente en la notificación e investigación de las arbovirosis de forma adecuada.(AU)

Life history and physiological responses of native and invasive brine shrimps exposed to zinc.

Although a substantial amount of research exists on pollution and biological invasions, there is a paucity of understanding of how both factors interact. Most studies show that pollution favours the establishment of invasive species, but pollution may also promote local adaptation of native species and prevent the establishment of new incomers. However, evidence for this is extremely limited because most studies focus on successful invasions and very few on cases where an invasion has been resisted. Here we provide evidence of local adaptation of native species to pollution combining life history and physiological data. We focused on the invasion of the North American brine shrimp Artemia franciscana, which is causing a dramatic biodiversity loss in hypersaline ecosystems worldwide, and one of the last native Artemia populations in SW Europe (A. parthenogenetica from the historically polluted Odiel estuary, SW Spain). Life table response experiments were carried out in the laboratory to compare the demographic responses of A. parthenogenetica and a nearby A. franciscana population to long-term Zn exposure (0.2 mg L-1). We also evaluated oxidative stress by measuring antioxidant defences (catalase, glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase) and lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances). A high concentration of Zn induced strong mortality in A. franciscana, which also showed high levels of lipid peroxidation, suggesting relatively poor physiological resistance to pollution compared with A. parthenogenetica. The age at maturity was shorter in A. parthenogenetica, which may be an adaptation to the naturally high mortality rate observed in the Odiel population. Exposure to Zn accelerated age at first reproduction in A. franciscana but not in A. parthenogenetica. In contrast, Zn had a stimulatory effect on offspring production in A. parthenogenetica,which also showed higher reproductive parameters (number of broods, total offspring and offspring per brood) than A. franciscana. Overall, the results of this study strongly suggest that native Artemia from Odiel estuary is locally adapted (at both, reproductive and physiological levels) to Zn contamination and that A. franciscana is highly sensitive. This is a good example of how pollution may play a role in the persistence of the last native Artemia populations in the Mediterranean.

Computerized analysis of cardiotocograms and ST signals is associated with significant reductions in hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and cesarean delivery: an observational study in 38,466 deliveries.

BACKGROUND: Intrapartum cardiotocography is widely used in high-resource countries and remains at the center of fetal monitoring and the decision to intervene, but there is ample evidence of poor reliability in visual interpretation as well as limited accuracy in identifying fetal hypoxia. Combined monitoring of intrapartum cardiotocography and ST segment signals was developed to increase specificity, but analysis relies heavily on intrapartum cardiotocography interpretation and is therefore also affected by the previously referred problems. Computerized analysis was developed to overcome these limitations, aiding in the quantification of parameters that are difficult to evaluate visually, such as variability, integrating the complex guidelines of combined intrapartum cardiotocography and ST analysis, and using visual and sound alerts to prompt health care professionals to reevaluate features associated with fetal hypoxia. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of introducing a central fetal monitoring system with computerized analysis of intrapartum cardiotocography and ST signals into the labor ward of a tertiary care university hospital in which all women are continuously monitored with intrapartum cardiotocography. The incidence of adverse perinatal outcomes and intervention rates was evaluated over time. STUDY DESIGN: In this retrospective cohort study, yearly rates of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, instrumental vaginal delivery, overall cesarean delivery, and urgent cesarean delivery were obtained from the hospital's clinical databases. The rates occurring in the period from January 2001 to December 2003, before the introduction of the central monitoring system with computerized analysis of intrapartum cardiotocography and ST signals (Omniview-SisPorto), were compared with those occurring from January 2004 to December 2014, after the introduction of the system. All rates were calculated with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: A total of 38,466 deliveries occurred during this period. After introduction of the system, there was a significant decrease in the number of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy cases per 1000 births (5.3%, 95% confidence interval [4.0-7.0] vs 2.2%, 95% confidence interval [1.7-2.8]; relative risk, 0.42, 95% confidence interval [0.29-0.61]), overall cesarean delivery rates (29.9%, 95% confidence interval [28.9-30.8] vs 28.3%, 95% confidence interval [27.8-28.8]; relative risk, 0.96, 95% confidence interval [0.92-0.99]), and urgent cesarean deliveries (21.6%, 95% confidence interval [20.7-22.4] vs 19.2%, 95% confidence interval [18.8-19.7]; relative risk, 0.91, 95% confidence interval [0.87-0.95]). The instrumental vaginal delivery rate increased (19.5%, 95% confidence interval [18.7-20.3] vs 21.4%, 95% confidence interval [21.0-21.9; relative risk, 1.07, 95% confidence interval 1.02-1.13]. CONCLUSION: Introduction of computerized analysis of intrapartum cardiotocography and ST signals in a tertiary care hospital was associated with a significant reduction in the incidence of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and a modest reduction in cesarean deliveries.

