Serum Zinc Concentrations by Inflammation Status, Time of Day, and Fasting Status for Estimating Zinc Deficiency in 6-59-Mo-Old Children: Results from the Brazilian National Survey on Child Nutrition (ENANI-2019).

BACKGROUND: Serum zinc concentration (SZC) is considered the best biomarker of zinc status in population-level evaluations. However, zinc deficiency (ZD) estimations can be biased if they do not consider blood collection timing, inflammation, and fasting status. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to determine SZC without and with adjustment for inflammation, according to blood collection timing and fasting status, estimate ZD prevalence, and evaluate the associated factors with ZD in a representative sample of Brazilian children aged <5 y. METHODS: Population-based study with 7597 children aged 6-59 mo surveyed by the Brazilian National Survey on Child Nutrition. SZC was adjusted for inflammation using the Biomarkers Reflecting Inflammation and Nutritional Determinants of Anemia regression correction approach, with high-sensitive C-reactive protein, assessed according to blood collection timing (morning/afternoon) and fasting status (<8 and ≥8 h). SZC <65 µg/dL (morning collection) or SZC <57 µg/dL (afternoon collection) were classified as ZD. The analysis between associated factors and ZD used the adjusted prevalence ratio (PR). RESULTS: After adjusting for inflammation, SZC was higher in all percentiles and varied according to collection timing and fasting status. Children who had blood collected in the morning without fasting or in the afternoon had lower SZC than those assessed in the morning with fasting. The differences in adjusted SZC according to the timing of collection and fasting status were greater in the higher percentiles of the distribution, with the greatest absolute difference observed when comparing the 95th percentile of morning fasting compared with nonfasting (20.3 µg/dL). The prevalence of ZD estimated without and with adjusting SZC for inflammation was 17.8% and 13.8%, respectively. The occurrence of diarrhea, fever, or respiratory symptoms in the 15 d before blood collection was associated with a higher prevalence of ZD (PR: 1.42; 95% confidence interval: 1.04, 1.94). CONCLUSIONS: Adjusting SZC for inflammation and considering fasting status is important to avoid overestimating the prevalence of ZD.

Evolution of household availability of added sugars and their sources in Brazil: analysis of Household Budget Surveys from 2002 to 2017.

The objective of this study was to describe the evolution of household purchase of added sugars and their main food sources in Brazil. Nationally representative data from the Household Budget Surveys from 2002-2003, 2008-2009 and 2017-2018 were used. Energy and added sugar quantities were estimated by means of per capita food quantities. The items considered as food sources were: (1) table sugar: refined sugar and other energetic sweeteners and (2) processed and ultra-processed foods with added sugar: soft drinks; other drinks; sweets, candies and chocolates; cookies; cakes and pies and other foods. The parameters estimated were: mean share of added sugar in total energy and, for food sources, the share of added sugar in total sugar intake and the impact of variations in sources of added sugar between 2008 and 2017. There was a regular share of energy from added sugar to total energy intake between 2002 and 2008 but a reduced share in 2017. Between 2008 and 2017, there was a decrease in the share of refined sugar and other sweeteners and soft drinks to total sugar intake and an increased share of all other items. High-income households had a lower share of refined sugar and other energetic sweeteners, but a higher share of soft drinks, sweets, candies and chocolates. The decrease in added sugar in 2017 was mainly due to the lower share of soft drinks. In conclusion, Brazilians' total intake of added sugar was decreased, mostly owing to reduced consumption of sugar from soft drinks.

Can auxiliary indicators improve COVID-19 forecasting and hotspot prediction?

Short-term forecasts of traditional streams from public health reporting (such as cases, hospitalizations, and deaths) are a key input to public health decision-making during a pandemic. Since early 2020, our research group has worked with data partners to collect, curate, and make publicly available numerous real-time COVID-19 indicators, providing multiple views of pandemic activity in the United States. This paper studies the utility of five such indicators-derived from deidentified medical insurance claims, self-reported symptoms from online surveys, and COVID-related Google search activity-from a forecasting perspective. For each indicator, we ask whether its inclusion in an autoregressive (AR) model leads to improved predictive accuracy relative to the same model excluding it. Such an AR model, without external features, is already competitive with many top COVID-19 forecasting models in use today. Our analysis reveals that 1) inclusion of each of these five indicators improves on the overall predictive accuracy of the AR model; 2) predictive gains are in general most pronounced during times in which COVID cases are trending in "flat" or "down" directions; and 3) one indicator, based on Google searches, seems to be particularly helpful during "up" trends.

