Conspiracy of Silence in Oncological Palliative Care: Perspectives and Strategies of the Healthcare Team

Introduction: Silence about dismal news is common in palliative care, involving patients, family and the healthcare team. This phenomenon of hiding the truth ­ conspiracy of silence ­ has negative consequences and deserves attention from professionals. Objective: This study investigates and explores the strategies used by healthcare professionals to prevent and intervene in the conspiracy of silence in the context of oncological palliative care. Method: Cross-sectional qualitative study using the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis approach. The participants were nurses, doctors and a psychologist who work in the palliative care unit of a cancer center. A semi-structured interview was applied to a sample of 12 healthcare professionals. Results: The age of the participants varied between 31 and 64 years old, mostly females, ten nurses, one physician and one psychologist. From the analysis of the interviews, the following themes emerged: perception of the phenomenon of the conspiracy of silence; difficulties and challenges in dealing with the conspiracy of silence in palliative care; professionals' feelings about the conspiracy of silence; strategies to intervene and prevent the conspiracy of silence. Important strategies were reported such as honest communication without impositions, listening to the motivations that led to the silence.

O silêncio sobre notícias difíceis é comum em cuidados paliativos, envolvendo pacientes, familiares e equipe de saúde. Esse fenômeno de ocultação da verdade ­ conspiração do silêncio ­ tem consequências negativas e merece atenção dos profissionais. Objetivo: Investigar e explorar as estratégias utilizadas pelos profissionais de saúde para prevenir e intervir na conspiração do silêncio no contexto dos cuidados paliativos oncológicos. Método: Estudo qualitativo transversal utilizando a abordagem da Análise Fenomenológica Interpretativa. Os participantes foram enfermeiros, médico e uma psicóloga que atuam na unidade de cuidados paliativos de um centro oncológico. Aplicou-se entrevista semiestruturada a uma amostra de 12 profissionais de saúde. Resultados: A idade dos participantes variou entre 31 e 64 anos, a maior parte da amostra é do sexo feminino. Quanto à profissão, dez são enfermeiros, um médico e um psicólogo. Da análise das entrevistas, emergiram os seguintes temas: percepção do fenômeno da conspiração do silêncio; Dificuldades e desafios para lidar com a conspiração do silêncio nos cuidados paliativos; Sentimentos dos profissionais sobre a conspiração do silêncio; Estratégias para intervir na conspiração do silêncio; Estratégias para evitar a conspiração do silêncio. Foram relatadas estratégias importantes como a comunicação honesta e sem imposições, ouvindo as motivações que levaram ao silêncio.

El silencio ante noticias difíciles es común en los cuidados paliativos, involucrando a pacientes, familiares y equipo de salud. Estas características de ocultar la verdad ­ conspiración de silencio ­ tienen consecuencias negativas y merecen la atención de los profesionales. Objetivo: Investigar y explorar las estrategias utilizadas por los profesionales de la salud para prevenir e intervenir en la conspiración del silencio en el contexto de los cuidados paliativos oncológicos. Método: Estudio cualitativo transversal utilizando el enfoque de Análisis Fenomenológico Interpretativo. Los participantes fueron enfermeras, médico y un psicólogo que trabajan en la unidad de cuidados paliativos de un centro oncológico. Se aplicó una entrevista semiestructurada a una muestra de 12 profesionales de la salud. Resultados: La edad de los participantes varía entre 31 y 64 años, la mayoría de la muestra es femenina. En cuanto a su profesión, diez son enfermeros, un médico y un psicólogo. Del análisis de las entrevistas surgieron los siguientes temas: percepción de las especificidades de la conspiración del silencio; Dificultades y desafíos para afrontar la conspiración del silencio en los cuidados paliativos; Sentimientos de los profesionales sobre la conspiración del silencio; Estrategias para intervenir en la conspiración del silencio; Estrategias para evitar la conspiración del silencio. Se reportaron estrategias importantes, como la comunicación honesta y no impuesta, escuchando las motivaciones que llevaron al silencio

Bridging the Gaps: Investigating the Complex Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Tuberculosis Records in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to analyze the temporal evolution, spatial distribution, and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tuberculosis records in a northeastern state of Brazil. METHODS: This is an ecological study involving all diagnoses of Tuberculosis (TB) in residents of the state of Pernambuco/Brazil. Data were extracted from the National System of Notifiable Diseases. A pre-pandemic COVID-19 temporal analysis (2001-2019), a spatial analysis before (2015-2019) and during the first two pandemic years (2020-2021), and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cases of TB diagnoses in Pernambuco in the years 2020 and 2021 were performed. Inflection point regression models, Global and Local Moran's statistics, and spatial scan statistics were used. RESULTS: In the period from 2001 to 2019, 91,225 cases of TB were registered in Pernambuco (48.40/100,000 inhabitants), with a tendency of growth starting in 2007 (0.7% per year; p = 0.005). In the pre-pandemic period (2015-2019), 10.8% (n = 20) of Pernambuco municipalities had TB incidence rates below 10/100,000. In 2020, this percentage reached 27.0% (n = 50) and in 2021 it was 17.8% (n = 33). Risk clusters were identified in the eastern region of the state, with five clusters in the pre-pandemic period and in 2021 and six in 2020. In the first year of the pandemic, an 8.5% reduction in the number of new TB cases was observed. In 2021, the state showed a slight increase (1.1%) in the number of new TB cases. CONCLUSIONS: The data indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic may have caused a reduction in the number of new TB case reports in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil.