Peritoneal dissemination of ovarian cancer: role of MUC16-mesothelin interaction and implications for treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Peritoneal dissemination is a particular form of malignant progression in ovarian cancer, preceding hematogenic or lymphatic dissemination. Thus, prevention of peritoneal implantation of cancer cells is envisioned to inhibit neoplastic dissemination and therefore prolong disease remission and patient's survival. Areas covered: An extended review on the role of MUC16 (CA125) and mesothelin (MSLN), expressed in a high percentage of ovarian carcinomas, indicate that this duet is relevant for the contact between cancer cells and mesothelial cells in homotypic (cancer cell-cancer cell) and heterotypic (cancer cell-mesothelial cell) interactions. This review discusses the reasons underlying the clinical failure of immunotherapeutic strategies targeting MUC16. Clinical data on MSLN targeting agents such as antibody-based immunotoxins or antibody drug conjugates are also reviewed. The promising anti-tumor effect of CAR-T cells directed to MUC16 or MSLN is emphasized. New emerging strategies specifically disrupting the MUC16-MSLN interaction are at the forefront of this review, including TRAIL ligands bound to MSLN targeting MUC16 expressing cells and single chain monoclonal antibodies and immunoadhesins recognizing MSLN-MUC16 binding domains. Expert commentary: Based on existing evidences the authors advocate that agents targeting MUC16-MSLN may add to the therapeutic armamentarium directed to abrogate peritoneal homing of ovarian cancer.

Análise do controle vetorial da dengue no sertão piauiense entre 2007 e 2011 / Analysis of dengue vector control in the semiarid region of Piauí between 2007 and 2011

Resumo Dois terços da população mundial vivem em áreas infestadas com mosquitos vetores da dengue, especialmente o Aedes aegypti. Este estudo realizou um levantamento de dados sobre casos de dengue no município de Picos, no Estado do Piauí, Brasil, entre os anos de 2007 e 2011, enfatizando alguns fatores envolvidos em sua transmissão. Os dados foram coletados no Centro de Zoonoses de Picos da Secretaria Municipal de Saúde e no Sistema de Informação da Febre Amarela e Dengue (SISFAD) do Programa Nacional do Controle da Dengue (PNCD). Durante os anos de 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 e 2011, foram visitados, respectivamente, 116.301, 182.024, 181.892, 187.619 e 195.377 imóveis pelos agentes de controle de endemias (ACE). As residências foram os estabelecimentos com maior positividade para focos de larvas de Aedes aegypti (p<0,05). Dentre os depósitos inspecionados, as larvas predominaram em armazenadores de água rebaixados (tambores) e elevados (caixas-d’água). Testes sorológicos confirmaram um total de 85 casos em 2007, 117 em 2008, 221 em 2009, 296 em 2010 e 217 em 2011. A média de casos foi mais expressiva em pacientes com idade entre 20-34 anos (p<0,05). No ano de 2011, foram identificados, pela primeira vez, focos de Aedes albopictus, encontrados principalmente em tambores de água. Portanto, o número de casos vem aumentando, o que sugere que o controle vetorial da transmissão pode sofrer forte impacto a partir da ação de vigilância epidemiológica em âmbito coletivo, uma vez que depósitos de água peri ou intradomiciliares representaram os locais predominantes para a procriação de vetores.

Abstract Two-thirds of the world population live in areas infested with dengue vector mosquitoes, especially Aedes aegypti. This study conducted a survey about dengue cases in Picos (Piauí, Brazil) between 2007 and 2011, emphasizing some transmission factors. Data were collected in the Health Secretary and Municipal Zoonoses Center and in SISFAD Programme (Information System of the National Dengue Control Program). During 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011, a total of 116,301; 181,892; 187,619 and 195,377 properties, respectively, were visited by endemic control agents, and presented higher rates of outbreaks for A. aegypti larvae (p<0.05). Among the inspected places, larvae were predominant in lowered (storage tanks) and raised (water tanks) water reservoirs. Serological tests confirmed a total of 85, 117, 221, 296 and 217 cases in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 and the average number of cases was higher in patients between 20-34 years-old) (p<0.05). In 2011 it was identified, for the first time, Aedes albopictus spots, mainly in storage tanks. Therefore, the number of cases is increasing, suggesting that the transmission vector control may suffer a strong impact by surveillance action based on community contribution, since peri- or household water tanks represented the predominant sites for vectors reproduction.