An open repository of real-time COVID-19 indicators.

The COVID-19 pandemic presented enormous data challenges in the United States. Policy makers, epidemiological modelers, and health researchers all require up-to-date data on the pandemic and relevant public behavior, ideally at fine spatial and temporal resolution. The COVIDcast API is our attempt to fill this need: Operational since April 2020, it provides open access to both traditional public health surveillance signals (cases, deaths, and hospitalizations) and many auxiliary indicators of COVID-19 activity, such as signals extracted from deidentified medical claims data, massive online surveys, cell phone mobility data, and internet search trends. These are available at a fine geographic resolution (mostly at the county level) and are updated daily. The COVIDcast API also tracks all revisions to historical data, allowing modelers to account for the frequent revisions and backfill that are common for many public health data sources. All of the data are available in a common format through the API and accompanying R and Python software packages. This paper describes the data sources and signals, and provides examples demonstrating that the auxiliary signals in the COVIDcast API present information relevant to tracking COVID activity, augmenting traditional public health reporting and empowering research and decision-making.

Polysaccharide Fraction from Campomanesia adamantium and Campomanesia pubescens Attenuates 5-Fluorouracil-Induced Intestinal Mucosal Inflammation in Mice.

Gastrointestinal toxicity, including diarrhea and inflammation, is commonly observed with the use of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Several studies have shown that polysaccharides are interesting bioactive macromolecules for the treatment or prevention of gastrointestinal diseases. Therefore, in this study, the effect of a polysaccharide fraction from a mixture of two Guavira species (Campomanesia adamantium and Campomanesia pubescens), referred to here as CPW, on the development of intestinal mucositis was investigated. Intestinal mucositis was induced by a single injection of 5-FU (450 mg/kg), and various doses of CPW (3-100 mg/kg) were tested. CPW attenuated disease development and prevented small bowel dysmotility and colon shortening. CPW prevented the increase in villi width, crypt depth, and mucosal thickness in the duodenum, but not in the colon. Preservation of mucus, reduction of oxidative stress, inflammation, and prevention of the 5-FU-induced enlargement and swelling of the spleen were observed. In conclusion, this study demonstrated for the first time that CPW alleviates the intestinal damage induced by 5-FU and could be used as an adjuvant strategy during chemotherapy.

Peanut Ball Utilization Protocols in Women During Labour and Delivery: An Integrative Review.

OBJECTIVE: This review aimed to assess the evidence available in the literature about the protocols for using peanut ball (PB) in women during labour and delivery. DATA SOURCES: A systematic search was carried out by 2 independent researchers in the PubMed/MedLine, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane and Scopus databases, and the reference lists were scanned for additional articles. STUDY SELECTION: Search terms employed were selected from MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) and DeCS (Descriptors in Health Sciences) and combined in each database: "Pregnant Women" AND "Peanut Ball", "Peanut Ball" AND "Labor, Obstetric", as well as "Peanut Ball" AND "Parturition". There were no limits regarding the publication period or language. Studies that answered the following question were included: What are the protocols for the use of the PB in women during labour and childbirth described in the literature? Secondary studies were excluded. Disagreements were resolved by a third researcher. DATA EXTRACTION: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Statement guided this review. The authors prepared a standardized data extraction sheet to extract data and used the Mendeley software to organize the analyzed studies. DATA SYNTHESIS: Ten studies made up the final sample of this review. Eight articles presented the protocol for using the PB: 2 studies included it after epidural analgesia and removed it at complete cervical dilation and effacement; 4 addressed the frequency of position changes during labour; and 3 reported data on maternal positions that were adopted. Five studies showed lower rates of cesarean delivery, and 2 reported that PB reduces the length of labour. Only 1 article associated the use of PB with the reduction of instrumental deliveries and perineal lacerations. One study showed a positive evaluation of parturients regarding the use of PB. CONCLUSION: PB was associated with a reduction in cesarean and instrumental deliveries, and the length of labour. Despite its benefits, there is no standardized protocol for the use of PB, preventing it from predicting outcomes with its use. PROSPERO ID: CRD42023392238.