O Processo de Luto em Familiares de Vítimas da Covid-19 / The Grief Process in Relatives of COVID-19 Victims / El Proceso de Duelo en Familiares de Víctimas de la COVID-19

A perda de um familiar devido à COVID-19 envolve particularidades, como a impossibilidade de despedidas e rituais funerários adequados em virtude das medidas sanitárias propostas ao longo dos anos de 2020 e 2021. A supressão dos rituais de despedida acarreta no enlutado sofrimento psicológico que pode dificultar o processo de luto. Desta maneira, o presente estudo teve como objetivo analisar o processo de luto de pessoas que perderam familiares por ação da COVID-19. Trata-se de uma pesquisa de campo de metodologia qualitativa. Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com seis familiares de vítimas da COVID-19 de 1º ou 2º grau de parentesco, com idade igual ou superior a 18 anos, de ambos os sexos e tempo mínimo de perda de seis meses. A análise dos dados foi feita por meio do procedimento de análise de conteúdo. Observou-se que aspectos como a impossibilidade de acompanhar seus familiares durante a internação, não conseguir realizar rituais fúnebres para a despedida do familiar e o negacionismo social da pandemia, foram fatores que podem dificultar o processo de elaboração do luto em tempos de pandemia. Portanto, é necessário pensar em medidas de cuidado, políticas públicas e formas de assistência para essa população.

The loss of a family member due to COVID-19 involves particularities, such as the impossibility of farewells and proper funeral rituals due to the sanitary measures proposed throughout the years 2020 and 2021. The suppression of farewell rituals can cause psychological suffering in the bereaved, which can hinder the grieving process. Thus, this study aimed to analyse the grieving process of people who lost family members due to COVID-19. This is a qualitative methodology field research. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six family members of COVID-19 victims of the 1st or 2nd degree of kinship, age 18 or older, of both sexes, and with a minimum loss time of six months. Data analysis was performed using content analysis procedure. It was observed that aspects such as the impossibility of accompanying their family members during hospitalization, not being able to perform funeral rituals to say goodbye to the family member, and social denial of the pandemic, were factors that can hinder the process of elaborating grief in pandemic times. Therefore, it is necessary to think about measures of care, public policies, and forms of assistance for this population.

La pérdida de un familiar debido a COVID-19 implica particularidades, como la imposibilidad de despedidas y ritos funerarios adecuados debido a las medidas sanitarias propuestas a lo largo de los años 2020 y 2021. La supresión de los ritos de despedida conlleva al enlutado sufrimiento psicológico que puede dificultar el proceso de duelo. De esta manera, el presente estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar el proceso de duelo de personas que perdieron familiares por acción de COVID-19. Se trata de una investigación de campo de metodología cualitativa. Se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas con seis familiares de víctimas de COVID-19 de primer o segundo grado de parentesco, con edad igual o superior a 18 años, de ambos sexos y tiempo mínimo de pérdida de seis meses. El análisis de los datos se realizó mediante el procedimiento de análisis de contenido. Se observó que aspectos como la imposibilidad de acompañar a sus familiares durante la internación, no poder realizar ritos fúnebres para la despedida del familiar y el negacionismo social de la pandemia, fueron factores que pueden dificultar el proceso de elaboración del duelo en tiempos de pandemia. Por lo tanto, es necesario pensar en medidas de cuidado, políticas públicas y formas de asistencia para esta población.

Validity and reliability of the short form brief pain inventory in older adults with nociceptive, neuropathic and nociplastic pain.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Short Form Brief Pain Inventory (SF-BPI) for community-dwelling Brazilian older adults with chronic neuropathic, nociceptive and nociplastic pain. METHODS: Cross-sectional psychometric testing was conducted in a convenience sample, n=114 (66.5 ± 4.9 years). RESULTS: The 2-factor structure of the SF-BPI was ratified by confirmatory factor analysis. Convergent validity was found between the SF-BPI and the Present Pain Intensity (PPI). There was good overall internal consistency (Cronbach's α: 0.87). Test-retest reliability was excellent for pain intensity and interference scores of the SF-BPI (ICC: 0.90 and 0.96, respectively), as well as inter-rater reliability for both dimensions (ICC: 0.77). CONCLUSION: The findings support the validity and reliability of the SF-BPI for community-dwelling older adults with chronic pain and may contribute to health professionals having a brief multidimensional assessment for more effective therapeutic approaches in this population.

Parkinson's Disease-Cognitive Rating Scale (PD-CRS): Normative Data and Mild Cognitive Impairment Assessment in Brazil.

Background: The Parkinson's Disease-Cognitive Rating Scale (PD-CRS) assesses posterior-cortical and frontal-subcortical cognitive functioning and distinguishes mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease (PD-MCI); however, it was not evaluated in Brazil. Objectives: To investigate PD-CRS's reliability, validity, normative data, and accuracy for PD-MCI screening in Brazil. Methods: The effects of age, education, and sex on PD-CRS scores were explored. The instrument was tested in 714 individuals (53% female, 21-94 years), with a broad range of education and no neurodegenerative disorder. Trail Making, Consonant Trigrams, Five-Point, and semantic fluency tests were administered for comparison. A second study enrolled patients with PD and intact cognition (n = 44, 59.75 ± 10.79 years) and with PD-MCI (n = 25, 65.76 ± 10.33 years) to investigate criterion validity. PD-CRS subtests were compared with the Cambridge Automated Neuropsychological Battery memory and executive tasks. Results: PD-CRS was unidimensional and reliable (McDonald's ω = 0.83). Using robust multiple regressions, age, and education predicted the total and derived scores in the normative sample. At the 85-point cutoff, PD-MCI was detected with 68% sensitivity and 86% specificity (area under the curve = 0.870). PD-CRS scores strongly correlated with executive and verbal/visual memory tests in both normative and clinical samples. Conclusions: This study investigated the applicability of PD-CRS in the Brazilian context. The scale seems helpful in screening for PD-MCI, with adequate internal consistency and construct validity. The PD-CRS variance is influenced by age and educational level, a critical issue for cognitive testing in countries with educational and cultural heterogeneity.

Time trend of infant mortality in Pernambuco, 2001-2019: a population-based ecological study / Tendência temporal da mortalidade infantil em Pernambuco, 2001-2019: um estudo ecológico de base populacional

Abstract Objectives: to analyze the temporal trend and spatial distribution of infant mortality in Pernambuco from 2001 to 2019. Methods: an ecological study involving all deaths in children under one year of age living in the state. Data were collected from the Mortality Information System and the Live Birth Information System. Four mortality rates were calculated and the temporal analysis was performed by applying the regression model by inflection points of the rates at different spatial levels. Results: 47,949 deaths were recorded, of which 51.0% (n=24,447) occurred in the first six days of life. A statistically significant downward trend was observed in all the rates analyzed (-4.5%/year in overall mortality, -3.6%/year in early neonatal mortality, -1.9%/year in the late neonatal component, and -6.3%/year in the post-neonatal component). Additionally, 64.3% of the municipalities (n=119) showed a declining trend in the overall infant mortality rate. Less than 50% of the municipalities showed a downward trend in early neonatal and late neonatal mortality (41.08%; n=76 and 43.2%; n=80, respectively). In post-neonatal mortality, 57.3% (n=106) showed decreasing trends. Conclusions: there was a temporal trend of decline in overall infant mortality, although there is an important portion of municipalities with a stationary trend, justifying the need to reduce social inequalities and geographical asymmetries.

Resumo Objetivos: analisar a tendência temporal e a distribuição espacial da mortalidade infantil em Pernambuco no período de 2001 a 2019. Métodos: estudo ecológico envolvendo todos os óbitos em crianças menores de um ano residentes no estado. Os dados foram coletados no Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade e no Sistema de Informação sobre Nascidos Vivos. Foram calculados quatro coeficientes de mortalidade e a análise temporal foi realizada aplicando o modelo de regressão por pontos de inflexão dos coeficientes em diferentes níveis espaciais. Resultados: foram registrados 47.949 óbitos, dos quais 51,0% (n=24.447) ocorreram nos seis primeiros dias de vida. Foi observada tendência de declínio estatisticamente significativo em todos os coeficientes analisados (-4,5%/ano na mortalidade geral, -3,6%/ano na neonatal precoce, -1,9%/ano no componente neonatal tardio e de -6,3%/ano no componente pós-neonatal). Adicionalmente, 64,3% dos municípios (n=119) apresentaram tendência de declínio no coeficiente de mortalidade infantil geral. Menos de 50% dos municípios apresentaram tendência de redução na mortalidade neonatal precoce e neonatal tardia (41,08%; n=76 e 43,2%; n=80, respectivamente). Na mortalidade pós-neonatal, 57,3% (n=106) apresentaram tendências decrescentes. Conclusões: houve tendência temporal de declínio da mortalidade infantil geral, embora haja importante parcela de municípios com tendência estacionária, justificando a necessidade de reduzir desigualdades sociais e assimetrias geográficas.