Comparative analysis of balneotherapy in European public health systems: Spain, France, Italy, and Portugal.

Balneotherapy comprises the use of natural mineral waters for health and/or well-being purposes. When balneotherapy is offered by the public health system, some countries with Latin-based languages call it social thermalism. The aim of this study is to compare balneotherapy in health systems of Spain, France, Italy, and Portugal. The study involves a qualitative systematic review of the literature using the systematic search flow method. Twenty-two documents, from 2000 to 2022, were included and its findings were described in seven categories: the first outlines the historical characterization of social thermalism in the systems analyzed and the others outline the components of the health systems: coverage/access, health financing, workforce, inputs and techniques, organization and regulation, and network provision of services. The models of insurance and social security that cover part of the thermal treatment are highlighted. Doctors with competence in medical hydrology constitute the majority of the workforce. Similarities regarding inputs and techniques are observed, with variation in the number of days of the balneotherapy treatment cycle. In the regulation of services, the Ministry of Health of each country is prominent. The provision of services is mainly performed in specialized care in accredited balneotherapy establishments. Despite the limitations of the method, the comparisons made may serve to support public policies for balneotherapy.

Reciprocating instrumentation for endodontic treatment of primary molars: 24-month randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Although reciprocating instrumentation has been extensively studied for permanent teeth, stronger evidence for its use in primary teeth is lacking. AIM: The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to compare the efficacy of endodontic treatment in primary molars using reciprocating (RECIP) and manual (MAN) instrumentation techniques after 24 months. DESIGN: Primary molars with indication of endodontic treatment were randomly divided into two groups: MAN and RECIP. Treatments were performed, and root canals were filled with calcium hydroxide and iodoform paste. Teeth were later restored with bulk-fill composite resin and re-evaluated after 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. The primary outcome was the success of the endodontic treatment evaluated by Cox regression analysis adjusted by cluster and success rate after 24 months in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population. Instrumentation time, discomfort, postoperative pain, and quality of root canal filling were also evaluated as secondary endpoints. RESULTS: A total of 151 primary win 107 children were included, and 137 were followed up for 24 months. Success rate of teeth allocated to the MAN group was 57.3% and 55.3% for RECIP (p = .792); MAN instrumentation, however, was more time-consuming (p = .005). CONCLUSION: The efficacy of endodontic treatment in primary molars using reciprocating and manual instrumentation is similar after 24 months.

Comparison of Heart Autonomic Control between Hemodynamically Stable and Unstable Patients during Hemodialysis Sessions: A Bayesian Approach.

Intradialytic hypotension is a common complication during hemodialysis sessions. The analysis of successive RR interval variability using nonlinear methods represents a promising tool for evaluating the cardiovascular response to acute volemic changes. Thus, the present study aims to compare the variability of successive RR intervals between hemodynamically stable (HS) and unstable (HU) patients during a hemodialysis session, through linear and nonlinear methods. Forty-six chronic kidney disease patients volunteered in this study. Successive RR intervals and blood pressures were recorded throughout the hemodialysis session. Hemodynamic stability was defined based on the delta of systolic blood pressure (higher SBP-lower SBP). The cutoff for hemodynamic stability was defined as 30 mm Hg, and patients were stratified as: HS ([n = 21]: ≤29.9 mm Hg) or HU ([n = 25]: ≥30 mm Hg). Linear methods (low-frequency [LFnu] and high-frequency [HFnu] spectra) and nonlinear methods (multiscale entropy [MSE] for Scales 1-20, and fuzzy entropy) were applied. The area under the MSE curve at Scales 1-5 (MSE1-5), 6-20 (MSE6-20), and 1-20 (MSE1-20) were also used as nonlinear parameters. Frequentist and Bayesian inferences were applied to compare HS and HU patients. The HS patients exhibited a significantly higher LFnu and lower HFnu. For MSE parameters, Scales 3-20 were significantly higher, as well as MSE1-5, MSE6-20, and MSE1-20 in HS, when compared to HU patients (p < 0.05). Regarding Bayesian inference, the spectral parameters demonstrated an anecdotal (65.9%) posterior probability favoring the alternative hypothesis, while MSE exhibited moderate to very strong probability (79.4 to 96.3%) at Scales 3-20, and MSE1-5, MSE6-20, and MSE1-20. HS patients exhibited a higher heart-rate complexity than HU patients. In addition, the MSE demonstrated a greater potential than spectral methods to differentiate variability patterns in successive RR intervals.