Use of iron supplement to prevent anemia in children aged six to 59 months attended at the Family Health Strategy (ESF) units in a city in Minas Gerais, Brazil / Uso de suplemento de ferro para prevenção da anemia em crianças de seis a 59 meses atendidas pela Estratégia Saúde da Família de um município de Minas Gerais, Brasil

Abstract Objectives: to evaluate the use of iron supplementation and associated factors in children aged six to 59 months attended at the Family Health Strategy units in a city in Minas Gerais (MG). Methods: a cross-sectional, analytical-exploratory study, carried out with 252 children aged six to 59 months, attended at ten units, between 2014 and 2016. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socioeconomic conditions, maternal health, child's health and the knowledge of those responsible regarding anemia and iron supplementation, in addition to analysis of the child's medical records /booklet to collect test results. Descriptive statistics, bivariate association analysis and logistic regression for multivariate analysis were performed. Results: only 22.6% of the children aged between six and 24 months were receiving iron supplement at the time of the interview. Considering children aged six to 59 months, 13.1% were supplemented and breastfeeding time (p=0.006) and the participation in childcare (p=0.042), were positively associated with the use of supplementation. Conclusion: most children aged six to 24 months were not receiving supplementation as recommended by the Ministry of Health, demonstrating the need to implement prevention programs, such as the National Iron Supplementation Program and training of professionals on the importance of health education in preventing childhood anemia.

Resumo Objetivos: avaliar o uso do suplemento de ferro e fatores associados em crianças de seis a 59 meses atendidas em unidades Estratégia Saúde da Família em município de Minas Gerais (MG). Métodos: estudo transversal, analítico-exploratório, realizado com 252 crianças na faixa etária seis a 59 meses, atendidas em dez unidades, entre 2014 e 2016. Utilizou-se questionário estruturado para coleta de dados sobre condições socioeconômicas, saúde materna, saúde da criança e conhecimentos dos responsáveis acerca da anemia e suplementação com ferro, além de análise do prontuário / caderneta da criança para coleta de resultados de exames. Realizou-se análise estatística descritiva, análise de associação bivariada e regressão logística para análise multivariada. Resultados: apenas 22,6% das crianças com idade entre seis e 24 meses estavam recebendo o suplemento de ferro no momento da entrevista. Considerando as crianças de seis a 59 meses, 13,1% eram suplementadas e o tempo de amamentação (p=0,006) e a participação na puericultura (p=0,042) apresentaram associação com o uso de suplemento. Conclusão: a maioria das crianças de seis a 24 meses não recebia a suplementação, demonstrando a necessidade de implementação dos programas de prevenção, como o Programa Nacional de Suplementação de Ferro e capacitação dos profissionais sobre a importância da educação em saúde para prevenção da anemia infantil.

An innate IL-25-ILC2-MDSC axis creates a cancer-permissive microenvironment for Apc mutation-driven intestinal tumorigenesis.

Interleukin-25 (IL-25) and group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) defend the host against intestinal helminth infection and are associated with inappropriate allergic reactions. IL-33-activated ILC2s were previously found to augment protective tissue-specific pancreatic cancer immunity. Here, we showed that intestinal IL-25-activated ILC2s created an innate cancer-permissive microenvironment. Colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with higher tumor IL25 expression had reduced survival and increased IL-25R-expressing tumor-resident ILC2s and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) associated with impaired antitumor responses. Ablation of IL-25 signaling reduced tumors, virtually doubling life expectancy in an Apc mutation-driven model of spontaneous intestinal tumorigenesis. Mechanistically, IL-25 promoted intratumoral ILC2s, which sustained tumor-infiltrating MDSCs to suppress antitumor immunity. Therapeutic antibody-mediated blockade of IL-25 signaling decreased intratumoral ILC2s, MDSCs, and adenoma/adenocarcinoma while increasing antitumor adaptive T cell and interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-mediated immunity. Thus, the roles of innate epithelium-derived cytokines IL-25 and IL-33 as well as ILC2s in cancer cannot be generalized. The protumoral nature of the IL-25-ILC2 axis in CRC highlights this pathway as a potential therapeutic target against CRC.

Estímulo cognitivo e socialização de idosos institucionalizados na pandemia por Covid-19 / Cognitive stimulation and socialization of institutionalized older adults during the Covid-19 pandemic / Estímulo Cognitivo y Socialización de Ancianos Institucionalizados en la Pandemia por Covid-19

Objetivo: Relatar a experiência de discentes e docentes de enfermagem no desenvolvimento de atividades lúdico-pedagógicas em uma Instituição de Longa Permanência para Idosos (ILPI) durante a pandemia por COVID-19. Síntese dos dados: Trata-se de um relato de experiência, a partir da vivência de acadêmicas e docentes de um projeto de extensão do curso de Enfermagem em uma Instituição de Longa Permanência para Idosos, no interior de Minas Gerais, nos meses de junho e julho de 2020. A equipe do projeto elaborou o planejamento de um bingo, sendo todos os idosos premiados com livros de colorir e gizes de cera. As ações se desdobraram em quatro etapas: planejamento das atividades; elaboração do material; entrega do material impresso; e operacionalização da ação. Com a entrega do material na instituição no dia 23 de julho, realizou-se a dinâmica no dia 20 de agosto de 2020. Conclusão: O planejamento e a elaboração de materiais, como o jogo do bingo e o livro de colorir, permitiram que o projeto de extensão desse seguimento ao trabalho mesmo no período da pandemia, propondo duas atividades que despertaram o interesse e a participação de todos os envolvidos.

Objective: To report the experience of nursing students and professors in the development of recreational and pedagogical activities in a Long-Term Care (LTC) Institution for older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data synthesis: This is an experience report based on the experience of students and professors of an extension project of the Nursing program in a Long-Term Care Institution for older adults in the countryside of Minas Gerais in the months of June and July 2020. The project team prepared a bingo plan, with all the older adults being awarded with coloring books and crayons. The actions unfolded in four stages: planning of activities; preparation of the material; delivery of printed material; and operationalization of the action. With the delivery of the material to the institution on July 23, the action took place on August 20, 2020. Conclusion: The planning and construction of materials, such as the bingo game and the coloring book, allowed the project to extend this follow-up to work even during the pandemic period by proposing two activities that aroused the interest and participation of all those involved.

Objetivo: Informar la experiencia de dicentes y docentes de enfermería en el desarrollo de actividades lúdico-pedagógicas en una Institución para Ancianos de Larga Estancia (IALE) en la pandemia por Covid-19. Síntesis de datos: Se trata de un informe de experiencia, a partir de la vivencia de académicas y docentes de un proyecto de extensión del curso de Enfermería en una Institución para Ancianos de Larga Estancia, en el interior de Minas Gerais, en los meses de junio y julio de 2020. El equipo del proyecto elaboró la planificación de un bingo, premiando todos los ancianos con libros de colorear y crayón. Las acciones se desplegaron en cuatro etapas: planificación de las actividades; elaboración del material; entrega del material impreso; y operacionalización de la acción. Con la entrega del material en la institución en el día 23 de julio, se realizó la dinámica en el día 20 de agosto de 2020. Conclusión: La planificación y la elaboración de materiales, como el juego de bingo y el libro de colorear, permitieron que el proyecto de extensión diera continuidad al trabajo aunque en período de la pandemia, proponiendo dos actividades que despertaron el interés y la participación de todas las partes.

Coleta de dados para pesquisa quantitativa online na pandemia da COVID-19: relato de experiência / Data collection for quantitative online survey in the pandemic of COVID-19: experience report / Recopilación de datos para investigación cuantitativa en línea en la pandemia de COVID-19: relato de experiencia

Objetivo: relatar a experiência de pesquisadores na condução da coleta de dados online em uma pesquisa com abordagem quantitativa. Método: relato de experiência sobre a coleta de dados da pesquisa "Uso de equipamentos de proteção individual pelos profissionais de saúde no combate à COVID 19" ocorrida entre agosto de 2020 e março de 2021 por meio de questionário autoaplicável virtual. Resultados: utilizou-se como estratégias de divulgação da pesquisa, a criação de site e redes sociais, o envio de cartaz acompanhado de texto específico com link clicável pelo Whatsapp®, contatos por e-mail e por telefone, além da estratégia de sementes. Durante a coleta de dados, observaram-se fatores dificultadores e facilitadores. Como contribuição social, foi disponibilizado o curso "Biossegurança: Boas Práticas na atuação frente à COVID-19". Conclusão: a coleta de dados online proporcionou a realização de uma pesquisa de abrangência nacional com baixo custo, mas com pouca participação perante a população elegível.

Objective: to report the experience of researchers in conducting online data collection in a survey with a quantitative approach. Method: experience report on the data collection of the survey "Use of personal protective equipment by health professionals in the fight against COVID 19" that took place between August 2020 and March 2021 by means of a self-administered virtual questionnaire. Results: the research was disseminated through the creation of a website and social networks, the sending of a poster accompanied by a specific text with a clickable link through Whatsapp®, contacts by email and phone, in addition to the strategy of seeds. During data collection, complicating and facilitating factors were observed. As a social contribution, the course "Biosafety: Good Practices in the performance in front of COVID-19" was made available. Conclusion: online data collection provided a nationwide survey at low cost, but with little participation from the eligible population.