Role of Suppressor of cytokine signaling 2 during the development and resolution of an experimental arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis(RA) is a debilitating chronic inflammatory disease. Suppressors of Cytokine Signaling(SOCS) proteins regulate homeostasis and pathogenesis in several diseases. The intersection between RA pathophysiology and SOCS2 is unclear. Herein, we investigated the roles of SOCS2 during the development of an experimental antigen-induced arthritis(AIA). In wild type mice, joint SOCS2 expression was reduced during AIA development. At the peak of inflammation, SOCS2-/- mice presented with reduced numbers of infiltrated cells in their joints. At the late phase of AIA, however, exhibited increased adhesion/infiltration of neutrophils, macrophages, CD4+-T cells, CD4+CD8+-T cells, and CD4-CD8--T cells associated with elevated IL-17 and IFN-γ levels, joint damage, proteoglycan loss, and nociception. SOCS2 deficiency resulted in lower numbers of apoptotic neutrophils and reduced efferocytosis. The present study demonstrated the vital role of SOCS2 during the development and resolution of an experimental RA model. Hence, this protein may be a novel therapeutic target for this disorder.

Neuroprotective and Antioxidant Effects of Riparin I in a Model of Depression Induced by Corticosterone in Female Mice.

BACKGROUND: Depression is a common, chronic, and often recurrent serious mood disorder. Conventional antidepressants present limitations that stimulate the search for new drugs. Antioxidant and neuroprotective substances are potential antidepressant agents. In this context, riparin I (RIP I) has presented promising results, emerging as a potential source of a new therapeutic drug. In this study, the antidepressant effect of RIP I was evaluated in an animal model of depression induced by corticosterone (CORT). The involvement of neuroprotective and antioxidant mechanisms in the generation of this effect was also assessed. METHODS: Female mice were submitted to CORT for 21 days and treated with RIP I in the last 7 days. Behavioral and neurochemical analyses were performed. RESULTS: The administration of RIP I reversed the depressive and psychotic-like behavior, as well as the cognitive impairment caused by CORT, in addition to regulating oxidative stress parameters and BDNF levels in depression-related brain areas. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that RIP I can be a strong candidate for drugs in the treatment of depression.

Endocytosis of the non-catalytic ADAM23: Recycling and long half-life properties.

A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease 23 (ADAM23) is a member of the ADAMs family of transmembrane proteins, mostly expressed in nervous system, and involved in traffic and stabilization of Kv1-potassium channels, synaptic transmission, neurite outgrowth, neuronal morphology and cell adhesion. Also, ADAM23 has been linked to human pathological conditions, such as epilepsy, cancer metastasis and cardiomyopathy. ADAM23 functionality depends on the molecule presence at the cell surface and along the secretory pathway, as expected for a cell surface receptor. Because endocytosis is an important functional regulatory mechanism of plasma membrane receptors and no information is available about the traffic or turnover of non-catalytic ADAMs, we investigated ADAM23 internalization, recycling and half-life properties. Here, we show that ADAM23 undergoes constitutive internalization from the plasma membrane, a process that depends on lipid raft integrity, and is redistributed to intracellular vesicles, especially early and recycling endosomes. Furthermore, we observed that ADAM23 is recycled from intracellular compartments back to the plasma membrane and thus has longer half-life and higher cell surface stability compared with other ADAMs. Our findings suggest that regulation of ADAM23 endocytosis/stability could be exploited therapeutically in diseases in which ADAM23 is directly involved, such as epilepsy, cancer progression and cardiac hypertrophy.

The naturally-derived alkaloids as a potential treatment for COVID-19: A scoping review.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which has a high mortality rate and transmissibility. In this context, medicinal plants have attracted attention due to the wide availability and variety of therapeutic compounds, such as alkaloids, a vast class with several proven pharmacological effects, like the antiviral and anti-inflammatory activities. Therefore, this scoping review aimed to summarize the current knowledge of the potential applicability of alkaloids for treating COVID-19. A systematic search was performed on PubMed and Scopus, from database inception to August 2021. Among the 63 eligible studies, 65.07% were in silico model, 20.63% in vitro and 14.28% clinical trials and observational studies. According to the in silico assessments, the alkaloids 10-hydroxyusambarensine, cryptospirolepine, crambescidin 826, deoxynortryptoquivaline, ergotamine, michellamine B, nigellidine, norboldine and quinadoline B showed higher binding energy with more than two target proteins. The remaining studies showed potential use of berberine, cephaeline, emetine, homoharringtonine, lycorine, narciclasine, quinine, papaverine and colchicine. The possible ability of alkaloids to inhibit protein targets and to reduce inflammatory markers show the potential for development of new treatment strategies against COVID-19. However, more high quality analyses/reviews in this field are necessary to firmly establish the effectiveness/safety of the alkaloids here described.

Influence of the self-adhering strategy on microhardness, sorption, solubility, color stability, and cytotoxicity compared to bulk-fill and conventional resin composites.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze and compare, in vitro, the microhardness, sorption, solubility, color stability, and cytotoxicity of three types of resin composites: self-adhesive (SARC) (Dyad Flow (DF)/Kerr), bulk-fill (Filtek Bulk Fill Flow (FBF)/3 M ESPE), and conventional (Filtek Z350XT Flow (Z350)/3 M ESPE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty cylindrical specimens were prepared using a split metal mold (15 mm × 1 mm), divided into 3 groups (n = 10) according to the material used. Vickers hardness (VH) was calculated from three indentations (300gf/15 s) per specimen. The sorption and solubility were measured according to the ISO 4049:2009 specification after storing in distilled water for 7 days. The color of each resin composite was measured using a portable digital spectrophotometer according to the CIELAB system. After a 7-day immersion in coffee, the color variation (∆E) was calculated. Following the ISO 10993:2012, the cytotoxicity in Vero cells was evaluated through the MTT assay. The results were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test to compare the studied groups. The Wilcoxon test was used to compare the assessments in each studied group. For cytotoxicity analysis, the data were compared by the ANOVA test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: DF showed the lowest VH (28.67), highest sorption (0.543 µg/mm3) and solubility (1.700 µg/mm3), and higher ∆E after 7 days of coffee immersion (p = 0.008). The resin composites studied were considered non-cytotoxic. CONCLUSIONS: The SARC presented inferior mechanical and physical-chemical properties than bulk-fill and conventional resin composites, with comparable cytotoxicity against Vero cells. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The simplification of the clinical protocol of SARC can minimize the number of possible failures during the restorative technique. However, considering their inferior physical and mechanical properties, their coverage with materials of higher mechanical properties and physical-chemical stability should be considered.

Anosognosia for memory in dementia with Lewy bodies compared with Alzheimer's disease.