Objetivo: relatar la experiencia de investigadores en la realización de la recopilación de datos en línea en una investigación con enfoque cuantitativo. Método: relato de experiencia sobre la recopilación de datos de la encuesta "Uso de equipos de protección personal por parte de los profesionales de la salud en la lucha contra el COVID 19" realizada entre agosto de 2020 y marzo de 2021 a través de un cuestionario virtual autoadministrado. Resultados: como estrategias para divulgar la investigación se utilizaron la creación de un sitio web y redes sociales, el envío de un cartel acompañado de un texto específico con un enlace clicable a través de Whatsapp®, los contactos por correo electrónico y por teléfono, además de la estrategia de semillas. Durante la recopilación de datos, se observaron factores que obstaculizan y facilitan. Como aporte social se puso a disposición el curso "Bioseguridad: Buenas Prácticas ante el COVID-19". Conclusión: la recopilación de datos en línea permitió realizar una encuesta a nivel nacional a bajo costo, pero con poca participación de la población elegible.

Presence of Tetracycline and Sulfonamide Resistance Genes in Salmonella spp.: Literature Review.

Tetracyclines and sulfonamides are broad-spectrum antibacterial agents which have been used to treat bacterial infections for over half a century. The widespread use of tetracyclines and sulfonamides led to the emergence of resistance in a diverse group of bacteria. This resistance can be studied by searching for resistance genes present in the bacteria responsible for different resistance mechanisms. Salmonella is one of the leading bacteria causing foodborne diseases worldwide, and its resistance to tetracyclines and sulfonamides has been widely reported. The literature review searched the Virtual Health Library for articles with specific data in the studied samples: the resistance genes found, the primers used in PCR, and the thermocycler conditions. The results revealed that Salmonella presented high rates of resistance to tetracycline and sulfonamide, and the most frequent samples used to isolate Salmonella were poultry and pork. The tetracycline resistance genes most frequently detected from Salmonella spp. were tetA followed by tetB. The gene sul1 followed by sul2 were the most frequently sulfonamide resistance genes present in Salmonella. These genes are associated with plasmids, transposons, or both, and are often conjugative, highlighting the transference potential of these genes to other bacteria, environments, animals, and humans.

Effects of bovine somatotropin on productive performance and Minas Padrão cheese.

We aimed to evaluate the effects of two brands of bST (bovine somatoropin) on productive performance and on Minas Padrão cheese yield. Fifteen Girolando cows with more than 60 days of lactation were used. The animals were distributed in a randomized block design, according to days in milk, with three treatments (somatotropin A, somatotropin B, and control). The animals received a balanced diet with commercial concentrate and corn silage as roughage. It was measured milk yield and composition, dry matter intake, body condition score (BCS), and feeding behavior; it was compared by Tukey at 5.0% of significance level. Physical-chemical composition of Minas Padrão cheese was obtained from the different treatments, was also measured, being evaluated in a completely randomized design, and compared by Tukey at 1.0% of significance level. The dry matter intake per body weight lower in control treatment (p < 0.05) was equal to 2.85, somatotropin A was equal to 3.17, and somatotropin B was equal to 3.17. Animals that received bST showed higher milk production (p < 0.05), with control being 17.56 kg/day, somatotropin A 21.12 kg/day, and somatotropin B 20.69 kg/day. The physical-chemical composition of milk showed significant differences (p < 0.05) for the fat, protein, and dry extract contents. The somatotropin applications also influenced the BCS (p < 0.05) and the feeding behavior in time for total intake, time spent with rumination, and idleness. The application of bST increased milk yield and technical and economic yields of Minas Padrão cheese did not show significant differences between treatments.

Effects of Exergames and Protein Supplementation on Body Composition and Musculoskeletal Function of Prefrail Community-Dwelling Older Women: A Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of exergames and protein supplementation on the body composition and musculoskeletal function of pre-frail older women. Methods: A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted with 90 pre-frail older women (71.2 ± 4.5 years old) divided into five groups: control (CG); exergames training (ETG); protein supplementation (PSG); exergames combined with protein supplementation (ETPSG); exergames combined with isoenergetic supplementation (ETISG). The primary outcomes were pre-frailty status, body composition (appendicular muscle mass (ASM); appendicular muscle mass index (ASMI)) assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and gastrocnemius muscle architecture via ultrasound. Secondary outcomes were protein intake, plasma levels of interleukin (IL)-6, plantar and dorsiflexion isokinetic peak torque, and handgrip strength (HS). Data were analyzed using an ANOVA mixed model test and Bonferroni post hoc test (p < 0.05). The ETG showed a reduction of ASM (16.7 ± 3.4 vs. 16.1 ± 3.3 kg; Δ = -0.5; p = 0.02; d = 0.26) and ASMI (6.8 ± 0.9 vs. 6.5 ± 0.9 kg; Δ = -0.2; p = 0.03; d = 0.35), without changing ASM in other groups. The average protein intake in the supplemented groups (PSG and ETPSG) was 1.1 ± 0.2 g/kg/day. The dorsiflexion peak torque increased 11.4% in ETPSG (16.3 ± 2.5 vs. 18.4 ± 4.2 Nm; p = 0.021; d = -0.58). The HS increased by 13.7% in ETG (20.1 ± 7.2 vs. 23.3 ± 6.2 kg, Δ = 3.2 ± 4.9, p = 0.004, d = -0.48). The fatigue/exhaustion reduced by 100% in ETG, 75% in PSG, and 100% in ETPSG. Physical training with exergames associated with protein supplementation reversed pre-frailty status, improved the ankle dorsiflexors torque, and ameliorated fatigue/exhaustion in pre-frail older women.