OBJECTIVES: Anosognosia is the inability to recognize one's own symptoms. Although dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is the second most common degenerative dementia, there is little evidence of memory deficit awareness in this condition. The objectives of this research were to compare anosognosia between individuals with DLB and dementia due to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and to evaluate whether medial temporal atrophy, a marker of AD pathology, could help to explain different rates of anosognosia in DLB and dementia due to AD. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional study that took place at the Memory Clinic of D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR). Twenty individuals with DLB and 20 with dementia due to AD were included in this study. We assessed anosognosia for memory using an index derived from subjective memory complaints (using the Memory Complaint Questionnaire) and from the performance in memory neuropsychological testing (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test). Thirty-one participants also underwent brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging to evaluate hippocampal atrophy with a visual scale (MTA-score [medial temporal atrophy score]). RESULTS: There was no significant difference between groups regarding age, years of education, sex or time of disease. Individuals with DLB had a higher index of anosognosia than dementia due to AD (2.92 and 1.87; p = 0.024), meaning worse awareness of memory deficits. MTA-score was slightly higher in dementia due to AD than in DLB, albeit without statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Our study was the first to demonstrate that anosognosia for memory is worse in DLB than in dementia due to AD. This finding supports the hypothesis that anosognosia in DLB is a heterogeneous phenomenon.

Influence of creep feeder position on the behavior and performance of preweaning piglets and sows in a hot climate environment.

The use of creep feeding for preweaning piglets is important to improve the performance of the piglets. The objective of this experiment was evaluate the effect of using or altering the position of piglet's creep feeder during lactation on piglet's performance and on behavior of piglets and sows kept in a hot climate environment. Forty-five sows and their litters at 10 days of lactation were randomly distributed into three treatments: front feeder (FF) - near the side of the sow's head; back feeder (BF) - near the side of the rump of the sow; and no feeder (NF). All piglets were weighed individually to evaluate the average weight, weight gain and coefficient of variation of the weight. Behavior assessments of the piglets and sows were recorded in 3 period. At 15 and 21 d, piglets of the FF treatment were heavier (P ≤ 0.0001) than piglets of the other treatments. At 10-21d piglets of FF treatment had 76.2% less belly nosing behavior than the NF piglets (P=0.015). The treatments had no impact on behavior of the sows. The creep feeders positioned in the front of the farrowing crate increased piglet growth rate and decreased frequency of belly nosing behavior.

The neuroprotective effect of Riparin IV on oxidative stress and neuroinflammation related to chronic stress-induced cognitive impairment.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive impairment is identified as one of the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder and can extensively affect the quality of life of patients. Based on these findings, this study aimed to investigate the possible effects of Riparin IV (Rip IV) on cognitive impairment induced by chronic administration of corticosterone in mice. METHODS: Female Swiss mice were divided into four groups: control (Control), corticosterone (Cort), Riparin IV (Cort + Rip IV), and Fluvoxamine (Cort + Flu). Three groups were administered corticosterone (20 mg/kg) subcutaneously during the 22-day study, while the control group received only vehicle. After the 14th day, the groups were administered medications: Riparin IV (Rip IV), fluvoxamine (Flu), or distilled water, by gavage, 1 h after the subcutaneous injections. After treatment, mice underwent behavioral testing, and brain areas were removed for oxidative stress and cytokine content assays. RESULTS: The results revealed that Cort-treated mice developed a cognitive impairment and exhibited a neuroinflammatory profile with an oxidative load and Th1/Th2 cytokine imbalance. Rip IV treatment significantly ameliorated the cognitive deficit induced by Cort and displayed a neuroprotective effect. CONCLUSION: The antidepressant-like ability of Rip IV treatment against chronic Cort-induced stress may be due to its potential to mitigate inflammatory damage and oxidative stress. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect observed indicates Rip IV as a possible drug for antidepressant treatment of non-responsive patients with severe and cognitive symptoms.

Extensive genetic diversity of Plasmodium vivax dbp-II in Rio de Janeiro Atlantic Forest and Brazilian Amazon Basin: evidence of positive selection.

BACKGROUND: Plasmodium vivax is the most widespread human malaria parasite outside Africa and is the predominant parasite in the Americas. Increasing reports of P. vivax disease severity, together with the emergence of drug-resistant strains, underscore the urgency of the development of vaccines against P. vivax. Polymorphisms on DBP-II-gene could act as an immune evasion mechanism and, consequently, limited the vaccine efficacy. This study aimed to investigate the pvdbp-II genetic diversity in two Brazilian regions with different epidemiological patterns: the unstable transmission area in the Atlantic Forest (AF) of Rio de Janeiro and; the fixed malaria-endemic area in Brazilian Amazon (BA). METHODS: 216 Brazilian P. vivax infected blood samples, diagnosed by microscopic examination and PCR, were investigated. The region flanking pvdbp-II was amplified by PCR and sequenced. Genetic polymorphisms of pvdbp-II were estimated based on the number of segregating sites and nucleotide and haplotype diversities; the degree of differentiation between-regions was evaluated applying Wright's statistics. Natural selection was calculated using the rate of nonsynonymous per synonymous substitutions with the Z-test, and the evolutionary distance was estimated based on the reconstructed tree. RESULTS: 79 samples from AF and 137 from BA were successfully sequenced. The analyses showed 28 polymorphic sites distributed in 21 codons, with only 5% of the samples Salvador 1 type. The highest rates of polymorphic sites were found in B- and T cell epitopes. Unexpectedly, the nucleotide diversity in pvdbp-II was higher in AF (0.01) than in BA (0.008). Among the 28 SNPs detected, 18 are shared between P. vivax isolates from AF and BA regions, but 8 SNPs were exclusively detected in AF-I322S, K371N, E385Q, E385T, K386T, K411N, I419L and I419R-and 2 (N375D and I419M) arose exclusively in BA. These findings could suggest the potential of these geographical clusters as population-specific-signatures that may be useful to track the origin of infections. The sample size should be increased in order to confirm this possibility. CONCLUSIONS: The results highlight that the pvdbp-II polymorphisms are positively selected by host's immune pressure. The characterization of pvdbp-II polymorphisms might be useful for designing effective DBP-II-based vaccines.

Association of body image (dis)satisfaction and perception with food consumption according to the NOVA classification: Pró-Saúde Study.

The literature on body image and food consumption has generally focused on isolated food items, while overlooking the growing role of ultra-processed foods in the overall diet. The objective of this study was to assess the association of body image (dis)satisfaction and perception with food consumption, according to the NOVA classification, which takes into account the extent and purpose of industrial food processing. A silhouette scale developed considering the Brazilian adults' Body Mass Index was used to assess body image (dis)satisfaction and perception. Food consumption was evaluated using a Food Frequency Questionnaire, and its items were categorized into three groups: unprocessed or minimally-processed foods and culinary preparations; processed foods; ultra-processed foods. The association was assessed using linear regression models. A total of 514 of Brazilian university employees were evaluated. Women dissatisfied due to excess weight consumed less unprocessed or minimally-processed foods and culinary preparations (-6.6, 95% CI: -10.7; -2.5) and more ultra-processed foods (3.7, 95% CI: 0.1; 7.2) compared to satisfied. Women that overestimated their body size consumed less unprocessed or minimally-processed food and culinary preparations (-4.2, 95% CI: -7.3; -1.1), compared to those who had not distorted body image. Food consumption appears to be more strongly associated with body image (dis)satisfaction than with perception. An association was established between body image dissatisfaction and unhealthy eating habits. This relation deserves public health attention since it may contribute to the development of chronic diseases and reduce the quality of life and body image assessment could be adopted by nutritionists and other health professionals in their practice.

Patient safety culture in primary and home care services.

BACKGROUND: Safety culture is still a poorly studied subject in primary care and home care, although these settings are considered gateways to access to healthcare. This study aims to evaluate safety culture in primary and home care settings. METHODS: An observational cross-sectional study was carried out with 147 professionals from nine districts covered by one home care program and six primary healthcare centres. The Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (SAQ) was used to evaluate the safety culture, in which scores ≥75 are indicative of a positive safety culture. RESULTS: A total of 56 (86,1%) questionnaires returned from the home care professionals and 91 (86,6%) from the primary care professionals. The Job satisfaction domain was the best evaluated, achieving a score of 88.8 in home care and 75.1 in primary care. The achievement of high scores on Safety Climate, Job Satisfaction, Teamwork Climate, and Total SAQ was related to male gender, and time of professional experience of three to 4 years. Perception of management and Working conditions had the lowest scores, and this result was related with long time of experience. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that professionals working in home care gave higher scores for safety culture in their workplace than the primary care workers.