Prevalence and Antimicrobial Resistance of Salmonella spp. in Aquacultured Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Commercialized in Federal District, Brazil.

This study aimed to assess Salmonella spp. prevalence in aquaculture Nile tilapia commercialized in the Federal District, Brazil, and determine the antimicrobial resistance profile of the isolates. Fifty-seven Salmonella spp. strains were isolated from 101 samples of fresh tilapia fillets collected in the Federal District, Brazil. These isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing by the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method and analyzed for the presence of blaCTX, tetB, sul2, and floR resistance genes. The Salmonella spp. prevalence in fresh tilapia fillets was 45.5%; that is, 46 of 101 samples were positive for the InvA gene. The antimicrobial resistance profile showed high resistance rates for amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (87.7%), tetracycline (82.5%), sulfonamide (57.9%), and chloramphenicol (26.3%). Additionally, 56.1% of Salmonella spp. isolates were multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates. The beta-lactam-resistant gene blaCTX was identified in 66.7% of isolates, the tetracycline resistance gene tetA in 54.4%, and the chloramphenicol resistance gene floR in 50.9%, while the sulfonamide resistance gene sul2 was present in 49.1%. The results revealed that tilapia fillets were highly contaminated with MDR Salmonella. These Salmonella spp. strains carried multiple antimicrobial resistance genes, which might facilitate their dissemination to consumers along the production chain. Hence, there is an evident need to control Salmonella in fish production systems to ensure public health.

Hemorragia digestiva alta por Sarcoma de Kaposi en paciente con VIH-SIDA / Upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to Kaposi´s Sarcoma in HIV-AIDS patient

Gastrointestinal bleeding related to Kaposi’s Sarcoma is rare in AIDS patients; the etiology of anemia is usually multifactorial. We describe the case of a HIV infected, 53 year old patient with refractory anemia requiring frequent transfusion support. He was a patient with multiple complications and recent introduction of drugs that could justify myelosuppression and anemia. Due to inconclusive endoscopic examinations, the appearance of melena was the clue of the investigation, which concluded in the diagnosis of duodenal Kaposi’s Sarcoma. (AU)

Germline molecular data in hereditary breast cancer in Brazil: Lessons from a large single-center analysis.

Brazil is the largest country in South America and the most genetically heterogeneous. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of germline pathogenic variants (PVs) in Brazilian patients with breast cancer (BC) who underwent genetic counseling and genetic testing at a tertiary Oncology Center. We performed a retrospective analysis of the medical records of Brazilian patients with BC referred to genetic counseling and genetic testing between August 2017 and August 2019. A total of 224 unrelated patients were included in this study. Premenopausal women represented 68.7% of the cohort. The median age at BC diagnosis was 45 years. Multigene panel testing was performed in 219 patients, five patients performed single gene analysis or family variant testing. Forty-eight germline PVs distributed among 13 genes were detected in 20.5% of the patients (46/224). Eighty-five percent of the patients (91/224) fulfilled NCCN hereditary BC testing criteria. Among these patients, 23.5% harbored PVs (45/191). In the group of patients that did not meet NCCN criteria, PV detection rate was 3% (1/33). A total of 61% of the patients (28/46) harbored a PV in a high-penetrance BC gene: 19 (8.5%) BRCA1/2, 8 (3.5%) TP53, 1 (0.5%) PALB2. Moderate penetrance genes (ATM, CHEK2) represented 15.2% (7/46) of the positive results. PVs detection was statistically associated (p<0.05) with BC diagnosis before age 45, high-grade tumors, bilateral BC, history of multiple primary cancers, and family history of pancreatic cancer. According to the current hereditary cancer guidelines, 17.4% (39/224) of the patients had actionable variants. Nine percent of the patients (20/224) had actionable variants in non-BRCA genes, it represented 43.5% of the positive results and 51.2% of the actionable variants. Considering the observed prevalence of PVs in actionable genes beyond BRCA1/2 (9%, 20/224), multigene panel testing may offer an effective first-tier diagnostic approach in this population.

Biological Therapy in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis in a Tertiary Center in Portugal: A Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Clinical outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis have greatly improved with therapeutic advances. Despite the availability of substantial clinical trial evidence, there is a lack of real-life data. The aim of this study was to assess disease status and quality of life in an outpatient population treated with biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study recalling all patients ever treated in our unit with biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Clinical and demographic data, compliance, disease activity, functional status, joint deformities, and comorbidities were documented, and patients queried on occupational status, education, marital status and generic health related quality of life questionnaires. RESULTS: Recall was attended by 77 of the original 94 patients. At recall, median age was 63 years old, 82% of the patients were female and the median disease duration was 12 years. Biological therapy was started at a median of four years following disease onset. According to the disease activity score (DAS28), the percentage of patients with high, moderate, low disease activity or remission changed from 50, 45, 0 and 5 (pre-therapy) to 11, 37, 25 and 26 at recall, respectively; functional status was significantly improved. Seventy-five per cent of the patients retained the original treatment with good compliance. Lower Short Form-36 domain scores accompanied a low EQ-5D-3L score. Deceased patients (n = 6) had a lower estimated 10-year survival rate. In this group, biological therapy was discontinued at a higher frequency during follow-up. DISCUSSION: A high disease activity and a high HAQ disability index characterized most patients at pre-bDMARD onset. CONCLUSION: Despite therapy switches and regular follow-up, a significant percentage of patients still presented with moderate disease activity, functional impairment and a poor health-related quality of life.

Introdução: Avanços no tratamento da artrite reumatóide contribuiram para uma evolução favorável. Apesar de evidências substanciais provenientes de ensaios clínicos, são menos conhecidos os dados provenientes da vida real. O objetivo do estudo foi caracterizar a doença e a qualidade de vida em doentes sob fármacos biotecnológicos. Material e Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal com recolha de dados clínicos relativos à adesão terapêutica, atividade da doença, capacidade funcional, deformidades articulares, comorbilidades e questionários de qualidade de vida relacionada com a saúde, estado civil, situação profissional e escolaridade. Resultados: Foram recrutados 77 doentes do grupo original de um total de 94. A mediana da idade foi 63 anos, 82% do sexo feminino e início de biológico cerca de quatro anos após o início da doença, com uma mediana de duração de 12 anos. De acordo com o disease activity score (DAS28), a percentagem de doentes com atividade alta, moderada, baixa ou em remissão mudou, respectivamente, de 50, 45, 0 e 5 pré- biológico para 11, 37, 25 e 26 na altura da re-avaliação, com melhoria funcional. Setenta e cinco por cento dos doentes mantiveram o tratamento original com boa adesão. Pontuações mais baixas do short form-36 associaram-se a uma baixa pontuação no EQ-5D-3L. No grupo de doentes que viriam a falecer (n = 6), foi observada uma menor esperança de vida aos 10 anos, assim como uma maior discontinuação da terapêutica biológica. Discussão: Pré-biológico, uma elevada percentagem dos doentes apresentava elevada atividade da doença e incapacidade funcional. Conclusão: Não obstante ajustes terapêuticos e seguimento regular, uma percentagem significativa de doentes mantinha atividade moderada e limitação funcional com baixa qualidade de vida relacionada com a saúde.

Diagrammatic scale for assessment of anthracnose severity in feijoa fruit / Escala diagramática para avaliação da severidade de Antracnose em frutos de feijoa

ABSTRACT: A diagrammatic scale of anthracnose in feijoa fruit was elaborated and validated in order to standardize disease severity assessments. The proposed scale showed six disease severity levels: 2, 10, 20, 40, 70 and 100% of the injured fruit surface. The scale took into account the minimum and maximum limits of disease severity observed in the field and the intermediate values followed logarithmic increments according to the Weber-Fechner stimulus-response law. Eight inexperienced raters validated the scale by quantifying the disease severity (using/not using the scale) of 50 feijoas with anthracnose symptoms. In conclusion, the scale improved the assessment of anthracnose in feijoa. Eight genotypes from different crosses were tolerant to anthracnose.

RESUMO: Com o objetivo de padronizar avaliações da severidade da antracnose em frutos de feijoa elaborou-se e validou-se uma escala diagramática com os seguintes níveis de severidade: 2, 10, 20, 40, 70 e 100% de área superficial do fruto com lesão. A escala considerou os limites de severidade mínima e máxima da doença observados em campo e os níveis intermediários seguiram incrementos logarítmicos, obedecendo-se a "Lei do estímulo de Weber-Fechner". A severidade foi estimada, por oito avaliadores sem experiência, em 50 frutos sem e com o auxílio da escala proposta. Em conclusão, a escala melhorou a avaliação da antracnose na feijoa. Oito genótipos de diferentes cruzamentos foram tolerantes à antracnose.